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Every dayAlways, can be aAlways, better day, despite the challenge. Always Be Nice
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pressure is not be justa lot something and people tendand to There could song in the once last couple of thesedo cards of explaining do in weeks that I listen to they areand available at ‘the way it is”.toAnd someone forgets that forgive understand and ways to be nice, daily as its helps pick White Feather Rocks fact, meanness is not you said it, you feel grumpiness in these but I think the simme up and provide in Santaquin, really okay. One of the justified with express- situations, it isMacstill plest way is to go to a hope for continual ey’s in Spanish Fork challenges in life is to ing your frustration better to learn not playground and watch improvement. and the Serve Dailyto teach children, (and today say can it again. behave anyway. kids play. You see kids having “Every be a office inbadly Springville. of all colorstoand ages better the Be in the ourselves) be nice, Whenday, youdespite are hungry Thethen firstchange trick to running around playing challenge. All you gotworld and choose even when things are you are more grumpy teaching kids to belove tag, swinging, creating ta do is leave it better and kindness. hard. than when you are not. nice anyway isStart for you games out of the blue, than you found it. . . . with your own life, Some behaviors that When you know the to come to believe and simply just having Hey, feeling good, like being kind to yourself are accepted way to do someyourself you can fun.generally Then, years later, best I should. Went and on your that looks, your it seems, that as adults thing took aand walk around the be weight, your are: someone good your underjob, adverpower we have to complicate neighborhood. Feeling station in life, then month andtogorefuse give to When you’re late or else is doing it a dumb sity. It was freeing the the things and cast blame, blessed, never stressed. spread to your family, be angryBest and achoose Sunday listen. have to wait, it’s it is way, you feel justified day I realized that no judgement, always be Got that sunshine on friends, and commuFind the pinned kindness instead,post enexpected that you Let’s will in him.. . matter how often right, or so forth. mycorrecting Sunday best. nity. Together we the can on the Serve Daily courage your children be irritable. When your credit collections revert back to childEveryone fallscomputer down make acard change for the facebook page and (and aroundabout you) hood. sometimes. you best and have When parents ask does things But it’s not company askeda comfor leavethose a comment to realize this as well. For those thatsomeread just gotta to know munity Ithat children to do supposed do, it’ll you money, hadshines. the pow- the song, or an act of my columns, it takes all be fine.” The song However, I do believe Tell them,you ‘I know kindness have been thing (or outright tell yell at it. Although the er to cheerfully and a lot from me to put is “Sunday Best” by our community already you the recipient of are tired, butand it’s them) more than once, computer my thoughts together Surfaces. cannot hear politely shines intell so them many that how it made you feel. not okay to whine.’ moms think you andDaily doesn’t care unfortunately a bad and to and sharedads something Serve Cards ways. I see kindness As always, go out and ‘You must be hungry, with youtoand hope are available forother, your everywhere it’s okay getI angry. one way or the check was noI go. better find someone to Serve please you findsomeone it worth while the walks around the you than People doors Daily, it’ll don’t put a throw smile When people around noholding check and that but to read. What I hope neighborhood. Serve open, donating cash to Batman at your brothon their face and yours. makes a mistake, espe- have to listen to your I would gladly send most, is that you find Daily cards have pospeople in need, food Until next time, find cially in business, it’s rantings and you my as (Way soon to er.’ Or for teen drivers it inspiring and that itive thoughts ondon’t the for payment the hungry more great local stories - ‘I’m sorry that car cut okay to get after look at this as could. The situmy thoughts maythem. lift frontvery withgood an invite goITabitha’s Way and in the remaining pages you off,paper but I and wishvisit you you orupdate: a loved Reone and point. to perform an act of other was organizations), (2020 ation not greatly of this wouldn’t at me make posting a positivenegative differkindness for someone helping with our site atyell servedaily. think When someone else improved if I,yard in my ence in your life. each day on the back. work, and so forth. about it’’. com. (Baird is the pubreviews online, until is or isn’t wearing a frustration with my I found another We have thousands Have a GREAT lisher of Serve Daily.) after talking with the mask . . . . (2020 upfinancial situation, manager/owner ) date) took it out on the poor So with a little change of the wording from When children are When you are on bloke who was asOn the Cover tired, they whine. social media and feel signed to call me every the first sentence, we could say Always, AlIf you get bad news like posting something day until collection ways, Always, YOUR COMMUNITY VOICE Be Nice. in the mail, it’s okay rude or judgmental was successful. The anAs always, go out and to get upset and yell because the person you swer was still ‘I’ll pay find someone to Serve about it. are have communicating Although some events been cancelled when due toI can,’ regardless When you can’tthe findannual with isn’t there in faceSpanish to ofFork how is grumpy I was Daily, it’ll put a smile COVID-19, celebration on their face and yours. something, you blame onface . . (2020 update) when I said it. We do the. horizon Until next time, find people around you, These are a few have the choice to be more great local stories ‘Good Grief ! Which times, however, when grumpy or nice, no in the remaining pages of you kids took my rudeness is generally matter the situation. Photo by Steve F. Gray. Story on Page 5. of this paper and visit I-phone!?’ accepted and soon Once you have reour site at servedaily. When you have said forgiven. Although alized that you have com. PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE PAID SPRINGVILLE, UT PERMIT #7
that just because Facebook or otherbad social media outletpoor ends things happen, of chalILife hadisanfull article most- behavior up not being the kind is acceptlenges. We knew that thing to say ly written before dead- able. For example, it is last year and we know Sometimes that little line and the theme commonly understood that now. Life, at any thing we have to say or was Always, Always, that youour step time, has at least two do towhen protect ego Always Keep choices we canGoing. make isn’ta stray the right way on Lego, it to is in any given situation. However, a last minute perfectly show love. all right to To keep things Love and kindness thought poppedsimple into say some choice words those choices may sim- has to be a daily ocmy head and I looked that you might otherply be yes or no. currence. Desmond atAs some of the first wise notsaid, let fly. Mothin Yes, I will Lomax “The few issues of Serve choose to show love capacity er Goosetois have here love to tell and kindness to my Daily and found this and engage in love has you that even though family, friends, neighto start with you and gem written by Trudy such a performance isit bors, and community. has to be a day-to-day Peck in her column understandable Or no, not the right thing.” You willunder find Parenting 911 in the the option. thiscircumstances, quote in an article August 2012this issue: Sometimes is in this from a we can paper learn to have harder than we think. familyself that knowsand the more control Sometimes, thatare real day to day strug“Some people teach our children that comment we make on gles of life. under the impression acting badly under
By ChrisBaird Baird By Chris
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Spanish Oaks Reservoir Offers Pleasant Getaway By Ed Helmick
The criteria for a destination this month was something close by, something with water, and something the kids would enjoy. Those requirements were met by discovering the Spanish Oaks Reservoir. It is only about 1.8 miles off the junction of Highway 6 and Powerhouse Road, east of Spanish Fork. However, it is not well marked. About 0.9 miles south on Powerhouse Road is a left turn onto Spanish Oaks Drive. A small sign informs you that up the road is the Spanish Fork Gun Club. No mention of Spanish Oaks Reservoir. The road climbs through a residential area and then you see another sign informing you of the Spanish Fork Gun Club and another sign that the road ahead is a dead end. Con-
tinuing up Spanish Oaks Drive is a sign welcoming you to Spanish Oaks Reservoir and its rules and regulations. To the right you will see the gun club. The Spanish Oaks Reservoir is small and only covers about five acres. It was built in 2002 and filled with water in 2003. It was built to support Spanish Fork’s pressurized irrigation system. The reservoir has a nice sandy beach on the west side and concrete around the rest. It is a neat place for swimming, kayaking, and fishing. For the kids there is a nice playground above the south side of the reservoir. There are picnic tables and restrooms near the playground. For group events there is a pavilion with gas grills that can be reserved. There is no fee for day use of the reservoir area, which
A playground and sandy beach await on an unmarked path to Spanish Oaks Reservoir.
