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Show Basin LIFE Page 13 --- September 11, 2001 Uintah Basin Standard FOSTER GRANDPARENT PROGRAM Former truck driver teaches youngters how to crochet schools, hospitals, drug treatment centers, correctional institutions, Head Start and day care centers. By Katie Hanseji With his latest crocheting project in hand, Duchesne City resident Leland Homer stepped through the door to face a classroom hill of eager students. The room was quiet as the students eyed him and he smiled at them. To the students it may have seemed strange to seeamancarryingyam and yet there he crocheting needles old retired truck driver, was, a welder, carpenter and veteran ready and willing to share his expertise. Like a growing number of seniors in Ducheene County, Leland is a foster grandparent. The foster grandparent program was designed to give chil65-ye- ar cro-chet- er dren In Duchesne County, foster grand- parents spend their time in elementary schools teaching r. aft as well as mentoring and tutoring students. I love it," detailed Leland. He began the program last year at Duchesne Elementary and will continue to work with students this year. His first experience with the foster grandparent program was teaching students how to crochet. How many truck drivers crochet?" asked Leland, who recalled getting some hinny looks the first time the girls learned he was going to teach crocheting. However, he noted that the lessons went smoothly because the girls soon learned that he knew what he was attention in doing. much-neede- d Seeking Private Fine Arts Teachers Basin Arts Council is compiling a new directory of arts instructors in the Uintah Basin. All private teachers of music, dance, visual arts, etc. are asked to complete a copy of the questionnaire now available through the Duchesne County Area Chamber of Commerce by Friday, Sept. 28. Please pick up a copy at the office at Crossroads Center, 50 E. 200 S. in Roosevelt, or call 7224598. See the Arts Council column (page 3) for details. Fire Prevention Seminar Fire session will be held Sept. 15 at 2 p.m. in Fruitland, hosted by Muirs Smokehouse. The general public is welcomed. For more information, contact Nathan Robinson at A Living With I used to watch iny grandmother, Leland said, explaining his fascination with crocheting. "When I went to her house she would send me out to play, but I always came back in to watch her, he remembered. "I watched her for hours. In 1961, about20years later, while driving truck, Leland started crocheting on his own. Alter he purchased a crochetingmanual in Phoenix, Arizona, Leland learned he wasnt the only truck driver who could crochet. Laughing, he recalled one of his friends finding the book and saying, "Oh no, someone else crochets. It wasnt long before Lelands friend produced an afghan he was working self-taug- ht on. Leland admitted that he has never tried to crochet an afghan but since then he has crocheted doilies and pot holders. When Leland began the program, he started spending more and more hours at the school. Aside from crocheting, Leland teaches leather work and tutors in math and reading. Leland is also involved in the Connections Each day after school program. Leland spends time with three or four students listening to them read as well as reading to them. "I like being around kids, Leland said, adding that he always wanted a large family. Unfortunately, he and his wife, who passed away in January, ony had one son. As a result, the Homers took in 54 foster children throughout the years. Leland has three granddaughters THE BROWNS 790-474- 1. Recreation Center Discussion The Uintah Basin Recreation Committee will meet Wednesday, Sept. 12 at 6 p.m. in the Roosevelt city building. The committee is discussing the possibility of building a community recreation center featuring a swimming pool, track, racquetball court, and gymnasium. For more information 4 call or 722-964- 1st The 1 353-417- 0. Homer is reading with Paige Ginn, a first grader at Duchesne Elementary. I lomcr, FOSTER GRANDPA-Lelan- d who has been part of the foster grandparent program for a few months, loves the job. whom he adores, however his desire for a large family has enabled him to love every student he works with. Through the foster grandparent program, Leland has had many positive experiences. "He was happy as a lark and I was in the height of my glory," Leland said recalling the time Kings Sept. 14-1- Pleasant Valley couple will tell you "don't worry - be happy" By Katie Hansen 5 arts and falconry demonstrations, and entertainand crafts booths, ment For more information call the Duchesne County Chamber of Commerce at or call 722-459- 454-375- 8 0. DUP Meeting The first Daughters ofthe Utah Pioneers meeting will be held on Monday, Sept. 17 at 1 p.m. at the conference room at the