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Show Ten O'Clock Whistle j by David Fleisher Save the Whistle I received some fairly encouraging news this week regarding the Ten O'Clock Whistle dilemma. First, the Whistle has definitely not been forgotten even though it hasn't gone off in several months. Second, an effort will be made to fix the Whistle. Third, it was determined that the Whistle has not been out to lunch. Fourth, the Whistle was not kidnapped. And fifth, the Whistle, thank God, is not dead. A City Hall employee told me Wednesday, "Let me do some checking on it and see what's going on. I know they were working on it a while back. Somebody may have dropped the ball." I realize the City is very busy right now in having to deal with a lot of other matters and that the Whistle could have been placed lower on the priority list. This is certainly understandable. I mean, when you compare the problems of the Whistle with the Park Avenue War Zone, well, those whistle problems seem less than critical. A Mountain Bell employee did some checking up on the Whistle's silence and learned it was a repair problem. She told me this week, "Everybody knows about it. It's just a matter of getting to it. ..We're swamped. It's not a small town anymore." The woman at Mountain Bell expressed deep concern over the Whistle; and she assured me that something would be done to remedy the situation. It's just a matter of time. Again, this is understandable. I will be patient. When the Whistle isn't working, it may be due to one of three things: A) the cable line is screwed up, B) the timer switch is malfunctioning, or C) the plectron, which triggers the Whistle off, isn't working. Now, in order to determine which of the above is the culprit, the City must file a report. The report is then sent to Mountain Bell, at which point the Whistle is given a "special services" assignment. And then, a repairman is sent out to fix the Whistle. There have been times in the past when the Whistle either went on the blink or was intentionally turned off in order not to disturb a particular event in town. The Mountain Bell employee said she remembers when the Whistle went off last summer; she, personally, accompanied the repairmen when they fixed it. Now that's what I call concern. Bravo, to the telephone lady! I've got a good ally. During the past week, a number of people told me they wanted to hear the Whistle again because they missed it, There were even rumors of a "Save the Whistle" movement if nothing is done to resurrect one of Park City's oldest traditions. Of course, I think I may have started this rumor but I am willing to go to great lengths to get the Whistle back on. I've even considered picketing City Hall and carrying a sign that reads, "Save the Whistle." However, I don't think this will be necessary; at least, I hope not. It's just a matter of time, right? I've learned that patience is a virtue. I will be waiting, and every night at Ten O'Clock. ..1 will be listening. |