Taylorsville Journal | October 2023

SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE CELEBRATES 75 YEARS WITH BRIEF SPEECHES AND A TIME CAPSULE OPENING

By Carl Fauver | c.fauver@mycityjournals.com

Barely three years after a pair of atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan officially drew World War II to a close, a new educational era opened in Salt Lake City. Initially called the Salt Lake Area Vocational School, the institution now known as Salt Lake Community College welcomed its first 246 students on Sept. 14, 1948.

Harry S. Truman was in the White House, Britain’s King Charles was still two months from being born and gas was 26 cents a gallon.

Sixteen different courses were offered by 23 instructors during that first year, mostly to GIs who’d just returned from the war. By the end of year one, enrollment had grown to some 1,400 students.

On Sept. 14, SLCC marked its 75th “diamond jubilee” anniversary – with an outdoor ceremony and time capsule opening –on the lawn at the school’s “main campus” in Taylorsville (4600 S. Redwood Road).

From its humble beginnings, SLCC has grown to become Utah’s largest two-year college, with nine locations serving more than 40,000 students annually. The school now offers eight fields of study and is recognized as one of the top ten providers of associate degrees across the United States.

SLCC President Dr. Deneece Huftalin welcomed the 75th Anniversary Tribute audience to the sun-soaked ceremony. She was followed by brief comments from: SLCC Board of Trustees Chairman Brady Southwick, Utah Lt. Governor Diedre Henderson and Taylorsville Mayor Kristie Overson.

Attendees each received a high-gloss 75th anniversary commemorative magazine. In it, President Huftalin noted: “From 16-year-old students combining college courses with high school

Continued page 9

The SLCC Taylorsville campus was all decked out last month for a special tribute day to mark the school’s 75th year serving students. (Carl Fauver/City Journals)

Halloween

The second ‘Plaza +ART: An Evening of Art’ is a big hit for a modest audience at the MVPAC

Anotherhugely-successful season of “Starry Nights @ the Plaza” finished its 20-week run in front of Taylorsville City Hall on Sept. 15. Then, less than a week later, city officials were back at work providing a cultural opportunity inside the Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center.

Mayor Kristie Overson and her team hosted their second “Plaza +ART: An Evening of Art,” in the MVPAC Centennial room. A modest crowd of about 30 turned out for the free event where they heard presentations from oil

By Carl Fauver | c.fauver@mycityjournals.com

painter Katrina Berg and photographer Gordon Swensen.

Before turning the time over to the artists, Overson told the audience a bit more about the city’s newest artistic program.

“As Centennial Plaza was being completed, we first came up with the idea of displaying sculptures throughout the area,” Overson explained. “We decided to call the program ‘Plaza +ART.’ This ‘Evening of Art’ is a spinoff of that. We want to provide our residents with opportunities to enjoy art and learn more about it.”

The city’s first “Plaza +ART: An Evening of Art” was held last spring. This Sept. 21 event was their second. And a third is already being discussed, to be held around Valentines Day.

Overson’s team also provided all of the attendees with a map and photos of the city’s newest selection of Centennial Plaza sculptures.

“At our Centennial Plaza ribbon cutting two years ago, we unveiled six sculptures,” she continued. “They proved to be so popular that, last year, we added more pedestals to accommodate 14 statues. This year we grew it again to 18 sculpture pedestals – and we just identified one more good spot. Right now, there are 17 sculptures on display, with two more coming soon.”

The sculptors hail from several Utah locations, along with a couple that made their way in from outside our state. Taylorsville resident Dan Toone has provided two sculptures this year, while his son Josh has one on display as well.

Toone is also the city’s primary connection to the “art world.” He’s the one who connected the mayor’s team to their “Plaza +ART: An Evening of Art” guests.

“After so many years of having nothing but dirt in front of city hall, I’m thrilled with

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Centennial Plaza,” Overson added. “Starry Nights @ the Plaza” was very popular again this year.”

Overson’s Executive Assistant Jen Andrus is the city’s primary organizer of “Starry Nights @ the Plaza.” She says this year’s move to Friday nights from Saturdays proved to be a very positive change.

“Our Starry Nights attendance was much larger this year,” Andrus said. “For one thing, the events are becoming more well-known by residents. And the move to Fridays seemed to help a lot also. I know lots of city employees purchased food from the food trucks as they were leaving work to take home to their families. We also had more food trucks this year.”

Andrus says city officials still have to meet with food truck organizers to firm up whether they will again be available on Friday nights next year. But given the boost they enjoyed in sales this past season, the mayoral assistant is confident “Starry Nights @ the Plaza” will return to Friday evenings in 2024.

Back to the “Plaza +ART: An Evening of

Art” event, Midway resident Katrina Berg was the first presenter. She told attendees she likes to apply her oil paints thick – but make use of “softer” colors while doing it.

“I like to use candy-color oils, because life can be hard and darker,” Berg explained. “I like lighter colors in a contemporary, whimsical style.”

Berg said her larger paintings can take six to eight weeks to complete, working 25 to 30 hours per week. Before her presentation to the audience, the artist spoke highly of the city’s initiative to provide art opportunities to its residents.

“I think this is amazing what Taylorsville is doing to open doors for people,” she added. “We’ve had four or five years of really challenging times. Life can be hard. But art can remind us of who we are and what we can become. I think this (event) is brilliant.”

Following Berg’s presentation, Gordon Swensen took the microphone. He’s lived in Sandy for about 30 years. But he did his growing up here, graduating from Taylorsville High

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Taylorsville’s annual changing of the sculptures in Centennial Plaza brought this piece “A Window in Time”, now on loan for a year, from artist Richard Prazen. (Carl Fauver/City Journals)

About 30 people attended Taylorsville’s “Plaza +ART: An Evening of Art.” As word gets out about the city’s new, periodic activity, organizers expect a larger crowd at their third such event, coming around Valentine’s Day. (Carl Fauver/City Journals)

School in 1983. He’s also the oldest son of Gary Swensen, for whom Valley Regional Park is named.

“I just attended my Taylorsville High 40th class reunion two weeks ago,” Swensen said before his photography presentation. “I served in the high school student senate for two years. Mayor Overson and Dan Toone invited me to participate in this event. I’m always excited to

get back into Taylorsville.”

Swensen explained to the “Plaza +ART: An Evening of Art” audience his interest in photography began with a Boy Scout project when he constructed a pinhole camera. Normally with his wife tagging along, Swensen now travels throughout Utah, and neighboring states, in search of the perfect shot.

“Sometimes it can be very cold as you wait

for just the right light to get the best picture,” he told the audience. “I enjoy visiting national parks, waterfalls and interesting landscapes. I also love photographing animals.”

Swensen shared dozens of slides with the audience, showing bison, deer, elk, foxes, bear, moose, antelope, porcupines and a wide variety of birds. He also displayed and discussed landscape photography, ranging from red rocks to mountain flowers to ocean coastlines.

“I also really enjoy photographing waterfalls and hot air balloon events,” he added.

Swensen is now developing a website to feature his work. In the meantime, anyone wishing to learn more about it can reach the former Taylorsville resident at swensen.gordon@ gmail.com.

To see more of Katrina Berg’s oil paintings, visit katrinaberg.com.

Again, once the holiday season comes and goes, be on the lookout for information from Taylorsville City about their third “Plaza +ART: An Evening of Art,” coming in February. l

Katrina Berg and her 9-year-old twins show off one of the artist’s oil paintings during “Plaza +ART: An Evening of Art,” hosted by Taylorsville City. (Carl Fauver/City Journals)

Taylorsville High School graduate Gordon Swensen was joined by Mayor Kristie Overson at “Plaza +ART: An Evening of Art,” where he showed and discussed dozens of his landscape and animal photos. (Carl Fauver/City Journals)

New Fall Festival treats kids of all ages to free pumpkins, animal petting and a glimpse of days gone by

It’snot every day you see Taylorsville City Councilwoman Meredith Harker offering country line dance lessons… Councilman Curt Cochran helping kids pluck their perfect pick from a pumpkin patch… and Mayor Kristie Overson hobnobbing with the Days of ’47 Queen.

But all of that – along with goats, rabbits, chickens and sheep – were on display at the first-ever Taylorsville Fall Festival, held appropriately on the first official day of autumn, Sept. 23.

“The Taylorsville Historic Preservation Committee has been planning this day for months – since last winter,” Harker said while taking a brief break from her dance instructor duties. “We have 25 to 30 volunteers helping out. Our committee members are here, along with the Taylorsville Youth Council. We’ve put in a lot of work and it looks like people are having fun.”

If there was a primary purpose to this first Fall Festival, it was to unveil the Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Center’s official plaque, detailing the site’s recent inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. The plaque refers to the site as the “John and Jeanette Gerrard House” (1488 W. 4800 South).

Indeed, the Gerrards had the Victorian home built for them in 1906. But it was only a dozen years later when they sold their farmhouse to the Jones family. That transaction eventually led to the venerable Jones Dairy – the name most Taylorsville “old timers” still associate with the site.

Historic Preservation Committee Chair Susan Yadeskie opened the ceremonial portion of the Fall Festival.

“Our committee loves Taylorsville and we love all of you,” she said. “We organized this special day because we want to reach out to as many people as possible – to share this wonderful place with all of you. This site has

By Carl Fauver | c.fauver@mycityjournals.com

so much to see and do. We want everyone to visit us, to learn more about our past.”

Moments later, Overson stepped to the microphone. She fought back tears of joy as she recalled her childhood growing up in the area.

“This really tugs at my heart,” she began. “I remember the Gerrards. I took piano lessons from Mildred – we called her “Grandma” – Gerrard. I especially loved dime day. If I played well enough, she gave me a dime. Taylorsville City incorporated 27 years ago. But our Taylorsville community took root many generations before that. Our Historic Preservation Committee does an amazing job keeping those memories alive – and preserving them, as we look to the future.”

