Taylorsville Journal | September 2023

COMMUNITY AND ‘THE SANDLOT’ MOVIE DIGNITARIES UNVEIL NEW

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Way back in 1976, when Gerald Ford still occupied the White House, the United States celebrated its bicentennial. That same year our country marked its 200th year of independence – and still 20 years before Taylorsville would become an incorporated city – a then state-of-the-art, 4-diamond softball complex opened at Valley Regional Park (5100 S. 2700 West).

It’s probably safe to assume more than 100,000 softball games were played at the popular site, by the youngest of girls to the oldest of men and women alike. But just as Ford gave way to Carter… then to Reagan, Bush and the rest… so too did the always bustling (in the summer, anyway) softball complex give way to, well, old age.

“The city council noticed a few years ago our softball complex was starting to crumble; we knew something needed to be done,” Taylorsville Mayor Kristie Overson said. “Softball and baseball are huge in our community. Thankfully, Salt Lake County and the Miller Family Foundation also recognized the problem – and provided the funds to fix it.”

About 18 months ago, heavy equipment was dispatched to the “old” softball complex to remove it completely. And last month, several million dollars later, elected officials and other dignitaries gathered at the site to officially open the “new” softball grandstands – which every-

SOFTBALL COMPLEX

By Carl Fauver | c.fauver@mycityjournals.com

one involved hopes and expects to last for the next 50 years.

The Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation jumpstarted Salt Lake County’s effort to replace the softball complex with a $5 million

donation. That money – combined with County funding – actually replaced two different aging softball complexes. A nearly identical facility opened in Millcreek’s Cottonwood Regional Park a year ago.

“Both softball complexes host numerous tournaments and community league play,” County Parks & Recreation Director Martin

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‘Swift’ mother daughter experience page 7

Duct tape tuxedo page 8

Utah Sports Hall of Fame inductee

One of the child actors made famous in the 1993 Utah-filmed movie “The Sandlot,” Chauncey Leopardi, threw the ceremonial first pitch at the ribbon-cutting of the new softball complex at Valley Regional Park. (Carl Fauver/City Journals)

USA Rugby to host International Friendly in Utah

Rugby is a popular sport in Utah and teams and players here have helped build up the sport in the United States. One player who has thrived in this environment is Paul Mullen.

“I’m from Ireland,” Mullen said. “It’s on a small island off the coast. When I went to high school on the mainland, the only sport they played was rugby. It was sink or swim. Fortunately, I was able to excel.”

Utah’s Major League Rugby team, the Utah Warriors, is hosting an attempt at the Guinness World Record for the largest rugby scrum, and proceeds from the event will benefit 5 for the Fight and Make-AWish Utah. With fan and player participation, the challenge will take place immediately following the upcoming international rugby spectacle featuring the USA Eagles and France’s Stade Toulousain on Sept. 16.

“We have a partnership with Stade Toulousain,” Utah Warriors CEO Kimball Kjar said. “They are arguably the Real Madrid of rugby. They won the most recent French championship. They are the most successful rugby club in the world. One goal of the partnership is to grow the sport of rugby but specifically within North America to help their brand grow. We also want the Utah Warriors brand to grow internationally and throughout Europe. We want to create events that showcase the sport of rugby.”

The thrilling matchup will be held at America First Field in Sandy with gates opening at 3 p.m. and game kickoff at 4 p.m. The pursuit for the world record begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets to participate in the scrum, along with a commemorative T-shirt, cost $10 and can be purchased as an add-on at checkout when purchasing match tickets here.

Jou r nals

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By Daniel Olsen | d.olsen@mycityjournals.com

“American football fans like big hits,” Mullen said. “Rugby is the same but doesn’t go on for four hours. It’s only 80 minutes.”

While Mullen didn’t grow up in the United States, he still is happy to be a part of the national rugby team.

“My grandfather grew up in the U.S.,” he said. “For me to represent America is a great honor.”

This momentous endeavor in rugby history serves to engage the community and rugby fans from around the world and raise funds for the Utah Warriors’ local nonprofit partners. Fans who have upgraded their match ticket at the cost of $10 are invited to come down onto America First Field after the game, where over 3,000 people will lock arms to break the record of 2,586 participants set in 2018 in Aichi, Japan.

“This will be the biggest scrum in the world,” Mullen said. “It should be a friendly scrum. It is like a huge huddle. That would be cool if it was broken.”

“The long-term goal is to make Utah the epicenter of rugby for North America,” Kjar said. “We also want to be growing on a global scale. Utah has a love affair with the sport of rugby. Rugby playing countries led to the University of Utah playing rugby on their campus and eventually American football. Rugby was being played in the mid-20th century. BYU has won five national championships. Utah won a national championship too, in about 2010. Highland High School was successful and won over 20 national championships. We have one of the largest Polynesian communities outside of Polynesia. The guys that are in the NFL out of Utah all played rugby. Rugby is a part of Utah’s DNA. We are trying with the Warriors to help people

understand the energy that is played in this sport. We can help re-awaken the energy of the sport.”

This event should be an educational opportunity for those involved.

“Anyone who hasn’t come to a game of rugby should come. It’s a perfect opportunity to watch the best players in our backyard. We make it very easy for people to come out and enjoy the sport and game. Educational things. Gives people a view of what the sport looks like. People love it carries the day,” Kjar said.

“The Rugby World Cup is the biggest event,” Mullen said. “But we are playing against incredible world class athletes. They are one of the best clubs in the world.”

While this event will take place during

the middle of the Rugby World Cup, there will still be plenty of talented athletes who will line up against each other. The Rugby World Cup will take place from Sept. 8-Oct. 28.

The tickets are much cheaper than basketball, football, and soccer,” Mullen said. “It will be hard hitting with lots of scores and tackles. It should be an exciting time.”

While not every player from these teams will be in attendance, it will still be a world class matchup.

“We will have six to seven Utah Warriors playing as well as many of the best players from Toulouse,” Kjar said. “These are some of the best players in the world.” l

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Eagles USA Rugby player Christian Dyer. (Kayla McFarland of Utah Warriors)

Taylorsville football looking for progress as Warriors move to new region

By Josh McFadden | j.mcfadden@mycityjournals.com

Headinginto this season, the Taylorsville football team hadn’t tasted victory in a region game since 2019. But that doesn’t mean head coach Chris Rosales hasn’t seen improvement.

Rosales is now in his third season at the helm of the Warriors’ program. Despite some rough seasons, Roasles has watched many players work hard and develop positive attitudes.

“I am most excited to see how the kids do with competition,” he said. “Every year I have been here, we start to see more kids want to compete. And it's bringing the best versions of themselves out.”

The past few seasons in Class 6A’s Region 2 has been challenging for Taylorsville. The Warriors were 2-8 a year ago and 0-6 in league play. But the Warriors moved to Class 5A’s Region 4 this season. Taylorsville is once again in the same region as Hunter, Kearns, Cyprus and Granger but faces West Jordan instead of Roy and West, which finished 1–2 in Region 2 last season.

A new region may be a breath of fresh air for the Warriors, who are looking for their first winning season since going 7-4 in 2014.

Rosales is focused mostly on how hard the young men are trying and how much they are committed to playing as a team and getting better. It’s almost important to him that the players make the classroom a priority.

“My expectation for this season is for our kids to achieve in the classroom as well as the field,” he said. We hold both to a high standard. If our kids don't achieve in school, they don't get the chance on the field. Now for the field portion, I expect our kids to compete and give all that they can every game. If they can say they were better than the last game, then us as a staff are

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Jensen said. “The renovations allow current and future generations the chance to enjoy the sport Larry H. Miller loved. We are grateful for the community partnership that made these renovations possible. We are prepared to continue supporting the growth and popularity of softball in Utah.”

