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Show Page A9 tD?e Thursday, June 8, 2000 (Dtntg-3nhrprnftr- nt STA Letters to the Editors Castle Valley Comments by Ron Drake Complaints about graduation ceremony Dear Editors, On Thursday night, June 1, 2000 the highlight of my evening was finally seeipg my son, or shall I say trying to see my son, graduate from high school. I am sure that I am like many other parents in this town who have waited 12 long years to see their child graduate and w hen finally hit that moment we couldn't see or hear the event. I realize that the coordinators of this event tried to do the best that they could, but I am sure if it had been their children graduating they too would not have been happy with the way this event went. I am sure that Mr. Meador has done a wonderful job for the Grand County School systems in his working career, however this was not the right night to pat him on the back as this was the night for the graduates. If they wanted to pat Mr. Meador on the back, that is what a School District Awards Banquet is for, not graduation night that is meant for the students w ho ave worked very hard for their special evening. I could tell by the scheduled program that the graduates had put a great deal of effort and hard work into their program. It is a shame that the lighting and the sound system were not any better than it was for their performances. I felt bad for the st udents that took the time and effort to write their speeches and no one could really hear them. Now for the biggie. The seating. The seating was bad, you couldn't see the graduates, and there was no way possible to even think about taking a picture of your graduate. A public announcement was made at the beginning of the ceremony to go to the middle aisle w hile your child or loved one paused in the big G. But once you got in the middle aisle, there was a school teacher w-- 1 in the front and center with his camera blocking the anxious parents. Once you finally worked your way around that teacher and got your picture, then you were to leave the center aisle so that the other parents could take pictures but that w as impossible as the aisle was totally congested. It sure seemed strange to me that the front seats of the graduation were not reserved for the parents and families of the graduates, but instead most were tilled with high school students who should have been more in the center or the back of the seating area. Also, why didn't they raise the stage area so those of the parents that were stuck in the back could see their graduate, since the seating was not on an incline? Also, because of the way it was set up and planned, the only ones that were able to see the incoming and graduates were the people that were on the center aisle seats. So, there again pictures were out of the question. So, after I couldnt get a picture of my son with the girl he walked with, I went to the back of the graduation area to go into the graduating line to get that picture and guess what? No graduation line. Where was it? I heard several comments while watching the fireworks at the end that the fireworks were the only things that some of the people could see and hear. In closing, I hope that the organization for the graduation of the class of 2001 will be much better planned... Also, my family and I would like to extend our congratulations to all the graduating students of the Class of 2000 and we would like to wish them all good luck on their pending futures. out-goin- g Thank You, Cheryl Pratt and family Moab Generous act by tour company Dear Editor, I would like to bring to the attention of our community an extremely Lind and generous act on the part of one of our local businessmen, Mr. Bob Jones and his entire staff at Tag A Long ToursTVavel. This week they took the residents of the hospitals extended care facility on a river trip. This must have entailed a great effort on their part, as many of these paand an outing such as this tients are wheelchair-boun- d could be overwhelming, but instead, they overcame all ob stacles. I have heard that a grand time was had by all. Mr. Jones and crew, thank you for remembering some of our community's finest. I will certainly remember your company when my family schedules its next trip down the river or needs a travel agent for airline tickets. You are all unsung heroes. thank the following: Ryan and Sue Anderson for all their hard work in organizing the graduation ceremony for the Grand County High School class of 2000. Ryan, for all the late night hours spent on the mural. ..what a beautiful tribute to this class. Sue, for all the hard work moving chairs and together making sure all the final touches were in place. Robin Groff, Dave Cozzens, Woody Marshall and We would like to publicly t f ( Utah: Just in we live in case anyone hasn't noticed tive; What Is available? Water that can be stored in surface reservoirs-7.million acre feet; amount million that Utahns use annually-6.