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Show - Free Press Looking Celebrate Statehood in Lehi year-lon- g Page 2 Opinion back at the mwmm North Utah County has a unique opportunity to celebrate Utah's history this Saturday when Lehi hosts the annual Statehood Day celebration. While Saturday's events will mark the state's 102nd birthday, Statehood Day has not been celebrated in much of a fashion until two years ago, when Utah kicked celebration of its off a 100th anniversary. That commemoration was so successful in creating a sense of community and pride that the state decided to keep a part of it alive each year with a Statehood Day celebration to be observed in a different city or town each year. Lehi is the site of this year's Statehood festivities, and it offers the community an opportunity to display its history and hospitality. It's a party we shouldn't want to miss. For one thing, thanks to the devoted efforts of local historians like Richard Van Wagoner and Carl Mellor, Lehi has made a vigorous effort in recent years to preserve and restore much of the community's history. While this history, peopled with colorful figures like Orrin Porter Rockwell and replete with accounts of the Fairfield encampment and the Pony Express, is unique to Lehi, it has much in common with the early years of the entire north county area. The wonderful John Hutchings Museum gives a glimpse into our past that is not available anywhere else in the valley. The museum's displays of geology, Wednesday, December 31.1997 anthropology and paleontology provide a peek into a distant past common to many areas of the state. The museum will be one of the main focal points of the morning activities for Statehood Day. It is well worth the visit. Participants are also invited to celebrate at Thanksgiving Point, Alan and Karen Ashton's "offering of gratitude" which includes a e activity center complete with gardens, restaurants, shops, recreational activities and an animal farm. The afternoon activities will include historical exhibits at Lehi High School and guided bus tours of Lehi. The tours, hosted by members of Lehi's Historical Preservation Commission, will take visitors on a trip to 15 historical sites in and around Lehi, sites that play a significant and surprising role in the growth of the town, the valley and the state. An evening program, featuring Lt. Gov. Olene Walker, Roard of State History Chair Peter L. Goss, and Division of State History Director Max J. Evans, will be a highlight of the day's events. Evans is a Lehi native and knows the territory well. Much of the community's talent will be on display, including the recent reincarnation of the Lehi Silver Band, which welcomed the individuals recreating the first pioneer trek to Utah as they entered the valley 550-acr- this past July. It should be a great party. It is an honor for Lehi to host this important state celebration. We should all make plans to attend. Life magazine used to do a great job of presenting the year in the review with their annual Tear in Pictures" edition. My wife and I used to enjoy purchasing one of the oversized pictorials, looking through the issue together and recalling the events of the past some of which we had temyear then keeping the porarily forgotten magazine for future reminiscences. Budget constraints have apparently affected the publication because the magazine is no larger than a standard issue yet carries a price tag. Each year I also enjoy purchasing an almanac, which not only provides useful general information, but also a look back at the recent year. One of my favorite portions of the almanac is a look back at the obituaries from the year. Although it is easy to remember when one of the great stars, such as Jimmy Stewart, passes away, quite often I need to be reminded that others who have made contributions have also left our midst. For our local news, I have the opportunity to review the events of the year as I compile our own Year in Review. With all of the events of the community, the issues discussed at city meetings, and the various pictures that I take each week, I sometimes forget exactly what has happened in a particular year. So it is an enjoyable task, rather than a looming chore, that I d past issues to recall the information. Although the main focus is what one may call "hard news," while I have each issue in my hands, I quickly glance through the weddings, the missionaries and the obituaries to see the "'personal news" of my friends and associates in the community. Probably every family in Lehi is touched in some way by at least one event throughout the 3'ear, from simple events such as school news or per- heftier-than-usu- Countdown to the millennium and The beginning of a new year brings us that much closer to the next