Serve Daily Volume 9, Issue 96 May 2020

VOL. 9 ISSUE 96 | MAY 2020 | SERVEDAILY.COM

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SERVE DAILY FROM THE PUBLISHER

A Journey of Persistence and Patience

By Chris Baird

It all began due to the phrase Been Served, Pay Forward. Initially, just cards promoting service while working full time at the post office as a graveyard clerk. I never knew or thought that it would lead to a successful venture in business for the last nine years and three months. Eight of those publishing Serve Daily on a monthly basis.

Did you hear that? Eight years of publishing Serve Daily! I am so excited and grateful and thankful for all the people and companies that have assisted with the continual growth and success of The Project with a Purpose.

As mentioned above, I had a full time job as a clerk at the United States Post Office - making relatively good money with great benefits. Things were good.

However, I didn’t like the shift and the work wasn’t enjoyed. I always felt there was more but didn’t know what that would be. I often asked friends what they saw me doing or being. One said they could see me owning a pawn shop, another something else - the memory fades. Eventually it got to the point where I

Serve Daily is published monthly and dedicated to being your source for inspiration and information.

WWW.SERVEDAILY.COM Publisher / Executive Editor Chris Baird • chris@servedaily.com Editor James Davis • editor@servedaily.com Contact Serve Daily 801-477-6845 Submit news at servedaily.com/submit Columns contributed are appreciated but may not directly

reflect the views and opinions of Serve Daily or its advertisers.

Reproduction in whole or in part without editor’s permission is prohibited.

Additional copies may be purchased for $1 payable to Serve Daily in advance. No person, without express permission of Serve Daily may take more than one copy of any Serve Daily issue. All rights reserved.

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knew I couldn’t keep doing both and had to make a hard decision to quit security and jump and open my wings. Then I started hearing phrases like, “You have a steady job, why quit?”, “What if it doesn’t work out?” “You need to go to more college!”, and many other phrases telling me in essence, that I should simply stick with what was secure and paid the bills.

At that point I fully believed that it would work out and that things would happen so that I would be successful. This venture that started as a project has grown into a passion of mine to help share the good things going on in the community, with the community. It’s not much referred to as “The Project with a Purpose” anymore, but Serve Daily: Your Community Voice. Again, the community is invited to submit letters to the editor at servedaily.com/submit.

I haven’t attended any additional college; however, I have been a student of life and business life. It’s amazing how many people appear during the needed times to do one of many things: provide guidance for web design, ad design, layout, sells techniques, and many other things.

If you have a dream, I suggest you reach for it. It’s better to try and fail, than to never try. I believe if we are supposed to do something the resources will be made available to make it happen.

Two keywords in this journey are persistence and passion. Two things that any goal in life takes to be successful. Keep at it and be passionate about what you do.

Thanks for celebrating our eighth year in print and we hope to be here for many more years to share your stories in print and online.

On the Cover

We’ve Got This!

For the Class of 2020, things are a bit surreal at the end of the school year, but it won’t keep them from looking to the promise of the future.

Photograph by Sydnee Winegar. Story begins on Page 5.

As always, go out and find someone to Serve Daily, it’ll put a smile on their face and yours.

Until next time, find more great local stories in the remaining pages of this paper and visit our site at servedaily.com. (Baird is publisher of Serve Daily.)

SERVE DAILY IN OUR BACKYARD

A Lighthouse awaits in

Our Backyard A monument to the first Icelandic settlers can be discovered in Spanish Fork

By Ed Helmick

Did you know that landlocked Spanish Fork has a lighthouse? Yes, it does.

It is a monument to the first Icelandic emigrants to the United States, who settled in Spanish Fork.

Between 1855 and 1914, 410 Icelanders immigrated to Utah.

They were baptized into The Church of Christ of Latter-day Saints by early missionary work in Iceland and Denmark. The principle religion in Iceland is Lutheranism, a Christian denomination that was established by a German reformer Martin Luther in the 16th Century.

The journey from Iceland to Salt Lake took 10 months via the North Atlantic Ocean and across two-thirds of the continent of North America.

Brigham Young directed them to settle in Spanish Fork because other Scandinavian people were living in the area. Future Icelandic immigrants moved to Spanish Fork to feel culturally comfortable and maintain their cultural traditions.

Being an island in the North Atlantic, Iceland is noted for its many lighthouses.

In fact, a current list of lighthouses in Iceland shows a total of 121. For that reason, a replica of an Icelandic lighthouse was chosen to commemorate the first permanent Icelandic settlement in the United States.

The Daughters of Utah Pioneers and the Icelandic Association of Utah dedicated the lighthouse monument on Aug. 1, 1938.

The original monument consisted of only the lighthouse, topped with a Viking ship, with a plaque listing the names of the first 16 Icelandic settlers. The dedication speech was given by Andrew Jensen, Assistant Church Historian for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

On June 30, 2000, a sister monument to the Spanish Fork Icelandic Monument was dedicated in Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland. It sits at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean where many of the original church converts were

baptized. That monument lists the names of the 410 people who emigrated from Iceland to Utah. The Icelandic monument was dedicated

by Elder William Rolfe Kerr of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

After 67 years the Icelandic Monument in Spanish Fork was renovated and received three additions.

A one-ton volcanic rock from Vestmannaeyjiar, Iceland was mounted next to the lighthouse, adding to the story of the early emigration. Several plaques tell the history of the Icelandic pioneers. A “Wall of Honor� lists the names of the 410 who immigrated to Spanish Fork between 1855 and 1914.

The names are in both English and Icelandic, and the wall is like the monument erected in Vestmannaeyjiar, Iceland.

The renovation was dedicated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints President Gordon B. Hinckley. The President of Iceland, Olafur Ragnar Grimmsson, also attended the ceremony.

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Photo by Ed Helmick

The lighthouse in Spanish Fork is a monument to the first Icelandic emigrants who settled here between 1855 and 1914.

Amazing history and those early pioneers had a major influence on the development of Spanish

Fork. Take a short drive and visit Icelandic Monument, it is a great history lesson for the kids.

The monument is located at 800 East on Canyon Road. (Helmick is a Serve Daily contributor.)

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We’ve Got This!

For the Class of 2020, things are a bit surreal, but the present won’t keep them from looking to the promise of the future

By Arianne Brown and Anderson Brown

W

hen the Utah High School Activities Association announced that all spring sports would be cancelled, athletes across the state were devastated. All that demanding work, and no season to show for it. For many senior athletes, the cancellation of the season meant they would no longer participate in the sport they loved. These sports included boys’ tennis, baseball, softball, track and field and boys’ soccer.

