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Show hi nn;iniii 4A Emery County "u'ii y, . y yTyiy-n-TiM- ; irnrn i r" Progress Tuesday, November 27, 1990 PERSIPECnWE Winter driving requires caution Has it come to this ? Remembering Wayne by Larry W. Davis Several years ago, when federal laws set buildrequirements to accomodate the handicapped, heard more than one local government group complain about the expense such modifications would impose on their meager budgets. Such elected officials grumbled because the money going to ramp construction and restroom handrail equipment could be spent for more appropriate uses which would benefit more of the citizens in the community more than just a few handicapped. Still, the work, as required by law, went forward, and the handicapped were then able to move around in government buildings and use public restroom facilities. was pretty much ambivalent to the changes of a decade ago because I wasnt real close to anyone who was handicapped. do remember covering a road race near the Canyon View Park in Spanish Fork which included a wheelchair division, and was startled when one of the wheelchair entrants rolled his wheelchair at the bottom of a steep hill. As watched him struggle to get the wheelchair upright and then struggle even harder to get himself back in the seat, began to understand the special needs of those with physical restrictions. When came to Emery County many years ago, got involved with efforts at Cottowood Elementary to get Wayne Sorensen a motorized wheelchair. I covered the story from the beginning and was there when Wayne got the chair in a special assembly at the school. Two things became apparent during that time: Wayne was a very unique person who was loved by his classmates and associates; and anybody with any class at all will not overlook the needs of the handicapped. At that time I got to know Wayne pretty well and also the members of his family, especially his mother Karen. We got together some time later to do a story about the March of Dimes WalkAmerica. Although Wayne was impaired by Muscular Dystrophy, he was very willing to help out WalkAmerica which primarily focused on other diseases. Wayne helped with the promotion of that event in Emery County and even participated in the long walk in his motorized wheelchair. As Wayne got into junior high school, sort of lost track of him, but he was always easy to spot whenever visited the school, and he always had a friendly greeting for me. When he came to Emery High last year as a sophomore, we became acutely aware of his needs. Even though the school had installed ramps, it was still a difficult go for Wayne. He had an attendant with him much of the time and required a great deal of assistance with tasks most of us take for granted. This year is one Ill always remember about Wayne. Things worked out so well in the last few weeks of his life. He was honored as the Emery County Handicapped Person of the Year recently. With that came a lot of gifts and recognition, and can still see Wayne sitting shyly on stage as he was given token after token of appreciation. But perhaps the greatest honor of all came when Waynes fellow students gave the embarrassed youngster a standing ovation at the conclusion of the presentation. It was the result of a spontaneous overflow of emotion for someone who certainly gave his best despite the obstacles in his life. To all of this, Wayne simply said, Thanks for everything. But in his simplicity, Wayne spoke volumes to his fellow students and others in the assembly. Its ironic that Wayne died just a few week after this recogntion, and its ironic, too, that he passed away on Thanksgiving. Today in the chorus room of the high school, many of the students, staff members, faculity and administration stopped by to pause before a small memorial in honor of the bastion of courage. His empty wheelchair, surrounded by flowers, stood as a symbol of why we need to support people like Wayne; otherwise our lives will be as empty as that lifeless chair which was so much a part of Wayne Sorensen. ing I well-intention- ed I I I I I I SALT LAKE CITY The calendar may still read fall, but winter driving began with the Thanksgiving weekend. To keep motorists safe during winter driving, Robert Parenti, director of the Utah Safety Council, offers these tips for driving in snow, driving at night, spotting a drunk driver and traveling with children. DRIVING IN SNOW Begin by brushing all snow off your windshield, windows, mirrors, roof, hood and trunk lid to have clear vision at all times. With snow comes freezing temperatures and slick roads. To help prevent skidding, minimize gear shifts, accelerate gradually and brake gently by pumping your brakes. If your car does begin to skid, turn in the direction of the skid, being careful not to over correct. In the event that you become stranded, you should have an emergency kit in your car at all times. An ideal kit contains a flashlight, blanket, warning flares, scraper with brush, tow chain, jumper cables, shovel, candle, matches and, lastly, two car pet remnants. A carpet remnant is useful to gain traction if you become stuck. Place the remnants in front of the driving wheels and then slowly accelerate over