Wednesday, December 16, 2009
The Big Fix
Need your pet fixed? Big Fix Mobile Spay/Neuter Clinic: Dec. 23 WVC Animal Services, 4522 W. 3500 S. Great prices; Microchipping and vaccination available to anyone 11am - 3 pm; 1-866-PETS-FIX www.utahpets.org
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Magna children learn about people with disabilities
By Kimberly A . Thomas
News Editor
The Disability Outreach Committee in partnership with Magna FACT hosted a lunch at the Pleasant Green Villa on Saturday for children in need. The lunch was given so that children from Magna families in need could learn about disabilities.
The luncheon started with Mark Miller, Chairman of the DOC, showing the children what it is like to do simple things in a wheelchair. Some children had the opportunity to sit in a wheelchair to get a sense of what it is like to go grocery shopping and pick up change off the floor. After that the children got to meet Panda a deaf search dog. Panda’s owner of 13 years, Jurgen, showed how he gives Panda commands even though he is deaf.
Amanda Owens, a community liaison for the DOC, helped organize the luncheon and expressed that this is one of the many projects the DOC would like to undergo. Owens said that youth programs like this are, “The first step to create some sort of information system for people.” Owens further stated that it is important to have educational opportunities because people with disabilities often feel excluded. Owens feels that educational opportunities should not be limited to children and should branch out to adults to help create an understanding community.
All of the children who attended the luncheon are children on Magna FACT’s Angel Tree at the Magna Post Office. Diana Watson from Magna FACT said that they are still looking for donations for the Magna FACT Sub-for-Santa program. Watson explained that up until Christmas Eve there will still be children coming in who need help this Christmas.
If you would like to helpthese children you can go to the Magna Post Office on 2700 South and sponsor a child through the Angel Tree Program. The lunch provided was donated by Five Buck Pizza of Magna.
News Editor
The Disability Outreach Committee in partnership with Magna FACT hosted a lunch at the Pleasant Green Villa on Saturday for children in need. The lunch was given so that children from Magna families in need could learn about disabilities.
The luncheon started with Mark Miller, Chairman of the DOC, showing the children what it is like to do simple things in a wheelchair. Some children had the opportunity to sit in a wheelchair to get a sense of what it is like to go grocery shopping and pick up change off the floor. After that the children got to meet Panda a deaf search dog. Panda’s owner of 13 years, Jurgen, showed how he gives Panda commands even though he is deaf.
Amanda Owens, a community liaison for the DOC, helped organize the luncheon and expressed that this is one of the many projects the DOC would like to undergo. Owens said that youth programs like this are, “The first step to create some sort of information system for people.” Owens further stated that it is important to have educational opportunities because people with disabilities often feel excluded. Owens feels that educational opportunities should not be limited to children and should branch out to adults to help create an understanding community.
All of the children who attended the luncheon are children on Magna FACT’s Angel Tree at the Magna Post Office. Diana Watson from Magna FACT said that they are still looking for donations for the Magna FACT Sub-for-Santa program. Watson explained that up until Christmas Eve there will still be children coming in who need help this Christmas.
If you would like to helpthese children you can go to the Magna Post Office on 2700 South and sponsor a child through the Angel Tree Program. The lunch provided was donated by Five Buck Pizza of Magna.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Diva with the Red Hattitude
What the caterpillar call the end, God calls a butterfly!
Whirlwind week for this ol’ gal! The most rewarding experience I have ever had in volunteer work at Christmas time is the “Shopping with a Veteran Program” sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliaries of the state of Utah. I spent three days at the VA Hospital during intake for the program along with three other ladies. Veterans come with a list of names, ages and addresses of immediate family members to whom they want to send a gift ; they must complete paperwork, and go with a shopper who helps select gifts and keeps track of the inventory, the gifts are then wrapped and sent anywhere there is an address. I had one request for a package to be sent Afghanistan. What a worthwhile program. Our service man and woman were so grateful for this opportunity. Toys and items are requested year around, stored at the VA hospital and put out every year for a shopping spree. Inquiring about the history of the program, I learned it was started in 1938. The first day, the room was like a mini superstore.
I was so proud of the boss of the project; someone came dragging a box of soaps, shampoo and stuff borrowed on the no return plan from who knows where. She graciously said thank you, and ordered the staff to get rid of the box. We had quite a discussion and just disposed of the items as soon as the do gooder was gone. My take on it, is what a waste of time and energy. I think the world knows by now pawning soap, lotion, shampoo and the like off on the homeless at Christmas time is one of my pet peeves.
