Taylorsville Journal | December 2022

MULTI-MILLION-DOLLAR SALT LAKE COUNTY PROJECT WILL CREATE A PAVED WALKING AND BIKING TRAIL ACROSS HEART OF TAYLORSVILLE

By Carl Fauver | c.fauver@mycityjournals.com

Long before last summer’s gas prices hit an all-time high of more than $5 per gallon, many people across Taylorsville, and all of Utah, were starting to demand from their elected officials better and safer ways to get from here to there, without turning an ignition.

“All of our citizen surveys rate walking and biking trails very high,” Taylorsville Mayor Kristie Overson said. “(The spring 2020 arrival of) COVID has taught all of us we want trails, connectivity. But our city is so built out, creating trails is a challenge. We have found canal corridors are about the only green space we have left to improve.”

The Salt Lake County Parks & Recreation division is in the midst of a massive trail construction project which will eventually connect Magna to the Jordan River Corri dor. Nearly all of the trail runs adjacent to existing irriga tion canals. And next year, ground will be broken on the portion of trail that spans nearly all of Taylorsville.

Madeline Francisco-Galang is the County Parks & Rec project manager for the span of paved trail that will run from 4130 W. 4700 South, southeast, to 2200 W. 6400 South.

“It is called a multi-use trail, meaning it will be open to anything without a motor – bicycles, scooters, and of course, walking,” she said. “The estimated cost of the proj ect is $3.4 million. UDOT is funding most of it, $2.72 mil lion. Salt Lake County has contributed $480,000,

Looking west, this spacious, divided trail south of an irrigation canal, now stops near 4100 W. 4700 South. But Salt Lake County plans to extend the trail east along the canal, spanning much of Taylorsville, to 2200 W. 6400 South. (Carl Fauver/City Journals)

PROVENTION CELIAC DISEASE STUDY

This study is for adults 18 - 70 years, they must have a diagnosis of celiac disease. This study involves the use of a drug called PRV-015. PRV-015 is an antibody designed to block an immune system protein called interleukin 15 (IL-15). IL-15 is made in the small intestine and is one trigger that causes intestinal inflammation followed by death of the intestinal cells. In people with celiac disease, this immune response can be caused by eating gluten, in previous studies, PRV-015 has been shown to reduce inflammation in the intestine and improve the symptoms of celiac disease when used together with GFD (gluten-free diet).

GSK HPV EVE STUDY

This is a study for females 16- 26, The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that commonly affects the skin and the soft tissues (mucous membranes) around the genital area. These infections are common in both men and women and are often transmitted through sexual intercourse or another skin-to-skin contact. Symptoms vary from rashes to warts in the hands, feet, face, and genital area. Some types of can cer, such as cervical cancer are linked to HPV infections. There are more than 100 variants, this study is looking at an investigational vaccine called HPV9, the main purpose of the study is to see whether the study vaccine is safe when given to women aged between 16 and 26 years, in a 3-dose vaccination scheme. In addition to this, the study will look at how safe the study vaccine is compared with an approved (already available for use) HPV vaccine called GARDASIL 9.

This study is for adults 18 and older, who haven’t already received a flu vaccine this year, This study aims to see if a new type of influenza vaccine, called quadrivalent influenza modRNA vaccine (qIRV), is well toler ated and can help the body produce antibodies that may help fight influenza. Hemagglutinin (HA) is a protein that is made by the influenza virus that is important in how the virus works. The influenza virus can mutate the form of HA it makes, which means each year different strains of the influenza virus, making different forms of HA, become widespread worldwide. Each year surveillance is conducted to predict what influ enza strains are likely to be most common that year, and vaccines are then tailored to combat these.

Taylorsville City $140,000 and the Kearns (Metro) Township $60,000.”

Taylorsville City Council members recently approved an Interlocal Agreement with Salt Lake County, pledging their $140,000 to what is called the Utah and Salt Lake Canal Trail. This section of the trail will extend to the east, a portion of the walkway from 5600 W. to 4130 West, which was completed in two earlier phases in 2008 and 2014.

“The trail will be paved, 10 feet wide and fully ADA compliant,” Fran cisco-Galang added. “We expect design work to begin next spring and construction next fall. The good thing about trail work is, no traffic control is necessary. Crews can work from dawn to dusk with nobody around. It goes very quickly. This section could be completed by the end of 2024.”

The work does require a lot of native grasses, plants and trees to be removed because the trail is across the canal, on the opposite side of existing maintenance roads.

Learn more about the county’s trail program at slco.org/parks-recreation.

Trail improvements across our state are quickly becoming “all the rage.” At a meeting early this fall with UDOT of ficials, Gov. Spencer Cox unveiled plans for the state to construct a network of trails throughout all of Utah.

“At some point in the future, we’ll be able to get from anywhere in Utah to anywhere else, without having to get onto a roadway,” the governor said. “The only reason we can dream about this is because we have mayors and city councilmembers and counties that have already done this. We have some of the best trail systems anywhere in the world. Now we want to connect them together.”

Indeed, this county trail project across Taylorsville is just one of many the city hopes to fund in coming years. The city’s

most recent plans for a trails network can be viewed at activetaylorsville.com. Called the Taylorsville Active Commu nities Plan, this 60-page document opens with the definitive statement: “The City of Taylorsville wishes to better incorporate bicycle and pedestrian mobility into its transportation and recreational planning and development process. Taylorsville res idents have repeatedly expressed a desire to increase pedestrian and bicycle mobil ity.”

About midway through the plan (pg. 24), it spells out the city’s ultimate goal to create:

• 25 miles of shared roadways

• 19 miles of on-road bikeways; and

• 25 miles of separated pathways

What’s the difference? Read the plan.

“A Taylorsville-based company, Ave nue Consultants (6605 S. Redwood Road), just gave us their latest version of our trails plan,” City Planner Mark McGrath said. “The city Planning Commission will review it first. If it is approved there, the city council will review it, probably in January.”

Another major section of trail pro posed in the Taylorsville Active Communi ties Plan will be built at the same time sev eral other improvements are made on the 4700 South corridor, as part of the city’s long-scheduled bus rapid transit project. Called the ]0-[Midvalley Connector, work on this project is scheduled to begin next year. It will create dedicated bus lines in what is now the 4700 South median, ty ing bus stations in Murray and West Valley City to the Salt Lake Community College campus in Taylorsville.

“We’ve been working on this plan for 15 years,” McGrath added. “The BRT line will require so much construction along 4700 South, we knew that would be the best time to add a trail from the Jordan River to Redwood Road. From there it will tie into existing sidewalks to cross Red

wood and proceed on to the SLCC cam pus.”

According to the most recent BRT construction schedule (viewable at midval leyconnector.com), work on the corridor could start next spring and be completed by fall 2025. The Federal Transit Adminis tration, UDOT and Utah Transit Authority are the big players in this project.

Finally, in addition to the $140,000 Taylorsville City provided for the Utah and Salt Lake Canal Trail project, the city has already spent more than double that amount on another trail. And unlike all the others discussed here, this one is already finished and getting plenty of use.

“The city funded half the cost of a trail that runs on the eastside of the I-215 belt route, from 5140 South down to 5400 South,” City Engineer Ben White ex

plained. “It ties into a neighborhood trail at the north, and to the sidewalk along 5400 South that leads into our (Taylorsville City Hall) campus. Our half of that project cost $300,000. That money – and the $140,000 we gave to the county canal project – are the only trail expenditures we’ve made so far.”

But Overson suggests that’s likely to change.

“We’ve had trails on our maps for a long time,” she concluded. “But it’s al ways a matter of finding the money. Now though, trails have become ‘the thing.’ People want them. They tell us it’s import ant for their mental well-being – besides just being fun. So, we are going to whittle away at (finding the necessary funding). Trails will be a big part of our budget and priorities discussion next spring.” l

TAYLORSVILLE TEAM

The Taylorsville City Journal is a monthly pub lication distributed directly to residents via the USPS as well as locations throughout Taylors ville.

For information about distribution please email brad.c@thecityjournals.com or call our offices. Rack locations are also available on our website. The views and opinions expressed in display ad vertisements do not necessarily reflect or repre sent 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.

Near the intersection of 2200 W. 6200 South in Taylorsville, most of the plants and trees (L) will soon be cleared to make way for a paved walking and biking trail along the canal. (Carl Fauver/City Journals)

Miller Family Foundation $10M gift is the largest donation Salt Lake Community College has ever received

By Carl Fauver | c.fauver@mycityjournals.com

Some 47 years ago, $8 million was enough money to purchase half of the then-floun dering Utah Jazz. Car dealership owner Larry Miller wasn’t worth nearly that much money back then. But he somehow pulled the funding together – along with the additional $14 million it took to buy the “other half” of the NBA fran chise the following year.

Nearly a half-century later, times have changed. Now the Miller Family Foundation has that kind of money, not to keep big-time professional sports here in Utah… but to trans form a Taylorsville-based institution that’s been around even longer than the Jazz.

Salt Lake Community College opened its doors in 1948. The school will celebrate its 75th anniversary next year. Taylorsville was home to the SLCC “main campus” nearly three decades before the city incorporated. The school arrived in 1967, while the city incorporated in 1996.

Over all those decades, Salt Lake Commu nity College had never received a $10 million single cash donation, ever – until this fall.

“We are deeply humbled by the generosity of Gail and the Miller family and the extraor dinary leadership they provide to our commu nity,” said SLCC President Deneece Huftalin, as she recently announced the $10 million gift from the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foun dation. “We are grateful for this gift and for the friendship and support the Miller family has given to the college over the years. SLCC is a better institution because of their involvement and commitment to our students.”

This unprecedented gift to SLCC will all be spent on structural renovations and improve ments to the college’s business school building. The structure has now been renamed the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Business Building. Also, the school itself is now called the Gail Miller School of Business.

“I am particularly thrilled to be the first in the state to name a business school after a suc cessful businesswoman and leader,” Huftalin added. “The Gail Miller School of Business amplifies Gail’s amazing skills as a business leader and the success she has achieved through hard work, courage, leading with integrity and a fierce commitment to serving the community. It is a powerful signal to young women that they too can achieve great success.”

The Miller family is a long-time support er of the school, SLCC officials report, dating back to family-sponsored student scholarships starting in the 1980s. In the early 2000s, the Miller family donated the land and buildings that now make up SLCC’s Miller Campus in Sandy.

“We love the power of learning and are humbled by the opportunity to help others achieve their educational goals,” said Gail Mill er, chair of the Miller Family Foundation. “Salt Lake Community College plays an important role in developing future business leaders and

problem solvers. The knowledge they gain here will enrich lives and strengthen communities.”