is open from dawn to dark. There is a campground above the reservoir if you’re inclined to spend a few days camping not far from home. Camping is reasonable at
$10 a night for a single campsite and double campsites are $15 a night. There are only 14 campsites and drop-in availability is usually limited. Reservations are
Photo by Ed Helmick
recommended. There is a 14-day limit on your length of stay. Reservations can be made by calling 801-8044600. (Helmick is a Serve Daily contributor.)
Many of Our Hometowns had Different Names at the Start By Ed Helmick
The names of the cities and towns of south Utah County and nearby Juab County began with different names than we use today. Looking back at the original names and their origin provides an interesting historical perspective of where our towns and cities of today have come from. Springville was originally called Hobble Creek because the pioneers hobbled the feet of their horses and left
them along the stream to graze. As more people moved to the area the name was changed to Springville, named after Fort Springville whose name came from a nearby spring. Spanish Fork derives its name from two Franciscan friars who explored Spanish Fork Canyon in 1776. Early Mormon settlers established farms in the Spanish Fork River bottom that became known as the Upper Settlement. Another and larger group set-
tled an area down river known as the Lower Settlement near what is today the center of Spanish Fork. Salem was known as Summer Spring by Native Americans and the 1851 settlers called their settlement Pond Town. The town was later named Salem after New Salem, MA., the birthplace of Lyman Curtis, who was important in the early development of central Utah. Payson was originally called the settlement
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of Peteetneet Creek. That name comes from an English version of Ute Chief Pah-ti’t-ni’t, which in the Timpanogos dialect mean “our water place.” The settlement was named Payson by Brigham Young honoring James Pace who was the founding settler on behalf of the Mormon church. Santaquin, originally settled in late 1851 and was named Summit City because it is near the summit of the divide between Utah
Valley and Juab Valley. In 1856 it was renamed Santaquin after the son of a Ute Indian Chieftain friendly to the new settlers. Goshen was initially settled by Mormon pioneers in 1857 and named after Goshen, CT. Elberta was originally founded as Mt. Nebo. After the water failed in 1901 most original settlers moved away. A few years later, in 1907, Matthew Whitney purchased the area and renamed it Elberta af-
ter the type of peaches he was familiar with in his native New York state. Eureka was originally known as Ruby Hollow before it developed into a mining town. In 1892 the town was incorporated under the name Eureka. The name comes from a Greek word meaning “I have found it.” Nephi was called Salt Creek by the 1851 Mormon pioneers. In 1886 the name was changed to Nephi. (Helmick is a Serve Daily contributor.)
AUGUST 2020
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When Helping is All That Matters By Shellie Peterson
Captain Josh Hicken has been with the Springville Fire Department for three years, but has 13 years of total experience serving his community as a first responder. He is originally from Ogden, and currently lives in Springville with his girlfriend. The first thing I noticed about Captain Hicken was his calm, amiable demeanor. He spoke of his career choice and daily duties as if they were normal and commonplace. Of course, those of us who aren’t engaged in such high-stakes responsibilities on a regular basis know just how extraordinary our first responders are. When asked what motivated him to become a first responder, he replied, “I knew that I wasn’t built for the day-to-day monotony of a desk life. That’s just not who I am.” As a self-described energetic kid who couldn’t sit still, Hicken decided that firefighting seemed like a good career choice to pursue. Today, he is a respected fire captain and teacher. Various departments hire him to teach technical rescue classes to their teams. During one such class, the students had the opportunity to witness and participate in a rescue first-
hand. A family became trapped on the very same river where Hicken was teaching a river rescue course. Their situation was dire and could have easily ended in tragedy. Fortunately, Hicken and his students were able to pull the family out of the river and enact a successful rescue. When recalling the incident, Hicken said “for me it’s a normal thing, but for the students to see that and put their training to good use was cool.” Of course, not all incidents end in such a positive way. Hicken related that “the bad ones are the ones you tend to think about the most, but there are always good moments, too.” He stated that overall, most first responders continue doing what they do because they love it. “After you do it and you start seeing that you’re helping people, it’s very rewarding,” he said. In response to my question about what he does with his free time, Hicken good-naturedly laughed, “What free time?” Though he spends much of his life meeting the demands of his career, he also loves kayaking, river rafting and leatherwork. He sells custom leather products through his online business 86 LeatherWorks. (Peterson is a Serve Daily contributor.)
Photo by Shellie Peterson
Josh Hicken, captain of the Springville Fire Department, says he wasn’t cut out for life behind a desk.
