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Show Page 4 The Citizen Thursday, June 26, 1980 uutf II i Gasoline sells for 17 cents a gallon. Every home boasts a TV antenna and a big car out front. Sound like paradise? Arlyn and Colleen Richards, formerly of American Fork, currently of Ciudad Guayana, Venezuela, live in "paradise" then. Back in the states for a three week visit, the Richards have brought with them informative tales and knowledge gleaned from a year in South America. Richards, assigned as a consultant to a Venezuelan plant which bought a computer system identical to Geneva Steel's system, is working for U.S. Steel Engineering & Consultants. He is teaching the system, converting it to metric measurements, and, in general, adapting it to fit the Venezuelan needs. His assignment is for approximately 18 months. Eighteen months is a long time to be away from a family, so the entire Richards brood-including wife Colleen (daughter of long-time residents Mr. and Mrs. Roy Smith, 252 South 2nd East, and former Miss American Fork) and three sons: Darin, 6; Philip, 4; and Kenneth, 1-packed up and came along. What have they discovered in paradise? "It's true. Gas there is cheaper than bottled water," says Colleen. "But I was so tickled to get home where everything except gas is lots cheaper. Disposable diapers there run $14 a box, toilet tissue is $7 to $9 a package, one can of Campbell's soup is $1.25." Marketing is done at the old-fashioned "bring your wares and set up store" kind of place. Even fish are displayed "open-air," which attracts the neighborhood cats and dogs, along with the paying customers. Any fresh produce has to be purchased at the open markets. Meats are bought in large bulk quantities, quan-tities, then butchered to request. Colleen has figured it works out to about $2.50 a pound for whatever you want, hamburger to sirloin. The Richards have missed milk and milk products. Powdered milk is available-but buttermilk, cheese, and cottage cheese are not. "The boys miss candy. There just aren't any little stores to run to for a candy bar," comments Colleen. "What things they have, come and go. For six months you couldn't find peanut butter. We miss frozen orange juice, too." What is there? A,!yn says there is a great place called the "Tropic Burger," similar to a hamburger stand. He and Colleen haven't had the courage to try one yet. The rumor is that the "Tropic Burger" is no relation to the American burger. "Some things I was surprised I missed," offers Colleen, "lilie the mail system and government regulation on things. I didn't think I'd miss that. But when the mailmen there get tired, they just dump your mail off the side of the road. You lose your letters, all that. And it's a shock to walk into a drug store and buy penicillin off the shelf -no regulation on how much nor any directions on how to take the medicine you get. "The doctors there tend to believe, too, that if one shot is good. . .two will really cure you." What about the big cars? The TV antennas an-tennas on every roof? "There are only two classes. You either have it or you don't," says Colleen. "But even the poor living in shacks have a TV and a fancy car." The Richards are considered by the Venezuelans among the "very rich." They are housed in a 14-story apartment complex, complete with pool. What are the Venezuelan people like? "Easy-going, relaxed. There isn't a typical Venezuelan-some are fair-skinned, some black, many have Mexican blood. Mostly they're a mixture," answers Colleen. "I remember, right at first, I was so shocked. People - strangers - would walk right up, take my baby and hug and kiss him, then hand him back and walk on. I was so shocked," smiles Colleen now. "I've never been to a place that loves children so much. All the children you see are happy, well-fed, even without a stitch on." The Richards have had three weeks "home"-a visit to Disneyland, reunions with family and friends. They flew back to "home" in Venezuela June 20, planning to return to American Fork again by Christmas. Meanwhile, "paradise" proffers its warm, sunny climate, year-round swimming, cheap and friendly people-but the Richards would rather be home. pileiGHFuDoici ComimiDGGioini Concerned llfitfih Etailroeod Cross! neis