Taylorsville City purchased the 2.5-acre Jones Dairy site just six years after incorporating, in 2002. The city provides an annual budget for Heritage Center upkeep and also assists the Historic Preservation Committee in securing outside grant funding.

As it turns out, maintaining a 117-yearold home – and several other historic buildings that have been added to the site – does not come cheap.

“We recently had four brick chimneys repaired on the home and put a new roof on the old dairy store (next door),” Yadeskie said. “There are always new repair needs. But we committee members also do a lot of work ourselves.”

In preparing for their Fall Festival, Yadeskie cleared weeds and old sod in a large area to lay in a patio, fashioned out of antique, “leftover” bricks. She and others were also up to their eyeballs in paint – white on several buildings and “John Deere green” on fences.

Wendy Cochran is one of Yadeskie’s active Historic Preservation Committee members. Her husband, City Councilman Curt Cochran, says that makes him a member as well. They were put in charge of bringing life back to a long-overlooked patch of dirt outside the large Heritage Center barn.

“The Wednesday after Mother’s Day (May 17) we planted 72 pumpkin plants and we now have about 300 pumpkins in the patch,” Wendy Cochran said. “We came over here two or three times a week to water the plants and pull weeds. This space had not been used to grow anything for years. It’s been a labor of love.”

As a reward for their four months of work, Curt Cochran got to wander the patch with child after child, helping each one select their “perfect pumpkin.” After that, the kids were on their own to choose which colors they wanted to paint them.

Among those visiting the pumpkin patch were Days of ’47 Queen Katie Ann Powell of Sandy and one of her attendants, Kianna Be-

City Councilman Curt Cochran, Councilwoman Meredith Harker, Historic Preservation Committee Chair Susan Yadeskie and Mayor Kristie Overson (L-R) unveil the new National Register of Historic Places plaque outside the Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Center to kick off the first-ever Taylorsville Fall Festival. (Carl Fauver/City Journals)

The first-ever Taylorsville Fall Festival featured lots of photo opportunities. (Carl Fauver/City Journals)

No carving with knives – but plenty of decorating paints – for children who selected one of the more than 300 pumpkins from the Taylorsville Fall Festival pumpkin patch. (Carl Fauver/City Journals)

hunin of Riverton. They shared a couple of songs with the Fall Festival audience.

Taylorsville resident Emily Keithley and her boyfriend, Josh Chadwick, were also a big hit at the event. Actually, to be more accurate, their animals were the stars. The Historic Preservation Committee has allowed Keithley to keep animals in a portion of the Heritage Center barn for five years, free of charge. She has two goats and two sheep in there now.

“I think it’s really cool they let me have the animals here,” Keithley said. “I live in an apartment – so I couldn’t keep them there. I

come every day to feed them – and clean out their pens every 2 or 3 weeks. I don’t have to pay for the area as long as I am OK with kids visiting and petting the animals. I think it’s great.”

The only person spotted wearing a period costume at the Fall Festival was Traci Jones, dressed as an early 1900s schoolmarm (yep, it’s one word – thanks Google).

“I’m on the Historic Preservation Committee and we also own the property next door (3/4 of an acre, immediately to the east),” Jones said. “We purchased our property the same year (2002) the city bought this Jones Dairy property. We keep an eye on it. We have a little trouble with kids hopping the fence and vandalizing things – but not often.”

Ironically, Jones is not related to the Jones Dairy family.

In the midst of everything else, visitors also received free popcorn, lemonade and even an official, 58-page “Taylorsville Fall Festival Cookbook.” Oh, and a few visitors joined in on the pumpkin pie eating contest.

“We tried to include something for everyone at the Fall Festival, so parents and

kids would all enjoy themselves,” Yadeskie concluded. “Our Historic Preservation Committee organized this first one so we could do something special for the National Register of Historic Places designation. But now we hope and plan to make this an annual event.”

Sounds like another 4-month pumpkin growing hitch for the Cochrans – and more line dance steps for Harker to memorize. l

The first-ever Taylorsville Fall Festival featured lots of photo opportunities. (Carl Fauver/City Journals)

The first-ever Taylorsville Fall Festival included a quilt show inside the old Jones Dairy store, next door to the Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Center. (Carl Fauver/City Journals)

Constructed in 1906, the Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Center earned its position on the National Register of Historic Places last year, becoming only the second structure in the city to earn that coveted distinction. (Carl Fauver/City Journals)

A small crowd looked on as Taylorsville Mayor Kristie Overson read a proclamation recognizing the Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Center’s inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. (Carl Fauver/ City Journals)

Days of ‘47 Queen Katie Ann Powell (R) and Attendant Kianna Behunin (L) paused to meet Mayor Kristie Overson during the Taylorsville Fall Festival. (Carl Fauver/City Journals)

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completion to 72-year-old students finally achieving their educational dreams, SLCC has touched the lives of millions of Utahns.”

Ever-expanding to meet the needs (and locations) of its students, SLCC opened its newest 90-acre campus on Aug. 4 in Herriman. The site is a joint project with the University of Utah where students will be able to earn an associate’s degree from SLCC and then move on to pursue a U of U undergrad degree, all at the same location.

Officials describe the new southwest Salt Lake Valley campus as a “first-of-its-kind partnership between two Utah higher education institutions.” It is expected to serve more than 2,000 students during this academic year and nearly 7,000 by 2025.

Southwick told the diamond anniversary gathering he is proud and humbled to be involved with such an amazing organization.

“We can’t overstate the impact Salt Lake Community College has had on our community and state,” Southwick said. “The role SLCC plays is critical.”

Henderson lived in Taylorsville for several years and attended her sophomore year at Taylorsville High School before her family moved away. She read an official gubernatorial proclamation citing SLCC’s special day.

“From the ‘Greatest Generation’ to ‘Gen Z,’ this is the fifth generation to take advantage of this institution,” Henderson said. “Here’s to the next 75 years.”

The original Salt Lake Area Vocational School was located near downtown Salt Lake, near 4th South and6th East. Founding school President Howard Gundersen held that post only one year. But his successor, Jay Nelson, would remain at the school’s helm nearly three decades (1949-1978).

Midway through Nelson’s tenure, the school dedicated the site of the Taylorsville Redwood Campus in 1963. That’s also when the school took it’s next-to-last name, Utah Technical College at Salt Lake. The first classes were held on the former farm acreage a few years later.

“This campus opened to students in 1967, long before we were a city,” Overson told the 75th Anniversary Tribute audience. “I love walking through this beautiful campus, especially this time of year, as the leaves begin to change colors. Every day, I see our residents taking advantage of the training provided by SLCC. We celebrate your accomplishments.”

Following the official ceremony, Overson also added, “Taylorsville has so many strong partnerships with SLCC. Our Arts Council, in particular, has made use of the Alder Amphitheater many times. Our community symphony also partners with the school. It’s a wonderful, strong relationship.”

Following the handful of brief speeches, a bit more levity was introduced when a time capsule was opened. It seems no one thought to create a time capsule when the school first began greeting students in 1948. Instead, the time capsule items unveiled dated back to July 1988. That was just after the very first school

year during which the institution was officially called Salt Lake Community College.

Michael Atkinson was SLCC’s student body president that year (1987-88). He’s also with the school now as an academic adviser. He and current Student Body President Joyce Wambuyi shared the time capsule contents, which included newspapers, books, coffee mugs and an official SLCC flying disc (“Frisbee”).

“I like to tell potential SLCC students, our parking is much better and our tuition is much better,” Atkinson said following the ceremony. “Salt Lake Community College is not as stressful or overwhelming as other schools can be.”

For nearly 60 years, SLCC was under the leadership of male school presidents. But, for nearly 20 years, females have been at the helm. Dr. Cynthia Bioteau became the school’s first woman president in 2005, serving to 2013. Dr. Huftalin – the school’s eighth president – has been in the post since then.

Dr. Huftalin has actually served SLCC students, faculty and staff for three decades. Prior to her role as president, she was interim president, vice president of student services, dean of students and director of academic and career advising.

It’s also noteworthy, predating these two women was another female SLCC trailblazer. In 1989, Norma Carr became the first woman athletics director at any Utah college or university.

In its most recent graduating class last May, 3, 330 SLCC students received their di-

plomas. Their yearly tuition averaged less than $4,300. According to school officials, at a time when staggering student debt is a frequent story in the national news, fully 80% of Salt Lake Community College students graduate with little to no unpaid education bills.

For the next couple of months, SLCC will accept student suggestions for what should go

into a brand-new school time capsule. Their plan is to earmark it for opening during the college’s 150th anniversary, in 2098.

Most of last month’s tribute attendees aren’t expected to attend that event. But SLCC officials are quite confident the school’s legacy of providing a quality education at an affordable cost will still be alive and well. l

Mayor Kristie Overson (L) was joined by SLCC Board of Trustees Chairman Brady Southwick and Utah Lt. Governor (and former Taylorsville resident) Diedre Henderson, as guest speakers at the college’s 75th Anniversary Tribute. (Carl Fauver/City Journals)

Untangling the Madness: Why Trimlight is the Ultimate Holiday Hack

The holiday season is fast approaching, bringing with it the timeless tradition of adorning our homes with festive lights. You’re likely familiar with the routine – unearthing boxes of tangled lights, grappling with a ladder that seems determined to defy you, and attempting to transform your residence into a shimmering winter wonderland. It’s all fun and games until you’re knee-deep in a web of extension cords, pondering the choices that brought you here. That’s why we’re excited to introduce a better way – outdoor permanent holiday lights from Trimlight.

they’ve staged a revolt, protesting against your decorating skills. You become a detective, tracking down the rogue bulb that’s sabotaging your holiday dreams. Just when you think you’ve triumphed, a gust of wind turns your carefully placed lights into a chaotic display of brilliance.