Miller has also served the college as a member of the SLCC Board of Trustees, as chair from 2013-2017, and as Trustee Emeritus since 2017. Additionally, since 2013 she has been the title sponsor of the Gail Miller Leader ship Cup, an annual golf tournament that raises scholarship dollars for SLCC students. SLCC awarded Miller an Honorary Doctor of Hu mane Letters in 2008.

SLCC Business School Dean, Dr. Dennis Bromley, says the massive remodel to his build ing will serve students in many ways.

“The addition of a high-tech auditorium will enable us to hold large group events where students will showcase projects they have com pleted,” Bromley said. “We will also add ded icated spaces throughout the building where small groups of students can gather to collab orate on projects. The open nature of the space will create a sense of warmth and community where all are welcome.”

SLCC is Utah’s largest two-year college, educating the state’s most diverse student body in 8 areas of study at 10 locations and on line. The majority of SLCC graduates transfer to four-year institutions, while thousands more are trained in direct-to-workforce programs.

According to a news release from the col lege: “With the Miller Family Foundation’s gift, SLCC will renovate and expand the cur rent 50,000-square-foot business building to include kickstarter spaces for entrepreneurs and upgraded learning environments. The ren ovation also includes improvements to SLCC’s Business Resource Instructional Center, which offers academic advising and IT assistance to more than 13,000 students annually.

“The gift will also enable SLCC to strengthen the high-impact learning practices

in its business courses such as undergraduate research and real-world problem solving. Mod eled after the Miller’s commitment to serving the community as they do business, the new Business Scholars Program will require stu dents to work with a faculty mentor each se mester to create cause-related or nonprofit proj ects that benefit the community.”

The remodeled business building will in crease its size by 18,900 square feet and will feature an open atrium, expanded auditorium and modernized conference rooms. Construc tion will begin in 18 months with a targeted completion date of May 2026.

SLCC officials report the business major is the second most-popular major at the college. More than 1,600 students are currently enrolled in the program. l

Flu season is just around the corner, and the doctors at Southpoint want to make sure that their patients avoid getting sick by receiving their annual flu shot. Call our office today to schedule a well visit for your child, and get a flu (or COVID) vaccine while you’re here!

Doctors: Kevin Lash, MD Brian Buchanan, MD Darin Bosworth, MD Alissa Packer, MD Michael Ellis, MD

Nurse Practitioners: Steve Ostergaard, NP Teresa McNaught, CPNP Laura Clyde, NP

Mental Health Team: Nate Ridge, PhD-PAC

Kapono Barton, CSW

Registered Dietician: Melody Jones, RD

Dr. Dennis Bromley, Dean of the newly-renamed Gail Miller School of Business at Salt Lake Com munity College. (Courtesy SLCC)

Salt Lake Community College President Deneece Huftalin (L) holds a $10 million check presented to the college’s business school by businesswoman Gail Miller, on behalf of the Miller Family Foundation. (Courtesy SLCC)

Tenacity in his life-and-death career earns Taylorsville resident a national award

By Carl Fauver | c.fauver@mycityjournals.com

It was an odd set of circumstances that put Taylorsville Mayor Kristie Overson into her car this fall, bound for Summit County to present a national award to one of the city’s newer residents.

First, it required Spencer Harrison to be living in the city – something he’d only been doing a few months.

Second, it required Harrison to be high ly thought of by Overson’s granddaughter, now living in Virginia.

Third, it required a professional organi zation with a peculiar name – The Tenacious Telecommunicator (thetenacioustelecom municator.com) to create the award.

And fourth, it required another former colleague of Spencer’s to nominate him for the honor, online, from her new job – AT A RESEARCH STATION IN ANTARCTICA.

All of these unusual conditions came together for Summit County Sheriff’s De partment 9-1-1 dispatcher Spencer Harrison to receive the first-ever Tenacious Telecom municator of the Year award.

“I was just at work one day and the may or walked in – I had no idea I had won this award,” Harrison said. “It turned out, one of the people on (The Tenacious Telecommu

nicator) award committee is someone I had worked with in Utah County. Apparently, when the committee started to discuss who should present the award to me, Kiera Whit tier said ‘well, my grandmother is the mayor of Taylorsville.’ So that’s how Mayor Over son ended up doing it.”

The mayor says it was an out-of-theblue request from Kiera, who now lives more than 2,000 miles away.

“Kiera now works as a dispatcher in Virginia,” Overson said. “She called me and said, ‘this guy won an award and they are looking for someone to present it to him. Since he lives in Taylorsville, I told (the award committee) I would ask you if you’d present it.’ And I told her, of course I would. It was fun for me to surprise Spencer. He was a very nice guy.”

As it turns out, Harrison has not been a Taylorsville resident long. After growing up in Heber City – and graduating from Wasatch High School in 2007 – Spencer had worked for a couple of different 9-1-1 emer gency response agencies. Until July of this year, he’d been living in West Jordan.

“I just wanted to be a little more central ly-located (in the Salt Lake Valley),” he ex

plained. “I’m not married and have no kids. I live with my dog Mason. It takes about 35 minutes to drive up to the Summit County Justice Complex in Silver Creek, where the dispatch center is.”

According to their website, The Tena cious Telecommunicator award recognizes individuals who:

• Maintain professional competence and always seek new educational opportu nities.

• Build trust by demonstrating integrity and reliability.

• Exhibit passion and have a vision for the future.

• Evolve and adapt to the ever-chang ing needs in the industry.

• Create a community that values diver sity and teamwork.

• Remain tenacious and will never stop pursuing their dreams.

And how did the organization first learn about Spencer? That’s where Antarctica comes into the picture.

“A few years ago, I worked with Re bekah Johnston as a dispatcher in Provo,” Harrison explained. “I trained her there. Lat er she left that job to go to work for the Na tional Science Foundation at the McMurdo Research Station in Antarctica.”

Turns out Rebekah may have moved nearly 9,000 miles away – but when she learned about the Tenacious Telecommuni cator award she remembered Harrison well.

“Spencer’s career glitters with exam ples of his incredible leadership,” Johnston wrote in the award application. “He has ac tively sought out training that has enriched both his knowledge and the knowledge base of his center. He does things not because it benefits him, but because he is passionate about progress in the dispatch world.”

Winning this award is not the first time Harrison has been recognized by his col leagues as a leader in their field.

“I have been president of the Utah Chapter of the National Emergency Number Association (utahnena.org) for five years,” he added. “We have about 300 members, dis patchers from St. George to Logan. We are a lobbying group. I host a couple of training sessions each year and organize an annual fundraiser to raise money to help offset dis patcher training costs.”

Harrison says he’s proud to have won the first-ever Tenacious Telecommunicator of the Year award. You can bet he’s also proud to be highly thought of for his dili gence and professionalism by former col leagues, 2,000 miles away in Virginia and 8,815 miles away in Antarctica. l

Although he’s only lived in Taylorsville a few months, Mayor Kristie Overson made the drive up to Summit County to present emergency dispatch er Spencer Harrison with a prestigious national award. (Courtesy Spencer Harrison)

Taylorsville youth dance company plays the Mid-Valley main stage

By Carl Fauver | c.fauver@mycityjournals.com

All those coronavirus-delayed years we watched Salt Lake County’s Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center rise from the ground next to Taylorsville City Hall, we knew the $45 million structure would eventually be home to lots of entertainment activities. We knew, for instance, the Taylorsville Arts Council would take advantage of it to host many of their shows.

But it wasn’t immediately clear just how much MVPAC could provide a thrill for other young performers – until Stefanie Bassett rent ed the main stage for the girls who make up her Express Dance Company.

“It was such an amazing experience for the girls and their families,” Bassett said. “The (MVPAC) facility was awesome. Putting our dancers in such an exciting venue was so much fun. We called the performance ‘Panic! At the PAC 2022.’ And we’ve already reserved our date for ‘Panic! At the PAC 2023’ for next Oc tober.”

About 60 people performed during Ex press Dance Company’s hourlong show, in cluding several enthusiastic adult women and a handful of (possibly less enthusiastic) dads.

Krista Rudd was in the audience to watch her daughter Megan, 11, dance with her dad, Marshall.

“Megan has been dancing with Stefanie for about three years,” Rudd said. “We’ve had her in other studios. But we’ve enjoyed our ex perience with (Express Dance Company) the most. Stef really gets to know the girls. Me gan had a little solo in one of her dances. She wasn’t thrilled about it. But Stef calmed her down, encouraged her – and Megan crushed it.”

Megan also added, “I think Stefanie is re ally nice; she helps you do your best.”

A 2001 Hunter High School graduate, Stefanie has been dancing nearly her entire life.

“I have danced since age 3 and have taught dance since I was 15,” Bassett said. “I was a member of the Hunter High (Silhou ettes) drill team for three years. Later I was on the Utah Valley University Dance Team. We competed in the national finals in Florida two times. Dance is truly like oxygen for me. It’s a void that I need to fill. And I believe dance is for everyone – not just certain body types. It’s for anyone who wants to exercise and be social.”

Another parent who likes how Bassett approaches things is Shawna Harmon, whose daughter Amelia, 9, has been in the Express Dance Company for three years.

“Stefanie is so good with the girls – she listens to their needs and is very attentive when she speaks with them,” Harmon said. “Just before the (MVPAC) show, she gathered the kids together to give them a great pep talk. She wants them to improve – but is very positive. All the girls were so proud to perform on a big stage, with the spotlights and a crew working backstage. This was Amelia’s first time to per

form before an audience. It was wonderful –the best recital I’ve ever attended.”

“I have learned so many new dance moves and my technique has improved,” Ame lia Harmon added. “Stef is kind and helpful –and knows how to dance.”

Stefanie Bassett also volunteers as a mem ber of the Taylorsville Arts Council. About the time she got her Express Dance Company up and running the “first time,” COVID-19 showed up.

“We practiced outside at the park during COVID – and we did put on Halloween shows, but outdoors,” Bassett added. “We’re continu ing to rebuild the program. My focus with the kids is not on being perfect. It’s more about helping them learn to dance what is in their heart.”

Express Dance Company will be pretty quiet through the December holiday season, resuming with weekly practice sessions start ing in January. They will make use of the large Centennial Room inside MVPAC, with it’s long wall of floor-to-ceiling mirrors.

“It is such a beautiful facility, and I am so grateful we can use it,” Stefanie added. “The girls can watch their techniques in the mirror. And they love being in such a fancy setting.”

Going forward, Bassett says she would be open to including boys in Express Dance Com pany. But, so far, she’s not had males or their parents show interest – even in her own family.

“I have six kids, ages 14 years to 18 months – but only one is a girl,” Bassett con cluded. “Sofie is 6 and she’s my only dancer.”