For a few senior athletes, missing out on their senior high school season does not mean they will have to leave their support behind. These athletes have all signed letters of intent and will be bringing their athletic talents with them to the collegiate level.

Sage Bowers of Springville High School will play softball for Snow College.

Sage, an outfielder, has been playing softball in a travel league since 6th grade. While the game is what brought her to the

field, it has been the experiences that have made her stay.

“My absolute favorite part of softball is the time I get to spend with my teammates, whether it’s playing in games, belting songs on the bus, goofing off in the locker room, or even conditioning,” she said. “I have gained my greatest friends from this sport and will forever cherish the time we got to spend with each other.”

Sage’s career highlights include traveling to state as a freshman and making a game changing catch to beat out Wasatch in the state tournament last year. She also earned several tournament championships with her club team, including Sanpete Shootout Champs and winning a USSSA championship ring in Tooele. More than the titles and game-winning actions, Sage it was what happened throughout her career that have been highlights.

“Doing a hook slide while running bases, diving to make a catch in the outfield, hitting home runs -- Signing with Snow! These are what

I will remember,” Sage said.

While still holding out hope for some sort of season, Sage said that the thing that has made her the saddest about missing her senior season is not being able to see her coaches and teammates.

“When I was told our season was cancelled, I was absolutely heartbroken,” she said. “I immediately cried for all the things we wouldn’t get to do my last year. All the hard work we had put into this season and the high hopes we had for the state tournament. Luckily, I wasn’t alone in this and was able to Facetime and cry with one of my senior teammates and close friends.”

Looking forward to her future as a scholarship athlete at Snow College, Sage looks back with gratitude to time on her club team.

“My travel coaches were the key to helping me get noticed by colleges,” she said. “It also helped that I got to play with such talented girls!

The summer tournaments our coaches put us in got us the exposure and experience we need-

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Photo by Sydnee Winegar

Despite the end of a senior year that no one imagined, high school seniors like Maddy Lackey of Spanish Fork isn’t going to let events dictate a bright future awaiting.

ed. They also scheduled double headers against snow every summer as well.”

Sage says she looks forward to “Badgering up” with her new team in the Fall.

Madyson “Maddy” Lackey of Spanish Fork will play softball for Snow College.

Maddy Lackey of Spanish Fork can play just about any position on the softball field, which is likely a key component in why Snow College has signed her on to play next season.

Maddy started playing when she was in fourth grade because she wanted to be just like her mom,

who also had a love for the game.

She loves the team aspect that comes with the game, as the team works together to form close bonds. What she enjoys most about softball is playing defense and being able to make cool plays.

Continued on Next Page.

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SERVE DAILY

We’ve Got This!

Continued from previous page.

When asked about her career highlights, she joked about her injury-prone body.

“My career highlight has definitely got to be tearing both of my ACLs two years in a row,” she joked. “Haha, not really but taking second in state two years in a row is pretty awesome!”

While the 2020 season is the only season most seniors will have to miss, Maddy has already had to sit out two previous seasons due to injury.

“I had two ACL surgeries during my freshman and sophomore year so I have already missed two of the four years of playing high school sports,” she said.

“Now having another season taken away from me has been devastating for me. But, I think that going through what I went through with having to sit out for two years turned me into a really hard and dedicated girl for this sport. It made me realize that I can’t take it for granted, and I need to work hard every second I’m out on the field. This ended up paying off because someone is always watching!”

As Maddy prepares to play softball at Snow College in Ephraim, she says she appreciates everyone who didn’t doubt her coming back from my surgeries, and those who pushed her to become a

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better player Mason Olson of Spanish Fork will play baseball for College of Southern Idaho.

For as long as he can remember, Mason Olson has played baseball. As a pitcher and an outfielder, for Spanish Fork High and the Mountain West Baseball club, Mason said his favorite part is winning and being with his friends on and off his team. He also said that he loved being able to play with his older brother, Sage.

“There have been a lot of great things over the years, but my sophomore year we were playing in St. George, and I started for the first time,” he said. ”That year, I also got to play with my older brother. Last year in the first round of the state tournament, we played two close games against Ridgeline and Park City, at our home field, and we won. That was really awesome.”

Missing out on his senior season, he said, has been really hard on him and the rest of his team.

“It’s been awful,” he said. “This is something that me and the rest of the seniors have been looking forward to our whole lives. We have all looked up to Spanish Fork players since we were little kids, and we were all pumped to be

one of those players that people look up to. When I learned that the season was over I was mad and sad that it was all over and so was the rest of the team. We are all still sad about it.”

As difficult as it is to move on without his high school teammates, he said he is grateful to all of them, as well as his coaches and family for all their support.

“I want to thank my coaches over the past few years for helping me become better at baseball and for making me a better person and my parents,” he said.

“I also want to thank all the teammates that I have had for pushing me.”

Mason said he hopes to move to a division 1 baseball program after his time at College of Southern Idaho, with another goal of getting drafted and have a career in the Major Leagues.

Other spring athletes signing letters of intent are the following baseball and softball athletes from Salem Hills High School: Cooper Loveridge: Air Force Academy.

Chase Higginson: College of Southern Idaho.

Kyle Coburn: Utah Valley University.

Miah Hartvigsen Morrehead: Minnesota St. University. (Arianne Brown and Anderson Brown are Serve Daily contributors.)

Courtesy photo

Mason Olson of Spanish Fork will play baseball for College of Southern Idaho.

Courtesy photo

Sage Bowers of Springville High School will play softball for Snow College.

SERVE DAILY I WAS SERVED

In uncertain times, viewpoints may differ but sense of community remains strong

By Arianne Brown

Recently, I ventured out to the store to buy some much needed items that I wasn’t able to purchase online. And, like many of you, I was met with a strange sight and accompanying feeling. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, there were many people who were wearing masks and gloves. As I walked the aisles, eye contact was sporadic at best, and social distancing was observed strictly.

Also, while at the store, I saw many people who were not wearing masks as they tried to go about their normal lives the best they could, given the circumstances.

Later that day, I went for a run on a dirt trail up Payson Canyon. During my time in the great outdoors, I saw more people than I was used to seeing, but far fewer than those I had seen at the grocery store.

I saw a couple of people laying in hammocks in the pine forest trees. I passed a family hiking with their kids and dog.

Each time, we respected the distance of each other by stepping aside, and a “hello” was always exchanged. It was quite refreshing to be in nature and seeing friendly faces who were also enjoying some time outside.

