Wednesday, December 3, 2008
In the Bleak Mid-Winter
By Christina Rossetti
In the bleak mid-winter
Frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron,
Water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow,
Snow on snow,
In the bleak mid-winter
Long ago.
Our God, Heaven cannot hold him
Nor earth sustain;
Heaven and earth shall flee away
When he comes to reign:
In the bleak mid-winter
A stable-place sufficed
The Lord God Almighty
Jesus Christ….
What can I give him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd
I would bring him a lamb,
If I were a Wise Man
I would do my part,-
Yet what I can I give him,
Give my heart.
In the bleak mid-winter
Frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron,
Water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow,
Snow on snow,
In the bleak mid-winter
Long ago.
Our God, Heaven cannot hold him
Nor earth sustain;
Heaven and earth shall flee away
When he comes to reign:
In the bleak mid-winter
A stable-place sufficed
The Lord God Almighty
Jesus Christ….
What can I give him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd
I would bring him a lamb,
If I were a Wise Man
I would do my part,-
Yet what I can I give him,
Give my heart.
November GSSD Meeting
By Sara Laub
The main topic for the November GSSD meeting was the resolution that Todd Taylor presented. It basically stated that when the board members call and get information from the higher government authorities, they need to document the day, time, who they talked to and also a summary of what was discussed. Todd explained that this was a resolution he wanted voted in because he wanted the board members to show a united front and know what the government has heard from the board members. Taylor said the resolution was open for modification.
Odean Bowler did not agree to vote in the resolution because he thought it would be restricting, and not allow private communication and he himself is a government authority. He also thought it was not needed and it was too vague. Nadine Heaton agreed with him. Community members commented that they wanted to know how it could be enforced and they also commented that this should already be done naturally without a resolution. They decided to talk about the resolution later and see if they could come up with a modification or an alternative that would accomplish the unity Todd was seeking.
Other items of business included the continuing work to get the chlorination system in adequately, the survey for the state will be done to help to receive a grant, the Gentry property has a leak that Judy Leavitt will look into and the Todd Taylor connection is progressing and continuing to research all possible solutions.
The main topic for the November GSSD meeting was the resolution that Todd Taylor presented. It basically stated that when the board members call and get information from the higher government authorities, they need to document the day, time, who they talked to and also a summary of what was discussed. Todd explained that this was a resolution he wanted voted in because he wanted the board members to show a united front and know what the government has heard from the board members. Taylor said the resolution was open for modification.
Odean Bowler did not agree to vote in the resolution because he thought it would be restricting, and not allow private communication and he himself is a government authority. He also thought it was not needed and it was too vague. Nadine Heaton agreed with him. Community members commented that they wanted to know how it could be enforced and they also commented that this should already be done naturally without a resolution. They decided to talk about the resolution later and see if they could come up with a modification or an alternative that would accomplish the unity Todd was seeking.
Other items of business included the continuing work to get the chlorination system in adequately, the survey for the state will be done to help to receive a grant, the Gentry property has a leak that Judy Leavitt will look into and the Todd Taylor connection is progressing and continuing to research all possible solutions.
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
By Sara Laub
As I was thinking about all the things I had to make sure to put on my calendar for the busy holiday season, I had a thought. This is the busiest time of year and we are trying to do our best to be thoughtful and give. It is amazing that we can manage all the pressure of the shopping, decorating, parties and still remember to give of ourselves.
It is a wonderful time of the year because of all the things that can be accomplished. It is amazing that we can accomplish the food drives, donating blankets and clothing, singing carols, and visiting those who have less. There is so much good that people do and there are great sacrifices made during the season that create such a unique atmosphere. There is so much effort in making people happy and making Christmas great for everyone, not just their own families.
We are blessed to have the reminder of the season to help us be better people and to remember our neighbors and their needs. It is a great opportunity to make giving easy, to provide great experiences to do service and show others we care.
As we continue to mark up the calendar, the spirit of Christmas settles in and amazing things are accomplished to make this the most wonderful time of the year.
As I was thinking about all the things I had to make sure to put on my calendar for the busy holiday season, I had a thought. This is the busiest time of year and we are trying to do our best to be thoughtful and give. It is amazing that we can manage all the pressure of the shopping, decorating, parties and still remember to give of ourselves.
It is a wonderful time of the year because of all the things that can be accomplished. It is amazing that we can accomplish the food drives, donating blankets and clothing, singing carols, and visiting those who have less. There is so much good that people do and there are great sacrifices made during the season that create such a unique atmosphere. There is so much effort in making people happy and making Christmas great for everyone, not just their own families.
We are blessed to have the reminder of the season to help us be better people and to remember our neighbors and their needs. It is a great opportunity to make giving easy, to provide great experiences to do service and show others we care.
As we continue to mark up the calendar, the spirit of Christmas settles in and amazing things are accomplished to make this the most wonderful time of the year.
Random Ways to Get Rid of Leaves
By Kevin Laub
1. Tell your children the leaf fairy is coming and they will get a surprise when all the leaves are deposited in a special black bag.
2. Coat your tree with superglue before the leaves fall. (It would be interesting to see what will happen in the spring.)
3. Cover your yard with plastic sheets and when they fall just roll them up.
4. Get a massive fan to blow them over the fence.
5. Cut down your trees (at least you’ll get firewood out of it).
6. Lay new sod on top of them.
7. Tell your dog the leaves are newspapers and train it to put them in the garbage.
8. Get a goat.
9. Tell the police you found a mystery drug in the leaves and they can collect them for analysis.
10. Wait for the next flood.
Yes, some of these require more work but at least you got out of raking leaves!
1. Tell your children the leaf fairy is coming and they will get a surprise when all the leaves are deposited in a special black bag.
2. Coat your tree with superglue before the leaves fall. (It would be interesting to see what will happen in the spring.)
3. Cover your yard with plastic sheets and when they fall just roll them up.
4. Get a massive fan to blow them over the fence.
5. Cut down your trees (at least you’ll get firewood out of it).
6. Lay new sod on top of them.
7. Tell your dog the leaves are newspapers and train it to put them in the garbage.
8. Get a goat.
9. Tell the police you found a mystery drug in the leaves and they can collect them for analysis.
10. Wait for the next flood.
Yes, some of these require more work but at least you got out of raking leaves!
How The Great Guest Came
By Edwin Markham
Before the cathedral in grandeur rose
At Ingleburg where the Danube goes;
Before its forest of silver spires
Went airily up to the clouds and fires;
Before the oak had ready a beam,
While yet the arch was stone and dream-
There where the altar was later laid,
Conrad, the cobbler, plied his trade.
* * *
It happened one day at the year’s white end-
Two neighbors called on their old-time friend;
And they found the shop, so meager and mean,
Made gay with a hundred boughs of green.
Conrad was stitching with face ashine,
But suddenly stopped as he twitched a twine;
“Old friends, good news! At dawn today;
As the cocks were scaring the night away,
The Lord appeared in a dream to me,
And said, ‘I am coming your Guest to be!’
So I’ve been busy with feet astir
Strewing the floor with branches of fir.
The wall is washed and the shelf is shined,
And over the rafter the holly twined.
He comes today, and the table is spread
With milk and honey and wheaten bread.”
His friends went home; and his face grew still
As he watched for the shadow across the sill.
He lived all the moments o’re and o’re,
When the Lord should enter the lowly door-
The knock, the call, the latch pulled up,
The lighted face, the offered cup.
He would wash the feet where the spikes had been,
He would kiss the hands where the nails went in,
And then at the last would sit with Him
And break the bread as the day grew dim.
While the cobbler mused there passed his pane
A beggar drenched by the driving rain.
He called him in from the stony street
And gave him shoes for his bruised feet.
The beggar went and there came a crone,
Her face with wrinkles of sorrow sown.
A bundle of fagots bowed her back,
And she was spent with the wrench and rack.
He gave her his loaf and steadied her load
As she took her way on the weary road.
Then to his door came a little child,
Lost and afraid in the world so wild,
In the big, dark world. Catching it up,
He gave it the milk in the waiting cup,
And led it home to its mother’s arms,
Out of the reach of the world’s alarm.
The day went down in the crimson west
And with it the hope of the blessed Guest,
And Conrad sighed as the world turned gray:
“Why is it, Lord, that your feet delay?
Did you forget that this was the day?”
Then soft in the silence a Voice he heard:
“Lift up your heart, for I kept my word.
Three times I came to your friendly door;
Three times my shadow was on your floor.
I was the beggar with bruised feet;
I was the woman you gave to eat;
I was the child on the homeless street!”
Before the cathedral in grandeur rose
At Ingleburg where the Danube goes;
Before its forest of silver spires
Went airily up to the clouds and fires;
Before the oak had ready a beam,
While yet the arch was stone and dream-
There where the altar was later laid,
Conrad, the cobbler, plied his trade.
* * *
It happened one day at the year’s white end-
Two neighbors called on their old-time friend;
And they found the shop, so meager and mean,
Made gay with a hundred boughs of green.
Conrad was stitching with face ashine,
But suddenly stopped as he twitched a twine;
“Old friends, good news! At dawn today;
As the cocks were scaring the night away,
The Lord appeared in a dream to me,
And said, ‘I am coming your Guest to be!’
So I’ve been busy with feet astir
Strewing the floor with branches of fir.
The wall is washed and the shelf is shined,
And over the rafter the holly twined.
He comes today, and the table is spread
With milk and honey and wheaten bread.”
His friends went home; and his face grew still
As he watched for the shadow across the sill.
He lived all the moments o’re and o’re,
When the Lord should enter the lowly door-
The knock, the call, the latch pulled up,
The lighted face, the offered cup.
He would wash the feet where the spikes had been,
He would kiss the hands where the nails went in,
And then at the last would sit with Him
And break the bread as the day grew dim.
While the cobbler mused there passed his pane
A beggar drenched by the driving rain.
He called him in from the stony street
And gave him shoes for his bruised feet.
The beggar went and there came a crone,
Her face with wrinkles of sorrow sown.
A bundle of fagots bowed her back,
And she was spent with the wrench and rack.
He gave her his loaf and steadied her load
As she took her way on the weary road.
Then to his door came a little child,
Lost and afraid in the world so wild,
In the big, dark world. Catching it up,
He gave it the milk in the waiting cup,
And led it home to its mother’s arms,
Out of the reach of the world’s alarm.
The day went down in the crimson west
And with it the hope of the blessed Guest,
And Conrad sighed as the world turned gray:
“Why is it, Lord, that your feet delay?
Did you forget that this was the day?”
Then soft in the silence a Voice he heard:
“Lift up your heart, for I kept my word.
Three times I came to your friendly door;
Three times my shadow was on your floor.
I was the beggar with bruised feet;
I was the woman you gave to eat;
I was the child on the homeless street!”
Gunlock Town Events for December
* Dec 4: Gunlock Special Service District Meeting at the Town Hall 7:00pm.
* Dec 11: Gunlock Fire Department Meeting at the fire station 7:00pm.
* Dec 13: Adult Christmas Party at Eagle Mountain Ranch at 6:30pm.
* Dec 24: The Gunlock Christmas Program will be held at 6:00pm at the Town Hall. Contact Kim Bowler if you have any questions and parents please let her know if your child will be here for the program.
* Dec 11: Gunlock Fire Department Meeting at the fire station 7:00pm.
* Dec 13: Adult Christmas Party at Eagle Mountain Ranch at 6:30pm.
* Dec 24: The Gunlock Christmas Program will be held at 6:00pm at the Town Hall. Contact Kim Bowler if you have any questions and parents please let her know if your child will be here for the program.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Gunlock Town Events for November
* Nov 4: General Election. VOTE!!!
* Nov 6: GSSD Meeting at the Town Hall at 7:00pm
* Nov 13: Gunlock Fire Department Meeting at the fire station 7:00pm
* Nov 27: Thanksgiving
* Mark your calendar: The Gunlock Christmas Program will be held on Christmas Eve at 6:00pm at the Town Hall. Contact Kim Bowler if you have any questions and parents please let her know if your child will be here for the program.
* Nov 6: GSSD Meeting at the Town Hall at 7:00pm
* Nov 13: Gunlock Fire Department Meeting at the fire station 7:00pm
* Nov 27: Thanksgiving
* Mark your calendar: The Gunlock Christmas Program will be held on Christmas Eve at 6:00pm at the Town Hall. Contact Kim Bowler if you have any questions and parents please let her know if your child will be here for the program.
Monday, November 3, 2008
GSSD Meeting
By Sara Laub
The GSSD had many items of business for the October meeting.
The septic tank at the park has been a problem with large crowds and they are going to address the problem by checking and/or pumping it.
The well usage is going down and the fence has been put up around it.
There will be a survey done to help improve and maintain the GSSD standards to meet water users needs. The survey will be done for each household, so expect someone to contact you.
They are still working on the soda machine. They want to find an individual who will take over and put in a machine of their own, so the GSSD can cut out the cash being handled. There was talk of some used machines being $800 and the responsiblity for all maintenance, insurance, power bill and product would fall on the individual and the GSSD would no longer be involved.
