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Show N S \V S A8 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2007 Spanish Fork Covering what matters most Local Scouters receive Silver Beaver Four Spanish Fork scout leaders have been honored with the Silver Beaver Awards, one of the highest awards given to volunteers in the scouting movement. Jim Biesinger, Tracy Frandsen, Boyd Nielsen, and Jeff Peery were recognized at a ceremony for the Utah National Parks Council at BYUonSept. 15,2007. Jim Biesinger and his sons have spent many hours helping the Utah National Parks Council's Orem Service Center become what it is. Jim made up the shortfall in Friends of Scouting funds for his ward and spent two days in the Uintahs searching for Garrett Bardsley. "Work hard and prepare well and leave the special effects to the Savior," Biesinger often taught his scouts. Tracy Frandsen currently serves as the commissioner of the Palmyra District of the Utah National Parks Council. Previously he served as the district chairman and was responsible for district activities such as pow wows, Webelos Woods, Cub Day Camp and Klondike Derbies. He has also taught at roundtables and provided courts of honor for the wards in his LDS stake. Boyd Nielsen's outdoor skills in survival and map reading enable him to carry out scout activities other units may not be able to handle — a 50-mile hike from the Spanish Fork Gun Club over the mountains to Salem Peak, Payson Lakes, Blackhawk Campground and down to Bennie Creek, up to the Nebo Loop road, on to the top of Mt. Nebo and down to the freeway. Another trip took them down the Green River to the Mineral Bottoms in Utah — 68 river miles! Boyd has taught these skills to countless young men over the years. Boyd and Hal Black, a scientist, even took Venturers to a hibernating bears' den. Typical of Jeff Peery hs ability to inspire young men is the story of how one scout in his New Scout patrol had to choose between baseball practice and scouts. He chose scouts because "Mr. Peery says it makes me a belter man!" Peery proudly wears the Eagle pin earned by that young man and those of three others. Peery was also able to coax a young scout with Down Syndrome to leave the side of a swimming pool and earn his swimming merit badge and, ultimately, his Eagle rank, without any adjustments being made for his disability. The Silver Beaver is given to volunteer scouters for distinguished service to youth in all areas of scouting, including administration, training. Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Varsity Scouting, Venturing, and Exploring. The Silver Beaver Award comes without solicitation to those chosen. The number of awards is based upon the number of units registered in the local council. This year, the Utah National Parks Council presented 91 Silver Beaver Awards. The keynote speech at this year's ceremony was given by LDS Church Primary General President Cheryl Clark Lant. Courtesy photos HONOREES: Pictured receiving their Silver Beaver awards are, Jim Biesinger (above), Boyd Nielson (top right), Jeff Peery (middle right) and Tracy Frandsen (bottom right). Trick-or-treat: From STUDENTS • A l Primary Children's Medical Center. Carrigan said that he approached Shepherd's mother about their idea and she told them that, "anything they could do would help." So, the three high school students immediately went to work making phone calls to friends and putting out announcements at school in an effort to recruit volunteers for Halloween night, where they would, "trick or treat for change" in behalf of their friend. Even before Halloween, Stockey and Watkin spent lunch hours asking for donations from students at the high school. Stockey said that while it was somewhat uncomfortable to ask for money, she was really impressed with how giving the students were. In the two days' worth of lunch periods, they were able to collect $70 in change from the students. "One guy walked up to us and handed us ten dollars," Stockey said, "he didn't really know Shawn, but just wanted to be supportive." While they hoped Halloween night would be even more successful, the group admitted to being somewhat disappointed with the low tum out. "We had a lot of people who told us they were coming and didn't show up," Watkin said. "And some of them bailed out early," Carrigan said, "after they felt weird asking for money from people." "Having more people," Stockey admitted, "Would have made a big difference." In the end, however, classmates Rylee Seamons and Kylee Berry proved to be true to their word, as the two joined Carrigan, Watkin and Stockey to finish what they had started. When asked why she joined the group, Berry said she thought, "It was a good cause to be a part of and it was something cool, to pull Spanish Fork together." And despite being low in numbers, the five students were able to collect another $80 in change by the end of the night. Carrigan said he was really Veterans: From COUNTRY • A l Legionnaires in the area) to attend a week-long retreat where they experience the workings of government firsthand. They elect senators and a governor, and some students are also selected to attend the national event in Washington, D.C. The experience helps high school students gain a greater appreciation for the way their government is set up, and for the ideals on which the nation was founded. In addition to all these programs, the veterans of the American Legion make a difference in small ways. "We encourage people to fly the American flag," said Banks. "I have my flag flying in my yard all the time. And we tell people to get out and vote, to exercise that privilege they have. We educate people about being respectful and taking off their hats when the flag passes by on the parade route, and other things like that." As Veterans Day approaches, we are particularly thankful for the local veterans that do so much for our community. The American Legion's efforts to promote patriotism and encourage appreciation for America remind us just how much we have to be grateful for. School assembly schedule, Heather Campbell / Spanish Fork News TRICK OR TREAT: Cody Carrigan, Courtney Stockey, Rylee Seamons, Sophie Watkin and Kylee Berry donated their time on Halloween, going door to door collecting donations for Shawn Shepherd, who was diagnosed with Leukemia. impressed by how generous people were. "I'm sort of pessimistic, so it went better than I thought," he said. Carrigan admitted to being surprised by how willing people were to donate, and spoke in behalf of the entire group saying he would like to thank all of the people who supported the "trick or treat for change." •V ALPHA TEAM 8:00 a.m. meet at memorial building for briefing 8:45 a.m. Larsen 9:25 a.m. Spanish Oaks 10:00 a.m. East Meadows 10:35 a.m. Canyon 11:10 a.m. Rees 12:45 p.m. Brockbank 1:20 p.m. Riverview 2:05 p.m. Park BRAVO TEAM 8:00 a.m. meet at memorial building for briefing 9:00 a.m. ALA (three groups) 10:45 a.m. Foothills 12:45 p.m. Mt. Loafer 1:30 p.m. Salem 4 |