Presorted Standard U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 11 Gunnison, UT ECRWSS Volume 4 • Number 46 Two programs were held Tuesday to honor our veterans. The first program was sponsored by the Centerfield American Legion Post # 104 and was held at the middle school. The program began with a flag ceremony from members of our local 145th National Guard Unit. Principal Alan Peterson then welcomed those in attendance and introduced this year’s speaker, Utah House District 70 Representative Kay McIff. Mr. McIff grew up in Sterling, just a few miles up the road. He spoke of his schooling in Sterling, attending a two-room school building from 1-6th grade. He reminded the students that part of being good citizens is working hard in school. He also spoke of his father who served for three years in World War II and how hard it was for his mother to raise three children alone while his father was gone. He shared his feelings of that wonderful day when the bell on the old school house rang and rang and how joyful it was that as the people gathered they were told that World War II had ended. He then spoke on our wonderful Constitution and how our forefathers came to this land to be free and to worship as they choose. He reminded us that we need to obey the laws and be good citizens. Following Mr. McIff, the Middle School Band played a selection of patriotic songs. Then Mrs. Fae Roberts announced all the 4.0 students from the first quarter and invited them to receive their certificates. The program ended on a reverent note as Mr. Seamons played Taps and Mr. Neils Nielson gave the closing prayer. The next program was held at the high school and was sponsored by American Legion Post # 104. This year’s featured speaker was Major General Brian L. Tarbet, who commands the 6500 members of the Utah National Guard. The film showed the many ways how the guard serves at home and over seas. It ended by showing the National Guard logo which says “Always Ready, Always There.” The General said, “This is a somber day to remember and give thanks for all our nations’ veterans.” He reminded us that the Guard has its roots starting in Boston in 1636. He thanked Nedra Stewart for inviting him to come speak in Gunnison and expressed his sympathy to her of hearing of Dr. Stewart’s passing a few weeks ago. He reminded us all that Dr. Stewart had been a veteran. General Tarbet then reminded the students that, “voting is a wonderful celebration of democracy and that the right to vote was purchased and paid for with American blood.” The General then spoke of passing the Benjamin Cemetery on the way to Gunnison and spoke of one of his soldiers, Scott Lundell, who was killed in a firefight two years ago and is buried there. Scott Lundell left a young wife and four small children. He said that Lundell’s wife spoke at Thursday, November 13, 2008 Mark Henline/Gunnison Valley Gazette Kay McIff speaking at the middle school. Top: Nedra Stewart with Major General Brian L. Tarbet and Lori and Jacoby Mattson at the high school’s Veterans program. her husband’s funeral and expressed love for this nation and love for her husband. The General, speaking of all the wives and mothers who have lost loved ones in the military said, “Not all heroes wear uniforms.” At the conclusion of his remarks, General Tarbet presented four local Guardsmen Are you ready for popcorn? It’s official! After nearly one full year of unprecedented closure, the historic Casino Star Theatre in Gunnison will open its doors again for an open house celebration from 2 - 4 p.m. on Friday, November 14. Later that evening, High School Musical 3, the third of the popular series, will light up the long-dark screen at 7 and 9 p.m. Directors Lori Nay and Diana Spencer, along with board members and staff, will greet visitors in the afternoon with popcorn and pop, ready to show off the improvements they’ve been working on since Top Stop’s underground gas leak forced them to close the theatre last year. While providing safely breathable air has been top priority, other issues of safety and beauty were also addressed. “You’ll be amazed at how beautiful the auditorium looks,” says Nay. “We were required to put in the new ceil- ing and new drapes for safety reasons, but we made it a beautification opportunity.” “Then there are the improvements you can’t see,” Spencer added, “The most essential and expensive health and safety upgrades are