Taylorsville Journal | May 2024

THE JOURNALS INTRODUCES NEW PROCESS TO ENSURE LOCAL NEWS DELIVERY

TheJournals have published newspapers every month for the past 33 years. During that time we have mailed a copy of the Journal to nearly everyone in the city. We know from audits that over 70% of the households in the city read the Journal, but that means that 30% do not. That is a considerable amount of wasted paper. We also know that some people in the community are not receiving the Journal, although they want it.

Until now there was no way to address these issues. But now, using this QR code, you can select if you want to receive the Journal.

By Carl Fauver | c.fauver@mycityjournals.com

Because staying informed about local happenings is more important than ever, the Journals is proud to announce an innovative process designed to guarantee that community members receive their local news each month.

Recognizing the vital role of local journalism in fostering community engagement and connection, The Journals has developed an approach to ensure timely and reliable news delivery to every doorstep within our coverage areas.

Using cutting-edge logistics technology and a dedicated team of delivery professionals, we can create enhanced route planning, tracking systems and distribution methods. The Journal aims to overcome challenges that have hindered timely news delivery in the past.

"It is important to keep readers informed about what's happening in their neighborhoods, schools, businesses and local government," said Bryan Scott, publisher at The City Journals. "With this new process, we're not only reaffirming our commitment to high-quality local journalism but also ensuring every member of our community has reliable access.”

We have deep gratitude for the United States Postal Service, whose dedication enables the delivery of more than 200,000 monthly Journals to our readers. This partnership is instrumental in ensuring our local news reaches every household efficiently and consistently. With our new system, readers will still receive their Journal in the mail each month but with more accuracy and control based on our new process.

ATTENTION: USE THIS QR CODE TO MAKE SURE YOU KEEP GETTING THE JOURNAL

The Journals encourages readers to provide feedback on their news delivery experience, allowing for improvement and refinement of the process. With this groundbreaking approach, the Journals reaffirms its position as the leading provider of local news, delivering stories that matter to our valued readers.

This underscores the Journals' unwavering dedication to providing trusted local news and information for our readers. Whether reporting on community events, highlighting local businesses, or investigating important issues affecting our neighborhoods, The Journals remains steadfast in its mission to celebrate and build the community.

AN EVENING OF ART PAINTINGS AND PASTRIES

Residents can now choose if they want to receive the Journal at their home by using the QR Code or by visiting Mail.TheCityJournals.com. We ask all residents to complete this form to continue receiving the Journal each month. Share this message with others in the city who may not be familiar with the newspaper and want to sign up. l

TUESDAY, MAY 14, AT 7PM

ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY PROGRAM

to Honor Military Veterans for Their Service to Our Country

Monday, May 27, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.

At Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy

FEATURED SPEAKER: Congressman Blake Moore

PROGRAM WILL INCLUDE: Hill Air Force Base, Honor Guard, Utah Firefighters Emerald Society Bagpipes, Patriotic Music by Brian Stucki and the Minuteman Brass Quintet OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC

Benefits of Deep Brain Stimulation

with Dr. Joel MacDonald

eep brain stimulation is an important surgical treatment option for patients experiencing progressive symptoms from Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological disorder with prominent impairment of movement including a disabling combination of tremor, rigidity (stiffness), and bradykinesia (slow movements). As these symptoms worsen, they interfere with daily function and diminish quality of life. Even simple daily tasks like using utensils to eat can be extremely difficult. Many patients notice declining effectiveness of medications over time.

Deep brain stimulation both directly improves these symptoms and allows medication doses to be decreased so that side effects are minimized. The process involves a brief surgical procedure under local anesthetic to implant electrodes within specific targets of the brain. The targets are selected based on the predominant symptoms. The electrodes are then connected to a small implanted stimulator that can then be programmed to improve movement function. Programming is done by a neurologist. Most patients recover from surgery quickly but optimal programming can take some time. This type of surgery has been routinely performed at Holy Cross Hospital - Salt Lake for several decades.

For more information about CommonSpirit Health and our Holy Cross hospitals, including information about neurological disorders, please visit www.holycrossutah.org.

As CommonSpirit Health, we make the healing presence of God known in our world by improving the health of the people we serve, especially those who are vulnerable, while we advance social justice for all.

Care with a mother’s touch.

Birthing Center

Birthing Classes

Infant Security

Lactation - Trained Nurses

Level II Newborn Intensive Care Unit

Postpartum Care

Hispanic prima ballerina shares inspiring ballet journey in Salt Lake County Library webinar

By Dylan Wilcox | d.wilcox@mycityjournals.com

Evelyn

Cisneros-Legate, renowned as the first prima ballerina of Hispanic heritage in the United States, shared her remarkable journey from California migrant worker roots to international ballet stardom during a recent webinar hosted by the Salt Lake County Library.

Cisneros-Legate, born Evelyn Cisneros in Long Beach, California, in 1958, captivated the virtual audience with tales of overcoming challenges and defying expectations in the ballet world. The webinar delved into her experiences growing up in a family deeply connected to the Hispanic community, where she was encouraged to embrace her heritage from an early age.

“Throughout my childhood, I was taught to be proud of who I am,” Cisneros-Legate recounted during the webinar, emphasizing the pivotal role her mother played in shaping her identity and ambitions. To combat her shyness and feelings of isolation due to her skin color, she turned to ballet as a means of expression and empowerment.

“I remember asking my mom if I scrubbed my skin enough that I would look like the other ballerinas with their fair skinned complexion. My mother said that ‘God just kissed you a little longer,’” Cisneros-Legate remembers. From the experience, she worked hard to excel in her art, despite being the only person of color in the company for a long time.

“Stay on your path and do your best. Get to know your heritage and your culture,” she encouraged other aspiring dancers of color. “We need not promote people because of the color of their skin but by what they are capable of doing,” she added.

The journey was not without obstacles. Cisneros-Legate spoke openly about physical challenges, including a tight left hip and pi-

geon-toed foot, which could have derailed her ballet aspirations. Undeterred, she credited her success to an unwavering work ethic and determination to excel in a demanding art form rooted in grace and precision.

At the age of 8 she began studying ballet, supported by her mother’s work as a receptionist at her dance studio to afford the lessons. By her teenage years, Cisneros-Legate was taking up to seven classes in a row, demonstrating her dedication and hunger for excellence. She would go to Hollywood from Huntington Beach with friends and cousins and found herself dancing seven days a week before she finished high school.

Her career took flight when she joined the San Francisco Ballet in 1977, where she danced and performed nearly every leading role in the company’s repertoire. After her first season as an apprentice, she was not offered a contract. She was offered a contract with the Pennsylvania Ballet Company, which she nearly considered until the San Francisco Ballet School decided to offer her a contract, where she performed for over 23 years.

Cisneros-Legate’s talent shone on national television broadcasts and stages across the globe, solidifying her status as a trailblazer and role model.

Cisneros-Legate met her husband, Stephen, through ballet as well. He was performing ballet in Canada but was offered a principal dancer position with the San Francisco Ballet. She and Legate danced together, courted, and eventually were married. They have a daughter and a son.

Through ballet, Cisneros-Legate was able to travel the world visiting various countries in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. A highlight of her career was performing at the

After retiring from the San Francisco Ballet in 1999, she continued to contribute to the world of dance as an educator, consultant and author. Cisneros-Legate’s commitment to sharing her passion for ballet extended to teaching and staging performances for ballet companies worldwide.

In addition to her numerous accolades, including being named one of Hispanic Business’s “100 Influentials,” Cisneros-Legate’s impact on ballet education remains profound. She authored “Ballet for Dummies” in 2003, reflecting her dedication to demystifying ballet and making it accessible to a wider audience.

Today, Cisneros-Legate serves as the

Director of the Frederick Quinney Lawson Ballet West Academy, continuing her mission to inspire and cultivate the next generation of dancers.

“As we teach our students to become competent, empowered and respectful by standing on their own and working with others, the best leadership inspires and allows them to develop,” Cisneros-Legate said.

The webinar, hosted by the Salt Lake County Library, provided a rare glimpse into Cisneros-Legate’s extraordinary life, showcasing her resilience, artistry and enduring commitment to diversity and excellence in ballet. Through her story, she continues to inspire aspiring dancers of all backgrounds to embrace their heritage and pursue their dreams. l

The Taylorsville Journal is a monthly publication distributed directly to residents via the USPS as well as locations throughout Taylorsville. For information about distribution please email hello@thecityjournals.com or call our offices. Rack locations are also available on our website. The views and opinions expressed in display advertisements do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions held by Loyal Perch Media or the City Journals. This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written consent of the owner. © 2019 Loyal Perch Media, Inc.

PUBLISHER

Bryan Scott | bryan.s@thecityjournals.com

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EDITORIAL

Anna Pro Ty Gorton

Stacey LaMont

TAYLORSVILLE CITY JOURNAL

9500 South 500 West, Suite 205 Sandy, UT 84070

PHONE: 801-254-5974

MISSION STATEMENT

TAYLORSVILLE TEAM

White House for President Ronald Reagan in the 1980s.

Evelyn Cisneros-Legate, renowned as the first prima ballerina of Hispanic heritage in the United States, shared her remarkable journey from California migrant worker roots to international ballet stardom during a recent webinar hosted by the Salt Lake County Library.

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Historic Center launches $5 million fundraising campaign

By Carl Fauver | c.fauver@mycityjournals.com

Owners of the oldest building in Taylorsville have launched a massive fundraising drive this spring in hopes of raising as much as $5 million to keep their 130-year-old structure standing for another century or more.

You’ve read other stories about the historic Alrasool Islamic Center (1247 W. 4800 South) in these pages before. We told you when the former Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meeting hall became the first structure in the city to earn its way on to the National Register of Historic Places. And we reported, last fall, the center had earned a $250,000 grant from a prestigious, Philadelphia-based nonprofit organization.

Partners for Sacred Places describes itself as “an American non-sectarian organization, whose mission is the support of older and historic sacred places by helping congregations and local communities sustain and actively use the structures.”

The Alrasool congregation was one of just 16 recipients to receive the grant from a pool of nearly 400 applicants. The award also marked the first time the National Fund for Sacred Places ever selected a Muslim congregation – and the first time it bestowed an award to a Utah group.

