Taylorsville Journal | June 2023

TAYLORSVILLE MOVIEMAKER JD ALLEN

BALANCES FATHERHOOD AND FILMMAKING, ONE DIAPER AND ONE LENS CAP AT A TIME

By Carl Fauver | c.fauver@mycityjournals.com

Raised in one of the roughest parts of the Greater Los Angeles area, motion picture writer, producer and director JD Allen and his sprawling family now call Taylorsville home. But despite leaving that Southern California area years ago, Allen named his film company after the hardscrabble streets he once shared with the Crips and Bloods: “Inglewood Films.”

In the seven short years since officially creating Inglewood Films LLC, Allen has produced dozens of music videos, along with short films, documentaries and even a couple of feature-length movies. He’s now putting the finishing touches on his most recent horror film – and, at $80,000, his largest-budget film to date – “Algea: God of Pain.”

“I wrote Algea with another writer and it’s now in the final production stages,” Allen said. “I’m excited about it because I think it will show what I can do (as a filmmaker). I want to get it in the right (distributor and public relations) hands. We want to get it into film festivals. My goal is also to get a theater run for Algea.”

In the midst of all these lofty career goals, Allen and his wife of two-and-a-half years, Mandi

Makoni, find themselves very busy on the Taylorsville home front. Between the children each of them has from previous relationships… along with a foster son… and their shared 1-year-old, Aniyah, it’s pretty common for 10 heads to hit pillows at their home each night.

“My husband is amazing,” Makoni said. “He works from home – in his man cave theater room – constantly editing. But he also covers the baby several days a week. My parents take Aniyah two days a week. They are a Godsend. But JD works nights and weekends on his films. He’s busy – but also a great father.”

Mandi and JD had a self-described “COVID wedding” in January 2021 at a Las Vegas chapel, with only the bride, groom and four friends. “We

Continued page 4

Taylorsville filmmaker JD Allen stays close to his wife and youngest child Aniyah, even as he keeps busy building a movie making career, one project at a time.

(Courtesy JD Allen)

Go for the vibes!

Kick o your summer with the Utah Arts Festival at Library Square from June 23-25. Enjoy a variety of activities including browsing and purchasing art, watching films, listening to live music, savoring delicious treats, and being inspired by local poets. With new experiences every year, make sure to bring your family and friends and soak in the festival vibes.

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Thursday, June 15 from 6-8:00 p.m.

Entrance 2

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Friday, June 16 from 2-4:00 p.m.

Ribbon-cutting, tours, lunch and more!

Sports Performance

plan to do something big at five years,” Makoni is quick to add.

Allen’s move from Inglewood to Utah occurred more than 20 years ago. After playing one football season at a Southern California junior college, he moved to Provo to play for Brigham Young University in 2002 and 2003. Just a couple of years after legendary coach LaVell Edwards retired, the Cougars weren’t particularly good back then. Allen’s teams did not qualify for a bowl game in either of those seasons.

“I was preparing for my BYU senior season when I was suspended from the team,” Allen said. “I signed a free agent contract with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2004. But they cut me before the preseason games began. I played a little arena football. But by 2008, I was out of the game entirely. My whole life I ‘knew’ I was

Jou r nals

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going to the NFL. So, I was lost. I was trying to figure out what I was going to do with my life now.”

That confusing time put Allen on the path he continues to travel today. First, he was a music rapper. But when he learned how expensive it was to make a music video, he got the idea to get behind the camera himself.

“I love writing stories,” Allen said. “After football, I wrote stories with words and through drawings. As a black man, I never really discuss my life with people. But writing stories is how I get my messages out. Directing and operating the camera for my movies allows me to do that even more effectively.”

Allen estimates he’s already spent about $60,000 on his movie camera and other equipment. So far, he’s been able to make films on shoestring budgets. He’s also won a few industry awards along the way. Now he hopes to turn the corner soon and begin making bigger bud-

get movies.

Like presumably everyone in his industry, Allen would love to someday earn an Academy Award or a Golden Globe. But he has no plans to return to Southern California to make that happen.

“Hollywood is a very shady place – and I don’t need to move there to make movies,” Allen concluded. “I want to do this on my level, not Hollywood’s level. I keep a family vibe on

my set. There are a lot of filmmaking opportunities here in Utah. I love the team aspect of making movies. It takes me back to my football time – the fun of working with a team. And I am happy to have that team, here in Utah.”

Visit Allen’s website, theinglewoodfilms. com, for the most current information on when his biggest film to date – “Algea: God of Pain” – will be available, in a theater near you. l

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Continued from front page

Even when he’s outside a movie industry awards celebration, Taylorsville filmmaker JD Allen always has his camera at the ready. (Courtesy JD Allen)

Taylorsville filmmaker JD Allen and wife Mandi Makoni have plenty of children between them – so a couple’s night out is always welcome. (Courtesy JD Allen)

David Gourley educator Jacob Baesler named Afterschool Teacher of the Year

Afterschool programs have proven to be an effective way to help children excel academically, socially and emotionally. Programs provide children with a safe and structured environment where they participate in a range of activities to help them develop life skills like teamwork, communication and problem-solving.

Jacob Baesler, a third grade teacher at David Gourley Elementary (4905 S. 4300 West) in Kearns, has worked with the afterschool program for five years. This year he was named the 2022-23 Utah Afterschool Teacher of the Year by the Utah Afterschool Network.

His non-traditional way of teaching brings an element of fun to the program, as he genuinely cares about each student’s success.

“As a teacher, we have such an emphasis on assessment goals and results, and it can get heavy and stressful at times,” Baesler said. “Afterschool is a great place for us. It can just be about teaching and enjoying the time and helping the students be as smart and as awesome as they can be. I think it's a big benefit for everyone.”

The program runs from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. and includes an hour of academic learning and another 45 minutes of enrichment activities that include sports, arts, science, engineering or math.

Each day, 30-50 students in first through fifth grade participate in the program, but there is a waiting list for students who would

EVENING SERIES

Season Tickets: $49 Adult, $45 Senior, $29 Child

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

like to get involved. Right now, the school can’t financially accommodate growth for afterschool attendance but the teachers select students who can really benefit from additional academic exposure.

“We look for students that are right on that cusp, that just need a little bit of extra practice, to get us to where we want to see them,” he said. “It’s a tremendous benefit for families as well. A lot of our families in this area work really hard… to take care of their families. We’ve given them a place where they can know that their children are safe and cared for and learning and growing.”

Baesler said afterschool programs promote positive youth development and offer a place where youth can explore their potential. Research shows that children who participate in afterschool programs have better academic

performance, improved social skills and reduced behavioral problems.

David Gourley Principal Briar Mattucci said Baesler is perfect for the afterschool program with his high energy, sense of fun and genuine desire for the kids to learn.

“It's hard after school,” Mattucci said. “These kids have already been in school for seven hours, and then they have to stay for another two-and-a-half, three hours and do academics and all that stuff. For the kids, if it's not a positive experience for them, they aren’t going to love it.”

Baesler’s colleagues at David Gourley nominated him for the award and he said he was surprised and honored they would consider him. He hopes other schools invest in afterschool programs which he said is a win for everyone.

“I would recommend they do everything in their power to make it happen and I think they’d see tremendous results with community engagement, with family engagement and tremendous academic success for students. I absolutely love it,” he said.

On Mondays and Wednesdays, Baesler also helps fourth- and fifth-grade students at the school develop sports skills through the Panda Athletic Club.