More than 300 people attended the softball complex ribbon-cutting ceremony. Among those addressing the audience was Salt Lake County Councilwoman and Taylorsville resident Aimee Winder Newton.

“We need to make time to put away (electronic) devices and get together, outside,” she said. “I’m thrilled Salt Lake County continues to support play, through the building and maintenance of incredible spaces such as these. Thank you to the Miller Family Foundation for your support of programs that enrich lives. If it weren’t for the Millers, we would not have been able to prioritize the construction of these two softball complexes.”

Representing his parents’ Miller Family Foundation, Steve Miller was the final speaker of the day.

“My dad loved softball and really worked on his game,” he said. “He also mentored many young players. We’re proud this will be a first-class venue where friends can gather to enjoy outdoor recreation.”

Larry H. Miller loved softball from a very early age and played competitive fastpitch softball well into his adult life. In 1985, he was

good with their effort.”

Wins may have been difficult to come by recently, but this year’s squad doesn’t lack leaders. Rosales also praised the players for their ability to persevere through difficulties and become the best they can be.

“I feel that our biggest strength this year is leadership,” he said. “We have eight captains this year who are taking pride in leading this team—and not only by words, but they lead by example as well. Next would be grit; our kids are constantly grinding on trying to peel back the layers and find the best versions of themselves. And it is very exciting to see when a player hits a new plateau.”

Junior quarterback Cole Cramer is one of those players

Rosales highlighted. He completed more than 55% of his passes a year ago for 603 yards and seven touchdowns. In the first two games this season, he had 194 yards and three scores. Junior wide receiver and defensive back Kobe Allen, junior offensive lineman and defensive lineman Jacob Lee and senior linebacker Malakhai Peterson are others to watch. Rosales also likes the play and development of senior linebacker Manny Gustman, senior wide receiver Jack Billingsley, senior defensive back Brandon Bills and junior wide receiver and defensive back Karson Kirkman.

Rosales said some players struggle with believing in themselves.

“Some of our biggest challenges lie within themselves,” he said. “We have some great leaders, but we also have a bunch who have no clue how great they could be both on and off the field. I would say self-confidence, that's our biggest challenge.”

The Warriors opened the 2023 season with a close 24-21 loss to Summit Academy, followed by a 49-0 defeat at the hands of Chatfield High School in Colorado. Region play opens Sept. 15 when Taylorsville takes on Kearns. The final regular season game is Oct. 12 at home against West Jordan.

Whether this season meets Rosales’ expectations won’t necessarily be in terms of wins and losses. He’s looking for progress, development and growth.

“For this season to be a success, we need to put everything the players have learned, lifted and studied for on the field to achieve our season goals,” he said. “Now that's not all in wins. Success is deeper than that, and these kids are learning those life lessons now. We don't see losses; we see opportunities to get better, and we will be better this year.” l

inducted into the Utah Softball Hall of Fame. Seven years later, he was inducted into both the Utah Athletes’ Association Hall of Fame and the International Softball Hall of Fame.

“Salt Lake County is such a great supporter of many outdoor recreation amenities here in Taylorsville,” Overson concluded, following the ceremonial speeches. “They are always willing to come to the table to discuss potential projects – and are very easy to work with. We are proud to be Utah’s unofficial ‘Baseball

and Softball Capital.’ I look forward to watching games at this complex for many years to come.”

Several cast members from the 1993 Utah-filmed motion picture “The Sandlot” also attended the softball complex ribbon-cutting. They were in the area for a series of events marking the 30th anniversary of their popular film. Actor Chauncey Leopardi – who played “Squints” in the movie – threw out the ceremonial first pitch. That was followed by an exhi-

bition softball game – played by young ladies who could very well all be grandmothers by the time these diamonds need replacing again. l

Mayor Kristie Overson expressed appreciation to the Miller Family Foundation and Salt Lake County during the grand opening of the city’s new, 4-diamond softball complex. (Carl Fauver/City Journals)

Salt Lake County Councilwoman and Taylorsville resident, Aimee Winder Newton, was among the dignitaries and elected officials on hand for the official opening of the new softball complex at Valley Regional Park. (Carl Fauver/City Journals)

Representing her Miller Family Foundation at the opening of the new softball complex at Valley Regional Park, Gail Miller looked on from the new bleachers. (Carl Fauver/City Journals)

Taylorsville fans will watch their football team compete in a new region this fall. (City Journals)

Taylorsville mother/daughter savor their sweet, sensational ‘Summer of Swift’

By Carl Fauver | c.fauver@mycityjournals.com

Mostof us weren’t around yet – or weren’t old enough to remember – when The Beatles first appeared on Ed Sullivan, Feb. 9, 1964. But for those who can’t quite recall the Fab 4 ushering in rock n’ roll’s “British Invasion,” the talking heads on television have been telling us all summer, the girl from West Reading and Wyomissing, Pennsylvania has brought back her own version of “Beatlemania.”

But this time, those thousands upon thousands of people doing the coast-to-coast screaming are called “Swifties.”

Not only did the national media cover nearly every stop Taylor Swift made on the first leg of her “The Eras Tour,” but – long before the music rang out – we also saw endless coverage of how her rabid fans were unable to purchase tickets, thanks to online sellers crashing under the unprecedented demand.

Back here in Taylorsville, however, Amy DeWidt and her teenage daughter Charlotte overcame the odds. They fell into a pair of tickets almost accidentally. And on July 29, they found themselves at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, listening to the woman named after singer-songwriter James Taylor belting out her hits for more than three hours.

“I had been texting all summer with a relative in Santa Clara who already had her tickets for the show; Charlotte and I were so jealous,” Amy DeWidt said. “Then, just a couple of weeks before the concert, she reached out to say she knew someone who could sell us a pair of tickets at face value, $350 each. We had already been planning a family trip to California – and my husband said ‘Go for it – it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.’ So, we bought

Just a couple of weeks before starting ninth grade at Taylorsville High, Charlotte DeWidt spent a memorable evening with her mom – and tens of thousands of their fellow Swifties – in Levi’s Stadium, south of San Francisco. (Courtesy Amy DeWidt)

the tickets.”

“I was shocked when Mom said we were actually going,” Charlotte added. “Taylor is my number one favorite artist. I grew up listening to her. She has so many different (musical) styles. It just felt unreal to actually be going.”

A week ahead of the concert, the DeWidt family jumped in their car, bound for Southern California. After visiting family at that end of the state for several days, they made their way up to Santa Clara.

Swift’s 2-night, Northern California tour stop was her next-to-last on the first leg of The Eras Tour. It was followed by a 6-night stop at SoFi Stadium in Los Angles. The tour was originally scheduled to include 146 shows – all in massive stadiums – across five continents. It will gross well over $1billion. And there’s already talk of shows being added.

It sounds like calling this a return of Beatlemania is an outright insult to Swift Nation. This is something much, much bigger.

“The entire day of the show was fun for us, starting with dressing for the concert,” Amy DeWidt said. “It’s called ‘The Eras Tour’ because Taylor covers all her different musical eras. Most concert goers dress up in clothing from one of those eras. Charlotte dressed up in her ‘Lover’ era.”

After making use of their $45 parking pass (“they were $200, closer to showtime”), Amy and Charlotte DeWidt spent their first couple of hours at Levi’s Stadium communing with fellow Swifties, while standing in the merchandise line.

“We bought a couple of hoodies,” Amy DeWidt said. “They came in handy later in the evening when it started to cool off.”