And let’s not forget the extension cords. You weave and wind them through your yard like a mad scientist setting up an experiment. And guess what? They have a mind of their own. They tangle, twist, and trip you up in a game of holiday-themed Twister.

The Drama of Hanging Holiday Lights

Picture this: You’re in your front yard, armed with a string of lights that may have been plotting against you in the attic for the past year. You attempt to untangle them, or at least you try. Suddenly, you nd yourself locked in a wrestling match with a stubborn knot that refuses to let go. This is where the adventure begins.

But that’s not all! You embark on a ladder-climbing odyssey, channeling your inner acrobat as you teeter on the edge of catastrophe. The ground seems to disappear into the distance, and you ponder the cosmic signi cance of your holiday decorating decisions. In that moment, the ladder is not just a ladder; it’s a perilous gateway to a realm of festive uncertainty.

Now, the real challenge begins. You plug in your lights, and behold – a quarter of them refuse to illuminate. It’s as if

By now, your ngers are either frozen or numb, and you’re seriously reconsidering the merits of holiday cheer. You might even have a breakdown amidst the holiday lights, swearing to never repeat this ordeal—until next year, of course.

The Brilliant Solution: Trimlight’s Permanent Holiday Lights

Now, imagine this instead: You’re sipping hot cocoa, snug inside your warm home. With the touch of a button or automated schedule, your house transforms into a holiday wonderland that would put Clark Griswold to shame. No battles with knots, no precarious ladder ascents, no detective work, and no expeditions in sub-zero temperatures.

Outdoor permanent holiday lights are your comedic relief in this festive chaos. It’s akin to having a team of holiday magic-makers who turn your home into a dazzling masterpiece with a simple press. You can change colors, craft patterns, set schedules, and adjust brightness—all from your cozy couch.

Meanwhile, your neighbors are outside, grappling with their lights and cursing their extension cords. You, on the other hand, get to relax and savor the spectacle. You’ve outwitted the holiday lighting madness, and you’re relishing every moment.

In summary, the holidays should be a time of joy, not a test of your patience and ladder-climbing skills. Trimlight’s outdoor permanent holiday lights are the ultimate holiday hack, sparing you from the chaos and transforming your home into a yearround holiday haven. Embrace the brilliance of permanent holiday lights and leave the comedy to the experts – and maybe even enjoy a chuckle or two as you witness the chaos unfold elsewhere! Happy Almost Holidays!

Trimlight is the industry leader in outdoor permanent holiday & accent lighting and nobody helps more Utah homeowners than Trimlight. To learn more about Trimlight, or to schedule a free estimate visit trimlight.com/saltlake, or call 801-382-8746.

With the touch of a button, your house transforms into a holiday wonderland that would put Clark Griswold to shame.

Taylorsville cross country gearing up for region, state meets

By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com

The Taylorsville cross country team has been hard at work since the season began in early August—longer if you count summer conditioning. But the most important part of the season begins in the middle and latter part of October. That’s when the region and state meets take place.

In these races, all the season’s hard work can pay off as teams display their best performances. For Taylorsville, head coach Guy Mackay hopes to have success in these important meets.

“The season has gone well so far,” he said. “We haven't really had a chance to achieve our goals yet because those meets are actually coming up in October. That would be the region and state meets. We look to be on track for those but just need to stay focused and continue our hard work.”

Mackay hopes the best is yet to come for the team, though there have been some good moments. The Warriors took 10th at the Border Wars meet in mid-September. This highly competitive race featured many of the state’s top teams, so the 10thplace showing was a significant accom -

plishment for the Warriors.

The boys team has had some standout showings this season. Mackay said Cole Jameson is the top runner on the boys’ side. He has had the top times for the team in its races. Other runners have contributed to the team’s effort. Preston Gledhill, Kai Makowski, Jonah Andres, Edward Stout, Liamm Passey and Elliot Stout have also done well this season. Mackay said freshman Kyle Nelson has shown the most improvement and is on the cusp of moving up from the JV squad to the varsity team.

Taylorsville has traditionally struggled with depth due to smaller numbers. This year’s team has more runners, but Mackay would like to see even more growth.

“The strength of the team is actually our weakness right now as well,” he said. “Over the last couple of years, we have lacked depth with our top runners. We have more of that this year, but we always need more because eventually the injury bug will bite your team, and the next person up will have to step into a crucial role.”

The Warriors are a hard-working bunch, always seeking to improve. Mackay said practices can be challenging sometimes, as it isn’t easy keeping everyone engaged. He tries to instill excitement in practices and workouts.

“I think the biggest challenge that we face is trying to find new things and ways to do workouts,” he said. “Running can be quite monotonous and can get boring at times, so we’re just trying to find new ways to spice things up.”

The state meet is Oct. 24 where Taylorville hopes to qualify as many runners as possible. Mackay is happy to have had the chance to coach this group of runners. He said there is good camaraderie among the athletes, which helps make the atmosphere more positive.

“I think each group has a little bit different personality to it,” he said. “I think this group, for the most part, really does enjoy hanging around each other, even outside of practice time. This definitely creates a more cohesive practice environment.” l

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Taylorsville Police officers now have access to a state-grant-funded program to assist with their mental wellbeing

By Carl Fauver | c.fauver@mycityjournals.com

Taylorsville City Council members are always happy to accept free money. In fact, just like you and me, it’s probably one of their favorite things to do.

So, when the Utah Department of Public Safety recently offered the city’s 2-year-old police department an $80,000 grant, it was a swift and unanimous vote to accept it. The funding is earmarked for the “purpose of assisting with the costs of providing mental health resources to police first responders.”

“This is a big thing for us, and it was in the forefront of our discussions when we first began to create the Taylorsville Police Department,” Chief Brady Cottam said. “Cops see and go through things the ‘Average Joe’ never has to see. ‘Counseling’ cannot be a bad word. They need someone to talk to. It has to be OK to not be OK.”

The $80,000 grant has allowed the police department to contract with a private, licensed psychiatrist. The doctor has already started to meet, one-on-one, with some of TVPD’s 66 sworn officers.

“I sent a memo to the officers telling them they have one year to set their appointment and talk with the doctor for one hour,” Cottam continued. “This is mandatory. All of the officers will have at least one session. Those who want multiple sessions can schedule them. I’m requiring it of everyone to help remove any lingering stigma about receiving mental counseling.”

Cottam credits his agency’s civilian office manager Brandy Stephens with securing the funding.

“This was actually one of the easiest grant requests I have ever done – and I have been writing requests for years,” Stephens said. “Once the state legislature created the pool of money, it was available to police departments across the state. I requested $120,000 and we got $80. This is one-time funding for now; but we can write state and federal grant requests in the future to try to receive more money.”

Stephens also added, officers’ spouses and children are eligible to meet with the counselor, as are retired police first responders.

Stephens has been with the local police agency nearly 20 years: when it was first a stand-alone agency… then, when it was part of the County’s Unified Police Department… and now, as a stand-alone agency again, since July 1, 2021.

“Back when I started, officers never wanted to see the ‘shrink’ – it carried such a stigma,” she added. “If an officer did see a counselor back then, they didn’t

want anyone to know about it. Thankfully, those feelings are changing.”

Contracting their new psychiatrist is not the only way the Taylorsville Police Department is placing an emphasis on officers’ mental health. The agency is also now aggressively working to establish a peer support program.

“We are building an entire wellness program, which is more than just requiring each officer to meet with the psychiatrist,” Cottam said. “Several of our officers recently attended a Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training class to become certified peer counselors. Those trained officers are now able to meet oneon-one with a fellow officer. Any officer requesting the meeting knows they will be speaking with someone who understands the job and the stresses.”

Taylorsville Police Lt. Jaren Fowler was recently named the department’s peer

support coordinator. Like civilian Office Manager Stephens, Lt. Fowler has been in Taylorsville law enforcement nearly 20 years.

“Creating our peer support program was such a priority that, back in May, we hosted the POST trainers for the one-day session in the Taylorsville City Council chambers,” Fowler explained. “We had about 20 attendees, some from different agencies, from Utah, Davis and Weber counties. Our Taylorsville Police Department now has 14 state-certified peer support counselors.”

Stephens is one of those as well.

“Two civilian employees, including myself, and 12 sworn officers received the POST peer support training,” Stephens said. “With the state certification, we can now be called out to the scene of an incident if an officer needs help. Our peer support officers won’t receive extra pay.

There is no financial incentive. They are doing this because they want to help their fellow officers.”

The Taylorsville Police Department now has 66 sworn officers and nine civilian employees. Fowler is one of the agency’s two lieutenants.

“Several of those who underwent the POST peer support training in May had already received similar training,” Fowler explained. “But I wanted everyone to receive a refresher so we are all on the same page and working off the same playbook. I anticipate having two platoons of peer support personnel. We’re creating a structured call out system.”

Fowler added, still more officers could undergo the training in the future – although he doesn’t consider that to be critical right now.

“I just want to be sure we have enough peer support people so, if an officer wants to talk, we can connect them with someone they are particularly comfortable with,” Fowler said. “We all have people we get along with better than others – people we jive with. We want our officers to be able to pick a peer support person they like and trust in order to get the most out of it.”

Fowler admits he’s pretty new to the whole notion of peer support counseling. But it’s a coordinator assignment he wanted.

“After 20 years in law enforcement, I feel I have a lot of life experiences that can help me supervise this program,” he added. “When I was promoted to lieutenant, my whole point was not to get more status or money; it was to help others. I want to leave something valuable behind as I approach the end of my career.”