Learn more about Express Dance Com pany at expressdanceco85.wixsite.com or facebook.com/expressdancecompany. You can also contact Stefanie Bassett directly at 801386-3630 or stef.m.bassett@gmail.com.

Meantime, if you are involved with an other community group that would like to make use of the Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center, rental information is available at salt lakecountyarts.org/venues/mid-valley-per forming-arts-center/#rental-information. l

Hailey Thomas, Whitney Boyle, Lyla Mitchell and Clara Hedquist (L-R) were among the dozens of danc ers – including several moms and dads – who performed on the Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center main stage recently with the Taylorsville-based Express Dance Company. (Mindy Dearden)

Sixty dancers of all ages take a final bow after performing on the Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center main stage. (Mindy Dearden)

When Taylorsville-based Express Dance Company stages their dads and daughters dance, instructor Ste fanie Bassett has the good sense to put the grizzled men in back, behind the true talent. (Mindy Dearden)

Taylorsville resident Stefanie Bassett (L) has been teaching dance for years and is now sharing her steps with daughter Sophie through her Express Dance Company. (Mindy Dearden)

Eisenhower Jr. High students celebrate Día de los Muertos

Ruben Nunez, DLI Spanish teacher at Eisenhower Jr. High, encouraged his students to build an ofrenda to celebrate Día de los Muertos. Students brought personal objects to display on the altar that honors family members who have died. The ofrenda included pictures of loved ones, toys, dolls, clothes, food, soda and colorful decorations. The students also created posters for the event. (Photos courtesy of Ruben Nunez)

l

West Lake STEM receives the gift of language

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

Through a partnership between the Utah Jazz and Mark Miller Subaru, West Lake STEM Junior High (3451 W. 6200 South) received a $30,000 donation to bring a topof-the-line program to the school to help stu dents break the language barrier.

During a ribbon cutting ceremony on Nov. 11, representatives from the Utah Jazz and Mark Miller Subaru organizations talk ed about their exciting collaboration to help students learn and engage more efficiently. With more than 30 languages spoken at the school, the Renaissance 2200 Language Lab System will revolutionize the way kids learn and interact.

“You get these kids in a classroom with 30 other kids and a teacher in front of the class speaking English and most kids don’t know what’s going on,” said Jeff Miller, general manager and owner of Mark Miller Subaru. “The headsets come down from the ceiling and everyone puts on a headset. Now the students can practice language and prac tice learning and be more engaged in school. We really want to make our community as strong as we possibly can by opening this language lab.”

Jazz President Jim Olson and the Jazz Bear were on hand to celebrate with the students and hand out swag. Olson said the Utah Jazz and Mark Miller Subaru organiza tions brainstormed ideas for how they could have a big impact on the community, and discussions led to the idea to help students learn English.

“As Utah continues to become more diverse, it’s important that we embrace that, and not only embrace that but look for op portunities for all these youth coming from different cultures to make sure they have the same opportunity that everyone else has,”

Olson said. “It’s a great opportunity to be in volved with the school here.”

The Renaissance language system con nects students who don’t speak the same language by interpreting and translating in formation. Teachers can monitor students as they interact, either individually or as groups. The system allows interactive dis cussions and performance-based assessment.

West Lake Principal Scott Bell is ex cited to bring the program to the school that will help students learning English as a sec ond language, as well as kids enrolled in the dual immersion program.

“We have numerous kids where this is their first experience with learning English,” Bell said. “This language lab program will enhance their learning, they’ll work with each other better and practice more. That’s going to increase their ability to learn the language.”

Mark Miller Subaru recently received the 2022 Subaru Love Promise Customer and Community Commitment Award, a na tional recognition for Subaru dealers who demonstrate commitment to local causes in health, education and the environment.

Olson is excited about the Utah Jazz/ Mark Miller Subaru collaboration and hopes to create more opportunities to help students in the state.

“We understand how important commu nity is. As the Utah Jazz organization, our priority is to play basketball but an equal pri ority for us is to be involved in the commu nity and give back to the community,” Olson said. “We’re always looking for opportuni ties and the right fit. Let’s hope there’s some future schools we can participate with.” l

From left, Jazz President Jim Olson, West Lake Principal Scott Bell, the Jazz Bear and Jeff Miller, gener al manager and owner of Mark Miller Subaru, join students at West Lake STEM Junior High to celebrate the opening of a new language lab. (Photo courtesy of Mark Miller Subaru)

Navigating Grief and the Holidays

By Kathie Supiano, PhD, LCSW

The holiday season is nearly upon us. This is the time of year when grieving people often feel dread and sorrow about the very events and traditions that formerly brought happiness.

As every grieving person handles loss in their own way, each one of us observes holidays in our own way in time of bereavement. There simply is no one right way to experience the holidays. Some find meaning in following cherished traditions, and others benefit from avoiding traditions because their associations are now tinged with loss. Some people find great comfort in being with other people, others prefer solitude to camaraderie. For all of us, how we gather is as important as gathering at all.

Plan ahead for the holidays: The first step in planning is to listen to yourself….what will help you most at this time? You may have strong memories and powerful feelings. Accept this as normal, but prepare for it. Anticipate the pleasures and the stresses of events, and select those you want to participate in. If you expect to be lonely, arrange supportive companionship. If you can’t bear the thought of connecting with the entire extended family, let the family know of your needs. Be creative and accept support by using distance technology.

Accommodate your plans to your new limits: Most grieving people have significantly lowered physical stamina and emotional reserve. Perhaps you can’t get every decoration out this year. Accept these limits as temporary, and good enough for this year. Choose to put your energy into the things that matter most to you.

Accept that the holidays will be different this year: The holidays are often filled with unrealistic expectations that may overwhelm you. You may need to revisit your goals and find a balance between continuity and change. Many people find a special comfort in establishing a new holiday tradition that honors the memory of the person who died.

Recognize that other family members or friends may have struggles, too: Look for opportunities to discuss your feelings and wishes with others who may also be grieving for your family member. Try to respect their choices, if they are different from yours. You all may need to make compromises.

If the holidays have always been hard for you: Use this transition in your life to try something completely new…an untraditional-tradition. Perhaps you have never taken the occasion create a new experience on your own. As challenging as loss can be, it can bring momentum to grow and to try something new.

For all of us, whether the holidays are a time of personal significance or not, it can be a season in which we reflect on what we do cherish as we journey through grief.

Kathie Supiano, PhD, LCSW is an Associate Professor at the University of Utah College of Nursing and the Director of Caring Connections: A Hope and Comfort in Grief Program. Caring Connections is a not-for-profit program that offers clinician-facili tated grief support groups in Utah. 801-585-9522 healthcare.utah.edu/caring-connections www.LarkinCares.com

Nature’s Virus Killer

Copper can stop a virus before it starts

By Priscilla Schnarr www.copperzap.com

Scientists have discovered a natural way to kill germs fast.

Now thousands of people are using it against viruses and bacteria that cause illness.

Colds and many other illnesses start when viruses get in your nose and multiply. If you don’t stop them early, they spread and cause misery.

Hundreds of studies confirm copper kills viruses and bacteria almost instantly just by touch.

That’s why ancient Greeks and Egyptians used copper to purify water and heal wounds. They didn’t know about viruses and bacteria, but now we do.

“The antimicrobial activity of copper is well established.” National Institutes of Health.

Scientists say copper’s high conductance disrupts the electrical balance in a microbe cell and destroys it in seconds.

CopperZap® and put it on the market.

Soon hundreds of people had tried it. 99% said copper worked if they used it right away at the first sign of bad germs, like a tickle in the nose or a scratchy throat.

Users Say:

“It works! I love it!”

“I can’t believe how good my nose feels.”

“Is it supposed to work that fast?”

“One of the best presents ever.”

“Sixteen airline flights, not a sniffle!”

“Cold sores gone!”

“It saved me last holidays. The kids all got sick, but not me.”

The EPA recommended hospitals use copper for touch surfaces like faucets and doorknobs. This cut the spread of MRSA and other illnesses by over half, and saved lives.

“I am shocked! My sinus cleared, no more headache, no more congestion.”

“Best sleep I’ve had in years!”

The strong scientific evidence gave inventor Doug Cornell an idea. He made a smooth copper probe with a tip to fit in the bottom of the nostril, where viruses collect.

When he felt a tickle in his nose like a cold about to start, he rubbed the copper gently in his nose for 60 seconds.

“It worked!” he exclaimed. “The cold never happened. I used to get 2-3 bad colds every year. Now I use my device whenever I feel a sign I am about to get sick.”

He hasn’t had a cold in 10 years.

After his first success with it, he asked relatives and friends to try it. They all said it worked, so he patented

As thousands more tried it, some found other things they could use it against, including: Colds, flu, new viruses and variants, sinus trouble, cold sores, canker sores, strep throat, nighttime stuffiness, morning congestion, nasal drip, skin infections, thrush, warts, styes, and ringworm.

The handle is curved and textured to increase contact.

Copper can kill germs picked up on fingers and hands after you touch things other people have touched.

Scientists placed millions of viruses on copper. “They started to die literally as soon as they touched it,” said Dr. Bill Keevil.

Tarnish does not reduce how well copper works, EPA tests showed.

CopperZap is made in America with pure copper. 90-day full money back guarantee. Price $79.95.

Get $10 off each CopperZap with code UTCJ21

See www.CopperZap.com or call tollfree 1-888-411-6114.

Buy once, use forever.

Statements are not intended as product health claims and have not been evaluated by the FDA. Not claimed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

advertorial

New research: Copper kills viruses in seconds.

Building community for displaced women

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

Even at a young age, Harnish knew the world was a difficult place for women.

Education opportunities weren’t easy for women in Iraq. Harnish’s sister received a scholarship to study in England but communi ty members tried to convince her father to keep her home.

“My dad was strong and said my daughter got this scholarship and I’m going to send her,” Harnish said. “I remember the family didn’t want to be with him anymore. So in that way, society was harsh for the women.”

As a young woman, Harnish came to the United States for an arranged marriage. It was a difficult time and Harnish said she could feel the sticky web keeping her trapped.

“I felt like I couldn’t take it off my shoul ders because I was thinking everyone was go ing to hate me or not want me because I was divorcing my first husband,” she said. “But I was taking care of my life and not wanting to feel miserable.”

In 2009, Harnish gave up her job as a se nior microchip engineer and founded Women of the World, a nonprofit that helps displaced women gain self-reliance by giving them tools to navigate an unfamiliar society.

WoW works with refugees, asylum seek

ers and immigrants, helping them learn En glish, apply for jobs, go to college or even start a business. But the organization fills an even more important role, it helps women find a community.

