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Show E Opinion Comnnntfy Editorial Orem desperate for ball fields. ..is there a way? Orem has the largest Babe Ruth organization in the world...and the worst facilities, some of the coaches and players say. Babe Ruth involves some 2,000 kids. There are 32 teams of 9- 10-year-olds, 40 teams of 11-12-year-olds, 14 teams for 13-year-olds, 16 teams of 14-15-year-olds, and 6 teams for 16- 18-year-olds. There are also city recreation programs. According to Gary Hillman of the City Recreation Dept., there are about 2,000 boys and girls involved in baseball and softball through city programs. Another 2,000 youngsters 6-10 years of age are involved in the T-Ball coach pitch program. There are also the men's softball programs. The City of Orem has 12 diamonds. They are over scheduled. Saturday games are held from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. with lights out by 9:30 p.m. By Postmaster Clyde E. Weeks There are only a few special occasions during the year which have a dramatic impact on the volume of mail deposited at the Orem Post Office. April 15, the Income Tax deadline, leads them all as the champion mail-generating day, as postal customers flood the mailboxes and the post office lobby maildrop with tax returns right up until midnight. The Christmas season, of course, generate a flood of cards, letters and parcels over a period of several weeks, reaching a climax just before Christmas day. Mothers Day also brings a flood of mail, as cards, letters and gifts are sent to mothers all over the world from children in an outpouring out-pouring of love and appreciation. Next Sunday is Father's Day, and this week local residents have been mailing their fathers all lands of thoughts and sentiments senti-ments to make that day a special day for them. FATHER'S DAY Father's Day 1989 marks my 42nd year as a father, and I have been thinking deeply about the blessing I have had to be the father of nine wonderful children. I can only imagine how barren my life would have been had the Lord not seen fit to grant me the blessing bless-ing of fatherhood. Nearly every significant and meaningful event in my life has been associated with the minor and major events in their lives. Their births, their confirmations, their first days of school, their illnesses and injuries, their achievements in church and school, their friends, their dates, their graduations: all these have I shared with them. We have laughed loudly and long together. We have cried together. We have shared very special moments, and even hours, together. We have lived together. A MILLION BOOKS Regrets? Yes, I have regrets. I regret that I was not a better father. Today, there must be a million books in the world, telling how to be a perfect father,a but 40 years ago the instruction books on fatherhood were few and far between. I was an amateur father, and the children who came first sometimes some-times suffered from my ineptness and inexperience. In spite of my good intentions I know that I have often dealt with my children in ways they felt were unfair, and unjust. It was always "for your own good," but I wonder if it always was. Now that most of my children have children of their own, they may understand how easily one's best intentions may not only be misunderstood, but may abe en-. Orem-Genew limes -USPS 411-700 Published each Wednesday for $8.00 per year by the Orem-Geneva Orem-Geneva times, 546 South State Street, Orem, Utah 84058. Second class postage paid at Orem, Utah 84057. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Orem-Geneva Times, P.O. Box 65, Orem, Utah 84059. POST MARK 6 o 1989 o tirely wrong. I have learned so much from each of them. Each, in his turn, has shown me unconditional love as babies and as children, and I have tried to be worthy of that love by always being there for them. EYES OPENED As they grew older, their perceptions per-ceptions increased and their eyes were opened to see me as a very imperfect man and a less-than-perfect father. All of them have given me so much pleasure: so much of their music, so much of their love. I wouldn't have missed itor them--for anything in the world. I would give anything to have another chance to be the father to them I should have been-now that I know what I know and feel what I feel. But those times are past. I know that they can live only in my memory. But, just as surely as those nine evergreens live and thrive in our back yard-just as surely will those memories stay ever green in my mind and my soul. But well-rooted well-rooted seedlings grow into stately pines, and that is just what each of them have done. They have each shot skyward in this rocky Orem soil and spread their branches toward Mt Timpanogos and Utah Lake, seeking the light and the truth waiting for them. A NEW WORLD They have found a world, new and unexpected: a world that they did not create, but a world in which each of them must find their own vision and their own reality. Sometimes, I feel so inadequate inade-quate as a father when I see how well my children have met the challenges of their lives in spite of me. I can only look on them with admiration and love. I see my children as the fulfillment ful-fillment of a hope and a dream:: the hope that I have not been a stumbling block int heir paths to independence and self-sufficiency, and the dream that they all might continue to extend their circle of love. FAMILY GATHERINGS As time and circumstances necessarily change residential locales, lo-cales, it becomes increasingly difficult dif-ficult for all nine of them to join together in a family gathering. When we do, there is always a family picture to memorialize the occasion. "Where is the little girl I cherished? Where is the little boy at play? I don't remember growing grow-ing older. When did they? Sunrise, Sun-rise, sunset, swiftly fly the years: one season following another, laden with happiness and tears." In mid June the girls take over two fields on a very limited schedule at Orem Elementary for softball, leaving only the city centerfields for the baseball program. It's almost impossible to schedule all the games. There are sometimes 16 kids on a team. "Nobody is turned away who registers on time," says Hillman. But that doesn't always mean they'll get much playing in. Hardly seems