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Show Utah Press Association *"— , , 9 l E 3900 S. Suite 100 Sail Lake City. UT 84124 Presorted Standard U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 11 Gunnison, UT GUNNISON azette Copy Price • 75 cents Thursday, July 27, 2006 Volume 2 • Number 30 Griffin's lucky duck by MARK HENLINE Editor Over 1900 ducks were dropped into the river in Mayfield on Monday, July 24th for the annual Wild Duck River Race sponsored by the Mayfield Lions. Six year old Griffin Faatz's duck was the first duck to cross the finish line making Griffin the winner of a 2006 4x4 Yamaha Bruin. Max Lambertson, a member of the Lions Club, said when Griffin's parents, Dennis and Renee, were buying the ducks, Griffin saw the four wheeler and asked to sit on it and when he did, his eyes lit up with excitement. "When I saw that, I said in my heart, I hope this little boy wins." said Lambertson. When Griffin's name was announced as the winner, many comments could be heard that finally someone who deserved to win had won. Those familiar with Griffin know that he has had a rough start in life. He was born January 15, 2000, which was three months premature. He was considered a micropreemie because he was only 12 inches long and weighted in at 11b. 3 oz. Griffin's father, Dennis, said the first time he held his son, he fit in the palm of his hand. Griffin underwent two surgeries in the first two days of life. At one month, he went into cardiac arrest and through a miracle, his life was spared. Primary Children's Medical Center was Griffin's home for the first six months of his life and after coming home he had to be kept inside except while visiting the doctor. Even now Griffin continues to be a fighter. Talking and walking take great effort. So, it is no wonder people were thrilled with Griffin's v Boore/uunmson Valley ette Leland Sorenson receives Axtell's Pioneer Award with the family farm. He always had very straight rows of furrows and windrows of Leland Sorenson, 80, of hay. He has farmed with Axtell, was the recipient of horses and tractors. Riding the Pioneer Walking Stick in Willow Creek with his for the year 2006 at the an- father and brothers and donual Axtell July 24th cel- ing things with his family ebration held at Anthony's has been some of Leland's ark Hennne/Uunnison Valley uazette Flat on Willow Creek this favorite pastimes. Leland is a quiet person who helps past July 22nd. Jennifer Catmull and Dawna Hamblin of Signature Mortgage with Griffin Faatz on his new Yamaha Bruin. Leland was raised in family and friends by doing Axtell and he and his wife, errands, tending a furnace Donna Vee have lived there and taking fresh vegetables all their married life except from his garden. When anyvictory in the duck race. According to Lion's Club like to use this money to for the time Leland was in one in the area needs help, The Mayfield Lion's member Lee Sorenson, this construct a new amphithe- the military during World Leland will be. there helpClub use the annual duck year's fund raiser was the ater in Mayfield Park. ing. Leland's way of life War II. race as their main fund most successful yet. One The park is looking very The couple have one has always been, if a job is raiser for the year. For $5 reason for it's success is be- good with several new im- son, Steve, who lives in worth doing, then do it right you can rent a duck with a cause the four wheeler was provements including a new Kanab with his family. Le- the first time. number on it. That number donated by the good folks at pavilion, playground equip- land has farmed all of his This is the fourth year is then recorded with your Signature Mortgage. Sec- ment, trees and a larger life until he sold his farm this pioneer Walking Stick name. All the ducks are tak- ondly, because over 1900 grassy area. a few years ago. When he Award has been presented. en up the river and dropped ducks were rented out. SoCongratulations to the was 15 years old, his three Receiving the award in 2003 in. The first duck to reach renson said over $9000 was Lions for a successful fund older brothers were called was Dean Anderson, 2004 the bridge by the Mayfield raised in the fund raiser raiser and to Griffin and his for military tours in World was Elwood Sorenson, LePark is the winner. this year. The Lions would lucky duck. War II, so he was the one land's brother, and Richard left home to help his father Cowleyin2005. by AUDREY BOORE . Roll up your sleeve by DEREK SAUNDERS Staff Writer It's that time again! The semiannual Gunnison Stake Blood Drive will be held on Friday July 28th. It will be held at the Gunnison Elementary school rather than the stake center. So come on over between 3 and 8 pm and help save someone's life. In order to show you the benefits of donating blood, we at the Gazette decided to do a little research into the donation process and exactly how your contribution will benefit someone else. The Red Cross and other blood collection organizations start the donation process by signing you in and checking your ID. Please bring picture ID when you go to donate. You will also 1 be asked to read some important information about giving blood. After you are signed in you receive a "mini-physical" to insure that you are eligible to donate. They will check your vital signs and measure the amount of iron in your blood to see if you are healthy enough to donate. You will also be given a health questionnaire to see if they can use your blood. At this point you may be deferred from donating. What are the eligibility requirements? Well, you must weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health. You also cannot donate if you have donated within the last 56 days. Here are some common eligibility questions that the Red Cross wants you aware of. If you have asthma, you can still donate. If you have allergies or are taking aspirin, you can still donate. You can even donate if you aye on antibiotics, as long as you feel good and there is no sign of the infection. After your eligibility is determined, they take you in to give blood. The Red Cross will cleanse a portion of your arm and insert a needle into a vein to collect your blood. All of the needles and equipment used are completely sterile and are used only once. After a brief sting it only takes a few minutes to draw a pint of blood. The blood will regenerate within a few days. After the donation, you get to sit back and eat FREE refreshments. What a deal! What do they do with The American Red Cross assists a volunteer blood donor. See RED CROSS, Page 2 Courtesy Photo |
