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Show I 8A Emery County Progress Castle Dale, Utah Tuesday February 17, 2004 Commentary President Eternal Optimist Reagan-th- e Do you pray that the plane wont Less appreciated was the influence of crash? his daughter Patti logically his mother, Nelle. Nelle instilled in her asked him. No, he answered. I pray boy the ideals that shaped him. It was that whatever Gods will is, Ill be able streak as the longest-livin- g president pious Nelle who tirelessly inculcated to accept it with grace, and have faith an accomplishment that has brought her son with a set of unshakable and in His wisdom. Were always in Gods little personal celebration. It has been unappreciated (by the public) religious hands. Sometimes its hard to accept a Pyrrhic victory. This is expected to values that sustained him throughout that, so I pray that Hell help me just to his life. be his last birthday. trust in His will. He instructed his If Reagan could comprehend his curNelle taught her son that God has a daughter: Wjhen we die is Gods busrent state, he might ponder two ques- plan that always works for the best inesses is how we die. tions: why and where? He might conHe was spared that sort of violent and he never doubted that. Reagan, resider why he must endure Alzheimers It turns out he never needed to was the eternal And death. member, optimist. the bullet disease, and where will be the next his optimism was a blessing for which fear an airplane crash-no- r stage in his journey once his amazingly he was grateful to God. He called it a that lodged inches from his heart in n strong body now his worst enemy optimism. In his late 30s, 1981. Rather than praying for grace he wrote an article that he concluded as a plane plunged to the earth, he went stops breathing. I believe I can provide some insight into how Reagan with a quote from a poem: out unaware of his method of dying and in His answer Gods those Heaven, Alls right with unaware of his very self. Still, Reagan might questions. Ive world. the last believed that Gods choice of how we the spent fewyears carefully studyleave from this world is the best choice. matters death these Reagan contemplated many ing precisely times how it might come and how to Reagans perspective. Reagan wrote a November 1982 letThe two most important people in graciously accept it. He hated to fly. ter to a friend whose wife had just died. Ronald Reagans life were women. Every time he got in a plane he prayed. It isnt given to us to understand the ByPAULKENGOR Professor, Grove City College On Feb. 6, Ronald Reagan turned 93. He unknowingly continues to extend his Nancys role, of course, is well known. God-give- two-ver- se A Message for Religious Leaders-Theyr- e Starting to Come Home why of such things, said the president. We can only trust in Gods finite mercy and in His purpose that we go on to a better life where there is no pain or sorrow. Believe in that and have faith in His wisdom. His son, Michael, is one of a small circle permitted to visit him in these final days. I sit with him, grab his hand, and silently pray, says Michael, whose unresponsive dad no longer squeezes his hand in return. I pray that God takes him and relieves him of his situation. God does what He believes is best. My dad always believed that. Ronald Reagans last days are very similar to his mothers. Nelle ebbed away from what the Reagan family we today would termed senility-whNelle as Alzheimers. likely diagnose and her boy not only shared the same faith but the same fate. Nelles son explained that her passing was for the best, particularly be at matter what Ronald Reagan was robbed of by that evil called Alzheimers, the disease cant take that . . j ; away from him. By Tim Huber IVE GoT.THE RESULTS FROM loUR SURGERf ANt. THIS IS ThE HARDEST M JOB... In UU.. PART SORRI porch. Coming home starts the process. Every faith group in the community can play a unique role in helping our soldiers through this process. Youve watched over their families in their dren may need special support and patience when a long absent parent reLittle by little, our Utah National enters the family structure. Soldiers Guard and Army Reserve soldiers are coming home can be impatient to recoming home. They played important claim former roles and responsibiliroles in the war to end terrorism and ties in the family, but everyone in the oppression, and helped change the absence. Youve shared faith and family is a little different after a long course of history. Now they are comprayers, brought over meals, made visseparation. Change is how life works. ing back to Utah. its and phone calls, fixed plumbing, Continue sensitively to support the Over the next few months our nightly worked on in the shared short, years, military families in your congregation. news will feature new crews filming and burdens of separation to ease the Extend pain fellowship. Keep up the kindinterviewing returning soldiers at the and reduce the difficulties. Thank You. ness. Shepherds of all faith groups, Salt lake City Airport. We will all reNow what? please help families complete the projoice to witness our friends and neighHere are some suggestions: Cel- cess of coming home. Your role can be bors happily cling to spouses, children ebrate. Find ways to express your critical in helping to improve or even and parents; safely back from deployValidate their sacrifice by save relationships. The expression safe gratitude. ments. Now, with their safe returns, our and extending hearty hand of thanks. and sound, is such a lovely way of capsense of relief and satisfaction is com- Be supportive of families as they ad- turing our sincere desire for those who plete. just. They