them. DRIVING AT NIGHT With the days getting shorter, the amount of daylight driving time is also diminishing, and your chance of being involved in a fatal traffic crash is greater. Mr. Parenti offers the following guidelines: Clean all lights on a regular basis and ensure they are working properly. Allow time for your eyes to adjust after leaving a lighted building. Turn your headlights on as soon as twilight begins. Use your low beam headlights in fog or snow high beams reflect moisture and cause glare. Lastly, increase your following distance at night, giving yourself enough time to I6cict SPOTTING A DRUNK DRIVER If you plan on driving, do not drink alcohol, and be on the lookout for intoxicated drivers. A person driving too fast or too slow, changing lanes frequently, or disregard ing traffic signs or road conditions may be under the influence of alcohol and other drugs. Maneuver your vehicle away from the suspected vehicle, preferably behind it, and notify local personnel immediately with the make, color, license plate number and direction of travel. WITH TRAVELING CHILDREN The holidays are times when the whole family packs in the car and heads off for the weekend. When traveling with children, ensure they are always buckled up. Set the example by wearing your own safety belt. When on a long trip, plan rest stops no more than one and a half hours apart. Infants and children enjoy and need lots of attention. Reading, singing and playing quiet games will help keep your children happy. Let children sleep in car seats. Most are designed so children can rest comfortably. Special safe toys that are played with only in the car will help decrease boredom. Safe items include: soft and brightly colored stuffed animals and dolls, cassett tape player with tapes, books, flash cards, magic slates, pads of paper, puppets, sewing cards, crayons and rattles. If during your travels you are a witness or the first to arrive at the scene of an accident, pull a good distance off the road and put your emergency flashers on. Warn oncoming traffic and send someone for the police and an ambulance immediately. If the engines of the collision vehicles are running, switch off the ignition to avoid fire or an explosion. Check the condition of the victims without moving them. Keep them warm and as comfortable as possible until help arrives. - Do not let your holidays be a traffic acciby interrupted dent. Follow these guidelines and have a safe holiday. If you would like more information on winter travel, please do not hesitate to contact the Utah 1 or Safety Council at outside the Salt Lake metro The area at Utah Safety Council is a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization dedicated to the safety of Utah citizens. 533-585- 800-933-594- 3. I I I I Choose Christmas toys carefully A young boy, fantasizing as his favorite super hero, arms himself with the rocket launcher Santa Claus has just left him and carelessly fires on imagined alien warriors. The projectile flies across the room and strikes his younger sister an injury requiring medical attention. This is a fictional scenario, but the Utah Safety Council believes real accidents of this type can be prevented if parents consider a childs age and development when selecting playthings, especially during the Christmas holiday in the eye, causing season. Approximately 142,000 children were injured during 1988 in accidents associated with toys, according to estimates available to the council. reduce the number of these accidents, the council offers the following views on toys To In recognition of the vital role the arts play in our society, Gov. Norman H. Bangerter declared the month of November as Utah Arts Month. Declaring the month of November as Utah Arts Month prvides a focal point for communities to celebrate the states diverse cultural heritage and the vitality ofcontem porary writers, artists and performers," said Carol Nix- on, director, Utah Arts Council. Local arts organizations throughout the state are actively participating in the celebration by scheduling performances, exhibits, readings or other special events during November. toys: Most FLMMABILITY and childrens sleepware toys made in the U.S. pass fire resistant standards. Many cheap, imported items do not. Do not ELECTRICITY d toy to give an a child under age five or six. Older children should be carefully taught about the dangers of electic toys. Teach children not to pull on the cord to unplug a toy but instead to unplug it by grasping the plug. Teach children to report any frayed cords, sparks, smoke or overheating immediately and teach children never to use electric toys in or near water, such as the bathtub or shower or by the sink. electric-powere- SOUND LEVELS Watch noisy toys such as musical toys, cap guns and other explosive toys. Make sure COATING no is there chipped or peeling e paint (Most new, do leaded not use toys paint, but some antique and foreign toys may have lead in the paint). When buying art supplies, buy only those with either the CP or AP seal identifying them as childrens nontoxic materials. U.S.