The 2009 budget was discussed, and they want to see some of the money budgeted for: a boarder around the swing set, gravel at the park, basketball court lights, chlorine upgrades, and GSSD officer training.
The Todd Taylor water connection has poor water pressure and they will get advice to help improve it. The connection was approved before the new water system was put in and all the standards of water output were knowingly not met. The waterline was put in too close to the tanks and they knew their water pressure would be low.
Antifraud Policy has been finished and is available for each water user. If you haven’t received yours, contact the GSSD or pick it up at the meeting.
The GSSD had many items of business for the October meeting.
The septic tank at the park has been a problem with large crowds and they are going to address the problem by checking and/or pumping it.
The well usage is going down and the fence has been put up around it.
There will be a survey done to help improve and maintain the GSSD standards to meet water users needs. The survey will be done for each household, so expect someone to contact you.
They are still working on the soda machine. They want to find an individual who will take over and put in a machine of their own, so the GSSD can cut out the cash being handled. There was talk of some used machines being $800 and the responsiblity for all maintenance, insurance, power bill and product would fall on the individual and the GSSD would no longer be involved.
The 2009 budget was discussed, and they want to see some of the money budgeted for: a boarder around the swing set, gravel at the park, basketball court lights, chlorine upgrades, and GSSD officer training.
The Todd Taylor water connection has poor water pressure and they will get advice to help improve it. The connection was approved before the new water system was put in and all the standards of water output were knowingly not met. The waterline was put in too close to the tanks and they knew their water pressure would be low.
Antifraud Policy has been finished and is available for each water user. If you haven’t received yours, contact the GSSD or pick it up at the meeting.
Good Deeds in Gunlock
By Ann Gasparac
I wanted to point out some of the good things that I see going on in Gunlock. There are many people making our community great and clean!
Reed Leavitt was cleaning up Ed Bowler’s property and taking down the willows and a dilapidated shed with all its junk, and added dirt to the berm on the river, which will help in times of flooding. It really looks nice.
Joseph Smith mowed the lawn at the Town Hall and the park. Thanks Joe! And he was spotted at Peterson’s with the lawn mower too.
Derrick Laub picked up garbage along side the road. He filled 5 grocery sacks full!
The Fransis Leavitt grandkids were spotted cleaning up her yard. Nice work.
Many thanks to all those who help our community.
Editors Note: If you spot a good deed in Gunlock, then let me know. I’ll put them in the coming newsletters.
I wanted to point out some of the good things that I see going on in Gunlock. There are many people making our community great and clean!
Reed Leavitt was cleaning up Ed Bowler’s property and taking down the willows and a dilapidated shed with all its junk, and added dirt to the berm on the river, which will help in times of flooding. It really looks nice.
Joseph Smith mowed the lawn at the Town Hall and the park. Thanks Joe! And he was spotted at Peterson’s with the lawn mower too.
Derrick Laub picked up garbage along side the road. He filled 5 grocery sacks full!
The Fransis Leavitt grandkids were spotted cleaning up her yard. Nice work.
Many thanks to all those who help our community.
Editors Note: If you spot a good deed in Gunlock, then let me know. I’ll put them in the coming newsletters.
Election
By Sara Laub
All the media has said that this coming election is supposed to be the most important election, and more people are expected to vote than in previous years. There are a lot of issues at stake and people want to get the right person in office.
It is hard not to be skeptical of all the promises that candidates make. How can these candidates fix the economy and national debt when it has taken years to make them what they are?
As the candidates for president battled, I recognized that there are a lot of moral issues each one had taken opposites sides on. My skepticism was pushed aside and I understood the reality of how important each of our votes really are. They are right, there is a lot at stake during these elections.
What moral issues do you want to support for gay marriage and abortion? How much power do you want to give the government to fix the economy and make these moral decisions for us? Will their involvement help or hurt us? The choices our voted in leaders make will effect us.
We are so blessed to be in this country to have the freedoms that we do, and we are allowed to have the privilege to vote. We will get to see how important this election is as our candidates take office and see what kind of change takes place.
All the media has said that this coming election is supposed to be the most important election, and more people are expected to vote than in previous years. There are a lot of issues at stake and people want to get the right person in office.
It is hard not to be skeptical of all the promises that candidates make. How can these candidates fix the economy and national debt when it has taken years to make them what they are?
As the candidates for president battled, I recognized that there are a lot of moral issues each one had taken opposites sides on. My skepticism was pushed aside and I understood the reality of how important each of our votes really are. They are right, there is a lot at stake during these elections.
What moral issues do you want to support for gay marriage and abortion? How much power do you want to give the government to fix the economy and make these moral decisions for us? Will their involvement help or hurt us? The choices our voted in leaders make will effect us.
We are so blessed to be in this country to have the freedoms that we do, and we are allowed to have the privilege to vote. We will get to see how important this election is as our candidates take office and see what kind of change takes place.
Fuel Prices vs Honesty
By Ann Gasparac
When the fuel prices per barrel went up, our prices went up the same day and then the next week they kept climbing. SURPRISE?! When the prices per barrel went down to where they are now, around $62 compared to over $100 per barrel before, our prices for fuel are still up! Why?
Honesty is one of the things we pride ourselves on in this state, so why is it that only one person that we have found in this area is honest in selling their fuel? The person we have found is in Veyo at the Spanish Trail Sinclair station. This manager is being harassed by other fuel stations because the prices are honorable. When I talked with the manager at the end of October, she said that she is making the same profit that she was making before the prices were high. She said she will continue to sell fuel at the same profit she always has.
We need to let the Spanish Trail Store know that honesty IS the best policy by supporting her and her efforts to stay moral under great pressure. We need to support our local honest stores through the winter so they can stay around and help us through our crisis.
Editor's Note: Do you have an opinion you would like to share? Submit it to the Informer and get your voice heard! (No Anonymous Submissions)
When the fuel prices per barrel went up, our prices went up the same day and then the next week they kept climbing. SURPRISE?! When the prices per barrel went down to where they are now, around $62 compared to over $100 per barrel before, our prices for fuel are still up! Why?
Honesty is one of the things we pride ourselves on in this state, so why is it that only one person that we have found in this area is honest in selling their fuel? The person we have found is in Veyo at the Spanish Trail Sinclair station. This manager is being harassed by other fuel stations because the prices are honorable. When I talked with the manager at the end of October, she said that she is making the same profit that she was making before the prices were high. She said she will continue to sell fuel at the same profit she always has.
We need to let the Spanish Trail Store know that honesty IS the best policy by supporting her and her efforts to stay moral under great pressure. We need to support our local honest stores through the winter so they can stay around and help us through our crisis.
Editor's Note: Do you have an opinion you would like to share? Submit it to the Informer and get your voice heard! (No Anonymous Submissions)
Mike and Stephanie Joyner Family
Our families moved to Vegas in 1963, and that is where we met in our junior year of high school. We married in 1972 and had two wonderful boys Brad and Travis. Mike soon created a company we called Mobile Lube Service and ran that for over 10 years. We sold to Haycock Distributing where he stayed on for a few years. We always seemed to be going to look for property with our friends Jackie and Alan Vohs. One morning they called and said, "Let’s go look around Brookside and Dameron." So, off we went. They ran into Bob Bowler at the Veyo Merc who they knew, and he said the Bundy place was for sale. So, we came down the hill and as we drove through we saw the Mckean place for sale. We also ran into Jim and Nadine Heaton who our friends knew from roping. As it was, our house in Henderson was in the process of being sold, so we also were in the market of buying. I loved the curb appeal of the house. We called the realtor and saw the home that afternoon and made an offer. Jim Heaton was kind enough to bring my horse to Gunlock after a roping he was at and we have become good friends since then.We now have lived here for almost 8 years and we love it. Our son Brad moved in last fall and we have his daughter Presley on the weekends. Just recently our youngest son Travis, and his wife Tilly and their 2 boys Trevan and Trace have moved in temporarily. Travis made the move because of a job in St. George and that fell through after he made the move. Travis is now working in Caliente for Haycock. There was no problem with that because they wanted to get out of Vegas like everyone else. Thank goodness we finished off the basement a few years ago. When we moved here Mike was somewhat retired. A year and a half ago Mike was asked to return to Haycock full time. With the economy being what it is, the choice was a good move for him.We have been through the floods the fires and still we would not want to be any where else. Friends said we wouldn’t like being in such a small community and we would be back. It’s been wonderful and I love it here. I feel safe and welcomed.
Thanksgiving Coloring Page
Hey kids, do you want a cookie? Color this coloring page or make your own Thanksgiving picture and turn it into Sara. Make sure to think about all the things you are grateful for, because you will have to tell Sara three things that you are grateful for before you can turn in your picture and redeem your cookie! Bring your page in between Monday, November 17th and Friday, November 21st.
Friday, October 3, 2008
A Real Life Legend
By Rachel Campbell
Vampire novels have seemed to become rather popular as of late. Many bookstores have an entire section devoted to the blood sucking demons. While many vampire stories are intriguing, the original story was told by Bram Stoker, about the blood-lusting fiend obsessed with a young woman, causing English citizens to look over their shoulder.
Dracula was not necessarily a fictional character. The story about rising from the dead to drink blood and turn others into undead demons is fiction, but Dracula was actually the name of an awful, ruthless Romanian prince: Vlad Tepes Dracula.
Vlad Tepes was the son of Vlad Dracul, the military governor of Transylvania, a region of North West Romania. The name Dracul means "dragon" and was given to the elder Vlad when he was inducted into the Order of the Dragon.
As young Dracula was growing up, the Ottoman Empire was embarking on a massive military campaign against much of Eastern Europe. Because his father was such a huge military threat, the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire took Dracula and his younger brother as political hostages, leaving a bitter taste in Dracula’s mouth toward the Ottomans.
Around the age of seventeen, an escaped Dracula managed to rustle up a band of men to attack and seize Wallachia, another province of Romania. He took his place on its throne and began his rule of terror. Vlad Dracula was not merciful to his opponents, domestic and foreign. He would often impale is victims from "stem to sternum" and watch them die while drinking their blood, which was a sign of power in Romanian tradition.
He was so cruel, that when he was finally killed in battle, the Sultan requested that Dracula be beheaded and his head brought to Constantinople (present day Istanbul) as proof of his demise. It was believed by many that because of his horrific crimes that caused his excommunication, Dracula’s soul was lost forever and, in revenge, he took the form of a blood sucking demon. For more on Dracula, check out the many articles online.
Vampire novels have seemed to become rather popular as of late. Many bookstores have an entire section devoted to the blood sucking demons. While many vampire stories are intriguing, the original story was told by Bram Stoker, about the blood-lusting fiend obsessed with a young woman, causing English citizens to look over their shoulder.
Dracula was not necessarily a fictional character. The story about rising from the dead to drink blood and turn others into undead demons is fiction, but Dracula was actually the name of an awful, ruthless Romanian prince: Vlad Tepes Dracula.
Vlad Tepes was the son of Vlad Dracul, the military governor of Transylvania, a region of North West Romania. The name Dracul means "dragon" and was given to the elder Vlad when he was inducted into the Order of the Dragon.
As young Dracula was growing up, the Ottoman Empire was embarking on a massive military campaign against much of Eastern Europe. Because his father was such a huge military threat, the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire took Dracula and his younger brother as political hostages, leaving a bitter taste in Dracula’s mouth toward the Ottomans.
Around the age of seventeen, an escaped Dracula managed to rustle up a band of men to attack and seize Wallachia, another province of Romania. He took his place on its throne and began his rule of terror. Vlad Dracula was not merciful to his opponents, domestic and foreign. He would often impale is victims from "stem to sternum" and watch them die while drinking their blood, which was a sign of power in Romanian tradition.
He was so cruel, that when he was finally killed in battle, the Sultan requested that Dracula be beheaded and his head brought to Constantinople (present day Istanbul) as proof of his demise. It was believed by many that because of his horrific crimes that caused his excommunication, Dracula’s soul was lost forever and, in revenge, he took the form of a blood sucking demon. For more on Dracula, check out the many articles online.
GSSD
By Rachel Campbell
Two major issues were discussed during the September meeting of the GSSD. The first was an issue of old fittings from the old water system not meshing well with the new water system. This has caused some problems with some of the older homes of the community and the GSSD has determined that if other problems arise with this connection, it will consider reimbursement for the repairs.
Also on the agenda was the issue of an Anti-Fraud Resolution Program. Gunlock's size allows for a simple plan. The GSSD is required to give every homeowner a copy of this program, so attend the October meeting to get yours!
Two major issues were discussed during the September meeting of the GSSD. The first was an issue of old fittings from the old water system not meshing well with the new water system. This has caused some problems with some of the older homes of the community and the GSSD has determined that if other problems arise with this connection, it will consider reimbursement for the repairs.
Also on the agenda was the issue of an Anti-Fraud Resolution Program. Gunlock's size allows for a simple plan. The GSSD is required to give every homeowner a copy of this program, so attend the October meeting to get yours!
Baby Announcement
John and Jean Powers had a healthy baby boy on September 17, 2008 at 12:54 am. His name is Christopher Payden and he weighed 7 lbs 5 oz and was 18.5 inches long. Mother and baby are doing great.