Safety at railroad crossings - specifically the hazard index on the Storrs Avenue crossing, First West and the angled crossing at Third West - became the American Fork Planning Commission's priority item of business at their regular meeting last week. Denver and Rio Grande Railroad sent representatives Woodrow Burnham and Jerry Pearson - at the request of City Engineer Carl Hansen - to advise the commission about the possibility of closing Storrs Avenue and the moving traffic load to adjacent crossings. A citizen complaint about the angled Third West crossing had prompted the city engineer's action. Railroad promises to equip the adjacent crossings with flashing lights and gates failed to pacify commission members concerned over the dangerous nature of these crossings, particulary with intensified traffic. The commission showed reluctance about the Storrs Avenue idea. "Wouldn't closing that greatly intensify traffic on the others?" asked Glen Durrant. "Although I think it is always favorable to close one dangerous one and upgrade others." Councilman Barratt was concerned over creating a block so residents would have to travel four blocks before "getting out." Fire protection and ambulance access would be obstructed, too, it was felt. However, Stan Robinson voiced the general feeling that the time to waste discussing the problem was gone, and it was time now to get serious, especially with any more annexations in that area. Chairman Mick Miller called for prompt action, asking the railroad people to schedule an immediate safety inspection and hazard index rating on the crossings involved. He asked that a commission member be informed and accompany the officials at this inspection, saying "this will be our priority concern." Annexations filled the body of time left. Jean Baldwin appeared, requesting approval ap-proval for recently purchased property just north of the Mary Pulley home. A portion of a private lane owned by John Hansen would have to be included in that annexation, in order to prevent creating a "cherry stem." The commission accepted Ms. Baldwin's request with the stipulation that an agreement be made with Hansen, who was not present, that the part bordering Ms. Baldwin's property could also be annexed at that time - to square up the annexation. A request earlier approved and already in city council hands, was discussed. Commission members want the Gunther Boley annexation request tied in with the Baldwin request, so as to avoid creating an island in the city limits. Mention was made of a "checklist" policy previously set up by the commission. This checklist was to be available to annexation applicants to help avoid problems created when they come without all necessary paperwork. Larry Salsbury, planning commission administrator was to prepare this and have it ready for future meetings. No requests will go through without meeting this checklist requirement. Helmet and Walt Reimchissel had run headlong into problems by not being aware of all the commission's expectations. Consensus of the commission was to accept their annexation request - with a plat and linens to be submitted - because the city had earlier made the agreement to do so. The Mill Lane closing was brought up. Initial commission reaction was against Skating Rink To Open In Fall Rollerskating freaks. . .take heart! American Fork is getting its own rink, to be known as Tri-City Skates and located at 55 S. 100 W. Fred Nakagawa and Richard Wilson are the promoters. Their rink which promises to provide low-cost family fun is tentatively ten-tatively set to open this late fall. Planning commission members reviewed plans with Nakagawa and Wilson June 18, straightening out some parking lot problems. Nakagawa and Wilson are optomistic that lots of skating "nuts" reside in and about American Fork, and throughout Utah County. Come fall, the skating place will be ready to "roll." Youth Injuried in Freak Accident Ron Phelps, 15, son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Phelps, was reported in satisfactory condition at the American Fork Hospital Tuesday. Sgt. Dean Kirkham said the youth and two friends were digging postholes, using a tractor and digger. The Phelps youth was on an "A" frame on the back of the tractor when he apparently