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Today's word on
journalism

Monday, January 31, 2005

When words go to war:

"Words go to war as surely as soldiers do. They can be used to inspire troops, strike fear into the heart of the enemy or persuade neutral parties. . . . The careful selection of words in war is almost always a calculated attempt to manipulate perceptions. Whether an act of violence is called a 'suicide bombing' or a homicide bombing' depends more on the politics of the speaker than on any sincere attempt to describe objective reality. Even when the language of war is mechanical or colorless it may be deliberate, an attempt to shield both civilians and soldiers from the horrors of modern conflict."

--Michael Keane, author and educator, 2005 (Thanks to alert WORDster Brad Knickerbocker)

Arts & Life : : Features

Youth council in River Heights keeps kids involved with service

By Camille Blake

December 8, 2004 | RIVER HEIGHTS -- What is a better way to get the youth of the city involved than to put them on a youth council?

River Heights has had a youth council for at least eight years, said Debbie Rees, City Council member over community affairs and the advisor for the youth council. Anyone 14-18 years old can participate. There are always at least 14 to 16 members on the youth council.

"I have never turned anyone away," Rees said of those wanting to be on the council.

This election year, the council wanted to get the community involved in the election on a local and national level. They posted fliers and put up signs around the city. The council even had their own election. Avery Lind was elected Mayor, Isabelle Jensen as Vice Mayor and Dana Bryn as Secretary/ Treasurer.

The youth council participates in many service projects for the city. They sponsor summer activity days for elementary age children, beautification projects, clean up days, the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and City Christmas Lighting Contest. They sold pies at Thanksgiving from the Coppermill restaurant as a fundraiser for future activities. The youth council also held a car wash.

Monthly meetings are held where they plan activities. Those on council can stay on as long as they want, within in the age limits. They have an election every year on the general election day for officers.

"I am on the City Council with responsibility for Community Affairs and the Youth Council. I am happy to say it is one of my favorite assignments," Rees said.

Those on the council say it is a good chance to serve the community and have something good to put on college applications and other resumes.

One of the council's favorite activities is the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. They even hung the lights on the tree. Monday, December 6, 2004 at 6:30 p.m. at Heber Olsen Park is when the activity is. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be arriving on an Logan Transit District Bus.

NW MK
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