Class of 1946 Reunion

The 1946 graduating class of North Emery High School gathered for their class reunion on Sept. 6 at Bear Creek Campgrounds in Huntington Canyon.  The Class of 1946 have met every other year for a reunion since their graduation.  There were 22 students in the graduating class of 1946.  Those who attended the reunion with their loved ones include:  Rex and Alice Wison, Val and Darlene Young, James and Shirley Mangum, Bonnie Johansen, Roy and Zona Jensen, Earl and Karla Gunderson, Phillis Poloni, Don Allred, Jean and Jerry Huntsman, Dean Young, Jack and Hazel Allred, Izabelle Oveson, Emma and Ken Prince, Geraldine and Ralph Walters, Hazel McMullin, Mar and Bonnie Grange and John Oliver (not pictured).

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Evert William Winder
“Popie”
1933 ~ 2008

PRICE - Evert William Winder age 75 passed away suddenly, doing what he loved best in Elmo, Utah on September 2, 2008.  Evert was born on February 4, 1933 in Peerless, Utah to Thelma Black Winder and Virl Evert Winder.  He Married Gloria Adeline Piccolo on August 23, 1952 in Huntington, Utah, later their marriage was solemnized in the Manti LDS Temple on June 17, 1972.
Evert left a legacy of dedication and hard work and lived an exemplar Christ like life.  He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend.  He served his country in the United States Army as a Para Trooper. Evert served on many boards throughout Carbon and Emery Counties.  He was a member of the LDS church, and served in many callings.  He worked for many years in the Coal Industry in both counties, as a Federal Mine Inspector.  He worked as Safety Superintendent for American Coal Company later known as Energy West.  He obtained his Mine Foreman and Mine Fire Boss Papers in Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming.  He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his loving wife Gloria, his four children; Rebecca (Pete) Palacios, Maureen (Scott) Wheeler, Ellie (Tracy) Jones, Todd (Brenda) Winder, sixteen grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren, sisters; Emma LaRae Weber, Dorothy Elaine Winder, and brother; Johnny Junior Winder.
Preceded in death by his father, mother, and four brothers and sisters.
Funeral services were September 6, 2008 at the Price LDS Stake Center (150 South 500 East).  Interment was in the Elmo Town Cemetery.  Services are in the care of Fausett Mortuary.

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Rex Bernard Johnson

HUNTINGTON - Rex Bernard Johnson age 85 passed away of natural causes on August 30, 2008, at his home in Huntington, Utah.  Rex was born April 18, 1923, in Huntington, Utah, to Peter Ellis Johnson and Aurilla Oveson Johnson.
Rex grew up in Huntington and graduated from North Emery High School in Huntington.  Following graduating he moved to Salt Lake City where he worked odd jobs for a short time before enlisting in the U.S. Military as a Marine.  After his Military Service he moved to Los Angeles where he worked as a bus driver, then in aviation with North American Aviation, Douglas Aircraft, and Royal Industries.  Following his retirement in 1987 from Sargent Industries, he moved back to Huntington where he spent the rest of his life.
He is survived by sister-in-law, Fanny Johnson and nieces and nephews; Bill Huntington, Cleveland, Cathy Huntington, Houston, TX, Dick Huntington. Orangeville, Betty Naylor, Salt Lake City, Ann Kidd, Huntington, Jeff Huntington, Salt Lake City, and Sandra Curtis, Castle Dale. 
Preceded in death by parents, brothers; Osmer and Ronald, sisters; Louise and Aurilla.
Funeral Services  were September 4, 2008 at Fausett Mortuary (680 East 100 South) in Price. Interment  was in the Huntington City Cemetery.  Services were in the care of Fausett Mortuary.