The Origin of Trick or Treating
The custom of 'trick or treat' probably has several origins. Again mostly Irish. An old Irish peasant practice called for going door to door to collect money, bread cake, cheese, eggs, butter, nuts, apples, etc., in preparation for the festival of St. Columbus Kill. Yet another custom was the begging for soul cakes, or offerings for one's self - particularly in exchange for promises of prosperity or protection against bad luck. It is with this custom the concept of the fairies came to be incorporated as people used to go door to door begging for treats. Failure to supply the treats would usually result in practical jokes being visited on the owner of the house.
Since the fairies were abroad on this night, an offering of food or milk was frequently left for them on the steps of the house, so the houseowner could gain the blessings of the "good folk" for the coming year. Many of the households would also leave out a "dumb supper" for the spirits of the departed.According to Tad Tuleja's essay, "Trick or Treat: Pre-Texts and Contexts," in Santino's previously mentioned anthology,Halloween's modern trick or treating (primarily children going door-to-door, begging for candy) began fairly recently in the US, as a blend of several ancient and modern influences. In 19th Century America, rural immigrants from Ireland and Scotland kept gender-specific Halloween customs from their homelands: girls stayed indoors and did divination games, while the boys roamed outdoors engaging in almost equally ritualized pranks, which their elders "blamed" on the spirits being abroad that night. Its entry into urban world can probably traced back in mid-19th Century New York, where children called "ragamuffins" would dress in costumes and beg for pennies from adults on Thanksgiving Day. Things got nastier with increased urbanization and poverty in the 1930's. Adults began casting about for ways to control the previously harmless but now increasingly expensive and dangerous vandalism of the "boys." Towns and cities began organizing "safe" Halloween events and householders began giving out bribes to the neighborhood kids as a way to distract them away from their previous anarchy. The ragamuffins disappeared or switched their date to Halloween.
The term "trick or treat," finally appears in print around 1939! Pranks became even nastier in the 1980's, with widespread poverty existing side-by-side with obscene greed. Unfortunately, even bored kids in a violence saturated culture slip all too easily from harmless "decoration" of their neighbors' houses with shaving cream and toilet paper to serious vandalism and assaults. Blaming either Neopagans or Halloween for this is rather like blaming patriots or the Fourth of July for the many firecracker injuries that happen every year (and which are also combatted by publicly sponsored events). Given this hazardous backdrop town councils, school boards and parents in the 1930's invented this custom as it is being celebrated today to keep their kids out of trouble.As far as the custom across the Atlantic goes, by the mid- 20th century in Ireland and Britain, the smaller children would dress up and parade to the neighbors' houses, do little performances, then ask for a reward. American kids seem to remember this with their chants of "Jingle bells, Batman smells, Robin laid an egg," and other classic tunes done for no reason other than because "it's traditional."
Taken from http://www.theholidayspot.com/halloween/trick_or_treat.htm
Since the fairies were abroad on this night, an offering of food or milk was frequently left for them on the steps of the house, so the houseowner could gain the blessings of the "good folk" for the coming year. Many of the households would also leave out a "dumb supper" for the spirits of the departed.According to Tad Tuleja's essay, "Trick or Treat: Pre-Texts and Contexts," in Santino's previously mentioned anthology,Halloween's modern trick or treating (primarily children going door-to-door, begging for candy) began fairly recently in the US, as a blend of several ancient and modern influences. In 19th Century America, rural immigrants from Ireland and Scotland kept gender-specific Halloween customs from their homelands: girls stayed indoors and did divination games, while the boys roamed outdoors engaging in almost equally ritualized pranks, which their elders "blamed" on the spirits being abroad that night. Its entry into urban world can probably traced back in mid-19th Century New York, where children called "ragamuffins" would dress in costumes and beg for pennies from adults on Thanksgiving Day. Things got nastier with increased urbanization and poverty in the 1930's. Adults began casting about for ways to control the previously harmless but now increasingly expensive and dangerous vandalism of the "boys." Towns and cities began organizing "safe" Halloween events and householders began giving out bribes to the neighborhood kids as a way to distract them away from their previous anarchy. The ragamuffins disappeared or switched their date to Halloween.
The term "trick or treat," finally appears in print around 1939! Pranks became even nastier in the 1980's, with widespread poverty existing side-by-side with obscene greed. Unfortunately, even bored kids in a violence saturated culture slip all too easily from harmless "decoration" of their neighbors' houses with shaving cream and toilet paper to serious vandalism and assaults. Blaming either Neopagans or Halloween for this is rather like blaming patriots or the Fourth of July for the many firecracker injuries that happen every year (and which are also combatted by publicly sponsored events). Given this hazardous backdrop town councils, school boards and parents in the 1930's invented this custom as it is being celebrated today to keep their kids out of trouble.As far as the custom across the Atlantic goes, by the mid- 20th century in Ireland and Britain, the smaller children would dress up and parade to the neighbors' houses, do little performances, then ask for a reward. American kids seem to remember this with their chants of "Jingle bells, Batman smells, Robin laid an egg," and other classic tunes done for no reason other than because "it's traditional."
Taken from http://www.theholidayspot.com/halloween/trick_or_treat.htm
Simple Halloween Ideas
By Sara Laub
Since I am always looking for simple ideas of things to make to make Halloween fun, I thought I'd do some research and this is what I found from http://www.kingshaunting.com/.
MILK JUG HALLOWEEN DECORATIONS
Empty and clean a one-gallon milk jug. Turn it up-side down, with the spout facing down. Spray paint the jug any color you want. After it is dry, paint a face on it. Tie a strip of old fabric or a rag where the spout is. Then attach a chain or rope to the top. For the Frankenstein Milk Jug spray paint the jug green and then spray paint the bottom of the jug, black. When dry, flip the jug over and with the spout facing down, paint on a face. Screw in 2 large bolts into the jug, just below the face. Attach a chain to the top and a black rag over the spout. Tie with black thread. Cost: $2.80-the cost of a gallon of milk.
HOUSE DECORATING
These suggestions just flat out work!
- White Sheets - Put sheets over the furniture in your living room. It is very effective. They don't have to be old, just white.
- Black Flowers - Get some cheap plastic flowers from any discount store. Got a bundle from Walmart for just $1.00. Or use some old twigs with leaves or a stiff bush clip from your yard. Spray paint the flowers or leaves black with cheap black spray paint. Set in an old can, spray painted black or grey. Or use an old vase. Looks fantastic on a coffee table or dining room table.
- Black Wreath - Here's how: Make a circular wreath from sticks and old plyable branches, or buy one ready made. Saw one at Walmart for $2.00. Attach some old plastic flowers to the wreath too. Spray paint the entire thing black, then LIGHTLY spray over it with white spray paint. This gives the effect of looking old. Now add a red ribben or bow, and plastic skull, pumpkins, bats, spiders...whatever you want.
SIDEWALK CAN LIGHTING
Instead of buying premade paper bag candle holders or fancy candle holders, make them yourself from cans. Clean several cans of various sizes. Put water in them and set them in the freezer. Remember the ice will expand, so don't fill them too high. Remove them when frozen and with a chisil, cut out eyes, pumpkin faces, whatever. Remove the ice and let dry. Spray paint the base coat, say orange, for a pumpkin. Paint whatever else you want, add sand or dirt and a votive candle. We experimented with a narrow and small can. The votive candle did not melt the paint. One can we did was an "eye" can. We spray painted the can green. Took a nail and punched several holes all over and painted eyes on the holes. At night it looks like eyes are glowing.
POTTERY CRAFT
Simple decorations made from clay pots used for plants. You can use these to hold candy. Easy to make. Just paint the face and add fun eyes that can be glued right to the pot. This one is easy, cute and cheap. Cost less than $2.50 to make.
Since I am always looking for simple ideas of things to make to make Halloween fun, I thought I'd do some research and this is what I found from http://www.kingshaunting.com/.
MILK JUG HALLOWEEN DECORATIONS
Empty and clean a one-gallon milk jug. Turn it up-side down, with the spout facing down. Spray paint the jug any color you want. After it is dry, paint a face on it. Tie a strip of old fabric or a rag where the spout is. Then attach a chain or rope to the top. For the Frankenstein Milk Jug spray paint the jug green and then spray paint the bottom of the jug, black. When dry, flip the jug over and with the spout facing down, paint on a face. Screw in 2 large bolts into the jug, just below the face. Attach a chain to the top and a black rag over the spout. Tie with black thread. Cost: $2.80-the cost of a gallon of milk.
HOUSE DECORATING
These suggestions just flat out work!
- White Sheets - Put sheets over the furniture in your living room. It is very effective. They don't have to be old, just white.
- Black Flowers - Get some cheap plastic flowers from any discount store. Got a bundle from Walmart for just $1.00. Or use some old twigs with leaves or a stiff bush clip from your yard. Spray paint the flowers or leaves black with cheap black spray paint. Set in an old can, spray painted black or grey. Or use an old vase. Looks fantastic on a coffee table or dining room table.
- Black Wreath - Here's how: Make a circular wreath from sticks and old plyable branches, or buy one ready made. Saw one at Walmart for $2.00. Attach some old plastic flowers to the wreath too. Spray paint the entire thing black, then LIGHTLY spray over it with white spray paint. This gives the effect of looking old. Now add a red ribben or bow, and plastic skull, pumpkins, bats, spiders...whatever you want.
SIDEWALK CAN LIGHTING
Instead of buying premade paper bag candle holders or fancy candle holders, make them yourself from cans. Clean several cans of various sizes. Put water in them and set them in the freezer. Remember the ice will expand, so don't fill them too high. Remove them when frozen and with a chisil, cut out eyes, pumpkin faces, whatever. Remove the ice and let dry. Spray paint the base coat, say orange, for a pumpkin. Paint whatever else you want, add sand or dirt and a votive candle. We experimented with a narrow and small can. The votive candle did not melt the paint. One can we did was an "eye" can. We spray painted the can green. Took a nail and punched several holes all over and painted eyes on the holes. At night it looks like eyes are glowing.
POTTERY CRAFT
Simple decorations made from clay pots used for plants. You can use these to hold candy. Easy to make. Just paint the face and add fun eyes that can be glued right to the pot. This one is easy, cute and cheap. Cost less than $2.50 to make.
Fall Recipe
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Ingredients :
Pumpkin seeds
Water
Salt
Melted butter
Vegetable spray
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Rinse seeds well. For every 2 cups of seeds, put 4 cups of water and 2 tbsps of salt into saucepan. Add the seeds and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. Drain well in strainer. Place on paper towels and pat dry. Toss the seeds with melted unsalted butter in a large bowl until evenly coated. Spray cookie sheet with vegetable spray. Spread seeds over tray and bake for 30 minutes, stirring, and tossing occasionally. When seeds are golden brown they are ready. Store in airtight container in cool place.
Ingredients :
Pumpkin seeds
Water
Salt
Melted butter
Vegetable spray
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Rinse seeds well. For every 2 cups of seeds, put 4 cups of water and 2 tbsps of salt into saucepan. Add the seeds and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. Drain well in strainer. Place on paper towels and pat dry. Toss the seeds with melted unsalted butter in a large bowl until evenly coated. Spray cookie sheet with vegetable spray. Spread seeds over tray and bake for 30 minutes, stirring, and tossing occasionally. When seeds are golden brown they are ready. Store in airtight container in cool place.
Jokes for Your Entertainment
What do you get when you cross a vampire and a snowman?
Frostbite...
Why do witches use brooms to fly on?
Because vacuum cleaners are too heavy...
Do zombies eat popcorn with their fingers?
No, they eat the fingers separately...
What do you call someone who puts poison in a person's corn flakes?
A cereal killer...
Why do mummies have trouble keeping friends?
They're so wrapped up in themselves...
What kind of streets do zombies like the best?
Dead ends...
Why did the Vampire subscribe to the Wall Street Journal?
He heard it had great circulation...
http://www.theholidayspot.com/halloween/jokes.htm
Frostbite...
Why do witches use brooms to fly on?
Because vacuum cleaners are too heavy...
Do zombies eat popcorn with their fingers?
No, they eat the fingers separately...
What do you call someone who puts poison in a person's corn flakes?
A cereal killer...
Why do mummies have trouble keeping friends?
They're so wrapped up in themselves...
What kind of streets do zombies like the best?
Dead ends...
Why did the Vampire subscribe to the Wall Street Journal?
He heard it had great circulation...
http://www.theholidayspot.com/halloween/jokes.htm
Halloween Poetry
Haunted House
by Jack Prelutsky
There's a house upon the hilltop
We will not go inside
For that is where the witches live,
Where ghosts and goblins hide.
Tonight they have their party,
All the lights are burning bright,
But oh we will not go inside
The haunted house tonight.
The demons there are whirling
And the spirits swirl about.
They sing their songs to Halloween.
"Come join the fun," they shout.
But we do not want to go there
So we run with all our might
And oh we will not go inside
The haunted house tonight.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Gunlock Town Events
Oct 2: GSSD Meeting at the Town Hall at 7:00pm
Oct 9: Gunlock Fire Department Meeting at the fire station 7:00pm
Oct 16-17: No School. Fall Break
Oct 22: Pinewood Derby
Oct 31: Halloween! Trick or Treating!