Harnish understands the loneliness dis placed women experience when first coming to Utah. Assimilating into a community is dif ficult and it is a challenge to find people who will welcome and support them.

“Because of these things I went through, it made me want to become an advocate for them,” she said. “We let women know every thing’s going to be OK. They just need a guide into a new life. They’ve had a lot of hurtful moments: war, oppression, poverty, rape and mutilation.”

Located in South Salt Lake (415 E. 3900 South), WoW is giving a voice to women who have lost jobs, families and homes. By build ing confidence through English skills and mentoring, WoW participants learn how to improve their lives and connect with others. These women often have college degrees and valuable professions, but can’t get hired due to the language barrier.

WoW holds a celebration each December, recognizing women who have reached their goals and becoming independent. The event is supported by local business and government leaders who help the women find jobs in their

communities.

The WoW model offers advocacy for immigration, housing, law issues and health matters. It customizes its programs for each individual, matching her needs with what she needs to succeed. Volunteers are always need ed at WoW to be mentors, drivers, interpreters, workshop teachers, yoga instructors, child caregivers and event facilitators. Monetary do nations are also accepted.

Gift cards are an important donation for the women who can use them to buy things for

themselves or their children. While the women appreciate the used clothes or shoes donated to help them, they like to purchase items that fit their personality and their bodies.

“They have lost everything but their dig nity and pride,” Harnish said. “They had good jobs in their home country and they are looking for jobs in their profession. They bring a great diversity to our state.”

To donate, volunteer or to learn more about WoW, visit womenofworld.org. l

•

A Women of the World fundraising event celebrates the success of displaced women from across the globe who work hard to reach their goals. (Photo courtesy of Jake Campos)

Community packs and ships gift-filled shoeboxes for children around the world

By Holly Curby | hello@hollycurby.com

As Christmas

approaches we often start looking for ways to get involved in giving to others, from angel trees and food drives to secret Santa projects. However, groups across the state of Utah have already gathered during the third week of November to assemble gift-filled shoe boxes for children across the world during the annual drive for Operation Christmas Child.

Operation Christmas Child (OCC) is a project of Samaritan’s Purse. According to Samaritan’s Purse, churches around the world partner with OCC to receive shoebox gifts to distribute to kids in their community. Every year Samaritan's Purse has collected shoebox gifts filled with toys, school supplies, and hy giene items for children in impoverished and remote areas. Gifts are matched to children’s specific gender and ages. Since 1993, more than 198 million children in more than 170 countries have received an Operation Christ mas Child shoebox. The project delivers not only the joy of what, for many kids, is their first gift ever, but also gives them a tangible expres sion of God's love. As result of 5,000 drop-off locations across all 50 states and Puerto Rico, it is expected that over 9.4 million gift-filled shoeboxes will be collected this year.

One of the local host sites, Risen Life Church in Holladay emphasized their shoebox packing night during their annual Harvest Fes tival in October. Organizer Kristen Veth shared

that the entire community was invited to bring their trick-or-treaters out for a fun evening of trunk-or-treating and then take part in the com munity service project inside while also warm ing up with a cup of hot chocolate. “Operation Christmas Child really sets the stage for cele brating Christmas each year—a simple gift that creates an amazing impact,” Veth said. “At this point we’ve collected 413 boxes. It is inspiring to see so many join together to make an impact in the lives of kids they will likely never meet.”

Ilona Penner was a recipient of an Oper ation Christmas Child shoebox when she was a child living in a Ukrainian orphanage. When reflecting on her experience opening her shoe box Penner said, “A yo-yo is what actually captured my attention the most!” Penner said what impacted her most about receiving the gift-filled shoebox was, “Here I was in an or phanage and someone remembered about me and the other children—someone cared. It was exciting! It kind of gave hope that we weren’t forgotten.”

Want to help make a positive impact in the lives of children around the world next year? Visit www.samaritanspurse.org/occ to learn more and find out dates. There you’ll learn tips for packing your own box in a shoe box or shoe box-sized plastic container, locate party pack ing events, find a list of drop off locations near you, or even be able to pack a shoebox online. Other ways to help include purchasing items to

Risen Life volunteers assembled over 400 boxes for children around the world. (Photo courtesy Aaron Jett)

go into the boxes for groups to assemble, do nate online towards shipping ($10 per box sug gestion), or even serve as one of the 200,000 volunteers involved in collecting, shipping, and distributing shoebox gifts.

For more of Penner’s story check out Holly’s Highlights podcast Season 1 Episode 6 where Penner shares about her upbringing in Ukraine, her memories of receiving a shoebox while living in the Ukrainian orphanage, and even suggestions on how to pack your own shoebox for a child in need. Hear of her story

of hope, the heart of giving, the gift of time, and how one simple act made her feel like she wasn't alone. Holly’s Highlights podcast is designed to encourage, inspire, and equip you to intentionally live your life full of pur pose. Holly’s Highlights podcast is available at www.hollycurby.com or wherever you listen to podcasts including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, and even “Alexa, play Holly’s Highlights podcast.”l

✓ ✓ ✓ C S L B 1 0 8 2 1 6 5 N S C B 0 0 8 2 9 9 9 0 0 8 3 4 4 5

www.YourSafeStep.com

Now you c a n fi na l ly have a l l of t he soot h ing benefit s of a rela x ing wa rmbat h, or enjoy a c onvenient ref re sh ing shower wh i le se ated or st a nd ing w it h Sa fe Step Wa l k-In Tub ’ s

FR E E S howe r Pa c k a ge !

First wa l k i n t ub ava i lable w it h a c u stom i z able shower

Fi xed ra i n fa l l shower he ad is adju st able for you r heig ht a nd pivot s to o er a seated shower position

Hig h qu a l it y t ub c omplete w it h a c omprehen sive l i fet i me warranty on the entire tub

Top of t he l i ne i n st a l lat ion a nd ser v ic e, a l l i ncluded at on

SpecialOffer FORVETERANS! Buy Now, Pay L ater! NO PAYMENTS FOR 18 MONTHS! Plus a Free Shower Pac kage

Utahns have found a soft spot for the most popular game in the entire world. The World Cup begins the week before Thanksgiving, and Salt Lake City ranks in the top ten of soccer fans' best cities.

“Our chapter of the American Outlaws has been around since 2009,” Brighton High School graduate and AO chapter president Todd Nate said. “We have around 250 mem bers here and are excited to cheer the US Men’s National Team on.”

The World Cup is the most prestigious soccer tournament in the world. It is held ev ery four years. The tournament is held over a month-long celebration and includes 32 teams. France is the defending champion and Germa ny won in 2014.

“We (the U.S. team) did not make it last time,” Nate said. “I think that makes this year more exciting.”

The AO chapter has scheduled watch parties for fans to enjoy the games. They are planned to be held at Beer Bar in Salt Lake City (161 E. 200 South). The organization is more than a set place to watch games. They encour age new friendships and donate time to local soccer leagues.

The chapter helps grow the game in the United States.

In other countries, World Cup games can close down a city.

By Greg James | g.james@mycityjournals.com

“We went to watch a Brazilian World Cup game. We got there one hour before the match and the bar was sold out. You could not even get in. The excitement that other nationalities have for their teams is beginning to carry over,” Nate said.

In a study done by wallethub.com based on 52 key matrices, cities were ranked accord ing to their acceptance of the game. Salt Lake is number nine. Some of the soccer excitement is attributed to the growth of the women's game, but Nate said this year's tournament will be fun to watch.

“I think this is a smaller market and, like the Jazz, we only have a couple of major sports teams. I could not stand soccer, but as my kids started playing I fell in love with it. I am not sure how to explain how soccer is such a grow ing sport here in Utah,” Nate said.

The USMNT has a following here, but so do other teams.

“I cheer for the Mexican National team,” West Valley resident Ray Mondragon said. “My team is in limbo. They are not playing with their best players.”

Mexico left two of its best scorers off the roster because of injuries, Chicarito Hernandez and Julian Araujo. They have advanced to the knockout round for seven straight tournaments but have failed to win a game there to advance to the quarterfinals.

“I don’t expect them to go far, but the en tire tournament is full of great matches,” Mon dragon said. “I can’t pick Argentina so I will pick Brazil.”

The United States is scheduled to play Wales on Nov. 21 and England Nov. 25. There will be four games broadcast on Thanksgiv ing Day. The finals will be played Dec. 18. All games will be played in Qatar. This is the first time the tournament has been held in the Mid dle East, and Qatar is the smallest country to be a host.

The average ticket price for the finals is $1,600 apiece, and the U.S. purchased the third most tickets to the tournament, behind Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Brazil is the only nation to appear in all 22 World Cup tournaments.

“I would pick Brazil, Germany is always tough. You could watch for England and I think the U.S. could be a sleeper,” Nate said. “We are a young squad and hope we get out our group,” Nate said. l

The Salt Lake City chapter of the American Outlaws is full of supporters of the United States Men's Na tional team. They will host watch parties of the World Cup at Beer Bar in Salt Lake City. (photo courtesy of American Outlaws)

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I am continuously inspired by the generous, giving nature of our community. Whenever there is a request to help fill a need, I can always count on the individuals, businesses and organizations in our community to come through. I have seen it over and over again and am always touched by this kindness and sel essness.

As a city, we wanted to make giving our focus each December so we began a Holiday Giving drive several years ago and have been blown away by the contributions of so many. Over the years, we have solicited donations to various groups and organizations, including the Taylorsville Food Pantry, Taylorsville Senior Center and Golden Living Center. Last year, the Youth Council collected donations for the homeless. In addition to warm clothing and other items, they received a $5,000 donation from The Crossroads of Taylorsville (plus a matching grant from another donor) to the Rescue Mission of Salt Lake.

This year, through our Holiday Giving drive, we are seeking donations to the Warrior Wellness Center at Taylorsville High. The center is located within the school and provides a resource where students can go to receive clothing, shoes, school supplies and toiletries. The center was highlighted in September by KSL News, which noted that in the rst 10 days of the school year, it was visited by 105 students.

At the center, students know “they are loved, they are cared about and they are safe,” said Principal Emme Liddell.

The center’s community contact Pamela Andersen notes that of the 3,000 students at the high school, it is helping about 100 kids a week. This season the center is in particular need of:

Food including granola bars, yogurt bars, nut packs; cup-a-soups or cups of mac and cheese (that require just adding water); fruit chews, fruit packs/cups; crackers and graham crackers, and Ramen noodles. School supplies including mechanical pencils and re lls, and backpacks in dark colors. Winter needs including gloves (bigger sizes, dark colors), coats and jackets, and boots (bigger sizes, 11-15 for men). Toiletries including deodorants (men/women), dental oss and lip gloss.