For more than three hours, Amy and Charlotte DeWidt (L-R) of Taylorsville soaked up the sights and sounds of Taylor Swift’s concert tour in Northern California. (Courtesy Amy DeWidt)

This, by the way, wasn’t Amy DeWidt’s first time at the Taylor Swift rodeo. But she says there was little comparison between the two concerts.

“I saw Taylor Swift during her ‘Red’ tour in Salt Lake City,” she added. “I called into a country radio station and actually won the tickets. My niece and I went. Charlotte was way too young back then. That was much more of a ‘normal’ concert – not at all like this show.”

Back in her pre-stadium days, Swift played what was then EnergySolutions Arena on June 1, 2013. Nowadays, a Utah stop for Swift would be akin to the Rolling Stones October 1994 Rice Stadium stop on the group’s Voodoo Lounge Tour. In other words, don’t hold your breath.

Before Swift launched into her three+ hour, 44-song mega set list, concert goers were treated to a pair of “warm-up” acts. Gracie Abrams – the daughter of famous Hollywood director J.J. Abrams – performed several songs, along with a trio of sisters who go by their last name, “Haim.”

“All together it was five hours of wall-towall music,” Amy DeWidt said. “Once Taylor started, no matter which song it was, everyone was singing along. It was just a big party.”

DeWidt says there were a couple of instrumental moments when her section would sit for a minute or two, resting their legs. But, for most of the show, their $350 “seat” was actually their “place to stand (and sing, possibly off-key, and dance).”

By the way, if you heard the media coverage about Swift giving her tour truck drivers each $100,000 bonuses, the artist was doing that about the time the Dewidts were heading to the stadium. TMZ reported about 50 truck drivers received the unexpected bonuses on

Saturday, July 29. According to the report, Swift also paid bonuses to band members, dancers and tour technicians. The amounts of those bonuses weren’t disclosed.

So, perhaps with an extra $100k in their pockets, those truck drivers may have been happier on that last Saturday night of July than Charlotte and Amy DeWidt – but who’s to know, for sure.

“It was the best concert I’ve ever attended – and so much fun to share with my daughter,” Amy DeWidt said. “I flew back to Utah two days later, while (my husband) Steve took Charlotte and the rest of the kids to visit Yosemite National Park. It was a terrific vacation.”

Since then, Charlotte has started ninth grade at Taylorsville High School. She said she was anxious to share her stories (and videos on her phone) of the concert with her Swiftie friends.

“A few of my girlfriends were jealous when I told them I was going to the concert,” Charlotte added. “Several of them asked me to send them my videos. I know I will never forget that night.”

Swift, by the way, will celebrate only her 34th birthday this December. John, Paul, George and Ringo had gone their separate ways before any of them turned 30. But it appears this new round of music mania could be here for many more years to come.

At least one Taylorsville mother and daughter hope so. l

All dressed up with definitely someplace to go, Amy and Charlotte DeWidt (L-R) prepare to enter Levi’s Stadium to spend an evening with Taylor Swift.

(Courtesy Amy DeWidt)

Friendship bracelets were all the rage at Taylor Swift concerts this summer – and they made their way into the foreground of this Levi’s Stadium selfie. (Courtesy Amy DeWidt)

THS senior Ian Hernandez has already earned a $10,000 college scholarship, thanks to his award-winning tuxedo made of duct tape

By Carl Fauver | c.fauver@mycityjournals.com

Lest we confuse anyone, that nearly-always silver tape we use to fix everything from television remotes to your kids’ soccer shoes is duct tape – as in “heating duct.” But one of its most popular brands – which comes in a rainbow of colors – is “Duck Tape.” And, ironically, ducks are one of the few things you should never try to fix with Duck Tape. Our PETA friends frown on that.

Taylorsville High School senior Ian Hernandez never really knew much about Duck Tape (or duct tape, for that matter), until he learned about their annual Stuck At Prom Scholarship Contest last spring. Now that contest has lined his duct tape pockets with $10,000 to spend on the college of his choice.

“I learned about the contest somewhere on social media,” Hernandez explains. “I thought it sounded kind of weird. I had never made anything with duct tape before. But I’d been doing crafts for a couple of years and thought it would be a fun challenge. I certainly didn’t think I would win the grand prize.”

Duck Tape brand launched its Stuck At Prom contest 23 years ago. Each year the company selects its top five dresses and top five tuxedos fashioned out of their multicolored product. Each of those 10 finalists earn $500. From there, online voting determines the $10,000 champion in each of the two categories.

“Once Ian became a finalist, his mother Jessica got the word out on social media to drum up votes,” Ian’s father, Fidel Hernandez said. “We have friends in Australia, Germany, El Salvador and other places. Their votes must have helped – because Ian won.”

Fidel and Jessica Hernandez were each born in El Salvador – but then made their way to Toronto. Ian and his three siblings were born in Canada. They’ve lived in Taylorsville since moving to the United States in 2016.

“I taught myself how to sew when I was bored during the (2020) pandemic,” Ian explained. “I started out making stuffed animals. You can learn how to do anything on YouTube.”

A Los Angeles-area teen, Karla Torres, claimed the $10,000 top prize for the best duct tape prom dress.

“I began designing my duct tape tuxedo in April but then stopped working on it for a while,” Ian Hernandez said. “I finished it in late June, after putting in about 57 hours on it. The Duck Tape company first notified me I was a finalist. Then they left a voicemail on my phone telling me I was the grand prize winner in the tuxedo

category.”

As of a few weeks ago, Ian was still awaiting his $10,000 check. He’s not yet decided which school will receive the money.

“I am thinking about attending the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles, or possibly the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City,” he added. “But I’m not sure I want to pursue fashion. I’m also considering studying math or chemistry. I will probably attend BYU if I decide to do that.”

Whichever direction Ian finally selects, Taylorsville High School Principal Emily Liddell is confident he will succeed.

“He’s a phenomenal student; our teachers speak very highly of him,” Liddell said. “I was not aware Ian had entered the duct tape tuxedo contest until after he won it. Each year, we have one or two students who earn scholarships of this ($10,000) magnitude. They are rare.

He was self-motivated to earn it, which is particularly impressive.”

Hernandez says now that his final year at Taylorsville High is just beginning, he’s self-motivated to accomplish something else at the school.

“I want to start a sewing club at Taylorsville High,” Ian concluded. “They’ve never had one before, that I am aware of. I think that would be a fun legacy to leave. It’s a fun, practical hobby.”

And when you apply Duck Tape duct tape to the product, sometimes sewing can literally “pay off.” l

Ian Hernandez has not yet decided if he’ll pursue fashion design in college after earning a $10,000 scholarship for creating this tuxedo decorated with duct tape. (Courtesy Ian Hernandez)

Taylorsville High School senior Ian Hernandez picked up sewing as a hobby during the pandemic, and has now earned a hefty scholarship with his skills. (Courtesy Ian Hernandez)

Each artistic sleeve on Ian Hernandez’s tuxedo took 5 hours to complete, as he fashioned artwork commemorating his Salvadoran heritage out of duct tape. (Courtesy Ian Hernandez)

Taylorsville High School senior Ian Hernandez made both the stuffed animal snake in his hand and the tuxedo fashioned with duct tape. (Courtesy Ian Hernandez)

A half century of quality newspaper writing has landed Taylorsville resident Tom Wharton in the Utah Sports Hall of Fame

By Carl Fauver | c.fauver@mycityjournals.com

Wayback in the days of yore, we accessed our news in a way many now find foreign. Each morning – regardless of Mother Nature’s offering or whether or not we were wearing more than a robe and slippers – we wandered out to our driveway for the news and sports of the day. Well, of yesterday, to be more precise.