- 0 acre feet; How H is used? Agriculture and lrrigation-87.Commercial Public an Domestic-9.2- ; and lndustry-3.5- . What we as residents use it for Taking a bath or a shower (per 5 min0 utes)-! gallons per day; Washing 5 3; gpd, Washing ctothes-3gpd; Cooking-1- 5 gpd; Toilets (per flush 0 gpd; Wagpd; Washing the gpd; Dripping faucet tering the lawn-18- 0 (1 drop per second)- - gpd. 0 0 -7 car-10- Where Is this precious commodity? "Water covers more than 23 of the earth, but less than 1 is fresh water that we use for drinking, agriculture manufacturing, food processing, recreation, sanitation, and similar needs. The other 99 is in oceans and polar ice caps, generally inaccessible and unsuitable for human and animal needs. Precipitation furnishes Utah with just enough to keep us afloat. Snow is the primary contributor during the winter months. The remainder comes off the Gulf of California as rain during the summer months. Some of the snowmelt actu COPY guest editorial nt via workshops on water conservation. The program is called Project Wet. The ally finds its way back into the ground the arid west. You know a desert The concept of lawns and greenery is a joke. Why do we have this dire need to mimic the landscapes of New England? During the summer of 98, a family in the Salt Lake Valley was punished for recognizing this fact and doing their part with a little xeriscaping. A $5000 fine threatened them. After a little research on their part, an ordinance was dug up that allowed for xeriscaping. With any luck, by now the city council and planning commission have reviewed the ordinance (Tribune, 1999). Hopefully everyone came to their senses and realized that we do in fact live in a desert "Utah is ranked the second driest state in the nation, with only 13 inches of average annual precipitation (Water in Utah, 1999). Yet, we have the highest consumption of water per capita in the nation (Daly, 1999). The southeastern region of the state will get an average annual rainfall of approximatoly 7 inches. Keeping that in mind here are a few facts just to keeps things in perspec- dishes-15-3- crews for all the grounds work. All of the other teachers, parents and students who were more than willing to lend a helping hand in making this graduation ceremony a community event. THANK YOU for making a memorable evening that won't soon be forgotten. It is teachers, advisors and parents like you that make this world a better place for us all. Sincerely, Rick and Cindy Hirschfeld Zeke and Maralee Francis Its a desert ... act like it! by Heather OHanlon reflects the onginal document along with proposed deletions and additions. The plan's basic function is to set town-wid- e goals that reflect the desires of residents, establish sound policies for growth and development, anticipate and prepare for the future, and to assure the wisest use of limited public funds. The document is divided m areas of general plan introduction, land use, housing, roads, environmental concerns, utilities and economic basis. Many of the deletions m the plan reflect goals that have already been met and are no longer applicable such as the eventual seal on Castle Valley Dnve. Other deletions and changes which will be of interest to residents both pro and con is the paragraph that changes the zoning allowing no commercial or industrial land. The proposed change says the zoning ordinance may be amended to permit limited commercial use. The planning commission spent a lot of time updating the general plan and members are encouraging attendance by local residents to participate in the hearing. Many people saw Dustin Bowden on KSL Channel Five news last Fri- - and into underground aquifers. After drought years, when the ground is dry, a large portion of the snowmelt will never make N to the rivers and reservoirs. I! can take 3 years for aquifers to recuperate. How does It come to us? and towns, agriculture and industries in Utah rely on ground water from weds and springs and water from streams and rivers, either Averted directly or stored in reservoirs, to meet fie needs. Water storage in reservoirs from spring and early summer d water is particularly important to users.Otherthan a drougfUlhere are some problems with relying on groundwater. Groundwater contamination is a major concern. Aquifers get their water from recharge areas where water from rain, snow, or in streams infiltrates into the aquifers. These areas are highly susceptible to contamination because water moves rapidly from the land surface to the groundwater and, thus can carry contaminants that spill on the surface to the water in aquifers (Programs in Utah, 1995). Just as threatening, is the potential for solvents, herbicides and 2-- Tes