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Financial help available when dealing with impact of COVID-19 By Jennifer Durrant
Are you wondering how you’re going to pay next month’s rent, mortgage payment, or utility bill? People are getting back to work, and businesses are open, but COVID-19 is still wreaking havoc on the economy and population. The unemployment rate was at 11.1 percent in June—compared to 3.5 percent in February. Many unemployed Utahns have survived the pandemic so far, with extra unemployment insurance provided by the CARES Act
and state and federal eviction moratoriums. CARES funding ran out on July 31, though, and the state eviction order ended on May 15. So, housing advocates are worried that more and more people won’t be able to pay housing costs and other bills. “We’re expecting a rush in August because the CARES Act runs out,” says LoAn Le, family development program manager at Community Action Services and Food Bank. If you live in Goshen, Spanish Fork, Payson, Genola, Santaquin or
anywhere else in the county, we may be able to help you. Here’s how we can help and what you need to do: Emergency assistance is part of our mission at Community Action Services and Food Bank. We’ve offered food through our food pantries, emergency shelter and rent help, transportation, and more. Now, however, we have additional funding to help people during this economic crisis. With a portion of a state-wide, $4 million financial aid program,
we can help more people struggling with bills. With the grant and other existing funding, we can assist people who are struggling to pay rent, need help making their mortgage payment, can’t cover utilities, need to pay a new housing deposit, and/or are looking for emergency shelter. All grants are based on income, but many use different measurements or thresholds. For assistance you must live in one of the three counties we serve: Summit, Wasatch, and Utah. That means we have funding to
help people in Francis, Coalville, Spanish Fork, Goshen, Heber, and surrounding areas. Call 801-691-5238 to make an appointment. Before your appointment, do your best to gather all the information you can about your financial situation. That includes pay stubs for the past three months; employer verification that a job just started or ended; bank statements; notes from friends or family stating that they can or can’t help you; proof of your housing situation; lease information; eviction notice; landlord’s
name, address, and phone number; utility statement; history of rent or mortgage payments; receipts from household expenses; identification. Applicants only need to gather as much information as possible and submit the paperwork. Then, counselors or case managers do the rest. Applicants can save time by completing the client intake form before their appointments and going through the four emergency rent forms found at communityactionprovo.org/emergency. (Serve Daily submission)
THANK YOU COMMUNITY!
FROM “THE CREW” AT SPANISH FORK YOUR SUPPORT AND LOYALTY HAS BEEN FANTASTIC, DURING THESE PAST FEW CRAZY MONTHS. HERE ARE A FEW THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT HAVE KNOWN BEFORE: DID YOU KNOW, that there are no patties at Culver’s? Every burger is a true, cooked to order, hand pressed, and 45% sirloin fresh beef. DID YOU KNOW, that Frozen Custard is premium ice cream? All natural, Wisconsin dairy with at least 10% butter fat. Made in store, in batches, daily. DID YOU KNOW, that Culver’s has the best hand battered cod loins in the country? Made fresh to order, as are our salads, ruebens and other specialty sandwiches.
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AUGUST 2020
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Local Artist Finds Success Pursuing Drive to Create By Shellie Peterson
Beki Tobiasson, a new resident of Spanish Fork but longtime resident of Utah, recently received an Award of Merit in the Spring 2020 Alliance of Covenant Artists “Faithful Saints” Exhibition. Her piece “Blessings,” an oil and gold leaf work on aluminum panel, received the Award of Merit. Two additional paintings, “All Things Bow in Humble Reverence,” and “Finding Beauty in Life’s Storm,” received Honorable Mentions in the same exhibit. Tobiasson also took home a first prize ribbon from the Utah County Art Board for “Finding Beauty in Life’s Storm.” Born in Provo to an artistic family, Tobiasson is ninth out of 10 children. She spent much of her childhood years moving with her family to various places across the West before moving back to Utah
during high school. Growing up with an artistic mother and older siblings was both inspiring and intimidating. “I always felt like I could never become an artist because my family was so great,” she said. Thankfully, Tobiasson’s mother convinced her that her notions were unfounded. With her mother’s guidance, Tobiasson learned to “see like an artist” early on. She took art classes through high school and two years of college, but put her passion on hold when she got married and started a family. Raising eight children left little time for art, she stated with a chuckle, but her dream of becoming an artist was always in the back of her mind. When asked what revived her passion to pursue art two years ago, Tobiasson responded with a small smile, “I missed being me. I realized that cre-
Courtesy Photo
Beki Tobiasson studying Bouguereau in California
ating calmed my soul, gave me a healthy outlet and helped me face
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asson’s best friend back in ninth grade, asked her to attend his weekly live-drawing painting nights two years ago, Tobiasson jumped at the chance. She soon discovered that her skills were rusty, and she described the weekly painting nights as “absolute torture.” Seeing how the beautiful ideas in her mind translated so clumsily to the canvas was discouraging. But she kept going. When asked how she managed to persevere, even when her hands wouldn’t recreate what her eyes could see, she said “I was determined to have one painting that was good enough for me. I knew I could paint better than I was doing, so I went every week and tortured myself.” The refined talent she now possesses was born from the agony and travails of those highly rewarding weekly studies. From her vibrant and texture-rich encaustic
pieces, to her moody storm-themed oil paintings, every piece Tobiasson creates conveys a message to those who view it. When describing the meaning behind her artwork, Tobiasson’s eyes softened and she said “I want to express my belief that the difficult things we go through in life can always have beautiful outcomes.” Tobiasson believes that everyone has an innate need to create, and that the very act of creation is healing and soothing to the soul. She also firmly believes that anyone can learn how to create art. To illustrate this assertion, Tobiasson deliberately posted her early artwork on social media. She said she did it “so that people can see that you can progress and advance and change.” Tobiasson’s artwork is available on her website www.bekitobiassonartist.com. (Peterson is a Serve Daily contributor.)
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Surviving
COVID
With a healthy body and a healthy veterinarian practice, Issaac Bott adjusted the routine at his animal hospital to deal with the pandemic, and then it got personal By James L. Davis
L
ike businesses everywhere, when the COVID-19 pandemic swept through the nation, Mountain West Animal Hospital in Springville had to make radical changes to its operation to serve its clients. The waiting room remains vacant and a sign on the door asks clients to call and wait in their vehicle until someone comes to get them for their appointment. Only one person and their pet are allowed inside the hospital at a time and masks are required. It was a difficult transition, but the three veterinarians and six staff of the hospital adjusted to keep providing their services. For Dr. Isaac Bott, owner of Mountain West Animal Hospital, the changes were critical because maintaining social distancing while caring for animals is impossible and he was concerned not only for his staff, but the clients who depend on them to care for their pets. “Our health and their
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health are important, so we have one patient at a time. It requires patience from everyone, and I hate it, but that’s just how it is,” Bott said. Before the pandemic, the hospital had at times seen as many as 54 pets in one day and now they are booked two weeks in advance. It was a painful adjustment, but they were making things work. And then COVID-19 hit them personally. One day, while sitting at his desk, Bott said his scalp began to itch. It was an oddity, not a concern. Bott suffers from seasonal allergies, so he didn’t think anything about the symptoms that came later. They were for him ordinary. “June is always a miserable month for me,” he said. It was later, when the fever started, that Bott became concerned. He stayed away from work and was tested for the Coronavirus. The test was positive, and soon thereafter two of his staff tested positive as well. Bott was faced with
Photo by James L. Davis
Dr. Isaac Bott of Springville is still struggling to overcome the impact of COVID-19 physically and for his practice, but has returned to work and finding a way to keep smiling.