Taylorsville resident Tom Wharton thrived in that world. For better than fifty years, his byline appeared in the rubber band-bound edition of The Salt Lake Tribune we braved the outdoor elements to retrieve.

Times change. Salt Lake’s two “daily” newspapers are only available in print twice a week nowadays. They land in your mailbox, or the grocery store, but not in your driveway. And Tom Wharton’s byline isn’t there anymore.

But like hundreds of thousands of our state’s residents, the Utah Sports Hall of Fame induction committee remembers Wharton’s work fondly. That’s why, on Sept. 18, Wharton will join four others – including skiing legends Stein Eriksen (posthumously) and Ted Ligety – in being inducted into its ranks.

“I was going through physical therapy when they called to say I was being inducted,” Wharton said. “I was stunned. It’s the kind of thing you really don’t expect. I feel very honored.”

Wharton moved from Sugarhouse to Taylorsville in 2008. After losing his first wife to cancer and remarrying, he and new bride Nancy wanted to make a fresh start in a home that was just theirs.

“We looked all around and finally found a neighborhood we really liked,” he said. “There are so many good restaurants nearby. I love the ethnic diversity. I was shocked by how much I like it here. We have three parks nearby. We have no regrets.”

This from a man who quite literally may have seen more of our Beehive State than any other living soul, tracking down stories in every nook and cranny Utah has to offer.

“I was the Tribune’s Outdoor Editor for more than thirty years, travelling all over our state,” Wharton said. “In 1998, I became the first president from Utah of the National Outdoor Writers Association of America. I also covered lots of wildlife issues at the state legislature. It was fun.”

Before turning his attention to Utah’s fish and game (and wilderness and byways), Wharton cut his teeth cov-

But I still prefer high school sports.”

Wharton’s Utah Sports Hall of Fame induction later this month will actually be his second time to be honored this year. This spring he was selected by the Utah High School Activities Association for its Circle of Fame, which “honors individuals who have contributed to their communities in high school activities. It is the highest honor the UHSAA bestows.” (uhsaa.org)

Overlapping Wharton’s 50+ year career at the Tribune were 21 years he spent serving parttime for the Utah Army National Guard.

“I spent my entire time in the Guard Public Affairs Department – so it was more writing,” Wharton said. “I rode in a tank through West Germany during a training exercise. That was one of the highlights. I served in the Guard from 1970 to 1992. I believe I visited 43 or 44 countries.”

ering high school sports. While working for his Granite High School student newspaper, Wharton entered a writing contest sponsored by The Salt Lake Tribune. When he emerged as one of the winners, the paper allowed him to help cover the 1967 high school state basketball tournament. Little did he know that would begin a streak of covering the annual tournament that required a worldwide pandemic to be broken.

“My first state tournament was in 1967 and I kept the streak alive until COVID-19 cancelled it (in 2020),” Wharton said with pride. “I think high school sports are still my favorite. It’s the last of the amateurs. I have three grandsons at Skyline High School, playing baseball and lacrosse – and running track and cross country. I still enjoy going to their events.”

Wharton also covered “higher level” sports, including possibly the most famous college basketball game of all time: the 1979 championship game played at the University of Utah’s Special Event Center (now the Jon M. Huntsman Center). That’s when Magic Johnson’s Michigan State Spartans handed Larry Bird’s Indiana State Sycamores their first loss of the season, 7564.

“I also covered the Utah Jazz during their first run to the NBA finals (1997) and the Salt Lake Winter Olympics (in 2002),” he added. “That was exciting.

About the time Tom and Nancy Wharton made their move to Taylorsville, the handwriting on the wall was becoming much clearer regarding the future of print journalism. It wasn’t good – as witnessed by the fact you’ve not seen your bathrobe-clad neighbor out in his driveway, early morning, anytime recently.

“The Tribune had a round of layoffs in 2008 and my duties began to change,” Wharton said. “I returned as High School Sports Editor for another couple of years. My official retirement date was April 1, 2016. But then I did a little contract writing for them for another couple of years.”

The Wharton’s blended family now includes six children and a dozen grandkids, ages 9 to 28.

The Sept. 18 Utah Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held at Salt Lake’s Little America Hotel.

According to the organization’s website (utahsportshalloffame.org), a “charter class” of Hall of Fame inductees was selected in 1970. You can visit their museum for free, Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., at 99 W. South Temple, Suite 102.

The Granite High School and University of Utah graduate Wharton reports aside from a few physical challenges life is good in Taylorsville. And he looks forward to joining his fellow Hall of Fame inductees. l

In his younger days, Salt Lake Tribune writer – and Taylorsville resident – Tom Wharton covered the best high school athletes our state had to offer, including eventual BYU and NBA big man Shawn Bradley. (Courtesy Tom Wharton)

Do You Have a Chronic Wound?

If you have a wound that has been open for more than 4 weeks, then something in your body is not allowing that wound to heal properly. Chronic wounds are defined as wounds that fail to proceed through the normal phases of wound healing in an orderly and timely manner. Often, chronic wounds stall in the inflammatory phase of healing.

How do you heal a wound that will not heal? Debridement (removal of dead tissue) is the most common treatment for stubborn wounds, and involves the removal of unhealthy tissue within a chronic wound to promote the growth of healthy tissue, reduce complications of infection, and speed up the healing process.

Your care team may also suggest the following treatments:

• Antibiotics

• Skin substitute grafts

• Laser Treatments

• X-rays to assess for bone infection

• Scans to ensure proper blood flow is getting to the wound to promote healing

Major Renovation at Carriage Square Aims to Boost Business

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

You can now see 17 of the 18 new sculptures at Centennial Plaza, with one on its way! From "Bad to the Bone" to others named "The Sisters Three," "Weeping Angel" or “Arabesque,” all of the artwork was unveiled this past month at Plaza +ART’s third annual art unveiling and Art Walk.

A reception with the artists also took place at the Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center, where they described the inspiration behind their work, and it truly was inspiring. Artist Ben Hammond, for instance, described how his sculpture titled “The Family” is actually a second casting — with the rst located at a hospital in Omaha, Neb.

Artist Dan Hill said his bronze of a little boy playing golf, titled “Foreby-Two,” is modeled after a child who came through one of his art shows. Nathan Johansen said his two sculptures, “Dandelion Duo with Persistent Parachutes” and “Germination: A Good Seed,” are representative of his “long love a air with plants.” The sculpted background of “Germination” contains moldings of 70 di erent kinds of seeds, nuts and pits.

Several of the artists complimented our Centennial Plaza venue and Plaza +ART program as spectacular, and I have to agree. I think we have created something special here, and it has been incredible to see the program grow, in just three short years. In our inaugural season, we opened Centennial Plaza with six sculptures. This year, we added four additional pedestals to bring 18 art pieces to the plaza.

I can’t thank Taylorsville artists Dan and Janean Toone enough for spearheading this e ort and for their continuing work to bring such marvelous artists to our community. I am also grateful to members of our Selection Committee, who have so diligently selected the pieces for display. Thank you, as well, to our City Council who caught the vision of Plaza +ART and ran with it, supporting these e orts with funding. (The sculptures are also available for purchase. Please, contact the city if interested).

Of course, my biggest thanks go to the artists themselves for adding such beauty to our community. We have reached for the stars, and they have shined more brightly than we ever thought they could.

So, please take a stroll through Centennial Plaza, 2600 W. Taylorsville Blvd., whenever you can and take in this free open-air gallery as it has become. Also, look for pictures and additional details about the sculptures in next month’s Taylorsville Journal and online at, www. taylorsvilleut.gov. The sculptures will be on display through fall 2024.

—Mayor Kristie S. Overson

The Carriage Square construction project, launched in the spring as a way to attract customers to the unique retail area of Taylorsville, has marked several milestones and continues to make progress toward completion.