When I went home, I checked my social media news feed, and saw a news article a friend had posted about the devastating effects COVID-19 was having on many of the Native American people living on reservations.

I liked her post because it told a story of heartache that I didn’t understand; I shared it because it needed to be shared. I then scrolled down and saw a post by another friend who had attended a peaceful rally protesting measures that were being taken to close businesses.

A small-business owner,

he was being affected greatly by what was happening. I liked his post, not because I agree or disagree, but because I valued his opinion, and was grateful for the perspective that he brought to the table.

There are so many thoughts and opinions going around, and actions taken based on each.

There are facts on all sides of this multifaceted coin, and if you take a step back, you will see that there is truth and validity everywhere.

Your truth may not be mine, and mine may not be yours, but I thank you for sharing your truth with me. I have been served by the thoughts and opinions of others because each has helped me to more fully understand the world around me.

When this is all said and done, what we will have left is the stories to tell, so please keep sharing them. (Brown is a Serve Daily contributor.)

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The pandemic gives rise to ordinary people struggling to adapt to a new reality.

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Tabitha’s Way needs volunteers and donations in wake on pandemic

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The state shut down on March 13.

People were suddenly out of work, and still in need of food and everyday items.

One local organization is working hard to help those in need have food and other essential items, all while reducing the spread of the novel COVID19 virus.

Tabitha’s Way is a food pantry based out of Utah County that provides food, essential items and services to those in need. And according to food pantry manager, Becky Robinson, the virus has made it a challenge.

“We get a lot of our items from local grocery stores through what we call, Grocery Rescue,” she said. “Six days a week, we have a truck that goes to 10 different stores to pick up excess foods that aren’t selling. Things like bread, cookies, cakes, frozen meat, and canned goods. There was about a two to three week period when the grocery shelves were empty, and we weren’t getting a lot

of things. That really hurt our ability to give to families in need.”

Robinson said that even with fewer items available, there have been more families in need. She said it has been difficult at times to be able to keep up with the demand.

“We can only give what we have, and it has been hard to send some individuals and families home without some things that they were in need of,” Robinson said.

Even so, Robinson said that the pantry isn’t turning anyone away.

“If you’re here, then you have a need, and we want to help you,” she said.

“Things are getting better every day, and we are seeing more things come in that we can give to people.”

The food pantry that has a location in both American Fork and Spanish Fork serves clients from all over the valley.

Clients with a valid ID will be able to receive two weeks’ worth of groceries two times per month.

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Tabitha’s Way food pantry has struggled to provide for those in need in the past weeks and is asking for donations and volunteers to assist.

Those without ID will also be able to receive several days’ worth of food to get them by. Robinson said that the food passed on to its clients must go through a three to five-day quarantine prior to being distributed. Food drives are also not happening right now to reduce the touches.

“We have had to make a lot of changes to ensure that our clients and the public are safe at this time,” Robinson said.

“We have limited our volunteers to 10 at a time, and we bring the items directly to your car.”

Robinson said that items like face masks and non-latex gloves are things volunteers are in need of at this time as well. Other items the organization is in

need of are staples like rice, beans, pastas, and canned goods, particularly soups and meat. Tabitha’s Way also helps its clients with toiletries, feminine hygiene products and diapers, and urges the public to donate these items if the ability presents itself.

“Our clients need the same things you or I are in need of,” Robinson said. “If it is in good condition, and you can donate it, then bring it by or give us a call.

Chances are, we will find a family who needs it.”

For more information on Tabitha’s Way, including pick-up and drop-off locations, volunteer sign ups and more, go to tabithasway.org. (Brown is a Serve Daily contributor.)

SERVE DAILY

A Birthday Parade for Ron Loved ones of 92-year-old Payson man couldn’t throw him a birthday party, so they gave him a birthday parade instead

By Arianne Brown

Ron Stewart of Payson stepped out his front door on April 3 and headed across the street to his daughter’s home.

It was Stewart’s 92 birthday, and due to social distancing restrictions, there would be no party.

Little did Stewart know that in a matter of minutes, he would be greeted by a line of cars filled with long-time friends, all wanting to wish

him a happy birthday.

One such friend was Kacie Davenport, who along with her husband and four young children, made signs for the event.

“I grew up with Ron’s granddaughters that lived across the street from him,” Davenport said. “I remember them loving going fishing with him and what an amazing green thumb he had. He always had such an amazing garden. He was always the kind of grandparent (and now great-grandparent)

Courtesy photo

Auriel and Ronin Davenport wish Ron Stewart a happy birthday.

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who will get down and play on their level and make them feel special and loved.

“Our kids loved being able to participate in the parade. My husband’s birthday was last week, and our kids were so sad we couldn’t have people over to celebrate. So, when I told them about this, they wanted to help Ron have a happy birthday with lots of people (without getting too close). They helped make a poster to put on the car and were watching the clock, counting down the minutes until it was time to go wish him a happy birthday.”

As the cars drove by, waving and honking, Stewart and his daughter, Melanie Orton, sat on the porch waving. AccordCourtesy photos ing to Orton, it brought a smile Ron Stewart of Payson turned 92 on April 3, and with social distancand tears to her father’s eyes. ing guidelines, loved ones decided rather than throw a party, they “We both had tears during would organize a parade to help him celebrate. the parade,” Orton said. “It was so sweet of the neighbors to do that for him. He was very min and has lived in his house she said. “He was an amazing happy, and it totally made his in Payson for 64 years.

He husband and took care of my day. I didn’t tell him beforetaught middle school in Payson disabled mom for 16 years. hand, so he Living was really across the surprised.

“We both had tears during the parade.

It was street from My dad him has is so very so sweet of the neighbors to do that for him. been a huge kind and blessing He was very happy, and it totally made his is always for me and helping his day.” my family. kids and He has grandkids.

- Melanie Orton five kids, He’s very 26 grandfamily kids and oriented and every night before for 29 years and also had a farm 67 great grandkids and we all falling asleep he names all of in Benjamin.

According to Orlove him dearly.

He loved the his grandkids’ and great grandton, he has always been a great parade and couldn’t believe kids’ names. His mind is still family man. what his neighbors did for him. very sharp. My favorite thing “He is an amazing dad, and He said that he has the best about him is how much he he loves to teach kids, especialneighbors.” (Brown is a Serve cares for all of us.” ly his own kids and grandkids,” Daily contributor.)

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Noah’s Trail New trail in Four Bay named for mountain biker gone too soon

By Arianne Brown

The great outdoors is a place for people to get away from it all. It is a place to experience the natural flows of nature.

