SLC, UT 84115 PERMIT NO. 6563
Postal Customer ECRWSS
Spanish Fork | Salem | Woodland Hills
SOUTH UTAH COUNTY
of
Extraordinary People
March
2021
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K N A TH U YOARY PEOPLE
N ! I Y D T R N O U A O R C T H EX A T U H T U O S 0 F 2 0 O 2 N ERS I H T O G N I V R E RS
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Introduction It is said that hindsight is 2020, and when it comes to the year just past that is certainly the case. It was a year perhaps without equal as we each faced a pandemic that still doggedly pursues us. Unlike adversities of the past, when nations and people came together to face the uncertain, the COVID-19 pandemic instead made islands of us all. We found ourselves cut off from our neighbors, from our families; even smiles of hope and encouragement hidden behind masks. The pandemic attempted to cut at the ties that bind us as a people but failed to sever them. Small acts of kindness, selfless aid to strangers, closed the distance between the islands we became and the community we long to be. Such was certainly the case in South Utah County, where the people who call this place home found ways to give back and bring a smile to faces behind the masks.
Page of Contents Produced by: THE HEROES OF 2020 PROJECT DANN GOFF
Editors: DANN GOFF MICKI TAYLOR
2020 In Review
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2020 In Review Continued
11
Stories of Service
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Stories of Service Continued
13-19
Design:
Stories of Gratitude
COLLEEN DAVIS
Stories of Gratitude Continued
For information about producing your own magazine or other publications, contact:
Stories of Hope
26
Stories of Hope Continued
28
Thank You to Our Sponsors
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My City Chamber 801-687-9303 info@mycitychamber.com
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20 21-25
THE HEROES OF 2020 PROJECT
www.stakerparson.com | 801-731-1111
OUR PEOPLE ARE OUR FOUNDATION
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Central Valley Medical Center | Santaquin Clinic
801-754-3600
210 East Main Steet, Santaquin, UT 84655
CentralValleyMedicalCenter.com We accept all major insurances including:
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Santaquin Clinic is dedicated to providing sensitive, compassionate healthcare of the highest quality to our patients, their families, and friends. CVMC aims to improve the health of the people and communities we serve. Our physicians are experienced in treating patients of all ages, and by working with your whole family, they can get a better grasp of your medical history and risk factors.
Santaquin Clinic Services
Laboratory Testing Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Pediatrics Women’s Health - OBGYN
Chris Karrasch, MD
Specialties:
Specialties:
• Hormone and Infertility
• Shoulder, Knee, & Hip Surgery
• Low/High Risk Pregnancy
• Surgical Sports Medicine
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Musculoskeletal Trauma
• Pelvic Pain/Reconstruction
• Degenerative Diseases
• Urinary Incontinence
• Arthroscopic Surgery
Jason Neilsen, MD
Jared Pikus, DO
Specialties:
Specialties:
• Preventative Health
• Obstetrics
• Urgent & Chronic Conditions
• Physical Medicine
• Joint Pain & Sports Injuries
• Preventative Health
• Concussion Management
• Urgent & Chronic Conditions
• Ultrasound Guided Interventions
• Gi/digestive health
Women’s Health - OBGYN
Family Medicine General X-ray
Reed Skinner, MD
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Zimmer Biomet is a medical device manufacturer that provides products and other services used by health care professionals to create personalized care plans. Zimmer Biomet is not a medical professional and does not practice medicine. Zimmer Biomet is not responsible for the content of centralvalleymedicalcenter.com. The persons in these advertisements are models and not actual recipients of Zimmer Biomet products and services. Results are not necessarily typical and will vary due to health, weight, activity and other human variables. *Not all patients are candidates for joint procedures or ROSA Knee robotic technology. Only a medical professional can determine the treatment appropriate for your specific condition. Talk to your surgeon about whether joint replacement is right for you and the risks of the procedure, including the risk of impact wear, loosening, breakage, failure or risk of infection, all of which could require additional surgery. For general information on joint pain and technology, visit www.zimmerbiomet.com or call 1.800.447.5633. ©2019 Zimmer Biomet.