Oct 9: Gunlock Fire Department Meeting at the fire station 7:00pm
Oct 16-17: No School. Fall Break
Oct 22: Pinewood Derby
Oct 31: Halloween! Trick or Treating!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
PLEASE BEEWARE
Submitted by Rose Nawrocki
On July 20, 2008 TR was mowing the grass in our back yard. I was standing at the kitchen sink when one of our dogs was jumping and biting at himself, concerned I started out the back door and passed the dog running in whimpering. I knew immediately something was not right. When I got to our back door what I saw I would have never believed if I had not seen it. TR was slaping at his face while it was totally engulfed in a funnel of bees. I yelled for TR to get into the back porch, which he hesitated in doing so, him being aware I am allergic to bees, after yelling louder he ran into the house. His shirt was covered with bees which I immediately pulled his shirt off and threw it into the washer which was currently being used and was full of water. He went into the house while I killed about 7 bees that had gotten into the porch.
We went to the front of the house to get our other dog, the front door was now covered with these angry bees. We got the dog into the house pulled bees off of her and killed 20 or so that had gotten into the house while letting the dog in. We calmed down once all was safe in the house. The outside of the house was surrounded by the vicious bees. We actually watched the bees attack and go after the hummingbirds. I ended up pulling 7 stingers out of TR's face.
Later I went to the back of the house and quietly looked out the window to see what these bees where up to. Within 3-4 minutes the bees had covered the screen and were attacking it.
On Monday I called Morgan Pest, and basically relayed this same information to them. The gentlemen I spoke to and informed me he had 10 years experience with killer bees. Last year there was a case in Beryl and a dog was killed by the bees. (These bees had been lab tested and were the African Killer Bees.) Two years ago a case in St George occurred, a man was attacked while mowing his yard. (These bees had been lab tested and were not African Killer Bees but were hybrid killer bees.) Morgan explained that these killer bees go for the face and the head because they take in what we exhale, which explained the attact at the screen I was standing at and TR's face being stung so much.
When Morgan Pest came out on July 28, 2008 this was the outcome:
They went upstairs opposite the outside hole which had been discovered the spot the bees had entered. They cut a 3ft x 4ft hole in the wall and uncovered the hive. They destroyed over 50 lbs of honey and over 5,000 (yes this is a correct amount not a typo) Bees, including the Queen Bee. Approximately 200 were taken as specimen to send to the lab. These bees had been building this hive for approximately 1 year.
We became quite concerned seeing how over the last year we have only seen a few bees here and there nothing to alarm us of the volume being built inside our walls. Morgan explained that as the bees gradually increased in volume they became more aggressive and protective to their hive. The loud noise of the lawn mower was just the final straw.
While we were safe and all our critters were safe Morgan did say these bees could kill horses, dogs, cats and if stung enough humans, especially those of us that are allergic.
EVERYONE please take safety measures to watch for any bees and do not assume there are just a few here or there. These bees are very aggressive and deadly.
We love our home and our neighbors in our wonderful town of GUNLOCK and we pray these bees have moved elsewhere (back to Africa would be nice).
On July 20, 2008 TR was mowing the grass in our back yard. I was standing at the kitchen sink when one of our dogs was jumping and biting at himself, concerned I started out the back door and passed the dog running in whimpering. I knew immediately something was not right. When I got to our back door what I saw I would have never believed if I had not seen it. TR was slaping at his face while it was totally engulfed in a funnel of bees. I yelled for TR to get into the back porch, which he hesitated in doing so, him being aware I am allergic to bees, after yelling louder he ran into the house. His shirt was covered with bees which I immediately pulled his shirt off and threw it into the washer which was currently being used and was full of water. He went into the house while I killed about 7 bees that had gotten into the porch.
We went to the front of the house to get our other dog, the front door was now covered with these angry bees. We got the dog into the house pulled bees off of her and killed 20 or so that had gotten into the house while letting the dog in. We calmed down once all was safe in the house. The outside of the house was surrounded by the vicious bees. We actually watched the bees attack and go after the hummingbirds. I ended up pulling 7 stingers out of TR's face.
Later I went to the back of the house and quietly looked out the window to see what these bees where up to. Within 3-4 minutes the bees had covered the screen and were attacking it.
On Monday I called Morgan Pest, and basically relayed this same information to them. The gentlemen I spoke to and informed me he had 10 years experience with killer bees. Last year there was a case in Beryl and a dog was killed by the bees. (These bees had been lab tested and were the African Killer Bees.) Two years ago a case in St George occurred, a man was attacked while mowing his yard. (These bees had been lab tested and were not African Killer Bees but were hybrid killer bees.) Morgan explained that these killer bees go for the face and the head because they take in what we exhale, which explained the attact at the screen I was standing at and TR's face being stung so much.
When Morgan Pest came out on July 28, 2008 this was the outcome:
They went upstairs opposite the outside hole which had been discovered the spot the bees had entered. They cut a 3ft x 4ft hole in the wall and uncovered the hive. They destroyed over 50 lbs of honey and over 5,000 (yes this is a correct amount not a typo) Bees, including the Queen Bee. Approximately 200 were taken as specimen to send to the lab. These bees had been building this hive for approximately 1 year.
We became quite concerned seeing how over the last year we have only seen a few bees here and there nothing to alarm us of the volume being built inside our walls. Morgan explained that as the bees gradually increased in volume they became more aggressive and protective to their hive. The loud noise of the lawn mower was just the final straw.
While we were safe and all our critters were safe Morgan did say these bees could kill horses, dogs, cats and if stung enough humans, especially those of us that are allergic.
EVERYONE please take safety measures to watch for any bees and do not assume there are just a few here or there. These bees are very aggressive and deadly.
We love our home and our neighbors in our wonderful town of GUNLOCK and we pray these bees have moved elsewhere (back to Africa would be nice).
Newsletter
By Sara Laub
The Gunlock Special Service District mailed out a newsletter with a history of the water project, park accomplishments, and other items that have happened through 2008 so far. Many people have commented that they were surprised and very glad to receive such a letter from the GSSD and grateful the history was sent out to make sure they were informed. I am one of those people as well.
The Gunlock Informer gives the very purpose of informing the people of Gunlock and so naturally I was very happy that I was not the only one informing people.
I do feel the need to clarify a concern that was brought to my attention from a few people in town. The Gunlock Informer had stated in an article that "the town might be able to stop chlorinating the water because recent water tests have passed inspection"; and the newsletter from the GSSD said The Gunlock Informer was incorrect and the system would have to be chlorinated. The concern came from people thinking the GSSD was putting The Gunlock Informer down and I just wanted to say that I don't believe that was the intent of the GSSD.
I believe it is the job of the GSSD to clarify anything the people in town may have misunderstood about how they run the town water, and correcting an article from the local newsletter is exactly what they need to do to accomplish their duty.
In continuing to clarify, Director Nadine Heaton had said in the May meeting that according to her contacts from the state, Gunlock may have the option to not chlorinate the water but that was only given the best circumstance for water cleanliness, as more tests needed to be done over a period of time. As stated in the GSSD newsletter, the water in Gunlock does not have the option to go without the use of chlorine because the water does not meet the required standards (as more tests have been done).
This concern may not have bothered many in the town but I had heard enough concern that I felt the need to inform people just as the GSSD newsletter did.
The Gunlock Special Service District mailed out a newsletter with a history of the water project, park accomplishments, and other items that have happened through 2008 so far. Many people have commented that they were surprised and very glad to receive such a letter from the GSSD and grateful the history was sent out to make sure they were informed. I am one of those people as well.
The Gunlock Informer gives the very purpose of informing the people of Gunlock and so naturally I was very happy that I was not the only one informing people.
I do feel the need to clarify a concern that was brought to my attention from a few people in town. The Gunlock Informer had stated in an article that "the town might be able to stop chlorinating the water because recent water tests have passed inspection"; and the newsletter from the GSSD said The Gunlock Informer was incorrect and the system would have to be chlorinated. The concern came from people thinking the GSSD was putting The Gunlock Informer down and I just wanted to say that I don't believe that was the intent of the GSSD.
I believe it is the job of the GSSD to clarify anything the people in town may have misunderstood about how they run the town water, and correcting an article from the local newsletter is exactly what they need to do to accomplish their duty.
In continuing to clarify, Director Nadine Heaton had said in the May meeting that according to her contacts from the state, Gunlock may have the option to not chlorinate the water but that was only given the best circumstance for water cleanliness, as more tests needed to be done over a period of time. As stated in the GSSD newsletter, the water in Gunlock does not have the option to go without the use of chlorine because the water does not meet the required standards (as more tests have been done).
This concern may not have bothered many in the town but I had heard enough concern that I felt the need to inform people just as the GSSD newsletter did.
Todd Taylor Family
Todd & Alesi met in college while attending BYU-Hawaii. They were married in the St George Temple on December 17 1994. Since then four members have been added to the family. They are Keikikalani (11yrs), Lavenia (10yrs), Talmage (7yrs) & Lomani (5yrs). They have been living in Gunlock for two years. Todd works as a CFO for TruAudio. Alesi is the Family Manager & the children attend Red Mountain Elementary except for Keiki who attends Lava Ridge Intermediate. The Taylor family enjoys outdoor activities, playing sports, watching movies, & just doing things together as a family.
Before Gunlock, the Taylors lived in New Zealand for 4 years, and before that they lived in Fiji for 3 yrs. They have also lived in Arizona, Hawaii, & Oklahoma. The other country the family have been to but not lived in is Tahiti.
Why Gunlock? Well, after hearing a lot of great things about Gunlock from their parents, Randee & Terry Taylor, they decided to follow in their footstep and settle in Gunlock. They feel that Gunlock is a wonderful & special place. The scenery is beautiful and the people that live in it make the place even more special.
The Taylors are in the process of building their dream home in the North end of town, up on the hill. "We know this is going to be a long & stressful process but it’s a process we are willing to take just because we love this place".
Before Gunlock, the Taylors lived in New Zealand for 4 years, and before that they lived in Fiji for 3 yrs. They have also lived in Arizona, Hawaii, & Oklahoma. The other country the family have been to but not lived in is Tahiti.
Why Gunlock? Well, after hearing a lot of great things about Gunlock from their parents, Randee & Terry Taylor, they decided to follow in their footstep and settle in Gunlock. They feel that Gunlock is a wonderful & special place. The scenery is beautiful and the people that live in it make the place even more special.
The Taylors are in the process of building their dream home in the North end of town, up on the hill. "We know this is going to be a long & stressful process but it’s a process we are willing to take just because we love this place".
Thanks for Your Support
By Sara Laub
I really want to thank all those who have contributed to The Gunlock Informer and making it what I really wanted, which was a newsletter for and by the poeple in Gunlock. Thank you for your spotlights, articles, contest entries, comments, and donations.
I look forward to continuing this newsletter with satisfaction and gratitude that the people in Gunlock care and are informed.
I really want to thank all those who have contributed to The Gunlock Informer and making it what I really wanted, which was a newsletter for and by the poeple in Gunlock. Thank you for your spotlights, articles, contest entries, comments, and donations.
I look forward to continuing this newsletter with satisfaction and gratitude that the people in Gunlock care and are informed.
The First Lemuel and Laura Leavitt Continued
Submitted by Jane Osmond
Their time would be cut short by Betsy’s death in August, 1867.
Sometime within the two years following Betsy’s death, Lemuel married the widow, Mary M. Craig. She brought with her an additional five children from her previous marriage. After about four years, Mary died.
On November 17, 1873, Lemuel married a divorcee, Mary Ann Morgan-Adams. She had two sons from her previous marriage. She and Lemuel would add two more children at Santa Clara:
Lorenzo Calvin 16 Nov 1874
Lemuel Alfred 18 Dec 1877 (d. same day)
Mother Sarah Sturdevant Leavitt assisted in the birth of Lorenzo. (the female statue in Santa Clara is of Sarah Sturdevant Leavitt. She is buried here in Gunlock Cemetary). Lemuel and the older boys worked on the construction of the St. George Temple during the 70’s. In 1877, he was called as a Counselor to Bishop Edward Bunker in the creation of a "United Order" settlement on the Rio Virgin some 35 miles southwest of Santa Clara. It would be known as Bunkerville.
In 1881, Lemuel married the widow Rebecca Gibbons-Waite. He built her a home in Bunkerville. Three children would be born of their union:
Joseph 21 Dec 1882 (d.1/1/83)
Mary Ann 15 Dec 1884
Alonzo Rowell 6 Jan 1887
Mary Ann was nicknamed "Little Mary" as she "is said to have suffered from spinal meningitis." Her mother. Rebecca Gibbons-Waite, died on October 17,1895.
Lemuel Sr. and Mary Ann (Little Mary) spent their last years in Santa Clara under the care of Lorenzo and Susette, his wife. Lemuel died on October 13, 1916. His and Lorenzo’s homes abuted one another. However, shortly after Mary Ann’s death, on January 12, 1922, Lemuel’s house caught fire and burned to the ground. Lorenzo’s Original House is located at 1408 South Quail.