The main and southeast parking areas are now open, and concrete planter boxes (at-grade and raised) and scored concrete along the storefronts in the northern section of the center have been nished. Overall, the common areas continue take shape.

The project is possible thanks to state and federal grant money, including support from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. At the corner of Redwood Road and 4100 South in Taylorsville, Carriage Square is a condominium-style center that is home to more than 40 individual business owners,

who come from at least 10 di erent areas of the world.

The planned project includes demolition and repaving of the entire parking lot, the planting of new landscaping throughout, the installation of an irrigation system to support those trees and shrubs, the addition of curbs and gutters for ADA compliance, and the widening of sidewalks and patio areas to support outdoor seating along building fronts.

In leading up to its completion, we've been featuring several of the Carriage Square businesses in a series called "See What's New." You can nd one of those articles spotlighting the Taylorsville Nickelcade on page 4 of this section, and read the series online at www.taylorsvilleut. gov. Also be sure to drop by the center; all the shops are open during construction.

Mayor Kristie S. Overson

Emergency

EVENTS SEPTEMBER 2023

Friday nights through Sept. 15

Starry Nights @the Plaza. The food trucks arrive at 5 p.m. and most music starts at 6:30. See www.taylorsvilleut.gov for the full schedule.

Sept. 4 – all day

Labor Day. City O ces are closed in observance.

Sept. 6 & 20 – 6:30 p.m. City Council Meeting @ City Hall and online. Watch a livestream of the meeting on the city’s website.

Sept. 11 – all day

9/11 National Day of Service. Please consider extending an act of service or kindness to others in remembrance of those we lost.

Many service activities in Taylorsville will take place on Saturday, Sept. 9.

Sept. 12 – 7 p.m. & Sept. 26 – 6 p.m.

Planning Commission Meeting @ City Hall.

Sept. 15 & 16 – 7:30 p.m.

Jukebox Musical Revue @ Centennial Plaza stage. Sponsored by the Arts Council. See ad on Page 3. Admission is free.

Sept. 23 – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Fall Festival @ the Heritage Center. See accompanying ad on this page and the Heritage Remembrances article on Page 7 for a schedule of events.

Find our monthly calendar of events on the city’s website, www.taylorsvilleut.gov

COUNCIL CORNER

By Council Member Ernest Burgess

9/11 National Day of Service Brings Us Together in Remembrance

September 11, 2001, is seared into our memories, and we still mourn those we lost on that horrible and tragic day.

It is why this year, like those past, I will be participating in the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance. The day is federally recognized and happens each year in commemoration of the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Established with bipartisan support by Congress and both Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance is the largest annual day of charitable service in the United States, with 35 million Americans engaging in some form of service each year.

The purpose of the National Day of Service and Remembrance is to transform the anniversary of 9/11 from a day of tragedy into a day of doing good. Of course, our own Taylorsville community has also embraced this day of service. Last year saw hundreds of volunteers from across the city cleaning, painting, xing and working hard to improve our Taylorsville home. Service took place at the Taylorsville Senior Center and Taylorsville Park, the Taylorsville City Cemetery, Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Center, St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, Bennion and Taylorsville community church fairs, and along I-215.

Through acts of kindness and service, we joined together in unity and strength to honor the victims

and heroes of 9/11, and similar service is planned this year. City administrators have assisted with planning in support of a number of multi-denominational groups that were formed to commemorate 9/11. These same groups are coming together again and serving at many of the same sites as they did last year on the Saturday before Sept. 11.

Like last year, Day of Service activities are planned on the Saturday before, with many activities taking place this year on Saturday, Sept. 9. Following is a list of service activities happening in Taylorsville:

• Southridge Park, 5051 S. 4015 West – Clean-up, tree trimming, etc.

• Taylorsville Senior Center, 4743 S. Plymouth View Dr. – General service

• Taylorsville City Cemetery, 4567 S. Redwood Road – Clean-up, caring for headstones

• Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Center (museum and dairy), 1488 W. 4800 South – General service

• Labrum Park, 6041 S. Jordan Canal Road – Laying gravel along park paths

The Utah Food Bank, 3150 S. 900 West, also will be collecting food donations. In addition, you can find service opportunities at justserve.org, VolunteerMatch.org, AmeriCorps.gov, Idealist.org and AARP (createthegood.aarp.org).

We anticipate that a few hundred people will again take part in this service opportunity in Taylorsville

this year. We hope that you will join us in engaging in service on this day, as we honor the heroic acts of so many and remember the nearly 3,000 people who died during the attacks at the Twin Towers, Pentagon and aboard United Airlines Flight 93.

Please consider extending an act of service or kindness to others on Saturday, September 9, as well as on 9/11 and even throughout the year.

We will never forget.

Taylorsville Couple Turns Travel Experiences into Coloring Books

Taylorsville resident Russ Price has loved drawing all his life, and he and his wife, Nancy, equally enjoy traveling the world and learning about history. They wanted to combine all these interests in some way and share them with others.

So, they’ve launched RTN Price Coloring Books, an at-home business that sells online coloring books that Russ has created and for customers to download. Color in pictures of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Alamo or Seattle’s Space Needle in his “United States of America” coloring book. Learn about the historical sites of England, Germany or Italy in “Europe Volume 1.” Or celebrate the holidays with Christmas, Halloween and even a “Valentine’s Gnome” coloring book.

“My goal is that I hope as kids and parents color, they have a good dialogue,” Russ said. “I hope they talk about Mount Rushmore or other sites, and they have fun learning and coloring together.”

You may remember Russ and Nancy. Several years ago, the couple set out to visit as many sites as possible in Utah with World War II ties. Their travels were featured by Valor Magazine in a May 2020 article, which was republished on these pages in October 2020 and that you can still read on the city’s website, www.taylorsvilleut.gov.

“I’ve wanted to keep that history alive,” said Russ, who has created 12 coloring books and plans a thirteenth about World War II sites.

The Fort Douglas Military Museum also carries physical, spiral-bound copies of the books, but most of Russ’s business is done online. Each coloring book can be purchased for download at www.rtnpricecoloringbooks.com and contains about 25 to 50 pages to color.

“Most importantly, I hope people have fun,” Russ said. “There’s no such thing as too many coloring books.”

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)

Visit Carriage Square: Nickelcade is Perfect Place for Fun

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

The Nickelcade franchise has been a staple of Utah for more than two decades, with its largest location at Carriage Square.

Nickelcade owner Darren Larsen says the arcade is “something kids come back to time and time again,” and there’s a good reason. At 30 to 40 cents per game, what better way to get bang for your buck. Not only was it voted by City Weekly as “The Best Place for an Awkward First Date,” but it’s also a great spot to hold a birthday party, with package pricing at just $75.

In addition to supporting the community and providing a gathering place for families, Larsen said that his favorite part of running the Nickelcade is that it’s a spot where people can “just have fun.”

New arcade games are added every year for a fresh experience, and don't worry if you don't have any nickels. Taylorsville Nickelcade has reloadable cards that you can swipe directly on the game.

With plenty of good parking and fun for the whole family, Taylorsville Nickelcade is the premier place to spend your Saturday. It’s open from noon to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, noon to midnight on Fridays, 10 a.m. to midnight on Saturdays, and noon to 9 p.m. on Sundays. They are located at 4100 S. Redwood Road in the Carriage Square shopping center.

Business Continues to Thrive in Taylorsville, with Several New Openings

From new restaurants to a hair salon and a dental o ce just for kids, several new businesses celebrated grand openings in Taylorsville over the past few months. Among them are:

UTAH CREATIVE CHAMBER — The new 30,000-square-foot facility in Taylorsville is described as not only a place to work and play but “a canvas for your imagination.” It recently opened at 960 W. Levoy Drive in the Sorenson Research Park and has already held a host of events, activities and exhibits.

