50/50

The Weekly………….…...................50/50……………………..……June 25, 2011


A few weeks ago, I discovered the first Friday in June is National Donut Day. I also discovered that June is National Accordion Awareness Month. Surprisingly, I received more than a few replies about accordions and polka music. Who knew we have so many polka fans amongst our ranks?
One minute wait time

Recently, I’ve noticed the ad for Scottsdale Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Room on an electronic billboard at the loop 101 / 202 interchange. The ad announces the actual wait time for emergency room services. While driving by, I’ve seen 1 minute wait time, 20, 45, etc. This makes me wonder. Since the wait time is only a minute, I guess it would be a good time to go home to dislocate a hip by falling off a ladder or simply sideswiping the car next to me on the 101.

Based on this wait time information should I plan my need for emergency room services? It’s an emergency, inherently - by definition, it is not planned. I really don’t understand advertising wait times. I have noticed shorter wait times occur very bright and early on weekend mornings. May I be so bold to suggest attempting any hazardous or even moderately hazardous chores early Saturday or Sunday morning? Nothing like firing up the chain saw at 5:00 am on a Saturday, just to be safe. I’m confident our Risk Management staff would concur with this plan of action. Of course, while you may get the work done safely, you may need medical attention after you neighbors are done with you because you woke everybody up at o-dark thirty.

And what’s the point of this balderdash of a story, you ask? Well, first it’s just an observation I wanted to share, more importantly it’s an offbeat segue to workplace safety. As I write this, the National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for the Valley of the Sun. Really? It gets hot in the summer in the desert in the Valley of the Sun? What a surprise. On a serious note, sometimes the heat and its effects sneak up on us. I take this opportunity to remind everyone, particularly our very capable employees who work outdoors, to be mindful of the heat and take precautionary measures. Our Risk Management division in our Financial and Technology Department offer Heat Stress Prevention tips and a training course. Please take advantage of this opportunity. For further information check out:

http://www1.tempe.gov/riskmanagement/SafetySection/Heat_Stress_Intro.htm

Regardless of the emergency room wait time, health and safety for all our employees is essential.
To beat the heat, take advantage of some free events scheduled throughout the summer at The Tempe History Museum: http://www.tempe.gov/museum/events.htm

You sure can’t go wrong with a Brass Band Salute to Independence Day or Alice in Wonderland.

50/50 – A look into the way back machine and to the future

Back a half of century ago, in 1961, Tempe’s population was about 24,897 as counted in the 1960 census.

About town:

• Mr. Clyde Gilliland was our mayor from 1960-1961 and a council member from 1930 – 1961.

• The Tempe Police phone number was WO 7-3301 (WO is for Woodland) and Tempe Fire WO 7-2250.

• Tempe kids spent their summers swimming in the Olympic-sized pool at Tempe Beach Park.

• Ground was broken for Legend City, the Disneyland-inspired amusement park on the Tempe-Phoenix border.

• JB’s Family Restaurants were founded in Tempe.

• The Los Angeles Angels, then owned by Gene Autry, began playing baseball. These Angels now Spring train at Tempe Diablo Stadium.

• Top’s Liquors in the Tempe Center is open every night until 10 pm.

• Shalimar Country Club opened.

• On May 8, 1961 – nocturnal lights were reported over Tempe around University and Rural. UFO sites categorize this as a “UFO traveling in a straight line across the sky.”

• U.S. Senator and Tempean Carl Hayden attended the inauguration of John F. Kennedy.

• Southern Avenue was still considered south of town, although housing was rapidly being constructed to meet the needs of the booming population.

Some June 1961 Council Actions:

• Because City Manager Arthur Bunger moved to Prescott, City Council selected Mr. Louis Cooper from Fresno, California at a salary of $1,100 per month to report for duty July 17 as the new City Manager.

• Council also voted to remove “No Parking” signs from the west side of Dorsey Lane between Lemon and 8th Street.

• Council granted permission to the Kiwanis Club to hold their fireworks display on July 4th at the Stadium. (council meeting minutes did not mention which stadium)

• In budgetary matters, Council reduced the Police Department budget to $100,000 and added to the Fire Department budget. (minutes did not mention specific amounts). Also, authority was given to increase the Librarian and Assistant Librarian salaries to $350 and $325 respectively. (did not mention time period)

At Arizona State University:

• G. Homer Durham was their 11th president, ASU began awarding PhD degrees and 10,000 students were enrolled.

• Frank Kush was in his 3rd year as football coach.

• The Farmer Education Building was built in September.

• KAET Channel 8 signed on for the first time from a trailer on campus and offered ASU courses via television.

• A National Meteorite Symposium was held on campus.

A look forward to June 2061:

One may wonder what our future will bring. One may wonder:

• Will the US Post Office still exist?

• Will a checkbook still exist?

• Will the newspaper, book and land line telephone exist?

• Will television exist?

• Will big box retail stores exist or will on-line shopping continue to expand?

A look forward to June 2061:

• Will Shalimar golf course still be open?

• Will “No Parking” signs exist on the west side of Dorsey? For that matter, will the west side of Dorsey exist?

• Will the Kiwanis Club still display July 4th fireworks?

• Will the Tempe City Council, in June 2061, reduce the Police Department’s budget and increase the fire Department’s?

• Will the Angels remain our spring training team?

What will Tempe look like?

• Will our neighborhoods be safe, thriving and remain vibrant?

• Will commerce, jobs and employment opportunities exist and be booming?

• Will Tempe attract private investment?

• Will ASU remain the New American University?

• Will our local educational system be flourishing?

• Will Tempe Town Lake exist offering a variety of events, surrounded by mixed use development?

• How will we move from one place to another and what type fuel might we use?

How will Tempe continue to create outstanding value for those we serve through shared vision, superior service and sustainable practices?

Most importantly, will Tempe be a great place to raise a family, invest in a business, earn an education, learn to ride a bike, or enjoy an evening out? And, what might we be doing now to provide a proud, prosperous and successful Tempe in 2061?
Jeff Kulaga

Pinch Hitting for Charlie Meyer.