You can drop o any of these items during business hours to the second- oor receptionist’s desk at City Hall, and we will deliver them to the Warrior Wellness Center at the end of the year.

Thank you again so much for your generosity and giving. We hope you have a wonderful, joyous holiday season!

–Mayor Kristie S. Overson

City’s First Tree Lighting Ceremony Kicks Off the Holidays

To celebrate the holidays, the city has decked out City Hall with permanent lights that are now red and green but can be changed for various events throughout the year.

The lights were also strung along the rooftop of the new outdoor stage at Centennial Plaza, as well as the concession building, and the city held its first-ever Tree Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 28 to count down the lighting in white of the live evergreen in front of City Hall.

“It’s so much fun to see Centennial Plaza and City Hall decorated for the holidays,” said Mayor Kristie Overson. “We hope the lights bring a bit of festiveness this season and even year-round.”

City o cials envision ipping on the outdoor, decorative lights on the buildings for other events in the coming months. Starry Nights events during the summer, for instance, might be lit in the city’s colors of blue and gold, and holidays in July could be celebrated in red, white and blue.

After this month’s holidays, the evergreen tree out front will be transplanted to a city park. City leaders anticipate holding a Tree Lighting Ceremony each year. In addition to music, hot chocolate and cookies, this year’s ceremony featured an art walk beforehand, where those attending could view the 14 beautiful sculptures that have been placed throughout Centennial Plaza.

Mayor Kristie S. Overson

Emergency ...................................................................................................911

Police Department ............................................................... 801-840-4000

Poison Control Center .................................................... 1-800-222-1222

Animal Control Shelter ....................................................... 801-965-5800

Animal Control After House Dispatch ........................... 801-840-4000

Building Inspection

801-955-2030

Chamber West (Chamber of Commerce) ...................... 801-977-8755

Fire Department

801-743-7200

Gang Tip Line 385-468-9768

Garbage/Recycle/GreenWaste Pick-up 385-468-6325 (Wasatch Front Waste & Recycling)

Granite School District 385-646-5000 Health Department 385-468-4100

Highway Conditions (from cell phone) 511

Park Reservations 385-468-7275

Public Works (Salt Lake County) 385-468-6101

Dominion Energy 800-323-5517

Rocky Mountain Power 888-221-7070

Salt Lake County Recycling/Land ll 801-974-6920

Taylorsville Bennion Improvement District 801-968-9081

Taylorsville Food Pantry 801-815-0003

Taylorsville Senior Center 385-468-3370

Taylorsville Code Enforcement 801-955-2013

Taylorsville Justice Court 801-963-0268

Taylorsville Library 801-943-4636

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 DECEMBER 2022

Dec. 7 – 6:30 p.m.

City Council Meeting @ City Hall and online. Watch a livestream of the meeting on the city’s website, www.taylorsvilleut.gov

Dec. 9 – 7:30 p.m.

Taylorsville-SLCC Symphony Orchestra’s Winter Concert @ Bennion Jr. High. Free but donations welcomed. (See ad on Page 3).

Dec. 10 – 2 to 4 p.m.

Saturday with Santa @ Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Center. (See accompanying ad on this page)

Dec. 13 – 6:30 p.m.

Planning Commission Meeting and Work Session @ City Hall. Dec. 17 – 10 a.m.

Wreaths Across America Ceremony @ City Hall. Immediately following, wreaths will be laid at the Taylorsville Cemetery. The event is part of the Youth Council’s holiday service project. (See ad on Page 3).

Dec. 26 – all day

Christmas Day observed. City Hall is closed for the holiday.

Jan. 2 – all day

New Year’s Day observed. City Hall is 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

COUNCIL CORNER

By Council Member Bob Knudsen

Favorite ‘Classics’ Lend Purposeful Perspective During the Holidays

This time of year is special as it gives opportunity to re ect upon the things we have in life, the many blessings seen every day. During this season, I consider what can be done to be an even better person in the world while moving forward through life. To aid in consideration, I turn to “classic” stories — one a “holiday classic,” the other from “Star Trek.”

The classic is Frank Capra’s motion picture, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” which largely employs many elements of “The Greatest Gift,” penned by Philip Van Doren Stern, and elements from Dickens’ “Christmas Carol” to bring life to the character of George Bailey. As Christmas approaches, Bailey and his family’s business, the Bailey Brothers Building and Loan, face a large hardship when his Uncle Billy misplaces $8,000 ($122,261 adjusted for in ation) that was to be deposited into the bank. George determines, after consultation with Mr. Potter, that he is worth more dead than alive as he has a $15,000 life insurance policy ($228,314 adjusted for in ation). Visited by his guardian angel, Clarence, George is given the gift of seeing what life in his town of Bedford Falls would have been without him. After seeing his wife, Mary, never marry, his younger brother

Secondly, I consider one of my favorite episodes of “Star Trek: The Next Generation” called “Tapestry.” Patrick Stewart’s character Jean-Luc Picard dies from failure of his arti cial heart. He is visited by a series’ regular guest, “Q,” who gives Picard a chance to go back before he lost his real heart to alter his past and thereby correct that mistake. Picard avoids the incident and retains his heart, immediately being transported to the present where he is no longer captain but a lower-level o cer, who is helping to maintain a ship. Picard asks the rst o cer about what he can do to be promoted, and he learns that he would not be promoted any time soon because he “just doesn’t take risks” and “doesn’t stand out.” Upon this realization, Picard is approached by Q, whom he pleads with to let him reverse the changes he made. Picard reasons it would be better for him to have died in the present with a “satisfying life having been behind him rather than continue living life as an average, dreary man, bereft of passion and imagination.”

The changes were reversed, and Picard recovered from the failure of the arti cial heart, living as the man he had wanted to be. At the end, Picard states, “There are many parts of my youth that I’m not proud of. … There were loose threads … untidy parts of me that I would like to remove. But when I pulled on one of those threads, it unraveled the tapestry of my life.”

These stories help me to consider what my perspective is and should be. Like Picard, there

are some parts of my youth I am not proud of, but I would like to be the person I am, willing to reach out and help others. Similar to George Bailey's story, I understand that life could have been di erent if I were not part of it. By doing small and simple things — whether it be reaching out to a neighbor in need or shoveling an extra bit of sidewalk — much can be done to brighten the world. Let’s stand out, take risks, be kind to those in need and share what we have to make life that much better.

LEFT TO RIGHT: Bob Knudsen (District 5), Curt Cochran (District 2), Anna Barbieri, Chair (District 3), Meredith Harker, Vice Chair (District 4) and Ernest Burgess (District 1)

The Fallen Those Who Serve

Chief, City Leaders Talk about Good Citizenry with Students

TVPD EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

They talked about helping neighbors, staying away from drugs and alcohol, following laws and reminding their parents to follow the law, as well. Students also learned that kids can make a big di erence in their community.

“We always enjoy meeting with the children and students in our community,” said Chief Cottam. “Absolutely, they are our future, and we are so grateful for their positive perspectives and desire to contribute and help others.”

Congratulations to O cer Clu , our TVPD Employee of the Month. O cer Clu has served in law enforcement and corrections for more than seven years. He has worked for the Utah Department of Corrections, West Valley City Police Department and Taylorsville Police Department.

He has experience working as part of a Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, is a certi ed police training instructor and serves part-time with our TVPD public order unit dedicated to maintaining peace during large-scale public events.

Offcer Cluff’s main responsibility with TVPD is working as a patrol o cer. He responds to any type of police call for service that you can imagine.

Sgt. Neal nominated O cer Clu as Employee of the Month for his “rapid and decisive actions” in responding to a serious crime in progress where two people had been attacked. O cer Clu provided crucial rst aid to one of the victims in need.

Both victims were expected to recover from their injuries. Sgt. Neal noted that Officer Cluff maintained focus and composure during a very chaotic time. The combined response of all o cers made it possible to arrest the victims’ attacker.

Sgt. Neal told TVPD administrators that a week later, O cer Clu handled a report of a serious domestic violence aggravated assault. The suspect had left prior to police arriving. O cer Clu spoke in length with the victim about what had happened. He worked with the victim on a safety plan and then went to work to locate the suspect. He “followed through with tenacity” and was ultimately able to locate and arrest the suspect.

Sgt. Neal described O cer Clu as an o cer he could nominate every month as our Employee of the Month. He described him as one who “consistently commits to conducting thorough investigations, makes fair decisions and is always willing to help others.” He is a “valuable asset to TVPD and his patrol shift,” Sgt. Neal added.

In his free time, Officer Cluff enjoys fly fishing, mountain biking and camping. Thank you, O cer Clu , for your dedicated service and for being a part of Team Taylorsville!

FOP Auxiliary, Parks and Rec Committee Bring Halloween to City Hall

The Taylorsville Fraternal Order of Police cooked up hot dogs and passed out tons of candy in co-sponsoring a Halloween event that drew dozens of little ghosts and goblins to City Hall.

The Oct. 22 event was co-sponsored by TVPD’s local FOP auxiliary and the Taylorsville Parks and Recreation Committee. As a storm moved in, they scrambled to prevent cancellation of Trick-or-Treating on the Plaza, moving everything inside to City Hall.

More than 50 individuals and groups signed up to host candy booths, handing out candy and treats to all who turned out for the holiday fun. “We were sad that the weather didn’t cooperate but so appreciative of the can-do spirit of so many who pitched in to make this event possible,” said Mayor Kristie Overson.

A food drive also was held in conjunction with the event and those attending brought hundreds of “cans for candy,” which were donated to the Taylorsville Food Pantry.

Mayor Kristie Overson and Chief Brady Cottam visited Calvin Smith Elementary thirdgraders this past month to talk about their roles and responsibilities in the city. Joining them, too, was City Council Member Meredith Harker, who is a teacher at the school.

Taylorsville

Several new businesses opened their doors in Taylorsville this year. Among them are:

Sierra — Go-to retailer Sierra celebrated its grand opening in Taylorsville with local DJs, fun games and giveaways for shoppers, as well as a Ribbon Cutting event with city o cials and ChamberWest.

The store is located at 5786 S. Redwood Road in The Crossroads of Taylorsville shopping center (next to HomeGoods). Sierra is an o -price retailer where shoppers can nd apparel, footwear, recreational gear and home décor, as well as seasonal o erings including winter essentials, snow-sport apparel and holiday gifts. With its arrival in Taylorsville, Sierra made a $10,000 donation to The Road Home to help the homeless.

“We are thrilled to o cially join the Taylorsville community and have everyone see what the Sierra shopping experience is all about,” said Gennifer Hobbs, vice president and Sierra marketing director.