To hear birds rustling in the bushes.

To witness a family of deer cascading along the hillside. It’s where the mind wanders to places it needs to, whether it’s to let go of fear or anger or to feel appreciation for all the joys and sorrows of life.

Payson Canyon’s Four Bay trail system offers all of those things for visitors both in nature and in purpose. Each of the trails are named for people who have made a mark on the lives of those

who frequent the park -- many of them for loved ones lost.

Recently, trail creators, along with local volunteers, have completed a trail named for a man who helped pioneer the Four Bay trails -- a man who was also lost too soon.

The trail is named “Noah” for Noah Talley, formerly of Elkridge, who died from suicide in 2016 at the age of 20.

According to his mother, Wendy Giddings, her son loved to ride his bike.

“Noah grew up in Elk Ridge, and his first mountain bike ride was from our house to Four Bay,” she said.

“He loved that area. He would ride all over it. He

would camp there too.

He learned to mountain bike there and he loved to ride. Whenever I ride the trails at Four Bay, I feel he’s with me. It’s a special place for our family because of the many memories we have of Noah there.”

Local mountain biker Brad Dayton has been helping to build the trail since early spring, and it was he who suggested the trail be named for Noah.

“When we were working on the trail, I suggested that we name it after Noah, and everyone agreed,” Dayton said.

“Noah was my daughter’s age, and he actually helped me to get back into mountain biking. He was one of the original

Noah Talley of Elkridge loved to ride the Payson Canyon Four Bay trails.

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Courtesy photo

Courtesy photo

Trail creators and local volunteers complete a trail for Noah Talley, who helped pioneer the Four Bay trails area in Payson Canyon.

riders out here and was Brad told me about the Bay is located about three a pioneer for what has trail they were building miles up and on the east become a great local gem. for Noah, I immediately side of Payson Canyon.

He rode professionally sent a text to his brother, Noah’s trail connects for a couple years, and sister and dad. We were with the JMC and K. even today, Noah still holds many of the Strava records on the trails.”

“He loved that area. He would ride all Dayton has worked on the over it. He would camp there too. He trail most of the learned to mountain bike there and he days since construction began, loved to ride. Whenever I ride the trails at and says it’s his Four Bay, I feel he’s with me. It’s a speway of giving back to those picial place for our family because of the oneers like Noah.

Noah’s mother many memories we have of Noah there.” said she is grateful - Wendy Giddings to Dayton and all those who have worked on the trail. all very touched that the Launi trails. Other trails “The hurt is very deep,” people who had worked named for loved ones Giddings said. “Only so hard on the trail, lost are “Ezra,” “Little someone that has lost a would be willing to name Shawny” and “K. Launi.” loved one to suicide unit after Noah.”

(Brown is a Serve Daily derstands the pain. When The trailhead for Four contributor.)

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Isolation creates even greater need to ‘get back to nature’

By Sue Stuever Battel

Since author Richard Louv coined the term “nature-deficit disorder” in his 2005 book, “Last Child in the Woods,” families have recognized the need to get children outdoors, but screens and scheduled activities often compete for children’s time.

Now, with COVID-19 causing cancellations nationwide, many look to the outdoors for a break. Parents report the uncertainty and loneliness of quarantine has left many children feeling anxious.

A recent study by the Royal Holloway University of London revealed children’s moods

improved after a single session of time outdoors, and after a year of weekly learning sessions in nature, their well-being significantly improved.

Learning takes a leap forward with time spent in nature, too, according to Jenny Phillips, curriculum developer and owner of The Good and the Beautiful, a homeschool curriculum company based in Utah — a notion backed by research.

With mandated school closures in all 50 states, parents are concerned about children falling behind in learning.

“Young children develop their bodies and minds while they’re jumping in mud and soaking in the sun,” Phillips said. “They

learn cause and effect when they drop a twig in the stream and watch it float. It’s more engaging to learn biology when you witness it at work in your backyard. It’s more satisfying to study literature when they’ve experienced what great authors describe about nature.Parents can get outside and learn and explore right along with their kids,” Phillips said.

“We encourage children to notice, to observe, and to appreciate the natural world around them.”

To help make it simple for parents to engage children in the outdoors, Phillips’ company has decided to offer for free The Good and the Beautiful Nature

Help lines offer support for those struggling

By Susan Chapman

As COVID-19 continues to play a role in lives and livelihoods it is important to know that there are many resources available in the community to support mental health needs.

Crisis lines like the National Suicide Crisis Hotline 1-800273-8255 or Textline 741741 along with other downloadable apps like SafeUT have always been helpful to individuals in crisis but a new wave of less urgent but emotional “help lines” and resources are here to provide support at this time of crisis.

Help lines, warm lines, and emotional support lines are being utilized increasingly by residents.

These can be helpful to individuals who are trying to process feelings of frustration or fear in personal circumstances.

Sometimes it is nice to just have an active listener who cares as we express personal frustrations and anxieties.

An explanation of three of these local resources are as follows with relevant content taken from their pages: Warm

Line 801-587-1055/7 days a week/8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

This peer support, non-crisis, line is a phone number people can call to get support and learn about available mental health and recovery resources relevant to them or their loved ones.

As emergency hotlines are increasingly overwhelmed with non-emergency calls, warm lines are becoming more and more common. Emotional Health Relief Hotline 833-4422211/7 days a week/ 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Intermountain HealthCare is now offering this hotline as a free resource for both health professionals and community members who need emotional health guidance during these uncertain times.

Callers are connected with a trained caregiver who can provide appropriate self-care tools, peer support, treatment options, crisis resources, and more.

As far as we know, no state has ever offered the public a service like this that brings self-care, at-home support, and crisis resources together in a single, digitally-enabled way.

TO ADVERTISE IN SERVE DAILY CALL 801-477-6845

Interpretation services are available.

Disaster Relief Hotline 1-800985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746. 24/7 If you or a loved one is having a difficult time coping with recent disasters, emotionally or mentally, the Disaster Distress Hotline is available 24/7 and in many languages.

An anonymous user of one of these helplines explained that they didn’t want to burden their family with their thoughts of anxiety and just needed to talk to someone that didn’t live with them in order to process the emotions they were feeling. The person on the other end of the call was trained, compassionate, and helpful.

The helpline provided a nonthreatening outlet during a time of great stress. While our community is transitioning into a new normal, we may still be experiencing feelings of uncertainty, fear, negativity, anxiety, depression, and even anger. Helplines can offer valuable outlets while some experience delays to regular therapy appointments. (Serve Daily submission.)