“He cares about the kids and the growth and their progress,” Mattucci said. “He’s really just one of the most positive, upbeat people. He really loves to work with the kids.” l

Amphitheater Parking: 495 East 5300 South

Ticket Info: 801-264-2614 or www.murray.utah.gov

Amphitheater Parking: 495 East 5300 South

Ticket Information: 801-264-2614 or www.murray.utah.gov/1959/Tickets

JUNE

June 3 Murray Concert Band

June 9-10, Disney’s High School Musical 12, 15-17

June 19 The Bonner Family with special guest David Archuleta

June 24 Murray Symphony Pops

JULY

July 7-8, Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella 10, 13-15

July 21 Peter Breinholt

July 28-29, Seussical the Musical 31, Aug 3-5

AUGUST

Aug 12 “Music for the Soul” with Thurl Bailey, Vanessa Joy and Marvin Goldstein

Aug 18-19 A Celtic Summer’s Night

Aug 25 Ryan Shupe & the Rubberband

Aug 26 Jenny Oaks Baker & Family Four

SEPTEMBER

Sept 1 4 HIMS

Sept 9 Grupo Folklorico Sapichu & Karlysue y Los Trios Charros

This program has received funding support from residents of Salt Lake County, SL County Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP), Utah Division of Arts & Museums, Utah Department of Cultural & Community Engagement, Utah Humanities, and National Endowment for the Arts.

The afterschool program at David Gourley Elementary in Kearns is run by Jacob Baesler. Baesler was recently named the Utah Afterschool Teacher of the Year for his fun curriculum and dedication to students. (Photo courtesy of Blanca Thompson)

Jacob Baesler, a third grade teacher at David Gourley Elementary was named the 2022-23 Utah Afterschool Teacher of the Year by the Utah Afterschool Network. (Photo courtesy of Granite School District)

How some high school teams handled a stormy spring season

By Travis Barton | travis.b@thecityjournals.com

When the end of February arrived and tryouts started for spring sports, most took place inside with snow still covering the infields, tracks and pitches.

Not really out of the ordinary as winter can occasionally linger.

Then as March plowed on and players looked at their weather app, they continued to see snow in the forecast, postponing games, forcing them inside. And forcing athletic directors to play a scheduling jigsaw puzzle with gym space to ensure soccer, lacrosse, softball, baseball and track and field all had practice time inside.

Even when April arrived, spring was put on hold as snow accumulated so much it canceled in-person school, let alone a baseball game.

With teams shuttered indoors, coaches had to find ways to make practice time productive. The first objective: shaping the attitude.

Riverton High softball coach Katelyn Elliott said they focused on how they can use their time in the gym to get better, that part is within their control.

Everyone from Santaquin to Logan was in the same situation, she told the team, so instead of throwing a pity party or complaining about practicing in the gym, she suggested they focus on how they can develop themselves.

“You can’t control that there’s four feet of snow outside,” she said. “Let’s just take what we have. We have two hours in the gym each day, and we’re going to make the best of it.”

Elliott and her team focused on realistic game scenarios they could practice like leadoffs, tags, signs or bunt scenarios.

“If we have our signs down, things like that, the controllable things we can work on in a gym, and we don’t have to work on that in April, we can go out and work on ground balls and flyballs,” she said.

While the Olympus softball team still spent hours in the batting cages, it also utilized time by drilling down on the mental side of the sport.

Head coach Jackson White said they brought in a team psychologist to speak about conflict resolution. The team would read articles every Friday as a group about team building or mental toughness. One article was called the Champions Mindset, he said, that focused on giving your best every play, and if your mind is still on a previous mistake, then you can’t give your best on that play.

“We were able to get a lot of growth mentally without having to see it physically inside,” he said. “It was a game changer to just kind of teach them how to be good teammates and do drills that was about talking to each other or listening to each other rather than catching a fly ball inside

for the 100th time.”

White said that mental preparation was important when their shortstop broke her foot, forcing them to retool their defense.

Olympus senior catcher Sofia Conlon said the mental work inside unified them as they learned how to grow together.

“Being inside is really hard, it’s not the same as being on a field, so working together as a team mentally made us tighter,” she said. “It pulls us closer and helps us outside for sure.”

Many baseball and softball teams traveled to St. George in March for tournaments while others traveled to Nevada (Riverton baseball) or California (Alta boys lacrosse and Jordan baseball) during spring breaks.

Skyline and Olympus baseball teams are located high on the east bench with snow on their fields slower to melt. They chose to relocate their three-game series to Dixie High School in St. George. Skyline didn’t have its first outdoor practice until the second week in April.

Golf’s season was essentially shortened to several weeks from mid-April to May 9. Riverton High golf coach Trish Marshall said they practiced outside when they could—layered up with coats, jackets, hats and gloves—but were often just hitting off mats at Mulligan’s covered driving range. They even practiced in her classroom, putting on the carpet or chipping over boxes and books into garbage bins.

“We had to get creative,” she said.

Murray High boys soccer coach Bryan DeMann said at one point they spent a whole week practicing inside, playing small-sided games or futsal tournaments focused on getting touches.

“It is hard to simulate soccer on a basketball floor with 30 boys,” he said.

Murray had the unique situation of its field being cleared quicker than any other in their region (all are located closer to the mountains, including Park City). They only had one region game rescheduled but had to reverse some fixtures, which meant they played most of their home games during the first round of region play. Only one home game (senior night) was played in the second round of region.

“We were lucky,” he said. l

The Riverton softball team focused on leadoffs and bunt scenarios indoors when they couldn’t practice outside for most of March. (City Journals)

Remnants of snow still remain around the Jordan soccer field. (City Journals)

Skyline and Bingham girls lacrosse play a rescheduled game on Saturday, April 29. (Travis Barton/ City Journals)

Historic Taylorsville Cemetery records are being updated by a new sexton

One of Utah’s oldest cemeteries is now being maintained by a new sexton after one of our state’s oldest cemetery sextons recently stepped down from his post.

There’s no disagreement, the oldest and largest cemetery in Utah is the Salt Lake City Cemetery, where the first recorded burial occurred the same year the pioneers arrived in the valley – 1847.

After that, there’s some disagreement among state historians as to where the Taylorsville Cemetery (4567 South Redwood Road) falls on that list. Some claim it’s the third oldest graveyard in Utah – others put it down a few more notches on the list.

One thing cemetery sexton Suzie Smith does know: people have been interred at the 5-acre Taylorsville location nearly as long as they have been going into the Salt Lake site.

“Betsey Jane Mantle died just before her fifth birthday, and is our first recorded Taylorsville Cemetery burial, dating back to March 1877,” Smith said. “But my research has shown, over the years several other unofficial or unmarked gravesites have been discovered in the cemetery. We believe some of those date back to the 1850s.”

Smith is only the second sexton Taylorsville City has ever employed at their venerable cemetery. She recently replaced Lee Bennion, who had been an institution there since well before the city incorporated in 1996.

“I used to play on that land as a child – and my entire family is buried there,” Bennion, 77, said. “The cemetery has been near and dear to my heart for decades.”

A walking history book of the cemetery, Bennion wields a convoluted story of the cemetery dating back to his childhood in the 1950s. He explains it was once owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints… then it went into private holding… then to a nonprofit association. That’s when Lee made a more active return to the site – 33 years ago.

“The cemetery had basically been abandoned for about 20 years and it looked horrible,” Bennion explains. “In February 1990, I was driving by and was shocked to see some kids working on it: cleaning up headstones and taking down weeds. I stopped to see what they were up to and who they were working for. That’s when I learned about the nonprofit and became involved. The third person I ever buried in the cemetery was my father in May 1990.”

Over the next few years, Bennion says the other association members fell by the wayside for various reasons. By 1995 – still a year before Taylorsville incorporated – he was all alone operating the cemetery.

“I was basically a one-man show at the cemetery for nearly 20 more years,” Bennion added. “I mowed the lawns and maintained the grounds. I would contract with digging and excavation companies as needed. We were doing about 40 burials per year in the early years.”

