OCR Text |
Show Suinamer fun for $20 by Mary Galbra'rth Hilltop Times staff With energy prices on the rise, families don't have to break the budget to have fun along the Wasatch Front The base has several summer activities available for families and kids many for less than $20. to a local fishing spot will be scheduled at the end of the course. Students should bring their own equipment The instructor will tell students what to buy during the first class. Students must be at least 8 years old to participate. A parent must accompany anyone under 1 7. Debbie Whittington, recreation assis tant, said the class is popular with husbands and wives. "It" s something for them to enjoy and go out and do," she said. "We also had five single ladies sign up last time who all just wanted to learn something new." Whittington said there are several inexpensive options for families interested in camping and other outdoor activities. "I think they should see the area," she Information, Tickets and Tours has discount tickets available for everything from movie tickets to Lagoon passes. They also offer local tours. "We have discounted tours that help people get to know Utah," said Paula Speth, Information, Tickets and Tours director. "A lot of people don't want to drive, so that's why we do these bus and van tours. They're a lot of fun and a great price. We have tours all the time and try to offer local tours once a or t, said. Ia 1 6 -- c b5 There are so many people stationed here who don't realize how much there is to do in Utah. Utah is a beautiful state." Canoe rentals are $20 for the weekend and a tent runs about $9 for the weekend. Whittington said most of the camping equipment was purchased this year and is in new or nearly new condition. She said anyone with questions XT week." Friday's tour departs the Officers' Club at 10 a.m. for Park City. Speth said activities include riding down the Alpine Slide, miniature golfing, shopping at the outlet mall and a visit to Miner's Park and Playground. Transportation is $8 per person. Speth said participants should six-pers- National Parks ;tti.vii;j.t.i on camping sites and places to vacation in Utah can come to Outdoor Recre- ation. They have information on the state's bring extra money for activities and 3 lunch. The bus will return around 2 p.m. Anyone who wants to attend must sign up today. Red Butte Gardens at the University of Utah is the stopping point for the June 29 tour. Transportation is $5 and the bus leaves the Officers' Club at 10 a.m. Garden admission is $5 for adults, and $3 Of for students, seniors and children. Information, Tickets and Tours isn't ft, national parks and monuments. John English, Youth Services director, said there are several summer activities that keep kids out of trouble and learn and experience new things. " Staying active and going to cultural events keeps them ready for school," he said."Manyofthefieldtripsarea learning experience for them and it can set them up for leadership opportunities. the only base organization with inexIt's also important to have fun." Outdoor activities. A teen lock in is set for Friday at the summer pensive Hiking Trails Recreation familiarizes base personnel Youth Activities Center for children ages 13-1with Utah's outdoor activities. The fee is $10 for members and $15 for nonmem-bers- . A beginning fly fishing course is available for $22. Four Activities include movies, video games, baskettwo-hoclasses will be held July 18, 25 and Aug. 1 and ball and Karaoke. 8 at the Log Cabin (Bldg. 804) from 8 p.m. A field trip Other activities for kids include: base-sponsor- ed 8. ur Photo courtesy of Utah Travel CouncilFrank Jensen, photographer, Graphics courtesy of www.utah.com Mount Timpanogos soars, above, 11,750 feet above Provo. dThe Timpanogos Cave Trail is 1.5 miles long and is about a two-hohike along paved trails. There is a $6 admission fee adult. Children under 6 get in free. For details, call (801) per 756-523There are five national parks in Utah, see graphics, and dozens of local hiking opportunities. For more informaur 9. tion, visit www.utah.com. A trip to Lorin Farr Skateboard Park Saturday from p.m. The cost is $1 for members and $2 for Children ages are invited. Miniature golfing at Miligan's in Salt Lake City is set for June 29 for children ages The activity is $5 for Youth Center members and $6 for nonmembers. Youth summer bowling passes are available for $10. The pass is good for one game and shoe rental per day through Aug. 31. d For more details on activities, visit 10 a.m.