That, of course, is all GOOD news for Alrasool. The BAD news is, the Taylorsville center will not receive one penny of that generous $250,000 grant unless it is able to raise nearly double that amount, $400,000, from other sources.

“We love our historic building and are very grateful to Sacred Places for their grant,” said Alrasool Center Board of Directors member Hassan Mardanlou. “But we also realize this is a tremendous fundraising challenge.”

Earlier this spring, the Alrasool congregation officially announced a $5 million fundraising campaign. The first $400,000 is required in order to receive the $250,000 Sacred Places donation. But, beyond that, architectural experts estimate a full restoration of the center will actually require a couple of million dollars.

Until last year, David Amott was executive director of Preservation Utah, a nonprofit organization with the mission statement: “Keep the past alive, not only for preservation, but to inspire and provoke a more creative present and sustainable future.”

Although he’s moved on to another job, Amott is continuing to donate his time to assist Alrasool in their multi-million-dollar fundraising endeavor.

“I became aware of Alrasool a few years ago and assisted them with the paperwork to earn their listing on the National Register (of Historic Places),” Amott said. “I knew that

designation would assist them in fundraising. I also drafted their initial donation request to Sacred Places.”

Amott says that first funding request led to an unusual sequence of events.

“After they turned us down, we began investigating other places to seek donations,” he continued. “Then, out of the blue, Sacred Places reached back out to us – inviting us to make a few changes in our application and reapply. I think it was a learning curve for their organization. They had never donated to a Muslim congregation before. My guess is, they really wanted their board of directors to evaluate it. We were excited when they encouraged us to try again.”

As Alrasool was reapplying for the Sacred Places donation, they were also receiving some discouraging cost estimates for all the repairs their historic building requires.

“To completely repair our building and strengthen it for a potential earthquake, we received a cost estimate of $1.8 million,” Mardanlou said. “So far, we have raised about $60 to $70 thousand from within our congregation. But obviously, we need much more than that.”

In fact, Amott says construction prices have risen so much in the past few years, he would not be surprised if that estimate is now significantly low.

“Part of this building’s foundation is granite,” Amott said. “Given the size and shape of the granite stones – and considering the timing – we believe these stones are likely ‘leftovers’ from the Salt Lake (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) Temple construction. It was finished in 1893 – and the original portion of this building was completed the next year. Buildings this old don’t remain standing without lots of work.”

For evidence of that fact, we need look no further than

the scaffolding tower surrounding the Salt Lake Temple. It closed in 2019 and is now not expected to reopen until 2025. The Church has not publicly announced the cost of the massive project.

This spring, the Holiest month on the Islamic Calendar, Ramadan, ran from March 10 to April 9. From sunrise to sunset on each of those days, all adult Muslims are expected to fast. On most nights during Ramadan, Alrasool hosted its members for an after-sunset prayer service and meal.

On one of those evenings, community dignitaries and Salt Lake media were invited to attend as well. There they heard Hassan Mardanlou, David Amott and others announce the ambitious $5 million fundraising campaign.

“Members of our faith come to worship here from all throughout Utah and several surrounding states,” Mardanlou added. “We have many members who escaped terrible conditions in their home country.”

Amott explained to those in attendance that what is now the Alrasool Islamic Center has been used by many faiths, for many purposes, over the past 130 years.

“This type of building did so much to build Utah,” he said. “This structure has hosted sporting events. It was a movie theater. The people who constructed this building came from Europe. This is not ornate architecture. This is ‘can-do’ architecture. This building is part of the entire community.”

Among those attending the fundraising launch event were Taylorsville City council members Anna Barbieri, Ernest Burgess, Meredith Harker and Bob Knudsen, along with Mayor Kristie Overson.

“We love having the Alrasool Islamic Center in our community and completely support their fundraising campaign,” Overson said. “This building holds so many memories for many people in our community.”

Fundraising organizers say they have “about a year” to raise the first $400,000 needed in order to retain the $250,000 pledge from Sacred Places.

“We are starting to reach out to major donors now – and we have a couple of ‘pretty firm’ commitments,” Amott concluded. “We can’t release any of those donor names yet, because they aren’t completely finalized. We would really like to raise the $3-$5 million by the end of this calendar year. We understand that’s a lofty goal; but we’d rather try our best, and possibly come up short, than not try.”

Those interested in contributing to the Alrasool Islamic Center fundraiser can get more information at their website, aicutah.org. l

The Alrasool Islamic Center, built in 1894, serves hundreds of men, women and children. Many worshipers have arrived in the United States from Iran, Iraq, Pakistan and Afghanistan. (Carl Fauver/City Journals)

Proposed construction of a massive field house at Valley Regional Park is stirring controversy

“None of the three redesign plans Salt Lake County is considering for Valley Regional Park would allow Taylorsville Dayzz to continue operating as it has for decades.”

Veteran Utah State Representative and Taylorsville Dayzz Committee Chairman Jim Dunnigan isn’t mincing words after reviewing plans the County Parks and Recreation Department is proposing to add amenities at the popular 89 acre park, situated south and west of the county-operated Taylorsville Recreation Center (5100 S. 2700 West).

“I love much of their plan – particularly, covering the outdoor swimming pool,” Dunnigan continued. “But the county’s plan to construct a huge field house – much larger than the current rec center – would make it pretty much impossible for Taylorsville Dayzz to continue as it operates now. It would simply take up too much open space.”

Before continuing, a little perspective is necessary. For starters, all sides agree, any changes that may come to Valley Regional Park are, at best, several years away. Nothing under discussion now threatens this year’s Taylorsville Dayzz, or any of the 3-day summer events, in the immediate future.

Taylorsville resident Andrea Sorensen is Salt Lake County’s Valley Regional Park Master Plan Update Project Manager. She promises the county is committed to making improvements – but there are still funding questions to resolve, making it impossible to pin down an accurate construction timeline at the moment.

“We began surveying Taylorsville residents about their needs and interests for Valley Regional Park in 2022,” Sorensen said. “Since then, designs have been created and we have hosted public open houses for people to review the proposals and offer input. Now we are going through those comments.”

Valley Regional Park isn’t the only location Salt Lake County is evaluating. The Taylorsville site is just one part of the county’s massive overhaul of its Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan. Due out next year, this plan is only updated once a decade. The county describes its master plans as “aspirational, long-term planning tools that provide a framework for future improvements, growth and development of Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation spaces and places.”

Based on all of their research, it appears the top priority change the county is considering now is to enclose the Taylorsville swimming pool, transforming it from a threemonths-per-year outdoor amenity into what would be one of, if not the, largest indoor pools the county operates.

According to their earliest surveys, when the question was asked: “Which (of the several potential changes discussed previously in the survey) would most likely bring you to (Valley Regional) Park?” the overwhelming choice

By Carl Fauver | c.fauver@mycityjournals.com

was a covered, or enclosed swimming pool.

So, the master plan update is expected to include this change. But that will have to be followed by voters reauthorizing the county’s Zoo, Arts & Parks tax on the ballot this November. And that’s still not the end of the timeline – not even close.

Assuming the ZAP tax is renewed (it’s won every vote in a landslide for about 30 years), County Parks & Recreation officials will next have to gather cost estimates for the pool enclosure and many other suggested changes for several sites throughout the county. This total (no one is offering an estimate yet, but expect it to be in the tens-of-millions-ofdollars) would have to be approved in another election. The bond approval vote now appears destined for the November 2026 ballot.

Dunnigan says enclosing the swimming pool – by extending the existing recreation center, to essentially “engulf” the pool – would not adversely impact Taylorsville Dayzz. He’s also not opposed to another thing survey takers placed high on their wish list: adding outdoor pickleball courts adjacent to the recreation center.

Nope, the crux of the issue is definitely the proposed field house. Sorensen says that structure has not yet been designed, so its final proposed dimensions aren’t known. But the footprint for it, shown on designs to date, indicate it could easily have much more square footage than a football field.

“I don’t think a field house is necessary; there certainly has not been a public outcry for a field house in our community,” Mayor Kristie Overson said. “I think a big field house would diminish the park.”

However, Overson is quick to add, she loves the other proposed improvements.

“I am really glad the county wants to enclose the pool because every community discussion I’ve ever had regarding the park always includes that request,” she added. “As for pickleball courts, I know demand is there. When I drive by the courts the city added last year, they are busy. They have been such a benefit to the community.”

The other big concern Dunnigan and Overson have about the proposed field house is the way it would “hide” much of Valley Regional Park, out of view from 2700 West.

“If the county extends the recreation center to enclose the swimming pool… and then also constructs this massive field house on the other (south) side of the rec center… that will create a huge wall of buildings, separating the community from the park,” Dunnigan said. “One of the wonderful things about Valley Regional Park is its openness. All these buildings would obscure that. And you would also be inviting mischief back behind the buildings because so much of the area would be hidden.”

For her part, Taylorsville Recreation Cen-

ter Director Tracey Gines is also excited the county wants to enclose the swimming pool.

“The community has been making it very obvious since the day I got here, enclosing the pool would be their top priority,” Gines said.

“Doing that by enlarging our existing recreation center building would also create a lot of new space between our current structure and the pool. I’ve not heard much discussion yet of what might be in that space. New exercise rooms, event spaces or even staff offices are a possibility.”

Taylorsville Parks & Recreation Committee Chairman Jared Smith says his committee members are also pleased with talk of transforming the swimming pool into an all-season amenity.

“The county has been good about including me in their meetings, leading to their

current proposals for Valley Regional Park,” Smith said. “I have mostly attended the meetings online. (Taylorsville City Engineer) Ben White has also attended most of them. They have been good about listening to our input. The idea for a year-round pool is great. It makes it much more functional. I’m excited to see where things go from here.”

Overson and Dunnigan both say county planners have promised to meet with them to discuss park plans further. They remain confident compromises can be made to make changes more palatable to everyone.