Information Center in Duchesne. New Book Club A newly formed book club will meet Tuesday, Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. under the pavilion in Constitution Park. The greatest books and ideas of all time will be discussed. The books will be as eclectic as the people. Kindred spirits are found in surprising places-plea- se come. Area Quitters Meeting An area quitters meeting will be held Tuesday, Sept 1 1 at 7:30 p.m. at the Moon Lake building. Plans will be made for the coming year. For more information call 722-921- SIX DOLLAR SADDLE- - Nancy Brown won a beautiful saddle at the Duchesne County Fair this year. Nancy, who only spent six dollars on her tickets, explained that winningthe saddle was a senior thing. The seniors donated the saddle and one won it she said. Nancy gave the saddle to her husband Joe. Concert in the Park Teen Council Cookout 4-- H The teen council cookout will be Sept. 1 1 at 7 p.m. at Starvation Reservoir. Meet at the Duchesne County administration building. Call 3 for more information. 4-- H 738-114- Crossroads Center Harvest Dinner The Community Crossroads Centers Harvest dinner and ball will be Tuesday, Sept 18. Dinner begins at 7:30 p.m. with a dance at 8:30. Everyone is invited. Come and eqjoy a feast of the last of the harvest. 55 and Alive Class A 55 and Alive class will be held at the Gateway Senior Center Sept. 17 and 18 from9s.m.-- l p.m. Those registered for the class must attend both days. There is a class fee. For more information call Kristy at Calling All Crafters Crafters interested in selling their wares at the Gateway Senior Center Christmas Boutique on Nov. 2 and 3 need to sign up now. Booths are $30 day or $50two days. If the center furnishes a table, there is an added charge 1 70 or 1 of $10. For more information call Kristy at Joyce at 435-738-- Womens Volleyball Sign-up- s deadline is Oct. The Womens B League volleyball sign-u- p 3 or Wendy at 722-143- 1. Call Shelly at 722-079- Horsemen Sponsor Benefit The Uintah Basin Back Horsemen of Utah are Country 789-727- There are four very wel loved horses 1 at the Browns' house. Although neither Joe nor Nancy ride much, they keep the horses for their grandchildren. Nancy recently won a saddle at the Duchesne County Fair. "I was donut ing to the senior citizens," noted Nancy, whosaid she never expected to win the saddle. I never was so surprised as when I heard my name," Nuncy remembered, and Joe concurred. The saddle, given to Joe, now sits dn a red and green stand. The stand is painted in festive colors because gutting the saddle was like a ' "Attitude has to do with 90 percent of r! how long you live. f Christmas. Over t heyears, ret irement has kept Joeand Nuncy, who cninplimunteach other, very busy. Together they go on picnics with friends, visit their four ull who live outside the children state-an- d belong to the Basin Wngnnoers. You huve to work to have fun, Nancy explained, adding that life is fun if you relax nnd enjoy it. Nancy, who oil paint s, is a regular bingo player at the Golden Gateway Senior Center in Duchesne us well as h staunch supporter of the senior program. I like playing with my motorcycles," explained Joe adding that he also has old curs he likes to work on. SEE BE HAPPY on pugo i20 ONE OF A KIND Bluebell is home to the Uintah Basin's one and only corn maze need for agriculture. During the maze season, which starts Sept. 14 and runs through Halloween, stuRaccoons will not be the only creatures found in local cornfields this fall dents from around the Basin have thanks to Bluebell dairy farmer Mark been invited to come on an agriculMonsen and his family, who havecul-tivate- d tural field trip called "classroom in a giant corn mae on their the corn," to learn about plants and farm. farming and explore the maze. In the Bhape of a giant cow. the The maze, which reads "udderly Monsen's six acre maze has corny" on the top, was designed by miles of trails which will stump Brett Herbst, who has designed five other mazes in Utah. However, his company, MAiZE, has consulted for : ; was the a maze, Creating 103 corn mazes from Hawaii to Florida. r way for the Monsens to The corn, which was planted exclu'putadifferenttwistonan sively for the maze, was allowed to grow until it was about four feet tall ; agricultural income. then the Monsens knocked down the trails laid by Herbst. even the brightest puzzle solver. Bluebell is about the smallest area The Monsen family started t hink- - where a corn maze lias been built ing about bringing a corn maze into explained Mnnsen adding that his the area last fall, when local kids maze, which is the only one in the started goingout to the Wasatch F rout Hasin. is an experiment tosee how the to explore the already p ipular mazes set-uworks. "The recreation kids need should There are two phases within the be positive