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Show cdDwmdU(Bdnt Constitution preserves freedom proclaimed on July 4 compromise was reported to the Convention as a who it got mixed reviews. That is the nature of comprom' But without that concession to the smaller states v likely we would not have the Constitution as we kn'cn Wlt 'S today. During that 11th Independence Day anniversa steps were taken that were erudal to the preservatin the freedom being celebrated outside the room wh the committee members worked out the compromise8 During the traditional Fourth of July revelry th parades, parties and fireworks this weekend, take som f time to think about the deeds of our founding fathers 6 who 211 years ago stated their intention to be free tyranny with the Declaration of Independence, foJ! and died to preserve that freedom in the War of I dependence and then, 200 years ago, pooled their creative genius and love of liberty to develop th framework that has kept us free. Two hundred years ago this weekend, the city of Pennsylvania was celebrating the 11th signing of the Declaration of Indepence in gala fashion. The city was full of music, bell ringing and revelry. Many of the delegates to the Constitutional Con-vention participated in the merry-makin- and the main orator of the day, James Campbell, a local laywer, told the Convention delegates he envisioned "the stately fabric 'of a free and vigorous government rising out of the Convention." Campbell predicted that 100 years after that date he could see "millions of free men covering the shores of our rivers and lakes with all the arts and enjoyment of civilized life." But while the city celebrated and sweated in the summer heat, 11 men continued working, sweating and creating a compromise that would prove to be crucial to the adoption of the Constitution. The Grand Convention had come to a standstill on the issue of how to determine representation in Congress. While larger state's favored proportional represen-tation, based on the number of voters in the state, smaller states argued for equal representation, with each state receiving the same number of elected representatives. On July 2, a Compromise Committee, consisting of one representative from each state was selected to try and solve the issue. They were to return a recom-mendation on July 5. Benjamin Franklin, the most notable of the com-mittee members, made the motion that eventually solved the problem: the first branch of government would have proportional representation (the House of Representatives); in the second branch (the Senate), each state would have an equal vote. Other inducements were added to make the com-promise attractive to the larger states, and when the Vacations could become addictive By MARCELLA WALKER p.g. blab One of the best things about summer is being able to take a little vacation here and there and not having to worry about the weather, the cold, etc. Last week we took a few days and went to Arizona. I want you to know that I did not have to put on a coat or a sweater for the entire five days that we were gone. It was wonderful. We traveled over some road we had not ever seen before. Most of it was gorgeous with tall pines, lakes, hills and wild animals. Some of it was your typical desert which Utah and Arizona has so much of. We passed by Colorado City where polygamous families live. We did not see any children or people out and about. Not a one. Maybe it was too hot, as we were riding along in an air conditioned car and sometimes we forget what it is like outside, especially in Arizona. We went to see my husband's sister and her family in Snowflake, Ariz, first. They own a pig farm and we got to see some little baby pigs which had just been born. But then we spent two days at Roosevelt Lake. We had a wonderful time. I didn't waterski but nearly all the others did, or at least they tried. We rode in the boat and saw some nice scenery in some of the coves. rather, a nightmare. One time when I was a teenager I went to Wyoming, Star Valley, with my girlfriend. On that trip we had two accidents and I got the three-da- y measles. We came home in a terrible snowstorm up by Bear Lake and saw a semi run over a man's leg who was trying to help push it back on the road where it had slid off in the storm. Fortunately the man's leg just sank down in the snow and he got up and walked away. It was frightening to see, though. Another time when I was in college we were going to Woodburn, Ore. to visit my roommate's family. We were in the Blue Mountains before there was freeway. A truck came over the crown of a hill as we approached from the opposite direction. A car came out from behind that truck to pass right at the crown of the hill. We pulled over as far as we could but we still collided. We made the rest of the trip to Portland via Greyhound Bus. I had to borrow money for the return trip, also by bus, from my aunt. I like vacations best that do not end up in any trouble. One time we were coming back from Arizona and we were in the canyon this side of Price, it was in November, and we hit some black ice. We had a scary few seconds and ended up kissing a big rock at the base of a moi We tied the door shut with a diaj as the door had sprung on imparl was a Volkswagen Bug. One thing I learned through ! this was to listen when you have J little voice "Don't 1 say, go or, h trip". If I would have listened m!p I often I would have had ftl, memories of this type. ' v However, vacations are still t keeps us going. All winter Ions look forward to summer and able to get away from it all i little while. Of course, there area!; t of people who have the where- a all to take little trips to Hawaii, & 1 Bahamas, . or some other r. h clime during the winter. We are m of this ilk, I am afraid. , I am looking forward to the e m little vacation. I don't know I? sure when it will be, but I am a. looking forward to it. It is so nice: be able to sleep-i- n in the mornk not listen to the news, not answer i telephone, not watch TV, and toe D out