And, like Cottam, he’s pleased to see the evolution in recent years of officers better understanding and accepting their need for mental and emotional support at certain moments in their taxing profession.

“If an officer is not mentally well, how can we expect them to perform at their best?” Fowler concluded. “We are put in a position to deal with people who are often having the worst day of their lives. As police officers, we like to think we can fix it all. But sometimes we need to realize we need to fix ourselves. It’s paramount we keep our officers mentally healthy.” l

Taylorsville Police Department Lt. Jaren Fowler, Office Manager Brandy Stephens and Chief Brady Cottam (L-R) are coordinating the agency’s new first responders mental wellness program. (TVPD)

During one of life’s most difficult moments, you deserve the utmost respect, kindness, care, and guidance. Six generations of Larkins have been devoted to serving Utah families in their time of need, and that unique experience enables us to guide you in preparing services for your loved one with consideration and respect.

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Dear Friends and Neighbors,

We are so lucky to have such a robust arts community in Taylorsville. Our Taylorsville Arts Council is second to none in the many productions they put on throughout the year, and our edgling Plaza +ART program has already enhanced the beauty of our community tremendously. I am grateful for the many artists in Taylorsville and can’t thank them enough for all the time and talent they volunteer and share with us.

The Taylorsville Arts Council has brought us so many shows this year, including an Evening of Fascinating Rhythm in February, Into the Woods Jr. and the always popular Taylorsville’s Got Talent in June, Footloose in July and last month’s Jukebox Musical Revue, as well as several performances by the Taylorsville-SLCC Symphony Orchestra. We also held our third annual Plaza +ART Sculpture Unveiling in August and An Evening of Art, held twice this year and featuring artists talking about their work.

And there’s even more to come! The Arts Council has partnered with Salt Lake County’s Art in Public Places to bring us the Taylorsville Art Show on Oct. 27 and 28 at the Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center. And the Marvelous Wonderettes are back on Nov. 16 17 and 18. This show is di erent from their traditional holiday show. This time they’ll be singing all your favorite ‘50s and ‘60s tunes, performing at the Arts Center’s Studio 5400 Theater.

The talent in our community is amazing, and much of the reason we have had a chance to soak it all in can be credited to longtime Taylorsville Arts Council Chair Howard Wilson. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Howard, who recently stepped down from the helm after volunteering in this position for decades. Howard started from scratch many of the productions and shows we can still see today. This past month, I had the honor of recognizing him before the City Council, presenting him with a plaque expressing the city’s appreciation for his many years of service. The audience also extended to him a highly deserved standing ovation.

It's not overstating when I say Howard has been a key volunteer and instrumental part of Taylorsville, and residents enjoy many opportunities today because of the time and energy he has so generously given. Thank you, Howard, for all you have done for our city. Our community, as well of each of us here, are better because of you!

—Mayor Kristie S. Overson

City Moves Forward with Planning, Designs for Two Parks

The design contract has been awarded and plans are moving ahead for a new park in the city, as well as enhanced amenities and significant improvements of Taylorsville Park.

The new park is located on the 16-acre space next to the two water tanks at the northwest corner of 6200 S. 3200 West. And Taylorsville Park, of course, is at the heart of the community, with its mature trees and open grassy area making up almost 7 acres at 4721 S. 1700 West.

The new park’s first amenity is the four new pickleball courts already under construction there. Soon, Phase I work will begin on adding a play area, restrooms, parking and probably a pavilion. City o cials plan to put out a bid for construction of the two projects in January, with the actual work beginning in March 2024. Construction on both parks is expected to take about a year.

At Taylorsville Park, plans call for a play area, new restrooms, a trailhead and new basketball courts. But the cherry on the top is a new skatepark, with planned ramps at each end, banked

curves and “rooms” featuring various elements. The eventual installation of a new road would connect entry into the park from Redwood Road to the Senior Center, signi cantly boosting “curb appeal.”

The Taylorsville Park project is possible thanks to funding from Salt Lake County’s Tourism, Recreation, Culture, and Convention (TRCC) program with matching funds from the city, and the new park is paid through RDA (redevelopment agency) funds.

Emergency City of Taylorsville Newsletter | www.taylorsvilleut.gov PAGE 2

NUMBERS UPCOMING EVENTS

MID-VALLEY PERFORMING

EVENTS OCTOBER 2023

Oct. 4 & 18 – 6:30 p.m. City Council Meeting @ City Hall and online. Watch a livestream of the meeting on the city’s website.

Oct. 9 – All day

Columbus Day. Indigenous Peoples’ Day. City Hall is closed in observance.

Oct. 10 – 7 p.m. & Oct. 24 – 6 p.m. Planning Commission Meeting @ City Hall.

Oct. 21 – 4 to 6 p.m.

Trick-or-Treating on the Plaza. Children can trick-or-treat at Centennial Plaza, 2600 W. Taylorsville Blvd., where there will be stations o ering candy and treats.

Oct. 27 – 2 to 7 p.m. & Oct. 28 – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

2023 Taylorsville Art Show @ the Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center, 2525 Taylorsville Blvd. Free!

Oct. 27 – 7:30 p.m.

Symphony at the PAC. The Taylorsville-SLCC Symphony Orchestra performs at the Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center, 2525 W. Taylorsville Blvd.

Oct. 31 – All Day

Halloween. Have a safe and happy day. Watch out for trick-or-treaters.

COUNCIL CORNER

By Council Member Curt Cochran

Team Taylorsville’s Hard Work Brings Many New Improvements

When I think about the last four years and all that we have accomplished as Team Taylorsville, I could not be prouder. Every member at every level of our city team has performed extraordinarily — going above and beyond more times than I could list here in this column. We all genuinely care for each other, like each other and watch out for each other. We consider each other family. As families sometimes do, we may not always agree on everything that is presented to us, but we respect each other, hear the opinions of others and come to the best decision we can. As Mr. Spock said in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan, "The needs of the many …”

When I look around the city, I see the bene ts of all of that hard work, including:

• Pickleball courts — It seems that for the last few years there have been three words that have been present at every City Council meeting: "pickleball, pickleball, pickleball." We heard the call, and our grant-writing teams applied for a number of state and federal grants, which we used to create 10 new pickleball courts that are now completed, close to completion or under construction.

• Trail systems — The city continues to make progress on the trail system connecting the west side of the city with the Jordan River Parkway. A portion of these funds come from ZAP (Zoo, Arts and Parks) grants.

• Code Enforcement — Our Code Enforcement department has been hard at work communicating

with residents facing code or ordinance issues and working to nd an equitable solution for all. The city’s code enforcement o cers would much rather work with the resident than just issue a citation, which is a better experience for everyone.

• Taylorsville Police Department — This was a big undertaking that was not made lightly and took many meetings, discussions and analysis before a decision was made. Now, with just over two years under its belt, TVPD is operating successfully and keeping our city safe.

• New Businesses — Many, many new businesses came to Taylorsville in the last four years, knowing that our city is “Where Community Connects.” To name a few, FeastBox, Lolo Hawaiian, Trolley Wing Co., KPOT, Dutch Bros co ee and Taqueria Martini are all now open in Taylorsville. We've also had new hair salons, barbershops and medical o ces open, relocate or add o ces here.

Other significant projects are: The decision by the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to construct a temple in Taylorsville; the recon guration of 4800 South between I-215 and 2700 South to improve transportation ow; Redwood Road improvements; BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) from Salt Lake Community College, along 4700 South, to the Murray UTA station, and Volta’s multi-use housing/retail project at 5400 South and Bangerter.

With all this progress in the last four years, you might wonder, "What else could we do?" There

City Leaders Tackling Residential Parking Issues

Parking is on the minds of city leaders and administrators, who have been asked to brainstorm potential solutions and ways to make parking and navigating the city easier for all.

Mayor Kristie Overson raised the issue at the Sept. 6 City Council meeting, noting that both she and the city’s administrative sta are concerned about the issue. “We know the City Council has concerns, as well,” she said. “So, we feel it’s time to have a serious, in-depth discussion about potential solutions with the police department, code enforcement, the Council and city administration.”

She asked Council members to review the city’s code and contemplate potential solutions in anticipation of that discussion.

Some may not realize, for example, that vehicles cannot be parked on city streets for more than 24 hours at a time. This restriction applies year-round, not only when it snows, and is outlined in city code. The full parking ordinance can be found in Chapter 11, Section 20 of the code, which is easily accessible at www.taylorsvilleut.gov (click on the big City Code button on the righthand side of the page).

Coincidentally, Senior Planner Jim Spung also raised the issue of parking at the same meeting during his presentation on the project now underway to update the city’s Land Development Code. He pointed to a fascinating website, www.parkingreform.org, where visitors can access interactive maps and ordinances to see what other cities across the country are doing in regard to parking standards.

“These are things to think about,” he said, noting the high costs of constructing both residential and commercial parking that come with any project.

“We raise the issue,” Mayor Overson said, “because we feel that by putting all our heads together we can come up with some viable solutions. It’s a di cult problem but I am condent that by working together, we can put a workable plan in place.”

are still several items to keep as priorities. Some of them include continued public safety and economic development, affordable housing opportunities, transportation e ciency and balancing car/biking/ pedestrian opportunities, as well as infrastructure maintenance/improvement such as safe and level sidewalks for walking and biking.

While we've come a long way in four years, we cannot rest on our laurels and must continue to grow, progress and discover new ways to keep Taylorsville moving forward.

LEFT TO RIGHT:

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

Take the Centennial Plaza Art Walk and See 17 New Sculptures

Seventeen of the 18 new sculptures are now on display at Centennial Plaza, with one on its way. From "Dandelion Duo with Persistent Parachutes" to others named "The Sisters Three" and "Weeping Angel," all of the artwork was unveiled this past month.

