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Show THE PARK RECORD WED/THURS/FRI, A U G U S T 11-13, 2004 Viewpoints. EDITORIAL DONT THINK MUCH OF YOUR CANDIDATE'S RECORD IN THE SENATE - HOWEVER, MUST ADMIT THAT HE CERTAINLY HAS THE SECOND SEXIEST BROW, JAW AND HAIR COMBINATION IN " i,. ALL OF MASSACHUSETTS! Hopes for success offered to Athens t this moment, residents of Athens. Greece, are probably worrying about whether the next two weeks will be dominated by accolades and prosperity or riddled with disaster and debt. We know their pain. As the first Olympic hosts to deal with post-9/11 terror threats and the first to openly grapple with the corruption within the Olympic movement, our own countdown to opening ceremonies was. to say the least, stressful. Those unique obstacles were piled on lop of all of the to-be-expected Olympic challenges that come with providing venues for the world's top athletes and inviting the world to come watch them compete. In retrospect, many of our fears were unfounded - hard work, careful planning, support from the international community and a generous helping of luck - resulted in a wonderful, if exhausting, experience. The 2002 Games proved to be a healing experience for a global community shattered by the brutal Sept. 11 attacks and the painful but necessary examination of the International Olympic Committee bid-city selection process helped to redirect an organiza- A A-15 tion that was badly in need of house cleaning. According to news reports from the city where the modern Olympic movement began, Greek officials are already beginning to feel the pressure of making an incredibly expensive gamble pay off. Unlike the Salt Lake Olympics, where tickets sold oui months in advance, Greek hoteliers and merchants are still hoping spectators will arrive, to help bolster their sagging tourism numbers. Citizens are fretting about traffic, just as we did, and security personnel are going over their worstcase scenarios. We would like lo be able to tell them it will be OK - that they will meet generous volunteers from all over (he globe, they will witness amazing feats of athleticism and they will see their community meet and exceed their wildest expectations. As Friday's opening ceremonies for the 2004 Summer Games draw near, we wish our sister host city. Athens, all the best. We admire their courage in offering lo assemble a collage of nations in these uncertain times and their willingness lo continue carrying the torch they ignited more than a century ago. n il i - ••'.' • v ' JOHN KILBOURN//W7K RECORD LETTERS TO THE EDITOR No joking matter Editor: We threw a really fun parly lasl Saturday night, al the Elks' Lodge on Main Street. It was our fourth annual "Summerween" costume parly and il looked to be a huge success. During early-morning cleanup, though, we discovered thai many of the props we had used to decorate the entrance at 550 Main had been removed, presumably taken as souvenirs by hard-partying guests. Most of the items removed were easily replaced plywood props - a large red cross and several fake gravestones. Though we were disappointed to find these handmade decorations missing, we found it funny and were somewhat flattered that these were deemed worthy of carrying off. Our amusement ended, though, when we found that pranksters had also walked off with the Elks Lodge's permanent entryway sign. The sign, reading "B.P.O.E" (for "Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks") and "734" was installed when the building was erected and had remained there, unmolested, for 80 years. In order to abscond with the sign, the perpelrators had to remove three long screws affixing the sign to a concrete interior wall. Whether the screwdriver used was "borrowed" from our box of tools is not known. Needless to say, the Elks' members are upset about their loss, and are holding us responsible. Anyone who attended Summerween will have no doubt about how much effort and expense we have already put into throwing the party. This incident with the Elks' plaque has strained relations between the Elks and us, souring what started as a trusting relationship. The sign will be expensive lo replace, and many years will pass before the new version is viewed as an historical marker. A week later, the effects of the party on its guests have presumably waned, and the Elks' plaque is resting on someone's mantel or behind their front door. Maybe the giant red cross looms over il. The whole scene may be intermittently lit by a skull-shaped strobe light (also removed from the entryway). Wherever the plaque has come to rest, it surely seems out-of-place. As days go by and the novelty wears off. we hope that whoever removed the sign will think better of it, and will return the Elks' plaque to its owners. Keep the cross, the gravestones, the strobe light, and the handcrafted metal head (by Scolly Scrap Metal at Park Cily Metal Art). Leave your shrine to Summerween intact. But please return the Elks' plaque. Call either of us at 647-0271 and leave an anonymous tip. Box up the sign and leave it at the Elks' Lodge door. Drop it by PCTV. The Park Record, or KPCW. Or screw it right back to the wall from which il was removed - and keep the screwdriver. Thank you, and see you next summer, Jeff Kuehn Kimberly Sidorik Your Summerween Hosts Traffic problem Editor: There is a serious accident waiting to happen, several