behind the scenes— in the basement and attic.” “We’ll also announce our upcoming holiday schedule during the open house,” Nay reports. “We’re planning matinees and special showings— starting with next Thursday’s special midnight opening of Twilight, on November 20th.” “This is the first time we’ve had to pre-sell tickets for a movie,” added Diana Spencer, “but Twilight at Midnight is generating so much excitement, we need to limit tickets to the number of seats in the theatre.” Advance tickets for “Twilight at Midnight” will go on sale Monday, November 10 at 3 p.m. Beauty and the Beast perform for packed house by CHRISTI GARFF To the delight of all in attendance Gunnison Valley Middle School presented their production of Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka. The production is based on the children’s book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Between the melodic voices of Christopher Olsen (Charlie Bucket) and Nathan Lyons (Willy Wonka/Candy Man) and thirty-two colorful and highly energetic Oompa Loompas and more than forty other cast members, and backstage help, audiences young and old alike came away thrilled for their attendance. Co-directors Stella Hill and Crystal Childs along with Choreographers Heather Hill and Kasey Bartholomew and Sound technician and Stage Manager Ken Peterson wrangled the large cast and came away with one of the finest performances presented by Gunnison Valley Middle School to date. Students and directors of the cast spent countless hours in rehearsals, many rehearsals held in the early morning before school, for the production to become a reality. As in the past, many members of with the Commander’s Coin. The recipients were Jesson Schear, Rendall Newman, David Larsen and Steven Wollingford. The final item on the program was the drawing for the American Legion Auxiliary raffle. The auxiliary raffled off many items including a large quilt that went to JoAnn Nay. Copy Price • 75 cents by CHRISTI GARFF Christi Garff/Gunnison Valley Gazette Willy Wonka (Nathan Lyons) and the Oompa Loompas. Mark Henline/Gunnison Valley Gazette Choreographer Heather Hill and Directors Crystal Childs and Stella Hill receive flowers from the cast. the community as well as staff members of the middle school helped to make this year’s production of Willy Wonka a sweet success. The Gunnison Valley High School Theatre Department, under the direction of Mr. Mark Lyons, presented the Disney classic Beauty and the Beast to a packed house Monday evening. Cast members included; Seniors Justin Rico (Beast), B.J. Starks (Guston), Cassity Clayton (Belle), and Jacob Johnson (Maurice), Jessica Ward (Babette), Juniors Emily Wegener (Mrs. Potts), Kharissa Allred (Silly Girl), Halie Garff (Silly Girl) Sophomores Caden Burrell (Cogsworth), Ashton Starks (Lumiere), Hailee Nelson (Wardrobe), Dalton Burr (Prince), Kelcey Hatch (Napkin), Miranda Mcarthur (Napkin), Ben Stafford (Fork), Sam Hansen (Salt Shaker), and Breanna Young (Plate), along with freshmen Taylor Burrell (Chip), Riley Benson (Le Fou), Spencer Agren (D’arc), Brandee Watters (Silly Girl), Nikayla Allred (Plate), Abby Lyons (Napkin), Trevon Hansen (Fork), and Logan Adams all performed extremely well endearing young and old alike. Guest starring in the roll Christi Garff/Gunnison Valley Gazette Cogsworth (Caden Burrell), Lumiere (Ashton Starks), and Mrs. Potts (Emily Wegener). of the Princes’s daughter was MaCady Rollo of Centerfield. This year’s orchestra under the direction of Mr. Nate Seamons sounded beautiful with high school music students, community members, and Snow College music students collaborating to help the show go on. No production is ever complete without the work of countless people behind the scenes. Mrs. Anita Lyons worked as assistant director, and Mr. Jody Allred worked as vocal coach. Teri Lee Hammond and Makesha Warner helped with choreography and Kenny Walker served as technical advisor and director with George Snell as technical consultant. The back stage crew was made up of many GVHS students; Seth Johnson was the stage manager with Haylie Johnson in charge of sound, and Cameron Thompson in charge of lights. Other students included Jon Warren, Tanesha Ekker, Arlisha Hansen, and Chelsea Gubeli. Special thanks to all those in the community who helped in any way including Earlene Christensen, Karen Chavez, Tami Hansen, and Sylvia Tuttle who worked on costumes.