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Show Comments Free Press - Wednesday, October Even the Tooth Fairy has to bend the rules Editorial Temple dedication puts us on display once more North Utah County will have one final opportunity to open its doors and its arms to our Utah neighbors next week when dedication services are held for the Mount Timpanogos Temple. Unlike the open house which recently ended, the temple dedication is likely to generate more traffic problems for the community. Traffic to the open house was consistent and controlled as visitors came to the temple according to a carefully planned pattern. The temple dedication services will begin and end at specific times, with peaks and ebbs in the traffic flow. Also, these services will be held at several locations in addition to the temple, such as the Alpine Tabernacle. And that brings the traffic home to downtown American six-wee- k Fork. The dedication is also different in that it is not open to the public, but will be restricted to members of the LDS Church who are verified worthy prior to the session. It will be a busy week. Some 29 sessions are period, planned in the seven-da- y beginning with the laying of the cornerstone Sunday morning. This unique ceremony is likely to attract a large gathering, even though most won't be able to see anything and accommodations will not be made for a crowd. hour-and-a-ha- lf 4 that initial ceremony, the dedication services will be repeated throughout the week. Local interest in this dedication service is very high, and most of the individuals attending the services will be from After the north Utah County area and other areas which lie within the Mount of the boundaries District. Timpanogos Temple Many people will be traveling our streets on their way to and from a service they consider extraordinarily sacred. While they are here, they may also be shopping in our stores, eating in our restaurants, observing our residents. And we should go out of our way to make them feel welcome and to help them enjoy this important event. The building of the temple, the open house and now the temple dedication have already made an impact on our community. This beautiful structure has touched the lives of many local residents profoundly. The dedication is a culmination of this experience. And the impact will be lasting. Once the ceremonies are completed and the temple opens for daily temple work and worship, it will go on uplifting many lives. For LDS Church members, nothing increases personal religious values more than having the House of the Lord move into the neighborhood 5; Temple edition is only the beginning Although I see it several times each rflay, it still seems amazing and wonderful that we have a temple so close to home. As we look forward to the dedication, we can "lso look forward to the great work of the temple binding families together for time and eternity. Thousands of volunteers who have contributed millions of man hours to make the open house and dedication possible, vill now realize their desire. 'The work of the open house has been a welcome, but strenuous challenge that has Jjfted us to new heights. I only hope that after our lives return to "normal" that we dp not lose our enthusiasm for the temple and temple worship. J For me, the publication and distribution of the Mount Timpanogos Temple Commemorative Edition has been the project of a lifetime. It was only possible because of your talented contributions feature articles, essays, poetry, music, art ahd photography. So far, thanks to the help of the temple open house committee, e have distributed over 50,000 copies. ' Since 1997 is the sesquicentennial of the arrival of the Mormon pioneers to Utah, it only seems right that our next community project should be a commemorative pioneer heritage edition. Again, we will need your help to compile the individual and family histories of the pioneers who settled our own communities. The stones could begin with how their lives were changed by their conversion to the church, Jtheir experiences in Kirtland, Far West, Jand Nauvoo; their trek to Utah and their (Battlement in the American Fork, Lehi and jHeasant Grove area. How fitting it seems that as we dedicate the Mount irjmpanogos Temple and begin to expand J;he ordinance work for our ancestors, we ican also celebrate our pioneer heritage! r We also hope that every local congregation, whether LDS or not will research their pioneer history. The LDS theme of if. Looking over the Obvious By BRETT BEZZANT long-await- r "Faith in every Footstep" will apply just as well to our local Presbyterian, Baptist, Catholic and other congregations. The important thing is that the articles and research bring out our own local heritage of faith. We hope you will find accounts that bring these pioneers to life. We need stories that create a picture in the mind of pioneer living. We may ask for essays on the subject of, "What my pioneer heritage means to me today." Music, poetry and art would also be welcome. We will produce this local commemorative pioneer edition after the pattern of the temple edition, using magazine-qualitpaper and full color pages. (However, this time we will need to include enough advertising to more than break even financially.) We hope you will help us make it good enough that everyone will want one as a family keepsake. It's a project worthy of our best efforts. So, don't just sit there reading the paper! Find that y heart-wrenchin- fasci- nating or humorous story about one of your ancestors. Let us know how you plan to celebrate the pioneer sesquicentennial. We'll bring it all together sometime in July of next year. I just wanted to give you plenty of time to do your best work. With our many statehood celebrations winding down and the temple dedication taking place this week, it's time to share and celebrate our priceless pioneer heritage! We hope you'll give it some serious thought and start preparing now. .' ! 