Serve Daily Volume 8, Issue 87 August 2019

Serving one ‘customer’ at a time

By James L. Davis

I went to Walmart a while back, but don’t be alarmed. I mostly kept my eyes averted and made it back home again virtually unscathed.

I went in search of a new tube for my wife’s bike. As I walked past the racks of new bikes, I paused and was looking at all the models and the prices.

There was a young couple with their children there as well, talking to an older gentleman. Dressed in jeans and a wrinkled button-up shirt, he was showing them the different bikes, and when they finally settled on one, he wished them a good day.

Then he came to me and asked: “can I help you?” He didn’t have anything that identified him as an employee of the store.

Normally I try and get into Walmart (or any store, really) without speaking to anyone. It’s one of the things I love about self-checkout. I shook my head and told him, “no, I’m just here for a bike tube.”

He followed me to the tubes and gave me suggestions on how I could cut the old tube and line the tire with it as added protection. I remember doing that as a boy, so I nodded and

said it sounded like a fine idea. When I wandered back to the new bikes, he pointed out which ones were on sale and the best deals.

A woman looking for a bike for her husband for Father’s Day asked him for help. She had a sales ad in her hand and was looking for that particular bike. He pointed it out and removed it from the upper rack for her and she thanked him and went on her way.

I wandered off to get a basketball backboard for my daughter, and when I came back, he was gone.

I ended up buying my wife a new bike. As I was wheeling it out of the store, the man helping others choose a bike was leaving as well. He had a half-gallon of milk and a few items of groceries in his hand as he walked out of the store.

I considered the fact that the best salesperson I’ve ever met at any store didn’t work there. It also struck me that perhaps this was his way of being part of something, of doing his small part to serve the community.

I hope he isn’t alone, but perhaps he is. And perhaps I shouldn’t be in such a hurry and avert my eyes from my neighbors anymore. (Davis is the editor of Serve Daily.)

Springville man holds treasure hunts for kids

By Arianne Brown

Shiny rocks, crystals, and gems, oh my! That’s what children in Springville are saying when they come across the many treasures hidden as part of Springville resident, Jerry Vaughan’s treasure hunts.

Several times a month, Vaughan stashes 10 of his most chosen rocks at a hidden location that he reveals through a series of clues on his Facebook page, “J Treasures.” When he decides to do a hunt, he posts it on his page, along with a starting location and picture clues along the way that children can follow to locate the rocks. Using the honor code, he asks that each child only take one, which is something he says has worked out really well so far.

“All of the kids have been really good about taking just one,” Vaughan said. “It has been so great to see the reactions. The hunts have been over fairly quickly, so I will just hang out somewhere nearby until it’s over. Sometimes kids will get there with their parents and just barely miss getting a rock, and I have several rocks on hand so I can give them one. It’s just a fun thing for me to share my love of rocks with kids.”

Vaughan, who works as a coal miner for the Teamsters Union, and is also a partner in a septarian nodule mine, has long been a rock hound. He will often find cool rocks while on the job and says that there’s just something about finding cool rocks, and he wants to share that love with kids.

“I bring a lot of rocks home, and I have

even started buying rocks in bulk from a distributor,” Vaughan said. “I’ll pick out some of the really cool ones to use on the treasure hunts.”

Vaughan realizes that scavenger hunts can often cater to the swiftest movers, which is why he has also held a hunt for kids with special needs.

“I kept all the treasures that were to be found right next to the walking paths, that way the rocks were easier for the kids to access and find,” he said. “I want everyone to be able to enjoy these hunts.”

If you think that the treasure hunts will end when the warm weather does, think again. Vaughan is already making plans to hide crystals in snowmen come wintertime.

To know more about the treasure hunts, where and when they are, and to get involved, go to the J Treasure Hunts Facebook page. (Brown is a Serve Daily contributor.)

Photo by Arianne Brown

Cruising the Loop

Scenic byway offers a pleasant getaway from the valley heat

By Ed Helmick

It is August and time to go to our cool Utah mountains. Close by, and a scenic byway is the Nebo Loop road between Payson and Nephi. However, this year there was a question if it would open after the Bald Mountain and Pole Creek forest fires of late last summer followed by unusually heavy winter snow and late wet spring. The Nebo Loop road did open a few weeks ago, but most of the spur roads are closed That includes the Mona Pole Canyon and the Santaquin Canyon roads. Most hiking trails are also closed.

The reason for the closures is due to the impact of the fire resulting in standing hazard trees, downed trees, burned trail structures such as retaining walls and bridges. The snowpack and wet spring have resulted in saturated and unstable soil, contributing to potential safety issues, as well as concern about habitat protection. The National Forest Service is assessing the damage and developing a road and trail rehabilitation plan. It is uncertain at this time when various closed areas will open

After the fires and spring erosion, we did not know what to expect when we set out to drive from Payson to Nephi. The Nebo Loop Scenic Byway is still a spectacularly beautiful drive. The 37-mile drive takes about one to two hours, depending on how many times you stop for pictures. It is a narrow winding road with few turnouts. Drive with lights on, drive slowly and be alert for other traffic, including bicycles which are popular during good weath-

er. You will, of course, see some large burn areas. What is interesting is that you will see large areas of green pine and spruce forest that were not touched by the fires. In fact, driving the paved Nebo Loop Road, you will see more green lush forest than burned. It makes you wonder why here and not there.

As you proceed southerly on the road, you will climb to 9,000 feet, and the eye-catching attraction is the scenic byways namesake, Mount Nebo towering to 11,877 feet. The air temperature was 80 degrees, with a very comfortable light breeze. As you descend you will pass the red rocks of Devil’s Kitchen. Here we have another piece of eye candy unlike anything you have seen on the drive and somewhat reminiscent of Bryce Canyon. A little further down the road, there is a nice view of the red rocks and Mount Nebo. We continued winding down the canyon to connect with Utah Highway 132 and then on to Nephi. Arriving on the valley floor, we noted that the outside air temperature was 99 degrees. What a wonderful scenic drive right in our back yard.

Nebo Loop Scenic Byway can be traveled in either direction, from Payson or Nephi. (Helmick is a Serve Daily contributor.)

Photos by Ed Helmick

Nebo Loop Scenic Byway makes for a spectacularly beautiful drive.

Driving the Loop you will see more lush green forest than the scars of last year’s fires.

Fun things to do in South Utah County

By Deborah Goodman

Getting to enjoy the natural beauties on the southern end of Utah County is one of the best things about living here. But it can be easy to lose track of some of the gems our area holds. This short list is a reminder of some of the best places to explore here. Whether you’ve lived here your whole life or are a first-time visitor, there’s something for everyone.

The Springville Reservoir (Wayne Bartholomew Family Park) in Springville near the mouth of Hobble Creek Canyon is open year-round from dawn to dusk, seven days a week.

Parking passes are required from May 1 through Sept. 30 but are free for Springville residents. Enjoy foods from the snack bar during the day. The three-acre pond is 15 feet deep at its deepest point. There is volleyball and ring toss that is available for check out free of charge. The gorgeous mountain views, pavilions, shade trees, and grass and sandy areas make this the perfect summer day vacation spot.

Hobble Creek Canyon has many beautiful hiking trails to enjoy. Kirkman Hollow Trail, Days Canyon Trail, the three trails that make up the Dry Canyon Trails, and Wadsworth Creek Trail offer well over a combined twenty

miles of hiking, where streams flow through the aspen and spruce trees, and a waterfall and stock pond can be found. All of these trails can be found up the right fork of Hobble Creek Canyon.

Hidden away in Spanish Fork Canyon, Diamond Fork Hot Springs (also known as Fifth Water Hot Springs) is a local favorite and a must-see. The trail is only two miles long one way in the summer, but since the road is closed in the winter, the hike becomes six miles one way. A popular destination, the area boasts four separate pots that are varying temperatures.

Spanish Oaks Reservoir, located on the south end of Spanish Oaks Drive, can be less crowded than its Springville counterpart. It’s open from dawn to dusk, March 1 through Nov. 30 each year. Swim, fish, or rent a pavilion at this family-friendly park. There is also a playground and a walking path.

Are you looking for a fun and easy family trail? The Dripping Rock trail near the Spanish Oaks Golf Course is paved and perfect for families with small children. It is just over one-mile roundtrip. Don’t be fooled by a few dripping rocks you may see along the way; you’ll know you’ve reached the right place when you get to a very large dripping rock with wading pools

Fishing and boating are widely enjoyed at Utah Lake State Park. According to the state parks government website, the lake contains catfish, walleye, white bass, black bass, and multiple species of panfish. Accessible from Provo Center Street, the freshwater lake of 148 square miles is also a commonly used site for bird watching. The lakeshore campground has thirty-one sites with water and power hookups. Kayaking and paddleboarding are also great options at Utah Lake State Park. (Goodman is a Serve Daily contributor.)

Locals pitch in to clean trail system

By Arianne Brown

Last winter, Serve Daily reported on locals who served the outdoors community by clearing the trails of Payson’s Forebay mountain trail system.

These individuals purchased a Snow Dog sled to iron out the trails so that bikers, hikers and runners alike could enjoy them even during the snow-filled months.

