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Show Page All (The (Timcs-Juitepcnitc- Thursday, September 18, 2003 nt Letters to the Editor What does Utah mean to me? accolaide to a gracious lady Well-deserve- d Dear Editor, Thank you, thank you, thank you!! I am a friend of Virginia Fossey and I was very happy to see her picture on your front page where she belongs. I also liked the article that accompanied it. This told in part about her 45 years of sendee . . . to Moab and the Dan O'Laurie Museum. A well deserved accolade to a wonderful and gracious lady with a delicious" sense of humor. Thank you again. Sincerely, Dorothy E. Cooney Moab "Spanish in a Pinch" coming to Moab Dear Adrien, . . . Youth foundation (ITY). Both stop-gacontributions were given in the spirit that our children and teachers participate without delay in beginning to learn a second language and that first of many positive goals may be realized. In the coming weeks. Infant Through Youth foundation (a 501-Corganization) will accept public donations to assist in deferring the Spanish in a Pinch program costs. Mailed donations may be sent to ITY, PO Box 1499, Moab, UT 84532. Contribution jars will also be located in each school for parents who wish to join with our efforts. With the hopes of reaching our funding goal by November 1 - even the smallest contribution will further our student outreach program. If you are not a parent of a school age child, or if you are a business owner interested in making a private contribution to this effort, please contact Infant Through Youth member, Mary McGann at or for additional information. Thanks for all the thoughtful opinions and concerns voiced this last year you've inspired the next phase of improvement in our childrens schools! Those of us who are directly involved in furthering these objectives continue to be grateful for your generous support and positive encouragement. Sincerely, Jayne Dillon Parent and PILOT committee member p Thanks for this opportunity to give the Moab community an update on the progress being made to address the concerns of parents expressed in the Grand County School District survey. The top eight survey concerns were: to improve communication, enhance the nutritional value of school lunches, establish a charter" center to meet the diverse learning styles of students, enhance student learning educational through a variety of K-1- 2 al opportunities, introduce a second language prooutreach curricugram, initiate lum, adopt more positive approaches to school discipline, and increase parent involvement. multi-cultur- al Through the ongoing efforts of Mary McGann, Ron Ferguson, the GCSD board and the PILOT committee, grades K- - 12 will soon begin the innovative second language program, Spanish in a Pinch. This extraordinary flash card systematic approach to conversational proficiency, both playfully and skillfully guides children and teachers to connect key words and phrases through audio and visual instruction. A lively teacher training for Spanish in a Pinch begins on October 6. The district cost to install this course, in its entirety, is $4240.00 or a mere $2.80 per child to reach all 1500 district students! Interim program funding has been offered by Ron Ferguson through the superintendent fund and Mary McGann in her request to the Infant Through 3 259-893- 1 Postscript on the Mt. Peale climb Hi Sam, With regard to that 1957 Mt. Peale climbing expedition, Don Baldwin and I were responsible for meeting the climbers on their descent that evening. As a (1956) newcomer I was unaware of a Hell Canyon road via Pack Creek. Apparently, Don didnt either. I allowed him to drive our company vehicle - where he tried several mining roads, to no avail. Finally, we decided to back out and take the highway around to the backside. However, my vehicle was disabled near the - drive shaft broke! No cell those in phones days. Did have Midland Televia Abajo Peak. Being down in a hole phone my request for a wrecker was interpreted as A e rock. wreck at the Hole-in-the-Ro- hole-in-th- non-prof- 259-877- 3 The UHP was promptly on the scene and contacted Christensen Motors for a tow back to Moab. Now, it's been many years. Don't remember what happened to Don, but without wheels, I suppose we hoped someone else would happen upon the scene and rescue the climbers. However, as time wore on I finally realized that my friend and neighbor, Ray West, wasnt home yet. At which time, I cranked up my 1955 Ford where I found you, Jack and Ray West, and Bill Teubner. Anyway, alls well that ends well - Thank God! Your friend, Larry Norman PS: Shortly after this episode I was in Miners Basin where Mr. Gordon Fowler commented ... they take the trail? Think carefully when planning for water needs Dear Sam, I wanted to share these details about the expensive difficulties other southwestern cities are suffering because they approved more development than they had the water to supply. In Santa Fe, New Mexico, they have both raised water rates yet again and instituted a resales tax to pay for short-tercounty-wid- e water At this of lief their water shortage. time, rates for household use under 10,000 gallons per month is almost six times as much per thousand gallons as we pay in Spanish Valley or Moab City. A residence which uses over 10,000 gallons in a month pays a $15 surcharge for each additional 1,000 gallons in addition to the base rate, above 20,000 gallons per month the surcharge is $25 per 1,000 gallons used. Lodging facilities cannot change sheets and towels for guests more often than once every four days. Installation of lawns and landscaping is prohibited, as is outside watering more often than once per week, and washing of vehicles. These restrictions have been in place since May, 2001. Santa Fe is seeking funding for $122 million to increase water source capacity just to deal with projected growth until the year 2010. They are seeking planning grants so they can plan how to deal with water demand past 2010. Santa Fe says it will not be able to acquire water rights for new water sources, but instead will have to come up with intensive conservation and demand management, conjunctive use, and e strategies to make the water m re-us- they have go