And again, perspective: none of what is being discussed now is under a banner reading “COMING SOON.”l

Because Taylorsville Dayzz sprawls all across Valley Regional Park each summer, organizers of the annual event are concerned about some of the plans Salt Lake County has to add amenities there. (Taylorsville Dayzz Committee)

Taylorsville Dayzz Chairman Jim Dunnigan (L) was among those who attended the recent open house where proposed Valley Regional Park changes were presented. (Callista Pearson/SLCounty)

Aculminates quite a journey from when the community incorporated as a city in 2017, but was known as a Metro Township like Magna, Copperton, White City and Emi gration Canyon. Their names were legally changed to cities this month after the state legislature passed HB 35 in February, a law signed by Gov. Spencer Cox.

legislative action makes two changes be yond just the city designation—how voters will pick their city leaders, and how the community will amend its tax structure.

a township to now being a city,” she said. “We’ve come from being an infant to an adult.”

tion goes, it’s really quite simple–a name change. Townships were “a strange beast for lawmakers to wrap their heads around,” she said. “We were already operating as cities, but we didn’t impose property taxes, and our designated mayors were the chairs of the township councils. Government leaders struggled with townships being considered legislative bodies–what they were looking for was wall-to-wall cities.”

vide that–cities with borders next to one another. It may also serve as an end to annexation efforts by an incorporated city trying to add an unincorporated area.

“many more opportunities for different types of taxes—meaning the use of taxes. Everything we’ve done as a community to this point has been done with just sales tax. Now we can gain usage of telecom munications tax. We can impose a property tax that gives us the flexibility to pay off some of the services we’ve been getting

The Kearns Oquirrh Park Fitness Center is among the most popular community venues in the city of Kearns. (Photo courtesy KOPFC)

Hartvigsen School instructor named Granite School District Teacher of the Year

By Tom Haraldsen | t.haraldsen@mycityjournals.com

Seyyed Sharifi’s parents were teachers in Kabul, Afghanistan in 1979 when their lives were uprooted after the Soviet invasion of that country. His father was imprisoned for seven months but eventually escaped and he and his wife moved to Utah where he had family. Though his parents had to give up their professions as teachers once they fled Afghanistan, their love for teaching was passed on to their son.

He was honored on April 17 with the Granite School District Teacher of the Year award for his work at Hartvigsen School in Taylorsville. With his parents, his partner, Diana, and their daughter Amara in attendance, Sharifi received the annual award from district superintendent Dr. Rich Nye. Sharifi was chosen from more than 2,200 nominations for the Granite Education Foundation’s Excel Awards. He’s been a full-time teacher at Hartvigsen for three years, working with the school’s students with severe disabilities. He was a paraprofessional for four years before moving to the Salt Lake and Canyons School Districts. But he never forgot his first impression at Hartvigsen

“The first thing that happened to me when I came to the school was when a girl walked up and gave me a hug,” he said. “For some reason, I knew that this was the place

I wanted to be. Even when I worked outside the district, I always knew this was the place I was going to retire from. And I love the severe population–it’s my niche.”

During a tribute to him before the award was presented, Lynne Arada, Teaching Onboarding and Instructional Coaching for GSD, said Sharifi feels teaching “is a sacred act that traces to his roots and

a tumultuous family history. He said, ‘as I navigated my own pathway in life, the knowledge that both of my parents were teachers planted a seed deep in my mind.

It felt in a peculiar way that teaching was in my blood. Driven by the desire to mend the scars of war on my family, I pursued a career in education. By embracing the magical nature of education, we transcend the boundaries of a mire job and contribute to the collective healing of our own histories.’”

Sharifi called his daughter Amara “the biggest blessing I’ve ever had aside from my partner. She is the light of our lives. I never knew how much joy a person would be able to give me, and she just makes me laugh and smile pretty much all day long.”

Diana found out about three weeks earlier that Sharifi had been chosen as the winner, but she had to keep it secret. “When he asked if I’d heard anything, I had to lie,” she said with a laugh. “I helped him when he started picking out suits to wear, but I acted like I knew nothing.”

She said this is a huge time in his life, adding “he is just stretched. His days are full–he’s in school for his Master’s, we had our daughter, and he’s up from 4:30 in the morning until late at night taking care of his family. So you can be sure that as stretched as he is, his default—his baseline is just a well of love and generosity and compassion for his students and for everyone.”

Sharifi grew up in Utah and graduated from Kearns High School.

“I find beauty in remembering the sacred,” he said. “Teaching becomes a poignant reminder to our students and to ourselves to find our sacred and work from that place.” l

Granite School District Teacher of the Year Seyyed Sharifi with his daughter, Amara, and partner, Diana Elterman, at the award ceremony. (Photo courtesy Granite School District)

Seyyed Sharifi receives his Granite School District Teacher of the Year award from Superintendent Dr. Rich Nye. (Photo courtesy Granite School District)

education SECTION

A publication covering local graduation stories and events in the Salt Lake Valley City Journals presents:

With a little PREP in their step, underrepresented students are college-bound

By Jet Burnham | j.burnham@mycityjournals.com

“Without PREP, I'd be a loser right now,” West Jordan High School graduate Arlen Villalba Guerrero said. “I wouldn't be very far, just the same old boring stuff, getting ready to do a job that I didn't even enjoy.”

Arlen is one of 15 students graduating from high school with an Engineering Drafting and Manufacturing Technology Certificate of Completion from Salt Lake Community College through Jordan School District’s Pre-freshman Engineering Program (Jordan PREP).

Jordan PREP students, many of whom are typically underrepresented in STEM careers, take four years of science, technology, engineering and math summer courses to prepare to earn 30plus general and engineering college credits by the end of high school.

Arlen joined the program his sophomore year and immediately began to explore his options.

“Being in PREP, you get to think so early about how you're gonna get to what you want to do,” he said. “PREP makes you do so much better and shoot for so much more. I know everything I wanna do right now. I know exactly how to get where I wanna be, and I know exactly what I need to do to get where I wanna be.”

Arlen is now on the pathway to become an Air Force fighter jet pilot, with a head start and higher pay grade due to his college credits.

Natalia Solis said the PREP classes she took as a 12 year old helped her discover her interest in drafting and interior design. She is already on her way to earning a college degree, the first person in her family to do so.

First generation college students, those from economically disadvantaged families or underrepresented minority groups make up the majority of the

students in the Jordan PREP program, which recruits interested students from Title 1 designated schools to motivate and prepare them for STEM careers.

Jordan PREP Coordinator Stacy Pierce has been amazed by the students’ dedication to the program despite difficult life circumstances.

“You've got kids that you had no idea the challenges they had at home— and the challenges got far greater—and they're going to make it,” she said. “They're going to graduate from this program regardless of those challenges.”

She said the rigorous academic enrichment courses students take each summer during their middle school years, prepare them academically, socially and mentally for advanced courses in high school and increase their opportunities to attend college.

“Because it's not a camp—it's a rigorous academic program— I think that's been key to making these kids believe that they could do anything and pursue any career,” Pierce said.

She said the math courses have the biggest impact.

“Math is the gatekeeper that keeps kids out of, say, 80% of the higher paying jobs that help these kids break into a different economic level,” she said. “To help them maintain and build that math confidence—I think it's absolutely huge.”

Anna Fotheringham said staying academically active during the summer with PREP courses gave her an advantage.

“You learned a little bit of math before [school started], so when you did math [in school], you already kind of knew what you're doing,” she said. “So I feel like it gave me a step ahead in regular classes, and then also just in life, because we have a lot of college classes

done that kind of set us up to, if we want, pursue the certain career that they have set up for us to go into.”

When she was younger, Anna wanted to work in a nail salon but is now planning to earn a manufacturing degree.

“Doing programs like this made me realize that doing nails is not really going to give me enough money to live on my own, basically,” she said. “It made me realize I can do harder careers.”

Ayden Bascom said many of his friends don’t have a post-graduation plan yet, but that PREP taught him to think ahead.

“In PREP, especially with Stacy [Pierce], she tells you this earlier, to be prepared for life,” he said.

Natalia said the expectations set in PREP classes, especially during her middle school years, helped her set

higher goals.

“It pushed me into showing myself that I can do harder stuff than I had set myself to, because I had set my standards low for myself,” she said. “You can do much more harder things than you think you can.”

Lai Lai Havili almost dropped out of the program but is glad to be graduating high school with college credits he can use as a fallback plan if his dreams of playing in the NFL don’t work out.

Talon Johnson, who has always known he wants to be a chemical engineer, said the PREP program has not only given him a head start that will save him time and money, but the confidence to be successful in college.

“I have this foundation that a lot of other students may not, and I can push

Continued page 12

Jordan PREP Plus students will graduate high school with 30-plus college credits. (Photo courtesy of Stacy Pierce)

Unique traditions make graduation ceremonies special

By Jet Burnham and Julie Slama

Thousands of students will be graduating at the end of this month and each school will conduct their graduation ceremony with unique traditions, awards, celebrations and themes.

Students will be the main speakers at Providence Hall High School’s graduation ceremony. The student body president, two valedictorians and two other students will share their thoughts and wisdom with their peers.

“We really make it kid focused, so adults don't speak more than three minutes,” Principal Melissa McPhail said. “I feel like if we're waiting ‘til the last day to teach them something, then we have not done our job for four years.”

McPhail said one of the student speakers chosen to speak this year is not a well-known student but will share an impactful message.

“We get these kids who have had a unique journey through high school, and we catch the attention of those kids that weren't the activity type or the academic type,” she said.

Providence Hall’s graduation ceremony is always less than an hour and 40 minutes to ensure the students have time to celebrate with friends, family, and former elementary, middle and high school teachers who attend the ceremony. Of this year’s 155 graduates, 29 have attended Providence Hall since kindergarten.

After the speeches and diplomas, the students will leave the stadium as the ‘song of the year’ plays. McPhail chooses the song that best fits the graduating class. Last year’s song was Bon Jovi’s “It’s My Life” and in 2020, it was R.E.M.’s “It’s the End of the World As We Know It.”

“The kids really want to know all year what their song is going to be, but I wait until the day of graduation,” McPhail said.

Providence Hall’s ceremony will be held at the Zion’s Bank Stadium at nearby Salt Lake Academy, which also has a unique graduation tradition. Following the graduation ceremony, each Salt Lake Academy graduate receives five roses to give as a ‘thank you’ to their parents,

Continued from 11

myself to do more, to do better because of this foundation,” he said.

Talon will return to Jordan PREP in June as a tutor for some of the 220 PREP students taking classes this summer.

Many of this year’s program gradu-

teachers, counselors or friends.

“They get to present them to people who have influenced them along their journey,” school office manager Cheryl DeHeck said.