times a day, where cars coming from Wal-Mart and Arby's try to enter Kilby Road. There is a slight rise in the road that makes it difficult for those trying to turn onto Kilby Road to see oncoming traffic. This is especially Irue for those trying to turn left from gural summer of presenting Mavis Staples. Kenny Loggins ;ind Chris Isaak outside The Ecclcs Center could never have happened without several key players in the community. First of all. our dedicated volunteers need several raucous cheers for doing everything from selling merchandise to Yvonne Eagan protecting Kenny when the fans leapt Park City toward the stage. A standing ovation also goes to Deer Valley Resorl and their first-rate staff, for giving us the opportunity lo take advantage of Snow Park's beautiful outdoor amphitheater. Backstage awards go to Park Cily Editor: Transportation and Deer Valley What in blazes could justify a whop- Lodging for giving the artists truly ping 29.18 percent, one-year hike in rev- white-glove treatment. enue from property taxes as proposed Special thanks and shouts of by the Park City Fire Service District? "Encore!" go out to the Park Cily High Must be suffering from smoke inhala- School Jazz Band for performing at the tion to propose such a stratospheric tax prc-reception for Chris Isaak. Finally, a increase. huge round of applause goes to Michael This agency's budget appears to be Oribetz of Chloe Lane for taking a leap out of control and merits a public audil of faith and underwriting the series. and investigative article by The, Park Take a bow, all of you, for your support Record. and help. Thunk you. See you at The Eccles Sincerely, Center in September! Tom Fox Park City Teri Orr, Mona Marler, Jane Gendron, Jenny Knaak, Leslie Stark, Lauren Stark and Paco Aguilar Park City either parking lot. Perhaps the transportation department needs to lake a look at this problem, and maybe install ;i stoplight to regulate the traffic before someone is killed. Fire district revenues Mandatory vaccines Editor: Thank you for your clarification on mandatory childhood vaccines. Unfortunately, your clarification was at best lackluster and also very skewed. Here are just a few concerns regarding vaccines. Vaccines are sometimes rushed to market with inadequate testing and have had devastating consequences. Booster shots can be proven unnecessary with a simple "liter" test. Vaccines have been and some continue to be manufactured with such neuroloxins as mercury, thimerisol. aluminum and formaldehyde. Some vaccines use aborted human fetal tissue in their production. Autism is up 1,000 percent in 40 years. The U.S. Congress has investigated pharmaceutical manufacturers for data manipulation and fraudulent research practices. Vaccines have had such severe reactions that the federal government created the Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS) as well as the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. VAERS contains over 800,000 victims. That is enough to fill eight football stadiums. Here arc a few important recommended questions to consider prior to administering any vaccines. 1. Is my child sick? 2. Does my child have a personal or family history of vaccine reaction, convulsions or neurological disorders, severe allergies or immune system dysfunction? 3. Do I know how lo identify a reaction? 4. Do I know how to report a reaction? ?. Do I know the vaccine's name and lot number? 6. Do I have a choice? Do not be intimidated. Remember that it is you and not medical personnel, school officials or the government who is ultimately responsible for the health and safely of your child. Mike Farkas Park City Summer concerts a smash hit Editor: The Park City Performing Arts Foundation staff would like lo tip our hats to a number of worthy people for their help in pulling off the Chloe Lane PCPAF "Big Nights, Bright Stars" summer concerts al Deer Valley. Our inau- Visit The Park Record website at wzvzo.varkrecord.com Fur and fitness Editor: In this day and age il is rcfrcsning lo read something positive, about someone who is doing a good deed just because she wants to. Patrice Martin, aerobics instructor and personal trainer has been spending her Saturday morn ings this summer by combining two of her loves: fitness and mii'iiMs. She has been leading "Boot Camp in City Park" where participants can wag their booties, gel fit and have fun. The class begins al 9 a.m. when after a group warm-up Parkitcs pair up to complete a circuit training program followed by cool down, all to inspiring music, in beautiful surroundings. Afterwards, participants make a donation to Friends of Animals, have a bagel, cup of coffee and chat with other fitness enthusiasts. Patrice has collected up to $300 on a Saturday when over 40 people attended. The morning is a group effort where other locals, specifically Gayle Higman, Dena Fleming and Steve Chin, just to name a few, volunteer to set up all of the •. ipment and then load it back »n ,a their vehicles. Children also participate by spraying exercisers with squirt bottles to cool them off or blowing whistles to indicate station changes. I have personally attended this class and am so pleased to know others willing to take time out of their busy schedules for such a worthy cause. Thanks Patrice and friends for all you do! Sincerely, Laura Pollard on behalf of Friends of Animals Park Cily Firefighter compensation