Those same people and several others have spent many hours clearing debris, weed whacking, shoveling — you name it, to make the trails safe and useable this summer and fall for the growing number of people who have discovered this rare gem located near the base of Payson Canyon.

The official trail maintenance day was June 10 and was created to maintain the nearly 10 miles of singletrack trails, many of which named after dear family members of trail system pioneers, Carey Pierce and Darce Trotter. One local rider, Spanish Fork resident, Daniel Stolworthy, took this as an opportunity to give back.

“I helped trim branches and brush along the Kayas trail and fill in some trenches on RayGun,” Stolworthy said. “Forebay has been a huge part of my life since moving here eight years ago. It has connected me to people who have become good friends and has also helped me reach my fitness goals.

Carey Pierce and Darce Trotter have created a gem in Payson Canyon where anyone can go to escape the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life and simply

take in the beauty around them. I was happy to donate my time so that it can continue to be a place of solace for me, my family and many more for years to come.”

According to Stolworthy, the volunteers split into a few groups to tackle several different areas, with one group trimming lower trails while another trimmed upper trails.

Several brought their tools to clear up trails. When the workday was over, Stolworthy said the trails were much more pleasant to ride.

While the official trail maintenance day for this year is over, that doesn’t mean cleanup efforts have ceased, says Forebay creator, Carey Pierce.

“There are many things that people can do to make sure the trails stay clean and maintained for all to enjoy,” he said.

Those who use the trails can help by:

1. Not leaving trash or picking up what you see.

2. Staying off the trail when it’s muddy, to prevent making ruts or holes in the ground.

3. Not building new trails because it can cause erosion when not done properly.

4. Experiencing the trails because the more people use them, the better they’ll be.

Forebay has two access points. One is at the third mile marker up Payson Canyon, and the other is on the east side of the road across from Maple Dell Scout Camp. (Brown is a Serve Daily contributor.)

Photo by Arianne Brown

Volunteers split into groups to clear areas of the Forebay Mountain Trail system.

I WAS SERVED

Recognizing teachers who give the gift of service to their students

By Arianne Brown

The school year is just around the corner, and as the wife of a teacher, I know all too well how exciting and stressful it is to start a new school year. This is why we’ve chosen to focus this month’s edition of ‘I Was Served’ on local teachers who have helped our children feel safe and welcome at school, and I’ll start with my own experience.

“In December of 2017, my family moved to Payson, with several of my kids being apprehensive about starting a new school, as is pretty much the norm with kids.

“When my youngest daughter met her teacher, Mr. Nowell at Wilson Elementary, she had a smile on her face. Mr. Nowell asked my daughter what she loved to do, and he allowed her to show him her favorite past-time: doing a back-handspring — in the classroom. Thankfully, she landed it safely. More

than that, the rest of the school year, my little girl smiled and went to school willingly.

“My elementary-aged sons have both been privileged to have Mr. Hansen, whose quiet demeanor and genuine interest in his students has spoken loudly for them to hear. During their time in his class, they each felt appreciated, smart and like they belonged.

“As a parent, I have been served by teachers in this community, and I am so grateful for them. Here are a few more parents who have also been served by great teachers.”

Scott Baird, teacher helped his son transition to high school

“Mrs. Capell at Mt. Nebo Jr. High went above and beyond for my son. She was willing to stay after school and help him with his math. She was even willing to help him once he moved on to

high school. Thank you Mrs. Capell for going above and beyond for my son!”

Taralyn Parker, teachers produce first school musical, make a difference in students’ lives

“Christy Nielson and Karen Grant produced the first school musical at Riverview Elementary. They directed over 100 students in a colorful and fantastical rendition of Seussical the Musical. Their passion for the arts and hard work made a difference in all of the students’ lives - including my daughter’s!”

Jacoy Jorgenson, teacher helped autistic son with bullies

“One teacher that both of my kids had was Ms. Rachel Hammond from American Leadership Academy. My son who is autistic had been struggling in school the previous year with bullies, and she knew.

“On the first day of school she was so positive and asked him to be her helper for the first week. About halfway through the year he started having meltdowns and she would take him aside and talk him through them. She always knew how to help him calm down and de-escalate quickly. She would always email me and explain what had hap-

pened and tell me how she was able to help him calm down and get through the rest of the day. She genuinely cares about her students.”

If you have a moment when you have received service, send an email to ariannebrown1@gmail.com. (Brown is a Serve Daily contributor.)

Photo by Arianne Brown Mr. Hansen of Wilson Elementary with Ace Brown, one of his students.

Aeroplanes, Trains, and Automobiles!

Spanish Fork event promises a thrilling day for young and old alike

By Ed Helmick

The Airplanes, Trains, and Automobiles event at the Spanish Fork Airport only happens every two years, and this is the year for it, on Saturday, Aug. 24. This will be a busy one-day multi-event spectacle of vehicular motion that you can really make a commotion about. During the approximately seven hours that the various events are scheduled you will see powered parachutes, helicopters, an incredible display of radio control airplanes, Skydivers, two outstanding aerobatic pilots, the amazing Flying Cowboys, and a graceful and poetic glider demonstration. On the ground, you will see aggressive “street racing” among the hangars for a cash prize, exotic sports cars showing off their muscle on the airport runway, a car show with the best cars vintage and unusual automobiles in Utah on display.

It is rare that the Spanish Fork Airport gets an FAA waiver to make possible an air show for the people of Utah County. Airport Manager has spent months to get the required approvals, and it is an exciting

opportunity to see some precision flying in attitudes that you don’t usually see airplanes flying. One of the airshow pilots, Barry Hancock, has had a busy summer flying his T-6 or the Commemorative Air Force P-51 Mustang at events all over the country. Barry’s bright yellow T-6 with the awesome sound of a 600 horse power radial engine is fun to watch and hear. The T-6 trained so many pilots for the Army Air Corp and the Navy during World War II that it was known as “The Pilot Maker.”

Following Barry’s air show performance, two local veterans will be taken up on flights to honor them and their service to our country. Danny Sorenson, a well known aerobatic pilot from Bountiful, will be displaying his skill over the airfield. If he doesn’t get his super performance biplane finished in time for our event, he will be flying a Super Decathlon that will hold your attention.

The Flying Cowboys are a new air show routine showing off the short field landing and take-off capability of three unique airplanes flown by Jason Sneed, Mike and Mark Patey. This will be action that

will be right in front of you. Mark Patey has a highly modified turbine-powered short take-off and landing airplane he has named Draco. You must see the performance of this airplane to believe it.

At about 11:35 AM If you are on the airport property, you will hear the roar of the engines and the squealing of tires as the slide through tight turns “Street Racing” around several of the hangars. Bleachers will be set up for your viewing of this event. The automobile racing enthusiasts are super excited about the opportunity to race. Another group that is excited about August 24th at the Spanish Fork Airport are the folks with high powered sports cars that will easily do twice the Interstate Highway speed limit. Scheduled for 1 p.m. will be the “Exotic Car Runway Attack.” What an exciting day and it is not very expensive as these sorts of event go. Adult tickets are $6 and kids 12 and under are $4 at the gate. You can order online and save a dollar per ticket at SFCityTix.com. The airport gates open to the public at 9 a.m. and the event closes at 4 p.m. (Helmick is a Serve Daily contributor.)

Photo courtesy of Barry Hancock

Barry Hancock will fly his T-6 during the event in Spanish Fork.

After accident, young man embraces motto of ‘Life Happens, Live it!’

By Ed Helmick

Raised in eastern Oregon with a passion for all things outdoors, including of course hunting and fishing, Jake French worked hard to get a Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Products from the University of Idaho. After graduating, he got a job with the Oregon Division of Forestry. It was his dream job, full time, and back home in Oregon. He had been on the job three weeks when he rendezvoused with some old friends on a Friday night. There was some roughhousing, and Jake fell, hitting his head firmly on the ground. He heard something snap, felt no pain, other than he was having convulsions. Later x-rays would show his neck snapped between the C-6 and C-7 vertebrae, leaving him paralyzed from the collar bone down. This very bad day in Jake’s life forced him to experience a variety of emotional cycles as you can imagine. Then he realized he had a new adventure ahead of him, to make the best of what he has. His mother gave Jake four important words: life happens, live it. He began to look at life differently and share his positive thoughts with others. Jake took his accident and turned it into something positive for everyone. Jake French has now become a nationally and internationally recognized motivational speaker. He has an amazing attitude and

enthusiasm to charge forward no matter what your challenges are. Jake has written a book titled Life Happens, Live it with his personal story and nine other stories of people who have overcome incredible challenges. For more on Jake French check out his website at JakeFrenchinspires.com.

Kenneth Vaughn of the Springville based Chairbound Sportsman met Jake last winter at a four-day expo in the Salt Palace, and that conversation led to the scheduling of a chairbound hunting trip. On the third weekend in July Jake French traveled from Beverton, Ore. to Springville for a ram sheep hunt. The hunting party traveled as a small caravan to Kelly Prestwich’s Big Mountain Hunting Ranch. Jake was accompanied by his mother, Margaret, and brother Brad to assist him. Jake was placed in a Trackchair owned by the Chairbound Sportsman Organization. The hunt was on. It was a long day, and late in the afternoon when the elusive prize ram was finally located. What a wonderful smile that brought to Jake’s face. Brad’s assistance and connection to his brother Jake was also a wonderful thing to witness. It was a great day outdoors. Life happens, live it.