all the time. I like all that rea well. Vacations could become A Yi dictive. It is a good thing we ares allowed to have them too often, ir it? ai I believe I'll keep my suites packed, just in case. I really t: ready to go again, already. My daughter said she did not know that there was water in Arizona. We went to visit another sister and her family in Mesa. At midnight we were sitting outside in their jacuzzi and relaxing in their pool. The funny thing was that you could see the stars better there than we usually can here in Pleasant Grove. I wonder why that was? The worst thing about going on a vacation is that they are over too soon and when you get back you get to wondering if it was all just a dream. I had a vacation once, no twice, : that did seem more like a dream, or f letters to V the editor J Spectators cautioned about fire twirlers Editor: Since the parade season is upon us, I would like to express some concerns that I have regarding the safety of a few spectators that will be watching this summer's parades. I teach dance and baton. Since moving to Utah County, I have been working hard developing and organizing Utah County's first fire baton corps. This year, instead of one, I have five fire twirlers marching in the local parades. For many people, fire twirling is a very exciting and exotic thing to watch. But, in this area, I am amazed with the carelessness a few parade spectators have around fire. Therefore, I feel I must "educate" Utahns on how to safely watch; and also, to answer a few questions some have asked about fire twirling. 1. YES! It is REAL FIRE! I am amazed at how many people don't believe the batons are on fire. The batons are specially made to be soaked in gas and ignited with a will sometimes see fire twirlers performing without flames on their batons. If it is breezy, there will be a small flame and the fire twirlers' hair is periodically sprayed with fire retardant while marching along the parade route. Watching fire twirling is fun and very enjoyable to see. I would like to continue to entertain Utah County residents with this unique type of performance without harm to anyone. It is quite safe to watch if you are just aware ofthe dangers by keeping at a safe distance and enjoy its beauty. Also, I would like to comment on the Strawberry Days Parade. It was very nice and enjoyable to march in. The only problem we had, was in the evening parade. The floats and vehicles were going so fast that my girls had to run throughout most of the parade route. We finished marching approximately 10 minutes earlier than we had in the morning parade. Many times I have discussed with parade officials the importance of having the floats and vehicles drive at a "walking pace," so the bands and marchers won't have to run. But parade officials are worried about gaps in their parade and I can sympathize, because no one enjoys a parade with gaps. There are two main reasons for gaps: 1. The floats and vehicles are moving so fast that the marchers can't keep up, therefore causing gaps. 2. Bands, cheerleaders, dance groups, etc. stop to dance, cheer, etc. causing the parade to stop and wait for them. Most band and drill directors are aware of this and therefore choreograph their routines with a forward motion in mind. After the evening Strawberry Days Parade a lady was talking to me about how nice the parade was, but it moved so fast that she couldn't enjoy looking at the floats. She said that one float was going so fast that it was one long purple blur. A man yelled, "There goes the purple blob." ll the Strawberry Days Parade was a fun parade to march in because the spectators were very appreciative, friendly and seemed to enjoy the entertainment. Ever since I can remember, I have been involved in parades, both here in Utah and in California. Also, I have been involved in all areas of parade work (marching, riding, designing and driving floats, etc.); and on the whole, Utah County has some very nice parades. Most of the spectators here have been very gracious and friendly. It isn't easy to organize a large parade and my hat goes off to many of the parade officials for jobs well done. Adams Director Blue Crystals Dance and Baton Corps match. It is HOT and it BURNS! It takes a special child to be able to twirl fire. They must not be afraid of fire; but at the same time have enough fear to respect its dangers. Very few children have the nerve and the courage it takes to twirl fire. I have had many try, but few succeed. 2. When watching fire tiwrling, it is VERY IMPORTANT TO STAY AT A SAFE DISTANCE. I can't believe how many people casually wander dangerously close or thru marching fire twirlers. What most people don't realize is that the girls twirling fire have been carefully sprayed and soaked from head to foot with a special flame retardant. Their costumes, hair and every inch of their body has been soaked with this retardant. The helpers who walk and assist the fire twirlers, and even the child carrying the banner in front of the twirlers, have also been thoroughly sprayed with retardant (especially the hair). You wouldn't believe how many times I have had to caution people along the parade route to stay clear of the fire twirlers. At parades, I have seen children come within inches of the flames. When I have warned them to stay back, there has been times the mothers of some of these children have said, "Oh, he won't catch on fire," or "She's okay," or as one mother recently, "Lady, I can take care of my child." I wonder what she would have said if he caught on fire. Sometimes when warning people not to wander too close, I get comments that can't be printed. At times, I am stunned to think that some people seem to be so careless around flames. I've often wondered if they have ever been burned. My fire twirlers have, and they can tell you that it hurts. Also, if the hair catches on fire, it goes in a split second and the hair is usually the first to ignite. The fire twirlers' hair is tightly pinned to the head and a cap, or a cover of some kind is worn so as to cut down on stray hairs that might ignite. My regular baton twirlers know enough to stay clear of the fire twirlers. 