At Wiggy Wash, we value your safety, which is why we have implemented the following protocols:
Masks for every employee Social Distancing Non-Contact payment for VIPs Frequent sanitization
We are so grateful for all the support over the last year. As a local business, we rely on our communities to continue to serve you.
Scan this QR code to see the locations
We are aluminum Hydro is the world’s largest integrated aluminum company, and a major supplier for industries across the US and Canada. In this year of challenges, our employees have been the cornerstone of success for our company and our customers. As business returned strongly in the second half of the year, Hydro employees stepped up to supply our customer base with the strong, sustainable extruded aluminum their companies need.
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We are hiring for the following positions: • • •
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Compensation: Starting rates from $15 to $25 per hour dependent on position and skills.
Visit jobs.hydro.com or use the QR code
2020 Timeline In Review JANUARY
APRIL
January 3 -- The term “World War III” is thrown around April 4-5 -- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day after Iranian general Qassem Soleimani is assassinated. Saints holds virtual-only sessions for their general January 20 -- The first case of COVID-19 in the US near conference sessions. Seattle. January 26 -- Kobe Bryant, his daughter, and seven others are killed in a helicopter crash.
April 18-November 30 -- Over 1,500 fires reported in Utah, about $60 million in costs, and over 300,000 acres burned.
FEBRUARY
MAY
February 20 -- The Boy Scouts of America filed for May 1 -- Utah eases statewide restrictions tied to the COVID-19 pandemic. bankruptcy amid sexual abuse cases. May 4 -- Scientists confirm that Asian giant hornets, or February 27 -- Utah votes to decriminalize polygamy. murder hornets, were found in the US.
MARCH
May 5 -- UHP trooper pulls over an erratic driver to find March 6 -- Governor Gary Herbert issues a state of out it’s simply a 5-year-old boy behind the wheel. emergency. May 15 -- The US announces “Operation Warp Speed” to March 6 -- The first COVID-19 case is confirmed in Utah. try to create a vaccine for COVID-19. March 11 -- Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19 May 22 -- Hall of Fame coach and Utah Jazz legend which led to the cancellation of the game, the NBA, and Jerry Sloan dies at 78. soon many other sports too. May 25 -- George Floyd dies after being detained by March 12 -- Governor Herbert announces 100-person police in Minnesota. limit on public gatherings. May 28 -- Utah Department of Health reports 215 new March 12 -- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day cases of COVID-19 that lead to the first mask mandates. Saints suspends all services and activities. May 30 -- Rioting in downtown Salt Lake City destroys March 13 -- Breonna Taylor is shot and killed by police a police squad car and damages a TRAX station and nearby businesses. in Kentucky. March 13 -- Gov. Herbert announces the “soft closure” of all Utah K-12 schools for two weeks which lasted the rest of the school year.
May 30 -- Gov. Herbert issues a curfew for Salt Lake City while National Guard troops are deployed to the area.
March 16 -- Dine-in options at Salt Lake County JUNE restaurants are closed off for the first time. Statewide June 5 -- Video released of a police shooting and killing measures ended up in place not long after. of Palacios-Carbajal spurs further protests in Salt Lake March 18 -- A 5.7 magnitude earthquake hits centered City. near Magna. June 5 -- Joe Biden secures enough delegates to win the March 22 -- Utah health officials confirm the state’s Democratic Party nomination for the 2020 Presidential first known death as a result of COVID-19. Election. March 27 -- Salt Lake City mayor issues stay at home June 9 -- Chad Daybell is arrested. order. June 27 -- Salt Lake and Summit counties are the first March 28 -- Utah’s National Parks closed indefinitely. to have public mask mandates in Utah.