In welcoming the store to the city, Mayor Kristie Overson recognized the retailer as a champion of families. “Thank you for your support of our community and your contributions,” she said. “Sierra provides the perfect addition to Taylorsville.”

The store is open Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Visit sierra.com for more information.

HomeGoods — Sierra’s sister store, HomeGoods, also opened next door. From furniture and lighting to seasonal décor, pillows and rugs, dining and kitchenware, Home-

Goods has it all at its new Taylorsville location, 5786 S. Redwood Road.

“We are so happy to have you here in Taylorsville,” said Mayor Overson, who welcomed Store Manager Edika Stewart and her employees. “Your store is bright and modern, and your merchandise is amazing.”

Mayor Overson also joked that she was giving Stewart “the keys to the store,” hand-delivering HomeGoods’ business license from the city. Whether it’s new bedding, an accent rug or that perfect decorative object, HomeGoods personnel said they know you will nd something fun and special at a great price every time you visit.

HomeGoods in Taylorsville is open Monday through Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, visit homegoods.com.

Los Tapatios — This new restaurant was created by two brothers who immigrated from the western Mexican state of Jalisco, with a simple idea in mind: To bring avorful, rich, authentic birria to their family, friends and community.

Located at 3269 W. 5400 South, Los Tapatios celebrated their fall opening with a Ribbon Cutting event, also attended by city o cials and representatives from ChamberWest.

“Your food is absolutely delicious,” said Mayor Overson, “and your restaurant is nicely decorated and inviting. We are impressed with your family and sta and how friendly

See what’s new at Carriage Square! We’ll be highlighting Carriage Square businesses over the next several months in advance of coming renovations to the shopping center. Be sure to stop by this fun section of Taylorsville.

Sailor’s Boil is home to some of the best Cajun seafood in the West. The restaurant in Carriage Square o ers a variety of delicious dishes, including seafood baskets, soups, salads and sandwiches.

Breathe in the Louisiana aroma and delight your taste buds. The moment you walk into the restaurant you’ll feel like you've traveled onto a sailor’s ship, with the whole establishment decorated with sea life, shells and sailing nets.

Sailor’s Boil rst opened in May 2000 and has been a staple of Carriage Square. Because of the authentic Cajun seafood they o er, a mix of people come in to enjoy their food. Their clientele includes a large base of residents from local Polynesian and Vietnamese communities.

Not only does Sailor’s Boil serve authentic and tasty food but the restaurant also o ers a karaoke room to book in advance for parties of up to 30 or 40 people for graduations, o ce parties or birthday get-togethers.

If you’re looking to try out Sailor’s Boil, the sta highly recommend ordering The Sailor’s Feast, Seafood Gumbo or any of their seasoned boiled seafood on the menu.

You can order online for pick-up or call 801-999-4081, or have their food delivered through Grubhub. They are located at 4121 S. Carriage Square in Taylorsville.

NEW BUSINESSES

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 and e cient they are. I can’t wait to come back for lunch again.”

Los Tapatios’ specialty is their authentic Birria originating from Guadalajara. It's a beef stew with a mix of avorful spices used as a signature meat in all their dishes — from crispy tacos with cheese to ramen birria and their brunch item called chilaquiles, which is served all day. The meat is marinated for 24 hours and then cooked for ve to six hours to get the tender texture and the avorful broth.

The restaurant is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. For more information and menu items, visit their website lostapatiostacogrill.com

Dutch Bros — You can now enjoy a mocha, latte or americano, soda or lemonade, energy drink, frosts and freezes at a second Dutch Bros in Taylorsville. The company’s newest location is located at 1517 W. 5400 South.

Taylorsville City officials and representatives from ChamberWest were on hand for the Dutch Bros fall Ribbon Cutting, which was joined by the “Dutch Bros Army” representing the company’s top baristas from

across the region. Dutch Bros also has a shop at 3883 W. 5400 South in Taylorsville.

Mayor Overson welcomed the company and congratulated them on their opening. “This has been a super fun, highly energized Ribbon Cutting,” she said. “We are so glad to have you here in Taylorsville. We always love it when we can celebrate new businesses in our city.”

You can read more about Dutch Bros and check out their "secret menu" online at dutchbros.com. Dutch Bros in Taylorsville is open every day from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.

PURE Infusion — PURE Infusion Suites is open at 4179 S. Riverboat Road, suite 170. The new business administers various types of infusion and injection therapies, including those for neurology, rheumatology, gastroenterology, oncology, hematology, immunology and dermatology, as well as intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatments, antibiotics and others.

Treatments are supervised by a trained medical team, who coordinates care with doctors and pharmacies and performs prior-authorizations and other services to provide treatment. Their infusion centers are equipped with reclining chairs, televisions, wireless internet and additional amenities. Each infusion suite provides a comfortable setting with complete isolation from sta and other patients.

“You have created an inviting backdrop for compassionate and specialized care, and we know that will make a real di erence to the patients you see,” noted Mayor Overson in welcoming PURE Infusion Suites the city.

The new business also has locations in Layton, Utah, and nine other states. They are open in Taylorsville from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 385-276-3945 or visit their website pureinfusionsuites.com for more information.

Quick Emissions — Located at 2724 W. 5400 South, Quick Emissions’“test-only” station does automotive safety inspections, VIN inspections and emissions testing.

“How lucky we are to have you right across the street from City Hall,” Mayor Overson noted in her welcome of Quick Emissions. “As you know, we are a business-friendly community. We love our businesses and want to support them in any way we can.”

In addition to Taylorsville, Quick Emissions has locations in Bountiful and Layton. No appointment is necessary, and they provide service on a rst-come, rst-served basis.

“Because we don’t do repairs, we don’t look for the up-sale or repair work,” said owner Erik Ho man. “We are quick and honest. With 20-plus years of experience, we can usually test your vehicle within 10 minutes, so come down today and experience the di erence.”

Quick Emissions is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, go to quickemissionsutah.com.

Read additional details and more about other new businesses opening in Taylorsville on the city’s website, www.taylorsvilleut.gov

Taylorsville Bennion Heritage REMEMBRANCES

The Taylorsville Historic Preservation Committee would like to show you a sampling of history from our previous “Saturday with Santa” events, starting in 2007 and continuing on with the current year’s ad found on Page 2 of this section.

In past years, Santa arrived on a retruck with sirens blaring after he had visited three other places. The locations and Santas have changed over the years, but the spirit of Christmas remains.

Join us for this year’s event on Dec. 10 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Center museum, 1488 W. 4800 South. Saturday with Santa 2022 is sponsored by the Taylorsville Historic Preservation Committee, with support from the Taylorsville Parks and Recreation Committee. Enjoy children’s crafts and games, prizes for kids, tasty treats and local entertainment. We love this holiday tradition!

TAYLORSVILLE SENIOR CENTER 4743 S. Plymouth View Drive Enjoy Lunch at the Taylorsville Senior Center

Lunch is available at the Taylorsville Senior Center for seniors ages 60 and over from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. for a suggested donation of $4. You can visit the center’s website at www.slco.org/taylorsville-senior-center for menu and activities information. The Taylorsville Senior Center is located at 4743 S. Plymouth View Drive and can be contacted by phone at 801-385-3370.

Don’t Miss These Library Events

The Taylorsville Library has planned several programs during the month of December. You’ll want to mark your calendar for these events:

THE WALKING BOOK CLUB

Thursdays, Dec. 1, 8 and 15 at 10 a.m. Walk and discuss “Devotions” by Mary Oliver. The Walking Book Club is great for readers interested in a weekly walk session and book discussion. The group reads one book over the course of three weeks, discussing the book in segments. The club meets Thursdays from 10 to 11:15 a.m. Take a 30-minute walk along the paths behind the library and then participate in a 30-minute book discussion. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle. Strollers are welcome.

“DEVOTIONS” READING SCHEDULE: Dec. 1: Pages 1 to 141 Dec. 8: Pages 145 to 277 Dec. 15: Pages 281 to end

SENIOR BOOK CLUB AT THE TAYLORSVILLE SENIOR CENTER

4743 S. Plymouth View Drive Monday, Dec. 12, 11 a.m. This month, the club will discuss “The Giver of Stars” by Jo Jo Moyes.

VIRTUAL ADULT LECTURE | Christmas Ghost Stories: A Victorian Tradition Monday, Dec. 12, 7 p.m. Register at: thecountylibrary.org/LectureSeries

Leslee Thorne-Murphy will highlight the popularity of Christmas ghost stories in Victorian England and discuss the traditions that inspired and haunted the era’s celebrations.

MUSIC & MOVEMENT: THE NUTCRACKER Tuesday, Dec. 13, 10:30 a.m. Dance your way through the popular songs from Tchaikovsky's ballet, “The Nutcracker.”

NOON YEAR'S EVE DANCE PARTY! Saturday, Dec. 31, 11:30 a.m. Dance in the new year! Perfect for little ones who can't stay up until midnight.

ANNUAL COLLECTION DAY

DECEMBER UPDATES

WFWRD Board Approves 2023 Budget

WFWRD’s Board of Trustees held a public hearing on Nov. 14 at 6 p.m. to allow public comment for the Tentative 2023 Budget. After few comments from the public, the board approved the budget for 2023, which included fee increases.

The last fee increase occurred in January 2018. The 2023 increased fees will help to keep up with the rapidly rising costs with labor markets, maintenance shop rates, processing costs at the land lls and recycling facilities, and truck prices to purchase replacement trucks. Additionally, the recycling commodity markets have heavily declined throughout the last few months. However, the WFWRD board and residents want to continue weekly recycling pickups because improvements in the markets are anticipated in the spring. WFWRD is working closely with local material recovery facilities to ensure all materials are either sent to recycling processing centers or stored until the markets improve.

Here is an outline of the fee increases:

• The base fees garbage and recycling collections will increase $2.50 per month/$7.50 per quarter/$30 per year. (Total: $19.50 per month/$58.50 per quarter/$234 per year).

• Additional waste (black) cans will increase to $19.50 per month/$58.50 per quarter/$234 per year, for collections.

• Additional recycling (blue) cans will come with a $5 per month fee, representing a $2 per month increase for collections.

• Second cans: There will be a $70 per can rental fee for a new can, or $45 for a refurbished can will pay for the can plus delivery.

• Trailer rental for bulk: $190 from $175 and green: $55 from $45.

Please see the WFWRD website for details, wasatchfrontwaste.org

Subscription Green Waste Collection

Do you have leftover pumpkins or fruits and veggies from the holidays? Throw them in your green waste cans! The last pickup date for Green Waste Collection for Taylorsville will be Thursday, Dec. 8. The district reminds residents to not place the green cans out on the curb after that date. They will not be picked up nor emptied. Collections for green waste, in Taylorsville, will resume Thursday, March 16, 2023.