Notebook as a printable PDF download during this time of uncertainty through May 31 at goodandbeautiful.com/nature/.

Parents who have used it say it is an easy and fun way to engage their children in nature through scavenger hunts, games, poetry, sketching, journaling, collecting and more while gently including language arts, art, handwriting, science, and motor development.

With most parents nationwide suddenly finding themselves teaching at home — however temporarily — The Good and the Beautiful has seen families seeking help.

“Since March 9, we’ve had a 769 percent increase in online

sales,” Phillips said.

While some of the increase is attributed to a one-week sale the company held as they prepare to move to a larger warehouse, families are still shopping The Good and the Beautiful in record numbers, likely due to COVID-19 school closures.

Phillips, the mother of five children who started The Good and the Beautiful in her basement five years ago and now has 100 employees and a 29,000-square-foot warehouse, understands families feeling restless with the COVID-19 global pandemic.

“A little fresh air will be good for everyone right now,” she said. (Serve Daily submission.)

Foundation makes donation to assist struggling families during Coronavirus crisis

By Jennifer Durrant

The Rocky Mountain Power Foundation recently donated $40,000 to help Community Action Services and Food Bank assist residents with emergency food, shelter, and housing during the COVID-19 crisis.

The foundation donated a total of $311,500 to community-serving organizations in Utah, Idaho and Wyoming to help people impacted by the worldwide pandemic.

“Food banks and other critical organizations serve the most vulnerable populations in our communities and are under tremendous strain,” said Gary Hoogeveen, president and CEO. “The Rocky Mountain Power Foundation is committed to supporting vital community organizations that depend and survive on contributions like this.”

Community Action Services and Food Bank is prepared to help the community weather the COVID-19 storm. It has streamlined its intake and food

distribution processes. Also, sheltering and rent assistance services are done over the phone and email.

“We appreciate the generosity and confidence Rocky Mountain Power Foundation has in our organization and its ability to carry out its mission,” said Karen McCandless, executive director of Community Action Services and Food Bank.

“We’re also grateful for the additional outreach this will provide as we want to help as many people as possible and let the community know we are a good option as they look to donate resources. Specifically, the money will help us fill food supply and housing assistance gaps we anticipate experiencing as more people in the community are affected by the pandemic.”

For more information on Community Action Services and Food Bank and the services they provide the communities in Utah, Wasatch and Summit counties, visit communityactionprovo.org. (Serve Daily submission.)

MAY 2020

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Advanced Learning Center fires up 3D printers to produce masks for first responders

By Lana Hiskey

If you could walk through the halls at the Advanced Learning Center you would see they are empty of students.

The only sound to hear is the hum of eight, 3D printers.

The 3D printers are working non-stop to produce protective reusable masks for law enforcement and firefighters.

Ronda Hair and Adam Barlow have been at the forefront of this COVID endeavor, making sure those printers are going constantly.

So far, the ALC 3D printers produced masks for the Salem Police Department, the Provo Police Department, and the Payson Fire and Rescue Departments. (Serve Daily submission.)

Springville Memorial Day Program cancelled In light of current health risk concerns, there will be no Memorial Day Program at Springville’s Evergreen Cemetery this

year. We hope to see you all next year.

Thank a Veteran for their contribution to freedom.

“We take as much of the hassle out of a repair as we can, helping with renting a vehicle and dealing with the insurance.

And your car is always detailed when you pick it up!”

14

MAY 2020

Courtesy photo

Officer Christensen from the Salem Police Department and Adam Barlow of the Advanced Learning Center.

SERVE DAILY LOCAL BUSINESS

Stadium Cinemas celebrates 20 years with popcorn and candy for community

By Arianne Brown

Stadium Cinemas in Payson held a celebration to mark 20 years in business on May 2. There was popcorn, candy, and rows of smiling faces -- but no movies.

Due to COVID-19 social distancing restrictions, movie theaters around the state and country are closed. But because 20 years is such a landmark occasion, theater owner Kris Phillips wanted to do something special to thank the community that has supported her family-owned business. So, she along with Stadium Cinemas employees and a handful of businesses, held a curbside popcorn and treats pick-up event.

“For the past several weeks since we’ve been shut down, we have had free popcorn events for people to drive up and

pick up curbside,” Phillips said. “We’ve been giving out the first bag free and charging five dollars per bag after that. The community has loved it, so we decided that we would hold one more event and invite other businesses to come and join. We held a curbside drive through from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday and had a steady stream of cars the entire time. It was wonderful.”

Phillips spoke about her time as a theater owner in Payson -- a time she says has been filled with learning and growing.

“My family is originally from Alaska, and my dad decided to open up a theater here in Payson,” she said. “We broke ground in October of 1999, and then my dad passed away in January of 2000, so it kind of fell in my lap. The location has been a bit

of a detriment, since we are kind of tucked in the back corner of nowhere, but the community has been so supportive. We have seen many changes in the industry, particularly when all theaters were supposed to convert to digital projectors. That was half a million dollars we didn’t have, but we were thankfully able to get through that, and have experienced steady growth as the years have gone on.”

Phillips said nobody in the industry was prepared for everything to shut down, but she is grateful for the people in the community for being so supportive.

“Payson is a great town filled with wonderful people,” she said. “I just love the small town feel. We have our regulars who we know by name, and we have so many great

kids who come. We really have the best kids here in Payson.”

While the governor has not yet given the “yellow” light for theaters to open up yet, Phillips says that when he does, they will be ready.

“We may not have been showing movies the past couple of months, but we have been working hard,” Philips said. “We have been cleaning a lot and collaborating with other theaters on ways to hinder the spread of the virus when we do open back up -- things like limiting the things that people touch, and keeping people separated. It’s all been very new and hard, but we’ll do what we need to in order to keep the public safe.”

Phillips said that there is a chance that theaters may open up mid-May, but even if they do, new

Photo by Arianne Brown

Employees of Stadium Cinemas stand ready to deliver popcorn to community as they drive by the theater.

movies won’t be released until July. Even so, Phillips said that the theater will have older movies playing on the big screen.

“If we are able to open up in May, we will play some of the classics,” Philips said. “There are some movies that are just better in the theaters. We

hope people will come and watch with us.”

Stadium Cinemas is located at 633 South 950 West in Payson. To stay updated on happenings and when the theater will open up, go to the company’s Facebook page.

(Brown is a Serve Daily contributor.)

Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream prepares to open location in Utah Valley There’s a reason it has been voted as the best ice cream and Utah County is about ready to taste it for themselves.

Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream will be opening its second Utah location on May 6, in Lehi.

“Handel’s makes their ice cream daily in every store, which means you can taste the freshness and see the quality ingredients,” said John Ogden who is one of the partners.

“We’re so excited to be bringing the best ice cream in the world to our friends and neighbors.”

There are 48 flavors available daily and more than 150 flavors that rotate seasonally, so there is always something for every person to love.

Handel’s also offers sherbets, ices and fat free with no sugar added ice cream options. The owners and managers of the Lehi store know the ins and outs of the Handel’s franchise.

Despite the young age of the owner’s, Cole (25) and Rachel Kesler (21), they know how to put smiles on customer’s faces with friendly customer service and quality homemade ice cream.

Cole Kesler’s parents currently own three Handel’s locations in Southern California, which has allowed him and his wife to open a store at such a young age.

James Brown, the CEO of Handel’s had this to say; “We receive hundreds of franchise requests a year.

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We don’t grant a franchise; we firmly believe we gift the franchise. It is done with the utmost consideration. The ownership group in Lehi comes from a solid family. They represent the finest in people and we have no doubt they will do the same regarding our brand.

Utah County will be thrilled in our decision to open in Lehi.”

This store is located at 1249 East, Main Street #110 in Lehi. Just off the Lehi Main Street I-15 off-ramp.

The second location will be in Orem, and open at the beginning of September.

Handel’s was started in 1945 in Youngstown, Ohio

by Alice Handel in her husband’s gas station. (Serve Daily submission.)

Courtesy photo

Cole and Rachel Kesler served Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream at their wedding reception and are opening the store in Lehi.

MAY 2020

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SERVE DAILY

Dickerson Automotive’s ‘Wheels with Heart’ program help keep families rolling along

By Brylee Pace

Through its Wheels with Heart program, Dickerson Automotive was able to help a Utah County family by providing them with additional

transportation in the form of a reconditioned used car.

“This family is definitely a two car family that has been getting by with one car for some time. It was such a treat to give

someone a hand up. This family is very deserving,” said Todd Dickerson, owner of Dickerson Automotive.

Dickerson started the Wheels with Heart Program to help those in

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the community who are needing a hand up.

“Over the years we have seen many instances where good people, through no fault of their own, end up in a situation where they are one car breakdown away from losing their job. Or the mother of the family gets up early to take her husband to work so that she can take care of the other family needs, like getting the kids back and forth from school. In many instances, having reliable transportation is all that is

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needed for many families to get back on their feet and or give them a better quality of life,” Dickerson said.

Dickerson is a lifelong resident of Spanish Fork that deeply cares about this community and proud to call it home.

“All of us here at Dickerson Automotive are very grateful for the support we have received from the people that live and work in the South Utah County area. This is our way of giving back to a community that we truly love.”

Dickerson Automotive would like to thank Jada Bunnell for donating the 2002 Honda Accord, and their employee, Jeff Redick, for donating many hours completing the various repairs needed, including replacement of the engine and transmission. If you know someone in need or would consider donating to the cause, visit dickersonauto.com/wheelswith-heart-program or call Todd Dickerson at 801-794-9385. (Serve Daily submission.)

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SERVE DAILY SCHOOL NEWS

Shepherd named Grand Champion

Chick-fil-A donates to Nebo School District teachers

By Lana Hiskey

By Lana Hiskey

Jesse Shepherd of Spanish Fork High School won Grand Champion at the Central Utah Science and Engineering Fair.

After the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” orders were issued, BYU decided to continue to hold the science fair.

However, rather than doing all the judging in person like they had previously planned, BYU decided to have all the students submit images of their project concept board, as well as their research plans, abstracts, and answers to prompts from the judges.

This process took about a week, after which the

judges made final decisions on awards.

Shepherd was selected the winner of the U.S. Metric Association Award for the extensive use of the Metric System, First Place Plant and Animal Science Winner, and CUSF Grand Champion.

Along with these awards, CUSF is presenting Shepherd with a $300 check.

“Because I won the Grand Champion, I will have the opportunity to travel to Anaheim for the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair,” Shepherd said.

This will be his second time attending the fair, along with 2,000 other students from 82

Jesse Shepherd countries throughout the world.

Because of the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, Regeneron and the Society for Science and the Public have decided to cancel the fair for this year. (Serve Daily submission.)

On the Spanish Fork Community Network & on Youtube.com

Nebo School District’s teachers and staff were treated to a surprise by Chick-fil-A. Every day last week, Chick-fil-A staff showed up and donated chicken sandwiches to various schools across Nebo School District for all employees.

Nebo’s employees were so excited and felt so appreciated by this generous donation.

Some administrators and staff even dressed up in costume to hand out the chicken. (Serve Daily submission.)

Courtesy photo

Nebo School District administrators dress up to deliver sandwiches to teachers.

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SERVE DAILY ALA TEACHERS OF THE MONTH

Serrano named Elementary Teacher of the Month

By Stephanie Chingas

American Leadership Academy would like to recognize Rafa Serrano as the elementary Teacher of the Month for April.

Chingas was born in Valencia, Spain and moved to Utah last summer. This is his first year teaching Spanish, Science, and Math reinforcement at ALA. He received a double bachelors degree from

the Catholic San Vicente Martir College of Valencia.

He earned his first degree in Elementary Education and his second in Foreign Language.

During his spare time, Rafa enjoys playing soccer, hiking, biking, and snowboarding.

When asked what he loves most about working at ALA is the family feel and parent support. (Serve Daily submission.)

Hillman selected as Teacher of the Month

By Stephanie Chingas

Rafa Serrano

“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”

- Jane Goodall

Maryn Hillman was recognized as the April Teacher of the Month for American Leadership Academy.

Hillman has been working at ALA for two years teaching 7th and 8th grade Language Arts and Shakespeare Foundations.

She began her journey towards English Literature at Arizona State University and finished up at Southern Utah University, where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature and an emphasis in Shakespeare.

One of her biggest hobbies is studying Shake-

speare. She also enjoys reading and writing.

Hillman is an avid skier, avid football watcher, and loves all water related activities.

Hillman’s family includes her mom and dad, brother and sister, and all residents of Colorado.

She also has a large extended family in Utah, who share in her passion for teaching.

“Part of what I love about ALA is the community that we have and the family feel. The students are so talented.

To be able to watch the athletics, the fine arts, different performances, and then to see the aca-

Maryn Hillman demics that the students have and what they love, really make for me, ALA a home. (Serve Daily submission.)