Lemuel’s name would assure descendents of their definitive connection to Lemuel Sturdevant. This genealogical consideration would form a pronounced effect upon his lineage, as would the final verse to his poem: "I’ve laid up no money nor honors of men. It matters but little to me what people may think or say. I’ve done the best I could in my own weak way."
Their time would be cut short by Betsy’s death in August, 1867.
Sometime within the two years following Betsy’s death, Lemuel married the widow, Mary M. Craig. She brought with her an additional five children from her previous marriage. After about four years, Mary died.
On November 17, 1873, Lemuel married a divorcee, Mary Ann Morgan-Adams. She had two sons from her previous marriage. She and Lemuel would add two more children at Santa Clara:
Lorenzo Calvin 16 Nov 1874
Lemuel Alfred 18 Dec 1877 (d. same day)
Mother Sarah Sturdevant Leavitt assisted in the birth of Lorenzo. (the female statue in Santa Clara is of Sarah Sturdevant Leavitt. She is buried here in Gunlock Cemetary). Lemuel and the older boys worked on the construction of the St. George Temple during the 70’s. In 1877, he was called as a Counselor to Bishop Edward Bunker in the creation of a "United Order" settlement on the Rio Virgin some 35 miles southwest of Santa Clara. It would be known as Bunkerville.
In 1881, Lemuel married the widow Rebecca Gibbons-Waite. He built her a home in Bunkerville. Three children would be born of their union:
Joseph 21 Dec 1882 (d.1/1/83)
Mary Ann 15 Dec 1884
Alonzo Rowell 6 Jan 1887
Mary Ann was nicknamed "Little Mary" as she "is said to have suffered from spinal meningitis." Her mother. Rebecca Gibbons-Waite, died on October 17,1895.
Lemuel Sr. and Mary Ann (Little Mary) spent their last years in Santa Clara under the care of Lorenzo and Susette, his wife. Lemuel died on October 13, 1916. His and Lorenzo’s homes abuted one another. However, shortly after Mary Ann’s death, on January 12, 1922, Lemuel’s house caught fire and burned to the ground. Lorenzo’s Original House is located at 1408 South Quail.
Lemuel’s name would assure descendents of their definitive connection to Lemuel Sturdevant. This genealogical consideration would form a pronounced effect upon his lineage, as would the final verse to his poem: "I’ve laid up no money nor honors of men. It matters but little to me what people may think or say. I’ve done the best I could in my own weak way."
Word Search
BICYCLING, CONCERTS, CRUISE
DINING, FISHING, HIKING
HUNTING, JET SKI, PARASAILING,
READING, SCUBA DIVING, SHOPPING,
SNORKLING, SNOW MOBILE, SNOW SKIING,
SUN BATHING, TOURING, WATER SKIING,
WIND SURFING
Taken from JUMBO WORD SEARCH VOLUME 12 PAGE 138
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Gunlock Town Events September
Sept 1: Labor Day
Sept 4: GSSD meeting at the Town Hall at 7 pm.
Sept 11: Gunlock Fire Department meeting at the fire station at 7 pm.
After analyzing the moisture content in the wild land fuels from this summers' rainfall, the Washington County Fire Chiefs have agreed not to give burn permits until late fall. If a permit is needed sooner, they will be issued on a case by case basis but everyone is encouraged to get a burn permit after October 31st.
Sept 4: GSSD meeting at the Town Hall at 7 pm.
Sept 11: Gunlock Fire Department meeting at the fire station at 7 pm.
After analyzing the moisture content in the wild land fuels from this summers' rainfall, the Washington County Fire Chiefs have agreed not to give burn permits until late fall. If a permit is needed sooner, they will be issued on a case by case basis but everyone is encouraged to get a burn permit after October 31st.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Come On People
By Rachel Campbell
As a woman in want of children, I find myself a student of parenting. Often I observe parent/child interactions, determine what I would do in that situation, and then file the result in the recesses of my mind. On occasion, I will come across a parental fluke so atrocious that I feel compelled to comment.
I must begin with an explanation. There has been much controversy over the content of the new Batman movie, The Dark Knight, mainly in its appropriateness for children. Perhaps the simplest answer to this debate can be found in the Motion Pictures Association of America's (MPAA) rating of the movie: PG-13. In other words, "some material may be inappropriate for children under 13." If a parent is going to take their child under the age of thirteen to a PG-13 movie, then that parent should not be surprised if some (or all) of the movie's content is inappropriate for children. They have been warned; that is what the movie ratings were created to do.
Indeed, in my research on this topic, I have found quite a few movie theater employees that can relate at least one instance in which they had sold a ticket for a R rated movie to a patron with a young child in tow, only to be confronted by the same patron demanding a refund because the movie contained content inappropriate for children. They knew the rating; they had been warned.
This said, I move on to the disturbing parental incident that began this whole thing. While sitting in the theater waiting for The Dark Knight to start, a grandfather and a young couple with their four year old son sat down next to me. This couple began bragging rather loudly that their son had watched movies such as Psycho, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Silence of the Lambs, and several other gruesome horror movies, so Batman would not bother him at all. These people were actually proud of this. I was horrified.
When we saw a society allow our children to be desensitized by permitting them to watch content inappropriate for their age, it is no surprise that their concept of reality, their defining line between fiction and corporeality is so radically obscured.
We are responsible for rearing the children that will shape the next generation of society, so the question I pose to you is this: What kind of society do you want to live in?
As a woman in want of children, I find myself a student of parenting. Often I observe parent/child interactions, determine what I would do in that situation, and then file the result in the recesses of my mind. On occasion, I will come across a parental fluke so atrocious that I feel compelled to comment.
I must begin with an explanation. There has been much controversy over the content of the new Batman movie, The Dark Knight, mainly in its appropriateness for children. Perhaps the simplest answer to this debate can be found in the Motion Pictures Association of America's (MPAA) rating of the movie: PG-13. In other words, "some material may be inappropriate for children under 13." If a parent is going to take their child under the age of thirteen to a PG-13 movie, then that parent should not be surprised if some (or all) of the movie's content is inappropriate for children. They have been warned; that is what the movie ratings were created to do.
Indeed, in my research on this topic, I have found quite a few movie theater employees that can relate at least one instance in which they had sold a ticket for a R rated movie to a patron with a young child in tow, only to be confronted by the same patron demanding a refund because the movie contained content inappropriate for children. They knew the rating; they had been warned.
This said, I move on to the disturbing parental incident that began this whole thing. While sitting in the theater waiting for The Dark Knight to start, a grandfather and a young couple with their four year old son sat down next to me. This couple began bragging rather loudly that their son had watched movies such as Psycho, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Silence of the Lambs, and several other gruesome horror movies, so Batman would not bother him at all. These people were actually proud of this. I was horrified.
When we saw a society allow our children to be desensitized by permitting them to watch content inappropriate for their age, it is no surprise that their concept of reality, their defining line between fiction and corporeality is so radically obscured.
We are responsible for rearing the children that will shape the next generation of society, so the question I pose to you is this: What kind of society do you want to live in?
Questions and Answers
Q: I own a small parcel of land in Gunlock and everytime I come up to stay for a bit, I see more and more abandon vehicles in yards lining the street into Gunlock. Could you find out the County ordinance against keeping abandon autos on your property and what we can do to ask the owners to please respect the beauty of this little village!
_Bonnie Gabriel
San Diego, CA
A: The Washington County Code's definition of a junk car is "any used car or motor vehicle not in the process of reconditioning, which has been abandoned for use as a motor vehicle on a public highway and which is in unsafe operating condition and shall have remained in such condition for a period in excess of thirty (30) days; or portions of junk cars, such as hoods, fenders, radiators, rims, motors, hubcaps, etc., not being immediately utilized in the repair of a motor vehicle."
The regulations state "storage of rubbish prohibited: no person, firm or corporation shall deposit, store, maintain, collect or permit the storage, deposit, maintenance or collection of any junk, junk cars or rubbish, or cars that are unregistered or cars with expired license plates on his own premises or any premises it or they own or use under his or their control, or in any other place within the county, except as is expressly provided by law."
After speaking with a Fifth Circuit Court judge, it was confirmed that, as stated in the County Code, that this is a blue law to make sure that people get rid of their old cars which they are not going to use anymore. Those that are restoring vehicles do not fall into this category. There are advertisements in several local papers that say they will pay you to haul off your junk vehicle. Contact Sara Laub for more detailed information.
Q: Why are there so many dogs running loose, unattended in Gunlock? I just want to know what the county codes are for pets.
_Ann Gasparac
Gunlock
A: The Washington County Code states that every dog and cat has to be vaccinated for rabies and wear their rabies tag on their collar by four months of age if they are on public property (i.e. sidewalks, streets, parks, etc.). Owners are to keep their animal(s) off the premises of another person. A note to the wise, if an animal is causing a problem, mainly destruction or is a threat, on another person's property, that person has the right to call the pound, police, or take care of the destruction of the animal themselves. Diseased or injured animals must be taken care of and not allowed to roam, otherwise they will be deemed abandoned are to be destroyed by the owner with precaution to preventing the spread of illness.
Rodeo Photography Contest
Congratulations to our Rodeo Photography Contest
Grand Prize Winner: Chene' Powers!
Photo title: The Moment
The First Lemuel and Laura Leavitt
Submitted by Jane Osmond
In celebration of Pioneer Day and since several families here in Gunlock are direct descendants of Lemuel and Laura Leavitt; I thought the town would enjoy this courageous and highly interesting pioneer story.
Lemuel Sturdevant Leavitt arrived in the Salt Lake Valley to make preparations for his family beginning in 1849. At age 22, he found himself attracted to a Mormon lady named Laura MelvinaThompson (16). She was introduced as his fiancee to his mother and siblings at their arrival in August, 1850. Lemuel and Laura were wed on October 15, of that year. Within the next month, Lemuel set about making a new cabin for them at Pine Canyon, just east of Tooele. It is presumed he also helped his brothers, Dudley and Thomas in building their cabin at Pine Ca
nyon. Their first four children were born there:
Laura Melvina 4 Aug 1851
Lemuel Sturdevant Jr. 6 Nov 1852
Edward Washington 1 Jan 1854
Deborah Jane 15 Jan 1856
"In 1856, Lemuel assisted in planting the first grain in Cache Valley. He located at Santa Clara, Utah, 1857. There, Laura gave birth to their addition four children:
Thomas Dudley 8 Nov 1857
Orange Decater 10 Dec 1859
Lovisa (twin) and 22 Oct 1861
Lovina (twin) (d 22 Oct 1862)
Of Laura, her future daughter-in-law wrote, "Hard work proved too much for her. Her health failed. She was the mother of eight children under twelve years of age. …She would pick cotton with the help of her older children, pick our the seeds by hand, cord and spin and weave it into cloth to make their clothes. It proved too much for her. She died on the 8th of
October 1862 when the twins were eleven months old. One followed her in three weeks."
The following year, Lemuel was called to take his ox team to accompany and assist emigrants making their way to Utah from Council Bluffs. Among the group he assisted was a Danish girl, Betsy Amelia Mortensen. He brought her to Santa Clara, where they wed October 13, 1863. Their only child together would be:
Mary Matilda 6 Nov 1864
In celebration of Pioneer Day and since several families here in Gunlock are direct descendants of Lemuel and Laura Leavitt; I thought the town would enjoy this courageous and highly interesting pioneer story.
Lemuel Sturdevant Leavitt arrived in the Salt Lake Valley to make preparations for his family beginning in 1849. At age 22, he found himself attracted to a Mormon lady named Laura MelvinaThompson (16). She was introduced as his fiancee to his mother and siblings at their arrival in August, 1850. Lemuel and Laura were wed on October 15, of that year. Within the next month, Lemuel set about making a new cabin for them at Pine Canyon, just east of Tooele. It is presumed he also helped his brothers, Dudley and Thomas in building their cabin at Pine Ca
nyon. Their first four children were born there:Laura Melvina 4 Aug 1851
Lemuel Sturdevant Jr. 6 Nov 1852
Edward Washington 1 Jan 1854
Deborah Jane 15 Jan 1856
"In 1856, Lemuel assisted in planting the first grain in Cache Valley. He located at Santa Clara, Utah, 1857. There, Laura gave birth to their addition four children:
Thomas Dudley 8 Nov 1857
Orange Decater 10 Dec 1859
Lovisa (twin) and 22 Oct 1861
Lovina (twin) (d 22 Oct 1862)
Of Laura, her future daughter-in-law wrote, "Hard work proved too much for her. Her health failed. She was the mother of eight children under twelve years of age. …She would pick cotton with the help of her older children, pick our the seeds by hand, cord and spin and weave it into cloth to make their clothes. It proved too much for her. She died on the 8th of
October 1862 when the twins were eleven months old. One followed her in three weeks."The following year, Lemuel was called to take his ox team to accompany and assist emigrants making their way to Utah from Council Bluffs. Among the group he assisted was a Danish girl, Betsy Amelia Mortensen. He brought her to Santa Clara, where they wed October 13, 1863. Their only child together would be:
Mary Matilda 6 Nov 1864
Florence Nightingale-The End
By Sara Laub
Upon their arrival, she learned immediately that she had no control over the affairs of the hospital and the sanitary condition was horrifying. The hospital had been converted from an artillery barracks and had insufficient equipment, medicine, cleaning supplies, the food was inapt and the water was contaminated, among other problems. Many trials were endured by Florence as she patiently waited for circumstances to change, and then the hospital dramatically got worse and the doctors were looking for help. They realized Florence was capable and had connections to bring the hospital to order. As soon as she was given a small amount of authority, she immediately bought cleaning supplies, and continued to improve the hospital step by step. Florence became the wounded soldiers’ favorite because she did everything in her power to give them the care they needed, and spent endless hours at their bedsides. She even helped them receive better pay as a wounded soldier by contacting Queen Victoria and making her aware of the situation. Flo knew the hospital was improving but it was still not up to sanitary conditions, and was glad to see the sanitary commission from England come and investigate the soldiers’ hospitals. They were shocked at the unsanitary condition and found dead animals in the water supply, and gases coming from the privies that left the soldiers beds fatal that were next to them, among many other problems. These problems were corrected, and Flo was encouraged by the progress but ended up leaving Scutari to go to the other hospitals, since the doctors continued to make matters complicated for her authority. She ended up sick and forced to lay in bed for a time, but was immediately back at work when she was able and continued her service until the last soldier checked out of the hospital at the end of the war.