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THE HEROES OF 2020 PROJECT
2020 timeline in review June 30 -- Salt Lake Bees, Orem Owlz, and October 7 -- Vice presidential debate between Ogden Raptors seasons are cancelled. Vice President Mike Pence and Kamala Harris is held on the UofU campus. October 9 -- Paris Hilton march and protest July 6 -- Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox narrowly edges outside Provo Canyon School. out former governor Jon Huntsman Jr. for October 10 -- Kyle Burgess, a 26-year-old the Republican gubernatorial nomination. Utah man, encounters a mountain lion while July 9 -- E-commerce company Wayfair is heading down Slate Canyon in Provo. accused of human trafficking. October 28 -- Gail Miller announces she will July 30 -- The Jazz play New Orleans in their sell majority ownership of the Utah Jazz to first game of the 2019-2020 season. Ryan Smith of Qualtrics.
AUGUST
NOVEMBER
August -- The hottest August in Utah’s history.
November 3 -- Cox wins the state’s gubernatorial race.
August 1 -- Temperatures reach 105 degrees at Salt Lake City International Airport.
November 8 -- Alex Trebek,host of “Jeopardy!,” dies from complications of pancreatic cancer August 12 -- Salt Lake City suspends use of at the age of 80. police dogs. November 8 -- Gov. Herbert announces a new August 23 -- State of emergency declared in state of emergency and a statewide mask St. George after flooding and damage from mandate. a storm. November 19 -- The CDC and other health August 28 -- Actor Chadwick Boseman dies at officials recommend no Thanksgiving the age of 43. He starred in “42,” “Marshall,” gatherings. and “Black Panther.”
DECEMBER
SEPTEMBER
December 7 -- Utah Royals FC announces it September 8 -- A massive windstorm knocks will relocate to Kansas City, Missouri. down thousands of trees causing millions in December 10 -- Utah’s death toll from the damage in Davis and Salt Lake counties. COVID-19 pandemic surpasses 1,000. September 9 -- Utah Department of Health December 11 -- Pfizer vaccine approved by reports 346 new cases beginning a large federal regulators. spike in COVID-19. December 14 -- Dixie State University September 18 -- Ruth Bader Ginsburg dies trustees vote to remove “Dixie” from the from pancreatic cancer at 87. school name after 107 years. December 15 -- Christy Mulder, is the first Utahn given the COVID-19 vaccine outside of October 2 -- President Trump and First Lady a clinical trial. Melania Trump tested positive for COVID-19. December 26 -- University of Utah football October 7 -- Ayoola Ajay pleads guilty announces the death of Ty Jordan, a star to murdering University of Utah student freshman running back. Mackenzie Lueck in 2019.
OCTOBER
Despite the Worldwide Pandemic of COVID 19 Extraordinary People did some Extraordinary Things.
JULY
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Stories of Service To prepare for the possible surge of Covid patients, we hired a new nurse practitioner, Samantha Howard, NP, to help in our Spanish Fork office with our Urgent Care and she has been a lifesaver. If we hadn’t had her I don’t know how we would have gotten through this. Our Urgent Care volumes have increased by 50% and some days spiked to as much as double previous averages. To double the number of patients you see in a day is not easy. She has done it with a smile on her face and given every patient her full attention all the while knowing that she’s got a bunch more patients stacked up behind anxiously waiting. Thankfully most people have been respectful and appreciative, even if wait times have gotten long at times. Sam and her medical assistants have been real troopers to keep up with the urgent care needs of our community.
~Aaron L. While I was visiting my aunt in Oregon, I went to the grocery store
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and I saw something I have never seen before. As I was walking in, I heard a woman yell to me from her car. I walked over and found an elderly woman and her husband. She cracked her window open a bit more and explained to me nearly in tears that they are afraid to go in the store.
them and I happily obliged. I felt so good and happy being able to do something for someone else that I slipped their cash in one of their bags as I put them in their trunk on my way out. After coming home, I haven’t seen anything like that, but I hope that if I did, I would jump at the chance to serve.
They asked me if I would shop for
~Becky M.