The Utah Creative Chamber provides a space that can be booked for conferences, meetings, creative endeavors and events. It o ers various membership plans, with which reservations can be made to use its conference room, game room, podcast room, private o ce space, as well as a piano room and dance studio. Members can also reserve its sound stage, recording studio or video center.

To celebrate its opening, the Black Chamber of Commerce held a Ribbon Cutting event on July 13, joined by Taylorsville City o cials. “It’s really an interesting place, and a lot of creative, thoughtful and imaginative members are a part of it,” said Mayor Kristie Overson.

Check out the website utahcreativechamber.com for more information.

FEASTBOX — FEASTbox’s mission is to provide delicious, comforting cuisine from around the world, and you can now nd all its tasty food right here in Taylorsville. The “global grill” has opened a new location at 5578 S. Redwood Road in The Crossroads of Taylorsville shopping center.

“We feature mouth-watering Texas, Hawaiian and Korean-style barbecue, including sandwiches, hotdogs and life-changing loaded fries,” said FEASTbox Chief Operating O cer Michael Lee. “We love to cater and make it so easy.”

The restaurant celebrated its grand opening on June 9 with Taylorsville City o cials and representatives of ChamberWest. “What a great place, and the food is delicious,” said Mayor Overson.

See more information about FEASTbox on their website at feastbox.com

WASATCH KIDS — With a focus on “happy kids and healthy smiles,” Wasatch Kids Pediatric Dentistry celebrated their grand opening in Taylorsville at a new shared location with Max eld Orthodontics, both at 6151 S. Redwood Road.

“We are so happy to have you here in the city,” said Mayor Overson at their recent Ribbon Cutting event. “Taylorsville is the place where community connects — a vision that we know you share as your clinic and professional sta so expertly and lovingly treat the children in your care.”

Wasatch Kids Pediatric Dentistry, located in suite 200, is dedicated to building “smiles for the future” by providing gentle dental care to infants, children and adolescents — as well as those with special health care needs, said the clinic’s marketing director Christy Rodgers. Visit their website, wasatchkidspd.com, for more information.

KPOT KOREAN BBQ & HOT POT — KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot is a unique, handson, all-you-can-eat dining experience that merges traditional Asian hot pot with Korean barbecue avors. And you can now nd it in Taylorsville.

“This is a very, very big day for us,” said co-owner Dang “Dustin” Pham, at the restaurant’s recent Ribbon Cutting event to mark its opening in The Crossroads of Taylorsville shopping center at 5628 S. Redwood Road.

ber of specialty beverages. “We import a couple products from Oaxaca to get the most authentic taste,” said co-owner Ashly Martinez said.

Visit their Instagram page @laoaxaquenacafe for more information.

Pham said the national brand, which is primarily located along the East Coast, intentionally chose to open in Taylorsville after researching location options. “Taylorsville was the best t,” he said.

The Taylorsville restaurant is KPOT’s second largest in the country. See more information on their website, thekpot.com

LA OAXAQUEÑA — Located at 3970 W. 5400 South, this new Mexican restaurant celebrated its grand opening with dancing, friendship and food.

“What a fiesta, what a party,” Mayor Overson said. “It was just a great Ribbon Cutting. We are excited for them and hope they do well.”

From pollo con queso and pupusas to enfrijoladas to entomatadas, the menu features a variety of delicious dishes, as well as a num-

ROCKLER WOODWORKING — Family-owned Rockler Woodworking and Hardware, one of the nation’s premier retailers of woodworking tools and supplies, has opened its rst store in Utah at 5584 S. Redwood Road.

Rockler o ers a year-round calendar of hands-on woodworking classes, as well as exclusive lines of hardware, tools, supplies and innovative products used to build furniture, cabinets and other woodworking projects.

The 11,957-square-foot retail location — the Minnesota-based company’s 46th store in the country — showcases thousands of products, plus a state-of-the-art classroom for hands-on courses. Make items like pens, bowls, cheese boards and many other projects that serve as great experiences and gifts.

See rockler.com for more information.

COOKIE CUTTERS — A new Cookie Cutters Haircuts for Kids is open in Taylorsville at 5318 S. Redwood Road. Their goal is to provide children and families with an amazing haircut experience, and fun starts at the front door.

From the playset in the waiting area to the TVs and unique salon chairs shaped like trucks and cars, Cookie Cutters is focused on providing a caring environment to put both the child and the parent at ease. Their stylists are also skilled in cutting hair for all children, and they give extra care for those with special needs.

The children’s haircare company provides more than 1 million haircuts each year at its salons across the United States and Canada. Visit haircutsarefun.com for more information.

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

Night Out Against Crime Brought Both Fun and Learning

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

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our annual Night Out Against Crime this past month at Centennial Plaza, and a huge thanks to our Taylorsville Public Safety Committee for organizing the event!

We are grateful, as well, for all the sponsors who participated, including the FBI, Utah Highway Patrol, Unified Fire Authority, University of Utah AirMed and the Utah National Guard. The Guard brought its climbing wall, and the UHP provided its crash simulator. The AirMed helicopter took o and landed from the plaza, and TVPD and Uni ed Fire provided some safety demos. There was also a Bike Rodeo for younger children to ride a course, and it was a Taylorsville City Starry Nights event, so we enjoyed dinner from the food trucks and free live music.

Find additional pictures and a couple of video clips of our K-9 demo and other activities from the event on our social media sites — Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @ TVPDutah. We can’t wait to do it again next year!

EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

Congratulations to TVPD’s latest Employee of the Month, K-9 O cer Moore with K-9 Turbo! O cer Moore has more than 16 years of experience in law enforcement. He has worked for the Utah Department of Corrections and West Valley Police Department, as well as TVPD. Officer Moore’s extensive law enforcement experience includes serving as an o cer in the maximum-security unit at the Utah State Prison, working as a patrol o cer, SWAT operator, K-9 handler and POST-certi ed instructor for several years. O cer Moore has been a key member in the formation and success of TVPD’s K-9 unit.

He has trained three K-9s during his career. When O cer Moore joined TVPD, he selected K-9 Turbo as his K-9 partner. Turbo is a 3-year-old certi ed dual-purpose Belgian Malinois service dog. Turbo is very capable and is accustomed to tracking criminals and missing persons, and assisting in locating narcotics. Turbo can bite, if necessary, but his simple presence is also effective at deterring individuals from resisting arrest.

Recently, O cer Moore and Turbo were among 50 K-9 teams from across the state who participated in the Utah Peace O cers Association (UPOA) K-9 Trials. O cer Moore and Turbo took rst place in several categories, obtained the highest overall scores in narcotic detection and earned the title of “Top Narcotics Detection Dog.” TVPD K-9 Sgt. Palmer said this is “one of the most prestigious and sought-out awards.” He commended O cer Moore for his “dedication and hard work,” as a K-9 handler and trainer.

Thank you, Officer Moore and K-9 Turbo, for your dedication in making TVPD’s K-9 unit a success!

Taylorsville Bennion Heritage REMEMBRANCES

Volunteerism Creates Unity, Community

The City of Taylorsville was incorporated on July 1, 1996, and one of the de ning factors was that much of the work done in the city would be through the contributions of volunteer committees.

Today, we have the Taylorsville Historic Preservation, Community Gardens, Budget, Economic Development, Green, Parks and Recreation, Taylorsville Dayzz and Public Safety committees, as well as the Taylorsville Arts Council. These committees are all sta ed by volunteers.