For information on the Chairbound Sportsman check out their website at Chairboundsportsman.org. (Helmick is a Serve Daily contributor.)

“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!”

Photo by Ed Helmick

Jake French and his brother Brad after their hunt.

Harvesting Your Canvas

Artist draws inspiration for her work from nature

By Deborah Goodman

Artist and California native Mary Beth Hogue has taken her artist’s sensibilities to a unique and stunning level. The West Mountain resident uses dried gourds as her canvas, embellishing and accentuating their natural weight and lines.

Hogue’s pieces are breathtaking in their nuanced textures and earthen colors. She uses many mediums to embellish the gourds, including painting, carving, and beading.

She has been featured in numerous magazines and newspapers, as well as a Utah County art book.

Hogue has obtained spots in the coveted Spring Salon at the Springville Museum of Art and has appeared in exhibits in Park City, as well as art museums in New Mexico and Arizona. The community college in Salt Lake City purchased some of her pieces to display in their art hall. Hogue even has two gourds in the permanent collection of the Washington D.C. Botanical Gardens.

The self-taught artist’s pieces are one of a kind. “I carve, paint, stain, weave, and inlay the gourds,” Hogue says.

Hogue first got the idea to use gourds when she went to a leather store in Provo in 1998. She was there to buy leather for a mountain man camp when some raw dried gourds caught her eye. She bought six of them and did her magic, embellishing them and turning them into pieces of art. A shop owner on Park City’s Main Street was so impressed she bought all six to sell in her store.

“I am inspired by nature and love taking my art pieces from seeds planted to gourd canvas,” Hogue says.

Hogue’s art is a long, arduous process and a study in patience. Sometimes she purchases gourds from farms, but most of these blank canvases are grown by her husband, Mike. The gourds take a whole year to grow and dry. She starts the process around Mother’s Day each year when her seedlings sprout. Then, around Halloween time, after the first frost, she can harvest the gourds.

The Hogues lose about half of the gourds they grow. Utah’s climate doesn’t make it easy for her to produce the gourds. Heat is needed for them to cure and dry.

This work requires care and caution. Hogue explains, “when working on gourds, there are safety issues from them being moldy inside sometimes. You need to wear a dust mask and take precautions before cutting into them.”

The mother of six is now a grandmother and great grandmother. She has a shop and lives in West Moun-

tain with her husband, where she raises dogs, cats, chickens, and mini goats. She is also a songwriter and guitar player.

She believes that both art and music are good ways to keep balance and overcome depression. Certainly, her pieces are infused with a natural spirituality that

can’t be described. Hogue believes “we are all spiritual beings on a human journey.”

Her current passion is working to save wild horses from being inhumanely gathered by helicopter and separated from their family bands. (Goodman is a Serve Daily contributor.)

Photos by Deborah Goodman

Mary Beth Hogue has been creating art from gourds since 1998.

Red Cross Volunteer

To support the Disaster Services program in raising the level of knowledge in the community about preparing for emergencies, members of this volunteer team will teach youth and provide the tools to be prepared for a disaster.

You will: • Give interactive “Pillowcase Project Presentations” teaching youth ages 8-11 about emergency preparedness. These pre-designed presentations will last 40 minutes and can take place in classrooms, church groups, scout troops or anywhere else requested.

• Work in pairs, using tools such as a standardized curriculum, workbook, quizzes and activities.

The highly interactive presentation addresses home fire safety, a local natural hazard, psycho-social coping skills and household preparedness steps like making a plan and a kit. Students will learn about storing items that they may need to take with them in an emergency and take a pillowcase home with them for that purpose!

• Have a great time in this highly interactive role, engaging and teaching youth.

This volunteer opportunity is for you if you: love working with kids; have a dynamic personality that relates well to the targeted age group of 8-11(3rd-5th grade); are organized, have good time management skills and follow through on commitments; have excellent communication skills and strong public speaking abilities; are available during normal business hours as most of our presentations are done at schools.

Contact Karla Gunnell at karla.gunnell@redcross.org.

Crafting Assistant

The Springville Senior Center had a ton of beads and jewelry supplies donated to us. On Aug. 27 and 28, patrons can come and make some bracelets, necklaces and earrings. Volunteers are needed to set out items, keep them orderly throughout the day and provide assistance as needed. It isnt necessary

for volunteers to be there the entirety of both days- a partial day is appreciated! Contact Tori Eaton at 801-489-8738 or springvilleseniors@yahoo.com.

Utah County Crisisline

Volunteers give of their time and of themselves as they receive calls from and help people through moments of loneliness and crisis. Volunteers will be required to complete a training of about four hours before starting and make a commitment of at least 6 months of service. Contact Teri at 702-528-1026 or email director@crisislineuc.org.

Letters to Inmates

When you write a letter to a man or woman in prison, it is more than just words written on a piece of paper. Those words have to help with loneliness and bring hope.

The inmates tell us that letters are the most very impactful to their lives. Many men and women in prison frequently

struggle with feeling alone, especially those in solitary confinement or those who dont have regular visitors. We often hear from inmates who say your letters lift their spirits when they are feeling lonely.

Inmates write to our mail box and Fresh Start Ventures. Volunteers then send out a letter for you to respond to. Your response is anonymous. Contact Linda Donaldson at 801-874-5361 or email linda@freshstartventures.org.

Adopt a Grandparent

At Beehive Homes, we love our residents and we love our volunteers! Come and brighten residents days with your bright disposition: whether it is once a week, a few times a week, or whatever works with your schedule. We would love to welcome you into our home and share the joy of loving and serving seniors. Contact Kelley at 503-310-0338 or email behhivehomesofprovo.activities@ gmail.com.

The Cravings!

Local family finds ‘sweet’ success with their love of sugar cookies

By Deborah Goodman

A few years ago, Emily Burraston of Spanish Fork made decorated sugar cookies for a baby shower. That was the catalyst for a chain of events that eventually led to The Cookie Crave, a specialty cookie shop on Main Street in Spanish Fork, which she and her husband, Ryan, own and operate.

Those baby shower cookies, precisely detailed and artistic, were a huge hit,and one of the attendees asked her to make cookies for another event. That’s when Em’s Cookies was born.

Many call these intricately decorated sugar cookies works of art. The care and artistry that is used to create each one are jaw-dropping. Now they are booked out a month or more in advance, and Emily spends her time caring for their four children and filling cookie orders.

When Em’s Cookies became so big it was no longer feasible to bake the sugar cookies and run the business in their home; they found a space in which to house their bakery on Main Street in Spanish Fork. They decided that while they were at it, they’d expand their business, converting it into a storefront for the cookies and sell to walk-in and delivery customers.

Within the first couple of months, things took off so rapidly that it became clear Ryan would need to quit his job as a machinist for an oil and gas company. Emily taught him how to bake, and he’s been doing it ever since. “I’m grateful that Emily’s talent has given me the opportunity to bake cookies all day long.”

Cookie Crave isn’t your standard, cookie chain franchise. The atmosphere at Cookie Crave is clean, laidback, and comfortable—with board and card

games to play.

“We wanted this to be a destination place for Spanish Fork residents,” Ryan says. “There aren’t enough places in the area where people can hang out, and we wanted to provide that for them.”

Having been in business for a little over a year, Cookie Crave now has around ten employees.

Their milk chocolate chip cookie is their highest selling product, closely followed by salted caramel.

The weekly lineup of cookies is posted on their Instagram (@thecookie. crave and Facebook (@The Cookie Crave) pages. They feature the same five favorites every day—milk chocolate chip, salted caramel, lime white chip, semisweet chocolate chip, and snickerdoodle—plus three or four special flavors each day (traditional and keto).

Making a niche for itself with its enormously popular keto cookies, Cookie Crave now bakes and sells them fresh every day. With fifteen, rotating keto flavors such as double chocolate, citrus bliss, butter pecan, and almond joy, those following a keto lifestyle won’t feel deprived.

Other growing markets are gluten free and vegan cookies, and the schedule for when they are available can be found on Cookie Crave’s Facebook page. The more interest they see in gluten free and vegan, the more often they can make them available.

Ryan and Emily Burraston have lived in Spanish Fork their whole lives and are honored to have found a way to continue to serve this area.

Recently named Spanish Fork’s “Business of the Month,” Cookie Crave is open from 11 A.M. to 10 P.M. Monday through Saturday. (Goodman is a Serve Daily contributor.)

Photos by Emily Burraston

Cookie Crave is a specialty cookie shop on Main Street in Spanish Fork.

How to find relief from seasonal allergies

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you are not alone. More than 50 million Americans experience allergies every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Utah’s warm, dry climate provides the perfect condition for allergens to thrive.

Common allergens in Utah County include trees such as Arizona cypress, box elder, maple and several species of willow trees, weeds such as ragweed and sagebrush, and grasses such as Bermuda grass and Timothy.