About a decade ago, Bennion approached the Taylorsville City Council about taking over the cemetery in a more official capacity.

“It was sometime between 2010 and 2013 when I asked the council if it wanted control of the cemetery,” he added. “As still the only person on the nonprofit association, I gave the city everything: the acreage, a backhoe, a pickup and dump trailer –along with about $15,000 we had in our budget.”

Bennion said he was contemplating stepping away from the cemetery for good back then. But city officials offered him a small stipend to “keep doing what you’re doing.” That’s when Bennion says he discovered he wasn’t really ready to leave.

“I have loved that place for so many decades,” Bennion added. “It has been such an honor to assist my family, my neighbors at that difficult time when they are dealing with a death in

By Carl Fauver | c.fauver@mycityjournals.com

the family. Even total strangers; I love helping them through it. My work at the cemetery has been through my heart, not my head.”

An avid traveler who’s visited many countries and continents, Bennion expects to be doing more of that again in the near future. And even though he freely admits he left the sexton position begrudgingly, Bennion is also confident in his successor. He hired Suzie Smith as his assistant sexton a couple of years ago.

“You know what they say – the worst thing you can do is hire your replacement,” Bennion quipped, the sting not quite gone from his voice. “Suzie had been doing some volunteer tant. She is a nitpicker. Everything has to be absolutely accurate. I told her once, ‘You think with your head, while I think with my Taylorsville Mayor Kristie Overson believes the same thing, although she is also quick to recognize the enormous Lee

“Suzie works longer and harder than she is paid,” The mayor said. “She’s continuing to do so much research to update our records. She’s really moving the vision of the Taylorsville Cemetery forward. But we will also miss Lee’s 30+ years of dedication. He’s been so wonderful working with people in their difficult times. He’ll be missed.”

As she continues to get acquainted with her new role as sexton, Smith is also recognizing the skills of her predecessor.

“I first got involved volunteering at the Taylorsville Cemetery because I like genealogy,” she said. “But there’s no question, it was Lee Bennion’s love of the cemetery that rubbed off on me. It is amazing to work there. I enjoy seeing how different

Taylorsville Mayor Kristie Overson (L) and Chief Financial Officer Scott Harrington (R) are both thrilled with the work new cemetery sexton Suzie Smith is doing to update records for one of Utah’s oldest cemeteries. (Carl Fauver/City Journals)

Civil War Veteran and former Pony Express mail carrier William H. Bess arrived in the Salt Lake Valley one year after Brigham Young, and is one of the more than 3,600 people now interred at Taylorsville Cemetery. (Carl Fauver/City Journals)

Landscaping repairs are underway at the Taylorsville Cemetery, after our wet winter made the ground too soft for the heavy equipment used to dig graves. (Carl Fauver/City Journals)

cultures celebrate their deceased loved ones. It’s so peaceful. There is nothing morbid about it to me. When someone is buried there, I feel it’s now my turn to take care of them.”

There are now about 3,700 people interred at the Taylorsville Cemetery, with room for about 1,600 more. After the cemetery eventually “fills,” officials say additional family

members can be interred there if they are cremated. A common practice is to bury urns filled with ashes above loved ones’ caskets.

Taylorsville Cemetery plot prices are $1,750 for city residents and $2,300 for nonresidents. Plot maps and other information are available at taylorsvilleut.gov/services/cemetery. l

Taylorsville Cemetery sexton Suzie Smith has been on the job about a year now, updating records and, when it’s needed, mowing the 5-acre site on the east side of Redwood Road (4567 South). (Carl Fauver/ City Journals)

Taylorsville Cemetery sexton Suzie Smith spends part of her time at her computer in city hall, where she’s been busy for months updating records for one of Utah’s oldest cemeteries. (Carl Fauver/City Journals)

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Accomplished poet and author delivered Salt Lake Community College's Commencement Address

Many years ago, Tara M. Stringfellow was a divorce attorney in Chicago, living in a penthouse apartment overlooking Lake Michigan with her husband and dog. It was the American dream. But Stringfellow was utterly miserable.

So, she secretly applied for graduate school to study poetry as a profession. When she was accepted into the Master of Fine Arts program at Northwestern University, she fell to her knees and cried.

“[Poetry is] not necessarily known for its high employment, nor its high income levels, but I knew that I wanted to commit my entire life to writing,” she said to graduating students of Salt Lake Community College when she delivered the school’s commencement address on May 4 at the Maverik Center. “Because I was not writing, I did not feel as if I was living. I was not doing the one thing I believe I was put on this earth to do: tell good Black Southern stories.”

Now an accomplished poet and author, Stringfellow believes she has returned to where she started, when at an early age, she discovered a love for poetry and reading. It was Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Raven” that captured her attention. When her father read

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

her that poem, she knew she wanted to be a writer.

“My father, to this day, remembers laughing at me, at my fierce and sudden declaration of self and soul that, so help me, I would be a great American poet. Even greater than Poe,” she said.

In 2008, Stringfellow published her first book, “More than Dancing.” It was a collection of poems exploring America's perspective on love, history and race relations. Her latest novel, “Memphis,” was named one of the Best Books of 2022 by Amazon and is longlisted for Aspen Words Literary Prize & Women’s Prize for Fiction.

Stringfellow challenged SLCC graduates to pursue their dreams, to follow their purpose and to believe in possibilities and hope, even in the face of adversity.

“We all have dreams,” she said. “But the question in front of you graduates today is are you willing and able to hunt for yours? To pursue your dreams, until the edge of reason, to pursue your dreams even when your father or mother, your friends laugh at you, at your sudden declaration of self and soul?”

Stringfellow commended graduates for their resilience in these times of division and

violence. As books are banned and civil liberties are diminished, she encouraged them to pursue happiness, even in a world filled with worry, danger and decline.

She said the ingenuity of young graduates gives her hope as the people who will make this country into a more perfect union. College graduates have always been her “proof through the night that our flag was still there.”

“Your generation, this Class of 2023, will be the scientists and the doctors who solve cancer and Alzheimer's and a recent incurable diagnosis of mine, lupus,” she said. “You will be the politicians who finally declare that health care is an American, no, a human right. And you will be the poets and the writers and the actors who tell stories that will make old poets like me have to go back to the drawing board. And y’all will be the community organizers as well as the CEOs who make damn sure that oppressive systems of institutionalized racism are finally dismantled.”

SLCC President Deneece G. Huftalin said she was honored and delighted that Stringellow shared her journey with the graduates who should find wisdom and hope

in her words.

“As our graduates enter the next chapter of their lives, I’m sure her lived experiences will resonate,” Huftalin said. l

Tara M. Stringfellow, accomplished poet and author, delivered the Salt Lake Community College's 2023 Commencement Address on May 4 at the Maverik Center in West Valley City. (Photo courtesy of Matthew F. Thomas)

MAYOR'S MESSAGE

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

It was our great privilege to recognize two groups of people this past month who have contributed so much to our Taylorsville community. First, our amazing employees were honored at Taylorsville’s 27th annual Awards Gala, and honored before the City Council were the outstanding senior students who have served on the Youth Council.

Our community simply would not be as successful as it is without the service of these incredible individuals. Serendipitously, each group was recognized on back-to-back nights this past month. I extend my sincerest gratitude for all they do to make our community happier, healthier and safer each day.

As you know, I often like to talk about the work that we do as a team. I can’t deny it, I’m always bragging about our Team Taylorsville, and it’s because I really do believe that out of all of the city’s in the state, we have the best right here. We are able to work at the highest levels because of that secret ingredient — teamwork.

