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Show .THE WEST MOUNTAIN TIMES, NOVEMBER 19, 1981, PAGE TWO Opinion and Commentary tfbvf AoiTr Thanksgiving merits more attention Thanksgiving, while not entirely overlooked, has been reduced to a footnote as merchants concentrate on their gigantic Christmas advertising campaigns. Thanksgiving just does not get the attention it deserves, which is a shame. It is one of the few holidays that has not been bombarded with commercialism and double meanings. It was a holiday set aside with good intentions. Its original purpose was to give thanks to an Almighty God for our heritage, a bounteous harvest and all the other blessings of an abundant life. Unfortunately, good intentions are forgotten as we become busy with dinner preparations, football Triis VfcBJl? games, parades and conversations with visiting family members and friends. Thanksgiving is a special holiday which merits more attention that just turkey and cranberry sauce. It is a family holiday. It is one of those rare occasions during the year where everyone is reunited, even if just for the day. It is a time when old friends and distant loved-one- s telephone just to talk. Thanksgiving is the brief respite between Halloween and Christmas. Take a moment to reflect upon its true meaning. Manifest more gratitude than the traditional perfunctory prayer. Enjoy the turkey, enjoy your family, enjoy the day. Happy Thanksgiving! by Senator Orrin Hatch Bv Sra. Orrin Hatch ce: ignorance of the proper methods testified for witness A husband he died of cancer of the internal organs at age 57. He had worked for the military for 23 years in confined areas constantly breathing chemical vapors. In July of 1980 his surgery for cancer of the stomach also exposed cancer of the liver, lymph nodes, and pancreas. He died six months later. One woman presented testimony for her father who died at age 62. He developed cancer of the liver after working in the military for 29 years. A man wrote from Illinois after seeing an NBC-Treport on toxic chemicals. He worked in an aircraft hangar from 1969 to 1971 with a cleaning chemical. In January of 1972 his left scapula and muscle tissue were surgically removed. Because of facts surrounding this issue, he feels he may be a victim of toxic chemicals. The TV broadcast came from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, and concerned hearings I chaired last July 11 on toxic chemical exposure. These hearings were held in the wake of many cases of ; physical and mental illnesses afflicting Hill workers, some dating back to 1950. The hearing proved that if there is a villain in this controversy, it is ignoran her V of protecting employees from harmful chemical exposure, ignorance of the scientific knowledge relating to the effects of worker exposure to chemical substances, and ignorance of the now accepted fact that occupational causes of disease can go undetected for long periods. 1 held these hearings as chairman of the Senate Labor and Human Resource Committee. They are prologue to action we are taking to resolve this matter once and for all. Earlier hearings held by the House of Representatives in 1979 resulted in no action. Our more recent Senate hearing is intended to guarantee that the federal torch is not dropped again. After our July hearing, my request for a $75,000 federal grant was awarded through the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to determine the feasibility of conducting a morbidity study of employees at Hill AFB. The study is being performed at the University of Utah's Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational and Environmental Health. This study is critical in determining if a ' person could contract a disease as a result of exposure to a given source. The $75,000 will pay for at least the first phase of studies on the disabling illnesses and fatal diseases workers may exhave contracted through chemicals. toxic to posure By everyone's account, these hearings established a new high water mark in our continuing battle to prevent toxic exposure tragedies. They also provided an opportunity for a new level of cooperation between the Utah chapter of the American Federation of Government Employees and the U.S. Air Force, working together to solve a common problem. Unfortunately, getting to the bottom of this is no short-terthing. Even the first for we have funding though part of the morbidity study and hope to receive money for the mortality study, e the for finishing the research is three to five years. The cost of the studies is also startling from $250,000 to $500,000 a year for five years. But I think it is worth any amount it takes to ensure safer work places. This issue affects all of us because what we are trying to resolve is not just confined to chemictd exposure at Hill, it points out the reality of public health problems that every American community must face today. m time-fram- Kearns Council makes Christmas plans By REGINA COATS Times Stuff KEARNS Christmas planning was the main order of business when the Kearns Town Council met Tuesday night at the Kearns Library. In separate actions the council voted to fund gifts for senior citizen shut-indecorate the corner of 5400 South, and offer cash prizes for outstanding area home decorations. Bylaw changes, street sign vandalism, and an area for local children to slide in the snow, were also discussed. The first motion made by chairman Arlo James, was to use $500 of United Way funds for the Dimple Darlings" Christmas project. A local group of volunteers has been established to put together Christmas gifts for each of our Senior Citizens," said James. Community response to the