“Seasonal allergic disease can affect multiple areas of the body, including the nose, eyes, sinuses, lungs, skin and even esophagus,” said Dr. Joshua Burkhardt, an allergy and immunology specialist at Revere Health. “For many people, symptoms can be severe enough to affect sleep, work productivity and school performance.”

Dr. Burkhardt also explained people with even mild seasonal allergies can have more anxiety, depression and trouble with social interactions. Treatments such

as antihistamines, nasal rinses, subcutaneous immunotherapy and sublingual immunotherapy can greatly reduce the severity of the disease and make life more manageable.

Most people who experience seasonal allergies are familiar with antihistamines, which are medications that help reduce the severity of allergy symptoms. Claritin, Zyrtec and Benadryl, for example, are all antihistamines. However, over-the-counter allergy medications are typically best for treating mild to moderate symptoms.

Nasal rinses can also be successful in treating mild to moderate congestion caused by allergies, but if your symptoms are hard to control, or if you can’t avoid the allergen, immunotherapy or sublingual drops are an effective treatment option.

“Subcutaneous immunotherapy (allergy shots) and sublingual immunotherapy (allergy drops) are a non-steroid option for treating allergic disease,” said Dr. Burkhardt. “I recommend these to anyone who

experiences any sort of life impairment from having seasonal allergies, cannot tolerate medications to treat their symptoms or who would rather use a natural approach to treatment.”

Subcutaneous immunotherapy is a highly personalized treatment in which an allergist injects you with pollens, molds, dust mites or animal dander to which you are allergic. Over time, this treatment can lead to a remission of allergy symptoms and even prevent you from developing new allergies.

Sublingual (meaning “under the tongue”) drops are similar to subcutaneous immunotherapy in that they help your immune system become desensitized to specific allergens, but they are not typically covered by insurance.

If you need help managing your allergy symptoms, know that help is available. Dr. Burkhardt recommends talking to an allergist about your triggers and symptoms to find a treatment method that best fits your needs.

After Tragedy, Father Strives to Spread Hope

By Arianne Brown

A red, 1965 Cadillac Deville. A baby blue 1965 Mustang. Then, another Cadillac Deville — this time, a 1966. These cars didn’t only represent collector’s items for Santaquin resident, Cornell Olson. To him, they represented time — time with his youngest son, Kaleb. Hours and hours, the two would spend restoring these cars. Those hours were cut short on April 6, 2017 when 22-year-old, Kaleb, who was a student at Dixie State College at the time, took his life.

“When Kaleb died, everything stopped,” Olson said through muffled tears. “I don’t know why. Why did he do it? It’s the haunting question of every single member of the suicide sadness club — the worst club in the world to belong to. It’s heartbreaking and exhausting, and I just couldn’t function. I kept myself in my room for two years. I couldn’t do anything but cry and keep myself from wanting to go with him. It takes everything out of you. Nobody talks to you. Suicide sucks.  I wanted to work on the car, but I didn’t have it in me to do it.”

That’s when Olson had an idea that lifted his spirits a bit and gave him hope.

“I didn’t want Kaleb to die in vain, and I wanted to help the many youth who are struggling,” Olson said. “There is so much money spent on sports and other activities. What about the kids who just don’t fit? They need help. My son needed help.”

Fueled with that desire to make a difference, Olson decided that he would turn the 1966 Cadillac he and his son were working on into a brand, and travel around in it to speak to the local schools about suicide prevention.

That’s when he was connected with a man by the name of Jorge Garcia who, along with his son, had been spreading a similar message to teens in the area.

Serve Daily reported on Garcia and his son, Kaden back in December as a  father-son duo who have been working to spread the word of suicide prevention to teens through the clothing line, Your Tribe Clothing. The clothing line has specific powerful or inspirational words with a semicolon in place of the

letter “i” to represent a sign to pause. In addition to the clothing line, the duo have been providing suicide awareness training to schools in the Nebo School District, and have even been commissioned to help create the suicide prevention curriculum for the school district. When Olson heard what the Garcias were doing, he decided to donate his cherished car to their efforts, in hopes that the two of them could restore the car together, like he and his son had planned.

“Being asked by Cornell to finish the project for him and his son is an honor and blessing to us,” Jorge Garcia said. “I grew up working on cars, and it is something that brings me happiness. When we got the car, though, I felt like it belonged to the community, and not just my son and I. So, I reached out to the community to see if there would be interest in donating labor and parts to make this a car that we could all benefit from.”

Garcia reached out to places like Provo Big O’ Tire, Rock Canyon Bank, Rock Canyon Bank, JP Customs, Advanced Powder Coating, and AutoMax to gather a tribe of community support to work on the car together. Each company, along with several individuals, have jumped on board, and are working together to help spread the message of hope.

“This car is not my car, but our car,” Garcia said. “We will put the name, ‘Your Tr;be Cloth;ng’ on it, as well as the names of those who have helped rebuild it. Each will have the semicolon representing the sign to pause. We will take it to suicide awareness events at the schools and in the community, parades and other community events like car shows to help keep an open dialogue of mental health, suicide, and hope. We are confident that the community — the ‘TR;BE’ will come together to see this important work move forward, and we are so grateful to Cornell for doing this even during his own time of suffering and healing.

To keep updated on the car remodel or to help, a Facebook group has been set up under YOUR TR;BE RESTORATION. (Brown is a Serve Daily Contributor.)

Courtesy photos

Cornell Olson of Santaguin lost his youngest son, Kaleb, to suicide. Since then, he has devoted his time and the car they worked on together to promote suicide prevention.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

Tabitha’s Way

Come to help sort, check food, stock shelves or run the Tabitha’s Way South Food Pantry, Spanish Fork. Please arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled time to sign in, put on your name tag & apron.  For safety & liability issues, Tabitha’s Way will not be accepting any volunteers under the age of 8 years old. Ages 8-14 must be accompanied by an adult in order to volunteer. Warehouse volunteers must be age 15+. Go to the link below & find the slots you would like to fill for the month of August. Start time: 8:30 am Address: 45 East 100 North, Spanish Fork  Contact: Mariela Pastrana at 801-709-8573 https://www.signupgenius.com/ go/70a084eaca723a2fd0-august

Computer Help Volunteers

We use computers to shop, bank, pay bills, keep in touch, find jobs, and watch our favorite shows. In this day

and age computers and access to the internet are essential to functioning in society. Help community members gain confidence and skills to access and use computers by volunteering in our open access computer lab!

The computer lab runs every Monday from 1-3 p.m. at the Springville Library. Contact Claire Warnick at 801691-5371 or clairew@unitedwayuc.org.

Utah County Crisisline

Volunteers give of their time and of themselves as they receive calls from and help people through moments of loneliness and crisis. Volunteers will be required to complete a training of about four hours before starting and make a commitment of at least 6 months of service. Contact Teri at 702-528-1026 or di-rector@crisislineuc.org

Online Tutor

Provide online tutoring to children in 3rd world countries. As a volunteer for Invictus Institute, you can expect:

- To build a meaningful relationship with those you tutor

- Teach students all over the world

- One hour a week commitment

- Tutor from anywhere that has webcam access

- Opportunity to teach Math, English, Grammar, etc. visit www.invictusinstitute.org or contact Kasey Beck at volunteer@invictusinstitute.org.

RSVP Reading Tutors

Adults 55 and older, we invite you to use your life experience to help a struggling young reader. RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) connects you with a school local to you that has students in need of extra attention 1-2 hours a week.

RSVP is one of the largest senior volunteer organizations in the country. RSVP places volunteers 55+ where they are needed most in the community.  Enjoy benefits of joining this FREE program: flexible hours & days, supple-mental insurance coverage, mileage reimbursement, free Sharetix event tickets, and recognition events. Contact Katie Chase at 801-229-3820 or rsvp@mountainland.org.

Help Special Needs Children

Kids on the Move need individuals to come have fun and play with children with special needs, all while making a HUGE difference for their families. Par-ents get a break from the 24/7 care. Volunteers to sign up online www. kotm.org/volunteers or groups can

About Us

call (801)221-9930. When signing up to volunteer please note that we have the easiest time filling our volunteer slots in Orem.

However, we have a bit harder time finding the volunteers we need in Spanish Fork. Please consider driving a few more minutes to help families in these areas receive the respite they need. Volunteers ages 16+. Contact Sydnee Ochoa at 801-221-9930 or volunteer@ kotm.org.

Home Fire Team

Save lives and prevent injury by being a member of the American Red Cross’s Home Fire Campaign team. Specific roles could vary, but these teams help in-stall free smoke alarms and educate residents on home fire safety, conduct neighborhood canvassing, facilitate planning events, and more. Contact Karla Gunnell at 801-372-8132 or karla. gunnell@red-cross.org.

Jail Volunteers

Volunteers will help inmates in the Utah County Jail and their Jail Indus-tries (work furlough) facility apply to and prepare for the MentorWorks healthy transition recovery program. Volunteers will collect applications, conduct inter-views, discuss & review inmate goals, deliver admittance letters, and potentially assist with transporting admitted clients to MentorWorks facilities (e.g., Spanish Fork to Orem). Contact Parker Syphus at 208-440-8601 or parker.syphus@gmail. com.