9, 1996 - Page 4 Although I do my goodly share of justifying when it comes to interpreting the "spirit of the law," I don't go around breaking laws willy-nillAnd while I'm certainly not suggesting that we break any laws such as those against stealing and murder and the like, perhaps the lesser regulations and guidelines that plague our lives should be more flexible. I was asked to participate in a panel discussion at Utah Valley State College last week. Over the phone, I willingly agreed to help out a class understand the problems associated with the different types of newspapers. Had I known what hassles I would encounter at the school, I would have refused at the outset. The instructor sent me a letter outlining my responsibilities on the panel, then moved on to the logistics of parking. She had neglected to send the parking pass, which came in a second letter a couple of days later. On that fateful day, as I turned off 1200 South in Orem, the letter instructed me to turn left after I entered. Perhaps she should have noted that one actually turns right immediately after leaving 1200 South, then turns left into the college. I thought I was following the instructions, and given that there was massive construction directly ahead of me, I thought that making a left turn was about my only option. Well, I ended up circling the campus and arriving at the parking lot where I used to park a few years ago when I was helping with a performing group at the college. Although that lot used to be free parking, some official decided the school or the state could use a few extra bucks by charging. Because my main concern was for the education of the students, that is, that I arrive at the class in a timely manner, I didn't notice the small sign that said the lot was not eligible for the type of pass that I had in my possession. I intended to ask the attendant in the booth, but the booth designer made absolutely no provision for anyone to ask a question of the attendant operates along the Eastern seaboard because they threaten the world's most endangered whales. It seems the Coast Guard has an endangered species division, which has the power of law under the Endangered Species Act. They tell us that after 50 years of protection, the whale population hasn't increased significantly. They must blame this on man rather than the fact that the whales are just plain stupid. These save the animal zealots won't be satisfied until animals take over the world. I thought it was outrageous when the government came down on the side of the Spotted Owl. Now, they have moved offshore and have put the high seas off limits to ships in general. Can you imagine telling a captain of a ship from a foreign nation, steaming across the Atlantic, that he should slow down because he might damage a whale? He would feel the same about that as I would feel about a Spotted Owl clogging up my radiator. The new law requires the Coast Guard to come up with a technology to prevent collisions with whales. I can't Dick Boland 1996 Creators Syndicate, Inc. imagine what this is going to cost us. If we can find submarines, can't we find whales, as well? In addition, the whale wackos want the Coast Guard to implement a warning system for ships traveling through known whale areas so they won't bump into the mammoth creatures. The Coast Guard at one time was charged with the protection of human life in our territorial waters. So much for us. It seems there are only 300 of the mammoth creatures left on Earth. Considering how much ocean there is and how little of it the Coast Guard patrols, the entire matter seems a little ridiculous. Couldn't we just put up some Daly 83 Planet By RUSS DALY prior to entering the lot. When I returned to my car, I was confident that all I would have to do would be to show my letter from the instructor and I would be allowed to leave the lot. Either the fee would be waived or it would be charged to that department, but in no case should I have to pay it in light of the fact that I was offering my time and efforts to the worthy cause of educating people like the attendant in the booth. But no, this person was instructed to be difficult and to follow some book of regulations mercilessly and despite any sort of logical explanation. It wasn't like I was a student trying to circumvent the planned student parking or anything; after all, I hadn't gone to the school for my own benefit, but for the betterment of the students. Fortunately, one of our illustrious Utah County Commissioners happened to be right behind me, also trying to get out of the lot. For some reason, though, he not only had some magic little sticker that allowed him out without paying, but he also had an extra one, which he gave to the attendant to get me out of the way. Some people have all the luck I guess. A woman I know was asked to sing in one of the choirs that will be gracing the upcoming temple dedication ceremonies. The invitation