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Show CASTLE VALLEY TIMES TARDYeTIMES Castle Valley, Utah - Volume I, Number 7 Positive Thinking & Slowing Down A few months past I suggested you think about your driving as a way of slowing down and thereby helping control the dust and save our roads. Since I’ve been taking my own advice, it really has made a difference in the way I drive out here. Brie and I conducted a little study over three miles of CV Drive. We went 20 mph and 30 mph. We drove from the last road before the upper 80 to the llama lane (not quite 3 miles) and predictably timed approximately 6 minutes at 30 mph and about 8 minutes at 20 mph. At 30 mph in my little GEO I made a dust cloud; at 20 mph I didn’t. At 30 mph we had to brake at Tony Contreras’ comer; not at 20. At 30 I threw gravel; at 20 I didn’t. Try your . August 15, 1992 - How Time Flies Participating in Local Government Can Be Fun Living in a small town affords one the opportunity to participate in one’s governing. Though we have given our elected officials the responsibility of making final decisions, we as Town residents still have a say about what happens in Castle Valley. Going to public meetings can seem tedious, particularly if we can’t have any impact. I have had this experience in some of my first Town Council meetings—that of sitting, watching, and listening to others make decisions about issues that concerned me without my input. Unlike the first few meetings I attended, I have found the last few Town Council meetings to be stimulat— ing, informative, and fun. This has been Ordinance passage was urged by town residents, and Town Council Members followed suit. It was exciting to feel the ground-swell of opinion and to have our elected officials respond. There has also been laughter and playfulness at these meetings. The banter occurring over the $50 bet that almost took place between Paul Sizemore and Jack Campbell at the June meeting left many of us in stitches. Having some fun while dealing with serious issues adds to the richness of the experience. As Castle Valley’s population grows there will be an increasing number of proposed changes with varying opinions as to their necessity. Each of us has our pet peeves or individual issues. Outdoor lights affect some, dust own test, then think about your patterns. Rush only when you must. Come next Monday—moming traffic—think about the kids at the bus stops. They are all going to be driving some time sooner or later. Some are driving already. What kind of an example are you setting for our Castle Valley youth? Dusting children and other living things is inconsiderate, uncool, demeaning to their self—esteem, and a rotten example to these future due partly to the increased number of people attending. During the August meeting there were so many of us that some residents had to stand or sit on the floor. The amount of energy generated with so many people is in itself stimulating. Those of us attending have had the opportunity to express our opinions, have issues clarified, and recommend yeah and nay votes. An example of residents’ effectiveness was demonstrated with the Underground Power drivers. Combined with flying gravel, Ordinance. After much discussion and action. It’s an amazing and exciting it’s down right hazardous to their info gathering the Underground Power process. others; trailers affect some, numbers of dwellings others. Because we are a small community, albeit a rapidly growing one, we are affected by the issues that affect our neighbors, whether directly or indirectly. It is important, therefore, to voice our desires, ideas, likes, and dislikes so that our council persons can represent us in their voting. Attending Town Council meetings gives us the opportunity to see and participate in democracy in —Joan Sangree health! I’m getting tired of being dusted when going slowly by speedy persons going the other way. To repeat myself, I think "traffic control” is a restricting idea. How about some sort of positive reinforcement program to reward slowing down? Citizen commendations every month at POA. or Town Meeting could recognize and/or reward thoughtful drivers. Instead of pointing fingers at offenders such as the very trucks that are transporting the gravel, reward with perhaps “dust control dollars” those we Good News! Castle Valley Scholarships have been awarded to RALENE EHLERS and DUANE WILLIAMS. Ralene will attend Brigham Young University, majoring in International Relations, minoring in Music. Duane will attend Utah State, majoring in Engineering and Computer Science. Both will receive checks for $500 to help facilitate their college experience. Congratulations and best wishes to you both! as a community appreciate for saving the roads and our well being. Spotting good drivers could become a great Note from Times editor (Salt Lake, 8/27): Though I am no stranger to procrasti- hobby—sort of like arch hunting. nation (I even value it as part of my creative process), that is not the reason this —Annie Benge issue has been delayed. My beautiful and spirited 87-year—old mother is preparing to die, and I am part of the loving group attending her. I will return to‘CV with great joy but am grateful for this rich and poignant experience. Thank you all for understanding. —Cris Coffey |