Gifts are also a part of South Valley School’s open house style graduation. Students and their families will also be treated to refreshments and a slide show highlighting each of this year’s 35 graduates.

Here is the pertinent information. ADA accommodations are available at all locations.

Academy of Math, Engineering and Science — An anticipated 118 students will take part in the school’s commencement exercises, which will feature nine student speakers and two musical numbers. The 90-minute ceremony will begin at 2 p.m., May 23 in Cottonwood High’s auditorium.

Alta High — About 545 seniors are to walk through commencement exercises at 10 a.m., May 29 at the University of Utah’s Huntsman Center with Canyons Board of Education Vice President Amanda Oaks and Board member Holly Neibaur speaking and will be joined by Director of High Schools Tom Sherwood. This year’s theme is “Alta, Let’s Fly!”

American Academy of Innovation — About 60 seniors will take part in their commencement exercises. Graduation will be at 6 p.m., May 29 at Thanksgiving Point’s show barn.

American Preparatory Academy — At APA’s commencement ceremony, 52 students will graduate at 10 a.m., June 1 at the school. The APA Chorum Vita choir will be singing a Latin piece titled "Omnia Sol" by Z. Randall Stroope and "For Good" from the Broadway musical “Wicked.” The valedictorian will be selected in early May. The ceremony is by invitation only.

Beehive Science & Technology Academy — Twenty-three students will listen to their commencement speaker, Sandy City Council Member Mar-

ates were part of the first cohort of the Jordan PREP program which began the summer of 2018 with 25 seventh graders. It has since served over 300 students.

Nationwide, PREP is only a threeyear program. With grant money, a sponsorship by Merit Medical, and a partnership with Salt Lake Community College,

ci Houseman at 7 p.m., May 23 at Salt Lake Community College’s Miller Free Enterprise Conference Center’s auditorium. This year’s valedictorian is James Nelson and salutatorian Lliam Delahunty.

Bingham High — Commencement exercises will be held at 5:30 p.m., May 30 in the UCCU Arena at Utah Valley University in Orem. The theme is from author T.S. Eliot, “The end is where we start from.” Speakers will include Jordan School District Superintendent Anthony Godfrey, Jordan Board of Education members Marilyn Richards and Bryce Dunford with Board president Tracy Miller and District Administrator of High Schools Brad Sorensen in attendance.

Brighton High — Canyons School District Assistant Superintendent McKay Robinson is scheduled to speak to 520 students who are expected to graduate at 2 p.m., May 29 at the Maverik Center. Joining him will be Canyons Board of Education President Amber Shill and former Board president Nancy Tingey. This year’s theme is “The future depends on what we do in the present,” by Mahatma Ghandi.

Copper Hills High — May 29, 6 p.m.

UCCU Arena at Utah Valley University

“Be your best self”

Jordan District’s program expanded to a PREP Plus program, continuing through high school to earn a college certificate and set the students up for a promising future.

“It so far exceeded anything I ever dreamed of when I first started the program,” Pierce said. “If they decide not to pursue any more education, they've

Corner Canyon High — “Always One” is the theme for 550 seniors who will graduate at 2 p.m., May 29 at the University of Utah’s Huntsman Center. Canyons School District Director of High Schools Tom Sherwood is scheduled to speak. Joining him is Canyons Board of Education Vice President Amanda Oaks and Board member Holly Neibaur.

Cottonwood High — About 400 seniors will walk through the traditional commencement exercises at 10 a.m., May 24 at the University of Utah’s Huntsman Center.

Cyprus High — May 23, 1 p.m. Maverik Center

Diamond Ridge — About 60 students will graduate at 6:30 p.m., May 28 at Eastmont Middle School’s auditorium. Canyons School District Director of High Schools Tom Sherwood is scheduled to speak. Joining him is Canyons Board of Education Vice President Andrew Edtl, former Board president Nancy Tingey and Board member Karen Pedersen. This year’s theme is by Canadian poet and author Rupi Kaur: “You don’t just wake up to become a butterfly. Growth is a process.”

Entrada — Canyons School District Director of High Schools Tom Sherwood

got a sustainable livelihood, and then they also have the option to continue their education and have the means to pay for it.”

For more information, see prep.jordandistrict.org.

Former Sunrise students who studied at several Salt Lake Valley high schools reunited at their elementary school prior to their 2023 graduation ceremonies. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

is expected to address 135 soon-to-be graduates at 7 p.m., June 26 at Alta High School. Canyons Board of Education

President Amber Shill and Vice President Amanda Oaks will be present. The theme is “Winners never quit. We choose to win!”

Granger High — May 24, 7 p.m. Maverik Center

Granite Connection High — An open house will be held 4-7 p.m. on May 22 and 23 at Granite Connection High.

Granite Peaks High — June 5, 6:30 p.m.

Granite Peaks

Granite Transition Services — The graduation ceremony will be 10 a.m. on May 23 in the Granite Connection Auditorium.

Hartvigsen School — May 23, 12:30 p.m.

Hartvigsen gym

Herriman High — May 30, 7:30 p.m.

Herriman High Football Stadium “Here and Now”

Hillcrest High — About 480 seniors will turn the tassel at their 9:30 a.m., May 29 graduation at the Maverik Center. The speaker is Canyons School District Assistant Superintendent McKay Robinson. Joining him will be Canyons Board of Education Vice President Andrew Edtl and member Kris Millerberg. The theme comes from American businessman and writer, Max Depree: “We cannot become what we want by remaining what we are.”

Hunter High — May 24, 2 p.m. Maverik Center

Jordan High — Canyons School Board of Education Vice President Andrew Edtl and Karen Pedersen will address the 430 seniors at the 6:30 p.m., May 29 commencement ceremony at the Maverik Center. For their theme, the seniors selected “And the Beet Goes On,” to tie into their nickname, the Beetdiggers. Canyons School District Assistant Superintendent McKay Robinson will be in attendance.

Jordan Prep Plus — May 3, 10 a.m. Maverik Center

Jordan Valley — Canyons School District Special Education Director Nate Edvalson will talk to five students who will graduate at 3:30 p.m., May 24 at the Hillcrest High School’s fieldhouse gallery. Canyons Board of Education former president Nancy Tingey and Board member Kris Millerberg will join him. The theme is “Adapting to Change.”

Juan Diego Catholic High — The

Baccalaureate Mass for 168 students in the Class of 2024 will be held on May 21 at the Cathedral of the Madeleine Catholic Church. The commencement exercises will take place on May 25 at the school. Both events require a ticket to attend.

Kearns High — May 24, 9 a.m. Maverik Center

Kings Peak High — May 30, 6 p.m.

Hidden Valley Middle Auditorium

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” - Eleanor Roosevelt

Life Skills Academy — Eight students will graduate at 12:30 p.m., May 28 at the school. The theme is a quote by author J.R.R. Tolkien; he said: “The greatest adventure is what lies ahead. Each day brings new possibilities for exploration and discovery.” Speaking will be Canyons School District Special Education Director Nate Edvalson and he will be joined by Canyons Board of Education President Amber Schill, former president Nancy Tingey and member Karen Pedersen.

Lone Peak High — May 22, 12:30 p.m.

BYU’s Marriott Center

Mountain Ridge High — May 30, 1 p.m.

UCCU Arena at Utah Valley University

“This is the Time”

Murray High — The graduation ceremony will be held at 11 a.m., June 6 at the Lifetime Activities Center on Salt Lake Community College’s Redwood Campus.

Olympus High — May 24, 2 p.m.

Huntsman Center

Paradigm High — At 4 p.m., May 30, 55 seniors will graduate at the University of Utah’s Kingsbury Hall. The yet-to-benamed valedictorian will be the student speaker.

Providence Hall — May 24, 10 a.m.

Zions Bank Stadium

River’s Edge — “Level Up” is the theme for this year’s commencement, which will be held at 1 p.m., May 31 in the school’s auditorium. Speaking will be Jordan Board of Education President Tracy Miller and Jordan School District administrator Lisa Robinson. Joining them will be Board vice president Darrell Robinson and Board member Lisa Dean.

Riverton High — May 30, 8:30 a.m.

UCCU Arena at Utah Valley University

“Beginnings are usually scary, and endings are usually sad, but it's everything

in between that makes it all worth living.”

- Bob Marley

Salt Lake Academy — May 30, 10 a.m.

Zions Bank Stadium

Skyline High — May 24, 6 p.m. Huntsman Center

South Valley — May 29, 3 p.m.

South Valley School Cafeteria “Chart Your Course”

Summit Academy High — May 30, 2 p.m.

Summit Academy High Gymnasium

Taylorsville High — May 23, 6 p.m. Maverik Center

Valley High — Graduation will be held at 10 a.m., May 29 at Zions Bank Stadium at Real Academy in Herriman. This year’s theme is “The People, The Stories, The Experiences.” Speaking will be Jordan Board of Education President Tracy Miller and Jordan School District Administrator of High Schools Brad Sorensen with Board vice presidents Darrell Robinson and Niki George and Jordan District administrator Becky Gerber in attendance.

Waterford School — At 10 a.m., June 6, the school will honor its Class of 2024 on the campus’ east soccer field. About 70 students are expected to participate in the commencement exercises, which will feature Waterford’s vocal ensemble, the Troubadours, as well as a musical performance by the Lower School students. ADA access is on the southwest side of the field.

West Jordan High — May 29, 2 p.m. UCCU Arena at Utah Valley University “We didn’t know we were making discoveries, we were just having fun.” - A.A. Milne in Winnie the Pooh

Young women in Jordan and Canyons School Districts are shaping the future of business

By Peri Kinder | peri.k@thecityjournals.com

A celebration was held for the 22 graduates of the South Valley Chamber’s Junior Women in Business Program. This year’s cohort was the biggest so far in the history of the initiative that coaches high school seniors through leadership, business and mentoring opportunities.

Young women from high schools across Jordan and Canyons School Districts spent the year attending women in business events, meeting female entrepreneurs in the area, doing job shadowing, participating in service projects and receiving one-on-one mentoring with prominent business and civic leaders.

Savanna Barlow (Alta High School) said the experience was a valuable way to create connections with female leaders, gain experience with the legislative process and develop relationships with the other young women in the program. She plans to attend the University of Utah to get a degree in business management. Each graduate received a $1,000 scholarship.

