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Show I Page 4 May 14 1980 Ben Lomond Beacon Blindness not a handicap for Brian By Nancy Lynn Krzton remembers very well, Bryan Gerritsen, the orientation and mobility instructor at the Utah School for the Deaf and Blind. He realizes that its better to have the cane or other devices rather than stumble High School, will be one of five class valedictorians this year because of his 4.0 grade average. The list of his honors and achievements is immense. What makes this even more amazing is that Brian is blind and a diabetic. When Brian was about seven years old, his optic nerve began to die, causing his vision to deteriorate ytfW ; :: r v &',"" N f j '4i v i - iy They went to dances and on church hikes in the canyons like any other young couple. He just takes his blindness in stride like its not even a handicap at all, NaDeen explained. J his schoolwork to him when the schoolbooks were not available on cassette tape. t this Despite ' t 's nm-y- ; : , & u . time-consumi- of method studying, Brian found the time to be president of his seminary class, president of the A Capella Choir, vice president of the Spanish Club, and a member of j does. I think Brian can see you dont have to be a nobody because youre blind or handicapped, she said. Brian certainly has no intention of sitting back, feeling sorry for himself, and letting the world take care of him. He plans to attend Weber State College this fall, and hopes to go on a mission for the LDS church. DECA, FBLA, Key Club, FHA, and the Utah Council of the Blind. He was selected to join the National Honor Society and was listed in Whos Who Among American High School Students. The Ogden Elks Club chose Brian as Teenager of the Month and Outstanding Student Scholar of the Year. He won a scholarship to Weber State College on the basis of his " i Currently, Brian is looking for a summer job. He also expects to help put together a pageant for the Ogden Institute of Religion this summer. Like any other graduating senior, he views the future with both excitement and trepidation. Its kind of scary for me, because I dont know what employers are going to want and expect, he admitted. Employers still have a lot of qualms about hiring the blind, Mr. Gerritsen said. Its just really tough, even with a college degree. character and academic talent. Brian remained active in the LDS Church, becoming chorister of his priesthood meeting and part of the presidency of his quorum. Brian was able to manage ' this tough schedule by rising at 5 a.m. each morning to study his tapes. His natural brightness also helped him overcome his difficult circumstances. Hes very gifted intellectually, and he has a tremendous memory, said teacher Dorothy Smith. i a senior at Weber High, uses his cane to navigate the halls between class. His excellent memory helps him clear obstacles along the way. BRIAN SMITH, : Although going to college and finding a career afterwards will not be easy, Brians family and friends of Brians not only-on- e the most intelligent students, Ive ever met, but one of the most are rooting for him. I feel Brians talented enough to do something motivated highly people, too, Mr. Gerritsen He picks things up said. most more quickly than people. Hes really special, Dorothy Brians just Smith said. going to have to look into what he can do. in- very dependent. Hes had a lot of obstacles, but hes been All he wants is the chance to do his best. I dont want any special treatment," he said. his mother said. Hes got a lot more courage than I think I would have. Brian has an older brother with the same sight problem. determined, If Brian gets special treatment, it will be because hes an exceptional person, not because hes blind. rnSMITA T7QDI3BK ""wr'"9""Awmw A riding their familys tandem bicycle and their motorbike.' Brian's blindness has not kept him from helping around the house and cooking for himself, either. He makes his bed, vacuums and dusts the his room, empties wastebasket, and cleans the bathroom. In addition, he sets the table for dinner, and fixes his own breakfast and lunch on Saturdays. He makes a fantastic omelet, Mrs. Smith said. Hell try anything. Hes a perfectionist in anything he the floor. k t Brian and Debbi also enjoy on NaDeen, Spanish tutor Becky Harris, Dorothy Smith, Brians mother, and his older sister Debbi read ; rest. Hunt would tell him what action was taking place , - to attend He continued