A reception with the artists, where they described the inspiration behind their work, also took place at the Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center to mark Plaza +ART's third season kick-o .

“The artists have essentially lent the pieces to the city to display for one year,” said Mayor Kristie Overson.

Each of the art pieces are also available for purchase. (Contact the city, if interested). See a map of where each is located on the plaza, at www.taylorsvilleut.gov.

“We greatly appreciate that the City Council caught the vision of our Plaza +ART program and saw the wisdom of providing funding to bring art to the community,” Mayor Overson added.

The new set of sculptures can be viewed at Centennial Plaza, 2600 W. Taylorsville Blvd., anytime — day or night — and will be on display through fall 2024.

Coming Soon...

"Germination: A Good Seed"

"The Sisters Three"

Josh Toone

"The Family"

Ben Hammond

"Dandelion Duo with Persistent Parachutes"

Nathan Johansen

"Weeping Angel"

Jason Millward

"Salient"

"Sophisticated Lady"

"Seasons"

Nathan Johansen

"A Window in Time"

Richard Prazen

"Synergy"

Gary Lee Price

"Elle"

Jeannine Young

"Cherish the Ride"

Deveren Farley

"Fore-By-Two"

Dan Hill

Jeannine Young

Dana Kuglin

"See"

Nate Brimhall

"Arabesque" Myles Howell

Dan Toone

"Torri Gate"

Doug Adams

Dan Toone

"Bad to the Bone"

Richard Prazen

Follow These Safety Tips for Halloween Fun

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

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable Halloween. To help, please have a look at these safety tips from the national nonpro t safety organization Safe Kids Worldwide:

Walk Safely — Cross the street at corners, using tra c signals and crosswalks. Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross; put electronic devices down, keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street; teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them; always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible; children should walk on direct routes with the fewest street crossings. Also, watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Teach children to never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars; adults should join kids under age 12 for trickor-treating. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, tell them to stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups.

Costumes for a Safe Halloween Decorate costumes and bags with re ective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors; choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision; have kids carry glow sticks or ashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers, and

when selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls.

Drive Extra Safely on Halloween — Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways; take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs; enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.

Also, get rid of any distractions — like your phone — in your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings; turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances; popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Be especially alert for kids during those hours.

Thanks, and have fun!

EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

Congratulations to our latest Employee of the Month, O ce Technician Sherry Durfee! Sherry has more than 15 years of experience working in law enforcement. She began her career in 2008, and has worked for Salt Lake City, West Jordan and Taylorsville Police departments. Sherry hired on with TVPD upon its formation just over two years ago and was an essential “plug and play” civilian team member.

Some of her responsibilities include report transcription, listing and removing any missing/wanted person’s or property on a national database (NCIC), records management, “Bureau of Criminal Identi cation (BCI) TAC,” and assistant compliance o cer. She is always willing to jump in and assist wherever needed.

Chief Cottam selected Sherry for the recognition, stating that she has been an “outstanding employee who has brought an exceptional amount of talent, expertise and experience to TVPD.” In particular, she has done an “exceptional job” at carrying out all these responsibilities while ensuring TVPD’s compliance with BCI standards, Chief Cottam said. He also commended her for going “above and beyond” her assigned duties and carrying out additional tasks, such as completing 39 expungements and 29 validations in just one month. Chief Cottam thanked Sherry for her hard work and dedication to TVPD and Team Taylorsville.

When Sherry is not hard at work in the o ce; she can be found camping, boating, o -roading and simply spending time with her family. Congratulations, Sherry, and well deserved!

Taylorsville Bennion Heritage REMEMBRANCES

Preserving Our First 100 Years, One History at a Time

By Mike Spencer, Taylorsville Historic Preservation Committee Member

It has been a pleasure to serve the City of Taylorsville as a member of the preservation committee since I retired in 2014. I have always been a history bu and particularly enjoy studying the history of our wonderful city.

My second great-grandfather, George M. Spencer, came to Taylorsville in 1852 with his widowed mother and younger brother, and settled with the very rst families “Over Jordan,” later to be known as Taylorsville. I was honored to be part of the fourth generation to grow up on the property they settled. George accomplished much in his effort to settle this part of the valley. He was a schoolteacher, justice of the peace, territorial legislator and farmer. He farmed the property where Taylorsville High School now stands.

I have spent many pleasurable hours studying those early family histories and have come to appreciate their lives and sacri ces. One of the disappointments in my study is the discovery that much of their history was not preserved. I could have known so much more about them. Their descendants in succeeding generations did not keep many of their histories or artifacts. They were viewed as “old stu .” Some were not interested in history or in many cases, they simply did not know what to do with them.

Here at the museum, we have set up a subcommittee to review and accept these histories and artifacts. Many such items are passed down to family members, but if that is not possible or practical, you can bring them here to be preserved for posterity. We do have some limitations but, before you dispose of them, we would love to look at them. Many such documents will be archived or scanned into our computers to be cherished and shared by the city’s citizens or others who love history. Even if they are still held by the family, we would be willing to scan them to help preserve them as part of our mission as a committee.

That mission of the Taylorsville Historic Preservation Committee is to collect, preserve and present to the public the history of the Taylorsville and Bennion communities. Our focus is on the years 1848 to 1948, or the area’s rst 100 years.

Our subcommittee members are: me, Mike Spencer; Margaret Player and Joan White. You can nd us at the museum on Tuesday mornings at 10 a.m. or by appointment. Come see us at 1488 W. 4800 South.

Don’t Miss These Library Events

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

LIBRARY CLOSURE — Monday, Oct. 9, all day. All libraries will be closed for sta training.

HOMESCHOOL "WHO WAS" BOOK CLUB — Monday, Oct. 2, 1 p.m. Learn about people and places with books from the 'Who Was' series. The group will talk about the book, learn cool facts and do other fun activities. October: “Who Was Galileo?”

TEENS: HOW TO BE A GHOST HUNTER — Thursday, Oct. 5, 6:30 p.m. Have you ever been curious about things that go bump in the night? Join real paranormal investigators for a scienti c and entertaining look at the unknown.

SPOOKY STORIES & S'MORES WITH SALT LAKE COUNTY PARKS AND REC — Friday, Oct. 6, 7 p.m. Enjoy animal stories, spooky stories and s'mores around the camp re. Hilary McAvoy from Parks and Rec's Outdoor division will be teaching about animals. S'more supplies will be provided. Bringing your own roasting skewer is encouraged, but the library will have a few to share. This program will be outside.

VIRTUAL ADULT LECTURE | THE TRIAL OF LIZZIE BORDEN — Tuesday, Oct. 10, 7 p.m.

The popular fascination with the Borden murders has endured for more than 100 years. Author Cara Robertson will explore the stories that in uenced the debate inside and outside of the courtroom. Register at: thecountylibrary.org/LectureSeries

JASON FUN MAGIC SHOW — Thursday, Oct. 12, 10:30 a.m. Prepare to be amazed with the magic of magician Jason Fun.

UTAH MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS: DRAW A NIGHTSCAPE — Friday, Oct. 13, 10:30 a.m. Make your own nightscape using drawing materials and paint. Learn how artists and scientists see the night with an outreach educator from the UMFA.

MAD SCIENCE: SPOOKTACULAR SCIENCE — Monday, Oct.16, 10:30 a.m. — Watch eyeballs, ghosts and wizard magic in this special Mad Science Halloween Show.

TEEN AND TWEEN HOMESCHOOL CODING CLUB — Monday, Oct. 23, 1 p.m. Meet other teens and learn how to code using Fiero Code. Limited laptops will be provided during the program.

VIRTUAL ADULT LECTURE | THE SCIENCE (FICTION) OF DUNE — Monday, Oct. 23, 7 p.m. Michael Werner will discuss the science behind Dune. Explore survival on the desert world of Arrakis, space travel and the Leviathan sandworms that continue to inspire more than 50 years later. Register at: thecountylibrary.org/LectureSeries

READ FOR THE RECORD — Thursday, Oct. 26, all day. Participate in the world's largest annual shared reading experience. Book walks, coloring sheets and stickers will make this interactive activity tons of fun for everyone.

OCTOBER UPDATES

New QR (Quick-Response) Land ll Voucher Code

Wasatch Front Waste & Recycling District provides land ll fee waiver vouchers for residents within its service area who can haul their own truck or trailer loads to the land ll.

And you can now request a QR Land ll Voucher. The process is easy to use; ll out a form and receive a QR Landfill Voucher code on your mobile device to present at the land ll.

WFWRD will still honor any leftover paper vouchers, and users must still follow all land ll regulations. Vouchers are only suitable for loads that are 4 feet by 8 feet (approximately the size of a pickup truck or pickup truck-sized trailer). Visit wasatchfrontwaste.org and search “land ll voucher” for more information and to request a QR Land ll Voucher.

Broken/Damaged Cans

Did you know that you can get your broken can repaired or replaced at no additional cost? Report a broken can on the WFWRD website under the “Services & Requests” tab and their Container Team will be out within the following one to 10 business days to repair or replace your can. Please leave the cans where they are visible from the street and accessible as the WFWRD team will not go behind gates to retrieve cans. Feel free to use the cans to the best of your ability until they get there.

Remote Recycling Education for Schools

In the 2022-2023 school year, WFWRD’s Sustainability Team provided education to 40 classes at 10 di erent elementary schools throughout the district remotely. Their team has a lot of availability in the spring and would love to present the bene ts of sustainable waste management. If you are a teacher or know a teacher who is interested in this opportunity, contact Sustainability Coordinator McKenna Tupa’i at mtupai@wasatchfrontwaste.org or 385-468-6337.

