OPINION AuGusT 2005 The West View Page 3 This opinion section is an open forum for community issues. Editorial columns and opinion articles are strictly the opinion of the author. Letters of an indecent or demeaning nature will not be published. Letters will be edited for style and space. From the Editor What’s in a Name? As the summer months slip away, I find myself longing to experience the long, lazy summer days of my childhood — days spent eating Popsicles out on the lawn under the shade of our apricot tree, catching guppies in nearby ponds, and playing outside until dark. There were no pressing deadlines, no financial worries, and no “to do” lists. As I write, my own children are outside climbing fences and soaking one another in a vigorous water fight with the neighbor kids. Today, my 11-year-old son, Evan, brought home a baby garden snake that he spotted while riding his bike through the Peace Gardens. Although I’m a little squea- mish about having a snake in the house, I’d rather encourage that type of exploration, than allow him to zombify himself in front of a TV or computer screen. Sometimes I wonder if the kids of today are becoming “nature deficient” — a term I heard on one of KUER’s Radio West programs. With the combination of advancing computer technology and parents’ tendency to protect their kids by keeping them at home, it appears that kids are spending increasing amounts of time indoors. This intensely hot summer hasn’t helped either. And, beware; adults are not immune to this “disease’’. With all of the time I spend working on a computer, teaching piano lessons, doing housework and changing diapers, I have to admit that even I am likely suffering from nature deficiency. Fortunately, as west-siders, we have a few valuable resources that allow us to experience nature very close to our homes: the Jordan River Parkway trail, several large community parks, and an abundance of green space. In addition, many people take up gardening as a means of staying in contact with the natural world. The West Side has some private treasure gardens that are not all that well known. I know, because I was very fortunate to take part recently in a “traveling garden party” that was organized by one of my neighbors. Five different west-side couples hosted individual garden parties at different times on the same day, and everybody went “garden hopping”. The gardens were all very unique in their design and purpose: a native plant demonstration garden, an organic food co-op farm, a rose labyrinth, a lush shade garden, and a raised bed vegetable garden. This garden immersion was potent medicine for the treatment of nature deficiency syndrome, and a great way to connect with passionate people on the West Side. - Charlotte Fife-Jepperson I was looking at the map of the International Peace Gardens on the second page of The West View (July 2005). To my disappointment, I saw that, again, my country’s name is incorrectly used. My country is “The Netherlands,” not “Holland,” which makes up only two of the 11 provinces within the Netherlands: Noord (north)-Holland and Zuid (south)-Holland. It is like saying California or New York is the name of the United States of America. | Names of the 11 provinces are: but it disappeared one day. Now there is nothing more than some Groningen, Friesland, Drenthe, Overijssel, Gelderland, Utrecht, Noord-Holland, Zuid-Holland, ‘Zeeland, Noord-Brabant, and trees, grass and tulips (when in sea- Limburg. I am from Overijssel (in the east), not Holland (which is in the west). Also, the sign in the Peace Gardens is labeled incorrectly and should say the Netherlands. There used to be a windmill in the garden, son). Pity. Knowing that you are proud of your country, I’m still proud of mine, The Netherlands. Please use the name correctly. Thank you, Jannette Koning Poplar Grove Escalante Elementary Superheroes Teachers Machelle Dahl and Heather Aiono are unique. Knowing them makes you feel good. It could be their stunning good looks, their superior intel- lect, or that they remain happy working in the most difficult vocation in the world: elementary education. To be good in this vocation you almost need to be a superhero, just like Spiderman or the X-men. Dahl and Aiono have special “superpowers” that motivate children to succeed. Recently, they were responsible for Escalante Elementary winning the “Radical Renovations” national contest sponsored by Ford and National Geographic. Students had the opportunity ‘to find an eco-friendly solution to a problem in the environment. Dahl and Aiono might not have worn their spandex/Lycra/leather superhero suits at school, but their solution soccer can field, be the seen in the dry beautiful water garden, and a 25 percent savings on Escalante’s water bill. Behind their superhero masks are students who have proven their creative problem-solving abilities, 6th Grade teacher Heather Aiono and 4th Grade teacher Machelle Dahl helped Backman Elementary School win a $100,000 grant. Photo by Scott Forman while maintaining the highest test scores in Utah. These students can accomplish big things, and dream even bigger dreams. They love their teachers, which leads to respect, emulation, and action. Congratulations Superheroes, Master Educators Dahl and Aiono! You haven’t just had your fifteen minutes of fame, or your $100,000, but you’ve changed the lives of tomorrow’s superheroes. Scott Forman Westpointe Community COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD Football Fundraiser Notice To Friends Football raisers help. West High Alumni, Students, and Family: West Little League is excited to announce the fundfor 2005 and would like your On August 20, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Riverside Park (approx. 1400 West 800 North) will be our annual breakfast by the Lions Club. Prices: $5 for adults, $4 for children, or $20 for a family of four turned in by Aug. 10. Mail form and money to 1829 West Village — Ave., SLC, Utah 84116. Please help out a Future West High football player by supporting these fundraisers. If you are unable to come on these dates and would like to sponsor a player, please call our Treasurer, Lori Takenaka, 596-1458, and she will help you out. or more. On August 27, we will be having a Golf Scramble at Wing Pointe Golf Course Thank You, 3602 West 100 North. Prices will be $75 a person, $300 a team. (Format will be a West Little League Executive Board four-person team). Registration begins at 7 a.m., tee-off at 7:30 a.m. It is also possible to sponsor a hole for $100. Sponsors Stephanie Rendon, President Jeff Takenaka, Vice President may pass out coupons, products, etc. A player will help sponsors pass things out if needed. Please have form and money Jimmy Beans, 2nd Vice President Mary Sue Floisand, Secretary Lori Takenaka, Treasurer Westpointe Community Council Chair Ken Fultz and Vice Chair John McConkie participate in the annual Rose Park Lane Clean-up. In June, about 40 people from the community showed up to pick up trash and trim weeds and trees. Highlights included the discovery of a discarded car door and a decaying deer carcass. Thanks to all who participated and please remember your next council meeting (open to all neighbors) on August 17 at the Day-Riverside Library at 6:30 p.m. Come with service project ideas and be a part of Se nunty improvement efforts. Photoany Scott Forman