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THE HEROES OF 2020 PROJECT
stories of service short list. I asked them if I could give them to them. They said yes and I put them in their trunk and went my way. It was so nice to see the relief on their faces as I walked away. I didn’t want to go back inside because it was a madhouse, so we went without some staples for a few days. It was worth it and a great lesson for my boys.
~Jane G. My 21-year-old daughter was in line at the Springville Reams behind a large, down-on-its-luck family that was buying top ramen and a lot of things like that. They had a large amount of stuff and were about $30 short after trying all their credit/debit cards. The teenage kid ringing them up said, “Oh it finally went through,” and after they left, she watched him reach into his pocket and put cash in the till to make up the difference. She was so very impressed with this kind young man especially when he seemed embarrassed and didn’t want any acknowledgment.
~David S. I was rushing out of the store like usual as I had somewhere to be and noticed an elderly couple sitting in their car. I stopped and watched them for a while and decided to come up to them and knock on their window. They only rolled it down a small crack and stated that they were afraid to go inside for fear of being exposed to the virus. I had a cart overflowing with groceries, it’s what happens when you have four growing boys at home, and so I asked them what they came to the store for today. They reluctantly told me that they didn’t come here for much, but I had the milk and bread and a couple of other things on their
I was in line at Family Dollar. There was a teenage or young adult boy a couple people in front of me in line. He had a handful of items. Nothing frivolous looking. Some cleaning products and maybe some food. When the cashier told him his total, he asked how much it would be if she took one item off. Then two. He kept asking until he got the total down to something he could afford. He looked apologetically back at the people in line behind him. Then paid and left.
I was shopping for some special Christmas cookies in Salt Lake and, when I got to the register, realized I’d left my wallet at home. I found someone in line that had Venmo, and she agreed to pay for my purchase, and I would reimburse her via Venmo. After she paid, she refused to give me her Venmo handle and simply said, “Merry Christmas! Pay it forward.” A short time later I was able to pay the
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The man right behind him in line asked the cashier to add the left behind items to his bill then ran outside to tell the young man to hang on a second so he could give him the rest of his items. So simple but so sweet and uplifting.
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THE HEROES OF 2020 PROJECT
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stories of service
the extraordinary people of our community serve those around them grocery bill of another woman with small children as prompted to do so remembering what the kind woman had done for me.
~Joe M. - Maple Creek HHH Hello friends! This year has been a whirlwind for everyone I think we can agree on that, with that being said our sweet elderly folks have especially struggled in the nursing homes with not being able to see family and friends. The holidays have been especially hard on them and we thought of a way to brighten their spirits just a little this Christmas season. We’ve left a wrapped Christmas box here at the Santa Queen for anyone
lights because, “there’s so much darkness and scariness in the world now.” So, there are bright dancing Christmas lights now on in their neighborhood.
~Lisa R.
who would like to drop off a Christmas card that we can deliver to the facilities in the community. This would be an awesome opportunity to let them know they are loved and thought of this holiday season!
~Kani L. We live in such a great community! We got a knock on our door tonight and a family gave us these chocolates just because they love our Christmas lights! Thank you!!! It made our night a whole lot brighter!
~Kendra H. A friend just shared that an elderly neighbor came to her house and asked her husband to turn on the Christmas
My landlord sent us the kindest letter stating that he realizes that service and hourly workers are being hit hard by social distancing and government restrictions. Because of this, he said that he would not be collecting rent in April. I ran across his Facebook post later that stated, “I ask any other landlords out there to take a serious look at
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THE HEROES OF 2020 PROJECT
your own situation and consider giving your tenants some rent relief as well.” I’ve never been more impressed with a landlord before in my life. I am overcome with gratitude because we really needed the help.
~Maggie B.
through about once every two weeks. Each time he comes he pays for his food and then pays for the person behind him. He has paid from $10 to $60 for someone else’s food without even a second thought on the price. He is a very generous and kind young man. We need more people like him in the world.
~Meia J. Many of us are asking what we can do to help those who will be hurt financially during this difficult period. Most of us will probably receive a stimulus check in the near future.