As she returned to England, she was a hero to many and to others she was a criminal. Rumors had spread that she had stolen from the soldiers and other ridiculous accusations were made. She was especially not happy that she was famous, since she knew it would hinder her work in making nursing an acceptable profession for women. After an investigation, they found that Florence had been the hero and not the criminal, and she had started making a higher standard for health care.
Florence continued to work to make health care better for the nation and did most of her work through other people. There were many personal visits Flo had with Queen Victoria and other high esteemed people. She wanted to make sure that the soldiers’ hospitals would be up to standard and went through years of writing letters, proposals and pamphlets, just to have most of them rejected or forgotten. There were successes, but Florence did not recover from her failures and became obsessed with them. She became ill many times and then became an invalid. This did not stop her work, she even helped India create an adequate health care system through letters. She would not let up on her goal to create a place in the world for women nurses, and she designed and opened the Nightingale Training School. She wrote many books and notes to continue the cause of nursing and helped a man organize a hospital he was sponsoring.
Florence did return home to her family, since her parents were old and needed assistance. She became closer to them through this experience and ended up reconciling with them. This was a healing for Florence and she became a different person, as she was able to look past her failures and she was also able to have better relationships with family and friends. Over the next 30 years Florence continued working on hospital reform but at age 79 she was slowly going blind. She continued to have visits with her family and friends, but only received them one at a time. She ended up dying at age 90 when she laid down for a nap around noon. Her tombstone only says "F.N. Born 1820. Died 1910." at her request.
Upon their arrival, she learned immediately that she had no control over the affairs of the hospital and the sanitary condition was horrifying. The hospital had been converted from an artillery barracks and had insufficient equipment, medicine, cleaning supplies, the food was inapt and the water was contaminated, among other problems. Many trials were endured by Florence as she patiently waited for circumstances to change, and then the hospital dramatically got worse and the doctors were looking for help. They realized Florence was capable and had connections to bring the hospital to order. As soon as she was given a small amount of authority, she immediately bought cleaning supplies, and continued to improve the hospital step by step. Florence became the wounded soldiers’ favorite because she did everything in her power to give them the care they needed, and spent endless hours at their bedsides. She even helped them receive better pay as a wounded soldier by contacting Queen Victoria and making her aware of the situation. Flo knew the hospital was improving but it was still not up to sanitary conditions, and was glad to see the sanitary commission from England come and investigate the soldiers’ hospitals. They were shocked at the unsanitary condition and found dead animals in the water supply, and gases coming from the privies that left the soldiers beds fatal that were next to them, among many other problems. These problems were corrected, and Flo was encouraged by the progress but ended up leaving Scutari to go to the other hospitals, since the doctors continued to make matters complicated for her authority. She ended up sick and forced to lay in bed for a time, but was immediately back at work when she was able and continued her service until the last soldier checked out of the hospital at the end of the war.
As she returned to England, she was a hero to many and to others she was a criminal. Rumors had spread that she had stolen from the soldiers and other ridiculous accusations were made. She was especially not happy that she was famous, since she knew it would hinder her work in making nursing an acceptable profession for women. After an investigation, they found that Florence had been the hero and not the criminal, and she had started making a higher standard for health care.
Florence continued to work to make health care better for the nation and did most of her work through other people. There were many personal visits Flo had with Queen Victoria and other high esteemed people. She wanted to make sure that the soldiers’ hospitals would be up to standard and went through years of writing letters, proposals and pamphlets, just to have most of them rejected or forgotten. There were successes, but Florence did not recover from her failures and became obsessed with them. She became ill many times and then became an invalid. This did not stop her work, she even helped India create an adequate health care system through letters. She would not let up on her goal to create a place in the world for women nurses, and she designed and opened the Nightingale Training School. She wrote many books and notes to continue the cause of nursing and helped a man organize a hospital he was sponsoring.
Florence did return home to her family, since her parents were old and needed assistance. She became closer to them through this experience and ended up reconciling with them. This was a healing for Florence and she became a different person, as she was able to look past her failures and she was also able to have better relationships with family and friends. Over the next 30 years Florence continued working on hospital reform but at age 79 she was slowly going blind. She continued to have visits with her family and friends, but only received them one at a time. She ended up dying at age 90 when she laid down for a nap around noon. Her tombstone only says "F.N. Born 1820. Died 1910." at her request.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Intellectual Nourishment
Responsibility: A detachable burden easily shifted to the shoulders of God, Fate, Fortune, Luck or one's neighbor. In the days of astrology it was customary to unload it upon a star.
_Ambrose Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary
_Ambrose Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary
Gunlock Town Events for August
Aug 12: School Starts
Aug 14: Fire Meeting @ 7:00pm
No GSSD meeting this month
Burn season will not begin until after October
Aug 14: Fire Meeting @ 7:00pm
No GSSD meeting this month
Burn season will not begin until after October
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Gunlock Town Events July
July 3-5: 64th Annual Rodeo, 8pm
July 4: Indpendence Day Celebration
* 7:00am: Flag Raising Ceremony at Town Hall
* 8:00am Breakfast at the Park
* 10:00am: Parade on Main Street
*10:00pm: Dance at the park
July 5: Dance at the park, 10pm
July 24: Pioneer Day
July 4: Indpendence Day Celebration
* 7:00am: Flag Raising Ceremony at Town Hall
* 8:00am Breakfast at the Park
* 10:00am: Parade on Main Street
*10:00pm: Dance at the park
July 5: Dance at the park, 10pm
July 24: Pioneer Day
Intellectual Nourishment
Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace-- but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!_Patrick Henry, March 23, 1775
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Now and Then
By Laree Orton-Peck
How does a rodeo of 64 years begin? It started with a community of kids needing a place to ride. So the town got together and a rodeo site was picked. Sixty four years ago the arena was the town dump, so it took quite a lot of work to get it into shape. A true challenge that has pulled a community together in what has now lasted for decades. The first rodeo arena was pretty much a trial and error process. Somewhat primitive by today’s standards, not that it dampened anyone’s enthusiasm for the event.
Friends and families would get together on the 4th of July. They would rodeo until the last contestant was finished, and then they would hold horse races up and down the streets of Gunlock until last light. Picnics were packed, kids ran wild, and adults worked, played and visited. The first arena was made of cedar posts, cottonwood poles, and wire thrown together just strong enough to hold livestock. The first cattle were leased from James Yellowjacket from the Shivwit Indian Tribe and they were trailed up the creek to the arena. After two years the town decided they couldn’t afford to lease the cattle outside of the community. So every family in town was asked to furnish 3 head of livestock for the rodeo. If you didn’t own them, it was your responsibility to lease them from someone else. This was considered Gunlock’s early Ward Budget.
There was no concession stand and the bathroom facility was an outhouse out by the old ditch. A night rodeo was attempted in which make shift lights were strung out on wire across the arena with light bulbs every so many feet. It didn’t work too well, but they didn’t give up.
How does a rodeo of 64 years begin? It started with a community of kids needing a place to ride. So the town got together and a rodeo site was picked. Sixty four years ago the arena was the town dump, so it took quite a lot of work to get it into shape. A true challenge that has pulled a community together in what has now lasted for decades. The first rodeo arena was pretty much a trial and error process. Somewhat primitive by today’s standards, not that it dampened anyone’s enthusiasm for the event.
Friends and families would get together on the 4th of July. They would rodeo until the last contestant was finished, and then they would hold horse races up and down the streets of Gunlock until last light. Picnics were packed, kids ran wild, and adults worked, played and visited. The first arena was made of cedar posts, cottonwood poles, and wire thrown together just strong enough to hold livestock. The first cattle were leased from James Yellowjacket from the Shivwit Indian Tribe and they were trailed up the creek to the arena. After two years the town decided they couldn’t afford to lease the cattle outside of the community. So every family in town was asked to furnish 3 head of livestock for the rodeo. If you didn’t own them, it was your responsibility to lease them from someone else. This was considered Gunlock’s early Ward Budget.
There was no concession stand and the bathroom facility was an outhouse out by the old ditch. A night rodeo was attempted in which make shift lights were strung out on wire across the arena with light bulbs every so many feet. It didn’t work too well, but they didn’t give up.
Audit for GSSD
By Sara Laub
Due to the new water system being put in, the GSSD was required to have an audit. The auditor explained the details of the analysis and came to the conclusion that the assets on their balance sheets and their income were "fairly presented."
There were a few areas called significant deficiencies or material weaknesses the GSSD has to improve and report back to the state. A few items were already resolved by the GSSD, and they were already working on some, like providing proper chlorine for the system to make it compliant with the regulations. Cash collections with the soda machine is not being monitored properly, so they will require two non-related individuals to pick up the cash together and count it. The accountant will have to make changes to their finances to make the records fit the guidelines. The board will also have to create a formal fraud risk program, which they plan on looking to the state and rural water for guidelines. The auditor said the GSSD is in "pretty good shape" for the size of the district and new water project that was put in place.
The rest of the June meeting consisted of the maintenance of the water system. New locks will be put on the water system because there are suspicions that the old locks are compromised. The fence will be put up around the well again to meet guidelines, since the 2005 flood took the old one down. And progress has been made to fix the valves and continue system improvements. Things seem to be getting settled for the new water system and a lot of hard work is paying off.
Due to the new water system being put in, the GSSD was required to have an audit. The auditor explained the details of the analysis and came to the conclusion that the assets on their balance sheets and their income were "fairly presented."
There were a few areas called significant deficiencies or material weaknesses the GSSD has to improve and report back to the state. A few items were already resolved by the GSSD, and they were already working on some, like providing proper chlorine for the system to make it compliant with the regulations. Cash collections with the soda machine is not being monitored properly, so they will require two non-related individuals to pick up the cash together and count it. The accountant will have to make changes to their finances to make the records fit the guidelines. The board will also have to create a formal fraud risk program, which they plan on looking to the state and rural water for guidelines. The auditor said the GSSD is in "pretty good shape" for the size of the district and new water project that was put in place.
The rest of the June meeting consisted of the maintenance of the water system. New locks will be put on the water system because there are suspicions that the old locks are compromised. The fence will be put up around the well again to meet guidelines, since the 2005 flood took the old one down. And progress has been made to fix the valves and continue system improvements. Things seem to be getting settled for the new water system and a lot of hard work is paying off.
Jay and Judy Leavitt Family
The Leavitt family goes back to the early beginnings of Gunlock. Jeremiah II was the father of Lemuel Sturdevant, who was the father of Edward Washington, who built the old house in the 1880's When it was our turn to live here, we started to remodel the home, but ended up having to rebuild. We finished the new home in 1995. Edward was the father of Lee Vivian, who was the father of Rodney Erwin-Jay's dad. With Jay's kids and grandkids, many generations have grown to love this little valley.
Our oldest, Jarold, is married to Antonia, with one son, Conlan. They live down the creek a mile or so. Justin just completed his Masters at U of U. Kara and husband Tanner live next door. They have a daughter, Leanna, and Tanner's little brother Stockton lives with them. Edward is serving a mission in Scotland. The four youngest are Melea, Jennifer, Alyssa, and Brittany, who is ten.
A favorite family tradition is the 4th of July Gunlock Rodeo. Jay's Dad hitchhiked home from army base Fort Ord in California to make it to the first one in 1945, and hasn't missed one since. We all enjoy being involved in putting on a good show and creating great memories. It is wonderful when someone brings their kids and grandkids out to the rodeo, because they want them to feel the same spirit they felt here as a child.
We are truly grateful for our Gunlock roots.