year-roun- pesticides to contaminate our water. Long-tereffects due to the contaminants include cancer and other debilitating or life threatening diseases. You may ask yourself, "Why should I careT Aside from how the lack of quality water wil affect us. consider the damage caused by pollution or destruction to the riparian habitats and ecology if we are careless or greedy. Our actions will have a lasting effect on many generations of people and wildlife to come. It is time to do something. We as citizens must get over our denial and give a damn about our water situation. The Division of Water Resources, one of seven agencies in the Utah Department of Natural Resources, is the water resource authority for the state of Utah. Water-wisthey are looking out for our best interests. Here is their mise, sion statement: Promote the orderly and timely planning, conservaikm development, utilization and protection of Utah's water resources to enhance the quality of life for the citizens of the state. I dont necessarily agree with all of their goals, but they have some great programs in place to educate and encourage people to conserve water. The Division of Water Resources has de- clared October Water Education Month in Utah. During this time the division goes into our community schools and educates our youth and teachers I project includes water fairs, wetland education and models to further enhance their water knowledge. The division also conducts contests with valuable prizes and trophies to entice our kids to explore the concept of conservation. As citizens there are many steps we can take at the home level to conserve this precious commodity called water. This list includes: Checking for leaks in pipes and fixtures around the home; Use water saving devices such as low flow showerheads, faucet flow restrictors, and (1 .6 gpf) toilets; Use Xeriscaping principals to save time and water. Xeriscaping Fundamentals of Xeriscaping include: landscaping planning and design, soil analysis, efficient watering, practical turf areas, appropriate plant selection, use of mulches, and appropriate maintenance. Use of secondary water systems (water that has received minimum treatment to water lawns and gardens, resorving higher quality, potable water for drinking and other human needs. Recycle water, especially in industry. We also need to consider the fact that because we live in a desert, we should take an inventory of how water is being wasted. Whether sprinklers are spraying onto the streets or driveways or watering during the hottest part of the day when evaporation is highest We cannot afford to abuse the right to water. Just about the time we do get sloppy in out methods a drought will come along and giva us a whoopin. Water saving tips Some of the things that we can do right this minute to start conserving indude; Not using our toiets as an ashtray or waste basket Put plastic bottles in the toilet tank so that each flush uses less water, Take shorter showere Turn off tie water while you are brushing your teeth Whie shaving, fi fie sink partially witfi water instead of letting fie faucet flow; Make sure your (fchwash-er- s and washing machnes are ful before running a load; f you wash Ashes by hand, dont let fie faucet flow Cleaning vegetables in a tub of water. Keep water in bottles in the refrigerator, instead of liming fie faucet until water is cold Use a broom to dean driveways, sidewafcs and steps; Don't run the hose while wasting your car. Teach your dxkjren Siat your hose and sprinklers are not toys. The last tip fiat I ooukf offer is about fie lawn. .tost so you know, 1 wi not hurt your property value of you don't have grass. S day evening receiving his silver medal 1 run during the annual Special Olympics last Friday and Saturday m Provo. Dustin, the son of Randy and Kathy Bowden of Castieton also participated in the run, earning a bronze medal and the 400-metrelay where his team placed fourth m that event. His mom said he did pretty wef in spite of the miserably hot weather the participants had to contend with during the games. Dustin was so exhausted run on Saturday, he after the Ins relay race. until on a blanket slept for the 200-met- er er 200-met- er Josh Martmeau was in Colorado d letter when his m the mail. The letter was from the First Presidency of the LDS Church and was to notify him when and where he will being serving his two-yemission for the church. His mother, Cathy, couldnt wart for Josh and wanted to steam open the flap of the letter to see where he was going. She could glue it back and he would never know, she reasoned. But he "band Tony restrained her and instead they made a special trip to r the Grand Junction to from church headquarters. epistle He was shocked to team that he will be heading for Lithuania after a couple of months learning the language in Provo. He will report