I work at the Payson Costa Vida in the drive thru. There is a young man (I don’t know his name) that comes
I suggest that those who will not be losing income and are fortunate enough not to have a need for these funds, consider donating them to a local organization that provides for the needy, a family that is struggling or a local small business that is fighting to survive.
I have donated mine and I hope you will do the same.
~Nancy T. I am 78 years old and my wife is 69. We drove to Costco to pick up supplies, including toilet paper. We walked with our cart to the paper goods aisle just in time to see the last package of toilet paper placed in a cart. As we turned to leave, a beautiful young lady, probably 25 or 26 years old, asked us if we needed toilet paper. When my wife told her yes, she said, “we don’t need this” and handed us the bundle of Costco toilet paper she was holding. I will never, ever, forget that act of kindness. That woman will one day stand before her maker and hear the words “Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these…you have done it unto me.”
~Robert T.
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THE HEROES OF 2020 PROJECT
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In service of others gentleman to his truck. Shawn knows all our customers names and their children’s. This gentleman’s name is Olie and we absolutely love seeing him every time we do
~Stacy A.
On Saturday, October 3, 2020, the earth wept for the loss of a great man, Nathan Russell Carr. Wanted to take a moment to recognize My husband. It is absolutely the sweetest thing on earth to see him take care of our customers the way he does. Today him and another customer took the time to walk this
Despite the heroic efforts of his co-workers and medical professionals, Nate passed away as the result of injuries sustained in a tragic construction accident. He is survived by his wife, Stephanie
Eyre Carr and their five children. They were nominated by a neighbor for this Best Christmas Ever. When
Continued on pg. 18
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THE HEROES OF 2020 PROJECT
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“Despite what you see on the news and read on social media there are so many good people in this world”
stories of service talking with extended family, they said that the best thing for them would be a trip to Hawaii. This created a bit of trepidation for Jennifer Yorgensen of KW Westfield Real Estate, so she partnered with Academy Mortgage in Salem and the Spanish Fork Fire Department to help her provide for this family. They took to the streets in partnership with the fire department, Buddy the Elf, Santa Claus, a bunch of other helpers, and also the recipients of last year’s BCE to collect funds in a boot drive in front of the Spanish Fork Fire Department. “The most touching part of the day was watching people stop, not knowing the reason, and donating. Not asking any questions, just giving out of the kindness of their hearts,” Jennifer said. At the start of the day Jennifer shared that she, “was sad because of Covid that we couldn’t do the party we usually do. I was bundled up, in the snow, collecting money and I was kind of dreading that part, but the amazing thing is even during Covid, people pulled over and were all smiles. People want to help, and people want to give,” Jennifer shared. The chosen night arrived with sirens blaring and a motorcade of fire trucks and ambulances, they came at night with a
crowd gathered at the home. The family was presented with a fire truck full of presents, laptops for the kids, a Dave Ramsey course with a $1,000 completion bonus, a health class with a bonus of another $1,000, and a trip to Hawaii for the wife, five kids, and her parents. “Despite what you see on the news and read on social media, there are so many good people in this world, and it’s awesome to be able to witness that and be a small part of that tonight.” Kendrick Hair Spanish Fork Volunteer Fire When Jennifer was getting ready to leave, Stephanie came up to her and let her know that, “Next year, I’m going to join you and I want to help.” Jennifer is hoping that this kindness snowballs and that they’re able to help two families next year.
~Jennifer Y
Thank you to all those who work on the pandemic’s front line. We salute you.