Editor: In June, Wayne Turner, of Big Sandy, Mont, lost his life when his plane crashed while fighting fires in Utah. Wayne was caring and compassionate and was always reaching out to others in need. His first love, after his family, was flying, and he always felt at home when in the air. He was a gifted pilot with over 21,000 hours of flight time. In addition to operating his own flying service, complete with aerial application and contract piloting, he was an accomplisucd flight instructor and an FAA designated examiner. His accident was a huge shock to the family, and his loss has left a tremendous void in our lives. Currently, airtanker pilots are employed by aerial firefighting contractors; pilols are not employed directly by SUMMIT COUNTY OFFICES Animai Control Assessor Attorney Clerk Commission District Court Data Processing Engineer Facilities Fair Health Admin. Health Clinics Historical Justice Court 336-3985 615-3985 336-3235 615-3235 336-3206 615-3828 336-3204 615-3204 336-3220 615-3220 336-3205 615-4300 336-3242 615-3242 336-3250 615-3250 336-3299 615-3299 336-3221 615-3221 336-3222 615-3222 336-3234 615-3910 783-4321 336-3015 615-3015 336-3800 615-3800 Library Motor Vehicle Personnel Planning Building Permits Public Works Recorder Senior Citizen Coordinator 336-3900 615-3900 783-4350 336-3296 615-3940 336-3265 615-3265 336-3124 615-3124 336-3122 615-3122 336-3970 615-3970 336-3238 615-3238 336-3025 615-3025 Sheriff 336-3500 615-3500 336-3700 Jail Administration 615-3700 336-3268 Treasurer 615-3268 336-3217 USU Extension 615-3217 Administration (615 numbers are local Park City calls and do not require 435 area code.) The Park Record welcomes letters to the editor on any subject. We ask that the letters adhere to the following guidelines:They must include the address and telephone number of author. No letter will be published under an assumed name. They must not contain llbelous material. Writers are limited to one letter every 28 days. Letters must not be longer than 350 words (guest editorials, 550 words) and should if possible, be typed. We reserve the right to edit letters if they are too long or rf they contain statements we consider unnecessarily offensive or obscene. In addition, thank you letters are limited in length with regard to businesses and event sponsors. Send your letter to: Editor@parkrecord.com the government agencies involved in wildland fire management. Because oi their independent contractor status, aerial firefighters aren'l eligible to receive the Public Service Officer Benefit that is made available to other firefighters. Sadly, life insurance policies for pilots are extremely costly, leaving families with a huge financial burden as well as tremendous grief. Congress currently has legislation in committees that address this issue. Bills H.R. 977 and S. 9H9 would amend the PSOB to extend death and disability benefits to these unsung heroes and their families. Presently, these bills are lacking sponsors and have been stalled in committees since May 2003. Representatives Cannon and Bishop have signed on as co-sponsors of the bill. Representative Matheson and Senators Hatch and Bennett are still undecided. Senator Hatch currently chairs the Judiciary CommittcAjftthere S. 989 has been held up since May 2003. We urge you to ask your congressmen lo cosponsor this bill. Although passage of these bills won't bring Wayne back, it would recognize tanker pilots for the invaluable work they do as public safety officers. These pilots know the risks, but they still fly their planes to protect our homes and resources. Don't you think it's time we protect them too? Kristie Turner and family Kalispell. Mont. The Park Record Staff PUBLISHER Andy Bernhard Editor Nan Chalat-Noaker Staff writers Jay Hamburger Pat Parkinson Monika Guendner Casey Basden Joe Lair Jared Whitley Adia Waldburger Contributing writers Tom Clyde Teri Orr jay Meehan Joan Jacobson Silvia Leavitt Linda Jager Courtney Herzinger Editor's assistant Inkarna Black Classified advertising Parti Christensen Office manager Holly VanDenAmeele Reception Michael Duffy Circulation manager Kate Fischer Accounting manager Valerie Deming Advertising director Wendy Halliday Advertising sales Anne Anderson Molly Ballard Erin Donnelly Cheryn McNicol Wendy Mair Teresa Chavez Lacy Brundy Kat James Editorial production Scott Sine Photographers Grayson West Matt Gordon Production director Kristi Ruppert Production Scott Schlenker Jason Plawecki Kyle Burress Shannon Rogers Kaya Darko Carrie Winston Distribution Justin Deuel John Kilbourn Cartoonist Contents of the The Park Record me copyright €> 2004, Diversified Suburban Newspapers. All rights reserved. No portion may be reproduced in any form without written consent of the managing editor or publisher. Tfw Park Record (USPS 378-730) (ISSN 07459483) is published twice weekly by Diversified Suburban Newspapers. 1670 Bonanza Dr.. Park City, Utah. Periodicals Postage paid at Park City. Utah. POSTMASTER: Send address changes lo Vie Park Record Box 36S8. Park Gly. Utah 84060. Entered as second class matter. May 25, 1977 at the post office in Park City, Utah S4O60. under the Act of March 3, 1897. Subscription rates are S37 inside Summit County. $70 outside Summit County, Ulan. Subscriptions are transferable; S5 cancellation fee. Phone (435) 649-9014 or fax (435) 649-4942. Published every Wednesday and Saturdav. |