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ALA basketball team shoots best season ever

By David Reichner

American Leadership Academy’s senior basketball captains, Norman Rentschler and Jonah Larsen took their team by the horns and demanded excellence, hard-work, commitment and loyalty, and it paid off.

They inspired, lifted up, set the example, ran practices and showed a love for everyone in the program that is unprecedented.

Because of their leadership the team was awarded many firsts for ALA basketball: First winning season in school history (15 years), most wins in school history; best record in school history; first round state playoff bye for the first time in school history; runner-up for regional champs (losing a close game to Manti High School, who ended up winning state).

ALA also developed for the first time in school history the number one rebounder (Jake Negus) and shot blocker (Colton Davis) in the state of Utah for all divisions; helping the team earn a bye in the first round of state playoffs for the first time ever.

Norman Rentschler was arguably the best defender in state, leading the region in steals (6.0).

He also had more than 15 points per game, and led in assist with six assists per game.

Jonah Larsen was the best regional player and scorer behind the number one scorer in the state of Utah, Derek Smith.

Jonah was only second in three’s and scoring to Derek. Safe to say he is a close second for MVP in region.

Bryant Farr was the sixth man of the year and led the region in charges taken.

Marcus Kemp contributed as a starter in scoring and getting steals.

What started as a season up in the air turned out to be unforgettable.

The players, student body, fans, and administration may not remember the record of 9-3 (region) or 13-9 (overall), but they will remember storming the court against Delta, Juab (twice), Union (twice), Maeser (twice), and North Sanpete (twice).

There may not be a game like beating Juab at their place in triple over-

time or Delta at home.

So many good memories and feelings to share.

ALA will be sad to lose the amazing seniors who have changed the culture of ALA. Now everyone who puts on the ALA jersey has a lot more to play for and expectations have been set high.

The younger class is proud, excited, and anxious to play for their older brothers who sweat, bled, and cried often with those uniforms on.

In the locker room after their last game the upcoming class mentioned how they want to win state the following year for their graduating class; they meant that much to each other. They loved each other like family and brothers.

Jonah Larsen said, “We will stay in touch for the rest of our lives attending weddings, reunions, birthday parties and funerals,” said Jonah Larsen.

Next year’s captains, senior Colton Davis and Bryant Farr are excited about the big shoes to fill and are looking forward to avenging the state second round loss and going all the way.

Courtesy photo

The ALA boy’s senior basketball team recorded the best record in the school’s history.

Other juniors expected to return for their senior

year are Andrew Rentschler, Tate Strasburg,

and Jason Messerly.

(Serve Daily submission.)

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Schools continue long traditions, only differently Nebo schools and students celebrate Spirit Week while maintaining social distancing

By Lana Hiskey

long festivities included;

Nebo schools are continuing to reach out to students with digital learning, at-home learning, and other creative teaching methods.

An example of keeping traditions – differently, is Maple Ridge Elementary Schools Spirit Week.

It lasted a week and started with a photograph of the school’s administrative assistants, Jen Gatley and Wendy Simmons.

The traditional week

Monday Oh the Places You’ll Go After Quarantine–dress up like a tourist and think about a place you’d like to go.

Tuesday Terrific Troll Tuesday– Do your hair like a troll or dress like a troll and pinkie promise to be kind to your family and give them a hug or two.

Wednesday

Wacky Wednesday– Wear wacky socks or a mismatched outfit and get outside for a walk or a run.

Thursday Look on the Bright-side Day–Wear neon and sunglasses and give yourself a couple of extra recess breaks.

Friday School Spirit Day–Wear your Maple Ridge shirt and show some school pride.

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Courtesy photo

Maple Ridge Elementary staff shared the fun of Spirit Week with their students from a distance.

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Social Capital Curbs Poverty

By Jennifer Durrant

In 2019, dozens of participants in the Circles initiative at Community Action Services and Food Bank made multiple strides to reaching life-affirming, stabilizing financial goals.

They decreased their debt and opened savings accounts. They also reduced or eliminated public assistance and increased their income.

Six people raised their family income to at least 200 percent of the federal poverty level.

The initiative earned the Circles USA Outstanding Ally Award and the Circles USA Outstanding Circle Leader Award.

It also had an honorable mention in the People Helping People Community Legacy Award.

Now, Circles Utah Valley is being recognized for its success by the Administration for Children and Families, Office of Family Assistance.

The recognition highlights the program for using social capital to support the employment goals of low-income Utahns.

In 2013, the Utah Department of Workforce Services partnered with several Utah Community Action agencies to help fund the Circles initiative for families and children. As part of the TANF program, DWS is invested in

finding ways to help families get permanently on their feet so they no longer need public assistance.

Circles provides a comprehensive approach that combines information and relationships to combat poverty, meeting the TANF of creating stable families and individuals.

Circles isn’t money. It isn’t things—it’s relationships.

It’s something very often the participants have never had before, just that real wraparound of people.

It’s a community that they join, that gives them hope and the vision that life can be different than the way that they’ve previously seen it.

So, what is Circles, and how is it working in Utah Valley? How Circles Works Circles connects people whose incomes fall below 150 percent of the federal poverty level with local volunteers who work as mentors or allies.

Together, they develop strategies and goals to get out of poverty. Graduation happens when a family’s income reaches at least 200 percent of the federal poverty level.

The program takes at least 18 months to complete, but in most cases, it takes more time. People with alcohol or drug addiction or mental health issues must be in recovery six months before starting the program as well as have a stable

place to live. Participants, or Circle Leaders, bond with fellow participants, build relationships with their mentors, allies, and coaches, and learn how to link with resources to improve their lives. They learn new life skills that lead them toward self-sufficiency.

Sometimes it can be hard to measure the success of building social capital.

But because the Circles initiative ties social capital to more tangible goals, success is easier to gauge.

In 2019 alone, Circles had six graduates; 47 leaders working through the program; 172 volunteers, 71 volunteers allies; a 65 percent increased income of participants; a 50 percent decrease in participant debt; 87 percent increase of participants with a savings account; a 55 percent decrease in participants on public assistance; 39 percent decrease of those on public assistance.

Behind each one of these statistics are stories of people who are working hard to change their lives and provide for their families.

Gaylene is a single mom of six children. When she joined Circles she had no idea how she would ever get out of poverty and make enough to support her family. With a lot of work and support from her allies, she secured a job with full benefits, saved up and purchased a home, and survived breast

cancer, all in the course of three or so years.

Gaylene has accomplished things she never thought she could and graduated from Circles with a stable income for her family, a stable place to live, and increased well-being for her family. She credits Circles, especially the friendship of her allies, for this success.