slipped off, and a part of his shirt snagged on a piece of the equipment, pulling him into it. He received a throat injury in the accident, it was noted. The accident occured at about 1:30 p.m., at 10830 North 8500 West. Lehi police assisted with the investigation, and the youth was taken to the hospital by Lehi ambulance. - -.,--' -' this. However, it was taken under study. Councilman Ted Barratt read a petition from the Chamber of Commerce asking for downtown improvements. Chuckholes in several parking lots need to be filled, the chamber wants signs on streetlight posts indicating parking areas, and traffic signals are requested at several State Street intersections. Barratt was not warm to the idea that the Green Elected Commission Vice Chairman Elected vice-chairman of American Fork's planning commission Wednesday evening was Jess Green, commission member currently serving as chairman of site planning. Green will serve this office under present Chairman Mick Miller. Miller is serving out the term vacated when Sandra Western moved out of town. Following Miller's term, Green will become the new chairman. Glen Durrant, Stan Robinson, Dr. Joseph Liddle, Mick Miller, Jess Green, and Councilman Ted Barratt attended the meeting. As Green is already site planning chairman, a motion was made and passed that the offices of vice-chairman and site chairman be amalgamated. city take responsibility for maintaining private parking lots. Commission members doubted the availability of that many signals for State Street, and it was noted that Utah Power & Light Co. is against using their power poles for any sign-hanging. The petition was referred back to the city council. 'J V ( 1 ' J L? i il nnn i OiSlil LuLn FURTHER I?. 1 .! 11 ; H iS E3 E3 W JLJ UJ U JESS GREEN 1 THE HARDWARE U8N33U Portable Dishwasher, Reg. $349.00 $288.00 Wilton Cake Tops Vz Price Bicycles 30 OFF Bike Accessories 30 OFF Electric Range, Reg. $329.99 $197.00 All Remaining Housewares 75 OFF All Remaining Housewares 75 OFF U5i Bar Stools (2 only) Reg. $59.99 $37.88 All Remaining Plumbing 75 OFF All Remaining Automotive 75 OFF All Remaining Electrical 75 OFF All Remaining Tools 75 OFF All Remaining Pet & Garden Supplies 75 OFF 25" Panasonic Television Set, Reg. $700.00 $547.00 13" Color TV Reg. $379.99 $288.00 i Savage 30-30 Rifle (1 only) Reg. $189.99 $107.00 Car Stereo, Radio & Tape Players, Reg. $99.99 $57.00 Gray Spray Paint, Reg. $2.19 57 All Remaining Stove Pipe 50 OFF Chromcraft Dinette Sets Save Up to $200.00 All Remaining Clocks 60 OFF All remaining Furnace Filters 25 House Numbers and Letters Vi Price Limited Quantities All Items Subject To Prior Sale All Remaining Pictures 60 OFF All Remaining Fire Place Accessories 60 OFF All Remaining Weather Stripping 60 OFF Flashlights and Batteries lk Price Match Box Cars, Reg. $1.39 88 Sofa Sleeper, Reg. $269.99 $157.00 Ready to Paint Furniture 30 OFF Morning Surf Queen Size Waterbed, Reg. 449.00 $327.00 Hoover Rug Shampooer, Reg. $89.99 $57.88 Hoover Quick Broom, Reg. $59.95 $39.88 All Remaining Records, Reg. to $6.98 $1.97 All Remaining Christmas Decorations 75 OFF Key Rings y2 Price Stereo Power Booster, Reg. $59.99 $24.88 Complete Bunk Bed Sets, Reg. $449.99 $297.00 21 cu. ft. Upright Freezer, Reg. $529.00 $397.00 Lawn Boy Lawn Mower, Reg. $199.00 $147.00 Garden Seeds Vi Price Swivel Rockers, Reg. $299.00 $157.00 Wall-a-Way Recliners, Reg. $399.00 $257.00 Kirsch Drapery Hardware Vi Price Not all sizes and colors 10 South Center American Fork 756-7113 hrs. 9 to 9 Sat. til 6 ( ( ifTTO Clothes Dryer Reg. $299.00 $197.00 Displays and Fixtures For Sale Shock Absorbers, Reg. $1 1.62 $4.97 Room Size Carpet Remnants 60 Off Jewelry Price CB Accessories 75 Off Grease Fittings, Reg. $3.24 97 Light Fixtures 75 OFl Pipe Fittings 75 OFF stove Pipe 12 Price Car Stereo Power Booster, Reg. $59.99 $27.88 Grandma Bear Fisher Stove, Reg. $582.00 $397.00 B Scanners, Reg. $15.99 $4.88 Records, Reg. $6.98 $1.97 Paint y2 Price Paint Accessories Price End Tables, Reg. $149.00 $97.00 Contact Paper, Reg. 79' 33 Yd. Glass Fireplace Screen, Reg. $79.99 $39.88 Clothes Dryer, Reg. $299.00 $197.00 Stereo Component System, Reg. $299.00 $147.00 15.3 Cu. Ft. Chest Freezer, Reg. $369.95 $288.00 Kabar Pocket & Hunting Knives l2 Price |