the most difficult business decision he has had to make since becoming owner of Mountain West Animal Hospital in January 2014. On July 2 he closed the hospital. For the safety of staff and clients it would remain closed until July 13. Meanwhile, Bott and his
two staff members faced their personal battle against COVID-19. “All three of us were able to isolate at the first signs. I put myself in my basement and didn’t see anyone for two weeks,” Bott said. The father of three (Kaycee, 15; Kayden, 12; and
Kendyn, 9), struggled with the virus alone, battling symptoms that were excruciating and unexpected. He said he never developed a cough and never lost his sense of smell or taste. Most of his symptoms were gastrointestinal. “I had tremendous nau-
SERVE DAILY sea and an unrelenting he relied on Door Dash. others. When he prepared headache. I quickly lost 12 “I didn’t have enough food to return home was when pounds during the following in the house. Before Door he decided his future. week and for several days Dash I would have had to “I literally decided on the I experienced severe chest survive on pizza.” plane home that I would pain,” he said. While back to work, Bott become a veterinarian. The The symptoms of his staff said he is still weak. “Work best way I can serve people were completely different leaves me pretty wiped out, is by caring for their pets.” than his, but equally excruand I’m ready to be back on Bott said. ciating. None of them are the couch at the end of the He enrolled at Southern considered “at risk” for the day. I anticipate it will take Utah University weeks after virus. Bott is in his 30s, as is a couple of months to fully returning home and received one of the staff members to return to normal.” his doctorate from Washingget the virus. The other is He said it will take months ton State University. in her 20s. As for how they or longer for the practice to Where he was sent on a were exposed, Bott hasn’t a recover from the shutdown. mission of service impacted clue. Before returning to work, the decision he thought he Alone in his basement, while still recovering, Bott had already made about his Bott struggled through the devoted time to two of his career, and Bott said there virus that wracked him not hobbies, writing on his have been too many things only physically, but mentalwebsite, DocBott.org, and happen in his life to be coinly. carving antler sheds his cidence. Healthy and active before three reindeer provide him There is a reason for evCOVID-19, the virus was each year. He also had time erything. debilitating. to reflect on life and the One reason was what led “I was sicker from to the decision to this than I have ever study veterinarian “Work leaves me pretty wiped medicine. The second been. Mentally it was difficult. I felt so out, and I’m ready to be back on was a random phone worthless,” he said. call in 2010 from the couch at the end of the day. someone who owns While still struggling with the virus, reindeer. He said he I anticipate it will take a couBott decided to post a thought one of them ple of months to fully return to video on his podcast was pregnant and and Facebook page wanted to know if normal.” to let everyone know Bott could come by - Isaac Bott and take a look. what was going on. “For me it was “She wasn’t just important to get inpregnant, she was in formation out. I didn’t want path he has followed. labor,” Bott said. anyone to get the impression Bott was raised in Castle After that encounter, Bott I was hiding anything. We Dale on the family farm and started an artificial insemhave a responsibility to be while he had been around ination cryopreservation good citizens.” animals all his life, he deprogram for reindeer. The response to the video cided initially against being He has three reindeer of was overwhelming. Viewed a veterinarian after taking his own now that he keeps thousands of times, Bott a personality test while in corrals behind the hospisaid as he started feeling bet- attending Emery High tal. ter, he took time to read the School. He has published several responses to his post. Designed to match your scientific articles and pro“I cried many times as I personality to what career vides training and reproread the messages, texts, path would be best, it indiductive services for pets cards and emails,” he said. cated veterinarian medicine and wildlife. He served as In the video he mentioned would not be a good fit, so president of the Society for he liked Cheetos and SwedBott decided he would study Theriogenology in 2017-2018 ish Fish and bags of them law. and currently is their deleappeared at his doorstep. He attended a mission for gate in the American VeterFor Bott it took seven to his church in Peru and his inary Medical Association. eight days to start feeling experience growing up on He lectures at Utah State better. When he could eat, the farm helped him help University each fall.
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Courtesy photo
Isaac Bott and his children, Kaycee, Kayden, and Kendyn.
The third coincidence (that perhaps wasn’t) was becoming the owner of Mountain West Animal Hospital in the first place. He said he called a friend on the east coast one day and mentioned he was thinking of opening an animal hospital in Utah Valley. The friend knew Dr. Harold Davis, the previous owner of the hospital (who still practices there part time) and suggested he speak with him. Bott said he didn’t follow up on the suggestion for months, until the day he was driving through Springville and saw the hospital. If there was a reason behind being infected with COVID-19 or if it was just coincidence or bad luck, it taught him valuable lessons about himself and the community he calls home. “This reminded me of my own humanity. No matter how healthy you are, it can spiral out of control in an instant. It made me appreciate the small things and reminded me to be more
understanding, more empathetic. I try to be a kind person and I try to be patient. I love this community and love being able to contribute to this community,” he said. (Davis is the editor of Serve Daily.)
AUGUST 2020
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A Lot to be Learned from Cattle Baron who Overcame Every Obstacle By Ed Helmick
The Preston Nutter name is not well known today, but at one time he was in control of 300,000 acres and owned 25,000 to 30,000 head of cattle. That amounts to one out of every 10 head of cattle in the state of Utah. That certainly earns the title of Cattle Baron for Preston Nutter. It is an amazing life story of a boy who was orphaned at 9. For two years he lived with his aunt and uncle, where he could not tolerate
the strict lifestyle he was forced to comply with. He decided to set out on his own at age 11, initially working and living with a storekeeper. After that he worked as a cabin boy on a Mississippi River steamboat. When he was 13, he joined a wagon train heading west. The year was 1863 and Preston later said that was the year that changed his life. He ended up in Nevada doing some prospecting and staking out some mining claims. He sold one of those mining claims for
$5,000. He had seen enough of business and decided he wanted to be a businessman. He took the $5,000 and went to San Francisco to enroll in a business college. That was a smart move for what had been a wondering young man. Nutter was prospecting for gold in Idaho when he heard the news about the massive gold strike in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. He headed off in that direction and in Provo, along with 19 other men, met a fellow by the name
of Alferd Packer who claimed to be knowledgeable as a prospector and guide to the Colorado mountains. Nutter and several other members of the group became uncomfortable with Packer and left the group. Five continued with Packer as the winter weather set-in and it was one of the worst winters in the history of mountains. Nutter camped with Chief Ouray of the Colorado Ute tribe that winter of 1873/1874. In the spring of 1874 Alferd Packer was seen and appeared well
fed, but his five companions could not be found. Nutter was a witness at the two trials to bring Packer to justice for cannibalism. Packer was eventually sentenced to the Colorado State Penitentiary. In 1905 a 34-year old woman from Colorado by the name of Kathern Fenton won a lottery for a homestead in what is now the town of Ioka. On her way to visit her homestead site her stagecoach got lost and stopped for the night at the Preston Nutter Ranch. Kathern and 58-year old Preston struck up a
relationship that eventually led to marriage three years later. They had two daughters, Catherine and Virginia. The Nutter Ranch Corporation covered 300,000 acres and was operated by his daughters until 1986. The Nutter Ranch property is now owned by the Hunt Oil Company. It is now leased for ranching and hunting purposes. This is an amazing story of a boy who had what today we would call a dysfunctional childhood. (Helmick is a Serve Daily contributor.)