Kudos to the Sandy Senior Center, who have been making afghans, hats, scarves and the like all year long. Ken and his gals were featured on the news as they soon will deliver their works of art to the Road Home homeless shelter. A very worthwhile project to say the least!
The news, local section and letters to the editor of the Tribune have been quite interesting lately. I find it amusing! I swear it does not take much to amuse me these days.
Going through another cookbook, I found another recipe; I shall call it the “Oh Crap Cake,” for lack of better verbiage. Start with a chocolate cake mix: add three eggs, three jars of pureed baby food prunes, _ cup warm water, 3 teaspoons instant coffee granules, 2 tablespoons applesauce. Bake in a spray and floured Bundt pan for 40 minutes @ 350+ I haven’t dared try it, but I’m waiting to be asked to bring desert for some pot luck. Would I do that==one never knows!
This week, Karan Speetzner was called home. She was Barb’s sister and VelDean’s daughter (Red Hat ladies in Kearns) and a neighbor of mine. I played the music for the service; I laughed at VelDean as she cautioned, “Make sure some of the music you play is religious.” She knew I played in dance bands and was afraid I was going to jazz it up a little bit.
Grandma Gene is getting along great. Alta Ridge is a good place to recover, and at least, no one hollers at her there. She asked me if I had the password the other night when I went to see her. She was zonkered up on pain pills after a strenuous morning of exercises. Sunday was her birthday I went to see her in the morning and told her about “the cake.” She didn’t want any part of it! We had a good laugh. She said she would be watching for my chocolate cake! I assured her, I would not make it for her.
Until next week, never do anything you have to explain to the paramedics. Later in the area, Andrea
Whirlwind week for this ol’ gal! The most rewarding experience I have ever had in volunteer work at Christmas time is the “Shopping with a Veteran Program” sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliaries of the state of Utah. I spent three days at the VA Hospital during intake for the program along with three other ladies. Veterans come with a list of names, ages and addresses of immediate family members to whom they want to send a gift ; they must complete paperwork, and go with a shopper who helps select gifts and keeps track of the inventory, the gifts are then wrapped and sent anywhere there is an address. I had one request for a package to be sent Afghanistan. What a worthwhile program. Our service man and woman were so grateful for this opportunity. Toys and items are requested year around, stored at the VA hospital and put out every year for a shopping spree. Inquiring about the history of the program, I learned it was started in 1938. The first day, the room was like a mini superstore.
I was so proud of the boss of the project; someone came dragging a box of soaps, shampoo and stuff borrowed on the no return plan from who knows where. She graciously said thank you, and ordered the staff to get rid of the box. We had quite a discussion and just disposed of the items as soon as the do gooder was gone. My take on it, is what a waste of time and energy. I think the world knows by now pawning soap, lotion, shampoo and the like off on the homeless at Christmas time is one of my pet peeves.
Kudos to the Sandy Senior Center, who have been making afghans, hats, scarves and the like all year long. Ken and his gals were featured on the news as they soon will deliver their works of art to the Road Home homeless shelter. A very worthwhile project to say the least!
The news, local section and letters to the editor of the Tribune have been quite interesting lately. I find it amusing! I swear it does not take much to amuse me these days.
Going through another cookbook, I found another recipe; I shall call it the “Oh Crap Cake,” for lack of better verbiage. Start with a chocolate cake mix: add three eggs, three jars of pureed baby food prunes, _ cup warm water, 3 teaspoons instant coffee granules, 2 tablespoons applesauce. Bake in a spray and floured Bundt pan for 40 minutes @ 350+ I haven’t dared try it, but I’m waiting to be asked to bring desert for some pot luck. Would I do that==one never knows!
This week, Karan Speetzner was called home. She was Barb’s sister and VelDean’s daughter (Red Hat ladies in Kearns) and a neighbor of mine. I played the music for the service; I laughed at VelDean as she cautioned, “Make sure some of the music you play is religious.” She knew I played in dance bands and was afraid I was going to jazz it up a little bit.
Grandma Gene is getting along great. Alta Ridge is a good place to recover, and at least, no one hollers at her there. She asked me if I had the password the other night when I went to see her. She was zonkered up on pain pills after a strenuous morning of exercises. Sunday was her birthday I went to see her in the morning and told her about “the cake.” She didn’t want any part of it! We had a good laugh. She said she would be watching for my chocolate cake! I assured her, I would not make it for her.