In all, we recognized 18 star employees at our Awards Gala on May 16. “Starry Nights” was our theme for the evening at the Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center, so honors included the Rising Star, Shining Star, North Star and Galaxy awards. TVPD Chief Brady Cottam also presented department awards, recognizing lifesaving e orts and distinguished service, as well as supervisor, o cer, detective and civilian of the year.

We are fortunate to have these extraordinary employees giving their all toward making our Taylorsville home better each day. You can read more about the speci c awards and who received them in next month’s Taylorsville Newsletter and at taylorsvilleut.gov. At the Awards Banquet, I also delivered 2023’s State of the City Address, which you can also nd in the July Newsletter or online.

We extend, too, our deepest congratulations and sincere appreciation to the graduating seniors on our Youth Council, who were recognized on May 17. They are incredible youth leaders who have contributed so much. We extend to them every best wish as they venture out toward the brilliant future that awaits. You can read about their remarkable accomplishments on Page 3 of this section.

Without a doubt, we have the best of the best right here in our city. Thank you to our employees and Youth Council for all that you do. Thank you for making our Taylorsville community the place to be — the place where community connects.

—Mayor Kristie S. Overson

WHAT’S INSIDE – JUNE 2023

Frequently Called Numbers, Page 2

Council Corner, Page 3

TVPD News, Page 6

Heritage Remembrances, Page 7

Environment, Page 8

Taylorsville Dayzz is This Month — June 22, 23 and 24

Taylorsville Dayzz o ers plenty to do for everyone – from carnival rides and food booths to the parade, petting zoo, concerts, car show, 5K and, of course, the best reworks show in the state.

The city’s preeminent event on June 22, 23 and 24 brings a show-stopping lineup of free entertaninment featuring on Thursday evening at 7 p.m., the Beatles tribute band Imagine, with the West Valley Symphony and Cannoneers of the Wasatch. At 9:30 p.m., enjoy a Movie in the Park, showing “Top Gun.”

On Friday, the Taylorsville-SLCC Symphony Orchestra performs at 6:30 p.m., followed at 8 p.m. by the Queen tribute band Queen Nation, and don’t miss the reworks that night at 10 p.m.

Then, on Saturday, the Beach Boys tribute band, Surf City Allstars, will be on stage at 7:30 p.m. Look to the sky for the skydivers at 8:30 p.m., followed by the Fireworks Extravaganza at 10 p.m. (See the full schedule of events on Pages 4 and 5 of this section.)

Also, be sure to register for the Taylorsville Dayzz 5K. Registration closes on Friday, June 23, at 3 p.m. Bib/packet pickup is Thursday, June 22, from 4 to 7 p.m. or Friday, June 23, from noon to 3 p.m. in front of City Hall, 2600 W. Taylorsville Blvd. Race Day is Saturday, June 24. See more information at www.taylorsvilleut.gov under Our City and Taylorsville Dayzz 5K.

The festivities all take place at Valley Regional Park at 5100 S. 2700 West.

Mayor Kristie S. Overson

EVENTS JUNE 2023

Every Friday night through Sept. 15

Starry Nights @the Plaza. The food trucks arrive at 5 p.m. and most music starts at 6:30. See www.taylorsvilleut.gov for the full schedule and details about what’s happening each night.

June 7 & 21 – 6:30 p.m.

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

June 7-9 – 8 p.m.

Into The Woods Jr. @ the Centennial Plaza stage. Tickets are $10, purchased at the plaza before the performance.

June 10 – 8 a.m. to noon

Taylorsville Annual Cleanup Day @Taylorsville High School, northwest parking lot.

June 10 – 7:30 p.m.

Taylorsville’s Got Talent @ the Centennial Plaza stage.

June 13 – 7 p.m. & June 27 – 6 p.m.

Planning Commission Meeting @ City Hall.

June 22, 23 & 24

Taylorsville Dayzz @ Valley Regional Park!

See Pages 4 and 5 of this section for a full schedule of events.

Upcoming: July 10-15 – 7:30 p.m.

Footloose @ the Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $15.

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

June 2-3

West Point Ballet and Utah Theatre Ballet presents THE WIZARD OF OZ

June 3

West Point Ballet and Utah Theatre Ballet presents OVER THE RAINBOW

June 8

Nasha Woodhouse presents LIFEHOUSE MUSICAL THEATER SHOWCASE

June 9

BellyDancing by Thia presents GODDESS’, AVATARS & MAGIC

June 9

Sonus Productions presents CARPENTERS PLATINUM - A TRIBUTE

June 10

Tutu School presents BRAVO BASH

June 16-17

Serena Webb Dance Theater presents WUTHERING HEIGHTS

June 16-17

Underground Dance Company presents SLEEP. DREAM. WAKE UP.

June 20

Serena Webb Dance Theater presents ALIZE IN WONDERLAND

June 22-26

Wasatch Theatre Company presents EVERY BRILLIANT THING

Graduating Students Recognized for Service, Leadership

The City Council is dedicating this month’s space where their Council Corner column usually runs to honor the Youth Council’s graduating seniors.

The nine members of the Taylorsville Youth Council who will be graduating from Taylorsville High School were recognized this past month by the City Council and Mayor Kristie Overson. During their time as Youth Council members, these teens have learned about leadership, as well as local and state government, and provided countless hours of service to the community.

They were honored at the May 17 City Council meeting, and each were awarded a Medal of Honor. The nine seniors include:

Kayla Nicoll — Kayla has triple-lettered each year in academics, track and eld and music. She is receiving a Diploma of Merit with areas of distinction in citizenship and music. Kayla will be pursuing a degree in Veterinary Technology and hopes to pursue a higher degree in Veterinary Medicine.

Khai-Hy Ngo — Khai-Hy has maintained a 4.0-GPA throughout high school while handling a rigorous schedule of AP and concurrent enrollment classes. He earned Academic All-State honors for both debate and track and eld, along with Academic All-Region recognition for speech and debate. He is graduating as salutatorian of his class and will be attending the University of Utah with a full-ride scholarship to study nursing and biology.

Maryn Seaman — Maryn, who has served on the Youth Council for four years, was captain of the girls’ tennis team, choir president and served on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Seminary Council. She enjoys playing piano, ute and ukulele. Studying Mandarin Chinese, she earned the World Languages Sterling Scholar Award. She plans to attend Utah State University and serve a mission for her church. She would love to teach English abroad.

Jenna Marchant — Jenna has served on the Taylorsville Youth Council for four years. She has also participated in every one of the choirs in high school and loved Madrigals most. She has enjoyed her involvement in the school’s theater program and served as the Activities Theatre O cer. Jenna has danced, too, for 14 years. She plans to serve a mission for her church and will attend Utah State University.

Morgan Thompson — Morgan has enjoyed being part of Taylorsville High’s Madrigals, Graces and Concert choirs, as well as Editor in Chief of the school’s newspaper. She has taken several AP and concurrent enrollment courses and other college-level classes. She is receiving an Area of Distinction in both music and journalism. Morgan will attend Salt Lake Community College in the fall to pursue a degree in journalism and digital media.

Braden Tolman — Braden has participated in Taylorsville High School’s MESA and Key clubs. He has completed several AP and concurrent enrollment courses, and he scored a 36 on the ACT. Braden has earned Areas of Distinction in math, science and world languages and upon graduation, he will receive a Diploma of Merit. He will attend Utah State University, with a full-ride scholarship, and plans to major in electrical engineering.

Joshua Taylor — Josh has taken AP classes, concurrent enrollment and honors courses. He also has been a member of the Key Club and National Honors Society, as well as Concert and Madrigals show choirs. He participated in track and eld as a pole vaulter and was a member of the varsity swim team. Josh will serve a mission for his church and has been accepted to Brigham Young University. He plans to attend law school and become an attorney.