caused a little concern to this good woman because she was aware that all participants had to meet certain criteria for entrance into the building. Not that she had to worry, mind you, but she had not been to the temple in a number of years and was a bit hesitant to return. To complicate matters, the woman's husband tion about meeting the criteria, not necessarily for the dedication, but for general temple attendance. by both WelL after much parties, and a veritable refiner's fire for their relationship, both of them came away with recommends and a renewed dedication to living up to the standards discussed in the interviews. Meanwhile, the woman attempted to return to rehearsals for the choir after some absences for legitimate reasons. She was informed by the pompous little man directhad surpassed ing the choir that the choir the fact that, to despite her ability perform, being a professional musician, she had practiced the music on her own and had completely memorized the scores. This director, and I use the term loosely, refused to listen to any verbal explanation and refused to be directed by any sort of spiritual guidance that should have told him that the woman had faced a dilemma and had successfully conquered a situation that had become a stumbling block. I know this woman was deeply hurt by that action, but would never say so to most people. The positive thing that came out of the hurt, however, is the fact that both she and her husband have returned to temple activity and to a renewed dedication to their personal relationship as well. My daughter found out that she needed to be flexible in some situations when she was twice disappointed by the Tooth Fairy this week. She came to me Sunday morning with her teeth in her hand, let down that she had not received remuneration for her time at the dentist. I suggested that she might not have made them accessible. She had. I then tried the concept of writing a note to the fairy. She had. I then approached it from the standpoint of putting a call through to the old bat. So everyone that telephoned that evening was asked if he or she was the Tooth Fairy. The third time was the charm, and maybe next time the Tooth Fairy will know the rules. Letters to the editor When is violating the Constitution frivolous? Editor: In your article of Sept. 18, 1996 entitled "Micron suit dismissed, Lehi still pays $30,000," Councilwoman Frances Comer called Richard Smith's suit a "frivolous" lawsuit. Apparently Councilwoman Comer is carrying on the tradition of the Lehi City Council of not personally reading the documents relating to the Micron RDA (the $200 million giveaway of taxpayer funds). Herewith the lawsuitcomplaint: 1. The Micron Redevelopment Project is unconstitutional resulting in unequal taxation in violation of Article XIII, Sections 2 and 3 of the Utah Constitution. 2. The Micron Redevelopment Project is unconstitutional in that the debt is in excess of taxes for the current year in violation of Article XIV, Section 3 of the Utah Constitution. 3. The Micron Redevelopment Project is unconstitutional in that the indebtedness incurred for other than strictly county, city, town or school district purposes, is in violation of Article XIV, Section 4 of the Utah Constitution. 4. The Micron Redevelopment Project is unconstitutional in that it is in violation of the equal protection clause, Article I, Section 24 of the Utah Constitution. 5. The Micron Redevelopment Project is unconstitutional in that it is a grant of irrevocable franchise, privilege or immunity, in violation of Article I, Section 23 of the Utah Constitution. 6. The Micron Redevelopment Project is unconstitutional in that it is a private and special law in violation of Article VI, Section 26 of the Utah Constitution. 7. The Micron Redevelopment Project is in violation of the Utah Code Anno. 7 and requiring that Lehi City have a General Community Plan and that the preliminary redevelopment plan show that the proposed development conforms to the General Community Plan. 8. Lehi CityCouncilRDA are in violation of the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and in violation of 42 U.S.C. 1983. A "frivolous" lawsuit? Not on your life! Since when is violating the constitution frivolous? Councilwoman Comer had better go back to school. Furthermore, the lawsuit was dis 17A-2-12- 17A-2-12-- missed because the Deputy Sheriff served the complaint at the "front desk" of the Lehi City offices and not on the City Recorder. The dismissal was on a legal technicalitymistake, just like the dismissal of murderers and drug dealers on legal technicalities. It should also be noted that, with the exception of the complaint, all of the plaintiffs motions were written by lay people, d going up against Lehi City's SLC lawyers. Surely, the Lehi City Council who was capable of authorizing a $125 million tax rebate solely on the Governor's word without performing their own independent due diligence (like reading the documents, playing devils advocate, talking to Boise City officials, checking out the industry, etc.) is capable of presenting its own defense with the help of the Lehi City Attorney. Lehi taxpayers shouldn't have to foot an extravagant legal bill with such diligent and competent public officials representing them. Frivolous? I wonder who is frivolous? high-price- Robert Stephens Lack of arts support found in the schools, too Editor: The recent articles about the lack of support for the