further. After soaking existing ratepayers for the costs of expanding water services to new development since 1978, Santa Fe has hired Duncan Associates to develop impact fees for the city and county to fund this expansion of water supply. Duncan recently did an impact fee study for Las Vegas, Nevada, where impact fees were adopted without opposition. In Williams, Arizona, they are boring what it . . . Did . . . is believed to be the deepest municipal well in well seeks the Southwest. The 4,000 to tap the Redwall (limestone) aquifer which foot-dee- p discharges in springs in the Grand Canyon. The effect of pumping this aquifer by Williams on springs in the Grand Canyon and feed into the Verde River and Havasu Creek is being questioned. Montgomery and Associates engineering found that a well at Tusayan into the Redwall acquifer installed in 1989 has diminished spring flow in the Grand Canyon, e.g., by 30rt in the Indian Gardens springs, from pumping 1,000 acre-fee- t per year. Williams surface water supplies are down to 107 capacity, and the city faces having to truck water for residents. They have spent $8 million for water-wel- l drilling, which translates to $2,600 for every person living inside city limits. One of the million dollar wells was a dry hole. The city has exhausted its borrowing capacity with this investment. Williams officials have no idea where they will come up with well, or $400,000 for a pump for the 4,000-foo- t cost will month it a take 000 the $10, electricity to run the pump. Imagine what the Williams water rates will look like under these circumstances! Thanks to prudent decisions in our past, we probably have enough groundwater to supply private properties in Spanish Valley and Moab City, thus respecting the development rights of private property owners in Grand County. To manage this, we need to use the water sources we have efficiently and further develop a secondary water system for outside use. Development of additional culinary water source capacity here, as in Santa Fe and Williams, would be very expensive if it proved feasible. In making water allocation decisions, our officials need to keep these cautionary tales in mind. Sincerely yours, -- Lance Christie high-qualit- y, low-co- st Letters to the editor policy does not necessarily endorse the opinions published in letters to the editor and guest The editorials. The T--l welcomes opinions from its readers concerning any subject pertinent to Southeastern Utah. Letters should be to the point and must include the writers name, address and telephone number. Letters may not be used to replace advertisements, or to list and thank sponsors or participants to a particular event. Letters to the editor will be not be accepted from any candidate who has filed for political office or from anyone writing in support of a filed candidate. Anything unsigned, of a libelous nature, or containing defamatory statements will not be considered for publication. All letters must be typed or legibly written, and be 400 words or less. Letters are subject to editing. Mail to Letter to the Editor, P.O. Box 129, Moab, Utah, 84532. Deadline is Monday, 5 p.m. Letters may may not accept letters from persons to editormoabtimes.com. The also be sent via to to letters the editor after submission will be four weeks. once every Changes who write more frequently than Times-lndepende- Times-lndepende- nt accepted only in the most extreme circumstances. Guest Editorial Times-Independe- nt by Sue Brooks I'm not sure at this point just what Utah does mean to me. In shortly over a year I have grown to love the area of Utah known as Canyon Country more than any place I have ever lived. I can't explain it. In May of 2001 my life took a drastic change in direction. My husband of thirty-twyears passed away. I was left alone and needed to work through a lot of grief and stress associated with his illness. I'm a resourceful person and knew I'd be okay, but needed something that would fulfill my life and allow me to be around people. My sc in and his family had been coming to Utah for some time. After being back home in Arkansas a while, they were ready to return to the red rock country. Sensing my need for change, my son, his wife, and their three children packed me up and brought me to Utah thinking I might find what they had captured in their hearts. We left Arkansas and drove all night. After a few stops along the way, our little troupe found itself in Colorado. The weather was snowy and cold but we were all cheery and ready to go the next morning. As we made our way north into red rock country, I began to understand what they had been telling me. The landscape was so spectacular all I could say was. Incredible!" We toured Arches, Island in the Sky, Dead Horse Point and did some driving to places like Hurrah Pass and Chicken Corners. One of our day excursions was hiking into Horseshoe Canyon. As it was late November, we were the only people there except the park ranger. Horseshoe Canyon was magical! The weather was overcast and cold and looked like snow, but everyone was cozy and warm in heavy coats, hats and gloves. After we reached the bottom of the canyon and found our objective, it started to snow. The day was perfect. To be in that canyon with its rich archaeological values and think about what it must have been like for the ancient inhabitants to live there was inspiring. How did they do it? The experience had a profound effect on me. Our trip drew to a close and we all had to get back to reality. I felt sad when I left Utah. I longed to return to this land of red and white sandstone formations, where I could see so much beauty in the barren rocks. I knew I had to come back. I joined the Sierra Club and found a service trip to the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. There was only one spot left for a volunteer. I had never taken a trip like this before, but I was never nervous or anxious. I felt compelled to go to LTtah. When I crossed the Utah line I cried. Big tears were rolling down my cheeks. I sat and asked myself, Why? What is so special about this state that makes me feel so good about being here? Why do I need to be in Utah? Do other people feel this way also? Getting to Moab a day early, I