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Show Matheson Dedicates Cannonville Community Center, Park During Special Holiday Visit on Wednesday Cannonville mayor, Laurie D. Ilolley, Introduces governor Scott Matheson and wife Norma to member of State Road Commission, Clem Church, chairman of the Gar- field County Commission, George Middleton and Cannonville Park and Community Center project coordinator Jim Clarke. Uy Nancy Bales News Associate Editor CANNONVILLE - Governor Scott M. Matheson made a special Fourth of July visit to Cannonville to dedicate the newly completed community center and city park. Commending tho citizens of the tiny community whose combined sustained efforts had accomplished the building of the 2400 square foot facility for only $9,000, the governor stated, "you here today have just sliced off a piece of democracy in action." Cannonville citizens seemed genuinely pleased that the busy governor would take time from his demanding schedule to spend a "down home" Fourth of July in their midst. Matheson, his wife Norma, and his son, James, had arrived earlier in the day. flying into Bryce Canyon airport about 11:00 a.m. On landing they were greeted by a special Garfield County delegation which consisted of Laurie Dea Holley, Cannonville's mayor; James Michael Clarke, the town's park and community' project director; George Middleton, chairman, Garfield County Commission; and Clem Church, member of the Utah State Road Commission. Garfield County's special guest, his family, television equipment and personnel from KSL-TV and assembled county officials were then escorted by Utah Highway Patrol officers Otho Bulkley, Panguitch, and David Excell, 1 Orderville, to the anxiously waiting crowd in Cannonville. Feeling honored, yet somewhat in awe of this larger than life political figure, almost all of Cannonville's 150 residents, joined by hundreds from surrounding communities, seemed to relax and let the occasion take on an informal tone as Matheson and family stepped from their vehicle dressed in familiar western clothing, obviously anticipating a full day's break from the pressures of the capitol. One big united effort had gone forth from the tiny community to assure that conditions were perfect for this grandest day ever in its proud, heritage rich history. A large speakers' stand had been prepared complete with podium and covered by a colorful canopy used to shelter guests from the rising heat of the day County law enforcement officers John Niemann and Keith Fackrell had arrived at the site of the celebration earlier to rope and secure adequate parking for the anticipated motorcade. Governor Matheson strolled leisurely through the crowd, smiling and stopping to shake hands with many who had gathered, then stepping into place on (Continued on page four) Cannonville Program (Continued from Page 1) the speakers' stand. Silence fell over the crowd as the day's program opened with the traditional boy scout presentation of the colors followed by the Invocation offered by Clele Fletcher, bishop, Cannonville LDS ward. James Michael Clarke, speaking first on the program, warmly thanked everyone for their enthusiastic support, welcomed the honored guests, and gave a brief background of time and effort that had gone into making the community's desire for a community center a reality. Local children of all ages gathered quickly in front of the stand to render their well rehearsed songs pertinent to the day's celebration: "America," "Yankee Doodle," and "This Land Is Your Land." Wallace Ott, representing the Garfield County Commission, Douglas Formes beck, administrator, Garfield Memorial Hospital, Don Shepard, Bryce Valley Federal Credit Union, and John Williams, executive director of the Five County Association of Governments each also spoke briefly. The combined choruses of Henrieville and Cannonville rose to sing "America the Beautiful," and a special solo was sung by Pat Lutes, "Your Land and My Land." The group was directed by Laurie Dea Holley, with accompaniment by Donna Cox. Mayor Holley remained standing to praise the community as a whole and to single out many individuals and committees without whose efforts the project could not have been completed. In her Introduction of Governor Matheson, Mrs. Holley gave some detailed Information about his background, noting that he had been born and reared in southern Utah. Greeted by a standing ovation, the governor proceeded to relate some interesting information he'd gleaned about the background and heritage of the small community. Interrupted several times by gusts of annoying wind, the governor remarked candidly to the gathering that no apologies were necessary as he was very familiar with southern Utah winds. He said he appreciated the inviation extended by the community to spend the day in celebration and felt that this was "truly the way to spend the holiday gather in the town park, have the children perform, listen to a speech or two, enjoy a good Lion's Club cooked meal, and enjoy each other's caom-pany." "This to me," added the governor, "is the best example I've ever seen of a community coming forward by its own bootstraps, everyone participating, pulling together to build something of long lasting value for yourselves, your children, and your grandchildren." The 'dignitaries then adjourned across the street for the ribbon cutting ceremony, tour of the building and exhibits. |