3. DON'T BLOW AT A FLAME THAT HAS BEEN IGNITED BY GAS. The flames follow the gas and they won't go out by blowing on them. They must be extinguished with a specially made cannister. When you blow on a gas ignited flame, it can "snap" right back into your face. You wouldn't believe how many people have been crazy enough to try blowing the fire out. 4. If the wind is gusty, the batons will not be ignited. That is why you Grove Just me and the dog ; only one will survive?- - the editor's column By MARC HADDOCK The dog and I have one more week to live together, just the two of us. The way I figure it, only one will survive I'm not a pet person. And spending this past week with just a dog as company hasn't changed my mind. A week ago. Nancy loaded up our station wagon with the six kids and headed about (it)0 miles south for a two week vacation with her mother in Albuquerque. Dad's always gone along in the past, but (his year I just couldn't get away. (Sure.) Here was my chance, I thought, to have some peace and do some serious writing in the evenings and on weekends. Time to be free. With six kids, that kind of time is hard to come by. Besides, taking all the kids to Grandma's has been one of Nancy's fantasies. Ever since I married into Nancy's family. I have been regaled with talcs of how my mother-in-la- each year would pack her brood of six into the family station wagon and make the two-da- y trip from Denver to Indiana for an extended summer visit with her parents The story is always told with a hushed tone of admiration for her daring and initiative. And even before everyone packed up and headed south. I could tell Nancy was excited about the ex-perience. This was something we were both looking forward to. Of course, I was forgetting the family pet - a small dachshund named Lacey who spends her time lying in the sun, lying on the furniture, or licking the faces of our two youngest children -- the only ones who will let the dog lick The problem is I'm a poor dog tender. I don't spend much time around home - whether everyone is there or in Albuquerque. And while I'm out working, Lacey is home fretting about the lack of little people with whom to play and chasing anyone who happens to walk or ride a bike near our home. This activity entails getting out of the back yard by some escape route we have yet to discover while I'm away taking care of business. If there is no one to chase, Lacey will park herself under the neigh-bor's rabbit cage and yip at the rabbit which, by this time, has developed a serious nervous disorder. When I get home, sometimes late at night, the poor animal is frantic and enters the house on a dead sprint, running from room to room looking for one of the little people to play with. Once she figures out nobody's home but me, Lacey returns for a brief petting, which is almost always accompanied by a loss of bladder control because the poor animal is so happy to see any human - even if it's me. And she ends up outside again for punishment. I can live with all of this. But the dog's sleeping habits are more than I can bear. This dog can sleep throughout the day in almost any spot and almost any position. But when night comes, she has been taught to expect a bed and warm body to help her get through the night. That's fine with me, as long as it isn't my bed and my body. I spent the first three nights of this arrangement with Lacey jumping into my bed and crawling next tcj to sleep - rattling those obnop medals and making '0U(I smt'jresi)0n noises with her dog's mouth tongue. concer Thirty seconds of this was all I could stand. appreh Finally I locked her in Ss:' room, hoping the ,8t upast( surroundings without the fit s body would be enough to &M nft slumber. Instead, it induced of whimpers and whines' SloJer me awake and worked me t jstereos state of total frustration. Jblankets I threw the dog outside, only stereo S in bed and listen toaW'-- . bade whimper designed to ereo neighborhood. f "Give her some sleeping advised. ,,,,yj?m "I would if I had any "About 20 at a time oughts-Jarre- , trick." I was kidding, of course ore kids love the dog, and if happened to her, Dad p pack up and move out. Finally, I locked thewtaV jangling animal in the ; bathroom, where she cc whimper and jangle, butai sleepless nights, I was so hardly noticed the noise. Now I'm catching upon"; - and the whimpers inb sleep from time to time ea I'm counting the days ir-home to provide a good j M' I for Lacey - and in night's rest for me. If I can make it thatW On the other hand l bottle of sleeping pills " gave me. The question ft i take them first. their faces. In fact, Meghan, who is four, in-sists that Lacey lick her face all the time, to the point that the dog runs when Meghan enters the room. Then for the rest of the day, Meghan mopes around the house whining "Lacey hates me." Needless to say, with six kids to keep her busy, this dog is used to a lot of attention. She is supposed to take turns sleeping with the kids, but she always spends the night with her favorite, Seth, who loves to spend the night with a smelly dog curled up by his face. The dog doesn't sleep, mind you. She's done that during the day. And every time we open the door, up pops Lacey's head, accompanied with a characteristic jingle from all the metal tags she carries on her collar. In the past few days, I've learned to hate the sound of that collar, rattling away. our Town ' J m maybe w litlifeP it's mot even A tlS VISIT $Heaaant (Sroue lReuteui ISSN No. 8755-907- 2 U.S.P.S. No. ! Published weekly except for Thanksgiving and Christmas by Newtah, Inc. 11 South Main Pleasant Grove. Utah W062 Telephone Numbers Advertising & Circulation. News Publisher Brett R. Bezzant Editors Marc Haddock Marcella Walker Subscription price $16" per year Second class postage paid at Pleasant Grove Post Office Pnslmasler: Send address changes to P htix 7. American Knrk. L'lah 84003 |