Tyne Vanderbilt — Tyne is the Youth Council’s public information o cer and chair. She served this year as a Youth Ambassador and on the Student Board of the Utah Association of Youth Councils. She has earned Areas of Distinction in service, Spanish and English. She was recognized as an Outstanding Senior with a Diploma of Merit. She played the ute for more than 10 years. She plans to attend the University of Utah and serve a mission for her church.

Dillon Nguyen — Dillon has been a member of the MESA (Math, Engineering, Science Achievement), FBLA, Speech and Debate and Key clubs, and was on the swim and track and eld teams. He maintained a 4.0-GPA and has not missed a day of school. Dillon also received the Vietnamese American Outstanding Academic Achievement award from the Vietnamese Community of Utah. He is a Sterling Scholar in math and earned the Presidential Scholarship to the University of Utah, where he plans to major in computer engineering and business.

TVPD Among 15 Community Partners Participating in Healthy Kids Day

Check this space each month for news about the Taylorsville Police Department (TVPD) and their valuable service to our community.

TVPD was happy to join the YMCAsponsored Healthy Kids Day held in Taylorsville. The free fair on April 29 was hosted by the YMCA of Northern Utah, in keeping with its mission to provide experiences that “enhance healthy mind, body and spirit while building strong kids, strong families and strong communities.”

In all, the event drew more than 700 visitors, and TVPD was one of 15 community partners participating. TVPD showed off some of the gear we use and provided safety tips to the children. The highlight of our booth was the police shield and police vest. Thanks to Captain America, the kids knew exactly how to hold the shield while they acted the part.

We appreciate YMCA of Northern Utah for including us!

TVPD EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

Congratulations to O cer Teynor, our latest Employee of the Month. Prior to joining TVPD, O cer Teynor served with the Sandy, Utah, and Austin, Texas, police departments. In total, O cer Teynor has more than 17 years of law enforcement experience where he has served in various capacities.

These include serving as a patrol o cer, special response team member, counter active shooter team member, special weapons and tactics team member, unmanned aerial vehicle operator and master peace o cer. Additionally, O cer Teynor has more than 19 years of service in the U.S. military, including three overseas deployments.

O cer Teynor was nominated as Employee of the Month by O cer Sargent, who noted the vast experience he brings to the table. O cer Sargent stated that he sees O cer Teynor “operate on a daily basis and is continuously impressed

experience.” He said O cer Teynor continuously conducts “in-depth investigations, never shies away from a busy day and is always willing to share his extensive experience with his area partners.”

O cer Teynor has also developed a reputation of being the shift’s “go-to o cer” when it comes to locating and investigating impaired drivers. He was further described as a “well-rounded, pro-active o cer who is continuously looking for fugitives, illegal drugs, suspicious vehicles, reckless and impaired drivers while never falling short regarding responding to daily calls for service, which he handles with extreme professionalism.” An anonymous citizen recently told O cer Sargent that O cer Teynor really cared about her situation and wanted to help. She stated he was “professional, respectful and did an excellent job at communicating.”

O cer Teynor’s hobbies include hiking, working out, horse riding and horse training. O cer Teynor is a great asset to TVPD, and we are glad to have him as a member of Team Taylorsville!

JULY 10-15 7:30 PM

@Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center

2525 W. Taylorsville Blvd.

Tickets $15

Taylorsville Arts Council production

Taylorsville Bennion Heritage REMEMBRANCES

History Revisited: Past Article Reveals Projects Realized and Other Changes

This month’s article is an excerpt from one by Alice Rosenthal published in 2006.

Taylorsville may have made its mark as home to the creators of the world’s longest paperclip chain (22.17 miles to be exact). Or maybe it was the world’s fastest human conveyor belt, longest balloon chain, largest loaf of bread ever baked or tallest ice cream cone.

With a roster of these Guinness-size record busters, it’s easy to see that Taylorsville is a place that’s, well, interesting. But aside from Eisenhower Junior High’s lofty experiments, Taylorsville City ocials have been working on a handful of other projects to keep it that way — and though the plans aren’t necessarily record-breaking, the city’s scope of the big picture is something impressive.

Since Taylorsville’s incorporation, the city has constructed a Senior Citizen’s Center; designed and carried out three separate city parks; installed an outdoor swimming pool; and nished two sections of the Jordan River Parkway. It’s currently designing and building a bike trail on 1300 West.

Taylorsville City also has taken on a beauti cation project for Redwood Road that should ultimately increase business, decrease tra c and spi up Taylorsville’s hub. “The plan features landscape beauti cation,” said Don Adams, [then] economic development director for Taylorsville. “New construction is already underway on both Redwood Road and 5600 South. From the city’s perspective, it’s very exciting.”

The project’s main focus is the area surrounding City Hall on 5400 South and 2700 West. Already, a grass-and- ower-covered median de nes the main entrance. The entrance is also accented by friendly lamp posts that arch over as if to welcome visitors.

A drive down 2700 West or Redwood Road might be the easiest way to catch some of the city’s avor. Spaces like Valley Regional Park on 5000 South and 2700 West give away the all-American backbone of this town. A blue announcer’s tower shadows several separate ball diamonds. Batting cages line the periphery and lead to open parks and playgrounds where [people] play fetch with their dogs.

The city is remembered as “Over Jordan” or “Bennion.” Heading east from Redwood Road on 4800 South, a sense of history lls the air. Tucked between Fore Lakes golf course and retail centers on Redwood Road, nding this historical street is a breath of fresh air — not too unlike a secret revealed.

The Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Center opened in December last year [2005]. The center is housed by the old Jones Dairy farmhouse, which used to be “a gathering place for milk and other dairy products” said Connie Taney, [then] president of Taylorsville’s historic preservation committee. The city purchased the dairy in 2001.

The surrounding grounds include a rentable garden space “for those who don’t have their own yards to tend but like to plant owers and vegetables,” Taney said. Inside, the house has been fully refurbished to its original 1906 condition.

Stop by for a visit. The center is located at 1488 W. 4800 South.

TAYLORSVILLE SENIOR CENTER 4743 S. Plymouth View Drive

June Class Highlights

The center has planned a variety of classes this month:

Funerals of the Rich & Famous – Thursday, June 8 at 10 a.m. Take a journey through time and learn about the life of Elvis Presley with presenter David White.

Volunteer Appreciation Event – Thursday, June 22 at 11 a.m. Celebrate the volunteers who do so much for the Taylorsville Senior Center.

Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program – Every Thursday at 9 a.m.

Drums Alive – Every Wednesday at 2 p.m.

Visit the center’s website at www.slco.org/taylorsville-senior-center for other activities and lunch menu 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 June. You’ll want to mark your calendar for these events:

TAYLORSVILLE SUMMER READING KICKOFF PARTY: All Together Now

Wednesday, June 7, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. — Drop in and enjoy a variety of fun activities.

SERVICE SATURDAY: Craft Kits for Help Me Grow

Saturday, June 10, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — Drop in to provide service for our community. We'll be putting together craft kits for children, to be donated to Help Me Grow Utah.

BUSKING BUS THEATRE SHOW

Monday, June 12, 6 p.m. — See a busking style variety show outside, from the side of a short bus. Discover the raucous antics of silly clowns, puppets, narrative sketches and more.

TEEN KINDNESS ROCKS

Tuesday, June 13, 1 p.m. — Design and paint your own Kindness Rock. Registration begins Monday, June 12.

VIRTUAL ADULT LECTURE | The Evolution of Beekeeping

Tuesday, June 13, 7 p.m. Register at: thecountylibrary.org/LectureSeries — Learn about bee biology, beekeeping, relocation and inspection with Peter Somers.

