Editor:
Recently Park City was treated to a wonderfully amazing experience when Sherman Alexie and Chris Eyre came to town for the Park City Education Foundation’s Author-in-Residence program at the High School.
Now in its 5th year, the program was the brainchild of one of PCHS’s creative teachers. It’s a unique initiative in that EVERY student, no matter the grade or English class level, can participate in a college level experience. It’s the only shared academic experience students have in their time at PCHS.
This year’s Author-in-Residence was made possible because of a partnership with Sundance Institute. Both Alexie and Eyre were students of Sundance having participated in their Screenwriters Lab, Filmmakers Lab and Producers Conference.
During the week, English and Film classes, students met with Sherman and Chris, where they discussed the process of writing, storytelling, and filmmaking. Alexie and Eyre not only shared their talents with students, they participated in a free community screening of the movie "Smoke Signals" and delighted the packed theatre with a discussion following the film.
In addition, we were thrilled when Summit County Library, Park City Library, and Dolly’s Bookstore decided to have Alexie’s novel "The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven’ as their ‘One Book, One Community’ selection.
Although their personalities are very different, the message from Chris and Sherman was the same: be brave, and be yourself. It’s a message that rings true for all of us, whether we are an aspiring writer or filmmaker, or not.
At PCEF, this is what we do. We help to bring a teacher, or principal, or district administrators dream of advancing their students’ achievement to fruition, by funding programs outside of the budget. We would like to thank the incredible teachers at PCHS for their work on this program, and the district for its support. We also thank the Promontory Foundation and the Utah Humanities Council for their sponsorship.
Abby McNulty, Executive Director
Park City Education Foundation
Kumon Center will be missed by students, families
Dear Editor:
Families in the Park City area have lost a valuable educational resource. The Kumon Center of Park City has closed.
We enrolled our two boys when the center first opened in 2012. With daily practice, Kumon has been a tremendous asset for our family. Upon entering kindergarten this year our 5-year-old had already completed more than 25,000 math equations and is currently doing math a full grade level above what he is learning in the school system. Kumon has helped our 7-year-old to be more disciplined about doing his homework and to have better focus in school. Both boys have increased their confidence in their ability to learn and solve problems on their own.
Kumon is by far the best thing we have ever done for our kids. For the families who enrolled in Kumon but didn’t stay with it, I’m sorry that you didn’t see the same benefit that we did. For those who never enrolled, I’m sorry that you will miss out on this amazing opportunity to help your kids and to show them the value that you place on their education. For Randy, Sharon, Ludi and the Kumon staff, thank you for being a part of our family and for giving our kids a step up in their education. We will miss you.
Laura Alleman
Francis
Council candidate Butwinski has sharp eye for detail
Editor:
Alex Butwinski should be re-elected to the Park City Council. Alex is a smart, energetic Council person who works well with almost everyone. He listens, checks back and tells you why he is voting a certain way. Alex understands budgets, priorities and the role of smart planning to protect our Park City lifestyle.
Gordon Strachan
Park City
Butwinski can put issues in perspective
Editor,
From where I sit I see Alex Butwinski as a great Council Member. Having attended countless City meetings in the last four years (and reading the agenda and minutes of those meetings I miss) I must say, when positions differ, I invariably side with Council Member Matsumoto. However, Mr. Butwinski has the ability to weigh in on policy and projects in a clear, pragmatic manner that permits even the opposing view to see the whole picture in new light. His input facilitates a positive and progressive decision-making process.
I didn’t vote for Mr. Butwinski last election; I didn’t know his work. I now have justified confidence in voting Alex for City Council.
Ruth Meintsma
Park City
Another citizen supports Andy Beerman for Mayor
Dear Editor,
I have known Andy for several years and am always impressed by his outgoing enthusiasm and vigor for everything he does. He is even enthusiastic waiting for an old guy to catch-up on a ski run. Seeing the energy he brings to social, business and political activities is in itself invigorating; I like to believe that I too displayed some of those attributes during my 40 years as a member of the Park City community.
The office of mayor demands not only fine professional skills applied with vigor and enthusiasm, but also abundant energy. With age comes the occasional glimpse of wisdom, my personal revelation is that: If I were running for mayor against Andy, I would not vote for myself.
Kevin McCarthy
Park City
Former council member is on Beerman’s side
Editor:
I first met Andy Beerman when he worked at White Pine Touring and was opening a rock gym. I was impressed immediately with his smiles and enthusiasm with customers. More recently, I’ve gotten to know him better because he walks his dog by my home.
I initially learned about his environmental activism when I used a water-less bathroom fixture at his Treasure Mountain Inn business. He was an early, low profile, green adapter at TMI…a proven green leader who actively protects our environment. In our world of excess self promotion regarding being ‘green’, Andy actually ‘walks the talk’.
As a COSAC committee member, I’ve experienced the remarkable leadership skills Andy, COSAC’s council liaison, can bring. Despite his open space zeal, he never uses his Council status to steer committee actions. He will share his views when pressed; however, he primarily conveys the mayor’s and full Council’s thoughts. I am confident as mayor he would enhance city open space, as well as smart growth, performance.
I’d love to see him elected mayor since he is the candidate most likely to preserve those Park City green attributes for which I moved here long ago. His actions prove that to me.
Jim Doilney
Take a close look at who’s responsible for shutdown
Editor:
It is the unyielding Democrat Senators who are holding up the process of negotiating beyond the government shutdown. The Conservative House has compromised numerous times recently in a good-faith effort to resolve critical issues. The blame is clear to see… if only the media would report it properly.
Captain Jim Green
Heber City