-- 4 non-member- 8-- 18 8-1- 8. base-sponsore- www.hill.af.milservicesindex.htm. 6-- Save money, maintain cars by Mary Galbraith Hilltop Times staff Many Americans spend summer months en route to vacation spots in the family car. Unfortunately, because of poor car maintenance not everyone will make it to their destination. A poorly maintained vehicle can turn a vacation in the family station wagon into a disaster especially during breakdowns while in Utah's desert country. Army Air Force Exchange Service mechanic Craig Ellison said one of the most costly mistakes drivers make is not maintaining their vehicles. He said the difference between maintenance and repair costs is immense. "Any kind of damage that drivers do to the engine in this day and age is very expensive to repair," he said. "The maintenance at this point is kind of expensive, but if you look at it in respect to $100 bucks vs. a few thousand it's well worth it" He said failing to take care of the cooling system and letting a car idle for extended periods of time are two frequent mistakes that cost drivers during the summer months. Ellison recommends keeping antifreeze, water, a spare pair of belts and extra quarts of oil in a vehicle. fj "It doesn't hurt to keep the engine clean also," he said. "The less dirt, the less heat Heat is the worst enemy of a car, tire wise, engine wise, interior wise everything." In addition to checking transmission, oil, coolant, break and windshield wiper fluid levels and ensuring hoses are intact and free of leaks, Ellison said following the tips provided by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence can help drivers with summer commuting. The following tips are among those provided in free brochures at the AAFES Service Station in the Mini Mall, Bldg. 420. Air Conditioning A marginally operating system will fail in hot weather. Have the system examined by a qualified technician. The greatCooling System est cause of summer breakdowns is overheating. The cooling system should be completely flushed and refilled every 24 months. The level, condition and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodie and cally (a 5050 mix of . is water recommended) Oil Change the vehicle oil and oil filter as specified in the manual more often (every 3,000 miles) if drivers make frequent short jaunts, anti-freez- extended trips with a lot of luggage or tow a trailer. Engine Performance Replace other filters (air, fuel, PVC) as recommended and more often in dusty conditions. Get engine driveability problems (hard starts, rough idling, stalling, diminished power) corrected at a reputable shop. A dirty Windshield Wipers windshield causes eye fatigue and can pose a safety hazard. Replace worn blades and get plenty of windshield washer solvent. Tires Have tires rotated every 5,000 miles. Check tire pressures once a month; let the tires "cool down" first. Don't forget the spare, and be sure the jack is in good condition. Examine tires for tread life, uneven wearing and cupping, and check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. An alignment is warranted if there's uneven tread wear or the vehicle pulls to one side. Inspect all lights and Lights bulbs and replace burned out bulbs. Periodically clean dirt and insects from all lenses. To prevent scratching, never use a dry rag. Carry some Emergencies basic tools. Ask a technician for suggestions depending on the vehicle. Gas-savin- tips g Temperatures aren't the only thing on the rise this summer. Gas prices are also on the incline. According to AAA, the most recent average e price for gas is $1.60 per gallon for unleaded. Following a few guidelines can offset the price of petrol. A properly maintained and operated vehicle will run more efficiently, safely, last longer and have fewer negative impacts on the environment, according to the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. The institute has several tips for maintaining and reliable vehicles during the summer heat. Keep the engine tuned up. r Check tires for proper inflation. According to the Car Care Council, every ten days motorist d tires and poorly driving with maintained engines waste 70 million gallons of gas. Keep air conditioners in top condition and serviced by a technician certified to handle refrigerants. Observe speed limits. Gas mileage decreases sharply above 55 mph. Drive gently. Avoid sudden accelerations and jerky Use cruise-contron to as open highways keep speed steady as posself-serv- fuel-efficie- nt under-inflate- stop-and-goe- s. ol sible. Remove excessive items from the vehicle. Plan trips. Consolidate daily errands to elim- inate unnecessary driving, travel when traffic o is light to avoid conditions and join a car pool. stop-and-g- s. |