WASATCH PEAK VAULTERS

Wednesday, June 14, 10:30 a.m. — See equestrian vaulters perform outside and learn about the amazing sport from members of Wasatch Peak Vaulters.

SPLISH SPLASH STORYTIME

Fridays, June 16 and 23, 10 a.m. — The Taylorsville Library and the Taylorsville Outdoor Pool are partnering to o er free summer story times in the pool for families. The Splish Splash Storytime is free. Attendees re-entering the pool after the program are subject to the regular fee. This will be in the shallow beach area at the pool, 4914 S. 2700 West. Children ages 2 and under must wear a swim diaper. Children 5 and under must be within arms’ reach of a parent or guardian at all times. All children must be accompanied by a grownup.

TOYS & GAMES SWAP

Saturday, June 17, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — Save your items from the land ll by sharing with others. Drop your toys, games, and/or puzzles o at the Taylorsville Branch beginning Saturday, June 10, and receive a VIP access ticket for early entry into the swap at 10:30 a.m. Doors open to the public at 11:30 a.m.

LONG WING SUMMER BIRD SHOW

Wednesday, June 21, 10:30 a.m. — See and learn about birds with Long Wing, Inc.

SHAKESPEARE FOR KIDS: A Midsummer Night's Dream

Wednesday, June 28, 10:30 a.m. — Join Becky and Joel Wallin for an interactive Shakespeare performance of “A Midsummer Night's Dream,” starring the audience.

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE

Monday, June 26, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Give blood to help others. Schedule your appointment at redcrossblood.org or 1.800.RED.CROSS.

JUNE UPDATES

International Plastic Bag Free Day

On July 3, Wasatch Front Waste & Recycling District will join other organizations around the world in support of International Plastic Bag Free Day (www. plasticbagfreeday.org).

There are a lot of good ways to celebrate, and the easiest requires a simple commitment by each individual. Even if just for one day, choose paper over plastic; or even better, bring your own bags to the retailers to pick up your goods. Some stores even o er discounts or other perks for the customers who bring their own.

Fireworks Disposal

The summer holidays are here, and fireworks and barbecues are common ways to celebrate. WFWRD reminds all residents that reworks and re pit/barbecue ashes must be completely cooled before placing them in the garbage can. Smoldering reworks or embers will melt the can and create a larger re hazard on waste trucks. Please consult the United Fire Authority for information on reworks restrictions, dates and times for legal discharge, and re prevention tips.

New Hazardous Waste Page on the WFWRD Website

WFWRD has a new page on their website (www.wasatchfrontwaste. org) that addresses hazardous waste material and hard to recycle items. Visit the “Hazardous Waste” web page to nd alternative options to hazardous waste disposal and hard to recycle items that cannot be recycled in your curbside recycle can, but can be recycled elsewhere. Can’t nd an item? Head to the “How to Recycle” page to use the district’s Recycle Right tool and nd where to dispose of a particular item.

Learn More About Water with TBID’s Consumer Confidence Report

The purpose of the Consumer Confidence Report is to provide you with information on the quality of your drinking water. In addition to water quality, the report provides information on conservation resources, potential contamination sources and where your water comes from.

Taylorsville-Bennion Improvement District distributes culinary water that meets all federal and state quality requirements. The report can be found on the district website: tbid.org/ccr.html or you may contact TBID at 801-968-9081 and a copy will be mailed to your home.

Also, concerning the Drought Response Level: The record-breaking snow received over the winter has greatly helped the water supply situation in the state. TBID is pleased to report that because of this improvement, its board was able to set the Drought Response Level at 0, which means we have normal water supply.

Customers are still encouraged to conserve water and safeguard this valuable natural resource. Please consider following the State Watering Guide at conservewater.utah.gov/weekly-lawn-watering-guide/ to know how often to water your lawn.

If you have any questions, please contact Taylorsville-Bennion Improvement District by calling 801-968-9081 or visiting www.tbid.org. Follow TBID on Facebook and Twitter.

Photos by Travis Barton

Jenna Sterzer at the plate for the Taylorsville softball team during the team’s regional playoff. Entering as the No. 15 seed, the Warriors would lose the series in three games to Copper Hills.

Sari Johnson pitches for the Warriors during the playoffs. Taylorsville went 14-11 on the year, going 8-4 in region to finish third behind Cyprus and region winners West.

WE HELP PROTECT WHAT MATTERS MOST

‘Mrs. Rocky Mountain’ is a Taylorsville wife and mom with far more on her mind than titles and crowns

Child sexual abuse may very well be the most difficult topic parents and their kids ever confront. How does an adult open the conversation? How does a child tell a grown-up when something inappropriate has occurred? How do they even know?

Like way-too-many Utah parents, Taylorsville wife and mother of nine Jennette Booth has had to confront the ugliness of child sexual abuse and its aftermath in her own family. Like so many others, she wondered how this challenging topic could be addressed among loved ones.

“I have been a vocal teacher for many years and have dabbled in songwriting even longer,” Booth said. “As I thought about how children could be introduced to topics like ‘tricky people’ and ‘my body, my rules,’ I thought they might first be broached through music.”

Warmer weather is here! Keep your children safe and healthy by regularly applying sunscreen and bug spray, keeping them hydrated, and getting them in for their yearly well-visit.

Call our office today to schedule an appointment!

We

OUR PROVIDERS

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:

The result of Jennette’s groundbreaking vision is now on full YouTube display (youtube.com/@bodysafetysongs), where her brief, illustrated music videos have already been viewed more than 100,000 times. With titles like: “My Safety Circle,” “Tell! Tell! Tell!” and “I’ve Gotta Go,” these 90-second to 3-minute vignettes provide a kid-friendly way into these darkest of topics.

“I got the idea of producing music videos after looking at the kind of anti-child sexual abuse media that’s out there,” Booth continued. “Sure, there are plenty of books. But they are uncomfortable and certainly not for kids. I wanted to create something that would make children feel more empowered. I want them to understand they control their own bodies and they can speak out when someone is getting too close or making them uncomfortable.”

Once her idea took shape, the project became all about the work. With the help of her youngest children as vocalists, the Booth family got a lot done – in a short amount of time – earlier this year.

“January through March of this year was a whirlwind of activity for my entire family,” Booth explained. “I was trying to work my way into the Mrs. Utah Pageant in order to give the body safety songs a larger platform. I was also working with my five youngest children to be my vocalists. And I was arranging to host a safety fair, where we could ‘launch’ the videos in a public way.”

That’s a lot to unpack.

To secure her position as one of the 18 final contestants in the Mrs. Utah Pageant, Jennette applied for and was accepted as Mrs. Rocky Mountain. She said “That was mostly about submitting the proper forms and paperwork. But I knew it would get me into the Mrs. Utah competition, where I thought the raised profile would help me get the word out about the body safety videos.”

A voice teacher for years, Jennette Booth is applying her music and songwriting skills to help combat child sexual abuse. (Courtesy Jennette Booth)

To produce her body safety musicanese-American music arranger and choir -

er of One Voice Children’s Choir – turned

“The kids recorded all the video vocals

old, nailed it in one or two takes. Then my 8-year-old son made all of our jaws drop when he did his, straight through, in one take. It was challenging for my kids. The pressure of being in a studio is hard. But they were rock stars. There were no more than five or

“I was kind of nervous, but it went OK,”

Jennette Booth’s children provide all the singing vocals in her brief, but powerful educational music videos, designed to help parents open a dialog with their kids about child abuse prevention. (Courtesy Jennette Booth)

8-year-old Bronson Booth said. “I felt glad when it was over and I didn’t have to record any more songs. I am proud of the project.”