basketball games, a favorite pasttime. Girlfriend NaDeen special assistance from school district itinerant teacher for the visually impaired Dorothy Smith, Mr. Gerritsen, and others. "' Greg, did not always know who was greeting him. or grope. Brian continued to attend Weber High, receiving v 32, began to lose his vision when he was 16. Brian said his brother has helped him learn how to handle his blindness. Sister Debbi, who was very close to a blind girl when she was growing up, has also helped Brian in many ways. When Debbi and Brian go bowling, Debbie lines him up with the pins and he does the His 4.0 grade average never once slipped, despite his inability to see. Students not aware of his blindness wondered why he often seemed distant when they said hello, not realizing he slowly. Last year, Brians eyesight became so bad that he began to use a cane. He accepted the cane Brian Smith, son of Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Smith, 559 E. 3000 N., North Ogden, is the kind of boy anyone would be proud of. Brian, a senior at Weber yV..V V? EFFICIENCY "u .y : , X Kv . BEACHES AT Antelope Island will be looking alot cleaner and nicer when the Good Sam club get through with them. The annual spring cleanup will be scheduled for May 16, 17 and 18. Good Sam Club stages cleanup By LaVora Wament The beaches at Antelope Island State Park will be safer and cleaner when the folks from the Good Sam Club get through with them. The annual spring cleanup, sponsored by the Clearfield Chapter known as Gull RVers Travelers, will be held May 16, 17 and 18. According to Allen Flint, a spokesman for the group, Good Sam members from throughout Davis County are invited to the three-da- y campout and clean-u- p event W ... offar 90 day Authorized Dealer Best Selection Best Prices e Free Delivery NEW 19 Inch Color condensing unit capacity 36,000 matched with 44UF 22 cooling coil - heatcool thermostats, 25 ft. line set. INSTALLATION EX- e Knowledgeable Salespeople e No Deposit Necessary e Free Maintenance xchanga BTU Quasar (NOW FOR RENT) TRA. METRO HEATING 2345 Wall Ave., Ogden, Ut. Tel. 394-427- We lead the way 4 2671 Washington Blvd., Ogden or 621-890- 0 OFFER GOOD WHILE SUPPLY LASTS! 621-890- all rules and regulations of outdoor recreational facilities. Good Sammers place importance on leaving a campsite in better condition than they found it. gate. Anyone in Weber County interested in becoming a Good Sam member should contact Mr. Flint. a dark, sitting around bonfire built from driftwood gathered from the beaches, Good Sam exchanging stores and getting to know from members chapters. other The Good Sam Club is a nationwide organization with 27 chapters in Utah. The purpose of the group is to provide RV owners with valuable services and information concerning such as parks, ANTELOPE ISLAND State park ranger Fred Helmes and Allan Flint from the Good Sam Club discuss the upcoming spring cleanup to be . scheduled for the week of May 6. 1 cam May A 11-1- 7. class in car- resuscitatdiopulmonary ion, open to the public, will kick off a week of activities on Monday, May Held in classrooms B1 and B2 on the lower level of St. Benedicts class Hospital, the four-howill begin at 6 p.m. It will include a lecture along with in artificial practice 12. Ogden KOA 4 Garden City, Utah (601) vS On US. M midway bstw 946-345- This Coupon X TT & a SaR Lake City. 120 mltaa M. of 8aR Lake. wnsfidmmsr Good For $1X0 Ofl camping At Bear Lake K0A Kampground Mtt 8f On Discount Hcglstratlon g5s compression. Attendance is limited, aaccording to instructor Andy Tolsma, education coordinator for the department of respiratory therapy. He requests that participants preregister by Fee is $1, calling and registrants should bring a stamped, envelope to receive their American Heart Association Heart Saver cards. 