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3:12 PM THE HEROES OF 20202/17/21 PROJECT
During the summer, one of my best friends was desperately searching to find a place to live. She’s a single mom and was under a great deal of stress from many different fronts, including finding a place to live. Just at the end of August, she found a place she could move into right away. The challenge was that she needed to get all her things from the rented storage unit to the house before Monday, and it was Saturday, and she could not find anyone to help her move besides me. The cost of an additional month’s rental fee was beyond she could afford, not to mention completely unnecessary since she had a place to move everything into. With no warning, I reached out to several of my friends, and three of them made themselves available right away. With only 2 pickup trucks and a small SUV, we loaded and unloaded from the storage unit to her new-found home all day. The task was long, tiresome, and overwhelming something that would typically take 2 days if done by just a few such as us. In sacrificing their day and evening, we were able to move everything out of the unit so my friend could avoid paying several hundred dollars extra needlessly. Thank you, Pappy, Nick & Corbin! ~Dustin G
Once snow began to fall, our neighbor down the street began his regular selfless act of plowing the sidewalks throughout the entire neighborhood. He doesn’t do this occasionally, he does it every time! And he’ll spend hours doing it. I see you and I appreciate you, as do the many who probably don’t ever see you out there but enjoy having the snow removed for them! ~A Grateful Salem Resident
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THE HEROES OF 2020 PROJECT
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Stories of Gratitude We should all be grateful to our many neighbors who are currently working so hard in our supermarkets. They are working around the clock to make sure that we all have the food and home products that nourish us, comfort us and make our lives easier. They are there in the early morning getting ready for seniors and pack countless bags of groceries for pickup and delivery. Let’s all make sure to thank these folks for their important service to our community.
~Carol S.
This Monday morning, I woke up depressed about life, but as I walked my dogs, I came across many
messages written with colored chalk all over sidewalks and on family driveways around homes in the area. These were drawn and written by local families and friends. There were happy
faces and messages, like “Happiness comes from inside.” As I walked, I saw children’s messages and drawings to cheer me
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THE HEROES OF 2020 PROJECT
stories of gratitude up, and beautiful artistic renditions of various parts of nature by true artists. But the thing that cheered me up the most was realizing that there were many others in my world reaching out to help and spread cheer instead of fear. Thank you all! Your efforts helped me!
~Cathy A. What an amazing thing that the Utah Food Bank has done by being able to help so many people this past year. I am sure they do so much not just in Covid times. I was able to be a part of receiving food from the food bank. A friend and I go almost every week to one of the food drop-offs. It is a couple hours of our day, but it was so great to get so much food. We were able to share so much of what we received. Some weeks we were able to share what we got with 4-5
other households. I am grateful to be able to have the time to go and share with others that may not have the availability to go and receive food.
~Micki T. - My City Chamber My wife Jill, after several months of being in pain and medical treatment, had to go through a back surgery, in August, which worked okay, but later we learned she needed a second surgery (November). We love S&S and Sags! They have been so good to us and especially this Christmas when they surprised us with some gifts for our family! This year I had two back surgeries and it’s been tough. Thank you, thank you, thank you. You brightened our lives and brought us joy! You made us cry and you made my daughters so happy with the toys and clothes. ~Elias H.
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gratitude “Without your brave efforts, we would not be warm, fed, or have peace of mind” Being part of a vibrant social media family on Twitter has kept me connected to my colleagues and community although we are currently separated due to physical distancing. Grateful to all the dedicated patient advocates who are sharing information and providing education about well-being and COVID-19 related issues to keep us healthy and safe as we work together to support our community during this pandemic. ~Ian W.
Two daughters of ours are taking online classes at Idaho Learning Academy, or IDLA. The teachers considered that some students might be out of internet for a few weeks with the library closure. So, they took off the point deduction policy for late submission for the entire semester. This relieved our daughters’ minds as well as ours while we got adjusted to this new lifestyle and kept updated to the news.
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Thank you for all your service. Take care.
~June W.
We are retired. We would most sincerely like to thank the countless people of our small town who have enabled us to deal with this incredibly difficult situation. Without your brave efforts, we would not be warm, fed, or have the peace of mind knowing that there is a hospital down the street with people working and willing to put themselves in harm’s way for our benefit. Thank you.
~Ken P.