project has been real good. I understand it is a large group of g volunteers, and 172 people in our community were presented with gifts last year. They do a fabulous job, said James. He added they update their list yearly. Anyone who knows local senior citizens who could be included should contact a council member. In the second order of business. s, hard-workin- Chairman James noted in the past seasons Albertsons has lighted a Christmas tree on 5400 South and he pointed out the need for additional decorations. The council voted to take on the matter, action themselves assuming responsibility for this year's decorations while beginning plans for additional decorations next year. Council members also voted to award $10 in cash to the best decorated home in each of their seven respective community districts. Each councilman agreed to drive through his own area and select the home with the best Christmas decorations. Judging is to be done by December 20. We would welcome phone calls from friends or neighbors to be sure we dont miss homes especially said James. In other business, members decided to review the clause in town bylaws that makes trustees subject to removal for failure to attend three consecutive meetings. Secretary-Treasure- r Sandy Mam ales d moved the law be changed to two absences from consecutive meetings, and that the removal be automatic and not subject to a majority council vote as is now required. If we dont make up a quorum, we can't vote on anything," said Mamales. iinex-cuse- Serving West Valley, Magna, and Kearns WEST MOUNTAIN TIMES (CSPS 12SSW) Publisher JOHN RANDOLPH SENG Bailor W. GLEN FAIRCLOUGH, JR. Assistant Publisher Reporter Advertising manager RAND GREEN REGINA COATS DEBRA CURRY Published weekly on Thursdays, with offices at 4140 West, 5415 South in Kearns, Utah 84118. Telephone (801 1 966-444Socond-clas- s postage at Magna, Utah. All rights reserved. Application pending at Salt Lake City, Utah 84119 and additional office at Magna. Utah 84044. POSTMASTER send change of address to 4140 West 5415 South, Kearns, Utah 84118. Yearly subscriptions are $8, 110 outside Utah. Advertising deadline: 5 p.m. Monday for the following Thursday edition, for rates call (801) Send correspondence to 4140 West 5415 South, Kearns, Utah 84118. 966-444- 4. News items from dubs, churches, and other organizations are welcome. The deadline is 5 p.m. Monday for the following for freelance pay rates. Thursday edition. Call (801 ) 966-444- 4 Not responsible for unsolicited pictures and news -- Deadline nears for public comment SALT LAKE CITY-T- he deadline for public comment on the conceptual study of locating a Nuclear Energy Center (NEC) near Green River has been extended to Friday, December 18, 1981. The study, which was initiated by the U.S. Department of Energy in May, 1980, through the Utah Energy Office, a division of the Department of Natural Resources and Energy, is designed to examine the various advantages and disadvantages of siting nine nuclear reactors at Horse Bench, an area approximately IS miles southeast of Green River. The estimated $15 billion, nine-un- it facility would generate 11,250 megawatts of electricity to be used in Utah and the western United States. Written comments, responses and concerns pertaining to Nuclear Energy Center study will be accepted until 5 p.m., Friday, December 18, 1981. Written comments should be addressed to: Utah Energy Office NEC Project Coordinator 825 North Third West, Suite 1 50 Salt Lake City, Utah 84103 i Family misses Danny Davis Editor's note: George Starlu interviewed Lillian Davis, the grandmother of missing child Danny Davis. Here is his report on that interview. By GEORGE STARKS Four-yea- r old Danny Davis will have been missing for six weeks on the 24th of this month. In spite of intensive searches by local, state, and national law enforcement agencies, Danny remains away from and lost to those who consider him anything but the d average youngster. According to grandmother Lillian Davis, this particular child is a catalyst, a lilliputian" charmer whose riveting magic emanates from large blue eyes, a rapid-fir- e curiosity, and a certain openness capable of luring even the older peers into step behind him. Even though Dannys one of the youngest of the neighborhood kids, he has their respect and admiration, earned through his friendliness and eagerness to be just one of the guys. Its really amazing. For all of the fun the kids around here have, there is just no way anyone can compete with Dannys grandpa when it comes to attention. He used to follow Clarence around the house like a lost sheep. He'd sit real still for hours just watching his Grandpa putter around the house, drinking it all in, just waiting for his chance to fetch a tool, pick up something dropped onto the floor or, best of all, be invited to assist in a project." Mrs. Davis told of a Mickey Mouse costume hanging in a front hallway closet and of a little boy who, through no choice of his own, allowed it to remain in the closet on Halloween night. Last Halloween was Dannys first. He was really very tow-haire- The motion was tabled until the councils next meeting. Council Chairman James also noted property taxes this year showed a 17 percent reduction, but said an 11 mil increase will keep local taxpayers from seeing any real reduction. Howard Short, a Kearns citizen who heads the Kearns Crime Council, said street signs are missing in many areas of the community due to vandalism. He said many of the people he contacts ask why the signs have not been replaced. Announcement was also made that the Kearns Green Th umbers Garden Club, which has not functioned for several years, has elected to