there July 26. ar-nv- much-anticipate- hand-delive- is appropriate that we turn to the dusty old files of 1 5 years ago because of the current infestation of the destructive grasshopper. The article pointed out that there are several methods for elimi- It Two Wheels On A of pedaling periodical news and views bicycle-relate- d By Ron Georg Ouida Lance Moab C, Times-Independe- 12-pa- Thanks again, Hard work on graduation ceremony Dear Editor: Next Wednesday, June 14 the plarv rvng anil zonng commission of the Town of Castle Valley wil hold a public hearing to discuss the revised Castle Valley general plan. The hearing is scheduled for 7 p m. at the LDS Church. A printed document, wtch is available from Town Clerk Dorothy Harding or at the Castle Valley Inn. Teach your children It's a bumper sticker, it's a book title, but there's no denying the plain truth in the slogan It takes a community to raise a child You may be smart as Spock (the Vulcan or the doctor), but the collective has more to offer than the individual. In Moab, that collective includes more per capita understanding about bicycles than any town this side of Antwerp. There are a couple of w?ys for kids to tap into the bike community this summer. First is the venerable BMX series. Now in its fourth season, the series continues to grow and improve. This year's season begins June 10 and runs through July; the season will resume after an August break. Right up until the day of his wedding, Poison Spider Bicycles Manager Marshall Hannum was working hard to get the BMX track up to snuff. The long list of foiks shovelling alongside Hannum includes local who just earned a with his Ben Kauai, little time on ESPN tricks, which should help ensure some perfect jumps. Weekly races will be Saturday mornings at 9 a.m. at the track behind Span" ish Valley Arena. This is a points senes, so attendance can mean as much as top finishes. For more information, call Poison Spider at Also this summer, we'll be offering a program for kids who'd like to learn the finer points of cycling, with an upper-atmosphe- 259-788- 2. emphasis on mountain biking. The course will teach kids that bikes are a great mode of travel, whether you're trekking into the backcountry or going for a swim at Ken's Lake. Each week we'fl have a short lecture followed by a group ride. Of course, the "we is a royal we", which means me. I use the collective pronoun because this wil be a collective effort. Ive put together this program, but II be tapping the bike community and parents for volunteer input. This will be a program for kids ages nine to 14. There will be two races as part of the program, but the focus will be on sportsmanship and cooperation. Kids will d need to have a ten-we- multi-spee- d, fat-tire- you just cant live without a lawn, at least get a timer and water 1 during the coolest hours (3 am - 6 am) of fie day. You should have some kind of landscaping, but xeriscaping can be efisier to contend with as we as less water consumptive. I personally feel that we are up to our necks in trouble if we don't change our attitudes. We need to realize that water is a rare and precious resource that will run out if we abuse our rights to use it. As for the fools working for Salt Lake City that fined the family for doing the right thing, they should wake up and take some notes. The concept of grass in the arid west is ludicrous. Continuing to encourage landscaping with grass is going to land us in a bigger world of hurt if we hit a drought year with a growing population such as ours. Lists of facts and tips taken from Utah's Water Supply, 1999. bike as well as an approved helmet. This program is sponsored by the City Recreation Department, so you can register through City Rec by callI can ing give you more information about the program and its structure at 259-BAL- 259-305- Circles and triangles Some people might be saying, Ron, you don't have any kids. I don't think you even like kids. Why would you want to take them for bike rides? That's a good point, so let me tel you a little story. The setting is Durango, Colo, over Memorial Day weekend. I was volunteering as a course marshall for the kids race which was part of the Ironhorse Classic. Part of my job was to keep other riders off the big kids' course from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. so the kids could practice and race. Most of the people I encountered were gracious about accommodating the kids the future of the sport and all that. I stood on a corner on top of a loose, rocky hill: One rider starting up the hill, against the course's direction, (Ill call him "Grumpy") caught my attention. He was pedalling squares at the bottom; mashing the pedals through the downstrokes and yanking at his toe-clion the backstrokes. As the hill got steep he jumped out of the saddle for more power, and all of his