“That scholarship was only the tip of the iceberg for what this program gave us,” Savanna said. “It was amazing. First of all, the monthly luncheons and the guest speakers

were incredible. We talked to CEOs, authors and entrepreneurs…Each of these women told us about the challenges they faced in the business world and in their personal lives. Those experiences are priceless.”

Sponsored by America First Credit Union, WCF Insurance, Intermountain Health and Crystal Maggelet, president and CEO of FJ Management, the Junior Women in Business program started 12 years ago.

Along with Savanna, these high school seniors also graduated from the program: Aubrey Campbell (Brighton High School), Ava Pezely (Riverton High School), Brooklyn Woodley (AHS), Chantel Moore (Jordan High School), Daira Camacho (West Jordan High School), Gabriella Martinez (WJHS), Giovanna Grant (BHS), Grace Mahoney (JHS), Grace Palmer (RHS), Hannah Bradshaw (Juan Diego Catholic High School), Healani Hernandez (Bingham High School), Jaci Elzinga (BHS), Kaitlyn Rios (Herriman High School), Kate Taggart (Corner Canyon High School), Kiara Sunil-Singh (Providence Hall), Madison Crowther (Copper Hills High School), Makai Johnson (Mountain Ridge High School), Mya Ruiz (American Preparatory Academy), Samantha Picker-

ing (JDCHS), Sienna Yang (Hillcrest High School) and Zoe Kener (CCHS).

“At the Chamber, we’re trying to do some good, and I think the community is a better place,” said Jay Francis, South Valley Chamber president and CEO. “We have 22 young ladies who have rubbed shoulders with some of the best business women in the community. We’ll just keep multiplying that and we’ll just be better.”

At the graduation ceremony held at the Jordan Academy for Technology and Careers South Campus, Sarah Davies (The Piano Place), Alma Lopez and Diana Lopez

(Cakes by Edith), and Sadie Bowler (SadieB) participated in a panel discussion talking about their business journeys as female entrepreneurs.

“From the age of 11, I decided I wanted to go to business school and learn how to manage business, how to hire people, how to manage a group of people and eventually how to become an entrepreneur,” Alma Lopez said. “I feel super happy and blessed that my sister and I are able to take the reins of the business and manage the business and be entrepreneurs.”

Nearly two dozen young women graduated from the South Valley Chamber’s Junior Women in Business Program in April, after receiving leadership and entrepreneurial training. (City Journals)

MAYOR'S MESSAGE

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

In just over a month, our Taylorsville City Police Department — a ectionately called TVPD — will celebrate its third birthday, and I can still con dently say nearly three years later that it is one of the best decisions we have made.

TVPD was formed on July 1, 2021. Nearly a year before, we decided as a city that our citizens and community would be best served by bringing police services in-house. It was a decision not made lightly. We poured over the pros and cons, ultimately concluding that we had to do so for three main reasons centered around budgetary matters, operational issues, and general governance and process.

Bringing police services in-house has bene ted our community in all of these areas but there are many pros that we did not even anticipate. For one, we have created an even stronger team — all looking out for Taylorsville. Our police department is not a separate entity operating on their own out of City Hall. Rather, all of us here are working together. We are all helping each other do our jobs to the best of our abilities — all for the bene t of our community. And these di erent perspectives and respect for each other have created a synergy that is noticeable and good.

We saw that in the recent competition by TVPD’s K-9 Unit at the 32nd annual Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s K-9 Trial, where Taylorsville officers took the most prestigious Top Agency award. We all were overjoyed by their win that Chief Brady Cottam recognized as a “generous validation of that great work.” See details on Page 6 of this section.

We also heard about this synergy during a recent presentation before the City Council by Dean Paynter of the Community Advisory Board, which reviews relevant issues such as any use of force by o cers. Dean described the board as a diverse group, representing a variety of professional backgrounds including media, mediation, government, accounting, music and entertainment, as well as law enforcement. Upon their appointment in March 2022, all ve members underwent rigorous training, respective to police policy, budget, protocols and procedures.

Truly, their service has made our police department even better, and we are grateful for these contributions and for our TVPD. Each day, our o cers have the safety and welfare of our community top of mind, which is re ective in their recent success. Dean reported that from the advisory board’s observation, TVPD is doing a wonderful job, and I couldn’t agree more.

—Mayor Kristie S. Overson

WHAT’S INSIDE – MAY 2024

Frequently Called Numbers, Page 2

Council Corner, Page 3

TVPD News, Page 6

Heritage Remembrances, Page 7

Environment, Page 8

Food, Fun Planned Every Friday Night at Centennial Plaza

The 2024 season of Starry Nights @the Plaza kicks o this month!

It’s the third year Taylorsville has rolled out the red carpet to entertainment and fun, as well as delicious bites from the Food Truck League food trucks, with its free summer concert series on Fridays from May to September.

From rock bands to folk music to movies on the plaza, Arts Council performances and even a lightsaber demonstration, there is something for everyone to enjoy. It's all happening at Centennial Plaza, 2600 W. Taylorsville Blvd., through Sept. 13.

Local rock band DeNovo kicks o the festivities on May 10, and the food trucks will be there each Friday from 5 to 8:30 p.m.

“We are thrilled by this year’s lineup and think you will be, too,” said Mayor Kristie Overson. The live music, performances and other activities are all free so bring your friends and family for an evening out together on the plaza. Be sure to take a blanket or lawn chair, too, for seating as well as a light jacket on sometimes chillier evenings.

See the full Starry Nights @the Plaza schedule on Page 3 of this section or online at www. taylorsvilleut.gov. You can also nd details about what’s happening each Friday night, as well as links to performers’ music samples, on the city’s website under the Calendar section.

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

Police Department ...............................................................

801-840-4000

Utah 211 resource network 211

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988

Poison Control Center

1-800-222-1222

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

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

Building Inspection

Chamber West (Chamber of Commerce)

Fire Department

801-955-2030

801-977-8755

801-743-7200

Gang Tip Line 385-468-9768

Garbage/Recycle/GreenWaste Pick-up ........................ 385-468-6325

(Wasatch Front Waste & Recycling)

Granite School District

Health Department

385-646-5000

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

MAY 2024

May 1 & May 15 – 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

May 3 – 7:30 p.m.

Taylorsville-SLCC Symphony Orchestra concert @ Bennion Jr. High.

Titled “May Moon,” it is the orchestra’s spring concert and it’s free.

May 10 – 5 p.m.

Starry Nights kicks o with the food trucks and music by local rock band DeNovo. Look for something happening @ Centennial Plaza every Friday through Sept. 13. See schedule on Page 3.

May 14 – 7 p.m.

Evening of Art @ the Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center. This free event, titled "Paintings and Pastries," features ne artist Chad Poppleton and pastry chef Maren Arnell.

May 14 & May 28 – 6:30 p.m.

Planning Commission Meeting @ City Hall.

May 18 – 9 a.m.

Annual Cleanup Day @ Taylorsville High School. Sponsored by the Green Committee, the event collects items for recycling and safe disposal. See accompanying ad on this page.

May 29 – All day Memorial Day. City O ces are closed.

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

ANNUAL CLEANUP DAY

For Taylorsville residents only

PLEASE DO NOT BRING:

Saturday, May 18th

** 9AM TO NOON **

@TAYLORSVILLE HIGH NORTHWEST PARKING LOT

Enter on 5400 South by the football field. Come later in the event to avoid the line!

**WE WILL BE ACCEPTING ...

DOCUMENT SHREDDING

(once the shredding truck is full, it will leave)

You can take motor oil to some auto parts stores or Oil Change Stations. Just verify that they are a recycling center for oil.

GREEN-YARD WASTE

BULK WASTE RECYCLING DONATIONS (please trim long branches) (see list of acceptable donation items at www.taylorsvilleut.gov)

Contact Green Committee Advisor Ernest Burgess at 8 01-654-4482 or by email eburgess@taylorsvilleut.gov for more in formation or to volunteer.

May 1

The Pointe Academy presents Company Showcase

MID-VALLEY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

May 2-3

Serena Webb Dance Theatre presents Vice

May 4

Utah Dance Artists presents Starry Night 2024

EVENTS GET TICKETS AT SaltLakeCountyArts.org

May 5

Bells of Joyful Sounds presents Bells Just Wanna Have Fun!

Utah Dance Institute presents Swan Lake

May 10-11

Salt Contemporary Dance presents SALT2 in Concert May 9-11

May 15-16

Utah Festival Ballet presents Giselle

May 16

The Sally Bytheway Chorale May 17

The Beehive Statesman Barbershop presents The First 75 Years

COUNCIL CORNER

By Council Member Meredith Harker

Friendly People, Thriving Neighborhoods Make Taylorsville an Inviting Hometown

loves their hometown as much as you do.”

Taylorsville has been my home for most of my 47 years of life. I grew up just north of Salt Lake Community College and attended Taylorsville Elementary, Eisenhower Jr. High and Taylorsville High School.

I have fond memories during my younger years of working at the Babe Ruth ball elds in the snack bar and Godfather’s pizza in Carriage Square. I feel like I had an ideal childhood of riding my bike through my neighborhood, playing at Taylorsville Park in the iconic rocket ship, participating in school plays and activities and always feeling safe in Taylorsville.

After marrying my husband, Mike, and living in his grandmother’s basement in Sugar House for a few years to save money, we bought a home here in Taylorville and have been here ever since. I feel like my hometown has always been a part of me and my heart. When I was in college, I remember my Californian roommate saying, “I have never met anyone who

My love of Taylorsville has never stopped growing and I nd now that I am more in love with my hometown than ever before. I have seen lots of changes around here, but the core of what makes Taylorsville a special place is still intact. We have a sense of pride and ownership of our community. We love and care for each other. And we still have that “small town” feeling even though we have more than 60,000 residents.

Like my fellow Council members, I hope you will nd ways to make Taylorsville an even more vibrant and thriving community. We invite you to attend community events, take walks through your neighborhood, find ways to volunteer and serve others, support our first responders and police, shop local and take pride in where you live. I hope Taylorsville is a place that my own children and future grandchildren will one day want to live in, as well. Together, we can make Taylorsville a thriving community for many more years to come.