Little Warriors Camp brings the survivors of fallen together in friendship

By Ed and Janice Helmick

Little Warrior’s Camp is a special weekend outdoor experience for the children, surviving spouse, and parents of a fallen Utah service member. Its purpose isn’t just for the kids, it also brings together families who are in similar situations.

Comforting relationships are a byproduct of this outdoor gathering. Camp Wapiti, a 50-acre mountain retreat operated by the Utah Elks, is located up Settlement Canyon above the town of Tooele, Utah. The facilities include numerous cabins that can accommodate up to 12 people each, a dining hall that can seat 250 people, numerous other buildings for various purposes, and a large swimming pool. The camp is continually scheduled April through October. The weekend after Pioneer Day Camp Wapiti becomes Little Warriors Camp.

Camp Wapiti is a safe place for children and spouses of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, no one is going to ask difficult questions or make cruel comments about their loss in their lives. The Little Warrior’s Camp is a place where they can regain their childhood for a little while. They can play skill and entertainment games, eat plenty of good food, and interact with caring volunteer staff and personnel overseen by Robert (Bob) Pagnani who truly put the children first.

The camp opened at 3 p.m. Friday for registration, a teeshirt, and a Little Warrior’s backpack that contains, among other things, a Walkie Talkie with batteries, a history book by Rush Limbaugh and a blank journal for taking notes compliments of the

Rush Limbaugh Foundation. Soccer practice, basketball, and horseback riding were available until dinner time. Dinner was provided by McCoy’s Flooring and Cabinets. The evening meal consisted of corn on the cob, garlic bread, spaghetti and meatballs, followed by a chocolate brownie and ice cream. After dinner the group gathered at the amphitheater for a group picture. Sixty-one Little Warrior’s registered, were supported by about 20 volunteers. Saturday breakfast, lunch and dinner were provided by the Wal Mart Distribution Center in Grantsville. Breakfast was all you can eat breakfast casserole, french toast casserole and choice of white or chocolate milk. After breakfast came the Flag raising ceremony by a unit of the Tooele Marine Corp. The rest of the morning had a long list of available activities to choose from. The activities included; BB Gun Trailer and Climbing Wall brought by the National

Guard, a Zip Line, Water slide, Swimming, an art painting class, basketball, and an astronomical telescope focused on the moon. Then there was a lunch break that provided a huge subway type sandwich and chips. A well-known local TV character, Cowboy Ken provided some additional amusement. Then it was back to fun and games for the rest of the afternoon. The evening meal was a salad, string beans, corn, Salisbury steak, and potatoes. Later in the evening classic smores were created at the amphitheater fire pit and everyone thought that was great fun.

Sunday started with an 8-9 a.m.

continental breakfast. Swimming was available until 11 a.m. Then it was clean -p and farewell to new and old friends. What a wonderful family weekend for veterans’ kids and families who have lost a loved one killed in action, committed suicide related to PTSD or passed away while on active duty. Presently Utah has over 300 kids and families that fall in this category. The Little Warriors Camp 2019 was the sixth year of this much needed and appreciated event. It was free to those who have lost family members in the service of our country. (Ed and Janice Helmick are Serve Daily contributors.)

Photos by Ed Helmick “Elroy” helps entertain some of the Little Warriors during the camp.

Cowboy Ken and Bob Pagnani, chairman of the event.

No Veteran Dies Alone Serving patients at the end of life re-quires a special calling.  As a volunteer, what you

do or say is not as important as your ability to listen and be completely present with someone. We have projects and patients available in many communities from Brigham City to Payson and

flexible hours that fit into full time jobs and college schedules.  Bristol Hospice provides a thorough orientation and training program for all volunteers, mostly online, which can be completed at the volunteer’s convenience. At the completion of the on-boarding process, which will also include a background check, Most projects involve direct patient interaction although there are indirect patient projects as well. Volunteers must be 18 years or older. For more information contact Heidi Jaeger at 435-659-5624 and heidi.jaeger@ bristolhospice.com

Crafting Assistant

The Springville  Senior Center had a ton of beads and jewelry supplies donated to us. On August 27 and 28, patrons can come and make some bracelets, necklaces and earrings. Volunteers are needed to set out items, keep them orderly throughout the day and provide assistance as needed. It isn’t necessary for volunteers to be there the entirety of both days- a partial day is appreciat-

ed!! Contact Tori Eaton at 801-489-8738 or springvilleseniors@ yahoo.com

Crisis Line Volunteers

Utah County Crisis line Volunteers give of their time and of them-selves as they receive calls from and help people through moments of loneliness and crisis.  Volunteers will be required to complete a training of about four hours before starting and make a commitment of at least 6 months of service. Contact Teri at 702-528-1026 or email director@ crisislineuc.org.

Adopt a Grandparent

At Beehive Homes, we love our residents and we love our volunteers! Come and brighten residents days with your bright disposition: whether it is once a week, a few times a week, or whatever works with your schedule. We would love to welcome you into our home and share the joy of loving and serving seniors. Contact Kelley at 503-310-0338 or email behhivehomesofprovo.activities@ gmail.com.

Payson Golden Onion Days adding four new events

By Arianne Brown

The 2019 Payson Golden Onion Days on Aug. 9-Sept. 2 will have four new events this year that event director, Janeen Dean says will be great for the community. There’s a night golf tournament, skateboarding competition, pickleball tournament, and a duck race.

The pickleball tournament is going to be at 11:00 a.m. on Aug. 31 and will be on the new pickleball courts at Memorial Park. Dean said that the city understands that this is a fairly new sport to many, which is why on August 1 at 6:00 p.m., a clinic will be held along with the ribbon-cutting event. The city hopes that the clinic and tournament will allow

residents to learn a new sport and that the new courts will be a good resource to the community.

The Great Peteetneet Duck Race will be held at 4:00 p.m. on September 2 at Memorial Park, and will serve as a fundraiser for the historic Peteetneet Museum. According to museum volunteer, Doug Huff, the museum relies solely on private donations, city funding, and fundraisers.

The duck race will serve as an official fundraiser for the museum.

Residents can purchase ducks at the museum for $5 each, with the sixth duck free. The ducks will be numbered and registered at the museum and put inside a plastic container to be kept safe until the day of the race. When the race starts, the ducks will be

released down the creek that runs through the park. The owners of the first four ducks to cross the finish line will be able to pick from four prizes donated by local companies.

“It is fundraisers like these that help keep the building up and running, and the museum open for the public,” Huff said. “The Peteetneet Museum is a great resource for the community because it represents the history of the city. It lets people know what schools used to look like a long time ago, and it showcases a lot of history for people to see. It is a great building we hope to preserve for a long time.” For more information on these events and all the other happening during Golden Onion Days, go to paysonutah.org.  (Brown is a Serve Daily contributor.)

Opens August 12th

Payson thespians recognized for excellence

By Lana Hiskey

Payson High School’s Thespian Troupe 1025, traveled to Lincoln, Neb., June 25-30, to perform their chosen play, Women and Wallace.

Payson High was chosen as this year’s Utah State Thespian Select One Act!

Every year in June, high school thespian troupes around the world perform in this International Theatre organization, which honors student achievement in the Fine Arts.

Payson High School’s Thespian Troupe 1025 consisted of William Wood, Parker Chestnut, Candace Holdaway, Melissa Peterson, Aeva McLauchlin, and Hannah Bibler. This incredible group was under the direction of theatre coach, Rock H. White, and chaperoned by Drama Mama, Tiffany McLauchlin.

Not only did the PHS Thespian group participate in amazing workshops

and viewed productions from across the globe, but they also performed their One Act to a sold-out audience! The audience at this festival understood all of the play’s humor and heartbreak and expressed their appreciation of the fine acting from these students by giving them a standing ovation at the end of the performance.

Payson High School was also honored with an International Thespian Trophy for the one-act performance. Students interviewed for scholarships and competed in the individual events doing exceptionally well, including several callbacks to several universities in both acting and technical theatre. William Wood scored the highest out of our small band of thespians by receiving an overall national superior score and coming home with a medal. (Article submitted by Lana Hiskey for the Serve Daily.)

Retirement Ceremony Shows Respect for Old Glory

By Janice Helmick

I have always loved the red, white, and blue flag that represents our country – the land of the free and the brave. I never gave any thought to it becoming torn, faded, or too dirty to represent the United States of America.

However, Congress did and has authorized flags worn beyond repair to be destroyed, preferably by fire in a dignified manner showing respect and reverence. On July 16, a retirement ceremony was held in conjunction with Spanish Fork Fiesta Days at the Spanish Fork Arena. Ed and I were privileged to attend, and Ed documented the event with photos. This was the 21st year of the event in Spanish Fork and the 15th year that Mark Harrison was Chairman of the Flag Retirement Ceremony.

Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, and their leaders were encouraged to participate and were requested to be in full uniform. Approximately 400 scouts to part in the ceremony. It was amazing to see so many young men and women in uniform in one place.

In the hours before the event started, the scouts with the assistance of their leaders and U.S. military staff, 1,500 flags were folded into triangles and placed on tables at the edge of the arena. Simultaneously, a group of military people was organizing small logs for a large fire at a pit in the center of the arena. While this was going on, more Flags were arriving. Then it was time to begin.

