Marriott-Slaterville City History January 1 - December 31, 2002 Years of preparation and anticipation culminated at the beginning of this new year in statewide "Olympic Fever" The 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City now approached rapidly. Marriott-Slaterville residents were not immune as they joined in the excitement of the event. We watched with interest the progress of the Olympic Torch as it wound its way through the United States. Directional signs to the various venues and parking lots appeared on highways. Tremendous banners and decorations graced buildings in Salt Lake and other cities. Security plans were unveiled. It was coming! Our citizens too were making plans and preparing for it as we counted down the days until its start. And so the Salt Lake City 2002 Olympics came and went in a flurry of excitement, accomplishments, and pageantry. Records were broken, unexpected victories and disappointments ensued, some athletes were disqualified, and a few serious disagreements emerged. Media, participants and observers counted it an unqualified success-perhaps the best Winter Olympics ever. The community enjoyed events either by attendance at this once-in-a-lifetime occurrence or by excellent television coverage. Many school children throughout the state attended at least one event. It was a rare individual who was not caught up in the magic and allure of the winter games. Many people throughout the state, including our citizens, had the opportunity of seeing the torch as it made its way through nearby towns. Ogden's "day in the torchlight" came on the evening of February 6, 2002. It was scheduled to begin at 8:20 p.m. at the WalMart on Harrisville Road, wandered throughout Ogden, and ended at the Union Station about 10:45 p.m. (running a little late throughout the route). Although the weather was very cold, spirits and enthusiasm were high at crowds accumulated throughout the route and at the Union Depot to welcome the torch. The Paralympics which started on March 7, 2002, added to the magic. John Allred, of Marriott-Slaterville City, presented a piano concert in the Assembly Hall on Temple Square on February 19, 2002, as part of the Cultural Olympic performances. As the year progressed, the Salt Lake Organizing Committee announced the Winter Olympics had been a great financial success also, repaid the state for money advanced (no taxpayer cost) and left a legacy of endowed athletic facilities and charitable donations throughout the state. Most recently, a plethora of national awards for the cultural presentations were announced. Truly, the Olympics shone brightly throughout our state. As a result of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack in New York and Washington, D. C., security has been increased throughout the nation. Security for the Olympic games was very high. On the morning of February 4, an unknown package was discovered on I-15 near 12th Street, within our community boundaries. It appeared to contain some type of electronic device. The interstate was closed as law enforcement and national guard swarmed the area. Officials blew up the package, which was then found to have been a car battery in a gunny sack. A similar incident occurred on I-15 at 400 North about a week later. We were grateful for the alertness and disposition by the agencies involved. But with all the anticipation, normal daily tasks of life continued unabated. City government went on. Mayor Keith Butler's State of the City address brought the good news that we have had no city property tax in the past years and none is expected for the coming year. He again credited this success to the council, the staff and the many volunteers who help make the city government efficient and successful, and gave all his heartfelt thanks and appreciation. On many occasions Mayor Butler has commended the volunteers who have assisted in making Marriott-Slaterville City a success. Residents can and do assist in many ways, both in on-going work and one-time events. He cited the generosity of the Meyerhoffer and Van Leeuwen families who donated much of the cost of an attractive entryway sign on 400 North/Pioneer Road and 1200 West. Mr. Ames Israelsen gave his time and equipment to set and landscape this beautiful marker. 1