effort was sucked up by his d bike's rear suspension. The rear tire spun after two awkward strokes, and the rider jumped off to push the bike up the hill with no less violence and no more grace. He was already angry as he tried to ignore me standing in the trail. Two other dismounted riders (Bashful" and "Snow White) were halfway up the hill behind him. Young Bashful was looking wistfully back over his shoulder, where dual slalom racers were practicing on a course with some huge jumps it was easy to see where this kid would rather be. Snow While looked like she'd just swallowed something awful, but she kept smiling out of concern for a delicate host. She really wanted this to work out, but things were coming apart fast. To shorten a long and contentious story, poorty-designe- natmg the insect including a disease spore, which organically controls the insects. The USDA didn't recommend this because it is slow, expensive and doesn't work very ell. There are many insecticide sprays available that do a fair job of controlling grasshoppers but they are undesirable for several obvious reasons. An alternative developed by a Castle Valley-base- d coniany found to be most successful and deadly is a special bait formulation of bran or wheat middlings, molasses, water and Seven insecticide Sawdust cart be substituted for half the wheat or bran middlings Although this might not be completely acceptable to organic gardeners, it is the next best thing This mixture is spread around on the ground where needed Grasshoppers are attracted to the bait immediately and seem to prefer the bait to anything around. Within an hour, grasshoppers may be seen dying, and overnight the majority is eliminated To cover a mix together three quarts water, one quart teed half-acr- grade molasses and 1 14 pound sprayable insecticide For best results, this mixture must be evenly sprayed onto 9 12 pounds of bran or wheat middlings while tumbling in a cement mixer. For smaller amounts, liquid ingredients may be sprayed to the dry mixture as it is added to a bucket or wash tub and mixed with a stick. Apply by hand or broadcast seeder. Mix only enough to be eaten m a couple of days Measurements can be calculated for larger or smaller acreages. Bon appetite Seven-5- 0 the tno was there to prepare for an upI coming kids race, so let them through, after warning them to watch for racers. Twenty minutes later I realized they were just around the bend, arguing The crux of the matter was that Grumpy, who was using traditional pedals with toeclips, had upgraded Bashful to clipless pedals, which attach a rider to a bike like a ski binding. While this is a more efficient way to ride, Grumpy didnt even know how to use his own pedals, let alone teach Bashful a more advanced skill. All this made me thankful for my own upbringing. For instance, I remember being convinced my Sting-Racouldn't keep up with my father's d because my wheels were smaller. Dad showed me the math demonstrating that a bicycle's speed is governed by its gearing, which determines how far a bike travels with each pedal revolution. It wasn't sinking in, so he used the math to identify a gear on his bike bike which matched my single-spee- d We pedaled along down the street, matching cadence, and our disparate bikes performed like twins. Suddenly the math made sense, even the parts about circle dimensions and ratios. When Dad sat down at the kitchen table to order himself a custom bike, I learned about triangles. Specifically, if you change the angles in a bicycle's triangles by just a few degrees, you make radical shifts in its handling. Math teachers thought I was some sort of prodigy for about a minute. As soon as the topic shifted away from things I enjoyed on a practical level, math lost its allure. But bicycling has stayed and grown with me. Despite so many of my own efforts to the contrary, it has kept me healthy. It has provided me with certain transportation when cars have failed me. Cycling has been so important in my life that I believe it's valuable enough to share. And Moab has grown so important to me that I want to do something for the community beyond filling this space with my observations and rants. Some people think the world would be a better place to live in if we all worshipped the same god. My vision is simpler; I think the world would be drastically improved if we all rode bicycles. You can reach me with comments, concerns, etc. regarding this column at or you can email me at ontwowheets & la sal. net. y ten-spee- 259-305- 2, Letters to the editor policy . . . The 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 800 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 also be sent via to editormoabtimes.com. The not may Times-Independe- nt Times-Independe- nt sccspt letters from persons who write more frequently than once every four weeks. |