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Show utan yress Association 1521 E3900SSte 100 Salt Lake City UT 84124-1550 II..I..!..!...II..1.1.1..!...!!,I,I ,1,1.11, Sports: Snyder in Rose Parade, A12 | Schools: MMHS students visit DC, A6 Guardian of Your Community News Che SERVING SPANISH FORK SALEM • MAPLETON •WOODLAND HILLS • ELK RIDGE formerly The Spanish Fork News VOL. 4 / NO. 52 Christy Hardman STAFF WRITER Cary Robarge of Robarge Collision presented a 2002 Pontiac Bonneville, a completely refurbished vehicle, to a deserving member of the Spanish Fork community on Dec. 23. The Robarg;es invited other businesses in the community to donate their time and skill to the give-away this year, to help prepare and maintain the vehicle. The businesses that participated are Dickerson Automotive, Western States Insurance, Big O Tires and The Oil Change. "This tradition is one that is near and dear to my heart," Cary said when presenting the vehicle to Dan Holden of Spanish Fork. The Robarges have been carrying on the tradition for five years, started by Cary's former boss, Dave Adams. Cary said they choose a vehicle early in the year that has been totaled out by an insurance company, and fix it up, donating their labor and the parts, and then choose an individual who is "worthy and deserving" to receive it. Holden was nominated to receive the vehicle for his many hours of volunteering at Canyon Elementary, where three of his five children attend school, and for the example he sets for the community. Holden is also the president-elect of the Canyon Elementary PTA. According to the press release issued by Robarge Collision, all the teachers and administrators of Canyon have declared him the most involved single parent they've ever seen or met. Holden received a phone call a few days prior to the presentation that he would be receiving and award, but until Cary gave him the keys of the Pontiac Bonneville 2002, he had no idea what he was getting. Judy Robarge said they have been looking for an individual to receive the vehicle since early November. "All of us felt like he was the one. He was very, very deserving," said Rachelle Barber of Western States Insurance. Western States donated gifts that they wrapped and then packed inside the car. They also provided the luncheon for those attending the give away event. Rachelle had the opportunity to purchase the gifts. She said that they knew the kids' names and their ages, but not their needs. "So we just bought fun things," she said. Rachelle Barber said that they received $325 worth of gift cards from various businesses throughout the valley to compliment the give-away, which were presented to Holden along with the vehicle. Holden received the keys to the car with tears running down his cheeks. He has been driving what he calls his "$500 special," a mid '80s Dodge Aires K that he WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2009 50?! nates car to family i aree Co r f entinel bought from an old woman. Prior to that he drove a 1992 Saturn, but he said after he "clipped another vehicle" the alignment was off, and the car wasn't worth putting more money into to fix. Holden said he was "overwhelmed" by the gift. He said he loves to volunteer for his kids' classes. "I have a wonderful boss, a person 1 owe a lot to, who lets me go on field trips, assist with show and tell, bring popsicles to field day, or whatever I want to do with the schools," Holden said. "I get twice the reward out of it ed Namon Bills / The Sentinel HOLIDAY SURPRISE: Dan Holden reacts to the announcement that he and his family would be getting a new car. than the kids get." To all who participat- ed, Holden said through tears, "Thank you so much. This is most unexpected. Thank you to everyone." Christmas Eve Vigil Namon Bills / The Sentinel LIGHTING THE WAY: Members of the Salem Youth Council gathered at the Salem Cemetery on Dec. 24 to prepare luminaries for the candlelight vigil that evening. The council used over 500 bags decorated by local elementary students. After the bags were weighted down with sand, a candle was placed in each one and they lined the entryway to the cemetery. Early Deadline Because of the New Year's holiday, The Sentinel will have an early deadline this week. All submissions for the Jan. 6 edition need to be in by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30. |