TBID Offers Several Convenient Ways to Pay Your Bill

It’s never been simpler to pay your water and sewer bill to Taylorsville-Bennion Improvement District. Here are some ways:

ONLINE — Utilize TBID’s online bill payment option to save time and money. If you have an internet connection and an email address, you can pay your bill online. To make a payment or sign up, go to the TBID website www.tbid.gov and select “Pay Bill Online” and “Sign Up.”

DROP BOX — Place your non-cash payment in the conveniently located parking lot drop box. Drop o payments at 1800 W. 4700 South, just follow the sign.

BY MAIL — Mail check or money order to TaylorsvilleBennion Improvement District, P.O. Box 18579, 1800 W. 4700 South, Taylorsville, UT 841188579. A return envelope is provided with your bill. Just add the stamp, include your payment and drop it in the mail.

BY PHONE — Call 801-9689081 with your credit or debit card or bank information to speak with a customer service representative.

IN PERSON — Visit TBID at 1800 W. 4700 South from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, to make your payment.

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

TAYLORSVILLE SENIOR CENTER 4743 S. Plymouth View Drive

October Class Highlights

The center has planned a variety of classes this month:

CANDIDATE DAY: Monday, Oct. 2, at 10 a.m. Meet the candidates in the upcoming local elections.

UVU HEALTH SCREENINGS: Tuesday, Oct. 3, from 10 a.m. to noon. Get a free health screening from Utah Valley University nursing students.

FLU AND COVID VACCINE CLINIC: Thursday, Oct. 12, at 9 a.m. to noon in the aerobics room. Flu and pneumonia shots, as well as the latest COVID booster shots, will be available. Please bring your insurance card.

GENEALOGY CLASS: Learn about your rich history in this genealogy class for beginners. Mondays at 2 p.m. in classroom B.

Visit the center’s website at www.slco.org/taylorsville-senior-center for other activities and lunch menu information. The Taylorsville Senior Center is located at 4743 S. Plymouth View Drive and can be contacted by phone at 801-385-3370.

HALLOWEEN SECTION

A publication covering local Halloween legends and activities for men, women, and children in the Salt Lake Valley

The scariest way to know what’s most popular this Halloween—with numbers!

By Cassie Goff | c.goff@mycityjournals.com

Hit the trifecta this Halloween by giving out M&M’S (or Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups) to the trickor-treaters while wearing a scary (but unique) costume in between catching glimpses of one of the Halloween franchise movies on your television screen. (“Halloween Ends” is the most recently released movie in the franchise, but “Halloween: Resurrection” (2002) and “Halloween: The Curse of Michael Meyers” (1995) (filmed in Utah!) seem to be most adored by fans.)

If you’re wondering what type of candy variety pack to pick up from the store for the Trick-or-Treaters this year, go with the chocolate. Specifically, M&M’S, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and Kit Kats tend to be the most sought-after candy choice.

Some 1,188 participants (based in the United States) were surveyed during an online study conducted in October 2021. Participants were asked which candy they liked better during head-tohead match-ups of 76 different sugary items.

M&M’S topped out by being the favorite of the online voting base with 76.1%. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups came in at 74.4%. Kit Kats received 72.8% of the vote, with Peanut M&M’S not trailing too far behind with a 72.4%. Butterfinger was the last of the 70 with 70.9% of the vote.

The remaining candies to make up the top 10 favorite Halloween treats (scoring between 67.1% and 68.8%) included Snickers, Twix, Milky Way, Hershey’s and Reese’s Pieces.

In case you were curious about the top 20: coming in at being the favorite between 57.5% and 65.5% of the online surveyed population were Hershey’s

Kisses, Dove Dark Chocolate Bar, 3 Musketeers, Dove Milk Chocolate Bar, Krackel, Crunch, Almond Joy, Baby Ruth, Starbursts, and Andes Chocolate Mints.

Another study conducted in 2020 broadly backs up the claim to fame for chocolate. Some 13,852 participants were surveyed about their various Halloween preferences in September 2020.

Out of those 13,852 (United States) adults, 88% reported that they would be buying chocolate candy. Forty-two percent reported that they would be buying candy that was either chewy or fruity, with 40% reporting they’d be buying caramel candy, and 37% reporting lollipop purchases. Further, 36% of respondents reported they’d be buying sour gummies, 28% would be looking specifically for candy corn, 25% would by buying taffy, 20% would be buying nut-filled candy and 12% would be buying either gum or mints.

Overall, most (United States) adults purchased candy for their trick-or-treaters (71%). But! Twenty-nine percent of adults still purchased healthy alternatives like carrot snack bags, trail mix, or toothbrushes to throw in amongst the candy. But! You can’t just give out the most desirable candy and be the favorite Halloween house around. You have to dress the part!

A study conducted in 2017 by aytm, a market research company, encourages people to dress as scary imposters. A thousand (American) adults were surveyed during September 2017. Survey results were compared with secondary research of search trends from Pinterest and Lyst as well as predictions from USA Today.

Some 24.4% of Halloween costumes were described as being scary, with 20.3% described as sexy. Other

descriptions of costumers that didn’t score as high were cute, funny, weird/ creative, classy/sophisticated, and other. The most frequent costumers of 2017 including Pennywise the Clown, a witch, Wonder Woman, a “Game of Thrones” character and a zombie.

Echoing the sentiment, a 2021 study surveying 2,312 (United States) adults encourages people to pick classic Halloween costumes like ghosts and witches, as that’s what 20.81% of respondents chose to do.

Even if you’re still unsure what to dress up as this year, absolutely don’t go as an athlete, clown, pumpkin, ghost or cat. Survey results show that we’re all too tired of those costumes.

And be yourself! The 2021 study reported that only 10.57% of people coordinated their costume with another person.

While you’re waiting for trick-ortreaters with your M&M’S and scary costume, you may as well spend you time watching the most preferable scary/Halloween movie.

According to an online survey conducted in October 2022, 56% of 2,210 (United States) adults reported “Halloween” as their favorite horror movie franchise. “Friday the 13th” just about tied with a rounded 56% as well. “Nightmare

on Elm Street” came in closely after those two with 54%.

“Halloween Ends” ranked as the fifth top grossing horror movie in the U.S. and Canada in 2022 at $81 million, according to data collected and published in January 2023.

Plus! Halloween 2023 is anticipated to see the most participation and attendance in the last decade. According to the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics, 73% of (United States) adults will participate in Halloween activities this year. The last time over 70% of the population participated in Halloween actives was in 2017 when 71.7% of adults participated in spooky fun.

What will we be doing? About 67% of us will be handing out candy (hopefully those chocolate bites!). Fifty-one percent of us will be decorating our homes and yards (this reporter’s decorations have been up for two weeks now). Forty-seven percent of us will dress in costume. Forty-four percent of us will carve a pumpkin (you got this one). Twenty-eight percent of us will throw or attend a Halloween party. And 20% of us will dress up a pet (this reporter’s fur baby rocks her pumpkin costume). l

Responses to the question “What Halloween costume(s) are you sick of seeing every year?” (Photo courtesy of Wyatt Edwards and Katelyn Shaaf/HalloweenCostumes)

Draper families transform their yards into Halloween destinations

By Katherine Weinstein | k.weinstein@mycityjournals.com

No other state gets into the spirit of Halloween like Utah. A recent three-year study of Google search terms and homeowner survey by Lombardo Homes revealed that Utahns lead the nation in decorating for Halloween. Across the state, people transform their yards and gardens into supernatural realms filled with animated creepy characters, spooky lighting, fog machines and all manner of things that go bump in the night.

The most elaborate of these homemade “spook alleys” attract visitors from all over and become neighborhood gathering places on Halloween. For years, three families in Draper in particular have shared their passion for the spine-chilling and spooktacular with the community through their immersive yard displays.

Larsen Manor

“We build stuff all year long,” LaDawn Larsen said. “It’s a construction project when it starts. It takes over everything.” LaDawn and her husband, Steve, transform the grounds of their home at 1871 Flat Bear Circle into “Larsen Manor” for the month of October. Visitors to Larsen Manor can walk around the yard where a giant pumpkin-head creature with burning eyes watches over a graveyard and skeletons appear to march out of a mausoleum.

“Steve and I got married 11 years ago. He got drawn into the Halloween craziness and it got bigger,” LaDawn said with a smile.

Halloween is a special holiday for the couple. As a firefighter in Magna, Steve used to dress up as a cyclops and ride the fire truck handing out candy on Halloween. LaDawn has cherished memories of trick or treating in Sandy as a child and enjoyed decorating and throwing Halloween parties as an adult. The pair got engaged at TransWorld Halloween & Attractions Show in St. Louis.

“We really like to mix things up,” Steve said. “This year we’ll have armies of the dead. A mad scientist scene will be the feature.” The Larsens also plan to transform their 12-foot skeleton into the mummy of King Tut.

“A little girl who likes to come every year said that we needed more jump scares,” LaDawn said. “So we did. We have a pumpkin that opens up and comes alive. We’re trying to do more of those things.” She added that their display is not gory. “We don’t have our own children that are here so we do this for other peoples’ kids.”

The appreciation they receive from visitors to Larsen Manor is a major inspiration for LaDawn and Steve. They plan to open their yard display on Oct. 6 but will have to close it before Halloween this year on Oct. 28, for work-related reasons.

The Haunted Haven

Tifini Folkersen’s love for Halloween is a longstanding family tradition. Her mother, Jodi Tebbs, decorated her childhood home at a time when Halloween decorations weren’t quite as popular as they are today. Tebbs’ parents loved the holiday as well. “My mom’s dad would dress up like a werewolf, in full theatrical makeup. He’d run around the neighborhood and scare people,” she said.