and wholesome." exmaze and visitors can go on both, or plained Monsen adding t hat there are one. In inid-O- t toher.oneofthe phases a couple other reasons the family de- will he haunted. After the season is cided to try a maze. over, Monscn said that the maze may A maze, although expensive, is a open for Visit ingthemazeoffers more than if it gets good way to make money enough support. Things are chang- just exploring the corn paths; the Monsens have set a up corn sandbox, ing. said Monsen, adding that agriculture is moving from family farms filled with whole corn kernels and a tocorporate farms. Creating! he maze st raw pyramid, built nut ofstraw hales, was a way for the Monsens to put a to entertain small children. For anydifferent twist on an agricultural inone who gets hungry, treats will lie come. available at a concession stand. I n t he Mnnsen. Soil Conservu: inn Durtnct sp:rit of autumn, visitors will also he Braird member, noted that he ilno welcome to take a wagon ride to a feels it is imjv r'.ant to teach kids the pumpkin patch, whore they can buy a By Katie Hansen two-mont- h pumpkin and pick it themselves. Corn cops will wander the maze to see that visitors are staving in line as well as adhering to a set of rules, designed to keep the maze intact and visitors safe. While the maze is open, high scln n :1 students from around the Basin will be invited to a high school challenge. Monsen detailed that there will he a team of five select cd individuals from each school. The team that makes it through the mae first, gets a prize. The maze will he open Mondays, m. Thursduysand Fridays from4-9There is a lot of fun stuff, said Monsen, adding that his family has worked very hard on the project. The maze will open in conjunction with the first annual King's Peak CelebraSo go get tion on Friday, Sept. 14 lost. p - p sponsoring the 1 annual Benefit Poker Ride in honored memory of Cecil F. GSrr Saturday, Sept. 15 at 10 a.m. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Children's Justice Centers of the Basin. The ride will be from I leeley Ranch to the Josie (Morris) Bassett Cabin and back. There will be an auction and prizes will be given for the best hands. For more information call Gale Robbins at or Alan Oleen at 789-082- 2 789-432- Union Booster Club Tailgate Parties The Union High Booster Club will be serving food at the tai Igale party this week from 5:30-6:4p.m. by the concession stand at the south end of the football field. Bnngthe entire family and enjoy an evening wit h gixid friends and great food. Prices are: $15 family, $3.50'adult. $3 'student with activity card, $2 50. 12 yrs. and under. Next home game is Sept. 14 against Uintah. 5 Meeting the Browns is like stepping into a patch of sunlight- - one is immediately warmed by their evident kindness towards strangers and adoring love for each other. After Finding my way to the couples home, nestled midway down a dirt lane among farm fields in Pleasant Valley, I was greeted by an enthusiastic man with wavy hair and bright Joe Brown. smiling eyes Joe, who told me I would be able to identify his house because of all the "treasures" piled around it, proceeded to show me his latest project, a mini bus transformed into a home on wheels, equipped with a small bathroom, couch, cupboards and a stove. After exploring a second this one frill sized, I met his wife Nancy. The couple, who retired to the urea from Arizona 16yearsagi,lovcit.Wo have a good life here, Nancy said addingthat they also have neat neighbors. Before they moved to Utah, Joe and Nancy lived all over the United States. Joe, who worked in husiness and real estate, also drove truck and had a garage and a farm. bus-hom- Local oldtime rockandroll band. Geezer, will perform the final entry in Basin Arts Council's summertime "Concert in the Park series. The free concert will be held on Saturday, September 15, from on stage at Constitution Park in Roosevelt a teacher reminded him that just being there was helping the students. For more information on the foster grandparent progra in, contact Jason, Darlene or Dawn at the Uintah Basin Association ofGovernmentsoffices in Roosevelt at 722-4- 5 18 or in Vernal at - JUST HORSING AROUND Annual Kings Peak Celebration Annual Peak Celebration will be from noon to 8 p.m. at LC Ranch, one mile east ofAltamont. The celebration features he and one ofhisstudents were able to finish a math book before the rest of the class. It hasnt been all fun and games, however. There have been moments offrustration asa foster grandparent, when Leland questioned his usefulness. His worries were southed when paint-ballin- stands in the corn maze he and his family have been diligently cult ivri::r.gtinrc ihissprmg The maze, shaped a chance to get lost in corn over their heads. l:ke a cow. will give L'DDERLY CORNY- - Mark Monscn |