“One of the cool things about Circles is that it brings the community to the table in a way that we don’t,” said David Ostrom, of the Provo Department of Workforce Services office. “It takes a village.”

Though Circles has only been a part of Utah Valley for less than a decade, it is making a real difference in people’s lives, ending the cycle of poverty now and for generations to come.

For more information about how you can get involved with Circles, go to communityactionprovo.org/circles.

Kathy Givens is the Circles Utah Valley Coordinator. A program hosted by Community Action Services and Food Bank, Circles Utah Valley is located at 815 South, Freedom Blvd, Ste. 100. For more information on Circles, educational programs, how to make donations, upcoming classes, food drives and more at CASFB, visit http://www.communityactionuc.org or call (801) 691-5287.

(Serve Daily submission)

Leading Virtual Teams in Difficult Times

By Eric Liechty

Many businesses are forced to either close their doors or work from home during this pandemic outbreak.

Businesses that can continue employing their workers through this time need to treat their employees as assets and not liabilities.

Management needs to lead their employees by serving them and removing barriers.

This will allow employees to be more engaged in their work and be more productive.

22 MAY 2020

This type of leadership style is called servant leadership.

Leaders can do small, simple things to help their employees develop a positive environment in these circumstances.

The first way leaders can help their employees is through effective communication.

Leaders need to actively listen to their employees and see what their struggles are while dealing with the sudden change in their work environment.

Leaders need to schedule at least two meetings per week to follow up with their employee’s needs from their previ-

ous week and see what the leaders can do for the employees. These meetings can be Monday and Friday, or Tuesday and Thursday, whatever works best for the employee’s schedule. Second, leaders need to show appreciation to their employees and make sure to give them the acknowledgment they deserve, even if it is something very small.

Third, leaders can promote the vision of the organization to show that the organization is still functioning and staying committed to their core culture.

As leaders, I realize this is a tough time for you as well. If you will take

the time to be proactive in making a plan on how you are going to serve your employees your organization will be rewarded by your employees being more productive.

The time you spend planning on how to remove barriers and show your employees you care and understand their situation will in turn give them a sense of security in the organization.

Leaders have a great responsibility in creating a positive and productive working environment. If leaders take the time to plan, they can have both with little effort. (Serve Daily submission.)

THE FUNNY-ISH FILES

Things I’ve Missed in Quarantine

By Joe Capell

I’ve missed restaurants. Don’t get me wrong, I love my wife’s cooking. Heck, I don’t even mind my own cooking.

But, there’s something about being able to go someplace and letting other people take care of the food and the cleanup.

Here are 20 things I’ve missed about restaurants: 1. I’ve missed getting to decide what I want to eat when I am hungry, instead of having to decide, plan, and prepare meals hours (or even days) beforehand.

2. I’ve missed trying to decide which restaurant to go to. (There are so many to choose from!)

3. I’ve missed the joy of holding the buzzer when it goes off, meaning we can leave the lobby and sit at an actual table.

4. I’ve missed walking into a restaurant to the smell of food cooking.

5. I’ve missed getting the seat with the view of the television, so I can keep my

eye on the score of the game. (Remember when there used to be games on the television?)

6. I’ve missed looking at all of the choices on the menu, even though I know I’m going to get the same thing I always get, because I know it is good.

7. I’ve missed the sense of accomplishment when I find all of the words in the word search on the children’s menu (without having to circle them.)

8. I’ve missed the sight of multiple servers bringing out all the plates for the entire table all at once.

9. I’ve missed touching the plate that the waitress/waiter has warned me is really hot, just to see how hot it actually is.

10. I’ve missed being around other people. (Even those noisy people at that table in the corner.)

11. I’ve missed having someone else clean up all the mess from cooking the food.

12. I’ve missed the joy when they bring that second (or third) basketful of tortilla chips (at a Mexican restaurant) or breadsticks (at an Italian restaurant.)

13. I’ve missed eating food prepared by someone other than myself.

14. I’ve missed when my wife asks

Photo by Joe Capell

I’ve missed getting to decide what I want to eat when I am hungry, instead of having to decide, plan, and prepare meals hours (or even days) beforehand.

me if I want to try a bite of her meal, because, maybe I should have ordered that?

15. I’ve missed that satisfying feeling when the waitress/waiter refills my drink seconds before I think to ask for it.

16. I’ve missed having someone else clearing the table and doing all of the dishes.

17. I’ve missed trying to figure out

how much to tip.

18. I’ve missed after dinner mints.

19. I’ve missed taking home the to-go box.

20. I’ve missed the satisfying feeling of actually remembering to bring the to-go box in from the car.

For more funny-ish stuff, check out slowjoe40.com. (Capell is a Serve Daily contributor.)

VIEWPOINT

We’ve Come to Take Normal for Granted

By Ed Helmick

I have been healthy my 76 years (that is I have had no major illnesses or broken bones).

However, this past month I have been sick and for a few days painfully ill.

Nothing too serious that I cannot recover, and I do not have the coronavirus, thankfully.

This health episode reminded me that I have always taken my good health for granted. I think that is the optimists view of life. It is easy to take the good times for granted and normal to do so.

It reminds me that we should be grateful for the good times.

At the same time, changes in life happen and we must re-evaluate our world of normal. Then it is time to cope with new challenges and be thankful we can move on with the personal events in our

life.

Pondering the meaning of normal brought me to the reality of the current challenges to our world during the coronavirus pandemic.

We hear a lot these days about how our world will change after the coronavirus pandemic. We will have a new normal to get used to. Fighting this pandemic has been compared to fighting a war.

When I was a child, we were still close enough to World War II that my parents talked about it a lot. Every family in every town or city had someone in harm’s way, no home went without sacrifice or loss.

Life in the United States was no longer normal. My parents told me of everything being rationed. You were only allowed to buy a certain amount of milk, bread, toilet tissue, and gasoline.

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Everything was restricted for the war effort. People today forget what our grandparents and great grandparents went through and how their definition of normal changed during World War II. Personal sacrifices fighting the coronavirus pandemic of 2020 is nothing like the sacrifices to a normal life that the people of this country experienced 80 years ago.

The post war transition had its challenges, but gradually a new comfortable normal was established.

The problem is we now have several generations of people removed by time from remembering the sacrifices of a dark and uncertain time in our nation’s history.

We will overcome this pandemic and eventually transition to a new and comfortable post-pandemic normal. We

can just never take normal for granted.

We need to be thankful for what we have every day. (Helmick is a Serve Daily contributor.)

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