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Show Volume IV, Issue XII THE OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Page 13 October 1, 2001 NBA Helping Out Jen Beasley Student Reporter In a world cluttered with petty concerns, it is easy to get caught up in the glamour of celebrity, in the importance of one’s hairstyle, in the chaos of everyday life. But as we have all seen, when a tragedy of such a grand scale occurs, as did the events of September 11, 2001, all these matters fade into the background. This is true for everyone, not just “normal” citizens. When the four planes were high-jacked and led to doom, everybody sat up and took notice. Everyone wanted to do something to help—including those in the world of basketball. Those who can, (and which one’s can’t?) have donated money. For example, the Orlando Magic set up The Orlando Magic Disaster Relief Fund, a part of the McCormick Tribune Fund. They are matching every contribution sent in, and one hundred percent will be applied to the disaster relief effort. All paperwork and administrative fees will be shouldered by the ball club. Mark Cuban who is often thought of—by myself included—as selfish and juvenile, donated one million dollars to the families of the firefighters and rescue workers who were killed while trying to save lives. Of his contribution Cuban stated, “It was just the right thing to do. There was no other reason.” Many offer their support in different ways. Charmin Smith of the Seattle Storm was in New York on an internship. Knowing she had to help, she spent her week working in partnership with the Salvation Army, preparing meals for workers who were clearing rubble and looking for survivors. Mark Jackson, Allan Houston, and Charlie Ward visited a Harlem fire station to offer support to the fire fighters there. “I think it made their day,” Ward said. Michael Jordan was expected to announce whether or not he would return to the NBA, but in light of the week’s happenings, he felt it was inappropriate to hold a press conference. He has postponed his announcement until October. When asked about his probable return, Jordan replied, “All this talk about me, with everything else going on? With all this, what does what I do matter?” The Pacers’ Bruno Sundov and Primoz Brezec are no strangers to violence, both having come from countries that split off from the Yugoslavian Federation in 1991, which led to extended fighting with Croatia. That’s why, when they saw the pavilion of Conseco Field House packed with people volunteering to donate blood, they felt it was their responsibility to be there. Accompanied by rookie Jamaal Tinsley and scout Mel Daniels, Bruno and Primoz spent a full day passing out snacks, handshakes, and American flags to the masses. Sundov, who is twenty-one, is hoping for peace. “For seven years, between 1991 and ‘97, I grew up in a war. I know how hard it is. I know what it costs. I understand how these people feel, and hope it doesn’t happen again.” These Pacers aren’t the only ones with close ties to the disaster. Suns’ guard Stephon Marbury knew several people who were in the building at the time of the first crash. Fortunately, they were all able to make it out safely. But others weren’t so lucky. New York Liberty’s Rebecca Lobo lived right next door to a Manhatten fire station for three years, and spoke with fire fighters there every morning while reha- bilitating her knee. Across the street was St. Francis of Assisi church, where she would attend mass. Her priest, Father Mychal Judge, was killed while giving Last Rights to a victim outside one of the buildings. He had taken his fire hat off to pray, when he was struck and killed by falling debris. In a letter she wrote and posted on her web site, Rebeccalobo.com, Lobo says, “I will not walk down 31st Street again without thinking of the smiling faces that used to greet me each morning. I will not step foot in St. Francis again without thinking of a priest who died because he removed his hat to pray.” Her sentiments are echoed by us all. How many of us will be able to look at a picture of New York without thinking of those who died in this travesty? How many will withstand the urge to open the paper in hopes of finding good news? How many of us would rather be watching a football game than trying to aid our nation? None of us would. And these athletes wouldn’t either, because when it comes down to it, they are just like us. Questions? Comments? E-mail me at FanJazzer@aol.com Attention Ogden Valley Residents! PTSA Fundraiser Halloween Carnival Valley Auto Repair is now open to serve you six days a week. Monday, October 29 Remember to call us for your emission test! At Snowcrest Jr. High 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. VALLEY AUTO & IN EC Q.UIPMENT REPAIR, 4786 E 2600 N EDEN, UTAH 84310 745−3 3813 801-745-4000 2555 WOLF CREEK DR. EDEN STORE HOURS: MON. - SAT. 7 AM - 10 PM SUNDAY 7 AM - 9 PM CASE LOT SALE Let us help you with your food storage needs New Crop Utah Red or Green Delicious Apples .49 cents / lb. Tony’s Italian Style Pizza HOURS: MON − FRI 8:00 − 6:00 SAT 9:00 − 2:00 CHECK OUT OUR FALL/WINTER SPE− CIALS CHECK RADIATOR FLUID REPLACE WIPER BLADES CHECK OR REPLACE BATTERY − WE OFFER INTERSTATE BATTERIES AUTO & EQUIPMENT REPAIRS: (DIESEL & GAS ENGINES) CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT OIL CHANGES FARM TRACTORS & EQUIPMENT TUNE−U UPS SEMI & DUMP TRUCKS SMALL ENGINE REPAIR OIL CHANGES (SMALL CAR/TRUCK) − $21.95 (INCLUDES 5 QTS OIL & PROPANE AVAILABLE FOR SALE FILTER) OIL CHANGES (DIESEL TRUCK) − $26.95 (INCLUDES 5 QTS OIL & FILTER) ADDITIONAL OIL $2.00 QT. KUE PSREPAIR TUBNREA−U OIL RECYCLE FEE $2.00 CLUTCH REPAIR BATTERIES 2 for $3.00 with coupon Limit 2 per coupon Expires 10/15/01 Roger’s Lg. AA Eggs 2 one doz. for $1.00 with coupon Limit 2 per coupon Expires 10 /15/01 $2.00 OFF any Oil Change Limit one per customer - Must bring in coupon Expires December 31, 2001 |