-mad- SHARP EDGES, Make sure there WIRES are not any. CHOKING DANGER Do not buy a toy marked for an older child just because you think your child is smarter than the age label on the package. Age labels on toys do not indicate intelligence or cognitive ability but are purely for safety reasons, especially in an effort to prevent choking. Most manufacturers test their toys to be reasonably sure the toys will not fit or lodge in a young childs windpipe. For children under three, they test with a 1.25 diameter cylinder. If you are not sure if a toy will pose a choking hazard, here is a rule of thumb: If a toy or piece of a toy is not as l?ig as the babys fist, it may be a choking hazard. This includes rattles, pacifiers, buttons, knobs anything that can be pulled off or chewed off during normal play. Tips: Handle the toy yourself. Does it feel flimsy? Could it break during rough play? Try to imagine how the toy could be misused. If buying gifts for other peoples children, ask the parents about what toys the child can handle and will enjoy. Do not buy a noisy toy without checking with parents first. Pay attention to all the (Continued on Page 5A) bulletin board Office closure The Southeastern Utah District Health Department in Castle Dale will be closed Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 3 and 4 due to staff meetings in Price. Our next immunization clinic will be held on Monday, Dec. 10, between 8:30 and 11:30 a.m. Project Emery Claus It is time once again to think of Christmas and of those in our communities who will need help. Volunteers are now coordinating efforts to make Project Emery Claus a success. There is a need for us to join together in this effort to assure the children have a merry Christmas. 16-year-- Nov. is Arts Month and various concerns parents should consider when buying Donations of new or good used toys, food and money are needed. Anyone wishing to make clothes for dolls can call Sandra at The toys can be dropped off at the Project Emery building in Castle Dale or call Katherine at If you would like to donate money or food, call Those Becky at to a wishing sponsor family or a child can call Carolyn at 384-288- 687-938- The Womens League Volleyball will hold a meeting Thursday, Dec. 6, at 6 p.m. at the courthouse in Castle Dale. A $25 deposit will be due at the meeting. Only the first 20 there with their deposit will be able to participate. Overeaters Are you a compulsive overeater? Overeaters Anonymous is a organization dedicated to helping compulsive overeaters. No weekly fees, no weigh ins, no diets, but a support groups that works. Meetings are Tuesdays (none on election night) from p.m. at the Huntington non-prof- it City Hall. Call Phyllis, 687-994- 687-926- 8, 1, information. or Connie, 2. 9. 9. Anyone needing assistance from Project Emery Claus can fill out an application at the Department of Social Services in Castle Dale or call one ofthe above numbers. Senior citizens The auditors office has received many calls expressing concern about the property tax abatement program in Emery County. The Property Tax Abatement Program (circuit breaker, veterans exemption, widow of a veteran exemption, blind exemption and indigent abatement) was put into place by the state Legislature years ago. The laws governing this program are set by the state Legislature. The program is administered on the state level by the State Tax Commission and on the local level by the county auditor. The auditors office wishes to assure you that regardless of the outcome of the election this year in Emery County, the Property Tax Abatement continue. Program will for more Please help Kay Wilberg is fighting a serious liver disease and desperately needs our help to pay her medical expenses. Let us as a community challenge our family members and employers to reach deep into their hearts and pockets and give Kay and her family the help they need. Contact Sharon Baker at First Security Bank in Castle Dale. yard on the road going to the Emery County Landfill. The general public can buy coal for a reduced price of $30 a ton if they will make a check out to Emery High School Physics to pay for it. Normal price is $40 a ton. The coal yard will be open to the general public the following Saturdays: Nov. 10 and Nov. 17. Emery High School Physics would like to thank Allen Childs and Genwal Coal for this support. Support group Four Corners Mental Health Center in Castle Dale will be offering a Womens Support Group, starting Dec. 3 from 4 to 5 p.m. This group will be a place for women to share experiences and to receive support. Call Four Corners Mental Health at 381-243- Snowmobilers 5. 748-271- 381-516- Volleyball meeting The State Tax Commissions Motor Vehicle Division reminds all snowmobilers to make sure their snowmobiles and trailers (750 pounds or greater) are properly registered before hitting the road. Coal for physics Allen Childs at Genwal has donated to the Emery High School Physics prograim about 100 tons of lump coal. It is located in the Desert Coal Coal 2 for more information. Snacks and beverages will be offered. Property taxes Just a reminder. Property taxes are due by Nov. 30, 1990. After that date they become delinquent and the property owner is assesed a two percent penalty. Also as a reminder, the office of county treasurer will close at 12:00 noon, Friday, Nov. 30, 1990 and will remain closed until Wednesday, Jan. 2, 1991. |