Booth says she is thrilled to be named third runner-up at the Mrs. Utah Pageant, held March 25 at Murray High School. “I didn’t want all the time-consuming duties that go along with being Mrs. Utah, because I want to spend my time getting the word out about the videos – so it worked out perfect,”

For the record, 11 body safety videos are on YouTube now, with the final three expected to be posted on the popular platform by the end of the summer. All of the video artwork was done by Booth, with an assist from her brother-in-law.

By Carl Fauver | c.fauver@mycityjournals.com

Taylorsville wife and mom Jennette Booth was third runner-up in this year’s Mrs. Utah Pageant. For her competition costume, she honored the driving of the transcontinental railroad’s Golden Spike with this ensemble. (Courtesy Jennette Booth)

Soon after the February recording sessions – and just a week before the Mrs. Utah Pageant – Booth found herself hosting her safety fair/video launch party.

“A couple of hundred people attended the 90-minute safety fair and we had the body safety videos playing on a loop the entire time,” Booth explained. “Several public safety organizations hosted information booths, including: Taylorsville Police, Operation Underground Railroad, Primary Childrens Hospital and Prevent Child Abuse Utah. It was a very positive night.”

At Booth’s side through this busy time has been her husband of nearly 22 years, Colin. The two of them met as Utah State University students after each had returned from overseas missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (hers to South Korea, his to Germany). By the way – and you may NEVER have heard of this happening before – the Booth’s nine children were born girl-boy-girl-boy-girl-boy-girlboy-girl – never the same sex for two consecutive kids.

Colin Booth admits it took him a minute to get completely on board with his wife’s anti-sexual abuse music video plan.

“It’s such a difficult and uncomfortable topic; my initial reaction was not positive,” he said. “But she really slaved over the mes-

sage as she wrote the songs – choosing each word so carefully. Now I feel they turned out perfect. After hearing them, parents can discuss these horrible topics in a more casual way. The proof is in the pudding. They are catchy, informative songs. I am fully on board.”

Now that her oldest son’s 2023 Taylorsville High School graduation has just come and gone, Jennette is looking ahead to a summer of public appearances to continue promoting her body safety music videos.

“I’ve signed up to participate in 12 to 14 Night Out Against Crime events, in Utah, Salt Lake, Davis and Cache Counties,” Jennette Booth concluded. “We’ll also be appearing in several summer parades, including the Taylorsville Dayzz parade. Our QR code will be prominently displayed so people can quickly link to and see the videos. I’ve also been speaking to a number of parent groups about them. I want people to understand we need to address these difficult topics with our children – and the music videos are a positive way into those conversations.”

As Colin Booth would say, “The proof is in the pudding.” Visit youtube.com/@ bodysafetysongs to determine for yourself whether Jennette Booth’s passion project might help you open the door into this most difficult conversation topic. l

As you should already be well aware – because it’s mentioned all over this issue of your Journal – the annual Taylorsville Dayzz celebration is now just a few short weeks away, June 22-24. But what you won’t read anywhere else is the answer to one of the great mysteries surrounding the city’s most-popular yearly gathering.

“Every year we hear gasps from many in the audience when they become concerned for one of the Saturday night skydivers because he appears to be drifting way off course,” Taylorsville Dayzz Committee Chairman Jim Dunnigan said. “First off: none of the parachuters has ever been injured. And none of them have ever been ‘off course.’ The secret all these years has been… one of the jumpers has always had a slightly different target on the ground.”

Dunnigan adds that his wife Vicki deserves the credit for Taylorsville Dayzz featuring a skydiving team at all. And he credits two longtime friends, Dale and Roger Kehl, for the parachuters returning every year. The brothers – with homes and large properties just west of the Taylorsville Dayzz main concert stage – are also the reason why one of the jumpers always appears off course.

“Vicki was after me for years, saying we needed skydivers to drop in during the Taylorsville Dayzz closing night concert, carrying in the United States flag,” Dunnigan continued. “It’s hard to say no to your wife – so I started looking around for a sponsor. The year we debuted parachuters (2012), the people at ‘Skydive Ogden’ told me four jumpers would cost $1,000. That’s when I turned to my neighbors – Dale and Roger Kehl – to see if they could help out. They told me they would – but with a catch.”

And that’s when the greatest mystery surrounding Taylorsville Dayzz was born.

“My brother Dale and I were homebuilders and business partners in Kehl Homes for more than 50 years,” Roger Kehl begins his part of the story. “The first I heard about Taylorsville Dayzz skydivers is when Dale came to me and said, ‘I need a $1,000 (company donation) check for Jim – we’re sponsoring the divers. Dale was the big brother. On things like this, he often ‘told’ me – didn’t ‘ask’ me.”

However, the caveat Dale added to the deal was: ‘If you want our $1,000 donation, Jim, one of the jumpers has to land IN MY OPEN FIELD.’ That open field is only a couple hundred yards west of where all the other parachuters land at the Valley Regional Park softball fields. Kehl’s open field is also near his swimming pool – where he would be hosting a big family party. It’s close enough to hear the Taylorsville Dayzz music. And it’s close enough for one skydiver to “drop in” on the private event.

By Carl Fauver | c.fauver@mycityjournals.com

“It was an unusual deal; but I wanted to make my wife happy – and it has turned out great,” Dunnigan added. “Every year the Kehl brothers renew their sponsorship. Every year I thank them from the concert stage, along with our 30 other Taylorsville Dayzz sponsors. And every year, one of our jumpers appears to stray off course – because he’s headed for the Kehls’ private party.”

Skydive Ogden owner Brian Wallace was also taken aback some when Dunnigan first floated this “one wayward jumper” idea by him 11 years ago. But he says the jump has become a fun, annual tradition for his team as well.

“Taylorsville Dayzz is one of the biggest events we do each year,” Wallace said. “Nearly every year we make two jumps that night. First, we almost always jump into the Riverton Rodeo. The two events are nearly always the same night. Then we repack our chutes, get back in the plane and jump into Taylorsville. I am usually the one with the huge, unfurled United States flag hanging behind me. We love seeing all the people – especially the kids. And we’ve never had any problems with one of our jumpers landing in the field to the west.”

If Vicki Dunnigan deserves credit for the skydivers coming at all… and the Kehl brothers get the credit for funding it all these years… then Taylorsville City Councilwoman Meredith Harker gets her share of credit for blowing the lid off this decade-old secret.

“I’m one of those who has sat watching the skydivers come in and wondered why one of them was drifting way off to the side,” Harker explained. “Then, a couple of years ago, I became involved in the Taylorsville Dayzz Committee. At one of our meetings earlier this year I asked Jim about it. That’s when he told me the story about the Kehl brothers. I’m so grateful they make that donation each year. Kids love watching the skydivers come down. Adults love it. Everyone in the audience sings. It’s such a great tradition.”

Unfortunately, time and circumstances eventually change all traditions. No family will know that better this coming Saturday night, June 24, than the Kehls. A couple of months after last year’s “wayward” skydiver landed on his property, Dale Kehl passed away at age 81. He’d been living alone in his sprawling home after losing his wife several years earlier.

“I think Jim may have been a little nervous calling me about this year’s skydive team donation since it was the first year without my brother,” Roger Kehl concluded. “But I spoke with his children about it – and it’s definitely a tradition we want to carry on. We love Taylorsville and have always wanted to be an active part of the community. Besides,

I share one fence line with my brother… and another with Jim Dunnigan. We’re all neighbors.”

Roger expects another large family gathering at his brother’s swimming pool on that final night of Taylorsville Dayzz this year.