479-249- On Wednesday the public is invited to a blood pressure screening from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Blood pressure will Local leader receives nos! SAVE 01 .00 SAVE recognizes outstanding service activities which promote a better un- SAVE BUCK MAEOSTMTONFEZ Coupon Good May Education Association and a teacher at Mount Ogden Junior High School, was a recipient of the Liberty Bell Award at a special program at Hill Air Force Base. The Liberty Bell Award -- SWIM respiration and cardiac Liberty Bell Award SAVE 09Kcmpgrpund Save 00 yr Deer Lake r swmmr-- observed, p , 1 rinnyffiiMAT. sr Earii pledge to give aid to fellow campers keep my RV in safe condition at all times drive within the law and with consideration for others observe, and cause to be Mr. Flint reminds all members planning to attend event the campout-cleanuto bring a rake and a potluck dish, and be prepared for a good time. Camping will be free to all Good Sam members presenting a membership card to the ranger at the will be conducted throughout the afternoon. Games such as lawn darts (or should it be sand darts? ) and horseshoes will be available. ; A pot luck supper with each member bringing a favorite dish, is next on the agenda, followed by a slide presentation given in the bowery by the park rangers. The culmination of the days activities will be after Clair Kilts, president of the (dirXTTTTlf.yri I opportunity for fun and fellowship at Good Sam and caravans rallies scheduled throughout the year from coast to coast. The Good Sam members Hospital observes special week PRICE INCLUDES: A pgrounds, rules of the road and many more. Club membership also provides discounts for members at a club campgrounds, newspaper, detailed maps and information showing the fastest and-o- r most scenic RV route for a member planning a trip, special insurance programs, and the which will begin Friday evening, when many of the Gull RVers will begin arriving at the State Park. On Saturday the groups will spend a couple of hours raking and cleaning the beach areas, according to Mr. Flint. Chapter activities lifesaving techniques will highlight St. Benedicts Hospitals observance of National Hospital Week, CHE36-6- 'v - Blood pressure screening for the public and a class in SPECIAL ONLY v - - v items HIGH 'CV'-'W- ' " ? ' ,v. '" .... ,, J v. thru Oct. il-Wh- y' derstanding of government and encourages a respect for the law and the courts. President Clair Kilts was recognized for his emphasis and interest of teaching the Consitution and involving students in an understanding of the law and courts. President Kilts students have gone through special programs which involve extended day activities including visits to the legislature, local penal institutions, and lawyers offices, resulting in a better understanding and ap- plication of the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and law and order. Mr. Kilts is a noted educator in the Ogden City School District as a teacher at Mount Ogden Junior High School for the past 20 years and has served two different times as President of the Ogden Education Association. Previous recipients of the Liberty Bell Award have been Gaye Liddleton, Richard Ulibarri, and Murray Moler. be checked by nurses who will have equipment set up in the hospital lobby. National Hospital Week is sponsored each year by the American Hospital Association and its approximately 6,000 member hospitals to foster better communications, and un- derstanding between hospitals and their patients, their employees, and the communities they serve. The theme this year is, Were Americas Health offered in the chapel by Father Charles director of Cummins, pastoral care. Intentions for Holy Mass are: Sunday, in Holy Mass will be thanksgiving for Gods blessings on the staff and all who support them in their care of the sick; Monday, for employees; Tuesday, for the Sisters and the clergy; Wednesday, for doctors and dentists, volunteers and students; Thursday, for patients and their families; and Friday, for the board of trustees and administration. Team. Other activities at St. We at St. Benedicts think this theme is particularly Benedicts Hospital include free refreshments for emappropriate, said Robert K. volunteers and ployees, Eisleben, administrator. physicians on Mondays, an Our physicians, employees on and volunteers are all part of open house in pharmacy the team that works together Tuesday, blood pressure toward a common goal of screening for employees on afternoon; and giving the highest quality of Wednesday the annual awards banquet care to our patients. In a larger sense, he the hospital funcadded, tions as a leading member of the community health team concerned with building a healthier way of life for everyone. Throughout health week Wednesday night. Seventy seven employees who have completed 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years of service will receive awards. The hospitals health care team consists of 740 employees, 190 volunteers, and some 200 physicians. Utfil AWORLDOF SERVICES WORLDWIDE |