Until next week, never do anything you have to explain to the paramedics. Later in the area, Andrea
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Pleasant Green Villa raises new symbol of freedom
By Kimberly Thomas
News Editor
On Veteran’s Day, friends and residents of Pleasant Green Villa gathered around in their courtyard to retire their old American flag and raise their new one. Residents of the Pleasant Green expressed how their old flag acted as a symbol for them. Roy Davis, Treasury Secretary for the Disability Outreach Committee (DOC) said, “The flag looks like it has been in a battle.” Davis continued on to say that the flag’s war-torn qualities made it relatable to residents of Pleasant Green.
Pleasant Green is home to the DOC a non-profit organization with a focus in helping people with disabilities and it was the DOC who was able to gather support and funds for a new flag. Mark Miller, Chairman of the DOC, said that Pleasant Green chose to raise the flag on Veteran’s Day because many residents of Pleasant Green are Veterans. Lowell Taylor, a Vice Chairman for the DOC, said it was important to have a flag and pole in the first place because so many residents have served our country. All felt that raising the new flag on Veteran’s Day was significant because it is so symbolic to residents, especially those who are veterans.
The flag raising ceremony began with a few words from Mark Miller. Miller also read a poem by Edgar A. Guest, titled “Duty to Our Flag.” The poem echoed patriotism for the flag and stressed the importance of always showing respect and love for flag and country. After this the new flag was raised by Taylor and Davis. Mallory Douge then sang the national anthem which brought many to tears. Everyone continued to salute the flag as the Pledge of Allegiance was spoken.
Miller says that now that the flag has been retired they would like to frame it and display it in the clubhouse so that the flag can continue to act as a symbol to the residents of Pleasant Green. Pleasant Green friends and residents continue with faith despite the vandalism that precipitated the need to retire their old flag. A line from “Duty to Our Flag” reads, “Less boast and brag about the flag, more faith in what it means,” this is faith that friends and residents of Pleasant Green Villa have in abundance.
The DOC was started in 2005 originally to help just one lady in an electric wheel chair obtain transportation. It was DOC that found someone to donate the new flag. Lowell Taylor was the one with the idea for the DOC and it was Mark Miller, whom Taylor says is a “doer”, who got the proverbial ball rolling on the DOC. The DOC’s is now working on organizing a Sub-for-Santa for children with disabilities. If you would like to help them please visit their website: www.doconthemove.org.
UPDATE: H1N1 Vaccination Appointments
The Salt Lake Valley Health Department (SLVHD) H1N1 vaccination appointment call center is now closed. Persons still wanting to schedule an appointment can do so on-line at www.slvhealth.org tonight until 8:00 p.m.
Grand-opening celebrates completion of 3500 South construction
Two center lanes ready for UTA’s first MAX 2 Bus
By Katie Higgins
Staff Writer
A major part of the West Valley City 3500 South road construction project was finished eight months ahead of schedule, according to Utah Department of Transportation Deputy Director Carlos Braceras. Braceras addressed WVC residents and officials last Saturday at the grand opening celebration for the newly widened stretch of road.
The project widened 3500 South to three lanes in each direction; two additional center lanes in the middle of the road will be used exclusively by the state’s first Rapid Transit Bus, UTA spokesman Gerry Carpenter told the crowd, which included West Valley Mayor Dennis Nordfelt, UTA Assistant General Manager Michael Allegra, Granger High School Principal Arthur Cox, and Lt. Dale Brophy, West Valley Police Department among others.
Carpenter explained the Bus Rapid Transit system, or MAX 2 to the crowd by comparing it to light rail with rubber tires. According to Carpenter, giving the system two dedicated lanes, MAX 2 will be able to transport more people much more quickly than a regular bus. MAX 2 service will begin in the next few months, and like TRAX, riders will board from a center platform in the middle of the street.
Representative Ron Bigelow, R-West Valley City, compared the aggravation of the year long project to the painful economic downturn both the city and the nation have experienced. He added that he sees the finishing of this project as the start of an economic turn around for West Valley City. Businesses along the stretch of 3500 South couldn’t be happier, as many have lost two-thirds or more of their business in the past year and watched as several of their neighboring businesses closed.
The 3500 project is the first completed project of many planned by a newly formed community coordination team. The team, which partners members of the WVC community with UDOT and UTA, has other projects in the works, including the 2700 West Hub, and the construction of a new building which will house Granger High School, as well as providing a community center for the arts, community gatherings etc. The new building will be located just north of the current Granger High School on the corner of 3500 South and 3600 West, and officials foresee it as the future heart of the community, drawing both residents and visitors to West Valley for theater productions music performances, and other events.
The award winning Granger High Cheerleaders performed stunts for the Grand Opening crowd, and the Granger High Band provided music. Granger High Madrigals opened the ceremony singing the national anthem.
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