arts in Lehi have prompted me to present a concern that should have been addressed a long time ago. Not only do the arts lack support in the community itself, but also in the schools. What has happened at Lehi High School? I ask this question because of the obvious decline in quality and student participation in arts related programs. Although there appears to be numerous problems in other areas at Lehi High School, problems with the band program Where is Captain Ahab when you need him? More endangered species idiocy came to the surface recently. The United States Coast Guard must change the way it The u.ae 0wn mnre confused about his own posi "No Whales Allowed" signs around Cape Cod or wherever it is that these useless creatures travel? Putting the blame on the Coast Guard is a little farfetched. However, the whale weirdos claim that these new restrictions would not interfere with any emergency missions. Yeah, sure, they just be sure you don't have a problem in whale waters. If hampering Coast Guard activity isn't bad enough, these same people want to hinder United States Naval operations along the East Coast. This, of course, would be insanity, but when it comes to endangered species, sane thinking has very little to do with the kinds of laws we end up with to protect the animal world. They are even considering closing some lobster catching areas for a few months each year while the whales dine and mate. This would be the last straw. Lobster is expensive enough without us having to import them from nations with more common sense. We need laws to protect us from endangered species nut cases. The animals were put here for our benefit, not the other way around. I cannot think of one day in my life where something occurred or didn't occur because we have whales. are the most acute. In the past, Lehi High School has boasted a quality band program. However, as can be seen from the poor quality of performances by the high school marching band in past summer parades, our band program is in serious trouble. It is obvious that there is very little concern for pride, quality and discipline, which explains the immense decline in student participation. Students will not participate in a program that serves to be an embarrassment to themselves, their school and the community. Having heard the band at ball games as well, I know the problem extends further than just the marching band. The high school class catalog lists only one regular day band class offered to students. A quality band program will offer a top concert band as well as a training concert band, not to mention jazz ensembles and percussion ensembles. Problems in the band program are beginning in the junior high. Parents will not make the financial investment for their junior high students when they see the poor quality of the band program in the junior high as well as the high school. An obvious problem exists at Lehi Junior High when in order to gather a band large enough to take to a music festival it requires the combing of seventh, eighth and ninth grade students. Performances at festivals do not receive very positive ratings and do not even begin to compare with the high qualify of the other local junior high groups. A quality band program will not only help the students develop musical talents but also serve as a vehicle to help them become better people. Through music students learn dedication, responsibility, communication, team work and many other leadership skills. Many experts have discovered that students who are involved in music do better in school. The students of Lehi are being short changed. They are not being given the opportunity to participate in a quali- ty program. The students in Lehi are just as capable as any others. However, they are not being taught the leadership skills to create and develop their skills through a quality program. Past successes in the early and late eighties prove this point. These problems are a direct reflection of the teacher and the school administration. It is amazing that the community has tolerated this problem for so long with no improvements. The band program is not in a rebuilding year as the comment was made during the 4th of July parade on television this year. If anything, the program is getting worse. The band program did not need to be rebuilt after the departure of the previous teacher. Only since then has it been in need of rebuilding. How many years and wasted student opportunities does it take before the administration will realize that the status quo is not cutting it. It makes one wonder about the motivation, understanding and real support for a quality band program the administration really has. I respect the students who have continued to participate in these programs. I am writing this letter because I have a concern for the quality of educational experience the students of Lehi have. At this point the secondary schools in Lehi are serving the needs of very few students, especially those interested in music. If other communities and school officials can support more than sports, why can't Lehi? I would hate to think that the parents of Lehi are not concerned about this problem. I challenge the community and administration of Lehi High School and Lehi Junior High to take the necessary steps to fix the problem and get the band program heading in a positive direction. The students at Lehi High School and Lehi Junior High School deserve the best. Name Withheld |