Each has an advisor, one of our Taylorsville City Council members, and Jay Ziolkowski, Taylorsville City Community Outreach Coordinator, works with each of these committees. Jay works with 10 community councils, as well. You can read more about the volunteer opportunities on the Taylorsville City website, www.taylorsvilleut.gov/our-city/committees-volunteers.

The Historic Preservation Committee has sponsored many community activities over the years. With the Arts Council, we have produced ve Tombstone Tales, put on as plays in the Taylorsville City Cemetery as a way to tell the community’s history. We have held events on National Museum Day, including our 10th Anniversary Celebration, with then-Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams in attendance. We hosted a Pumpkin Glow, a pumpkin-carving event for many years.

And since the o cial opening of the Taylorville-Bennion Heritage Center (the museum) in December 2004, we have organized the always-popular Saturday with Santa. The event has grown every year through added activities and greater attendance. Mark your calendar: This year’s Saturday with Santa will be Saturday, Dec. 9, from 2 to 4 p.m.

Also, on Sept. 23, the Historic Preservation Committee will sponsor our rst-ever Fall Festival (see ad on Page 2 of this section). We will have games, food, committee booths and photo-opportunity areas. You must come to see our many farm animals. We are proud to display many quilts, old and new, and there will be a drawing at the end of the event for a quilt that will be tied that day by our guests. We will have a wool-spinning demonstration and pumpkin-decorating contest, including pumpkins grown at the museum just for you. And take home a free fall cookbook!

Entertainment for the Fall Festival will be provided by the Days of ‘47 Royalty, as well as Cross re Band, which performed at Taylorsville Dayzz and Starry Nights this year. Here’s the festival’s schedule of events:

10 a.m. – Opening Ceremony with Mayor Kristie Overson.

10:30 a.m. – Cross re Band, singing country and folk music.

11 a.m. – Days of ‘47 Royalty entertainment; Pumpkin pie-eating contest, 12 years and older.

11:30 a.m. – Cross re Band; First judging of pumpkin-decorating contest, with prizes.

12 p.m. – Days of ‘47 Royalty entertainment; Pumpkin pie-eating contest, 12 years and older.

12:30 p.m. – Cross re Band; Second judging of pumpkin-decorating contest, with prizes; Candy corn in a jar guesses, with prizes.

12:45 p.m. – Drawing for quilt, awarded by Days of ‘47 Royalty.

We can’t wait to see you then at the Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Center, 1488 W. 4800 South.

Don’t Miss These Library Events

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

MUSIC & MOVEMENT

Tuesdays in September, 10:30 a.m., starts Sept. 5. Can you "head, shoulders, knees and toes" with the best? Music, movement and fun for little ones and their grownups.

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME

Wednesdays in September, 10:30 a.m., starts Sept. 6. Interactive early learning story-time for preschoolers and their caring adult(s) with talking, singing, reading, writing and play.

VIRTUAL ADULT LECTURE

Diamonds: From the Depths of the Earth to the Ring on Your Finger

Tuesday, Sept. 5, 7 p.m.

Register at: thecountylibrary.org/LectureSeries

Keryn Ross will discuss the history, science and romance of diamonds including lab-created and substitute diamonds.

WALKING BOOK CLUB

Thursdays in September at 10 a.m. Walking Book Club is great for readers interested in a weekly walk session and book discussion. The group reads one book over the course of three weeks, discussing the book in segments. Take a 30-minute walk along the paths behind the library and then participate in a 30-minute book discussion. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle.

“To the Bright Edge of the World” by Eowyn Ivey reading schedule:

Sept. 7: Pages 303-end

“Hidden Valley Road” by Robert Kolker reading schedule:

Sept. 14: Chapters 1 - 12

Sept. 21: Chapters 13 - 28

Sept. 28: Chapters 29 - end

Also, don’t miss these events. Check with the library for details:

TEEN LASER TAG — Thursday, Sept. 7, 6:30 p.m.

DISCOVER FRIDAY: ART AND MATH — Friday, Sept. 8, 4 p.m.

HOMESCHOOL "WHO WAS" BOOK CLUB — Monday, Sept. 11, 1 p.m.

TAKE CARE UTAH: Health Insurance Counseling and Sign-Up — Tuesdays in September, from 2 to 4 p.m., starts Sept. 12

STAR PARTY - In partnership with Salt Lake Astronomical Society — Friday, Sept. 22, 9 p.m.

TEEN AND TWEEN HOMESCHOOL CODING CLUB — Monday, Sept. 25, 1 p.m.

VIRTUAL ADULT LECTURE: Süleyman the Magni cent — Monday, Sept. 25, 7 p.m. Register at: thecountylibrary.org/LectureSeries

MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL — Friday, Sept.29, 6 to 9 p.m.

SEPTEMBER UPDATES

Fall Leaf Pickup

As the temperatures cool down and we head into fall, WFWRD will begin its seasonal fall leaf pickup service. Starting Monday, Oct. 16, residents can pick up leaf bags at Taylorsville City Hall (2600 W. Taylorsville Blvd.) or Taylorsville Library (4870 S. 2700 West). The district does not collect leaf bags sitting at your curb.

• Full leaf bags can be taken to the Valley Ball Complex (5100 S. 2700 West) and Vista Park (5000 S. 2055 West) and placed in the district’s trailers.

• Other yard or waste bags can be used for your leaves. Please do not dump garbage, yard waste or other items at the leaf-bag collection sites.

• Reminder: Leaves are not accepted in blue recycling cans.

• You are welcome to take leaf bags from any site for your own compost.

Sustainable Halloween Guide

Remember, Halloween decorations such as spiderwebs, string lights, plastic pumpkins and yard signs are not recyclable in your blue recycling cans. Instead, save decorations for next year or take them to your local thrift store for re-use.

Candy wrappers and candy containers are also not recyclable so throw them in your black trash can. When trick-or-treating, try repurposing an item for candy containers like an old pillowcase or re-useable grocery bag.

Pumpkins and old fruits and veggies can be thrown in your green waste curbside can, if you have one. If you would like to sign up for the curbside green waste program, go to this link to subscribe: https://wasatchfrontwaste. org/services-requests/additional-subscription/green-waste.

Can I Recycle Magazines?

Do you have a collection of old magazines or a monthly magazine subscription? Recycle them in your blue curbside recycling can!

WFWRD is Hiring: Make a Positive Di erence

Equipment operators, Class B CDL collection truck driver positions are available. Scan the QR code to apply: CDL Class B minimum required, health insurance, pay for experience, four-day-per-week work schedule, safety and efciency pay, retirement, vacation, paid holidays.

City of Taylorsville

Water Savings: Is Your Lawn Worth It?

After a long, hot summer, you may ask, “Is all that lawn really worth it?” Consider the frustration of irrigation systems not working, weeds that grow no matter how hot it is, and weekends sacrificed to maintain an unappreciative lawn.

There is a better way to have a beautiful yard while saving time and water! A professional team of horticulturists, landscape designers, maintenance pros, irrigation experts are here to help. Localscapes is a free resource promoting a moderate approach to waterwise landscaping that is appropriate for Utah. Visit Localscapes.com for more information.

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

September Class Highlights

The center has planned a variety of classes this month: FARMER’S MARKET: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 27. In order to receive produce, be sure to get a ticket starting at 7 a.m. at the front desk.

GENEALOGY CLASS: Riverton Family Search Center will be hosting a genealogy class for beginners starting Monday, Sept. 18, at 2 p.m. Please bring a tablet or laptop if you can.

DRUMS ALIVE: Wednesdays at 2 p.m. in the aerobics room.

LINE DANCING: Fridays at 1:30 p.m.