C o u n t r y , S o u l , F u n k & C l a s s i c R o c k

6 P M - J 2 0 9 ( C h r i s t i a n A C a p p e l l a G r o u p )

7 : 3 0 P M - T a y l o r s v i l l e A r t s C o u n c i l ’ s ‘ B a c k t o t h e B a n d s t a n d

T h e F o x B r o t h e r s B a n d C o u n t r y , R o c k , M o d e r n 9 P M - M o v i e N i g h t‘ S h r e k ’

6 P M - L o v e

E V E R Y F R I D A Y N I G H T C E N T E N N I A L P L A Z A

F R I D A Y , J U L Y 1 9

M a r k C h a n e y a n d F r i e n d s A M i x o f J a z z , R o c k , F u n k & B l u e s a i n i n g ) M U S I C S T A R T S A R O U N D 6 P M I N M A Y , 6 : 3 0 P M I N J U N E , A N D 7 P M I N J U L Y &

t‘ W o n k a ’

F R I D A Y , A U G . 9

F R I D A Y , A U G . 1 6

o v i e N i g h t‘ B a r b i e ’

F R I D A Y , S E P

6 P M - K r i s t y B a l l a r d ( C o u n t r y , F o l k P o p )

6 : 3 0 P M - B l u e S a g e ( H i g h E n e r g y A c o u s t i c

6 P M - S u e H a r d y , M o r g a n T h o m p s o n , a n d B r i t t a n y B u c h a n a n ( P o p u l a r M u s i c D o n e i n a n A c o u s t i c F o l k S t y l e ) 7 : 3 0 P M - T a y l o r s v i l l e A r t s C o u n c i l ’ s M o v i e M u s i c a l R e v u e

LEFT TO RIGHT:

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

TVPD K-9 Unit Takes First Place at Regional Competition

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

The Taylorsville City Police Department’s K-9 Unit took the most prestigious and sought-after Top Agency award at the 32nd annual Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s K-9 Trial.

The first-place recognition goes to the agency whose competing patrol dog teams have the highest overall average score of all categories. The competition on March 23 involved 50 police K-9 teams from agencies in California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah.

"We are so proud of our K-9 Unit," said TVPD Chief Brady Cottam. "Not only did they represent TVPD well, even coming away with this incredible win, but they diligently work every day to ensure our community is safe and protected. We are grateful to LVMPD for this generous validation of that great work."

Sgt. Palmer with K-9 Koda, O cer Moore with K-9 Turbo and O cer Ho man with K-9 Ghost competed in several reality-based scenarios including agility, area search, building search, tactical obedience, handler protection and narcotics detection to nish in rst place. In addition to Top Agency, O cer Moore and Turbo took rst place in Building Search. O cer Ho man and Ghost took second place in Handler Protection and second-place Top Dog, which is equivalent to Top Agency on an individual level.

EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

Congratulations to Det. Tan, who is our latest TVPD Employee of the Month. Det. Tan has served in law enforcement for more than 11 years and is a detective within our violent crime’s unit. He is also assigned to the Salt Lake County O cer Involved Critical Incident investigation team. Prior to joining TVPD, Det. Tan was an o cer with the West Valley Police Department. His experience includes working as a patrol o cer and as a detective. He has served in various units including homicide, street crimes, internet crimes against children and as a member of the U.S. Marshals Violent Fugitive Apprehension team. As a university student, Det. Tan majored in education, which along with his experience is an invaluable asset to our citizens and community.

Det. Tan was selected as TVPD’s employee of the month because of the consistent compassion, respect and empathy he shows to the citizens he serves. Many of the cases he is called to investigate are among the most tragic you could experience or even imagine. Sgt. Hill stated that he is consistently impressed by Det. Tan’s “professionalism, compassion, respect and ability to connect with victims by showing empathy in a way that helps them navigate the tragedy they are experiencing.” Det. Tan attributes any successful investigation to the team he works with, stating “you cannot solve a case on your own, you need a team of great cops.” In his free time, he enjoys o -roading, cooking and traveling. Thank you, Det. Tan for your service and dedication to law enforcement and for choosing to be a part of Team Taylorsville!

Taylorsville Bennion Heritage REMEMBRANCES

Taylorsville Family Shared Joy and Sorrow

This month’s article highlights longtime Taylorsville resident Ethel Lucille Dimond Smith and her family. While their large family enjoyed many happy times together, they also endured their share of heartbreak.

Calvin and Lucille Smith had 13 children: Calvin Jr., Wayne, James, Mary, Nora, Virginia, Margaret, Lucile, Helen, Elizabeth, Claudia and Maurine. Mary was 5 years old when she was hit by a car.

James also was involved in a vehicular accident when he was 16 years old in 1945. His friend Bob Hobbs owned a motorcycle, and James’s skull was fractured in a crash. Tragedy and sorrow struck the family again when Kathleen and Maurine died in a car accident in front of their home on Redwood Road.

Elizabeth had rheumatic fever and died later of a heart attack. Lucille died on Oct. 12, 1981, at age 50 of cancer.

Throughout her life, Lucille was an accomplished pianist and shared sweet songs for many occasions in the Bennion area. Calvin S. Smith was an educator who taught high school and college students, led school districts and oversaw the education of veterans. He died at age 76 of a heart attack. Their numerous descendants carry on their legacy in Taylorsville to this day.

You can learn more about the Smiths and the histories of many other Taylorsville residents at the Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Center, 1488 W. 4800 South. Drop on by!

Don’t Miss These Library Events

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

READY RACE PARTY — Monday, May 6, 6 p.m. Drop in at the library to make cars out of LEGO's and race them on the racetrack.

HELP ME GROW DEVELOPMENTAL PLAYTIME — Tuesday, May 7, 10:30 a.m. Enjoy an open playtime with your child. You'll also have the opportunity to answer a questionnaire that will help you see how your own child is growing. Help Me Grow, a partner from United Way, will be on hand to answer developmental and parenting questions.

STORYTIME YOGA — Wednesday, May 8, 10:30 a.m. Start your morning with stretches and stories at yoga story time with Jayme Vetz. You can bring mats or towels from home. A few mats will be provided.

VIRTUAL LECTURE: FROM THE ASHES — the History and Art of Notre Dame de Paris — Monday, May 13, 7 p.m. Register at thecountylibrary.org/LectureSeries. Rita Wright will highlight the history of the building and expansion of Notre Dame Cathedral. She will also discuss the artworks and relics, and its recovery, like a phoenix, from the recent re.

TEEN SUMMER VOLUNTEERS

— Would you like to volunteer at the library this summer? If you are between ages 14-17, you can! Stop by the Information Desk for more info.

TAYLORSVILLE SENIOR CENTER

S. Plymouth View Drive

May Class Highlights

The Taylorsville Senior Center has planned a variety of classes this month. Among them are:

Canning Class: Learn how to make canned goods from your garden crops. From fruit preserves to pickled veggies, this USU Extension class will go over the canning basics. The class is Wednesday, May 1, from 2 to 3 p.m. in classroom B.

Origins of Memorial Day: Funeral Family Care presents their new series: “Sinner and Saintly Tour-Origins of Memorial Day.” Learn about the history of why we celebrate Memorial Day. The class is Wednesday, May 22, from 9 to 10 a.m. in classroom B.

Picnic in the Park: Bring your lawn chairs and blankets for a spring picnic in the park on Wednesday, May 29, from 11:30 to 12:15 p.m. Enjoy the fresh air and entertainment by BD Howes. Sack lunches will be provided. Reservations are required. Please see the front desk.

Drums Alive: Get a workout and beat to the rhythm of the drums on Wednesdays at 2 p.m. in the aerobics room.

The center will be closed on May 27 for Memorial Day.

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 1-385-468-3370.

MAY UPDATES

District Diversion

Wasatch Front Waste & Recycling District’s diversion rate for the rst quarter of 2024 (January-March) was 19%, which exceeds their goal of 18%.

The district's diversion rate is the percentage of residential municipal waste diverted from the landfill through reuse, reduction, recycling and composting programs.

The land lls serving the Wasatch Front are lling up. The Trans-Jordan Land ll is predicted to reach capacity in less than eight to 10 years, while the Salt Lake Valley Land ll is set to reach capacity in about 40 years. After these land lls ll up, trash will need to be transported out of the valley, increasing vehicles on the road, emissions and transportation costs.

Diverting from the land ll supports the longevity of these land lls and reduces our carbon footprint. WFWRD o ers multiple diversion opportunities including recycling, glass recycling and subscription weekly curbside green waste collection.

Check their website and follow them on social media to nd out how you can help divert waste from the land ll: www.wasatchfrontwaste.org.

No Yard Waste in the Blue Recycle Can

Please remember that grass clippings, other organic and yard waste NEVER go in the blue recycle can. If these materials get collected, it will contaminate otherwise clean recyclables. If you have a lot of yard waste, consider a Green Waste can or a home composting program. More information about the Green Waste Program can be found at the “Green Waste 101” tab at www. wasatchfrontwaste.org.

Glass Recycling

Glass is 100% recyclable! If you recycle one glass bottle, it saves enough energy to light a 100-watt bulb for four hours, power a computer for 30 minutes or a television for 20 minutes. Don’t know how or where to recycle your glass? Check out the “Glass Recycling 101” page on the district’s website to learn more about its curbside glass service: www. wasatchfrontwaste.org.

WFWRD o ers a curbside glass subscription program for residents in Emigration Canyon, Canyon Rim, Millcreek, East Millcreek, Mount Olympus, Murray annex, Holladay, Cottonwood Heights and Taylorsville areas. Drop-o glass recycling services are o ered in areas throughout the district. Find glass drop o locations on the WFWRD website.

A Message from TBID:

Ensuring

Water Quality is Our Top Priority

At Taylorsville-Bennion Improvement District (TBID), safeguarding the purity and safety of our water is not just a duty but a responsibility that we take very seriously. Every day, we work tirelessly to ensure that the water owing into your homes is of the highest quality, meeting or exceeding all established standards.

One of the cornerstones of our commitment to water quality is our rigorous sampling process. We consistently monitor various parameters to assess the quality of water at di erent stages of its journey from source to tap.

Meeting regulatory standards is non-negotiable for us, but we aim higher than mere compliance. We take immense pride in surpassing these standards to provide our community with water that not only meets basic requirements but also contributes to their overall well-being.