made good use of my time, seeing some of the sights around town. The following morning I headed south to Needles and my first meeting with the twelve other people with whom I would spend the next week. There were people from across the United States and one man from Scotland. Ian Torrance from National Park Headquarters in Moab was our guide. He worked us hard that week, cutting Tamarisk bushes and doing trail work. We all formed relationships that will continue for the rest of our lives. I was sad to leave, but the time had come to say goodbye. While in the Needles District, I asked how I could volunteer to come back and work there. I wanted to hike the canyons and among the rocks that fascinated me so much. Something was drawing me to Utah. Although I wasn't sure1 what it was, I prayed as I walked among the rocks that someday Id understand. I wanted to be patient and trust that God in his own good time would show me why I felt this need to he in Southeastern Utah. I went home from the Sierra Club trip with the determination to try and return to Canyonlands. As soon as I got back to Arkansas I called National Park Headquarters in Moab. They told me to send in a resume. What resume? I didnt know what one had to he qualified in to do volunteer work with visitors in a national park. Someone told me it would take a few weeks to get all of the volunteers placed. I waited and kept in touch, letting them know how interested I was. Finally the job offer came. I felt so lucky to be called. Im now an official Volunteer Park Ranger. Theres so much to learn. 1 love the work at the visitor center and the entrance station and never have a down day. Everyone has supported and helped me when I needed it. So many of the visitors feel the same way about Utah that I do. Ive enjoyed talking to them about this incredible country. When I talk to people they tell me what a humbling experience it is for them to walk among rocks. I understand. The first time I was shown around by a coworker, at one of the overlooks, all could do was cry the vista was so overwhelming. When my time here comes to a close I'll probably go back home to Arkansas, but my supervisor says come back any time I want. I can't make that decision right now. Im living one day at the time, guided by someone who knows more than I. I'll live each day as it comes. Eventually, Ill know why I feel this strong need to be in Utah, and be able to express exactly what it means to me. Until then I'll continue to enjoy the many beautiful things that have happened to me here. Life is good. Maybe as I talk to visitors today Ill say something to someone that will make their day a little brighter. No matter where life's adventures may take me, my love for this area will never end. Utah, I'll be back. (Sue Brooks is currently working as a Student Conservation Association (SCA), Resource Assistant in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park.) o four-whe- 1 J Dear Stella is a Q&A column compiled by a group of recovering addicts, alcoholics and survivors of domestic violence. The purpose of this column is to offer information and assistance to Moab area residents who suffer from the same addictions and sil nations, but prefer to remain anonymous. Please direct questions, column topics, and all other inquiries and correspondence to Dear Stella, 59 Street, Suite 132, Moab, UT 84532. Do NOT include name or return address. S. Main Dear Stella, I think someone I love has a problem with prescription drugs. Could you tell me some of the warning signs, withdrawal symptoms, and other pertinent information? Dear Writer, Prescription medications are every bit as addictive and dangerous as street drugs. It is illegal to sell, trade or give prescribed meds to others. Taking prescription drugs and driving will result in a DUI. Addicts try to get the strongest dosage or medicines that are available, claiming they are allergic to milder forms of medication. Sometimes people that have taken a medication for a long time cannot acknowledge that there is a problem. Common rationalizations include I dont increase my dosage, The doctor keeps giving them to me, and I dont take anything illegal. In some cases an addict will intentionally injure themselves to get pain pills and attentheir affliction. They will also tion to the doctor. Prescription drug addicts make frequent trips to doctors offices, hospitals, dentists and specialists in his or her hometown and other surrounding communities. In the most severe cases, addicts have been known to steal doctors prescription pads, then forge their own orders for medication. Some prescription drug addicts will supplemediment their habit with alcoof cations and herbal remedies. The use hol almost always intensifies the effects of medications, so drinking with pills should be considered a red flag. Prescription addicts tend over-dramati- er to withdraw from family, friends and social situations. They will find and make excuses to reinforce or justify their need for medication and almost always deny having a problem and dont believe any kind of help is necessary. In most cases an intervention can work, but professional help should be solicited before an attempt is made. If not, the plan could back-fir- e. More warning signs of prescription drug abuse are: Telling the doctorpharmacist crazy stoi.e. These pills just arent wairking; I lost ries, my scripts on a river trip; They fell in the toilet;" Someone stole my pills; My backpack fell out of the truck on the Interstate; etc. Searching for other doctors that give prescriptions more readily Increase in existing physical symptoms, or fabrication of symptoms New friends start to show up Money andor prescription drugs missing from household, or friends and familys homes Prescriptions used up quickly Sleeping a lot, speech impairment, or irregular activity depending on type of medication: pain pills, tranquilizers, muscle relaxers or amphetamines, diet pills, Attention Deficit medications, etc. Withdrawal symptoms from prescription drugs may vary greatly depending on the degree of addiction, length of use, and type of medication. Some things to watch out for are irritability, emotional distress, anger, sleeplessness, and feeling physically uncomfortable. |