milfJ:" lennium. The word itself has two meanings: the first, of course, is a period of 1,000 years or its anniverI .HI li'l I sary, but the second is a period of great happiness or perfect human existence. And for about two thirds of My safe prediction is that the realall Americans (according to a recent ly momentous events preceding the U.S. Xcus poll) that kind of millennimillennium of the latter meaning will um is associated with the return of come after the American people will Jesus Christ (including many who think they have seen it all quite some time after the hoopla of the year .say they never attend church). As wo approach our culturally 2,000 has been forgotten; long after accepted calculation of the 2,000th the glitches on many mainyear since the birth of Christ, I won- frame computer systems have been der what Americans will expect. fixed; long after we have gone back to Incidentally, I wonder if anyone takes business as usual; long after dozens church-and-stat- e offense by realizing of the prophecies that every time they write the year have proven false. We simply have too on a check, a contract, or a tax return much work to do before all of the that they are passively acknowledg- signs are fulfilled. Which brings up some of the intering our collective Christian reverence for the life of Jesus Christ. esting paradoxes about this impendI wonder if we will see a parallel to era: ing 3 Nephi 1 and 2, where the sign of His We are, for example, to know the birth caused many unbelievers to fall season, but not the day nor the hour to the earth "as if they were dead." of his coming (1 Thess. 5:1-4- ; D&C The sign was so thoroughly accepted 49:7). His coming will overtake the that they began to reckon their time by that day on; and yet, in only a few wicked as a thief in the night, but the years, '...(lie people began to forget children of light must be prepared those signs and wonders... and began and watch for Him or be cut off (D&C to he less and less astonished..." by 106:4-5- ; 45:44). A desolating sickness will cover them. V al sonal accomplishments to events such as weddings or graduations to the toughies such as taxes or tragedies. As I started the project for this year, I was soon reminded about the commencement of the town meetings for our new neighbors to the west as Eagle Mountain started holding their town councils. Not too long after that, the Lehi City Council decided that there was something not quite right about another city using our council chambers and requested that the newcomers find other arrangements for their public meetings. So the Eagle Mountain officials moved to the Veteran's Hall, and later to their own offices (although both locations were still in Lehi) until they can complete their own facilities in the town itself, which will be part of next year's news of the year. Another interesting episode happened after I was critical of the Lehi City Council in one of my columns. One of the councilmembers called me on phone, not to mention the carpet, and said he was offended by some of the things I wrote. I really appreciated that phone call, because it not only let me know how he felt, but gave me a chance to have some meaningful dialogue with him about issues I felt were very serious. I thought that was the end of the matter, but I was mistaken. The next week, the council felt compelled to make a statement of their and later foown by threatening to llowing through with their threat remove their public notices from the Lehi Free Press. crazies second-comin- g the land, but we have a responsibility to care for the sick and see to their needs (D&C 45: 31; Alma 1:30). Which brings up the main concern about millennialism altogether. How does tfte promise of an imminent golden age preceded by death and livdestruction affect our day-to-da- year that was y ing? If we believe AIDS, for example, is the sickness spoken of, how willing are we to sacrifice our resources to find a cure that may never be? How do we regard efforts to save the planet if we believe it's all going up in smoke (especially when we consider ourselves stewards of the earth)? As conspiracy theories multiply, fueling government distrust, do we react by cashing in for hard currency and storing guns instead of food? If we identify despots such as Suddam Hussein as a antichrists, how do we regard their people? It's important that we not get crazies. caught up in second-comin- g As early as the first century, some Christians gave up planting spring crops because they didn't expect to harvest them in the fall. Christopher Columbus is said to have believed the world would end in 1650. He considered his discovery of the "New World" part of a divine plan to establish a millennial paradise. "God made me the messenger of the new heaven and