are relearning relationships. come home after a long journey or difWell, almost. Stay close. Dont assume that you are ficult experience. Lets all pitch, in to Coming home can be a journey that no longer needed. make safe and sound the happy result is not entirely completed when the Couples may need special help from for every guard and reserve soldier duffle bags are set down on the front clergy to adjust to being reunited. Chil- - returning to Utahs communities. Utah National Guard Dear Editor, I think its a shame the way the DWR a hunting tag lottery. treats the senior citizens. I have done comparisons from the Why does our Division of Wildlife surrounding states and their rates for Resources treat Utah residents the way senior citizens fishing license fees: Colorado-$10.2they do? I didnt know that the DWR Idaho-$4.5Wyowas supposed to make money such as ming- $5, Nevada-$- 5 plus a trout stamp 0, for $5 to total $10, New Mexico-$and Utah charges seniors $21. I want to know why this states DWR is so unfair to seniors. 5, G. Bryant Clawson 5, Nelson HAPPENINGS Zions Bank Offers Scholarship ers to go to the Clark Planaterium and the Botanical Gardens. Any donations Zions Bank encourages high school seniors to apply for the 2004 Founders Scholarship, which is a four year, full tuition scholarship awarded to 12 Utah high school students, one to each of the states institutions of higher learning. large or small will be appreciated. tact Dorothy Carter at Daffodil Days Daffodil Days, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, are back. Order your daffodils to be delivered 5 March from Cathy Sitterud at will be taken until Feb. 26. Information about the program is at available online at 10-1- www.zionsbank.comscholarship.jsp. 381-564- Lifes Journey 7. Pre-orde- Ascension St. Matthews will host a Christian fellowship based on 748-223- 0. Volleyball Exchange Program Lutheran and Episcopal tradtions, pancake supper at 522 North Homestead Blvd. in Price on Feb. 24 from 8 p.m. 5-- The Sports for Youth Foundation is now accepting high school volleyball teams, club volleyball teams, and individual volleyball players for the 2004 Goodwill Ambassadors International Volleyball exchange program. The program is open to both Canadian and American boys and girls. Members of this team will represent their country, community and the Goodwill Ambassadors teams in volleyball tournaments and local competitions in London, Paris, Geneva, Venice and Rome. For info visit www.volleyballtours.com. Republican Candidates Come meet and hear the governor candidates and representatives at the Republican Lincoln Day Dinner to be held Feb. 28 at 6 p.m. at the Museum of the San Rafael. This is the time to present your questions and special concerns to the candidates. Range School Range School for ranchers will be held at the Museum of the San Rafael on March 4 from 9 a.m.-- 4 p.m. To register, contact Roger Barton, 384-239- 7. Poetry Reading Family History Fair Utah Poet Laureate Ken Brewer and poet Natasha Saje wil give a poetry reading at the College of Eastern Utahs Alumni room in the College Center Building on Feb. 26 at 7:30 p.m. This reading is free and sponsored by CEU and the Utah Arts Council. Ferron Stake is presenting a Family History Fair on Feb. 26 from 7 p.m. at the church located at 35 West 200 North, and the connecting family history library in Ferron. There will be several booths to interest family members of all ages, in eluding a Boy Scout genealogy merit badge booth, Young Womens Personal Progress booth, family reunions, family home evenings, family histories, journals, autobiographies, scrapbooking, photo enhancing beginning genealogy, and njany, many more. Light refreshments will be served. ; 5-- Democratic Primary Utah Democratic Presidential Primary election will be held on Feb. 24 at all Emery County city libraries. Voting time noon-- 8 p.m. Exercise your right to vote. ACT Test Book Cliff Field Trip ; more information including registration forms and test locations, contact your high school guidance counselor or register online at http:vvww.act.org. Ten Star Basketball Camp Applications are now being accepted for the Ten Star Basketball Camp Summer Camps. For a free brochure, call anytime. rs Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper Home Place in Orangeville offers a day to reflect on the canyons and green fields of Lifes Journey on Feb. 28 from 10 a.m.-- 3 p.m. For more information and reservations, call Paula at Funds are being raised for the Book Cliff Elementary 4th, 5th and 6th grad Con- The next nation-wid- e test date for the ACT Assessment for college bound high school students will be April 3. Registration deadline is Feb. 27. For Biking by Choice Biking by Choice is sponsoring a bicycle ride through Utah to remind Utahns about the Utah donor registry. The ride will begin on the Idaho border in late April and rides will be on the weekends to continue through the state. A main event ride will begin in Huntington and will continue for six days through the heart of Utah. For details, write to David at 215 East 300 North, Orem, UT 84057 or send an email to (bikingbychoiceyahoo.com). The Senior Mobility Program makes available to senior citizens and the per- manently disabled, power electric wheelchairs at no cost to the recipient, if they qualify. Call to see if you qualify. Utah Valley Cancer Center Utah Valley Cancer Center, located at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center has a new e phone number. Anyone can call to schedule an appointment, get information about local cancer support groups or to find out more about IHC cancer services and physicians. Hours are 8 toll-fre- a.m.-5p.