LeBaronLogic

"America Our Country" - AF Speech Contest

Congratulations to those award winners in the recent Mary Kawakami Youth Scholarship Speech Contest. The Patriotic theme was inspiring but even more so with the uplifting speeches by our area youth. The first place $1,000 winner was Jeff Rodeback, 2nd place $600 - Tate Arnold, and third place $400 winners were Erika Brown and Donna Williams.

Trekkie Philosophy (City Style)

The Steel Days concert with the American Fork Symphony was delightful last Friday night. They partnered with Timpanogos Chorale and Todd McCabe and April Moriarty. One particular piece was of great interest, being the Star Trek theme song. Granted I am not a dyed in the wool "Trekkie" but have followed the series and offshoot series as well.  Star Trek, The Next Generation was my favorite and often had episodes with the original cast.  Earlier in the week, the City Council considered an agreement between the city and a local property owner at the northern end of 500 east for a temporary turnaround for a shuttle bus during the Big Show this Saturday at Art Dye Park, due to limited access at the main entrance. Some  of the neighbors on 5oo E. north of 700 north are concerned with noise, dust and traffic. It is not the best situation but under the circumstances, it is the only option. (The high school did not give permission for the Big Show venue due to potential risks to its new rubberized track.)  I sympathize with the neighbors and would be concerned also. As a city council we see alot of NIMBY (Not in my backyard) issues. The acronym now is NIMU (Not in my universe)!? I remember this classic Spockism philosophical line from Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, (largely considered to be the best of all the Star Trek movies), the dialogue follows:

Spock: You proceed from a false assumption. I am a Vulcan. I have no ego to bruise.

James T. Kirk: You're about to remind me that logic alone dictates your actions?

Spock: I would not remind you of that which you know so well. If I may be so bold, it was a mistake for you to accept promotion. Commanding a starship is your first, best, destiny. Anything else is a waste of material.

James T. Kirk: I would not presume to debate you.

Spock: That is wise. In any case, were I to invoke logic, logic dictates that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. (emphasis added).

James T. Kirk: Or the one.

Spock: You're my superior officer. You are also my friend. I have been, and always shall be yours.

And so it is that part of the byline on this blog is "Musings......(of a) Random Thinking Dad". My children have stories much like the above randomness, (perhaps another posting). The important principle here (beside the wonderful concert), is that as elected local officials, our decisions should be based on the good of the many or "What is in the best interest of the community as a whole". We ultimately approved the agreement referenced above with input from the homeowners association.  I believe this was in the best interest of the entire community and the hundreds of citizens and guests who look forward to celebrating Steel Days at the Big Show and Fireworks with appropriate ingress and egress from the park.

City Hall Restoration Bids

The bids came in a little high for the City Hall improvements, so it appears to complete the project, we are condsidering moving RDA money from the boat harbor and restrooms at the amphitheater (there are already some in the park). I personally am pleased that we are finishing something. The bell tower, pressed tin ceiling and brick restoration will be like the original. Stay tuned for more information.

Arts in AF get a boost

Arts in our city add to the enrichment and the tapestry of the fabric of our community. Now more room in the soon to be renovated City Hall will be made available including a large room on the second floor to be used for small performances, recitals, meetings and speech contests among other things. The first floor of City Hall will house classrooms with sinks for instruction and workshops and an office for the Arts Council. In addition, there will be a full gymnasium built to be used for both recreation and the arts at the fitness center along with additional classrooms. We will have a portable stage for symphony rehearsals and small productions with seating for 400. It is a step forward, but we can do more, such as a Concert Hall for the AF symphony and other performing groups such as The Premier Brass Band. To accomplish this we need Public/Private Partnerships for additional resources. We also need to apply for Grants and foundation monies from private, semi private and government entities. We have some wonderful volunteers who give of their time as well as other professionals. The availability of various art mediums will continue to expand as our city grows. Our family enjoys the concerts at the amphitheater and other art events including community theater. Concerts, plays, and art shows allow local talent to hone and display their skills entertaining family, friends and neighbors. The fabric of our community talent is woven with threads of many different colors creating a beautiful tapestry, a work of the arts.