THE HEROES OF 2020 PROJECT
It was a pretty crazy year! I live in a 4-plex, so my front door is right next to my neighbor’s door. I was talking with a friend in my house and there was a knock at my neighbor’s door. I looked out to see if I could see anyone. There was no one there but when my friend left, we saw a gift left for my neighbor. A few minutes later my neighbor knocked on my door and asked if I had seen who left the gift. I told him I hadn’t seen anyone. He was super happy! He said that gift included $200! He was so excited, so humble and so grateful!
hear this. I encourage you to reach out and thank a teacher this week.
I am glad that I didn’t see who dropped the gift off because that generous person gets to remain anonymous and that is so cool!
The director of our Dept. Wellness program did weekly Zoom calls with our department during the COVID crisis. These were super helpful for building morale, positive culture, and supporting radiologists and staff. It was a bright spot in the week for many and even helped us meet each other during breakout room parts of the call. Our dept. is so big and there are not a lot of opportunities to interact. This was a huge positive during a very challenging time.
~Micki T.
I got this note today from an Assistant Principal at another Jr. High in my district. I’ve never met him before, but I sure do appreciate him reaching out to me. I may have teared up a little. It’s easy to forget the difference a teacher can make in this crazy world. More teachers need to
“Esther, we just had <a talk with student’s parents>. I just want you to know that his mother spoke so highly of you and the math service he is receiving online. With all the frustration and uncertainty in our covid world, you are doing some serious good. You are a gem, keep up the good work!” -Assistant Principal
Esther Z.
“He said that gift included $200! He was so excited, so humble and so grateful!”
stories of gratitude
~David F.
Thank You, Heroes! A special thanks to the hard-working heroes at Hearthstone Manor. Huge thank you for your dedication during COVID and for keeping our residents safe. ASSISTED LIVING AND MEMORY CARE IN SPANISH FORK Compassionate ● Clean ● Affordable www.Hearthstonemanor.com
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stories of gratitude Today I am thankful for teachers. I have had so many teachers in my own life that I have learned so much from both when I was in school and teachers, I taught with that taught me everything about teaching. I love and appreciate all my kids amazing teachers. Each one of them have loved on my kiddos, making school great for them. I especially am thankful for my kid’s teachers this year. They have made this crazy year absolutely incredible. So, to all my teacher friendsthank you... for being YOU!
~Stephanie K. I live by myself. I have amazing neighbors! Always checking in on me and vice versa. I have been able to become so much closer to them this past year. Relying on each other for so many things. One day after it was mandated for two weeks that households shouldn’t mingle. I kind of lost it. I was now officially not allowed to be in contact with people. That day was a huge struggle for me. My neighbor had helped me that day with something. I started crying and she gave me a big hug! Because we had been
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connecting so much, she considered me part of her household! Thank you to great neighbors for loving me!
~Sue T. - My City Chamber
I took the picture from the view of exiting the elevator to the second floor of my condo building. One of our neighbors started this thoughtful gesture to assist delivery drivers, but it has since changed into a snack station for those who may be uncomfortable to venture to the stores. It has grown from a basket to a small set of shelves. I first noticed the display on March 23, 2020 and it is still being used today. Some people take items and then others will replenish the shelving with other or different supplies.
~Todd H.
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stories of gratitude We rushed our father to the Intermountain Medical Center. Due to the COVID-19 protocols, we couldn’t be with him there or when he was transferred to the coronary ICU in critical condition.
with our inquiries and questions and the night nurse even took the time to read a note to our dad from our family. The doctor we worked with most was skilled and compassionate.
The doctors were excellent though and cognizant of the difficulty of being separated at such a crucial time. They allowed us to wait in the waiting room for a while that first night, updating us about the medical procedures and allowing us a few precious minutes to say goodbye.
During his last hours, we were mercifully allowed to see him for a bit and then his thoughtful nurse reassured us that she would stay with him and she did, comforting and reassuring him as he took his last breath. Dad’s passing was not like we always thought it would be — with all the family gathered at his bedside — but COVID-19 gave us the opportunity to see angels here just as our Dad is now seeing them there. ~Noel T.