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Loss Leads to Inspiration to Help Others By Angi Gibson
Natasha Dansie and Danielle Cook met seven years ago working for Utah State University in the Department of Family and Human Development. Although they worked in different areas they operated under the same grant and quickly became friends. In August of 2018, shortly after Natasha lost her mother unexpectedly, Natasha met with her now business partner Danielle at a conference they attended for
work. Natasha felt as though there was more the two of them could do and create together. Several months later in May of 2019, Danielle lost her father, also unexpectedly, after he summated Mt. Everest. Natasha and Danielle met for lunch three weeks later, both feeling driven by forces outside of themselves to do something more to bless the lives of families. They felt the need to do more in addition to what they were working on currently with their jobs at the
university. After brainstorming, talking about values and ideals and what mattered most in their lives, Danielle and Natasha came up with Arise. Arise’s goal is to provide relationship education to strengthen families and all other relationships. They want everyone, moms especially, to be able to have a place of inspiration and support and resources where they feel like they can turn, to refocus on the things that matter most. Arise offers free webi-
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nars discussing topics ranging from discipline to screen safety to communication in the home. Arise has active social media accounts, especially Instagram, where they interact with their community, sharing stories and posts on enriching the family. Natasha and Danielle launched their company one year ago this August with a fantastic retreat in Bear Lake, where moms were able to get away from everything for several days and focus on their relationship with themselves and those fundamentals needed to focus on their connections with their spouses and their children. The COVID-19 virus has changed how Arise interacts with families and schools and corporations, but Natasha says it has been an incredible blessing to offer support and resources online for families through Arise.
are close to us, and strengthening the relationships which matter most to us,” Natasha said, “is what gets us through these difficult times.” You can find Arise online at ariseworkshops.com and on Facebook and Instagram. “It’s easy for all of us to get distracted by our work from the things that matter most,” Natasha said. (Gibson is a Serve Daily contributor.)
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Clint’s Kitchen Local business owner finds a way to find joy in serving others, even a world away By Angi Gibson
When Clint Robertson was still a teenage boy, he traveled to serve the people of Davao, Philippines on a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The boy he was then had no way of knowing what the impact of those years of service would have for the remainder of his life, or how years later he would be drawn back to the people of the Philippines and one Filipina woman. When Jessica Sangalang Domingo was 14-years-old, her mother left her family one day never to return. Leaving her husband and Jessica to look after her three younger siblings. Six years later, when Jessica was only 20, her father passed away, leaving the full time responsibility of raising her younger siblings to a young and inexperienced Jessica. Jessica worked for the Department of Health to provide for the necessities of the home. It was during a time in Jessica’s life when she was searching for the answers to so many questions which seemed to follow her, that, through a friend, Jessica was led to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and to the LDS missionaries, which was when Clint Robertson, known as Elder Robertson at the time, was introduced to Jessica Sangalang Domingo all those
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years ago. Jessica recalls, “Elder Robertson was a great missionary with a big heart. I know him for his kindness, for being humble and friendly. He loves children, he loves the people around him, and they love him too.” Clint would return home later to Springville, leaving the Philippines behind, but his love for the country and the people would never leave him. Clint and my husband met serving in Davao, and he has been part of our family since it was first created. For 13 years we lived only a few houses apart, on the same block in Nephi. Our children have grown up together and have remained close friends. We share memories often of the exciting things they have done with the Robertson family, from trips in the RV to building a playhouse in our backyard. My children talk of Clint’s many shenanigans, like letting a goose loose in our house or the many, many hummingbirds he would catch only to transplant into our kitchen. But of the things they love most about Clint is his big heart and the unending acts of service he is always giving. So when my oldest son told me of Clint’s Kitchen Davao, I knew the world needed to know of the good which was being done even in a time of unrest and uncertainty of COVID-19. Jessica would spend the
next 27 years of her life after meeting Clint laboring to provide for her siblings and then eventually her own family. She continued to work hard, helping her brother-in-law in his catering business and then, when he retired, opening that small business in her home, selling meals and pastries to neighbors and friends out of her small unequipped kitchen which had none of the modern conveniences that we in America know, like a refrigerator or even an oven. When Jessica’s son grew up and was called to serve a mission for the LDS church, Jessica searched for Clint on Facebook, finding him and sharing with him her gratitude for the example he set in her life. She told him of her efforts in service and sharing the love of God with those around her and of the blessings which had come to her life after she had been blessed by his good example all of those years ago. Of course to those who know Clint Robertson and know of the service which he and his company CR Doors & Moldings in Springville strive to do in their community it will come as no surprise that after reconnecting with Jessica and hearing of her acts of services and listening to the gratitude and joy she expressed, Clint knew that he and his company CR Doors & Moldings needed to make a difference in Jessica’s life and in her community in
Courtesy photo
Jessica Sangalang Domingo of the Philippines renamed her business Clint’s Kitchen Davao in thanks for the help the owner of CR Doors & Molding provided.
Davao, Philippines. More than a month ago CR Doors & Moldings was able to provide Jessica with everything a modern kitchen and a modern catering company would need, like a refrigeration unit and double ovens, to not only provide service but thrive in a time of COVID-19 and economic instability. Jessica renamed her business to Clint’s Kitchen Davao and when asked by friends and family why she changed the name Jessica says, “I named it to the man who has a big heart and who sees the good in others.” Jessica uses Clint’s Kitchen to provide for her family and to give back to those around her. In the last several weeks Jessica has provided free meals and necessities to five orphanages, two homes for
the aged and front-liners working during COVID-19 in the Davao area of the Philippines. She says that after the charity which Clint and CR Doors & Molding did for her and has helped her to give to her community she named her business in honor of the man who has been an inspiration to her and the people around her. When I thanked Clint for the opportunity of sharing his and Jessica’s story and for connecting me with Jessica, Clint’s reply was, “It’s a perfect example of when they say you can find joy in serving others.” If you wish to give to Jessica’s charitable work in Davao you can find her on Facebook at https://www. facebook.com/clintskitchendavao. (Gibson is a Serve Daily contributor.)