At the beginning of the ceremony, a flag was raised, a bugler played Taps, canons gave a twenty-one-gun salute, and the audience repeated the Pledge of Allegiance. The military band played “God Bless America.” An Army Chaplin led us in prayer, and Mar Harrison told us the importance of the flag retirement ceremony. We were asked to be quiet and reverent during the ceremony. At the proper time, the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts were called forward to form two lines.

Each was handed a folded flag, placing one hand under the flag and one hand over it. They then marched to the center of the arena where the bonfire had been laid and lit. Military personnel in their fatigues were lined up on either side of the bonfire; the scouts stopped in front of the soldiers. In turn, the Scouts stopped in front of a soldier and handed a flag to that soldier who then turned around, stepped to the edge of the fire and placed the flag on the coals of the fire. After placing the flag on the coals, the soldier stepped back and saluted the flag. This process was repeated until all the retired from service folded flags were on the fire.

After the official ceremony ended and after the crowd of about 2,500 people left the arena, another 1,500 flags that arrived late were destroyed. The soldiers maintained a vigil over the fire until all traces of the flags were destroyed, the fire was let die out, and the ashes will be Buried. (Helmick is a Serve Daily contributor.)

Photos by Ed Helmick

Cub and Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts participated with members of the Armed Forces to show respect for the United States Flag in a retirement ceremony for flags that had been worn beyond repair. Mark Harrison (below, left), organized the event.

Jake Harward to speak on ‘Farming in Springville’ at Senior Center

Jake Harward of Harward Farms will speak at the Springville Senior Center, 65 East. 200 South, on Sept. 4 at 6 p.m.

His lecture, “Farming in Springville,” will outline the benefits and challenges of growing produce in the Art City. This event is free and open to the public.

Harward grew up in Springville. In the mid-1980s his father planted a few rows of sweet corn for his boys to grow

and sell (to keep them out of trouble and earn money to buy a four-wheeler).

As a family-owned business, Harward Farms now grows 150 acres of corn, 150 acres of pumpkins, and hundreds of acres of vegetables and fruit every year. Since that first roadside stand in the mid-80s, Harward Farms has grown to 26 roadside corn stands, providing their popular sweet corn and other quality produce throughout the state.

Each year in October, Jake and his wife operate Jaker’s Jack-O-Lanterns, a popular pumpkin patch with loads of activities and a variety of pumpkins their customers can pick out of the

patch themselves. Jaker’s has become a well-known attraction, drawing more than 50,000 visitors during October. Jake, his wife Sara, and their four children reside in Mapleton.

Levi Foundation hosts event to serve those in need

By Colt and CC Sampson

It has been two years since our beautiful Levi passed away.

Since then, we have seen a world that we never knew existed, a world full of sorrow, pain, and grief. We have also seen a world full of kindness, love, compassion, and hope.

FROM YOUR LOCAL 2-1-1 CENTER

Do you want to make a difference in our community?

The Utah County Children’s Justice Center is looking for volunteers who can spend one hour a week for six months, as a mentor to a child who has been a victim of abuse. You can be a friend, positive influence, and a consistent presence in their life through their recovery. Training will take place from September 9th - 21st.

For more information, please email Annette at annetted@utahcounty.gov.

The Live for Levi Foundation has been a miraculous source of healing power, a power that comes from looking outside of ourselves and serving others. This community is capable of making a difference. We saw the difference it made when we asked for support in raising $30,000 for Primary Children’s Hospital and it was done in less than five days.

We saw the difference it made when it helped a local family endure a life-changing accident. We are asking you to make a difference again.

The Kellen and Talysa Hill family suffered an unimaginable loss last week when their energetic, happy 6-year-old

Aria passed away in a tragic accident. Your support is imperative as we try to help this family heal.

The Live for Levi Foundation and Zuwire Fitness are hosting its 3rd annual event on Aug. 17. Join us in a walk, jog, or run in the 5K event that starts at 7:30 am. If you aren’t tired enough from that, or if you’re just that tough, test your strength in the GritIron event that starts at 8:30 am.

This is a way to get out and “DO GOOD.” All the proceeds of the event will be donated to the Hill family who needs time to heal and be together as a family. We can make that happen because we are stronger together.

Our promise is to show the world that good can be found when all seems to be lost. Sign up on eventbrite and search Live for Levi 5K and GritIron Challenge. If you would like to sponsor this event, please contact CC Sampson at liveforlevifoundation@gmail.com

(Submitted to Serve Daily by Colt and CC Sampson.)

‘I Believe!’

Interrupted by power outage, choir takes to the streets of New York and inspires

By Trudy Peck

Performing on the stage of Carnegie Hall in New York City is a dream many musicians have had and most believed would never come to fruition.

When directors of Millennial Choirs and Orchestras “MCO,” announced that the 2019 tour would bring us to that historic venue, sacrifices were made and plans put into effect by each of more than 3,000 choir members and musicians in five states.

Groups in California, Texas, Idaho, Arizona, and Utah, including men, women, and children of many faiths, moved mountains to make that dream a reality.

By July, thousands of working hours of planning and preparation brought choir members and supporting families to the feet of Lady Liberty to testify through music their faith in Jesus Christ and love of Country.

On July 12, and the following afternoon, the Arizona, Texas and Idaho divisions of MCO performed inside Carnegie Hall for stunned audiences. New York City did not expect this power delivered through music and went away moved. Saturday evening promised to follow suit as men, women, and children, some as young as four years old, began to tune and warm-up for the final concert.

When suddenly all lights except for instrumentalist’s stand lights went out, the choir just took it in stride, the stage crew brought a battery-powered light for the conductor and on they sang. Before long, however, it was clear to Carnegie staff that the power outage was larger than could be repaired quickly and the building needed to be evacuated.

Once gathered in the streets to await word, choir members did not wait long before beginning impromptu performances of “I Believe in Christ” and “In Christ Alone,” followed by “I Stand All Amazed.”

Performers were not the only ones amazed. As evacuated New York dwellers heard ethereal sounds floating over their streets, cell phones were raised to record this strange event.

Before long, passers-by could no longer pass by, and singers could not be seen for the crowd of dazed onlookers. Hands raised like a jungle of tree branches holding phones high and hoping to catch and hold the feeling these songs evoked.

One woman, an immigrant, shared her enthusiasm by stating that she would never have been inside Carnegie Hall to listen but that she was so impressed she had shared the experience with friends and family as far away as Europe.

The event was rendered even more unearthly as the setting sun reflected down the avenues of high-rise buildings in a twice-yearly occurrence known as “ManhattanHenge.”

As hundreds, if not thousands, of voices raised celestial music that reverberated from New York’s walls, the setting sun seemed to echo the feeling and painted enraptured faces in the crowd with golden rays. Who knew that this Carnegie stage would be turned inside out and Millennial Choirs and Orches-

tras would sing for all the world as over the following days the whispered words, “Did you hear about the power outage in New York City?” were shared through social media with millions.

Who knew that the testimony that “I Believe in Christ” would float the streets of New York City and then travel the globe? No person could have planned this. There is little doubt that a higher power was at work. (Submission by Trudy Peck to Serve Daily.)

Author speaks at Mt. Nebo Chapter of the Sons of Utah Pioneers Meeting

The Mt. Nebo Chapter of the Sons of Utah Pioneers had a dinner meeting with their wives and guests on June 27. They enjoyed a great catered meal and listened to a presentation on the early history of Payson. Our members had noted that L. Dee Stevenson had been posting pictures and articles in the Payson Chronicle titled “Pictures Tell the Payson Story” for a long time, so we contacted him to see if he would speak to us.

Stevenson has been a member of the Payson Historical Society for a long time and loves to talk about the history of this town in southern Utah County. He has also recently published “The Payson Story in Words and Pictures.”

The book contains a huge pictorial collection of early Payson businesses and homes, along with associated dialogue explaining the history. Many of the Chapter members purchased this book. His presentation covered the first

three families that settled Payson, then covered information on other families that followed later.

Some of the early businesses were also discussed. Stevenson is a storehouse of knowledge about Payson, and he kept the audience spellbound for the entire time. Many of the SUP Chapter Members had ties to the people he talked about, and that made it even more interesting.

The Mt. Nebo Chapter of the Sons

of Utah Pioneers and their wives meet monthly for these dinner meetings and guest speakers. They also have two or three, one-day treks each year that usually cover something about pioneer history.

Anyone interested in joining our small group can call Dan Howlett for more information at 801-361-0108. It is a fun group that loves to honor their pioneer ancestors. (Submitted to Serve Daily by Elk Ridge.)

Photo by Sydney Snow

Members of the Millennial Choirs and Orchestras perform on the streets of New York City to all the world.

Local author to hold book signing in Springville

Marilyn Brown will sign her novels about Utah, including her latest, The Black Canary on Sept. 7 from 1-3 p.m. at the Brown Art Gallery, 274 South, Main Street, in Springville.