the new Earth of which he spoke in the Apocalypse of St. John," Columbus wrote in his journal, "and he showed me the spot where to find it." (U.S. News and VfSrld Report, Dec. 15, 1997) Ironically, this has added meaning for Latter-da- y Saints (See Ether 13:6-10- ). Instead of curtailing our efforts, Latter-da- y Saints will send more missionaries, build more temples, perform more ordinances for the living and the dead, retain more converts, and provide more and greater humanitarian service. As President Hinckley said in the last General Conference, "We cannot live a cloistered existence in this world. We are a part of the whole of humanity." With his characteristic optimism he also said, "The time has now come to turn about and face the future. This is a season of a thousand opportunities. It is ours to grasp and move forward. What a wonderful time it is for each of us to do his or her small part in moving the work of the Lord on to its magnificent destiny." (Ensign, Nov. 1997, pgs. 67-6Before the "great and dreadful" day of the Lord, faithful Latter-da- y Saints will be found everlastingly maximizing the "great" while minimizing the "dreadful." What a season to be alive and best wishes for 1998! Although it seems they tried to impugn me, they ended up punishing the very residents they were elected to represent in city government and, as a result, merely shut the door even farther on their constituents. Fortunately, they did the politically correct thing by restoring the legal notices to the paper and by opening the door once again to hear the voice of the people. In all fairness, I must say that, on the other side of the coin, the city council offered the people opportunities to be heard, opportunities which were largely disregarded. During the budget hearings, for example, the council made themselves available for three days to explain what the city's financial goals included and asked for additional input from the citizens. Only about a dozen people attended during the three days, at least two of whom were the same people each day. Another very enjoyable part of my job involves learning more about the great people of our community. Each week I get the opportunity to chat with someone who has been successful or interesting (usually both) in their line of work or in their unique hobby. Sometimes these are people who are new to Lehi, other times they are long time friends. Each one, though, has a tale to tell and some great insights to share with the rest of us. I also get the opportunity to go into the schools and into the churches and into the organizations to meet groups of people who are doing great things for the community. From the youngest Reflections Contest winner to the adults who spearhead the great service projects, citizens of Lehi make incredible contributions to our lives and the lives of others. As 1997 closes today, I must express gratitude for the great people of our community and the great things they do to enrich our society. Best wishes to all for 1998. SSSSSSS9 By Zig Ziglar On Oct. 20, 1997, the U. S. Department of Education released a report that reveals some fascinating, but not surprising, statistical data. Findings stuclearly showed that high-schodents who take algebra, geometry and the more difficult math courses are far more likely to be successful in college' and in the work force. This is true regardless of family income or whether their education was in a public or private school. Education Secretary Richard Riley says this data should help parents and teachers understand that you do the kids no favors when you permit them to sign up for "easy" courses. , Riley believes math may be a great equalizer, and the data supports him. Unfortunately, even though algebra is the gateway to advanced math and science in high school, many students do not take it in middle school. With our marketplace demanding more knowledgeable workers, our kids need to be given a wake-u- p call via their parents that one of the best ways to get ahead in life is to buckle down and take the tough courses while they're in middle school. All of us need to understand that you don't develop champions on a feather bed. Take the tougher road and you'll end up on the high road, which means I will see you at the top! Reader's Forum Clearing the air Editor: am writing to comment on lation H.R. 1984, I the proposed legis- by Congressional Representatives Chris Cannon and Jim Hansen. If passed, it would prevent the new EPA standards from being implemented nationwide. These new EPA standards target combustion-relate- d particulates (PM2.5), and would force heavy industry to reduce those emissions. When I learned of this bill, I wondered what coidd possibly spawn the complete departure of good judgment from these capable men. Have