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Harvesting time arrives for cherry orchards in South Utah Valley By Ed Helmick
In late July driving through the cherry farms of Payson and Santaquin the trees were amazingly loaded with the bright red fruit. It was just a few days before harvesting was to begin. Harvesting usually begins the last week in July and runs through the first two weeks of August. There are two types of cherries, sweet cherries, and tart cherries.
The cherries grown in Utah County are tart cherries. This is the type of cherry traditionally used as pie filling. However, a few years ago a process was perfected for drying and packaging cherries that can be used in snacks and granola. It has also been discovered that tart cherries have a high concentration of antioxidants and their use as a health food has increased de-
mand. Utah is the second largest producer of tart cherries in the United States, producing about 30 million pounds a year. Harvesting is amazing with some very specialized and expensive equipment. A low-slung vehicle attaches to the trunk of the tree and hydraulically shakes the tree which cause the cherries to fall off the tree. Another piece of equipment that sort of
looks like the conveyor that you see on the airport ramp has a pair of semicircular collecting pans to collect and move the cherries. Each tree produces about 130 pounds of cherries which are moved directly into cool water. The vehicles move from tree to tree. The harvesting and processing crews work from near sunrise to sunset, six days a week until the harvesting is
Photo by Ed Helmick
complete. It is about a threeweek process to complete the harvesting.
From tree to freezer takes about 12 hours. (Helmick is a Serve Daily contributor.)
Nebo students recognized as Reading Rodeo champions By Lana Hiskey
As one of the top rodeos in the nation, the Spanish Fork Fiesta Days Rodeo recognized 20 Spanish Fork students in Nebo School District for their success in the Rodeo Reading Challenge. The Fiesta Days Rodeo Committee kicked off the Fiesta Days Rodeo Reading Challenge in February with assemblies and a lineup consisting of Nick Hanks, Seth Perrins, Dale Robinson, and Kevin Parker, along with the Fiesta Days Rodeo Queen, Lindsey Ivie, and Diamond Fork Buckaroo Rodeo Queen, Morgan Ivie. During each assembly, the students learned about rodeo events by playing some games. Students were challenged to see if they could tie three sets of shoes in one minute, which is like the
tie-down roping event where contestants compete for the fastest time. The students were also challenged to see who could balance five cowboy hats on their head and run around the barrels. The purpose of the reading challenge is to encourage students to read more during the month of March. Around 6,245 Spanish Fork elementary students accepted the challenge. Nebo students’ combined reading total reached 2,8 million minutes, 47,154 hours, or 1,965 days. To participate, students turned in their reading minutes to their teacher and each school selected two random winners. The two student readers at each elementary school were announced at the Fiesta Days Rodeo in Spanish Fork on July 22.
These winning students received tickets to the Fiesta Days Rodeo, Justin boots, Wrangler jeans, and a Resistol cowboy hat. Schools and students being honored at the Fiesta Days Rodeo for their success in the Reading Challenge include: Brockbank Elementary – Alex Coe and Lydia Mendenhall Brockbank. Canyon Elementary – Easton Francis and Hendrix Levanger. East Meadows Elementary – Anthoney Albertson and Eliza Hickman. Larsen Elementary – Jentry Carter and Jacob Caldwell. Maple Ridge Elementary – Oakie Gatley and Trey Laird. Park Elementary – Kimberley Carlson and Alex Palmer. Rees Elementary – Logan Tadje and Taylor Abildskov. Riverview Elemen-
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tary– Asher Doyle and Kara Olson. Sierra Bonita Elemen-
tary – Jameson Packard and Kalianna Carroll. Spanish Oaks Ele-
mentary – Lucas Craft and Madison Jensen. (Serve Daily submission.)
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SERVE DAILY LOCAL BUSINESS
Magnolia Blooms is business of the month Magnolia Blooms Floral & Gifts located at 340 East Main Street in Santaquin offers affordable and beautiful fresh flower arrangements for all occasions. They also have gifts, balloons and plants. They are proud to serve South Utah Valley with free delivery in Santaquin. They also deliver to Genola, Goshen, Elberta, Eureka, Mona, Rocky Ridge and Payson for a small fee. Magnolia Blooms hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays are by appointment only. Magnolia Blooms has been open since 2018 and is proud to be a family owned and operated business.
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The owner, Melissa Carter has been a Santaquin resident for 23 years and enjoys all the comforts of a small town. Stop by or call in for a delivery! (contactless delivery available also) 385-404-4930.
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Spohos Survival opens in Spanish Fork Sophos Survival has officially opened its doors on 244 North Main St in Spanish Fork. As a specialty emergency preparedness, survival, and outdoor gear supply store, owner Isaiah Price aims to help people become more prepared for life’s adventures – planned or unplanned. The services and product lineup will include home and business preparedness consultations, monthly auto-shipments, first aid kits and individual supplies, freeze dried food storage, freeze dryers, water storage and filtration, pantry supplies, gardening tools and heirloom
seeds, knives, survival gear, tents and sleeping bags, and various other outdoor equipment. Along with the gear, Sophos Survival will offer a wide variety of classes and outdoor skills courses, including urban and wilderness first aid, CPR, friction fire starting, outdoor cooking, home defense and tactical training, concealed carry and firearm training, and various other outdoor survival and lifestyle skills. “Life is one amazing adventure, isn’t it? I am a firm believer that life is largely what we make of it,” Price said. “The reason I chose this is because my goal is to teach and instill
emergency preparedness, survival, and self-reliance to go handin-hand with high quality gear and supplies. Top-notch gear is important, and you must be able to rely on it in a critical situation - but your mind is your most valuable tool.” You can stay tuned on upcoming classes, new products, and sales by following on Facebook, Instagram, and the website sophossurvival. com. If you would like more information about this or other emergency preparedness topics, please contact Isaiah Price at 801-319-6370, or e-mail isaiah@sophossurvival. com. (Serve Daily submission.)