Sustainability Through the Holidays

As gifts and presents are exchanged this season, please remember that paper-based wrapping paper is recyclable, but plastic or Mylar wrapping and bows/ribbons are not recyclable. If you’re not sure whether your wrapping paper gets the green light for the blue recycle bin, try the scrunch test. Take your wrapping paper and scrunch it up into a ball. If the ball keeps its shape, it is likely recyclable. If it opens back up into a sheet, it is likely not. For any recycling questions or concerns, please call 385-468-6337. Happy holidays!

Winterize Your Home to Prevent Unexpected Problems

Cold and freezing weather is upon us, and your plumbing may not like it. Pipes can freeze and burst, causing some of the most expensive repairs in a home. Following are some tips to help prevent unexpected problems: Insulate Exposed Piping. If you have any exposed water or drain piping in uninsulated spaces such as in a crawlspace, attic, outside walls, etc., make sure to insulate them. Ideally, you should wrap them with electrical heating tape rst, and then insulate them. Exterior Faucets. Also, commonly known as hose bibs should be checked for leakage. Remember to disconnect your garden hoses from the outside faucets and drain the hose to prevent damage.

Long-term shutoff. If your property is going to be unoccupied for several months, consider shutting o the water supply valve inside the home. If a leak were to occur without occupancy, the damage could be expensive, even catastrophic.

Also, TBID has scheduled a public budget hearing on Wednesday, Dec. 21, at 3 p.m. at the Taylorsville-Bennion Improvement District o ce, 1800 W. 4700 South.

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 Twitter.

Taylorsville and Kearns athletes recently received honors as part of the Utah High School Activities Association’s academic allstate awards.

“Individuals are selected for this award on the basis of their athletic ability and aca demic proficiency,” UHSAA Executive Di rector Rob Cuff said in a press release. “The award is the most prestigious honor the UH SAA presents to senior students.”

Athletic performance can make educa tion more difficult because of time constraints. In a University of Kansas study, athletes on average have better grades and graduate at a higher percentage.

Angela Lumpkin, a Kansas professor of health said, “In general athletes are not smart er than nonathletes, but evidence suggests they take studies more seriously if they want to compete.”

For more than 25 years the UHSAA has presented the academic all-state awards to athletes that maintain high academic stan dards and contribute to their respective ath letic fields. In the past, the award meant you were a varsity player and had one of the top ten grade point averages in your classifica tion. In 2018 that changed in two ways.

The first change made the award not just an athletic achievement. The award is now

By Greg James | g.james@mycityjournals.com

given to all UHSAA-sanctioned activities. Theater, debate and music participants are now recognized at the completion of seasons just like athletes.

The current award changes also include the use of a matrix that includes grade point average and ACT scores. All 4.0s receive the award, but a student with a 3.9 and a 33 ACT may now also qualify.

Larkin Hancuff from Kearns was hon ored at Kearns High School. The senior fin ished eighth, with a personal record, at the Region 2 boys cross country finals. He helped the Cougars place second overall in the region competition. He finished 53 at the state divi sional.

Taylorsville senior Sarah Ekker was nominated in two sports, girls soccer and ten nis. The Warriors soccer team placed fifth in Region 2 with a 4-8 record. They lost in the first round of the state playoffs to Skyridge, 9-1.

“With over 85,000 students participating in high school activities, to be recognized is reputable,” Cuff said. “On behalf of all those associated with the UHSAA I congratulate and pay tribute to those who have earned and received this distinguished award.”

Students are nominated through their registration process for school activities. The

schools confirm their participation, grade point averages and ACT or SAT scores. The UHSSA then awards the recognition and no tifies the school of the participant's achieve ment. The schools then present the awards

in separate ceremonies to recognize their achievements.

“The real purpose is to recognize more students,” Cuff said. “We want to give out more certificates.” l

Jordan

Larkin Hancuff from Kearns High School was honored for his excellence in the classroom and cross-country events. (Photo courtesy of KHS historian)

* Bu y 2 C o mf o r t 3 6 5 W n d o w s ® at re gular p r c e an d g e t 1 ad d t io na w n d o w re e Fre e w n d o w mu s t b e of e qual o r e s s er v alu e D o ub l e Ta x C re dit i s $ 6 0 0 w h c h s e qua t o t h e ma x mum annual t a x c re dit f o r w n d o w s p er t h e Inflat o n Re du c t o n A c t f o r 2 0 2 2 M n mum p urc ha s e of 3 C o mf o r t 3 6 5 W n d o w s ® re qu re d A l di s c o unt s ap p l y t o t h e M S RP c o s t N o a d u s t m ent s c an b e ma d e o n p r io r s al e s O er s ubje c t t o c han g e * * S ubje c t o c re d t app ro v a Int ere s t s b l e d dur n g t h e p ro m ot o na p er o d b u t al int ere s t s w ai v e d f t h e p urc ha s e am o unt s p a d b e f o re t h e e x p ir at io n o h e p ro m ot o na p er o d T h ere s n o min mum m o nt hl y p ay m ent re quire d dur n g t h e p ro m ot o na p er io d F nan c n g f o r G re en S k y ® c o n s um er o an p ro gr am s s p ro v d e

Salt Lake County Library Services to increase tax rate

By Zak Sonntag | z.sonntag@mycityjournals.com

Salt Lake County Library Services is set to bump its tax levy in 2023 in response to inflationary pressure, as well as address delayed maintenance while maintaining and ex panding offerings at its 18 branches.

Under the proposal the average Salt Lake County home, valued around $560,000, would see an increase of $30 per year for a total annual outlay of $149 to support the library services. The hike will be put to a vote on Dec. 6, and if passed will increase the County Library budget by 25%.

Library officials say the increase is needed to offset in flationary pressure; the library services has seen a compound ed 30% increase in expenses since its last tax adjustment in 2012.

“Every business has to deal with (inflation), and they’ll work through it by constantly raising prices. But as a munic ipality, we don't have that option. Anytime we want to raise more money, it has to be through the Truth in Taxation pro cess,” said Sara Neal, marketing and communications man ager for Salt Lake County Library Services, speaking about the state law that lays out how government bodies can raise taxes.

The library services has absorbed cost increases through new efficiencies like system automation along with staffing changes and deferred maintenance. However, maintenance needs have continued to mount, and leaders say they cannot continue to put repairs off.

High on the priority list is the West Valley branch, whose derelict boilers have a penchant to leave patrons and staff in the cold, and whose limited facility space fails to meet the needs of a modern library user.

“Their boilers are 50 years old at this point. There not made any more and we can't get parts for them. If that system failed and we had to replace it the cost is huge. But would you invest that much money in an old building that doesn't serve the needs of the community anyway?” said Neal, who anticipates a brand-new West Valley facility is on the way with the help of new tax dollars.

Neal says the county is also looking to replace or reno vate older, smaller libraries in its service area, including the Tyler branch in Midvale, the Whitmore branch in Cotton wood Heights, and the Sandy branch. The renovations will help modernize the facilities in ways that meet community needs.

Neal points to the success of the Granite Branch, opened in 2022, which stands in high contrast to the libraries of yore.

“At Granite we have creative space for people who want to explore technology tools that they might not have access to otherwise. They have study rooms that are always being used because people need spaces like that. It's fun to see how a library can really serve the different needs of people in the neighborhood,” Neal said.

In this way Salt Lake County has become home to one of the most popular library systems in the nation, with over twothirds of the 837,000 people in its service area designated as “active library card users,” defined as a patron who utilizes a library service during a three-year period.

“There are about 9,000 library systems in North Ameri ca, and we're usually about number 13 or so,” Neal said.

According to Neal, the county system circulates 12 mil lion items—close to 80% of them physical items like books

and audiobooks and the remainder digital items like e-audio books.

The service’s popularity is driven in part by the county’s expanding population, which has grown by 13% in the last decade.

Some county residents—including those in Murray and Salt Lake City, who have their own city library systems—are not impacted by the county library tax in order to prevent “dual taxation,” even as reciprocal borrowing agreements allow residents to hold cards in all three systems simultane ously. l

A patron enters the Whitmore Library. (File photo Sarah Morton Taggart/City Journals)

Utah cities are becoming more food truck-friendly

By Sarah Morton Taggart | s.taggart@mycityjournals.com

The Salt Lake area isn’t usually thought of as a top food truck destination, but that might now change thanks to a new state law.

House Bill 146 became effective in May and restricts the ability of a city or county to require a separate business license if the food truck owner already has a valid license in anoth er Utah community. In other words, it requires food truck owners to obtain a business license from just one city—not every single municipal ity or county they want to operate in. Commu nities around the state are gradually amending their codes to be in compliance.

Melissa Anderson from the Community Development Department presented related code amendments to the Sandy City Council on Oct. 25.

“In lieu of a Sandy City business license, mobile food business owners may submit a business license from another political subdivi sion in the state,” Anderson said. “The proposed amendments make it easier to operate a mobile food business in Sandy, consistent with a new state law.”

Among other changes, food truck owners will also not be required to disclose financial information or pay additional fees above the ac tual cost of processing the neighboring business license. The Planning Commission forwarded a positive recommendation, and the amendments

were approved at the Sandy City Council meet ing Nov. 15.

“The impact will be big,” said Taylor Har ris, a founding partner and general manager of The Food Truck League, a network of gourmet food trucks in Utah. In addition to organizing events, the League works to promote, lobby and advocate for the industry.

Harris has been part of a four-year-long process begun by then-Sen. (now Lieutenant Governor) Deirdre Henderson and the Libertas Institute to create a “food truck freedom” law to reduce regulations.

“Sen. Henderson brought everyone to the table,” Harris said. “What was happening was every city was doing a policy that made sense in isolation, but the compounding effects—the way we’re organized geographically in Utah— it was just killing trucks and stopping them from being able to run their businesses. So, we came up with a framework, we tried out a cou ple different things, and that’s evolved over the last several years and we’ve gotten to this place that’s really a happy home where it works for everybody.”

Harris said the original law has been tested and improved to the point where now it has be come a model for other states.

A statement on the Libertas Institute’s web site says that the new law is fair since other busi

nesses, including catering companies, are not required to obtain licenses in each city in which they operate.

Though it will take time for every commu nity to amend city codes to reflect the law like Sandy has, Harris believes it has already had a big impact in the day-to-day business of food truck owners and operators.