If you haven’t had a chance to read Marilyn Brown’s novels about Utah, check this one out. The Black Canary describes the 1920-25 mining life in Helper, Utah. Prominent poet-playwright, Carol Lynn Pearson, writes “Marilyn Brown is a master storyteller. The Black Canary sings from its pages the cacophony of hate and fear through the clash of race, religion, and class, intertwined with the welcome harmony of love. That many of these stunning events are historical makes the reading a deeply rich experience.”

Marilyn Arnold, a novelist, honored analyst of the Book of Mormon, and past executive of BYU, writes, “Marilyn Brown has done it again! In The Black Canary, she has skillfully blended history and fiction in an impressively authentic setting. She takes us to the mining town of Helper, Utah, and spins a gripping tale of personal and community struggle, of racism, labor strikes, death, and young romance. At the same time, we become attached to the lovable canaries who give their lives to save the miners. Marilyn is gifted with language, with understanding, insight, and purpose.”

Novelist H. Linn Murphy, the author of The Heart of

Fire, writes, “Powerful! It immersed me in mining life in 1920s Utah so well that I kept waiting for that mine whistle to blow. . . . I greatly enjoyed this book.” The book can be found on Amazon, enter The Black Canary/Marilyn Brown. (Submitted to Serve Daily by Daryl Tucker.)

Santaquin Chiropractic opens on Main Street

If you’ve driven down Santaquin Main Street in the past few months, you may have noticed a new business in town.

Located directly across from the Santaquin post office, Santaquin Chiropractic received a warm welcome when its doors opened in April with a two-day grand opening by Dr. Dane Owens, DC.

Following a serious back injury, while playing football in high school, Dr. Owens found relief from his local chiropractor, which started his interest in the profession. He not only knows how it feels to have back pain, but he has experienced first hand the frustration that accompanies trying numerous techniques to find pain relief.

These experiences have led him to have a compassionate bedside manner with his patients. After graduating from BYU-Idaho with a Bachelor’s degree in

Exercise Physiology, Dr. Owens wanted to do more to help others achieve optimal health and well-being. It was then he decided to pursue chiropractic at Palmer College of Chiropractic West, located in San Jose, California. It was there that he learned how to be the Primary Care Professional for spinal health and well-being. After receiving his Doctorate from Palmer in 2015, he moved back to Utah where he began the search to put down roots and settle into a community. It wasn’t until a few years later that he came across Santaquin and felt it was the perfect place to do just that. So what is chiropractic?

According to Palmer College of Chiropractic West, chiropractic is a health-care profession that focuses on the spine and other joints of the body, and their connection to the nervous system. The word “chiropractic” means

“to be done by hand.”

Chiropractors, like Dr. Owens, use adjustments to restore joint function and support the nervous system. They help patients maintain optimal health while avoiding unnecessary drugs or surgery. An estimated 50 million Americans see a chiropractor each year. Dr. Owens is a primary care doctor who specializes in spinal health and adjustments; he also offers corrective exercises, kinesiology taping, soft-tissue therapies, lifestyle recommendations, fitness coaching, and nutritional advice. He is looking forward to offering a class this fall at the Santaquin Recreation Center.

Dr. Owens and his wife Hilary have one son and are expecting another boy this fall. They have been in Santaquin for one year this summer and are looking forward to serving the community.

Author Marilyn Brown will be signing copies of her latest book, The Black Canary, in September.

Dedicated teacher’s passion for music education is infectious to students

Angela Harman teaches orchestra at Spanish Fork Junior High and Spanish Fork High School in Spanish Fork, where she has helped the orchestra program grow by more than 440 percent since 2012.

Under the direction of Harman, the Spanish Fork Junior High school orchestra has excelled at festivals. Her advanced orchestra was selected to perform at the State Orchestra Festival in 2016 and 2017. Each of her groups consistently receives Superior ratings. Because the SFJHS program has grown so much, there is constantly a need for additional school instruments. SFJHS has been fortunate to receive grants from the Nebo Education Association and the Classics For Kids Foundation to help purchase violas and cellos for students to rent from the school.

Harman is passionate about music education and is the founder of www. orchestraclassroom.com, where she posts ideas and methods that she uses in her classroom. Her blog is well known

in the string teacher world, and many find inspiration in her articles. Through the website, she runs a profitable online store where teachers can purchase downloads of her books, music, and logos.

Her recent popular books, “Be An Amazing Note-Reader” and “The True Beginning: Before the Method Book” are just a few of her creations offered through her website to countless teachers and orchestra programs worldwide. Harman frequently seeks out special opportunities for her students. In 2015, her program was selected for ‘The World We All Deserve Through Music’ where renowned ‘Time for Three’ bassist, Ranaan Meyer composed a piece for the Spanish Fork Orchestra and visited in person to do a workshop with students.

The Spanish Fork Junior High orchestra won the Give A Note Foundation/Radio Disney ‘ Music In Our Schools’ tour in 2016 which included an Ardy and a grant.

Representatives from the Disney

Channel visited Harman’s classroom and filmed a commercial promoting music education which aired on the Disney channel in the Summer of 2016.

Harman was recognized by the Utah Music Educators association in 2017 with the Superior Accomplishment Award. She is currently serving as the UMEA Junior High Orchestra Vice President-elect. Harman frequently shares her ideas with colleagues by

presenting at professional development conferences. She presented sessions at the NAfME National Conference in 2015, 2016, and 2017 and the Utah Music Educator’s convention in 2017. She has been featured several times in NAfME’s ‘Music in a Minuet’ blog and ‘Teaching Music’ magazine. She has had articles published in the UMEA Journal. SmartMusic blog, and GradeCam blog.

Maple Mountain High School welding students take gold during competition

Nebo’s Maple Mountain High welding students did it again! National Champions for the second time.

The National Champion SkillsUSA Welding Fabrication team consisted of Ladd Davis, Sam Christmas, and Wyatt Justensen with advisor Jared Massic. Not only did the Nebo Maple Mountain High School team receive gold, but the Utah State University Eastern team won gold for the second time in a row with two of the team members, Tosh Davis and Ben Warnick, graduating from Maple Mountain High School.

The other team member is Nate Stagg, a graduate from Altamont High. Tyler Christmas, a graduate from Maple Mountain was on the high school National Gold Team last year and is serving as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints this year.

Another notable is that two brothers, Ladd and Tosh Davis, were both National Gold Medal Champions – Ladd Davis is on Maple Mountain’s High School National Gold team and Tosh Davis is on the Utah State University Eastern National Gold team.

The competition consisted of building donation boxes that were detailed

and complicated. Out of 75 teams, only ten teams completed the challenge in the allotted seven-hour competition time.

The welded boxes will be used by WaterStep to collect shoes to help micro-businesses in third-world communities.

WaterStep also helps provide drinkable water to these countries through kits and proper training.

Just a bit of information on these amazing students: Ladd Davis, Sam Christmas, and Wyatt Justensen won National Bronze last year and National Gold this year in the high school division. Tosh Davis, Ben Warnick, Tyler Christmas (brother to Sam Christmas) won SkillsUSA National Gold as seniors (2017) and SkillsUSA National Bronze as juniors (2016) at Nebo’s Maple Mountain High School.

This collegiate team also took National Gold last year so this makes Tosh Davis and Ben Warnick three times SkillsUSA National Champions.

The Maple Mountain welding team is under the direction of Jared Massic. One side note is that the MMHS welding team was the only team that helped after the competition to help take down

the entire competition set. A committee member from the National SkillsUSA Welding Fabrication approached Coach Massic and thanked him for all their help.

Nebo School District is so proud of our Nebo Heroes–Ladd Davis, Sam Christmas, Wyatt Justensen, Tosh Davis, Ben Warnick, Tyler Christmas and Jared Massic

Angela Harmon (lower, left), and some of her orchestra students.

Students Place in National Contest

Nebo School District congratulates two individual National SkillsUSA placers. Hunter McGuire, Spanish Fork High, placed 9th in Collision Repair Technology, and Kagen Nelson, Maple Mountain High, placed 11th in Photography at Nationals SkillsUSA held in Louisville, Kentucky the last week of June. They both had to win first place for the state of Utah before going on to compete at nationals. Thank you to Tyler Lewis, photography teacher at Maple Mountain High, and Chet Harmer, auto and collision teacher at Spanish Fork High.

Employees teach children the importance of saving

In the 2018 - 2019 school year, Central Bank employees taught 1,819 children from nine Nebo School District elementary schools as part of the American Bankers Association “Teach Children to Save Program.”

Each year, Central Bank employees look forward to spending many hours participating in these local financial literacy programs that benefit and strengthen the communities of Utah County.

“There are many facets of my job that I enjoy immensely and participating in the Teach Children to Save Program is definitely near the top,” said Kristine Fry, a Loan Assistant in Central Bank’s Payson Office.

Teach Children to Save is sponsored by the ABA Foundation and provides bankers nationwide an opportunity to serve their community and teach young children the importance of saving. Central Bank is one of only two local Utah County Banks that participated in the Teach Children to Save Program this year.

“We feel a great responsibility to serve and educate our community, which is why Central Bank employees have participated in TCTS for the last several years. This program introduces children to financial principles and provides them the tools they need to successfully manage their money—and we are proud to be a part of that,” said Mark Packard, Bank President.