donate remaining funds in its treasury to the Kearns High School beautification program. Bill Lewis, Honorable Council Member, also proposed a hill in the community be set aside for children to slide down in snowy weather. As a family man, I am concerned about the kids in our community," said Lewis. He said during snow season children are inclined to hang onto the backs of cars for sliding fun, and suggested a hill for this purpose might keep children off the streets. The council voted to adjourn through the holiday season with the exception of executive meetings already planned. The council will meet again January 5. co Jeff W illiams 'No one can possibly know" Marriot promises tailings removal will continue by Regina Coats Tunes Staff Congressman Dan Marriott is attempting to dispel rumors that the removal of radioactive uranium tailings is to be cut back or abandoned by the U.S. Department of Energy. In a Nov. 10 press release, Marriott said the federal-stat- e cooperative removal of the Vitro mill tailing authorized by legislation he introduced in 1978, began in May on several offsite locations around Salt Lake City. The removal is proceeding on schedule. The Department of Energy is committed to complete the task of cleaning up radioactive uranium tailings in Salt Lake County, said Marriott. Although funding for the project was cut back by the House in July because of the Environmental Protection Agencys failure to complete standards for the removal in the required time, Marriott said the Senate has apthe full $22 million propriated necessary for the work to proceed on schedule. I have been assured by our friends in the Department of Energy that work will proceed on schedule as long as there is no disruption in funding, Marriot said, and at this time it looks as if the money is there. The uranium tailings are a long-terhealth hazard to Salt Lake County people who inhabit buildings built on Vitro tailings, said Dr. Harry Gibbons, Director of Utah Department of Health, because radioactive gas known as radon accumulates as the uranium decomposes and turns to lead. Smokers face a more intense PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 6 m afraid of the whole thing until Clarence brought home this Mickey Mouse costume and took Danny out himself. Then it was no stopping him. He had the best time of his life... Mrs. Davis' voice broke as her thoughts wandered to a Halloween costume behind a closed door and her gaze drifted to a scruffed pair of tennis shoes parked casually d next to an living room armchair. Danny took off his sneakers that night and slipped into his favorite pair of sandals before dashing off to Smiths with his grandpa. We left them just where they are now.. .waiting for Danny to put them on again. d Kleenex as her Mrs. Davis reused an eyes remain fastened on Dannys shoes. The terrible thing is that theres just no way of knowing what happened to him. We've had all these ghastly thoughts.. .but there's just no way of knowing. No one can possibly know how much we miss his laughter, his incredible curiosity, his mischievousness, too...and his amazing cheerfulness... Smiling at the thought of all of the neighbors who have turned out to support them, she said that people called whom they hadnt heard from in years. Theyve all been so kind, so helpful and so eager to help out. 1 guess its things life this that bring out the best in people. As Danny's grandmother continued talking, I suddenly realized that all of us lost something on the night Danny went shopping with his grandfather and didnt come home. Perhaps were once again learning how much we are all really quite alike. Our joys, sorrows, and our vulnerabilities are common and shared. In that sense, the Davis family is not alone as the nightmare continues and the search for Danny goes on. over-stuffe- already-dampene- item would have been better left alone. The activities of young people are always interesting to many readers and Letters Editor: What did you expect to accomplish by publishing a photograph of Annette Sadler in your November 12, 1981 edition? There must be a reason for such callous disregard for all the innocent people who are circumstantially involved in this unfortunate incident. A well balanced story should include the five basic Ws of journalism. Your have more than correspondents adequately covered the Who, What, When and Where aspects of the story but until the fifth W, Why, is clarified, perhaps this ld does someone only rarely get photographic recognition. I only wish your future articles could dwell more on the positive actions of young people. Jim Smith Magna Dear Editor: I just wanted to drop you a quick note of thanks for the interview and consequent article in the West Mountain Times by Cindy Burks. 1 was very pleased, not only with the excellent article, but in the manner with which I was interviewed! Good luck in your endeavors. Randy L. McDonald Your opinions matter Dear Reader: This space has been reserved for you, since the letters section of a newspaper belongs to its readers. Tell us whats on your mind, and well help you tell the rest of the community. There are no restrictions on subject matter or length, only on taste. Type or print neatly on standard-size- d paper and send your letter to The Editor, West Mountain Tunes, Box 248, Magna, Utah 84044. Included must be a telephone number for verification and a signature. Names will be withheld upon request if a reason is given. We hope that not only will the Times let you know whats going on, but that you will let each other know whats on your minds. Take advantage of the space weve provided for your thoughts. All it costs is the price ofas,amp- I The Editor |