A trellis over the front walk leading to the Folkersen’s house at 1338 Hana Court is entwined with skulls and grimacing skeletons. “Our decorations are never the same,” Folkersen said. “It changes from year to year as the kids grow.”

Tebbs and Folkersen explained that their décor came out of a desire to make Halloween an interactive experience for the children in the family. The yard display features little vignettes that relate to members of the family. When Folkersen’s son, Kolsyn, went to his senior prom, they put up dancing skeletons in the display. “Last year, Kolsyn went to the U so we had a University of Utah-themed skeleton area,” Tebbs said.

“We make it family friendly,” Folkersen said. “It’s fun and spooky, not too scary.” On Halloween night, she and her husband, Lynn, give out candy and run the technical aspects of things. Tebbs enjoys mingling with the visitors.

This year the family is planning a ghosts in the graveyard theme. “Once I come up with a theme, we figure out what we want to add and build,” Folkersen said. “We’ve been collecting for 30 years and building. There are memories attached to each decoration.”

Building the displays is a labor of love for the family and they enjoy watching visitors react to their handiwork. “It’s cute seeing all the people having fun,” Folkersen said. “People stay and have a good time.” She said that her neighbors having been getting into the Halloween spirit with their own decorations as well.

Folkersen plans to have her display ready for the first weekend in October. It is open to visitors every night from when darkness falls to 10:30 p.m. She said, “We tell people, when they hear the witches cackle, it’s time to go home.”

The Farr family’s “Southfork Sanitarium” is located at 927 E. Southfork Drive in Draper. The decorations are up throughout October. (Photo by Farris Gerard)

A pumpkin-headed monster towers over “Larsen Manor,” 1871 Flat Bear Circle in Draper. The Manor will be open Oct. 6-28. (Photo by Steve Larsen)

Southfork Sanitarium

Dan and Stephanie Farr explained that "love for the neighborhood" was the inspiration behind their yard display. "I loved it in our old neighborhood when our neighbor would have a Halloween potluck," Stephanie said. The Farrs started out serving chili and hot dogs to their neighbors on Halloween night and set up a "spook alley" in their yard. The spook alley got more elaborate every year and evolved into "Southfork Sanitarium."

"Dan got started with the life-sized monsters," Stephanie said. He became

hooked on Halloween after a trip to a friend's Halloween store. About 15 years ago he joined the Rocky Mountain Haunters group.

“I geek out on Halloween,” Dan said. "I love entertainment and doing stuff that makes people happy.” That same passion inspired Farr to become the founder and producer of FanX Salt Lake Comic & Pop Culture Convention. Soon after the convention ends in late September, the Farrs start putting out the monsters.

The family has built up a collection of props that would fit in at any commercial haunted house. Some have been

created by professional monster makers. Dan has acquired a few creatures, including a giant animated demon, from his friend, Dick Van Dyke. The actor enjoys putting up an elaborate Halloween display for trick or treaters at his home in Malibu, California.

Other supernatural scares are homemade. Dan constructed Stephanie's favorite, a glowing ghost on a pulley that appears to hover in the window over the front door. "I don't like gore, I like spooky fun and jump scares," she said. The Farrs' display has attracted attention beyond their neighborhood.

"There have been years that we've been in the news," Dan said. "A lot of people will come in from other areas."

Stephanie explained that this year's haunt might not be quite as over-thetop. "We used to have our sons and their friends help set everything up, but they're grown up now," she said. "We've had to simplify."

Still, monsters will appear once again at 927 E. Southfork Drive this month. "The neighborhood kids love it!" Stephanie said. Dan added, "We just can't stop!" l

Steve and LaDawn Larsen put personal touches on their Halloween display. “Larsen Manor” will be open Oct. 6-28. (Photo by David J. Weinstein)

When their youngest son went to college, the Folkersen family put up a “U” themed vignette with skeletons as part of their Halloween display. (Photo by Lynn Folkersen)

The cackling of the witch tells visitors that it’s time to go home at the Folkersen family’s Halloween display in Draper. (Photo by Lynn Folkersen)

In this photo from 2021, a skeletal procession was on display at “Larsen Manor,” 1871 Flat Bear Circle in Draper. The Manor will be open Oct. 6-28. (Photo by David J. Weinstein)

Double, double, toil and trouble: Murray Haunted Woods spells fun and funds for families

By Shaun Delliskave | s.delliskave@mycityjournals.com

For over 50 years, Murray Haunted Woods has been a tradition in the local community, but it's more than just a seasonal attraction. It serves a dual purpose, both as a family-oriented entertainment venue and as a fundraiser for noble causes, primarily focused on the prevention of child abuse and domestic violence.

Originally managed by Murray City until 2010, the Haunted Woods faced potential discontinuation due to budget cuts. However, the Murray Exchange Club and Youth Council stepped in to take over the event. "During the economic turn, the city needed to cut back. When they cut this event, the citizens responded with an adamant ‘No, we need to keep this. It’s tradition and family-oriented,'" Sheri Van Bibber of the Murray Exchange Club said.

The event has always had a charitable edge. "Our Exchange Clubs across the valley all participate. We contribute funds to different groups, past examples include YWCA, Taylorsville Family Center, Midvale Family Center, Boys & Girls Clubs, Victims’ Advocates of SLC and several more," Van Bibber said.

The Murray Haunted Woods has adapted to the changing times, especially in the era of COVID-19. "We almost shut down, but public input encouraged us to continue," Van Bibber said. "We met all health requirements and have since added double the availability. People can buy tickets online or at the gate." The event also complies with all city and county standards to ensure safety and enjoyment for all attendees.

Interactive elements have become an integral part of the event. "We want the wait in line to be just as much fun as the actual tour through the Woods," Van Bibber said. Performances from the West High Drill Team, appearances by the Ghost Busters Team and their iconic car, and multiple interactive activities are designed to keep visitors entertained throughout.

However, creating such an event does not come without challenges. "We spend months preparing, so logistics are always a challenge," Van Bibber said. In addition to dealing with increasing amounts of props that now require rented storage space, the event must adapt to changes in the city's infrastructure. "Last year, the challenge was the pavilion being rebuilt; this year, it was a new addition to the city's warehouse," she said. Despite these hurdles, Van Bibber assured that "everyone has been working together to make it possible."

Being an outdoor event, weather is a significant concern, but the organizers are undeterred. "We have run the woods in wind, rain, snow, hail, 11 degrees; it just adds to the ambiance," Van Bibber said.

She also mentioned the valuable assistance from local police and fire departments in ensuring that the event setup remains secure overnight.

As for the experience itself, the Haunted Woods offers something for every age group. "We start in the daylight with the 'Silly Trails'—the music and characters are fun and entertaining. As the sun goes down, the energy in the woods shifts, and so do the characters," Van Bibber said. A safety feature, a "Safe Code" called “Ghouls Be Gone,” is in place if anyone finds the experience too intense.

Although there have been discussions about extending the traditional three-day schedule, limitations arise. "People have asked us to run all month, at least a week, or even move to the weekend," Van Bibber said. However, due to logistical issues related to volunteer availability, "we have found it best to leave things as they are."

This year's event includes several noted attractions. "The football team playing ball in the woods as scarecrows is always entertaining," Van Bibber said, "and the polo team playing on land along with Madame Leota is new this year."

Regarding the trail designs, Van Bibber said, "We always look at it with fresh eyes every year. There's a 'Light Show' crafted by Jeff Evans and music and design by Andy and Jeleigh Evans from Murray High."

Over the years, there have been many memorable moments in running the event. "One of our first years we had three fog machines, and it was so humid that the whole park filled up with fog. The Fire Department kept getting calls that the park was on fire," Van Bibber said. In another instance, "One year, it was thundering and snowing, and we were all covered with snow. The kids had a riot, and no one wanted to leave."

Volunteers from the Murray Youth Council and the Exchange Clubs are vital. "There’s a lot of leadership involved, and we have amazing kiddos," Van Bibber said. Local businesses like K Real Estate and AAA Restoration play significant roles behind the scenes. "Our Murray businesses are the reason we are still here. We are always open to our business family and look forward to more partnerships in the future.”

The event runs Oct. 23-25 at Murray City Park (296 E. Murray Park Ave.) on the south side of the outdoor swimming pool in pavilion 5. Visitors can choose the Silly Trail for younger guests from 5:30-7 p.m. or the Scary Trail from 7-9 p.m. for the more adventurous. Tickets are $5. Visit MurrayHauntedWoods.com for tickets and more information. l

Two ghosts dance in the Murray Haunted Woods. (Photo courtesy of Sheri Van Bibber)

A zombie startles visitors in the Murray Haunted Woods. (Photo courtesy of Sheri Van Bibber)

A witch greets small visitors on the Silly Trail of the Murray Haunted Woods. (Photo courtesy of Sheri Van Bibber)

Odyssey House is the largest nonpro t behavioral health agency in Utah, with more than 30 locations in Salt Lake County and 70 Best of State awards. It was started in 1971 and provides treatment for substance use disorder and mental health issues through a variety of programs, both residential and outpatient, for children, teens and adults. It also has its own medical clinic (Martindale) and administers a substance use program in the Salt Lake County Jail. On any given day Odyssey House serves 1,100 clients and served 12,000 clients in the last scal year.

Randall Carlisle is the Odyssey House media and community relations director. He’s been with Odyssey for six years and before that he spent 40 years as an anchor/ reporter in television news.

What sets Odyssey House apart from other treatment centers in the region?

We have the highest success rate of any nonpro t treatment center. We are the largest and o er more specialized programs than any other similar agency. We can also treat anyone regardless of their ability to pay and our service can be free for residents of Salt Lake County.

Who do you serve?

