OCR Text |
Show Sentinel C2 • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2009 Editorials Investing in Humanity C2-C3 Mayors' Corner C3 Columns C5 on local examples of hope and inspiration. They include stories of local and Newsprint Musings international outreach on the part of Namon Bills individuals and corporations. Tifie Humanitarian seeks to bring resources to enterprising individuals, helping them Welcome to our annual Christmas special section. I love Christmas as a become self-reliant. Neil and Vicki Petime of year when people turn their terson are gathering books to establish a hearts outward, a time when we think library in Liberia. Rachelle Orton saw a neighbor's need and organized the commore of others than of self. munity to help meet it. Some scholars indicate that Christ Investing in humanity can come in was not actually born in December, and ways large and small. In this year's critics point to origins of our Dec. 25 Christmas section, in addition to our holiday in pagan midwinter festivals. traditional holiday features, we're Intellectually, I can accept these arguments, but emotionally I'm all for leav- continuing this focus on those who ining Christmas right where it is. I believe vest in humanity, bringing you stories there's a psychological need for some- of just a few of our many neighbors thing to brighten our lives during the and friends who bring a light to others darkest time of the year. And after all, in dark times. While investing in humanity in isn't that what Christmas is all about, many cases means sacrifice, investproviding a light in dark times? ments also bring the promise of reFor many these have been dark times indeed. Myla Dutton of the area turns. I asked some of our local "infood bank, Community Action Ser- vestors" in humanity what they would vices, said the food bank has more identify as their returns. For the past three years, the Alger than doubled the monthly number of family of Woodland Hills has been meals it's given out since 2007. More involved in the Village of Hope prothan 60 percent of the people coming to them for help this year are com- gram, helping Ethiopian families work ing for the first time. Even those who together and benefit their community. Dan Alger said he doesn't view are still on their feet financially have taken a hit. Investment portfolios have what he's doing as a sacrifice at all. dramatically decreased in value and some saw their life savings disappear as the stock marked plunged. But in the midst of the darkness there are people who invest not only in stocks and bonds, but in their fellowman. They invest in humanity. I wasfirstintroduced to the concept of investing in humanity by Steve Hardman, from a conversation he'd had with Steve Boothe. I recently spoke with Boothe about the idea. He said at the time he was thinking specifically about a microlending organization set up by B YU so that residents of thirdworld countries could get small business loans to pull themselves out of poverty. Boothe also pointed out that there are other ways to invest in humanity. Some of these have been featured this month in Christy Hardman's series Stories of Inspiration . . . . C6—Cll Kids' Pictures Dl Candle Lighting D2 What Can I Give Him? D3 Mapleton Tree Lighting D4 r;^C^:^.-.l^D5: Holiday Recipes Salem Lights Parade D6 42 East 300 North Spanish Fork, UT 84660 Lane Henderson Namon Bills Dana Robinson Christ)1 Hardman Christmas Special Section Publisher Editor Assoc. Editor, Advertising Director Ad Design The entire content of this special section is Copyright © 2009 The Sentinel. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the editor or publisher. "I don't know that I'm giving a lot, to be honest. ... When I go there, I learn a lot from them," he said. Last year, in their inaugural school year, Salem Hills High School partnered with the Make-A-Wish program to grant a wish to fellow student Sarah Prince, who had an inoperable brain tumor. Assistant Principal Brenda Bunsaid the experience was invaluable for the entire school as they became one in purpose through serving one of their own. "The Make-A-Wish project gives every student a chance to know that they have contributed in some way to the whole," she said. She said the "returns" are immeasurable and will last throughout the lives of those involved. "The outcome: our ability and courage to face our own challenges was increased and our belief in our ability to make a difference in the life of another was strengthened. An outcome certainly worth the investment as the dividends or payoffs will continue on into the future as our students take this experience with them," she said. For some the return on their investment is unexpected. Myla Dutton told the story of a couple who have donated generously to the food bank every year. This year, because of the poor economy, they found themselves needing help from the very organization they have helped support. "Who we are serving is us," Dutton concluded. Ultimately this is true of all investments in humanity — the returns far outweigh the sacrifice. That's when we realize that our investment has come back to us a hundredfold, that we have enriched our own lives through enriching the lives of others. It may not follow the laws of finance that you gain by giving away, but it does follow a higher law, given by him whose namesake Christmas is, even the Light of the world. And after all, isn't that what Christmas is all about? BOOTHE BROS. MUSIC ATWOOD — FAMILY DENTISTRY — With U s ,You're F a m i l y 135 North Main Street, Spanish Fork Phone:801-798-7650 Acoustic 3/4 Guitar Electric Bass Reg SI 99.95 Reg $??.9V Complete package* Complete package* $249.95 $119.95 Reg $149.9 includes guitar strap • gig pics electron! tuner with this coupon 5-Piece Drum Complete w/cymba & throne 'Includes: • guitar • amp • tuner • gig bag • strap • pics with this cou Prices Good thru December 3 1 In-store Specials Reg $799.95 with this coupon Full-size Acoustic Guitar Electric Guitar $99.99 guitar only Reg $169.95 Complete Complete package* Reg $205.9; •includes: • guitar • strap • gig •" • pics • electrc tuner Reg 5402 Reg $342 with this coupon 'Includes: • guitar • amp • tuner • gig bag • strap • pics w j t n this coupon Rickard M. Atwood DDS Mickael R. Atwood DDS Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! |