WINTER 2002/03 Page 8 The West View A forum for resident histories, stories, and milestones including births, deaths, marriages, anniversaries, graduations, Astronomer Returns to Hometown to Westsider Wins Coveted Inspire Residents, Youth by Charlotte Fife-Jepperson tage over the majority of students who, because of their wealthier backgrounds, had a hard time It has been said that teachers should inspire their students to “reach for the stars’. But, who would have predicted that a former student from a west side school, Parkview Elementary, would grow up to do just that - literally? | Dr. Reed Riddle, former Glendale community resident, grew up believing that he could do anything he wanted, despite discouraging messages to the contrary from outsiders. “Too often, our side of town doesn’t get treated well, and that can have an adverse effect on the dreams of the people who live here’, said Riddle. Today, Dr. Riddle works at Iowa State University in the Department of Physics & Astronomy as the Associate Director of Whole Earth Telescope (WET) Operations. The WET is a group of sixty or so astronomers from about - twenty different countries, who work together to observe pulsating stars. An astronomer is a scientist who studies objects in the universe and then attempts to explain how they work. Astronomers study everything from the formation of planets (in our solar system and others), to the evolution of Stars, to the interactions of galaxies, to the creation of the universe itself in the Big Bang. As an astronomer, Riddle has had many exciting experiences and opportunities, but as he explained “Astronomy isn’t all pretty pictures; it’s physics, lots and lots of physics.” With the immense amount of work involved in becoming an astronomer (about twelve years of college know that their education is the most powerful tool that they will ever have. “With an educa- the Sorenson Multi-Cultural Center at 7:00 p.m. When asked why he has decided to return to and I am...and, if I can be an example to some kid in the audience, then that’s Foster Care and Citizen Review ing the study of interacting binary stars. Arrivals Youth Minister at St. Patrick’s Church. In 1986, Mike was selected to be the establishment recently moved to Salt Lake City to test the market here. For three years, the Polynesian Restaurant was nestled in a small section of Provo. Now its owner has decided to expand her wings. 7 Offering healthy, low fat, Polynesian cuisine fit for any hardy appetite, Mrs. Olila Taulanga hopes her restaurant will set a new standard for the Glendale plaza, as it Strives to survive the economic challenges of Salt Lake City. Businesses owned and operated by Tongan women is a new standard in itself. Tongan businesses are starting to make themselves known throughout the community, and the torchbearer for the Day, where a group of 100 youth owners of the plaza to do something about upgrading its current physical condition. had the opportunity to meet the Pope in Rome. Today, Mike works as a fulltime elementary guidance coun-selor, as well as summer program | coordinator for at-risk youth. Looking to the future, he would like to be an agent for change for the rights of disenfranchised people, especially for the residents of the West Side of Salt Lake City. Way to go, Mike! You really The challenge for most of these businesses is how to market this segment of our city to attract the mainstream. Taulanga hopes the Glendale Plaza is somehow included in the strategic plans of our city to generate an increase in customers to an area which is often neglected. The Polynesian Restaurant offers quality food and an unforgettable experience that will help increase sales from loyal customers. It’s for everybody. It’s great food cooked with the Polynesian touch, Olila style. I suggest you try the Teriyaki Chicken, course. Polynesian Not only does style deserve this award. Birth Announcement: Born: November 5, 2002 Where: LDS Hospital Weight:6 Ibs. 2 oz. of Length: Taulanga 19.5 inches have optimistic plans for her new Aaron entered our family four weeks early on November 5, 2002. We named him on his due date four weeks later! He is welcomed by his mom and dad, Chris and Jennifer Hansen, older restaurant, she also has a wonderful heart and believes in doing nice things for the community. Even many that have struggled to stay _though her business has only been afloat with. the challenges our cur-_ in towna short while, she already Polynesian Restaurant is just one of - opened on Thanksgiving to provide in the Glendale Plaza hope that this free food for the homeless and new addition will encourage the needy families. rent economy a Olympics. He was also selected to participate in World Youth in Glendale Plaza of ventions to youth offenders, Child Abuse prevention Team for Salt Lake City, Mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters, Executive Board for the Salt Lake City. Teachers Association New Polynesian Restaurant Locates its -Gity Board, Board, “Insight” | Instructor: Teaching drug and alcohol inter- Business Spotlight: welcomes 2 Youth: Advisory Riddle has future goals of becoming a professor of Astronomy and plans to continue all sorts of exciting research, specifically concern- New Plaza Government a good thing’, he said. that they can grow up there and go on to do amazing things’. He also wants young people to Glendale Lake ... City. his hometown neighborhood to. give this free kids on the west side of Salt Lake City know up rich’, but that it turned out to be an advan- an astronomer, ‘lecture, he replied, “It’s important to me that Riddle explained that he “didn’t exactly grow newest addition, The Polynesian Restaurant. The owner and operator Coy Award _ enduring the financial hardships of the “gradu- _ tion, you can do anything that you want, but ate student life’. without it you will only be able to do what othby Leah Barker Another advantage that he has discovered is ers will allow you to do”, he said. his ability to deal with people who have differRiddle attributes part of his success to the West Side resident, Mike positive influence he gained from his parents, Harman, was the recipient of the © longtime residents of the Glendale area, Verna Salt Lake County Commission on and Reed Riddle, and his teachers. Riddle’s Youth’s First Annual Community parents encouraged reading and participation in Award. This award was estabsports. “I spent a lot of time reading books; I lished to recognize individuals almost lived at the library and was involved in who have provided immediate a lot of baseball and swimming, which taught _and safe intervention to children, me about teamwork and friendship”, he reportyouth and families experiencing ed. personal and/or family crises. One particularly impressionable experience _ Mike is a living example of this that Riddle recalled was “...the first time my kind of service. mom took me to see Star Wars, I was so Neighborhood House. nominatDr. Reed Riddle, astronomer, enthralled that I forced her to stay through two ed Mike because of his 14 years in his. element more shows. That might have reinforced my of service there and the high ent viewpoints. “Growing up around a lot of difinterest in space, but I’m not sure my mom was ~ degree of commitment that he has — ferent people, with different cultures and. backtoo thrilled at the time.” exhibited to the community. As grounds, has been a big help in my teaching and At Parkview and South High, the teachers the holder of a Masters degree in when I interact with other astronomers from always worked to give Riddle the feeling that Educational Psychology, his dedaround the world,” he said.he could do what he wanted with his life; that ication is demonstrated through On Friday, December 20, Dr. Riddle will be there were no limits. his extensive involvement with giving a free astronomy presentation geared He hopes to pass that message on. “If you the following committees: | towards people of all ages who have limited really want to do something, then do it, and Poplar. Grove Community knowledge of the subject. It will take place at nothing can stand in your way. I wanted to’be Council: Youth Chair Person, Salt studies), his greatest challenge was to keep at it. by Tyler Mitchell etc. @ siblings Kaley, 9, Kaden, 6, and Calvin, 3. presents. Businesses Welcome to the world, little Aaron! |