Visit the center’s website at www.slco.org/taylorsville-senior-center for other activities and lunch menu information. The Taylorsville Senior Center is located

“ Robert and Mark were great! We had pipes burst at night and they were right there to help us get the water shut off and to help us get all the water out and dried. They were both professional, communication was great and they were thorough.I would recommend them to anyone!

—Anna D

801-754-6315

9500 S 500 West, Suite 104 Sandy, Utah 84070

Virtual Study for Asthma

BE A MEDICAL HERO! JOIN A STUDY TODAY.

KANYOS BIO - CELIAC DISEASE:

This is a two-part study is for adults 18 -70 years old. Which part you are put in will determine how long you will be in the study. It can be either 56 days or 58 weeks long. You must have a diagnosis of Celiac Disease either by a positive celiac serology test or a biopsy and have followed a gluten-free diet for at least 12 months to qualify.

HORIZON

- UNCONTROLLED GOUT:

This is a four-part study for adults 18 years and older and can be up to 45 weeks long. You will have 18 visits and you will come to the clinic at least 11 times for blood draws. These visits will be 48 hours before you have the infusion, you will have infusions every week for 22 weeks, and they can take up to 2-3 hours. There is one phone call 30 days after your last infusion. You must have uncontrolled gout defined as meeting the following criteria: (a) you must have an elevated level of uric acid (b) you must maintain the serum acid with Allopurinol at the maximum medically appropriate dose of 300 mg, or with intolerable side effects meaning it didn’t work for you based on medical records or the subject informing us the Allopurinol didn’t work. You must also have one of the following symptoms of gout: The presence of at least one tophus (uric acid builds up around your joints) recurrent flares are defined as 2 or more flares in the past 12 months, or the presence of chronic gouty arthritis.

BATURA AVILLION ASTHMA:

The BATURA Study is now enrolling participants 12

You may qualify for this clinical research study if you:

• Are 12 years of age and older*

• Have had a clinical diagnosis of asthma by a healthcare professional

• Are actively using short-acting beta-agonist inhalers (as-needed rescue inhaler, such as albuterol) to control or reduce asthma symptoms, alone or in combination with either low-dose inhaled corticosteroid (Flovent® , Pulmicort® , or Asmanex®) or leukotriene

This study is for children 12 years and older who have a diagnosis of Asthma from a prescribing healthcare provider. We will need documentation of diagnosis from medical records or a letter from your child’s physician. You must be capable of signing and understanding the eICF (including assent with parental/legal guardian consent for children ages 12 - 17 years old). Your child must be actively using a SABA (short-acting beta antagonist) alone or SABA on a background of either low-dose ICS (inhaled corticosteroids) or a LTRA (Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists such as Accolate, Montelukast, Singulair, and Zafirlukast. This study is 52 weeks long with 8 virtual visits. You will get paid $50 for each completed visit, and you will make a total of $400 for the study. You and or your child will be required to use the Science 37 app, which can be downloaded on your phone.

PFIZER CHILD LYME DISEASE VACCINE: This study is for healthy children or children that have stable pre-existing chronic medical conditions. This is a study for children 5 to 17 years old. Children and their parents must be able to attend all appointments and phone calls. This study is 2 years long; there are 6 clinic visits and you will get paid $116 for each, as well as $116 for any unscheduled visits. There are 2 phone calls, and you will get $25 (parents or guardians will get this money) for each of those phone calls, and there is a weekly ediary that you will get paid $10 for upon completion. Parents will get $87.75 for any TeleHealth visits. This study is a 4-dose series; you will get your first 3 doses at your first appointment, your next dose during month 2 and month 3, and then your last dose at 18 months.

3590

Please join us for a FREE Community Grief Support Presentation

Understanding Grief: Caring for Yourself, Caring for Others

Thursday, September 14, 2023

6:45–8pm

Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary 1950 East Dimple Dell Road, Sandy, Utah

William

Author

SPEAKER

G. (Bill) Hoy, PH.D., FT

Educator

Grief Counselor

Chaplain

Bereavement is not about “recovery,” but rather, about finding renewed life. The basic task for a bereaved person is to learn to live in a radically–changed world that no longer includes the physical relationship with our loved one. In this practical, community workshop, Dr. Bill Hoy will help bereaved people and those who care for them understand the practical steps to take charge of their grief and live again, even in the aftermath of incredible sorrow. For those in attendance who are curious about how to help, there will be ample ideas for the practical things to say and do (as well as to not say and do!).

During the workshop, we’ll find answers together to questions like:

• What simple actions can I take now to get my life back on track?

• Is what I’m feeling and seeing normal?

• How do I deal with well–meaning friends and their unwanted advice?

• The holidays are coming; what in the world are we going to do without them?

This event is complimentary of Larkin Mortuary and registration is not required. For more information, call (801) 571-2771

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Last month, I watched the neighborhood kids trudge back to school. Hunched under the weight of heavy backpacks, the little Quasimodos marched into the school year carrying a 300-page summer homework packet, an associate’s degree they earned at math camp, 750 colored pencils, scissors, an emotional support stuffed animal, cleaning products, a mass spectrometer, a non-BPA bento box and some allergen-free crackers.

When I attended elementary school in the 1900s, we didn’t use backpacks. They hadn’t been invented. It was too cumbersome to drag our handcart to school, so we carried our math, history, language, science, reading and social studies books home in our arms every night.

Most kids didn’t fail because they didn’t understand the homework, they failed because they were too weak to carry 50 pounds of textbooks.

Parents and educators set the bar for us at “extremely low” and we were lucky to hit that. One of my biggest challenges came in fourth grade when I started the school year wearing homemade avocado-green culottes. And it got worse. My Bionic Woman lunchbox had an unreliable latch, so I spent lunchtime worrying my PB&J would fall onto the floor and

Getting Schooled

Peri Kinder

Life and Laughter

everyone would laugh.

Not sure if I learned anything that year.

The motto at the elementary school near my home is “Academically smart, character strong.” I don’t think my school had a motto, unless it was “Sit down and shut up.” It wasn’t that our teachers didn’t care, they just thought “quiet reading time” or “rest your heads on your desks” was the best way to spend the majority of our day.

But that first day of school was always exciting. New school supplies had to be arranged carefully in my desk, including a brand new cardboard pencil box with a built-in pencil sharpener that was never sharp enough to create a point. It just mangled the top of my pencils, leaving a broken lead I kept pushing back into place.

And, of course, there had to be space

for my colorful hoppy taw, for hopscotch, and a bag of cat’s-eyes so I could shoot marbles at recess. Not real cat’s eyes. I’m not that old.

My grandson is in sixth grade, taking classes like flight science, robotics and computer engineering. When I was in sixth grade, we wrapped eggs in styrofoam and threw them off the school roof.

#Science

Luckily for today’s hard-working students, they get vacation days all the time. They’re off for Burning Man and Mardi Gras and Oktoberfest and (ironically) International Literacy Day. In the 1970s, we had Christmas Day off and a half-day for Thanksgiving. We didn’t even miss school for being sick. We just took our pneumonia-filled lungs to class and hoped we didn’t die during recess.

I’m not saying elementary school was better in the 20th century. It wasn’t. Not at all. If we could eat with a spoon in kindergarten, we would be at the top of the class. Kids who knew the difference between a letter and a number were named class president. Our role models were Bugs Bunny and the Muppets, so we were trained early in sarcasm.

Kids are so much smarter now than we ever were. I’m amazed at what my grandkids learn. I have a 7-year-old granddaughter learning Spanish and a 6-year-old granddaughter building LEGO robots. When I was their age, my biggest challenge was learning cat’s cradle. I guess the content in those heavy backpacks is paying off.