Central Bank has served the communities of Utah County for over 128 years and currently operates 11 locations from the Point of the Mountain to Payson.

Kristine Fry works with children as part of the Teach Children to Save Program.

Program helps develop the minds of future engineers

UVU PREP (Pre-freshman Engineering Program) is a free STEM Summer program for middle and junior high students, which provides three summers of rigorous academic instruction, hands-on educational projects, challenging homework assignments, daily career awareness, and field trips.

The summer program lasts about seven weeks each summer in June and July. Nebo has approximately 75 students enrolled in the STEM summer program any given year. It is also available to Alpine and Provo school districts students.

The students are required to have good math grades and a teacher recommendation. The program allows incoming seventh, eighth, and ninth-grade students with an interest and aptitude in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields to receive accelerated curriculum in preparation for high school and higher education.

UVU PREP strives to provide opportunities for underrepresented and first-generation students to pursue STEM studies and careers. A lot of students apply to the program each year, but UVU is not able to accept all of them.

Nebo gives the students one science elective credit if they complete the program. Most students apply to the summer program for a STEM challenge. These students enjoy solving hard problems and learning

curriculum they won’t see again until college.

The STEM summer program is advantageous on a college application. However, some join because their friends are joining, others because their parents make them. “

All said and done, no matter why the students attended UVU PREP, the students who finish say they loved the challenge of the advanced courses; and that they made a lot of good friends in the process,” stated Sam McGrath, English teacher at Salem Junior High in Nebo School District and a teacher at the UVU PREP.

“It’s a great program with a fun staff. The teachers love teaching it. I would say that most of us look forward to teaching at UVU PREP as the school year winds down. A lot of kids are sad to end after their third year too,” McGrath said.

This summer program is a STEM program that teaches beyond the basics. For that reason, first-year students take an Engineering class and a Logics and Reasoning class which is easily the hardest thing the students have learned to this point.

In year two, the students take what they learned in Logics and apply it to their Algebraic Structures class, Physics, and Problem Solving classes. The third and final year, the students end with Probability and Statistics, Computer Science, and Technical Writing.

All of these classes try not overlap the curriculum that the students will learn in the regular school year. Most kids end their third year saying that Logics was their favorite class. Also, students listen to a daily career speaker, someone who works in a STEM field who speaks to the students about what they do and why they enjoy it.

Every Friday, the students take STEM-focused field trips.

Darwin Deming, physics teacher at Springville High in Nebo School District, said, “My favorite part is seeing the growth of the students where they start wide eyed with confusion; but in the end they are focused, determined, and capable of accomplishing the work. The students say they really enjoy the program, their teachers, field trips, and projects. They enjoy making new friendships across the three districts that attend.”

Suzanne Kimball, Nebo Curriculum Coordinator, said, “There was an overwhelming energy from the students, their parents, and the teachers and staff who participated in this year’s camp. After the celebration and graduation ceremony, students wearing ‘STEM is My Super Power’ T-shirts demonstrated their final projects from all their classes. You can’t help but be proud of them.” (Submitted to Serve Daily by Lana Hiskey.)

Grant paves the way for construction of Olympic style bunker trap

The Utah Scholastic Clay Target Program has been awarded a grant of $75,000 from Larry and Brenda Potterfield, founders and owners of MidwayUSA.

These grant funds will be used to build Utah’s first Olympic-style international bunker trap. UTYESS has partnered with Wasatch Wing and Clay of Cedar Fort, for the construction of this project. Wasatch Wing and Clay is centrally located to most of the youth participating in the UTYESS program. The new facility will help promote youth shooting sports statewide.

“This is a huge addition to UTYESS and Wasatch Wing and Clay,” said Brian Beard, President of UTYESS. “Bunker trap is something that is not currently offered anywhere in Utah. There are several USAYESS events that the athletes shoot international bunker trap in, that Utah’s athletes have a disadvantage in simply from having no experience in bunker trap. It is also almost impossible for most of Utah’s youth shotgun shooters to qualify for Olympic and Junior Olympic events

simply because there hasn’t been a facility in Utah for them to learn on.”

Beau Thomas of Wasatch Wing and Clay and an avid Bunker Trap athlete explains, “The closest bunker trap is in Montana at about eight and a half hours away, and the Olympic Training Center is eight hours and fifty minutes away in Colorado.”

Utah has many fantastic facilities for American Trap and Skeet. The International and Olympic games, however, are a whole new experience.

In American Trap you have one relatively small trap house with one oscillating machine throwing targets at 45 mph.

In Bunker Trap you have a large trench bunker that houses 15 machines, three directly in front of each of the five shooting posts, which throws targets at 68 mph. Bunker Trap targets are also thrown at wider angles, up to 45 degrees, and are also thrown higher or lower elevations than American Trap targets.

“We strive to provide and place where youth can come and enjoy a safe

shooting environment,” said Weston Berry, Wasatch Wing and Clay Club Manager. “We understand the impor-

tance of youth and shooting sports as it pertains to our future as a business and country.”

The Utah Scholastic Clay Target Program has been awarded a grant to build Utah’s first Olympic-style international bunker trap.

Local literacy program helps children develop love of reading with help of Arabian horses

Ten students visited Taylor Ranch Riding Academy for their “first touch” of an Arabian Horse and to get their Black Stallion books and poster on June 29.

The youth are encouraged to go home and practice reading to the Arabian Horse Poster in preparation of the Activity day. The Arabian Horse Reading Literacy Project is an innovative, experiential learning program—Equine Assisted Learning.

This program is committed to motivating children to want to read, enhancing their literacy skills, and developing their confidence in reading. It is an amazing adventure for the children to enjoy the opportunity to read to the horses and experience the exhilaration and joy of spending time with these amazing non-judgmental teachers.

It is important to teach children to read, but nothing is achieved if children know how to read, but don’t!

The purpose is to motivate children to discover the joys of reading and learning through the magic of contact with live horses.

The goal is to spark the imagination of children so they will want to read and enjoy their sense of creativity as they escape into a world of adventure.

On July 28 the academy held a “Second Touch” activity day, where youth were able to participate in four educational activities and read to the horse. This experience is available to any home school student or elementary school class, starting in the fall of 2019. The cost is $25 per student. Contact Jessica Taylor taylorranchlessonprogram@gmail.com. 801-824-0452.

The Salem Hills High Singers, under the direction of Justin Bills, and the Salem Junior High Chamber Singers, under the direction of Dalan Guthrie, were both chosen by the American Choral Directors Association to perform at the Western Division’s 2020 Conference in Salt Lake City.

The ACDA receives hundreds of audition submissions from choirs across the country to perform at national

conferences.

“The SHHS Singers and I have been asked to sing at the ACDA Western Division Conference at the Salt Lake City Tabernacle on March 2020. We are so excited,” Bills said.

Other choirs, known at this time that will be performing are from Brigham Young University and Utah Valley University. Nebo is proud of our these fine programs.

Thornton Taylor getting his book and meeting an Arabian mare named Rihanna

Salem choir selected to perform at conference

Things not to do while the children play

By Joseph Capell

What’s that? You say your kids are playing together nicely? They aren’t fighting, tattling, or getting into trouble? They’re laughing and behaving themselves? That’s great! Cherish these moments! But, don’t get too comfortable, because it won’t last.

You might think, “While they’re playing so nicely, I’ll be able to get something done.”

No, you won’t. Because if you try to get something done while the kids are playing, they’ll immediately stop what they are doing and demand all of your attention. It’s how kids work. Here are some things not to do while your kids play nicely:

1. Don’t check on them. Let them be. The moment they see you, it will throw them off, and the fun will come to a quick end. Just let them play. Your parental presence will put a damper on the fun.

2. Don’t try to watch them play. Most people (even kids) can sense when someone is watching them. Call it natural paranoia. They’ll know you’re watching, it’ll throw them off-kilter, and the fun will end. (And don’t try to take a picture of them playing nicely together. Nothing will stop them faster.)

3. Don’t try to go to the bathroom. As soon as you go to the bathroom, the kids will stop playing. Why? Kids are contractually obligated to never let you go

to the bathroom in peace. Ever.

4. Don’t try to talk to another adult on the phone. You should know by now that you can’t have a coherent telephone conversation with another adult while your children are between the ages of birth and forever. Every time you get on the phone, a kid will interrupt you, or you’ll have to yell out something like, “Get your brother’s shirt out of your mouth!” while in the middle of your phone conversation. (This is why you no longer have friends.)

5. Don’t try to get anything done. If you try to do anything productive (do the dishes, write a novel, take a nap) while the kids are playing, they will sense this and drop what they are doing so they can prevent you from accomplishing your goal.

6. Don’t let them continue unsupervised. No matter how much “fun” it sounds like they’re having, you must check on the kids or they might “quietly” do things they shouldn’t, like climb to the top of the dresser and jump off of it, or pour all of the shampoo onto the bathroom floor. Leaving a kid unsupervised is just asking for trouble. (You may have noticed that item #1 and item #6 completely contradict each other. Guess what, you’re right.

Welcome to parenting!) (And good luck to you.

You’re going to need it.)

For more funny-ish stuff, check out slowjoe40.com.