“Most of the cities we work with are work ing on it,” Harris said. “In practice they’re im plementing it and working on formalizing it. I think for cities there’s this balance. They don’t want to lose control over protecting their public, and at the same time, they’re busy. They don’t want duplication any more than we do. They just want to make sure that everything is safe and taken care of, and I think this law addressed that concern.”

The Food Truck League held its first pub lic event in May 2015 and has hosted events throughout the valley ever since, including Food Truck Mondays at Sandy Amphitheater Park, 1245 E. 9400 South.

“We work with Sandy to do their event at the amphitheater,” Harris said. “It has been a great event, but this will make it easier to bring a wider variety of trucks in. Now we can pull from all the best trucks Utah has to offer, instead of just the best trucks registered in Sandy.”

The League counts over 300 distinct food

A new city ordinance will make it easier for more food trucks to participate in events like Food Truck Mondays at Sandy’s Amphitheater Park. (Photo courtesy The Food Truck League)

trucks in its network. Harris recommends visit ing the League’s site www.thefoodtruckleague. com/food-trucks/trucks/ to find food trucks all year long.

“Anyone that knows restaurants knows that’s a hard business,” Harris said. “They don’t do it for money, they do it for love. So to give them tools to be more successful is really ex citing. And this legislation allows the regulatory environment to help our creators get out there and not get shut down due to signing paper work over and over again.” l

Cougars soccer finished second in a rebuilding season

By Greg James | g.james@mycityjournals.com

Kearns High School’s girls soccer team has taken residence near the top of Region 2. The 2022 season was supposed to be a rebuild ing year, but they found a way to make it to second place.

“Our season went good,” Cougars head coach Jenessa Robison said. “We lost 14 se niors last year, so it was an undertaking to re place girls and see what would work together.”

The Cougar's rebuilding season finished with nine region wins and second to Roy in Region 2. Kearns won a region title in 2020 and has placed second the last two years.

“We were hoping to finish somewhere in the middle of the region, so we performed bet ter than we anticipated,” Robison said.

The season started slowly for the Cou gars. Every game was decided by one goal. Their only preseason wins came against Tooele and Ben Lomond.

Their defense seemed to be solid from the start of the year. Senior goalie Victoria Espi noza held on for six shutouts. As captain, she rallied her team and kept them on task.

“She (Espinoza) was amazing this year, absolutely impeccable. Every ref talked to her about some of her amazing saves. She encour aged the team to come together to fix prob lems,” Robison said.

Espinoza secured 14 shutouts in her ca

reer at Kearns. She was a sophomore when Ke arns won its first region title in 20 years.

“There were seasons when this team was lucky to walk away with two wins,” Robison said after that championship. “We are setting a new culture at Kearns.”

Zaiah Menlove was the leading scorer this season with 15 goals. She was a transfer from RSL Academy in Herriman.

“We were lucky she was able to play for us this season. We put her at a new position, and she was good at connecting with her wings and finding ways to build with them,” Robison said.

Robison said Jazmine Lopez, Sariah Glade and Victoria Espinoza were important leaders on the team.

Glade was the team's second-leading scorer with six goals. Lopez and Espinoza played important defensive roles on the team.

Kearns finished the season seeded 10th by the UHSAA. They hosted Copper Hills in the first round of the playoffs.

“The Copper Hills playoff game was well fought. They were constantly subbing in new and fresh players, and we could not hold out. We just do not have the depth to stay with the bigger teams. We just could not get a goal,” Robison said.

With the game knotted at one, Copper

Hills capitalized with a goal.

“There was an unlucky handball after some jostling around with our players and the goalie,” Robison said. “After that, we were a little bit deflated.”

Copper Hills advanced to the second round and lost to Davis. Last season Kearns defeated Copper Hills, but this season they

were not as lucky.

Robison is excited about the team coming back next year.

“We have a young team coming back, our defense is mostly sophomores. I know we have some good freshmen coming up and are excit ed for this team and the future. We could put up a good fight in our region,” Robison said. l

Senior Jazmine Lopez scored a goal and had three assists for Kearns. (Photo courtesy of KHS historian)

Throughout the ages, there have been many important advances in mobility Canes, walkers, rollators, and scooters were created to help people with mobility issues get around and retain their independence. Lately, however, there haven’t been any new improvements to these existing products or developments in this field. Until now. Recently, an innovative design engineer who’s developed one of the world’s most popular products created a completely new breakthrough a personal electric vehicle. It’s called the Zinger, and there is nothing out there quite like it

“What my wife especially loves is it gives her back feelings of safety and independence which has given a real boost to her confidence and happiness! Thank You!”

–Kent C., California

The first thing you’ll notice about the Zinger is its unique look. It doesn’t look like a scooter. Its sleek, lightweight yet durable frame is made with aircraft grade aluminum so it weighs only 47.2 lbs. It features one touch folding and unfolding – when folded it can be wheeled around like a suitcase and fits easily into a

backseat or trunk. Then, there are the steering levers. They enable the Zinger to move forward, backward, turn on a dime and even pull right up to a table or desk. With its compact yet powerful motor it can go up to 6 miles an hour and its rechargeable battery can go up to 8 miles on a single charge. With its low center of gravity and inflatable tires it can handle rugged terrain and is virtually tip-proof. Think about it, you can take your Zinger almost anywhere, so you don’t have to let mobility issues rule your life.

Why take our word for it? Call now, and find out how you can get a Zinger of your very own

Election security in Salt Lake County

Another election season has come and gone and I’m sure, like me, you won’t miss the campaign ads that peppered bill boards, pedestrian walkways, TV commer cial breaks, and your social media feed.

I would like to thank you for the op portunity to serve you, my constituents, in District 3 for another term on the Salt Lake County Council. My district is a swing dis trict that could easily be won by a Repub lican or Democratic candidate, and I am honored to have your support. I’ve spent my life living and serving in District 3 and I consider it a great privilege to represent you.

With the election season drawing to a close, I often get asked about our election process. First, let me say that I believe our elections are secure, and while we contin ue to find ways to improve our process, I believe the outcome accurately reflects the voter’s choice.

Vote by mail became an even more popular option in the midst of the pandem ic, but did you know that Utah was one of five states that had already implemented vote by mail prior to the pandemic? That means we have had several years to finetune this process. For those voters who chose the vote by mail option there were three ways to return your ballot: the US Postal Service, one of the 21 drive-up bal

lot boxes, or any vote center.

When your ballot arrives at the Salt Lake County clerk’s office the barcode on the envelope is scanned, creating a re turn log and vote history for the voter, and ensuring that only one ballot is accepted for each voter. The privacy tab on the re turn envelope is removed, and the voter’s

signature is compared to the voter-signed affidavit. The ballot remains sealed inside the envelope during this process. Once the signature has been verified, the security sleeve containing the ballot is removed and separated from the envelope, making the ballot anonymous. The anonymous ballots are removed from the security sleeve and prepared for counting. Ballots are carefully logged in and tracked during the tabulation process.

The County Clerk's office works hard to maintain accurate voter rolls. Election staff review all returned mail to verify the accuracy of voters’ addresses and vot er status. Deceased persons are regularly removed based on a list provided by the Office of Vital Records. Notifications from other states identify voters who have moved out-of-state. Address changes made with the Utah Driver License Division are automatically applied. The database is scanned regularly to remove duplicate en tries and ensure accuracy.

I recognize the importance a secure and accurate voting system plays in ensur ing a stable society. Our electoral process includes many security measures to ensure integrity. You can learn more about the steps Salt Lake County has taken to protect ballot security and privacy at slco.vote.

Even though 2022 seemed to last as long as a 5-year-old reading “Green Eggs and Ham,” the holidays rushed in like a wicked case of intestinal flu. But high grocery prices? Rising inflation? Those things have never stopped Americans from over-celebrating the holidays.

If you’re finding it hard to capture the spirit of Christmas this year, just remem ber the real meaning of the holidays: get ting presents. All those brightly-wrapped packages will bring you hours of tempo rary joy and fulfillment.

I wonder if we have lost our senses, in a very literal way. Maybe if we come back to our senses for the holidays, we’ll stop eating when we’re not hungry, partying when we’re tired and buying a doghouse full of gifts for the family puppy when we’re already overbudget.

Let’s start with the sights of the sea son, like the piles of enticing Amazon box es shoved into hiding places and spilling out of closets. The twinkling lights of po lice cars at the neighbor’s house. The deadeyed stare of a Target cashier and colored globes hanging on the Christmas tree that drops needles when someone walks by.

How about the sounds of the season, like your favorite holiday tunes played by an accordion, or the infinite Mariah Carey

song remix/mash-ups/covers. You’ll hear “Carol of the Bells” so often it becomes part of that nightmare where you’re run

ning to get the last LEGO set but you’re wearing furry slippers and keep tripping over elves. And there’s so much jingling!

What does Christmas feel like? A tod dler’s fingers, sticky from a candy cane, leaving pink fingerprints down the hall. Paper cuts from wrapping gifts. Cold, wet toes as you trudge through snowy parking lots and discover a hole in the sole of your boot. Frozen fingertips, runny noses and being bustled by bustling crowds.

The tastes of Christmas include nasti ness like eggnog and fruitcake, but also the sugary sweetness of gumdrops that suction to your molars and must be surgically re moved. Then there’s scalding hot choco late with toasted marshmallows. (Hint: don’t toast marshmallows in the actual toaster. I know that now.)

December smells like cinnamon, cloves, Seussian roast beast and smoke from your overused credit card. I’ve never smelled roasted chestnuts, but I imagine they have an aroma like a wet dog lying by the fire. Real evergreen trees emit the scent of fresh forests while making it hard to breathe for people with pine allergies.

Obviously, it’s easy to get caught up in what’s going wrong with the holidays, without paying attention to the feeling behind the scenes. When I sit with that

emotion, it’s one of peace, generosity, kindness, forgiveness and love. Things Hallmark Christmas movies are always going on about.

What if Hallmark is right? And I’ve never said that before.

Maybe the miracle of Christmas is noticing the small pleasures like when your friend sends you a funny card or your husband brings you a soft, fluffy blanket as you binge holiday movies. Maybe it’s reading stories to your grandkids or listen ing to grandparents share favorite Christ mas morning memories.

More than the senses, Christmas is about time. A time to pause. A time to be still. A time to remember. A time to breathe. A time to be grateful. A time to be with family. A time to reflect with wonder and awe at the beauty of this world.

Coming back to our senses, in a real way, slows time. It reminds us we’re not alone as we move together through these dark nights with bright stars, just doing the best we can.

Peri Kinder is an award-winning hu mor writer, hosts the Life & Laughter pod cast and was voted Best of State for 2022. She’s also a yoga/meditation instructor and life coach.

Peri Kinder Life and Laughter

Taylorsville