SERVE DAILY VIEWPOINT
Biggest Loser in Two-Party Politics is the People By Casey Wood
It is an election year, and, like many, I have an election year tradition. It isn’t campaigning for my favorite candidate, staying up to date on the polls, listening to debates, or arguing with friends and family about politics. It isn’t even looking for homes in Canada, Mexico, or some other foreign country, just in case the candidate I prefer isn’t the one elected, though I still do most of these things. No, my election year tradition is lamenting the wayward nature of our political system, and our very poor, very destructive decision to embrace a primarily two-party system clear back in the third ever U.S. Presidential Election in 1796. You see, though the notion of political parties existed prior to the drafting of the Constitution, the framers opted not to include them in any of our founding documents. In fact, George Washington to his dying day never joined a political party and, in his farewell address, even counseled against them as our “worst enemy” upon which “cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men [and women] will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion.” Sound at all familiar? Still, despite all of these indicators that perhaps basing our governing system upon political parties was not the best idea, We the People opted not only to form them, but to systematically restructure our entire electoral process around the two-party system in an attempt to facilitate campaigning and unite like-minded individuals under one banner, starting clear back in the 1796 election between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. In reality, at this point in the his-
tory of our country, political parties really only achieve three goals – dividing people, impeding progress, and encouraging individuals to not inform themselves on individual candidates and platforms. I find it highly interesting that a system originally designed to unite people has become the one that causes the most division. While the two-party system allows for the unification of individuals with similar ideals under a single banner, and allows for candidates to quickly garner a support base, it does not accomplish all of the goals it set out to, and it brings with it a lot of issues. One of the greatest is that it creates a sense of teams and competition. It pushes people to look at those with opposing ideas as their personal opponent and enemy. It paints the picture of politics in the United States using only black and white, when in reality there are a lot of shades of gray. It also tends to force issues that should help us to band together and look past political affiliation (such as, say, an international health crisis) to be politicized and polarized. And people continue to become increasingly divided and polarized because they are told by their respective parties that the fate of the nation depends on their candidate being elected and their party being in control. In addition to dividing people, political parties tend to encourage an “us or them” team mentality. Instead of elected officials and leaders choosing to work together, and to do what is best for the American people, they choose to seek the best interest of their party. They do not put forward and support candidates who may be more moderate and willing to work across the aisle, and when opportunity to work together and affect change presents itself, they instead dig in deeper on their
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side’s argument, policy, and stance. Ultimately, that means that change comes about very slowly, and that big issues which government leaders have been promising to address for many years, such as healthcare or immigration, remain largely unchanged. It also leads to government shutdowns, where the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of people employed by the government are held hostage while government officials, still being paid, refuse to concede or compromise. Finally, instead of serving as a proving ground for the development of ideas, and allowing people to consider different issues and find solutions together, political parties allow the general public to choose to blindly follow one side or the other, and remain largely uninformed on the issues. There are many who look at which party agrees with their stance on one or a few issues, and select that party as theirs. Then each year as elections move forward, citizens don’t even look at who candidates are, or what their stances are. They simply look at what color a candidate wears, and what letter precedes their name on the ballot, and vote according. This ultimately leads to an uninformed, under-represented public, and a great deal of corruption. What, you ask, is the alternative? The most ideal alternative, in my opinion, would be to disband political parties entirely. This would push voters to learn about candidates and select the candidate which best represented them, regardless of affiliation. However due to the first amendment’s guarantee of freedom of assembly, disbanding parties is not entirely feasible. The second-best option would be to establish a multi-party system. Imagine a political landscape where there was some agreement and overlap between
almost every party. In that situation, voters could find more easily a party and candidate whose views are more fully in line with their own. Parties would be more inclined to work together, because they would know that cooperation and compromise on current issues could lead to support, cooperation, and compromise from others on future issues. The people could be truly represented, extremism would decrease, and our country would become more able to adapt and change as needed, and flourish through hardship. I recognize that, as it stands, our country currently allows for third parties to run for office and campaign. But looking at that statement in and of itself highlights the problem. Calling other parties “third parties” implies that they are tertiary to the two main parties. And that is clearly evident. Funding, debates, and ballots all lend to our current two-party system predicament. Some may call me extreme, but it is evident, looking at our current political system, and the depth to which two-party ideals have engrained themselves into it, that our country is headed for trouble. The consistent division, lack of progress, and freedom of responsibility granted by our two-party system guarantees that our United States will continue to grow less and less united. If something doesn’t change, more conflict, more aggression, and, worst case, a civil war could loom ahead. I hope we can avoid that by pushing for change locally, statewide, and federally. One thing is for certain, if change doesn’t come, those in power will continue to gain more wealth, power, and influence, and We the People will continue to be the biggest losers. (Wood is a Serve Daily contributor.)
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Forgot How to Feel Free? Ride a Bike By Danie Davis
You know those times when you feel absolutely bound to the numerous expectations around you and the expectations you have for yourself? Do you find that as you are trying to keep up with it all that you wonder if you keep going, are you just going to snap? It’s a valid concern. And what are you going to do if that happens?! Well, I know what all that feels like because I snapped. There was so much going on in my life.
I had work projects taking up every moment I could spare in between saving two toddlers from destroying each other, meeting the needs of the other two kids, cleaning the house, feeding humans, yard work, working the budget, taking care of myself, etc. The list goes on. The day I snapped, I went spiraling into a dizzying force of emotion because I realized, “I don’t remember what it is like to feel free.” Feeling trapped, feeling like “I have to do this, I have to do
that. I can’t do this, I can’t…”. It was sucking all the joy from me not feeling free, and I knew I needed to break this emotional spin to get back into a good place and a space of joy. For the sake of myself, my family, and my house, I needed
to get my sanity back together. I needed to somehow use my body to break the spin, and to use my body in a way that would bring me joy. Do you know what I did? I left my kids in the care of my husband and I went to the store. I bought a bike and
stuffed it into the back of my car. On the drive home I kept hoping that the phrase, “it’s like riding a bike” would hold out true for me. It had been a decade since I had ridden a bike last. Perhaps, I should have bought a helmet as well! Upon arrival at my house, my eldest son got all excited when he saw my bike. He asked if I would ride with him, to which I replied, “Absolutely!” I pumped up the tires, checked the breaks and we were off for our ride! I am
pleased to say that I did not crash and I had a joyous time. There was a moment during the ride when we were speeding down a long hill. I closed my eyes and breathed in the feeling. The air was rushing by me, sending my hair in all directions, and bringing with it the smell of the cottonwood trees. I felt such joy, and so lighthearted! And even more important for me right then was that I remembered what freedom feels like. It’s like riding a bike. (Serve Daily submission.)