fair when you've paid in your $30 or more to play. How many never register because of the futility? How important is it to play ball anyway? Very important, impor-tant, according to Judge Merrill Hermanson of the Juvenile Court. He says it is a character builder and prevents vandalism. "It is one of the best things Orem has going for it and does the city more good than a couple more policemen or another patrol car could.. .the city fathers should foster it...make it a big issue, and spend more on Magazine cites "keys to developing effective families" Love, goals, work, mutual support and firm but fair discipline dis-cipline are among a list of 12 keys to developing "effective families" turned up by a recent nationwide survey. Results of the survey are reported in the current (June) issue of the ENSIGN, a monthly magazine published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Latter-day Saints. The survey of families recommended recom-mended by others as "outstanding" "outstand-ing" was conducted by Phillip R. Kunz, professor of sociology at Brigham Young University, and ' William G. Dyer, dean emeritus of the BYU School of Management. Manage-ment. The researchers, who also collaborated col-laborated in writing the Ensign article, said that though the successful suc-cessful families differed in many ways, they showed remarkable similarity in certain basic areas: 1. Church-Goers. All respondents said they are committed com-mitted to being active in and supportive sup-portive to their church. They make it a habit to pray daily as a family and they read scriptures together regularly. 2. Love and Unity. This is shown by being considerate of one another, spending time together, supporting one another in activities ac-tivities such as ball games, band concerts, debate tourneys, dance and music recitals. 3. Goals. The families have "...a clear vision of where they are going and the goals they want to achieve," such as good education, lasting marriage, feelings of self-worth, self-worth, and good citizenship. 4. Teaching and Talking. Surveyed parents spend time talking with and teaching their children, helping them cope with personal problems and concerns. They talk during meals, when working together, playing together and at the bedside. They encourage reading of good books, such as the classics, biographies, PUBLIC HOT SHEET By Albert Loris Orem City Animal Control Animal Control has a variety of problems within the city limits. One of these has been an increase of wildlife coming into the city. This may be anything from a bat in a house to a deer that is injured along the road, to skunks and raccoons rac-coons in and around homes. When these problems occur it causes considerable excitement and concern in the area, which is, not unexpected, but sometimes the onlooker causes a further problem by exciting the animal. This makes it harder to control or solve the problem. When wild animals are found in the city, many times we think these animals must have come in from outlying areas. However, many ofthese animals live among us all the time. Skunks, raccoons, fioetry. Most respondents watch ess than half as much television as the national average. 5. Few rules but high expectations. ex-pectations. Most of the responding respond-ing families have a variation of three rules: treat each member of the family with respect; let parents know where you are going and when you will be back; be honest and dependable. 6. Firm but fair discipline. Most parents said they discipline primarily by talking and reasoning. reason-ing. If that doesn't produce results, then privileges are withdrawn. Many responded that prevention is better than the cure, so they use positive reinforcement reinfor-cement and rewards to get the children to do what's appropriate in the first place, thus avoiding the need for discipline. 7. Expression of love for children. Among the ways parents do this are by telling them personally, doing things for them, hugging and kissing them, writing or phoning them, providing provid-ing life's necessities for them. 8. Extended family relationships. Most respondents respon-dents continue to identify with extended family members such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins. 10. Avoid isolation. Most families that responded are interested inter-ested in what's going on around them and are involved in activities ac-tivities at home, work, school, church and community. 11. Work. All members of effective ef-fective families have responsibilities respon-sibilities around the house and yard. 12. Happy marriage. Family Fami-ly unity is best when parents love and support each other. Other articles in the current issue of Ensign include one by Richard Tice entitled "Greed-When "Greed-When enough is Not Enough," and "Pulling Together" by Larry Tippets, suggestions on improving improv-ing marriage relationships. SAFETY bats, squirrels, and other small mammals as well as many types of birds live in urban, suburban and rural environments within out city. Problems occur when one ofthese critters is found in a place or situation that is not common to either the person or the animal. In many cases we can prevent the damage to property as well as injury to animals by just doing a few things that will discourage the animal. For example, we must look at why the animal is in or around our homes. We usually see that the animal is looking for two major needs. First, it may be looking for food and second a place to live or have its young. Lets look at our homes and see if we can eliminate some or all of these attractions. FOOD: Do we feed our dog or cat outside and - leave extra food for our pets? Are n 1 V the baseball program," he advises. The cost is not minimal. Jack Jones of the Public Works Department said the City voted down an opportunity to construct five ball diamonds in Vineyard. It would cost over $1 million to buy the ground and construct the fields. More than the City Council felt they could spend. How much are Orem's kids worth anyway? It is time the City formed a Task Force to study the issue. Cooperative ground may be available through schools, churches, or business. Sponsors may be found. Seek, search and scrounge until the City at least doubles the number of fields. If it doesn't happen, fees for ball programs will be forced to spiral upward