Evolution of the Flag
The Flag of the United StatesThe Stars and Stripes
EVOLUTION OF THE FLAG
November 2001
No one knows with absolute certainty who designed the first stars and stripes or who made it. Congressman Francis Hopkinson seems most likely to have designed it, and few historians believe that Betsy Ross, a Philadelphia seamstress, made the first one. Until the Executive Order of June 24, 1912, neither the order of the stars nor the proportions of the flag was prescribed. Consequently, flags dating before this period sometimes show unusual arrangements of the stars and odd proportions, these features being left to the discretion of the flag maker. In general, however, straight rows of stars and proportions similar to those later adopted officially were used. The principal acts affecting the flag of the United States are the following:* On June 14, 1777, in order to establish an official flag for the new nation, the Continental Congress passed the first Flag Act: "Resolved, That the flag of the United States be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation."
* Act of January 13, 1794 - provided for 15 stripes and 15 stars after May 1795.
* Act of April 4, 1818 - provided for 13 stripes and one star for each state, to be added to the flag on the 4th of July following the admission of each new state.
* Executive Order of President Taft dated June 24, 1912 - established proportions of the flag and provided for arrangement of the stars in six horizontal rows of eight each, a single point of each star to be upward.
* Executive Order of President Eisenhower dated January 3, 1959 - provided for the arrangement of the stars in seven rows of seven stars each, staggered horizontally and vertically.
* Executive Order of President Eisenhower dated January 3, 1959 - provided for the arrangement of the stars in seven rows of seven stars each, staggered horizontally and vertically.
* Executive Order of President Eisenhower dated August 21, 1959 - provided for the arrangement of the stars in nine rows of stars staggered horizon tally and eleven rows of stars staggered vertically. 
Embassy of the United States of America
Florence Nightingale Part 3
By Sara Laub
Florence continued to have contention with her parents over women being nurses for many years. She secretly gathered information and did research to learn about nursing and hospital procedures. Some friends invited her to tour parts of Europe and supported her in going to the Institution of Deaconesses of Kaiserswerth for training, which her parents despised. After years of trying to receive a blessing from her parents and becoming ill over being forced to live a lifestyle she did not want, even rejecting a proposal for marriage after seven years of courting, she decided to go to Kaiserswerth at age 30. She successfully completed her training and came home to a disgruntled family. An opportunity came for Flo to go to Paris and join the Sisters of Charity, where she spent every spare minute gathering information at the hospitals in the area while continuing her education in nursing. Flo left to help her ill grandmother in London and another position became available there to be on the committee to help reorganize The Institution for the Care of Sick Gentlewomen in Distressed Circumstances. She gained complete control of the institution and then was able to put all those years of experience and research into practice.
The Crimean war broke out and Flo was called to serve as a nurse, as an experiment, in the Scutari hospital, because of her success in improving hospitals and her advanced knowledge in nursing. She was told to bring 40 nurses with her and she would be in charge of making the hospital function appropriately.
Florence continued to have contention with her parents over women being nurses for many years. She secretly gathered information and did research to learn about nursing and hospital procedures. Some friends invited her to tour parts of Europe and supported her in going to the Institution of Deaconesses of Kaiserswerth for training, which her parents despised. After years of trying to receive a blessing from her parents and becoming ill over being forced to live a lifestyle she did not want, even rejecting a proposal for marriage after seven years of courting, she decided to go to Kaiserswerth at age 30. She successfully completed her training and came home to a disgruntled family. An opportunity came for Flo to go to Paris and join the Sisters of Charity, where she spent every spare minute gathering information at the hospitals in the area while continuing her education in nursing. Flo left to help her ill grandmother in London and another position became available there to be on the committee to help reorganize The Institution for the Care of Sick Gentlewomen in Distressed Circumstances. She gained complete control of the institution and then was able to put all those years of experience and research into practice.
The Crimean war broke out and Flo was called to serve as a nurse, as an experiment, in the Scutari hospital, because of her success in improving hospitals and her advanced knowledge in nursing. She was told to bring 40 nurses with her and she would be in charge of making the hospital function appropriately.
Defensible Space
By Rachel Campbell
As a volunteer firefighter and as a citizen of Gunlock, I have decided to share some information with you that, if followed, could save your house in the event of a wildfire.
Please understand that if a driveway is too narrow, steep, has branches hanging over, or down dead fuel (burnable material), or if the roof of the house is already involved in the fire, it is too big a risk and fire fighters are required to move on. The first rule in fire safety is to protect human life, including the fire fighters involved.
Does your driveway dead end or is it longer than 200 feet? Is your roof made of combustible materials? Are there trees or bushes over hanging your roof? Are there vehicles parked outside within 30 feet of the structure? Is there more than a 20% slope anywhere within 30 feet of the structure? Is there more than a 40% slope anywhere with in 30 feet of the structure? Is your deck on stilts or not enclosed? Is there a power line(s) overhead with in 30 feet of structure?
If you answered 2 or less of these questions ‘yes’, then your house needs little attention; 3-7 then your house needs protection, but it will be easier to protect; 8-10 can not be saved, it doesn’t mean that it
will burn, but a fire fighter will not be able to protect it. Please take the necessary precautions to make your property and protective service people safe.
As a volunteer firefighter and as a citizen of Gunlock, I have decided to share some information with you that, if followed, could save your house in the event of a wildfire.
Please understand that if a driveway is too narrow, steep, has branches hanging over, or down dead fuel (burnable material), or if the roof of the house is already involved in the fire, it is too big a risk and fire fighters are required to move on. The first rule in fire safety is to protect human life, including the fire fighters involved.
Does your driveway dead end or is it longer than 200 feet? Is your roof made of combustible materials? Are there trees or bushes over hanging your roof? Are there vehicles parked outside within 30 feet of the structure? Is there more than a 20% slope anywhere within 30 feet of the structure? Is there more than a 40% slope anywhere with in 30 feet of the structure? Is your deck on stilts or not enclosed? Is there a power line(s) overhead with in 30 feet of structure?
If you answered 2 or less of these questions ‘yes’, then your house needs little attention; 3-7 then your house needs protection, but it will be easier to protect; 8-10 can not be saved, it doesn’t mean that it
will burn, but a fire fighter will not be able to protect it. Please take the necessary precautions to make your property and protective service people safe.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Intellectual Nourishment
Courage is not the absence of fear--it is the determination to push past the fear to do what is right._R. Campbell
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Rare meteorite, found in Utah, now on display at UGS
Quoted from Utah Geological SurveyGeologist Don Adair found the Gunlock Meteorite, so named because it was found near the town of Gunlock in southern Utah, on June 22, 1982. "The black meteorite stood out like a big bandage on a sore thumb." He found the rock on a slope of contrasting light-gray-colored limestone. He also found a smaller piece about 50 yards away that fit together with the first, indicating that the space rock broke probably on impact.
Mr. Adair, a semi-retired consulting geologist from Boise, Idaho, sawed the large meteorite in half. One half has been residing at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, and the other half with Mr. Adair. Recently, Mr. Adair decided that his half should be displayed in Utah and he donated the 18-pound specimen to the Utah Geological Survey.
The Gunlock Meteorite is only one of 18 known meteorite finds in Utah and one of 1,512 officially named meteorites in the U.S., making it an extremely rare and valuable find. Meteorites are valuable because they are among the only specimens we have on Earth from asteroids, comets, and other planets in the solar system.
The Gunlock Meteorite, which originated from the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, is a chondrite - a particular group of stony meteorites that derives its name from the Greek word for "seeds."
To see the complete article, go to http://geology.com/news/2008/utahs-gunlock-meteorite.shtml
Lost in Definition
By Rachel Campbell
Water operator, Judy Leavitt, reported in May's meeting of the GSSD that two valves on the lines needed attention. The board voted to have Jay Leavitt fix the problem. After Leavitt left, the meeting was delayed when a disagreement over the definition of conflict of interest was brought to light.
On a brighter note, Director Heaton reported that the town might be able to stop chlorinating the water because recent water tests have passed inspection. She also reported on the progress of the park renovation and was optimistic about playground equipment.
Water operator, Judy Leavitt, reported in May's meeting of the GSSD that two valves on the lines needed attention. The board voted to have Jay Leavitt fix the problem. After Leavitt left, the meeting was delayed when a disagreement over the definition of conflict of interest was brought to light.
On a brighter note, Director Heaton reported that the town might be able to stop chlorinating the water because recent water tests have passed inspection. She also reported on the progress of the park renovation and was optimistic about playground equipment.
Fuel Prices Escalating
By Sara Laub
I am sure I am not the only one noticing and being effected by the fuel prices. As the fuel increases, it is creating a domino effect, increasing food and other product prices as well. To think, fuel was only $1.00/gal seven years ago. Some people guess it will top out around $5.00/gal. It would seem more equitable if our wages went up with the inflation of fuel, but there have been no hints of that happening yet.
So we come to the question of how will we survive? What do we sacrifice to pay for the increase in fuel? Many people were sacrificing before fuel went up and others see it only as a nuisance. Our society is dependant on getting around town to meet our needs, so restaurants, movie theaters, and other sources of entertainment may take a cut in our budget as one method to cope. In honesty, where there is a will, there is a way to carry on paying for fuel.
Is there a way to decrease fuel prices? There are options, like using our country’s oil wells and drilling more, and petitioning our voice. There have been claims that our country is saving their natural resources for times of crisis, and now could be that time. Whatever happens, something has to give to make our economy function where it needs to be, or we will all learn to cope with our individual pocketbooks.
If you have comments or suggestions about this issue or any other issue, feel free to write in and we will put it in next month’s newsletter.
I am sure I am not the only one noticing and being effected by the fuel prices. As the fuel increases, it is creating a domino effect, increasing food and other product prices as well. To think, fuel was only $1.00/gal seven years ago. Some people guess it will top out around $5.00/gal. It would seem more equitable if our wages went up with the inflation of fuel, but there have been no hints of that happening yet.
So we come to the question of how will we survive? What do we sacrifice to pay for the increase in fuel? Many people were sacrificing before fuel went up and others see it only as a nuisance. Our society is dependant on getting around town to meet our needs, so restaurants, movie theaters, and other sources of entertainment may take a cut in our budget as one method to cope. In honesty, where there is a will, there is a way to carry on paying for fuel.
Is there a way to decrease fuel prices? There are options, like using our country’s oil wells and drilling more, and petitioning our voice. There have been claims that our country is saving their natural resources for times of crisis, and now could be that time. Whatever happens, something has to give to make our economy function where it needs to be, or we will all learn to cope with our individual pocketbooks.
If you have comments or suggestions about this issue or any other issue, feel free to write in and we will put it in next month’s newsletter.
Get Up and Go
By Judy Leavitt
Southwest Circle Day Trip. Itinerary/Directions: (St. George), I-15, 9, 59/389, Pipe Springs N.M.,(Fredonia), 89, (Kanab), 89, Moqui Caves, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, 89, (Mount Carmel Junction), 9, Zion N.P., 9, I-15, (home)
Pack a picnic in the cooler and get an early start. First stop is Pipe Springs which, like Gunlock, was named after Bill Hamblin. Fortunately, it was National Junior Ranger Day, so the ranger had a special hour long tour just for kids of all ages.
As he began, he took a leaf from a yucca plant and gently pounded it with a round stone. It turned dark green and the fibers separated into strings. He pulled them apart, giving everyone a handful. He demonstrated how to twist two sections of the strings, then twist them against each other, making a very strong rope. As we worked our way around the grounds, we would periodically dip our rope into water, keeping it supple. When we finished, and it dried, it became very tight.
After touring through Winsor Castle and the other buildings, we watched a film presentation, and checked out the museum. There are hands on items for the kids, and we enjoyed visiting with the animals that lived there.
We headed out through Fredonia and Kanab. Although touring the movie sets and seeing Hollywood memorabilia in Kanab is fun, we were anxious to get to Moqui Caves, which is about five more miles down the road. Hours are 10am-5pm. Admission is $4.50 for adults, $3 for teens, and $2.50 for ages 2-12. This is a neat place to visit.
The drive through Angels Canyon to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is beautiful, and you can take an hour long tour through the grounds. They close at 5 pm.
The dunes can be accessed in about 15 minutes from two points off Hwy 89. Day use fee is $6 per carload. We had fun running up and down the dunes, and burying each other in the sand. There are nice picnic and camping spots, with showers and restrooms, and a shaded observation deck overlooking the biggest dunes. Pets are o.k. if kept on a leash.
Zion National Park is a favorite destination. We watched the sun set as we drove through the tunnels and down the switchbacks.
We had a great day. This trip is highly recommended!
Southwest Circle Day Trip. Itinerary/Directions: (St. George), I-15, 9, 59/389, Pipe Springs N.M.,(Fredonia), 89, (Kanab), 89, Moqui Caves, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, 89, (Mount Carmel Junction), 9, Zion N.P., 9, I-15, (home)
Pack a picnic in the cooler and get an early start. First stop is Pipe Springs which, like Gunlock, was named after Bill Hamblin. Fortunately, it was National Junior Ranger Day, so the ranger had a special hour long tour just for kids of all ages.
As he began, he took a leaf from a yucca plant and gently pounded it with a round stone. It turned dark green and the fibers separated into strings. He pulled them apart, giving everyone a handful. He demonstrated how to twist two sections of the strings, then twist them against each other, making a very strong rope. As we worked our way around the grounds, we would periodically dip our rope into water, keeping it supple. When we finished, and it dried, it became very tight.