they not gazed upon our blighted skyline recently or taken a deep breath? Surely, they are aware of the health effects of serious and industrial pollution. In fact, studies performed by BYU scientists, which showed a significant link between industrial particulate pollution and bad health, were used by the EPA to develop the new national standards. While H.R. 1984 would certainly benefit Mr. Cannon's brother, who is the CEO of Geneva Steel, ?Ee(i fe (ISSN No. (U.S.P.S. No. press 8750-46G9- A '"Urjf?,., M I 309-500- ) member ol ?,usfl. NATIONAL NEWSPAPER ASSOCIATION it absolutely does not benefit the rest of us who are surrounded by turbid, and yes even toxic, air. Incredibly, industry and the politicians they've paid for blame cars entirely for our poor air quality in order to create a diversion from a major culprit, heavy industry. The truth is, industry contributes more combustion-relate- d particulates than cars, especially along the Wasatch Front. We can have clean air, but only if we apply strict standards to both individuals and corporations cars fairly. We must require more energy-efficieand aggressively promote alternative transportation. But we must also strenuously oppose the continued excessive pollution by industry, especially when many of them are using grossly outdated coke equipment, like Geneva Steel's ovens. I can see clearly the source of "The Cloud" that hangs over Utah Valley and it's not my car! Surely, there are many honest people among our legislators, but sadly, H.R. 1984 was crafted on g behalf of the interests of heavy industry. If passed, it will clearly favor industry profits at the expense of public health and quality of life for all of us. I hope you will call Reps. Cannon at 0 7 and Hansen at and urge them to withdraw their support and vote "no" on H.R. 1984. Perhaps they just need a gentle reminder about who they represent. For more information on l.his issue, please write to us do Clean Air, P.O. box 1428, American Fork, Utah 84003. Instead of trying to undermine the EPA, Reps. Cannon and Hansen could focus their efforts on legislation that would promote clean technology research and provide incentives for heavy industry to upgrade their facilities. Now that would be political leadership. Kimberly Gibbs nt Come to Lehi Editor: On behalf of the Utah Historical Society, the city of Lehi, and the Lehi Historical Preservation Commission, I would like to invite everyone to join with us in celebrating Utah's 102nd birthday in Lehi on Saturday, Jan. 3. From 9 a.m. to noon, guests are invited to visit the John Hutchings Museum, 100 North Center, and Thanksgiving Point, 2095 N. West Frontage Road. self-servin- 379-250- 625-567- Published weekly by TTie ewlahiews jroup 59 West Main American Fork, Utah 84003 & Classified Circulation News Publisher Managing Brett Editor Bezzant Marc Haddock Russ Daly City Editor Subscription price S24 ' per.year Periodicals Postage Paid at American Fork, Utah POSTMASTER: 59 Weit Main. lend addresi change to American Fork. Utah 84O03 Advertising .Tuesday, noon Display Advertising .Monday. 5 p.m. News Monday. 2 p.m. Missionaries Weddings Calendar Community Letters to Monday. 2 p.m. v the Editor Obituaries special showing Mary Ann Judd's watercolors of more than 150 historic Lehi buildings. From 1 to 4:30 p.m. a guided bus tour of historic Lehi will be offered. Approximately 15 sites will be featured, including the Lehi Roller Mills where the movie Footltme was filmed. A banquet will be held at the Lehi Senior High School at 5:30 p.m., which will be followed by a Statehood Day program. Lt. Governor Olene S. Walker and Congressman Chris Cannon will deliver remarks. The statehood day address, "The Land South was Called Lehi," will be delivered by Lehi native Max J. Evans, Director of the Utah State Historical Society. Although there is a charge for the historical tour and banquet, the Statehood Day program and historical exhibits are free. Please come and visit us. We would love to see all of you. For information on the tours and banquet 6 or please contact Carl Mellor, Richard S. Van Wagoner Lehi Historical Preservation Commission award-winnin- g 1905-bui- lt 768-866- 768-457- 8. We welcome letters to the editor. Deadlines Telephone Numbers Advertising From noon to 5 p.m., more than a dozen historical exhibits will be open at Lehi High School, 500 E. Main. Included will be a of Monday. 2 p.m. .Monday. 10 a.m. Monday. 10 a.m. Tuesday. 11 All letters must include the author's name (printed AND signed) and a telephone number. We reserve the right to edit letters for clarity, punctuation, taste and length. Letters are welcome on any topic. HOW TO REACH US By Mail P.O. Box 7, American Fork, UT 84003 By Fax 756-527- 4 a.m. In Person 59 W. Main, American Fork By newtahaol.com J |