He’s confident his brother Dale will be there in spirit. And he also knows everyone who’s read this article will finally understand why one of the Skydive Ogden jumpers appears to be off target. He’s actually headed exactly where he’s supposed to go. l

Have you ever watched the Taylorsville Dayzz skydiving team descend and wondered, ‘Why is one jumper way off course?’ Turns out, there’s always been a simple explanation

Taylorsville Dayzz skydivers enjoy this view just before they jump from their plane to join the crowd below. (Taylorsville Dayzz Committee)

There’s no time for hesitation when Taylorsville Dayzz skydivers reach their jump point in the sky. (Taylorsville Dayzz Committee)

Turf conversion grants awarded to seven Salt Lake County cities

In late April, Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson announced the recipients of $1.1 million in turf conversion grants. Seven cities across the Salt Lake Valley will be awarded funds from the American Rescue Plan. Recipient cities are Bluffdale, Riverton, Sandy, South Jordan, Taylorsville, West Jordan and West Valley City.

Post-performance grants will be distributed to 21 approved projects to support conversion of turf on municipal property to water efficient landscaping.

“This is a visionary program and we’re helping cities who are already doing great things in working with their residents to be waterwise and eliminate some of the grass throughout our county,” said Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson. “Water conservation is not one city’s duty, not one county’s duty, it’s not one household’s duty, we will make a difference by making the change together.”

In total, projects in the participating cities will remove 412,000 square feet of non-functional turf, saving 9 million gallons of water annually. The effort is part of a collaboration with Salt Lake County, Jordan Valley Water Conservancy Dis-

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

trict, and the Utah League of Cities and Towns to supply resources to support water conservation.

“We are leading by example, so we are flipping the strip at our own city hall,” said Taylorsville Mayor Kristie Overson. “Water is so important but it isn’t handled the same in every city, so we’re excited to be able to individualize this and do what works in our city.”

With the help from mayors and councilmembers from every recipient city, West Jordan kicked off one of its projects with a “turf turn” to commemorate the occasion.

“We wouldn’t ask our residents to do something the city isn’t willing to do, as well, so we’re starting at our own house,” said West Jordan Mayor Dirk Burton, who climbed into a mini excavator to begin the turf conversion project at West Jordan City Hall. “If enough people do these little things, it makes a big difference.” l

Local elected officials join Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson at West Jordan City Hall to kick off one of the turf conversion project designed to create water efficient landscaping at municipal buildings in the county. (Photo courtesy of Salt Lake County)

NO TWO ARE ALIKE

Wholoves getting their property tax statement each year? Yeah, me neither. In addition to fighting to keep your taxes low, I am also looking for more efficient ways to use the dollars we are given. But I often think about those who are on fixed incomes or who are struggling to make ends meet. When these people receive their property tax statement, it can be overwhelming. The Salt Lake County Council wants to ensure everyone receives information about potential property tax relief and has taken measures to better inform you.

Each July the Salt Lake County Auditor sends a Notice of Valuation to Salt Lake County property owners that includes information about the current assessed value of your home or business. This year you may notice new information that is included with this statement regarding tax relief programs for eligible residents.

In order to increase public awareness and recognize that eligible taxpayers would likely benefit from receiving earlier notice about these programs, the Salt Lake County Council recently approved funding to include an informational Tax Relief card with the annual Notice of Valuation statement. The hope is this notification will provide taxpayers enough notice to meet the Sept. 1 application deadline for these programs.

If you own and occupy a home or mobile home you may be eligible for property tax relief or deferment. A quick overview of the

Property Tax Relief

Aimee Winder Newton Salt Lake County Councilwoman| District 3

following eligibility screening may help see if you meet the initial requirements. Additional requirement for each specific program could apply:

• Age 66 or widowed with annual household income not exceeding $38,369. This amount includes social security, retirement plan distributions, etc.

• Age 65 or disabled with annual household income and assets not exceeding $38,369.

• Any age in extreme hardship with annual household income and assets not exceeding $38,369.

• Veteran or their surviving spouse with a service connected disability or long-term active duty outside of Utah.

• Person legally blind in both eyes or their surviving spouse.

• Age 75 prior to Jan. 1, 2024 and meet certain property valuation criteria.

The county treasurer is responsible for collecting taxes for over 70 different entities,

not just Salt Lake County. That means that your city/township, school district, water districts, and other entities show up on your property tax statement. Once we receive the tax funds, we distribute it to the different taxing entities.

The Salt Lake County Assessor oversees the assessment of your property value. Once your value is assessed, then the tax rate is applied to that amount. If you think your assessed value is incorrect, you can appeal it between Aug. 1 – Sept. 15. Just go to slco.org/tax-administration/how-to-file-an-appeal to see instructions.

For frequently asked questions and additional details regarding your Notice of Valuation statement please visit slco.org/property-tax/notice-of-valuation/

For additional information regarding tax relief programs in Salt Lake County please visit slco.org/treasurer/tax-relief/ or call 385-4688300.

I’m grateful we can give relief to those who need it, but I also firmly believe that the best way we can help all residents is to trim our budgets and then be as efficient as possible with the dollars we are given.

People say they wish they’d had their grandkids first, but you can’t appreciate the ease of grandchildren without first swimming through the shark-infested sewer that is parenthood. The sleepless nights, the face-wrinkling worry and the gut-clenching idea that you’ve messed your kids up forever is all forgotten when you become a grandparent.

Most Wednesdays, my four youngest grandkids come over after school to play games, make crafts, eat Popsicles and cause random chaos. At 11, 7, 6 and 2, they’re young enough to still find me entertaining, but they also expect me to die at any moment because, at 54, I’m unbelievably old.

The 7- and 6-year-old granddaughters team up immediately, take their usual blood oath (“I solemnly swear that I am up to no good”), then disappear for a while.

My 11-year-old grandson tries to teach me his newest Kung Fu moves while the 2-year-old crawls out the doggie door into the backyard.

As I practice my jabs and leg sweeps, and corral the 2yo back into the house, the 6yo and 7yo discuss how to creep into the attic through an opening in the pantry ceiling. They opt for Plan A which has them scaling pantry shelves to get into the crawl space. When I foil that idea, it’s back to the drawing board.

A second chance

Peri Kinder Life and Laughter

Now, the 2yo is missing. I send the girls to look outside and the grandson to hunt downstairs. Earlier, I’d closed my office door so she couldn’t get in, but I find her hiding under my desk, happily listening to us search for her.

While the 11yo beats me at Rack-O, I see the two girls mosey into the garage for Plan B. They look suspicious, so I follow and listen to them figure out how to carry the ladder into the pantry.

“Nope,” I say, as they jump 20 feet into the air.

“We’re just getting Popsicles,” one of them says. They scurry to the freezer and make a big show of picking out the perfect Popsicle before going back inside to resume planning.

The 2yo is missing. After a brief search, I find her sitting behind the recliner, eating Milk-Bones with our dog Jedi.

While the 11-year-old wins Yahtzee for

the third time in a row, I notice the two girls whispering on the couch. They’re on to Plan C: looking for materials to build a ladder since I foiled their earlier strategies. I get out the paints, rubber stamps and crayons and distract them with a craft project.

The 2yo is missing. I find her in the backyard, throwing Jedi’s balls down the window well. Jedi stares down at her favorite ball and looks at me like, “I guess you’re climbing into that spider-infested hole to get my squeaky ball.”

I gather everyone for dinner (only the 11yo eats) before realizing the 2yo is missing. I don’t have to look far. She’s in the hall, coloring the wall with a purple crayon. About this time, my husband gets home from

work to find me washing crayon off the wall.

“Why weren’t you watching her?” he asks, like I’d encouraged the toddler to create a lavender mural in the hall. I respond by pouring a tablespoon of antifreeze in his Diet Coke.

Although my Wednesday nights are a bit scattered, I’m in no rush for these kids to get older. I’ve learned how fast children grow up and I don’t want to waste a single minute with them. Even better, these evenings are a lifeline to my daughters who are swimming that shark-infested sewer of parenthood.