After touring through Winsor Castle and the other buildings, we watched a film presentation, and checked out the museum. There are hands on items for the kids, and we enjoyed visiting with the animals that lived there.
We headed out through Fredonia and Kanab. Although touring the movie sets and seeing Hollywood memorabilia in Kanab is fun, we were anxious to get to Moqui Caves, which is about five more miles down the road. Hours are 10am-5pm. Admission is $4.50 for adults, $3 for teens, and $2.50 for ages 2-12. This is a neat place to visit.
The drive through Angels Canyon to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is beautiful, and you can take an hour long tour through the grounds. They close at 5 pm.
The dunes can be accessed in about 15 minutes from two points off Hwy 89. Day use fee is $6 per carload. We had fun running up and down the dunes, and burying each other in the sand. There are nice picnic and camping spots, with showers and restrooms, and a shaded observation deck overlooking the biggest dunes. Pets are o.k. if kept on a leash.
Zion National Park is a favorite destination. We watched the sun set as we drove through the tunnels and down the switchbacks.
We had a great day. This trip is highly recommended!
A Woman's Guide to Father's Day
By Rachel Campbell
As promised, the column this month has been dedicated to helping women find that perfect gift for the special men in their life as they honor them on Father's Day. At Sears, the aisles are packed with women wanting to know exactly what a breaker bar is. Ladies, lets face it; unless you have worked in the industry or as a mechanic of some sort, most of us couldn't tell an end wrench from a crescent wrench. Well, here are a few ideas to get for that special man... and not be embarrassed on the hardware aisle.
1. Give him an experience. Find a past time that he enjoys or might like to try and get him a lesson, i.e. at the Las Vegas Raceway, they have the Richard Petty experience where your man can go and learn how to race a Stock car.
2. Gift Certificates. A cop out, really, but what better to have when he leaves with his buddies on that shooting trip and forgot the ammo... again...
3. Give him something that makes him glad that he's a Father. A sentimental shirt, mug, tie, socks, a poem the kids wrote... use your imagination.
There you have it, ladies, three ideas for you to mull around in your heads. Hopefully this will spark your creative energies so that you will be able to find that perfect gift.
As promised, the column this month has been dedicated to helping women find that perfect gift for the special men in their life as they honor them on Father's Day. At Sears, the aisles are packed with women wanting to know exactly what a breaker bar is. Ladies, lets face it; unless you have worked in the industry or as a mechanic of some sort, most of us couldn't tell an end wrench from a crescent wrench. Well, here are a few ideas to get for that special man... and not be embarrassed on the hardware aisle.
1. Give him an experience. Find a past time that he enjoys or might like to try and get him a lesson, i.e. at the Las Vegas Raceway, they have the Richard Petty experience where your man can go and learn how to race a Stock car.
2. Gift Certificates. A cop out, really, but what better to have when he leaves with his buddies on that shooting trip and forgot the ammo... again...
3. Give him something that makes him glad that he's a Father. A sentimental shirt, mug, tie, socks, a poem the kids wrote... use your imagination.
There you have it, ladies, three ideas for you to mull around in your heads. Hopefully this will spark your creative energies so that you will be able to find that perfect gift.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Gunlock July Town Events
June 5: Water Board Meeting at 7:00pm
June 12: Fire Meeting at the Fire House at 7:00pm
June 15: Father's Day
Keep your eyes open for community cleanup for the rodeo grounds.
The Jacob Mica Truman Reunion will be held in Salt Lake City-1250 E Murrary Road (4800 so) Aug 2, 2008. (Submitted by Mary Ellen Strong)
June 12: Fire Meeting at the Fire House at 7:00pm
June 15: Father's Day
Keep your eyes open for community cleanup for the rodeo grounds.
The Jacob Mica Truman Reunion will be held in Salt Lake City-1250 E Murrary Road (4800 so) Aug 2, 2008. (Submitted by Mary Ellen Strong)
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Intellectual Nourishment
GSSD Under Budget
By Sara Laub
The final bill has been assessed for the water system upgrade and it is $350 under budget. The system has a one year warranty that began in November 2007 when the project was finished. The GSSD will pay the water bill for the Town Hall beginning in February 2008 when it was voted for approval and previous unpaid bills and late fees for the structure were waived.
The park discussion was put on hold until the May meeting since Nadine Heaton, the member over the park, was ill. The Weeds submitted a proposal for their duties of the park including taking over the soda machine and then paying their own power bill. Odean Bowler said that the state does not like the water board to deal with cash at all and the soda machine is the only cash they handle. Kip Bowler was concerned if there was enough for caretaker compensation, then community members expressed that they were getting free rent and that could be enough compensation. It was left undecided to be discussed at the May meeting. The park has some broken sprinklers and other maintenance that will be taken care of, the contract for the caretakers will be redone, and the dumpster will also be considered. Gail Humphries wondered if the Rodeo Committee could take on the park.
Judy Leavitt was voted in to take the job opening of Water Operator and was employed immediately following the April Gunlock Special Service District meeting. She is prepared to take the necessary training required for the position.
Mother's Day: A Guide for Men
By Rachel Campbell
I was raised with boys. No sisters, no female cousins with in one hundred miles, and very few female friends. I know how hard it is for men to find the perfect gift for the special women in their life. I have seen the smile that doesn’t quite reach her eyes when he gives her a bouquet of flowers. This scene, alone, has convinced me to write these tips for men looking for the perfect gift for Mother’s Day.
Tip 1. Do something unusual. Every woman likes to brag to her friends that her husband did xyz for her for mother’s day, anniversary, etc. So give her something to brag about. If you usually give her flowers, give her a rose bush. If you usually give her jewelry, give her a ring with the birthstones of all the children on it.
Tip 2. If you make her dinner, make sure it is something that she wants to eat. By now, you should know your spouses favorite food as well as your own. However, if that little bit of knowledge still eludes you, ask. She may be expecting dinner, but if you light some candles, pull out the stemware (wine glasses), and have the family come to the table in their nice clothes, I guarantee she is going to be impressed.
Tip 3. Never, ever, ever underestimate the power of a good foot massage. Or back massage, or scalp massage. Whether you do it yourself, or hire a professional, giving her a bit of muscle relaxation is a great gift.
Tip 4. Spend time on the card. Women analyze every word of a card. Take a little while at the store to find the card that best describes her. Don’t worry about looking macho in the card aisle, after all, it’s her you are trying to impress.
Check out the links in the side bar to the right for more great Mother's Day tips/ideas.
Speed Limit Dangers
By Rachel Campbell
Summer is almost here, bringing with it the longer hours and beautiful weather. With all this fine weather, it is no wonder families and children are finding themselves outside for more of their daily activities. Walks, bike rides, and playing in the yard has begun to take over like some sort of viral plague.
However, with all of these new activities, some citizens have become concerned about the safety of the community from the drivers on the road. At either end of town, the speed limit drops dramatically, from 40mph to 25mph.
At the end of town near the rodeo grounds, there is a rather mean cattle guard that causes a majority of cars to slow way down before entering town. But at the other end of town, there is no cattle guard to forewarn motorists of the town ahead and though the speed limit sign is placed well before the first residence, many drivers do not slow down to 25mph until the LDS church building. Several concerned citizens have suggested speed bumps to help this increasingly dangerous problem.
Family
By Sara Laub
This little town has a high percentage of family ties. Being a family group can be one of the most difficult things to deal with in life. You can pick your friends, but not your siblings or parents or even extended family. I have often wondered why we are subject to the family and then expected to get along. Even the best of families have their skirmishes and perhaps they have learned better how to deal with them.
The best part of family is the unconditional love factor because love is the glue that holds people together. Without love, the family would not survive. It is the thing that helps us to forgive each other for bad choices or differences of opinion. Unconditional love helps us overlook bad qualities and habits and see family members as special despite their follies.
In families we are forced to be taught things like tolerance, patience, responsibility, forgiveness, etc, and those come by our choice if we are willing to learn them productively. Families make mistakes so how do we cope with events, choices, or words that are harmful in our families? Lowering expectations, recovering communication, and educating ourselves, among other things, can help us make amends and bring us to the reality of the imperfection we all face. The unconditional love allows us to see what we need to see and do what we need to do to contribute to our family. It is like a continual group therapy in search for happiness and peace in unity.
Community Spotlight: The Harold Wallace Family
The Wallace family includes Harold, Annette, Melissa and Derek. The Wallaces have lived in Gunlock for about four years. They were originally from the Salt Lake area, lived in Pocatello, Idaho for seven years, then moved to St. George. Harold was born in Maine and moved to Salt Lake when he was nine. Harold was driving from Gunlock Lake to Baker Lake and saw their current residence for rent and he knew that Annette would love it. Harold works for Wheeler Machinery and Annette works for Walmart.
Golfing, fishing, camping and sports are just a few of this families favorite pastimes.
Gunlock is special to them because everyone is like and extension of their family and in tough times, everyone sticks together. They have never felt so at home in any community they have ever lived in.
Harold and Annette just celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary and on the same day, their present to each other and their children was getting sealed in the St. George Temple. Annette said, “We want to thank everyone in the town for all of your support in getting there. In times of need, like around Christmas time and other times, we have been overwhelmed by kindness from this community.”
Gunlock Town Events
May 1: Water Board Meeting at 7:00pm
May 6: Park Cleanup/ Sod Laying at 6:00pm
May 8: Fire Meeting at the Fire House at 7:00pm
May 9-10: Annual Fathers & Sons Campout in Pine Valley at the Truman Family Cabin
May 11: Mother's Day
May 26: Memorial Day
May 6: Park Cleanup/ Sod Laying at 6:00pm
May 8: Fire Meeting at the Fire House at 7:00pm
May 9-10: Annual Fathers & Sons Campout in Pine Valley at the Truman Family Cabin
May 11: Mother's Day
May 26: Memorial Day
Friday, April 4, 2008
Due West Comes To Gunlock
By Sara LaubWith Tyler Truman leading the pack, Due West came to Gunlock. The country music group visited our town to do a benefit concert to help raise money for the Town Hall. There was a private concert at 6:00pm for the citizens of Gunlock and their families to enjoy the group in a casual setting.
The benefit concert started at 7:00pm and was open to anyone who had bought a ticket. A limited amount of tickets were sold for $30 each. This created a generous donation to help our community, and the town deeply enjoyed the concert and talent Due West offered. Thanks to all involved!
A New Vision for the Park
By Rachel Campbell
Members of the Gunlock Special Service District decided in the March meeting on forming a new plan for the Gunlock park. It was decided that the member over the park, Nadine Heaton, would put together a plan in which the community would help in the up keep of the park. Any individuals or groups that would like to help are encouraged to volunteer.
The proposed clean up would essentially consist of general landscape duty, such as weed pulling and sod laying. Hyrum Smith generously promised to donate sod to the cause.
Members of the Gunlock Special Service District decided in the March meeting on forming a new plan for the Gunlock park. It was decided that the member over the park, Nadine Heaton, would put together a plan in which the community would help in the up keep of the park. Any individuals or groups that would like to help are encouraged to volunteer.
The proposed clean up would essentially consist of general landscape duty, such as weed pulling and sod laying. Hyrum Smith generously promised to donate sod to the cause.
Also discussed for the park was a playground and a new basketball court. Though formally thought to be unattainable, due to high insurance premiums, a playground plan started to take shape. The GSSD is looking into grants and donations to help fund the playground. It was decided that the benefit of the playground would far out weigh the cost of the insurance payments.
The new basketball court was proposed because of the new fire station that will be built next to the Town Hall . Concern for the safety of the citizens that use the court was expressed and it was discussed that the park would be a safer alternative to the present location.
Community Easter Egg Hunt
By Sara Laub Gunlock residents and relatives gathered at the Town Hall for the annual Easter Egg hunt on Saturday, March 22. The wind was gusting, but the kids anxiously held their baskets as they waited for the hunt to begin. Three separate hunts were prepared for different age groups to enjoy collecting candy and special metallic eggs that could be turned in for prizes. There were doughnuts and orange juice for all in attendance. The Kip Bowler family, Scott Holt family, Tyler Truman family, and Harold Wallace Family made this exciting event possible.
Town Hall Meeting
By Sara Laub
The town had a community meeting at the Town Hall where two county officials came and gave a report on the hazard analysis survey they had conducted. They explained that the snow pack this year is equivalent to the snow pack of 2005 when it flooded, and the fire danger is also high due to cheat grass.
The fire season lasts for five months, starting in May and being prepared for the hazards was strongly emphasized. Family evacuation plans, 72 hour kits, defensible space around homes, and the available sandbag machine were discussed to help the community be prepared. A stronger bridge is going to be built on the north end of town to endure the flooding.
After the Community Disaster meeting, a meeting to discuss the Town Hall and Fire Department was held by Ed Bowler and endorsed by the other members of the Town Hall trustees. Three committees were created to fulfill the contract made between the town and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for the acquisition of the Town Hall. The committees consist of Grounds, Fire Department, & Demolition. To volunteer for a committee, contact Ed Bowler.
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