as a way to cut the numbers. We will all lose. Letters to Letter to Edior Attack on Sen. Hatch unfounded Dear Editor: In a recent letter which appeared ap-peared in the OREM GENEVA TIMES on May 3, 1989, Charles Siegel sharply criticizes Senator Orrin G. Hatch on the issue of child care. Mr. Siegel's attack is short-sighted, narrow-minded, and totally based on error. I know, from firsthand experience, that Senator Hatch has consistently consis-tently approached the child care issue in a way that protects freedom of choice for all parents. The senator's record speaks for itself. I offer as the most obvious example ex-ample of Mr. Siegel's "misinformation" "misinfor-mation" his statement that Senator Hatch opposes the President's tax credit proposal to help low-income families with child care costs. Not only does Senator Hatch support the President's plan, he is the number num-ber one co-sponsor of this legislation. legisla-tion. ' Mr. Siegel goes on to criticize Senator Hatch for co-sponsoring the Act for Better Child Care Services Ser-vices (the ABC Bill), legislation which he charges "discriminates" against "families who take care of their own children." For this reason, Mr. Siegel should be especially espe-cially interested to know that Senator Hatch has introduced legislation which would provide a refundable tax credit for families with young children. The Senator's tax credit, like President Presi-dent Bush's proposal, would apply regardless of whether or not both parents work. The ABC bill that is about to be debated on the Senate floor has been substantially changed from last year's version. Mr. Siegel himself acknowledges the changes chan-ges in the revised ABC bill. He correctly sees it as the result of a compromise between Senator Dodd and the "conservatives." But what Mr. Siegel completely fails to mention is that Senator Hatch was the major player in the ABC bipartisan compromise that was forged during months of hard negotiations. . Instead, Mrs. Siegel accuses Senator Hatch of changing his position on ABC-from one of opposition op-position tao one of support. Nothing Noth-ing could be further from the truth. At every opportunity the Senator spoke out against the ABC bill which was introduced in the last Congress. Senator Hatch Summer time means volunteer time School's out for the summer! And that means many teens have some extra time on their hands-time hands-time that could be well spent volunteering in local community trash cans left open with food scrapes in them? Are bird feeders in areas where other animals have access to them? PLACES TO LIVE OR HAVE YOUNG: Are there wood or brush piles around our homes? Are there piles of trash or abandoned junk in the yard? Dens may be under a settled step or crawl spaces of homes, trailers, or mobile homes. Raccoons, bats and birds seem to like chimneys and attics. The skunk and other small animals seem to fall into window wells or other places they can't get out of. All of the previously reviewed situations can be easily prevented if we clean, cover, and close off all likely animal attractions attrac-tions we have around our homes. For more information about how to prevent a wild life nuisance call Division of Wildlife Resources or your local animal control. the Editor didn't change his position. He did, however, succeed in changing the bill. Because of Senator Hatch, grandparents, aunts, and uncles will not have to meet federal licensing standards in order to receive ABC funds for taking care of their grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. It's because of Senator Hatch that religious institutions in-stitutions have been given a role in the planning and policymaking policy-making process and may receive ABC grants to provide child care services for low-income children. Because of Senator Hatch, the revised ABC bill provides for increased in-creased involvement of local communities. com-munities. Because of his efforts, the bill promotes greater business busi-ness involvement and offers protection against liability. - Senator Hatch worked long and hard for these important changes because he felt, correctly, correct-ly, that the ABC bill was the child care bill that was going to be debated on the Senator floor. He knows the bill isn't perfect, but as he has said, he wants a bill that President Bush could sing. And if and when this bill is signed by the President, it will give parents significantly sig-nificantly more child care choices than the original legislation, thanks to Orrin Hatch. Senator Hatch realizes that having a parent at home is the best possible child care arrangement arrange-ment there is. But times have changes. Today, more and more mothers are entering the labor force, most out of economic necessity. neces-sity. In fact, it's been estimated thatonly one in ten families today fits the stereotype of dad at work and mom at home looking after . the children. These are also facts. In Utah, there are 150,000 latchkey children between the ages of birth and 13 who have parents who work and no relatives able to care for them. All of us hope that our children will grow up in environments environ-ments that are decent and safe. Senator Hatch has worked long and hard to give America's parents that choice. Thank you for sharing this information in-formation with your readers. Warmest best wishes for your continued success. Cordially, ArchL. Madsen programs. According to Lorri Hirst, United Way Volunteer Center director, there are many nonprofit non-profit and government agencies which use teen volunteers during the summer months. "Volunteer work provides youth with good work experience and helps them meet new people and explore career possibilities,'' said Hirst. "Youth also learn new skills and become acquainted with community issues." Utah State Training School needs youth 14 years and older to help the handicapped residents participate in craft projects or summer field trips. Youth are needed to "adoDt- a-grandparent" at a local nursing home, volunteers commit to snend at least one hour each week with the elderly resident, reading to them, visiting, or helping with classes offered at the home. For more information on these and other volunteer opportunities oppor-tunities for youth or exciting Soup service projects, call the nited Way Volunteer Center at 374-8108. A, |