Our community is at the heart of everything we do. We understand the vital role clean water plays in your daily lives, from hydration to sanitation and beyond. Your trust is our most valuable asset. It motivates us to constantly strive for excellence and innovation in our water management practices. Rest assured, we are fully committed to delivering clean, pure and safe water to your homes, today and in the years to come.

As we move forward, we will continue to uphold our values of excellence, transparency and community service, because your well-being is our top priority.

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.

West Kearns Elementary teacher recognized with district award

By Dylan Wilcox | d.wilcox@mycityjournals.com

WestKearns Elementary School joins the chorus of celebration as one of their own educators shines brightly among Utah’s finest. Each year, the Granite Education Foundation orchestrates the prestigious Legacy of Leadership and Learning ceremony, a testament to the dedication and impact of educators across the Granite School District.

This year’s event, held at the Excel Evening of Honors, marked a particularly proud moment for West Kearns Elementary. Among the 10 honored individuals was Señora Alejandra Arellano, a teacher whose unwavering commitment to students and innovative teaching methods have left an indelible mark on the school community. Arellano as well as nine other educators out of nearly 2,700 individuals were honored with the award.

Principal Kyle Choffin, beaming with pride, expressed his heartfelt congratulations to the award-winning teacher, emphasizing the significance of this achievement for West Kearns Elementary.

“We are immensely proud of Alejandra for receiving this prestigious honor,” Choffin said. “It’s a sense of pride. Our teams work very hard together, especially our 3rd grade team. They push each other to help their kids grow. Having Alejandra win this is a point of pride for us.”

Choffin explained that this award signi-

fies the dedication and passion that teachers like Arellano bring to the classroom every single day. This award not only recognizes her individual accomplishments but also highlights the collective excellence of West Kearns Elementary school.

“Looking for teachers who put students first and make sure all our kids are successful in the classroom and this award is specifically for the model teacher that shows what teaching is supposed to look like,” Choffin said.

The Excel Educator Award is not merely a token of appreciation, but a symbol of the profound impact educators have on shaping the future. The rigorous selection process, spanning months of nominations and evaluations, ensures that only the most deserving individuals are recognized for their exceptional contributions to education.

Dr. Rich Nye, the superintendent for Granite School District said this award and the people involved in the Granite Education Foundation are some of the best individuals in education.

“We are so grateful to the Granite Education Foundation, and our partners, for helping us recognize and appreciate our amazing educators. The impact and influence of an effectual educator should not be taken lightly or for granted. Their impact truly affects generations,” Nye said.

Arellano was overwhelmed and surprised by the announcement. “I thought it was a normal assembly for the school,” she said. “I didn’t know that the gathering was for me. I am deeply humbled by this, and I try to do my best for my kiddos. I enjoy teaching and have a passion for it.”

Recipients of the award are given complimentary tickets to see a Utah Jazz basketball game. As part of the award, teachers are also given a $250 grant to use for their classrooms.

In the spirit of honoring outstanding educators, the Granite Education Foundation

encourages community members to participate in the nomination process. Whether it’s recognizing a classroom teacher for their exceptional work or highlighting the achievements of an esteemed administrator, every nomination contributes to the collective appreciation of Utah’s top educators.

“We encourage everyone to nominate educators who exemplify excellence in teaching,” Choffin said. “I think it goes to show what the best of the best are doing. Conversations are made with these teachers to share best practices so other schools and educators can improve.” l

Alejandra Arellano was recognized as an Excel wnner. (Granite Education Foundation)

Everywherewe turn, it’s a natural tendency, isn’t it? If our favorite team is up by five touchdowns or a dozen 3-point baskets, don’t they nearly always “let up?” Next thing you know, we’re gnawing down our fingernails, wondering where that 30-point lead went.

Or, how about closer to home: have you ever worked hard dieting to drop seven pounds – then thought, the best way to celebrate this accomplishment is with a huge slice of cake and way-too-much ice cream?

One more: have you ever left Wendover with ALL your winnings? Of course not: we win… we get ahead… our bets grow… we plunk more into the (are they called “slot machines” anymore?) and we drive home wondering, ‘Why didn’t I quit earlier?’

We have a fun term for these predictable habits: human nature. And a pair of water professionals here in our end of the Salt Lake Valley worry that same predictable response may be coming in the world of water conservation.

“These past two wet winters have had a very positive impact on our water situation,” Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District General Manager Alan Packard said. “Our surface water reservoirs, like Jordanelle and Deer Creek, are in much better shape. They will both get very near 100% capacity. But we are always careful to remind the public, we still need to conserve as much as possible.”

Can you say, “wet blanket?” Does Packard celebrate diet successes with a heaping bowl of Brussels sprouts?

Taylorsville-Bennion Improvement District General Manager Mark Chalk is just as bad.

“We still want to push conservation because our reservoirs can only hold so much water,” Chalk said. “Since last year’s (record setting wet) winter essentially filled all of our northern Utah reservoirs, the biggest winner from this past winter has been The Great Salt Lake. It’s come up significantly (from its dangerously low level of just a couple of years ago).”

By Carl Fauver | c.fauver@mycityjournals.com

Packard and Chalk are both quick to direct us to utahwatersavers.com. Developed in 2017 by JVWCD, the website offers information on how homeowners can receive financial rebates and incentives by making eligible landscaping changes. They are also both quick to remind us, Utah is the second-driest state in the country; a couple of unusually wet winters won’t resolve our challenges forever.

Chalk and Packard know of what they speak, with more than a half-century of water expertise between them. Packard has been with JVWCD more than 34 years, and its GM since January 2023. Chalk hits 20 years with TBID this month. He’s been GM there since June 2019.

TBID employs 35 people and provides culinary water to more than 90% of all Taylorsville homes and businesses. It also has a few customers in neighboring cities. Thirty to 40% of that water is purchased from JVWCD. The majority of water Taylorsville residents consume comes from the city’s reliable and productive wells.

The much larger JVWCD has 160 employees. Three of the district’s customers purchase much more water than Taylorsville-Bennion. They supply some 20,000 acre feet of water to West Valley City residents and about the same to people in West Jordan. The district’s third largest customer is South Jordan, at 16,500 acre feet per year.

Because Taylorsville-Bennion wells are so dependable, TBID purchases “only” 4,700 acre feet of water from JVWCD annually.

Yes, yes – before you ask – an acre foot of water is 325,851 gallons. So, the 4,700 acre feet TBID purchases each year is a little more than 1.5-billion gallons.

Taylorsville is also home to the largest underground water storage tank Jordan Valley operates. Buried under a vacant, 35-acre plot of land – just west of Bangerter Highway at 5900 South – is the district’s 100-million-gallon Jordan Valley Water Terminal Reservoir.

For those of us who fish and waterski at “reservoirs,” that name is a bit misleading. The JVWCD “reservoir” is actually a huge storage tank, buried out of sight.

“Jordan Valley Water owns and operates 27 reservoirs (underground and above ground tanks) throughout the Salt Lake Valley,” Packard said. “The 100-million-gallon Taylorsville reservoir is, by far, the largest. The next largest, in fact, is 8-million-gallons.”

The original Taylorsville reservoir was constructed in 1985 with a total capacity of 34-million-gallons. A dozen years later it was tripled in size, when two additional 33-million-gallon “cells” were added to the existing site.

Last month, Packard and Chalk led several elected officials, business leaders and media members on a tour of the massive underground reservoir.

“Each year, we completely drain one of the reservoir cells to allow maintenance crews to inspect and repair it,” Packard said. “The annual maintenance cost is about $150,000. If we find unexpected issues, the cost goes up.”

Packard also explained, his district does not actually own all of the 100-million-gallon terminal reservoir in Taylorsville. JVWCD owns 5/7 of it, while the Metropolitan Water District of Salt Lake and Sandy owns the remaining 2/7.

Officials say the reservoirs primarily exist because water demands are inconsistent throughout a 24-hour day. The massive containers drain down when demand is high then refill when demand drops. One of the reservoir tour leaders – JVWCD Facilities & Grounds Maintenance Supervisor Brad Boren – says you might be surprised what time water demand is highest during the summer.

“Our water demand begins to spike about 11 o’clock at night, and remains higher through the night,” Boren explained. “This is because about 70% of our water is used for landscaping. That percentage has actually dropped over the past few years. But it remains quite high. That’s why we constantly encourage people to conserve. We provide plenty of water to serve more (Salt Lake Valley) residents, IF people continue to slow down how much they use outside.”

Taylorsville Mayor Kristie Overson was impressed by what she saw on the tour.

“It was just incredible to walk down into that massive cavern – and to understand, what

we were seeing was just a portion of all the water storage area they have,” Overson said. “Our residents can be confident their water is safe. I was impressed to hear about all the safety measures (JVWCD) takes to protect our water supply.”

“I am so pleased our forefathers planned ahead, decades ago, to construct these water storage reservoirs,” added City Councilman Ernest Burgess. “They anticipated the continued (population) growth we would see, and we are all benefiting now from that forethought.”

One final note: this year marks the 50th anniversary of a key piece of federal legislation that has made it safer for all of us to trust the water coming out of our tap. The Safe Drinking Water Act was passed by Congress in 1974. Under the new rule, the Environmental Protection Agency was tasked with setting drinking water quality standards. The EPA continues monitoring states, local authorities and water suppliers that enforce those standards.

To mark this half-century milestone – and to kick off the annual National Drinking Water Week (May 5-11) – Taylorsville-Bennion Improvement District will host an open house at its headquarters (1800 W. 4700 South) on Monday, May 6, from 4 to 7 p.m. Learn more about the celebration, and what else the district is up to, at tbid.gov. l

For more on Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District, visit jvwcd.org. Click PROGRAMS on their front page to get to the Utah Water Savers website, mentioned above. l

This cavernous, underground space in Taylorsville – and several more like it nearby – store a combined 100 million gallons of culinary water. (Carl Fauver/City Journals)

Over the last few years, more readers are emailing us about the Life and Laughter columns that run in the Journal. Last month, realizing the topic was more controversial, we decided to ask for reader feedback. Our readers left nearly 200 responses.

Over 60 percent of readers agreed with the article. Here is a small sampling of the comments that we received from our readers.

“I always love Peri Kinder's articles. I am on the same page with her politically. However, the length and tone of her articles make clear they are written for people who already agree with her - not for people on the fence or are looking for information on a topic”

“Peri inspired some thoughts that I hadn't paid much attention to.”