- Pet Super Fix Fix-tw- Participating veterinarians in- clude: Emery Animal Health, 470 West 9. Highway 29, Castle Dale, phone 381-253- Reasonable prices, extra charges for animals in heat, pregnant, retained testicles or dogs over 80 pounds. Call for appointment. For more informaion, www.utahpets.org. or Mid-Siz- rs tenth-grade- tenth-grade- rs rs rs Wis. As long as theres demand, there will be some kind of drug abuse. Other factors that contribute to substance abuse in rural America include poverty, unemployment, underemployment, and the isolation of rural areas, says Monson. Increasing treatment for drug abuse is one way to reduce substance abuse. But this requires extra money that many local governments and rural communities dont have. Dwindling populations of rural communities means that treatment providers cannot spread out their overhead costs over a large number of clients. Depressed economic conditions and lack of health insurance in these communities also erect barriers to treatment. The attitudes and beliefs of rural people deter many from seeking help. Rural America tends to view addiction as a moral weakness, instead of the chronic disease that it is, says Monson. Thus, theres a strong stigma attached to addiction and fewer people tend to seek treatment. Yet rural Americans are creating new ways to curb drug abuse. Improving case management is one way to cope with budget constraints. Rural areas are attempting to network and integrate their services to maximize the use of their treatment resources, adds Monson. Mental health and sub- stance abuse providers need to screen for disorders in patients. ban areas. For instance, people who are treated One reason for the high rate of rural for depression need to be assessed for drug abuse is international drug traf- addiction as well. ficking. For example, Mexican drug Extra law enforcement can also help. dealers have been strong suppliers in Under the Mobile Enforcement Team the heroin and methamphetamine marProgram, for instance, the DEA sends kets of big cities. But increased compea team of trained agents to rural areas tition and law enforcement in large to stop violent drug organizations. urban areas has forced these dealers No Place to Hide concludes that into rural areas, searching for new and the most powerful solution of all is pre- lucrative markets. s that highlight the Drugs are also produced and dis- risks of illicit druguse. Monson agrees: tributed within our own If we can reduce the drug supply, fine! from rural bases. In 1994, And if we cant, we have to take away for example, the Drug Enforcement the appeal of drugs and show I people Administration (DEA) seized 263 labs that the alternatives are better. for producing methamphetamines. In TheCenterforSubstanceAbusePre- ' 1998, the DEA seized 1,627 such labs-- a vention provides a national registry of sixfold increase with most seizures effective prevention programs at in less populated areas of the West and Zffww.modelprograms.samhsa hitp Midwest. The National Rural Alcohol and Whats more, illicit drugs come to Abuse Network offers education Drug and rural and urban areas alike because training for professionals addressing demand for them is high. You could addiction in rural areas. For more inbuild a fortified wall around the United formation, cafi The reStates and youd still have clandestine port on rural drug abuse is available drugs comingin, says Lariy Monson, at ' Mipaommalibrarvnrrr president of the National Rural Alco- CASAM hol and Drug Abuse Network in Toni, ; j ! vention-program- borders-in-creasing- fy 1 Need to get your pet fixed? Emery o week only. Feb. County Super call Drugs are now as available on Main Street as they are in Manhattan. Thats the key findingfrom the most comprehensive report on rural drug abuse to date: No Place to Hide: Sube stance Abuse in Cities and Rural America. The report was funded by the Drug Enforcement Administration with support from the National Institute on Drug Abuse. For many years a lack of data has perpetuated the myth that small towns are isolated havens of sobriety and that drug abuse is a problem confined to big cities. But No Place to Hide undercuts that myth. Authors of the report discovered that: Eighth-gradein rural America are 83 percent more likely than those in urban areas to use crack cocaine, 43 percent more likely to smoke marijuana, and 29 percent more likely to drink alcohol. Except for Ecstasy (MDMA) and in rural marijuana, America use drugs at higher rates than in urban areas. Twelfth-gradein rural America use cocaine, amphetamines, inhalants, alcohol, cigarettes, and smokeless tobacco at higher rates than their urban counterparts. Adults in rural areas and large urban areas abuse alcohol and other drugs at about the same rates. Tobacco use was more prevalent in e cities and rural areas than in large urmid-siz- Senior Mobility 1. Rural America Rivals Big Cities in Drug Abuse LETTER TO THE EDITOR ; d. POLITICALLY CORRECT OF By Chaplain CLAY ANSTEAD cause of her mental state-a-n attitude he bequeathed to his own son. I know where my dad is going, said Michael. When he dies, Ill have no reason to be sad. Ill be saddened that hell be leaving this place. But Im overjoyed over where hes going. I guarantee he would be overjoyed-thrilleDeath might be viewed as simply that final twist or fork in the road Reagan incessantly spoke of, by which, Nelle taught him, things seemed bad but were just a precursor to brighter skies. If that bad thing hadnt happened, Reagan always insisted, neither would that good thing later. Though Alzheimers is a tragic final stage, Reagan would surely view it as a transition to something better-t- o a rainbow waiting around the bend. No visit jl |