What I’ve Learned About Overcoming Fear By Shellie Peterson
Writing for a publication like Serve Daily is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I’ve written content for more than eight years, but most of my work revolves around trying to sell something. I haven’t had many chances to share what really matters to me or spread genuine positivity. That’s why I was surprised to feel fear creep in when I was given the opportunity to write for this publication. My parents always taught me and my eight siblings how important it is to be strong and stand up for what’s right. I remember worrying if I would grow up to be courageous or a coward. My mother would
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read history books to us all the time as children, and I would think to myself, “what would I have done if I had been born back then?” Would I have had the courage to escape religious persecution and fight for freedom in the Revolutionary War, or would I have stayed behind and refused to rock the boat? Would I have raised my voice in support of freeing the slaves during the Civil War, or would I have decided it wasn’t worth risking my safety to do the right thing? Would I have opened
my home to persecuted Jews during the Holocaust, or would I have turned them away (or worse, turned them in)? I would like to think I would overcome my fears and do the right thing in those situations. But the truth is, I will never know how I would have reacted had I been born in a different time or place. What I do know is that courage is still needed today, as much as it ever was. If you and I can overcome our fears, we have plenty of opportunities to make a difference right now. Just this week, I overcame some big fears so I could try to make a positive impact on the world. One of the fears involved interviewing someone for this very publication. The other involved
being in an inspiring music video that required me to get over my embarrassment about my weight. These were fears that others might not think are a big deal, but they weighed heavily on my mind and heart in the days leading up to the events. And you know what? I am so glad I faced them instead of backing out of opportunities. I am an imperfect vessel. You are an imperfect vessel. But if we are willing to face our fears and insecurities, God can still use us to spread His light and happiness to the world. Every single one of us can make a difference, even when doing so is scary. Maybe especially when doing so is scary. Have you noticed that it seems like evil is working overtime to stifle goodness
in the world? The good news is that you and I can work overtime as well! If we try even harder to fill the world with light, we can change ourselves, our families, and our communities for the better. We may even help create miracles, such as changing a heart or bringing hope to just one person who needs it. It doesn’t matter what religion you subscribe to, or if you don’t subscribe to religion at all. Go out there and make a difference for good however you can. The world needs what you have to offer.(Shellie Peterson is a mom, wife and freelance writer. She currently lives in Santaquin with her husband and daughter. In her spare time, she loves to sing, read, write and spend as much time as possible camping.)
SERVE DAILY FUNNY-ISH
Who Was That Handsome Masked Man? By Joe Capell
There was a time, not so long ago, when if someone walked into a store wearing a mask, everyone would get nervous. A robbery in progress, perhaps? But these days, there’s more likely to be trouble if someone walks into a store without a mask. The coronavirus certainly has turned our world on its head. It used to be that anyone wearing a mask was probably either a bandit, trying to make themselves unrecognizable, or a hero, trying to protect their secret identity. Of course, the masks worn
by most of those heroes wouldn’t cut it in today’s world. The Lone Ranger, Batman, and Captain America would find that their masks wouldn’t be good enough for entrance into most stores. Spider-Man is one of the few heroes with an acceptable mask. (But if you want to get really serious, nobody is better at masks than Darth Vader.)
I recently started working at a local grocery store, and I’m required to wear a mask all day. Sure, it can get uncomfortable and annoying, but for the most part it’s not so bad. In fact, there are some unforeseen benefits to wearing a mask. For one thing, I’m much more attractive with a mask on! With a mask covering half of my face, people have to guess as to what I actually look like, and they usually err on the side of more handsome than the truth. And it’s not just me, it’s everybody. When we are left to fill in the blanks of
the area covered by the mask, we tend to picture people’s features to be as pleasant as possible. Most people seem better looking with half of their face covered. And then there’s the recognizability factor. If you see someone at the store that you don’t want to talk to, you can just pretend you didn’t recognize them with their mask on. It’s called plausible deniability. Or, if you do want to talk to them, you can start your conversation with something like, “Jimmy? Is that you? I wasn’t sure with that mask on.”
Masks can say a lot about someone’s personality. Does your nose peak out? Do you wear it down over your chin? Does your mask hang loosely from one ear by the strap? Or, does it always cover your nose and mouth? (I worked for my new boss for more than two weeks before I knew that he had a mustache.) So, yes, wearing masks can be annoying, but, they aren’t so bad if you just imagine that everyone has a smile on their face just below the surface. For more funny-ish stuff, check out slowjoe40. com. (Capell is a Serve Daily contributor.)
CASEY’S POCKETS
From One Star Wars Nerd to Another (I Hope) By Casey Wood
I am a diehard Star Wars fan. I’m such a Star Wars fan, in fact, that my top 11 favorite movies of all time are the 11 live action Star Wars films. I love everything about Star Wars. I love the depth of the lore, the familiarity and relatability of the characters, and the mysticism of the Jedi. I love the nostalgia, the creativity, and the new take on the classic hero’s journey. Plus, who hasn’t dreamed of wielding a lightsaber, or using the Force? I remember the day I learned that Disney had bought Lucasfilm and would be pressing forward with a
sequel trilogy. I was thrilled at the idea of my favorite franchise of all time continuing to grow on screen. I have stood by that sentiment as each film has been released, and I stand by that sentiment now. In particular I remember entering the theater to see Solo: A Star Wars Story on my birthday in May 2018 with cautious optimism. I hadn’t been completely happy with the direction Disney had taken with The
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Last Jedi, but I was thrilled to learn their new vision for Han Solo – a character that I had always struggled to fully appreciate and relate to. I left the theater feeling rejuvenated! This was what Star Wars was supposed to be! I couldn’t wait to see what other fans had to say about such a terrific movie! The sad thing? Most of them probably never saw it. Solo is the least watched live action Star Wars film by a large margin. Before elaborating on why you’re missing out by not seeing Solo, it is worthwhile to discuss why so few have. There are several reasons commonly given. “Disney doesn’t know how to do Star
Wars,” “I’m protesting my discontent with The Last Jedi,” and “Disney doesn’t care about Star Wars, they’re just milking it for all the money they can” are some. The number one reason I’ve heard, however, is that “Harrison Ford is Han Solo. Nobody else could ever fill his shoes.” That’s like saying that since Sean Connery was the first person to portray James Bond on the silver screen (Barry Nelson was actually the first to portray the character for a TV movie in 1954), nobody else can. Rather than try to convince you how good of a Han Solo Ehrenreich was myself, I’ll leave it to Harrison Ford, who said “I just
thought it was spectacular. And I thought he was so smart about what he did and how he did it. I just couldn’t be happier.” If Ehrenreich is good enough for Ford, he’s good enough for me. Solo’s poor performance in the box office means that we will likely never see a continuation of what could have been a very compelling series of young Han Solo films. Watching it now probably won’t change Disney’s mind, but hopefully, it will allow you to join me in lamenting what could have been. And you never know, even if the possibility is 3,720 to 1, those are odds Han’s bet on before. (Wood is a Serve Daily contributor.)
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