“Peri's bigotry is showing. No one should have to apologize for their sex, race, income status, or sexual orientation, unless of course, according to Peri, you’re a straight white male in Utah. Replace white with black and male with female in her piece and maybe you’ll be able to recognize the vitriol for what it is. Women are entitled to safe, private spaces, and I guarantee that if there were a man pretending to be a woman ogling at Peri in the bathroom, she might feel just a wee bit uncomfortable. As a woman, I’m tired of feminists telling me to “just get over it” and that my feelings don’t matter. Must I once again subjugate my desires in deference to a man who wants things his way? Maybe you should ask the girl in Virginia who was sexually assaulted by a transgender girl in the girls’ bathroom at school. Just because Peri doesn’t mind men in her bathroom doesn’t mean the rest of us aren’t traumatized by it. The Legislature did absolutely the right thing, carefully balancing the rights of transgender people with women’s right to privacy and safe separate spaces.”

“Biological men do not belong in the same restroom as women. I do not want my children to ever be in a bathroom where a man is present. Just because the author has not encountered a “creepy man dressed as Mrs. Doubtfire, accosting women in the re-

Life and Laughter Reader Response

stroom,” does not mean this has not occurred. There are numerous cases where women have been assaulted by so called transgender info inside of women’s restrooms, for example, the case in Louden County VA.”

“I really like a lot of her articles but I am very opposed to pretty much everything she said in this one.”

“I agree with most of the comments about the legislature. However, I do not want transgender (born male) in my women's bathroom. They can use the family bathrooms which are becoming much more available.”

“Responding to "the article" as a whole cannot be done here because many different opinions were expressed on many issues. My only reaction to the overall article is "what happened to laughter"? I have often enjoyed your humor but this article had none! That's sad.”

"I agree that Trans women should not be allowed in the female bathrooms. Why? Because they are not women. There are only two genders. There always have been two genders and that cannot change. It is not dependent on what we think we are or are not. We cannot and should not change the gender given to us by our Creator. I think He knows best.”

“Also, the author makes it sound like not allowing Trans women in a female bathroom is being unloving...love thy neighbor. Since when does disagreeing with someone's lifestyle directly correlate to being unloving? In any relationship we have with others, there are likely times we don't fully agree with someone's opinion or choices. We can still love that person, but not agree with their actions or lifestyle. These days it seems that if you disagree in any way with diversity, equity and inclusion you are labeled a hater. How is it that everyone else is entitled to their opinion but if mine is different in any way, I am wrong. How is that loving? We live in a free country that allows us to have a variety of opinions and express those opinions in a respectful way. But we also have to understand that not everyone is going to agree with each other and that is OK. With the bathroom issue, single stall bathrooms that allow either gender is the best solution in my opinion."

“Agree 100%. Peri is right. Sometimes it is embarrassing to live in this state with the things the legislature worries about and focuses on, and the bills they pass. There are more important problems to deal with than worrying about which bathrooms people are using, fighting DEI, and what books kids should or shouldn’t be reading. Frankly I think some of these things send the wrong message; I fear the kids are only learning that the adults don’t trust them to make good decisions. Or any decisions at all which will only lead to more problems down the road… an even more intolerant society with no critical thinking skills which is never a good thing.”

“This article is right. I couldn't agree more with all of Peri Kinder's articles. This one is my favorite.

I usually read the Peri Kinder column to get a good chuckle but this one hit the nail right on the head.”

“Thanks for printing this. I'm a trans woman who lives here and this was nice to see. I worked at the airport before, now I'm

looking for a new job. It's been a rough couple of years for trans people and can seem overwhelming at times. Thanks for reminding me there's allies out there.”

“Peri is so sensible. I appreciate her writing this column.”

"I completely agree. We have a short legislative session and too much time and efforts were made supporting hatred and exclusion, singularity of thought and government being for themselves instead of for the people.

Read the polls: none of this is what the majority of voters are asking for.”

“It is so refreshing to read an opinion driven by common sense and compassion, rather than ignorance and fear. I know people in Utah are more compassionate than those who represent them, based on proposed legislation.”

“I look forward to Peri Kinder's article every month. This article was especially "spot on". Government needs to be more transparent! Not hidden behind so called "privacy" laws that block access to to the daily calendar of elected officials. I also agree with Peri's stance on public restrooms. Nobody goes into a restroom 'looking for" a transgender. They are there to "do their business" and leave asap! I have noticed that airports, some restaurants, and some of the wonderful theaters (Pioneer Theatre's new Meldrum Theatre and The Eccles) have an open doorway. The stalls allow for individual privacy, but the rooms are open and very visible. This is the first time I have used my scanning code. I felt it was important to express my point of view.”

“Acceptance has been slow over the years, but acceptance of the reality is gaining more support as people learn about their families.”

“I question the comments about guns in schools but clearly agree with the rest.”

My dog, Jedi, runs to the closet where her leash hangs. She spins in circles as I take it off the hook and click it on her collar. She bites the leash and pulls because I’m just not moving fast enough. She is so happy to walk the neighborhood and terrorize small animals.

Usually, these daily walks cheer me up, but recently, I follow behind her like I’m wearing cement shoes on a muddy beach. Does anyone else feel soul-tired?

I’m the weariest I’ve been since my daughters were newborns when sleeping two hours a night left me moving through life in a haze of dirty Pampers and milk-sour T-shirts.

But what’s my excuse now? I’m a deflated balloon, bouncing along the floor without the helium needed to float. I’m too weary to yawn, too sluggish to nap.

I guess I’m not alone because author and computer science professor Cal Newport said we’re in the throes of “The Great Exhaustion.”

It’s not about getting more sleep, it’s not about eating more fiber or fewer Hostess Twinkies, it’s a complete burnout because rest is a sign of weakness.

Taylor Swift recorded a double album while performing in a sold-out global tour

Dead on My Feet

and then flew halfway around the world to catch her boyfriend’s little football game. And here I am, struggling to write a column and make it to my granddaughters’ soccer games.

I sprawl on the couch watching dust accumulate on the end tables, too fatigued to do anything about it. I pray a brisk breeze blows through the house, scattering the dirt back to the floor where it belongs.

I feel a lot of people are in this same engineless boat. It doesn’t help that companies now require employees to return to the office, even though the flexible, at-home schedules have kept thousands of women in the workplace. Even though, for the first time in history, job schedules have helped women feel like work and home are almost manageable.

Our energy is also being drained fast-

er than our bank accounts because we’ve trained ourselves to be 24/7 content creators. We spend a crapload of time making reels about our trip to the Grand Canyon or a TikTok video about how to raise goats and make goat milk ice cream.

But there’s more! Start a tech company during your free time! Renovate your kitchen and use time-lapse videos to share with the world! Become an Instagram influencer by creating beauty masks using pencil shavings! Document all the moments all the time and share on all the platforms!

With nonstop information from streaming shows, music, podcasts, audiobooks and social media going directly into our big noggins, our brains are tired. Every person in your household (and possibly your pets) is processing information at speeds unheard of just a few years ago. There’s probably smoke coming out of our ears.

It’s a firehose of electronic data. Everything is breaking news. Everything is trying to capture our brief attention. Life is one big clickbait link and we doomscroll like we’ve been enchanted by a wizard to sell our souls for just a little more spilled tea.

Are

The funny thing is, we can turn it off, silence the noise and deactivate the notifications. But our cortisol addiction is out of control. So what do we do?

Jedi has the right idea. Walking outside, breathing fresh air, maybe even chasing a cat up a tree reminds us the small things matter. Quiet rituals are important. “The Great Exhaustion” is a bone-deep weariness but also a reminder we’re not alone as we stumble through life.

Maybe in sharing our weariness, we can find a listening ear, a comforting shoulder or a Hostess Twinkie.

The following is based on real events. The names have been changed to protect identities.

Scalped at Work

Maria was a machine operator at a cardboard factory. The machine she operated turned flat cardboard blanks into complete boxes; taped and ready to be filled. As an operator, Maria had to load the machine with cardboard blanks, and remove the completed boxes and place them on a pallet. Occasionally there were cardboard jams, but nothing she couldn’t handle.

During one shift, Maria’s machine jammed. While fixing it, a small lock of hair that had escaped her hair net was grabbed by a gear as it began to spin. The gear devoured her hair and quickly began to consume more, leaving Maria in a tug of war for her life. With the emergency stop button out of reach, Maria began screaming for help while she continued to fight the machine. Before anyone was able to reach her, Maria shut the machine off herself, blinded by her own blood. Amazingly, Maria had managed to free herself from the grinding teeth of the machine, but it had cost her her scalp – skin and all.

Luckily, Maria received prompt emergency treatment at a local hospital. It was there that doctors told her that her injury was such that she was not able to accept full skin grafts and because the skin of her head was gone, she would never be able to grow hair again.

Workers’ compensation handled Maria’s case as they should – at first. They paid for the

medical bills, and paid two thirds of her wage while she recovered from the accident. However, soon after (too soon, in Maria’s opinion), she was told to report back to work. Maria protested; she was still recovering from a traumatic experience and was unable to wear a hat, let alone a wig, because of the pain they caused rubbing against her tender head. Her workers’ compensation adjuster told her that she really should return to work as she was not entitled to any additional benefits. When Maria asked about compensation for the loss of her scalp and for having to go through life as a woman with no hair, the adjuster responded by saying that it wasn’t really their

problem because she could still physically do all the things she could before. While her disfigured scalp was unfortunate, it was nothing more than a cosmetic problem. Maria was shocked. Her battle with the machine had cost her much more than her scalp, it had cost her self confi-

She couldn’t believe that someone would describe her situation as nothing more than a cosmetic problem.

dence and had taken a serious toll on her mental health. She couldn’t believe that someone would describe her situation as nothing more than a cosmetic problem.

Believing more could be done in her workers’ compensation case, Maria called Davis & Sanchez for the help and understanding she needed. While Maria’s accident may seem uniquely serious, these incidents happen more than you think given the number of manufacturing and construction workers across Utah. Work accidents can have life long impacts both at home and at work. Davis & Sanchez offers Utah’s injured workers serious help in cases big and small. Contact Davis & Sanchez at 801-746-0290 for a free consultation in your workers comp case.