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Stories of Hope The empty grocery store shelves I saw this morning reminded me of how fortunate I am to live in America. Our temporary inconvenience pales in comparison to countries where food shortages are a way of life.
Spring is always a new start and for America and Americans, the best days are always yet to come.
Some shoppers had masks, some gloves. Most used hand sanitizer and kept their social distance. All had the glum look of someone who just came from a funeral. Where is our sense of optimism hiding?
As I walked four miles last evening on the Spanish Fork River Trail, listening to birds, watching new plants sprouting, and avoiding deer using the trail alongside me, it became apparent that the rest of life on this planet is blissfully unaware of our panic. Life is going on whether we humans spin in circles or not.
A lot of smart people are solving the coronavirus, and there is actually bipartisan effort to create legislation to protect our economy. There will be setbacks along the way because we don’t know what we don’t know. But I am impressed with the speed, focus, and intensity of the problem solvers. Arriving home, I noticed that the lawn has started greening up and would probably need to be cut soon; a chore that after all of the bad news of late I’m looking forward to. I thought about my neighbors who just yesterday had their first child. And I knew at that instant that we’ll all be all right.
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~Bill S.
This has had only positive effects on the natural world. Less consumption, pollution, disruption and mayhem must be the perspective of every living nonhuman thing I saw last night. Did you see the canals in Venice? For the first time in decades the water is clear enough to see the fish, and the swans have returned. Would the planet miss us if we left? Is this a massive karmic comeuppance for our species? I do not know, but I do hope that slowing down and realizing we can be our own worst enemies becomes a permanent guiding principle and not a transient thought remembered vaguely when this crisis is past.
~Elizabeth B. I have turned my Christmas window candles back on. It’s the smallest gesture imaginable, and it isn’t on a par with sending a $1,000 check or volunteering to test a vaccine. It isn’t as important as supplying ventilators or intensive care unit beds. But at a time when I can’t go out and hug my neighbors, it sends the message that, as real and scary as the virus situation is, we will get through it. We will learn lessons that will help us to be better and do better in our shared future. Dark as this time might be, history and our own hearts tell us that light always overcomes darkness. If you drive past my home, don’t think that I’m stuck in December. I’m only sending a message that says the light is stronger than the dark; both the light of human wisdom and goodness and the light of life and creation itself.
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~Carol H.
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In my 20 years in this business I’ve seen so much goodness in people in every community from all areas of Utah. It’s great seeing how progress is constantly being made and growing populations are merging and coming together. Through the pandemic we have gone above and beyond to service the community and the older population in solving their handyman and construction needs. We offer great customer service and timely services at a fair price!
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stories of hope “Be Calm, be kind and be American.” I was chatting with my longtime friend Glenda on my birthday call when I happened to mention that I was running out of toilet paper at a bad time. The next morning, she showed up and put this package on my front mat, waved, and drove off. There will be many such moments in the future that will stand out in our minds when we look back at this strange event; this will be one of the anecdotes I’ll remember. I’ve known Glenda since 1963 when we both lived in the Boston area. We both gravitated to Utah and joined a woman’s group in the turbulent 1970s
and have seen each other through turbulent times. Good times or bad, having someone who knows you well helps you ground yourself and celebrate the joys of life and weather the downs. Longtime good friends are one of the great treasures in life.
~Ros C. Many of us are experiencing a “new” normal. Remaining at home, working from home, and limiting our exposure in public places. We may be experiencing new relationships with our family and friends. The internet has become essential to obtain the
news and social connections. Watching the count of new COVID-19 cases has become a preoccupation. One wonders what we can do to have a positive impact. Businesses that were forced to close could use support by purchasing a gift certificate or by ordering online for takeout. Make masks for hospitals, first responders and police. American businesses have stepped up to make hand sanitizers, ventilators and provide meals for school kids. America has faced this before, during World War II and 9/11. We have stepped forward to do our part. We can show our support by displaying the flag. We will get through this. Be calm, be kind, and be American.
~Sheila B.
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