If you have a substance use or mental health problem we can help. Substance use disorder and mental health problems a ect anyone from all walks of life. We help clients solve the problems of drug addiction and mental health issues.

How do potential clients make the choice between you or a competitor?

We provide low-cost or free care. We are in network with all major insurance providers and we can provide a more successful outcome than other providers. We back up our slogan which is “We Are Recovery.”

What types of treatment do you o er?

We o er adult and youth residential programs, sober housing, an intensive after-school outpatient program for youth, a parent with children program and a criminal justice program. Odyssey also has a medical clinic that includes harm reduction services and we have men’s and women’s mental health treatments. All of our programs include extensive case management, trauma informed care and life skills development.

What is your success rate?

We have a 173% higher drug abstinence rate than the 2020 National average and an 84% higher drug abstinence rate than the 2020 Utah average. We o er recovery that leads to a successful and happy life.

How do you help those who have graduated from the Odyssey program?

Odyssey House is about lifetime recovery, even when you have some bumps in the road. Alumni services are provided for free and include therapy and relapse support, sober outings and graduate groups.

How can people learn more about you?

We have over 30 locations in Salt Lake County. Our weekly podcast Odyssey House Journals can be seen on YouTube or listened to on all podcast platforms. We can also be found at odysseyhouse.org.

Economic lessons learned over the past 150 years

By Robert Spendlove, Zions Bank senior economist

One of the worst economic crises in U.S. history began in September 1873, just a month before Zions Bank opened for business. When banking institution Jay Cook & Company, which had invested heavily in the railroad, failed, it set off a wave of panic across the United States.

Back in the Utah Territory, pioneer leader Brigham Young had a few months earlier called together a group of prominent residents to form a savings bank. Concerned about the economic climate, he felt it more important than ever to create a safe place for people to save their money.

Zion’s Savings Bank and Trust Company, its name eventually shortened to Zions Bank, opened for business on Oct. 1, 1873. Over the next 150 years, the tiny, one-room pioneer bank would evolve and grow along with the surrounding economy of the Intermountain West.

As the oldest bank headquartered in the Intermountain West, Zions Bank’s 150-year history highlights several important economic lessons:

Economic ups and downs are inevitable. Periods of contraction and expansion are a normal part of the economic cycle. Zions Bank opened for business during the

infamous Panic of 1873, and over the next 150 years, would help Utahns weather a series of economic booms and busts, from The Great Depression to the pandemic-induced recession in 2020. We don’t know

when the next recession will come, but history tells us there will be peaks and valleys ahead and we should prepare accordingly.

The economic strides we make now will ripple into the future. In the late 1800s, financial assistance from Zions Bank helped launch railroad, power and mining companies that developed the Intermountain West. The investments and advancements we make in our economy today will impact the quality of life for future generations of Utahns.

Strong economies are built on strong communities. When banking legend Roy Simmons led Zions Bank through a period of statewide expansion in the late 1900s, he emphasized local control and community involvement. In the decades since, our bankers have had a front-row seat in the economic development of these distinctive communities, including Utah County's emergence as a technology hub and Washington County’s incredible growth in tourism and outdoor recreation. The unique strengths of the economically diverse communities across Utah contribute to our collective success as a top-ranked state for economic vitality and business growth.

Small businesses are the backbone of the economy. Over many decades, Zions

has helped thousands of small businesses get the capital they need to grow and create jobs. These scrappy small businesses make up 99.3% of Utah companies and employ nearly half the state’s workforce. They led the economic recovery of the Covid pandemic and will continue to power our economy into the future.

Economic inclusion drives growth and innovation. Some of Zions Bank’s first customers were women, at a time when women were generally not allowed to open or control bank accounts without the consent of their husbands. These early customers contributed to the strength and stability of the bank, and by extension, the economy. As our state expands economic opportunity to more people, particularly underserved groups, we will continue to unlock untapped potential in our economy.

It's remarkable to consider Utah’s transformation over the last century and a half from an agrarian society of farms and rudimentary business to our modern, diversified economy. As we look to the next 150 years, it’s exciting to think about the changes and growth that might take place.

Special Olympics TopGolf: Championing inclusion for all athletes

Theobject: to hit the target the most. The purpose: So much more.

Eighty Special Olympians with intellectual disabilities paired with partner athletes, were warming up for the Special Olympics TopGolf Championship.

“The athletes are practicing their accuracy, but they’re also developing skills and forging friendships,” said Haley Nall, Special Olympics director of special events. “It’s just a lot of fun.”

It’s also part of a national partnership with TopGolf that provides Special Olympic teams access for weekly two-hour practices as well as hosting the tournament. More than 30 locations are holding state championships.

The Special Olympics TopGolf Championship embraces inclusion and access for athletes, Nall said.

The introduction of TopGolf for Special Olympics comes on the heels of the launch of unified golf for middle school students that was held in South Jordan in the spring 2022.

At the Midvale championship, teams, age eight and up, were hitting the ball off the deck aiming for the targets. They were coached by volunteers.

Hillcrest High 2019 graduate Tanner Cluff jumped at the opportunity to try a new sport, despite needing left-handed clubs for his 6’8” frame.

“I like that this gives me a challenge,” he said. “I can do different sports for every season.”

Cluff, who won numerous medals in unified sports in high school and at the University of Utah, played for Real Salt Lake’s unified team. He plays football, soccer and bocci

By Julie Slama|j.slama@mycityjournals.com

ball with Special Olympics.

“I’m trying to see how many points I can get by hitting the markers. It’s been harder on the top level than the bottom level because the launch in every bay is different and I never know what’s going to happen,” he said. “I’m making new friends here at the same time.”

Cluff made friends with his partner, Keaton Phillips, who just moved to Utah nine months ago. Previously, Phillips volunteered with Special Olympics in Florida.

“I love the unique energies that everybody has,” he said.

Prior to the TopGolf practices, Phillips played golf once on a traditional course.

“This is challenging. I didn’t think it would be as challenging at TopGolf. We struggled through it for a couple of weeks, but we’ve gotten a lot better,” he said. “We’re trying to get more distance and accuracy. We have a bit to go, but it’s fun.”

A few bays down the Cox sisters from Murray were ready to compete.

Viewmont Elementary sixth-grader Livvy partnered with her sister, Bree, a junior at Murray High.

“I like to volunteer because it’s fun interacting with kids with special needs,” said the younger Cox sister, who was a partner track athlete as well.

Bree Cox, who has Down syndrome and performs with Murray’s drill team, was game to try golf.

“It’s fun,” she said. “I love it because I can do it with my sister.” l

Brighton High’s Mitchell Burt hits the ball during warm-ups of the Special Olympics TopGolf Championship. (Julie Slama/City Journals)

The Truth is Out There

Depending on who you ask, aliens have either 1) frequently visited our planet, 2) never visited our planet, or 3) are currently running our planet.

It’s been quite a year for Unidentified Flying Objects, which are now called Unidentified Aerial Phenomena. (Tomayto, tomahto.) These “extraterrestrial” vessels made the news, created a TikTok channel and had their own congressional hearing.

In early 2023, the Air Force started blasting weather balloons out of the sky. Although weather balloons have been used since 1896, it’s only in the last year the balloons became malicious enough to be shot down. It’s definitely American to shoot first and never ask questions.

It reminds me of the 1978 video game Space Invaders, where the goal was to blast UFOs out of the atmosphere before they reached Earth. Whether the current UAPs were peace emissaries from Alpha Centauri or galactic multi-level-marketing sales-aliens, we’ll never know.

Look at it this way. If you launched a celebratory lightspeed rocket on the day Jesus was born, it would still be in the Milky Way Galaxy, even traveling for 2,000 years at the speed of light. So if a flying saucer made its way across its galaxy and our galaxy, it would take hundreds of thousands of light years to reach us, only to be casually shot down by an F-22.

Maybe they were on their way to teach

Peri Kinder

Life and Laughter

us how to travel at lightspeed, how to create a functional Congress or how to evolve so our skin glows in the dark. We’ll never know.

UFO sightings occur all over the world, but the U.S. has the most interaction with aliens. The Roswell crash in 1947 was the first “flying saucer” wreckage that authorities said was a UFO, then it was a weather balloon, then it was Carl’s tractor from down the road and then it was the remnants of an atomic test, which didn’t make anyone feel better.

Air Force pilots share stories of strange objects in the sky, security cameras capture “meteors” and eerie lights, and there was a congressional hearing to talk about what the government isn’t telling us. Spoiler alert: the government keeps a lot of secrets.

Many people are convinced the pyramids were built with alien technology. Some people think UFOs travel the world making intricate designs in crops, kind of like alien graffiti. Others point out the first microchip was created just 10 years after the Roswell crash. Coincidence?

Hmmmm.

Records from Rome (AD 65) and Ireland (AD 740) document chariots flying through the clouds or ships floating in the air, filled with people. Too bad there wasn’t an F-22 to shoot them down.

“War of the Worlds” by H.G. Wells was written in the late 1890s. It was one of the first novels that detailed an alien invasion on Earth. People lost their minds when Orson Welles dramatized it on a 1938 radio show.

I’m not saying UFOs are real. I’m not saying they’re not. But sightings have increased, usually in the form of an orb, a disc, a triangle,

a cylinder, an egg, a toaster, a VW Bug or other random shapes.

I’ve been saying for years that Earth is a hit reality show in the universe and little green men (or blue or white or gray) watch the hilarious antics on our dumpster fire of a planet while eating alien popcorn.

It’s pretty egocentric of us to think we’re the only planet with intelligent life. And I use the word “intelligent” lightly. I hope somewhere in the universe there’s a planet where the inhabitants live in peace and work together to create new ideas. I just hope they don’t come here. We’ll shoot them out of the sky.l