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Tressie Politano

HELPER-Tressie Politano, a life long resident of Carbon County passed away September 1, 2008 at the Turnquist Retreat Center in Elmo, Utah where she has resided for the last seven years.
Tressie was born in Scigliano, Italy to Santo and Francesca DeCaro Sacco on January 1, 1914.  She immigrated to America at age seven with her mother and uncle Rosario Sacco to meet her father living in Carbon County.
She graduated from Carbon High School and was a student at Carbon College in Price.
Tressie married Pete Politano February 14, 1934 in Grand Junction, Colorado who preceded her in death on July 20, 1969.
She accomplished many things in her life time.  She was a time keeper for DRGW Railroad and manager for Singer Sewing Machine in Price.  She was a licensed beautician, and licensed practical nurse.  In her later years she was employed at Chuck’s Pharmacy in Helper.
Preceded in death by her husband, Pete, sisters and brothers, Dora Prazza, Rose Milano, Robert and Rudy Sacco; and a infant brother, Vincent Sacco.
She is survived by her son, Frank (Patricia) Politano; sister, Gloria Arnone; grandchildren, Gena M. Politano (R. Scott Maxfield), Monica (Ted) Frederick; great-grandchildren, Sarah, Jacob and Eleanor; and many loving nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the staff at Turnquist Retreat for their many years of loving and tender care of Tressie.
Funeral Mass was September 6, 2008, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Helper.  Committal service was in Price City Cemetery.  Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home.
 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tressie’s name to Turnquist Retreat Center, 95 North Center, Elmo, Utah 84521.

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Helen P. Robertson

SPRING GLEN-Our loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and longtime friend, Helen Pero Robertson, age 86, passed away peacefully August 30, 2008 at Castleview Hospital in Price.
She was born October 25, 1921 in Murray, Utah to Frank and Mary Pirillo Pero.
Married Floyd John Robertson, March 9, 1940 in Price, Utah; he died on April 20, 1974.
Helen lived her life for her family and friends, and was happiest when she was caring for others.  She was an excellent cook and will be long remembered for her famous raisin cookies that she shared with everyone for the holidays.  She enjoyed knitting, making afghan’s, and watching cooking shows on the TV.  She loved the color red, and the beauty of roses. 
Helen loved children and worked as a lunch lady at Durrant Elementary in Price for 19 years.  She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and always made sure she had a little something special for everyone.  She loved family outings and was always ready for the bus trips to Wendover with her sister Ruby.  We love you Helen, and you’ll be dearly missed by all.
Survived by her sons, Scott J. (Pat) Robertson, Dale F. (Annie) Robertson, both of Spring Glen; sisters, Ruby and Marian; 8 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents, husband, infant daughter, Helen; son, Jack Robertson; and many brothers and sisters.
Funeral service was September 3, 2008 at Mitchell Funeral Home.  Interment was in the Price City Cemetery.

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MaryAnn Young Fillmore

LAWRENCE - MaryAnn Fillmore age 52, passed away September 1, 2008.  She was born April 16, 1956 to Brigg Jr. and Francis Ellen Fausett Young in Heber City, Utah.  She married Blair J. Fillmore on December 6, 1975 in Price, Utah and had spent the last 34 years living in Lawrence.
MaryAnn attended Bryman Medical School where she attained her Medical Assistant Certificate, she also attended Weber State and attained  her Respiratory Therapist License. She worked as a Phlebotomist, and also a Respiratory Therapist at Castle View Hospital for 30 years.  She enjoyed her children, especially her special blessing later in life with a baby boy, Brandon.  She was a  excellent grandmother to Gracie and Gentrie, “no time is a bad time for a tea party or the same old story over and over”.  MaryAnn enjoyed experimental cooking even though the perfect roast eluded her, she dabbled in every craft she could find. 
She is survived by her husband; Blair J. Fillmore children; Teresa (T.J.) Hansen, Spring Glen, Jacob (Megen) Fillmore, Lawrence, Brandon Fillmore, Lawrence, two granddaughters,  Sisters; Cindy (Blaine) Fillmore, Lawrence, Kim (Scott) Miller, Phoenix AZ, Lynn (Kurt) Mortensen, Price.  Preceded in death by parents and nephew.
Funeral services was September 6, 2008, at the Huntington LDS Church 5th Ward Chapel. Interment was in the Castle Dale City Cemetery.  Services were in the care of Fausett Mortuary.

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Martin Levan Hamaker

PRICE - Martin Levan Hamaker, age 95, of Price, Utah passed away August 30, 2008 at Castleview Hospital.  He was born to Levan and Mary Elizabeth Jenkins-Hamaker on May 14, 1913 in Vernal, Utah.  He married Ida Ellen Tweddell on June 10, 1944 in Bennett, Utah.
In 1932, he entered CC Camp in the Vernal area and served for a year.
He worked for Alfred Kuhn in Sacramento, California from 1934 – 1941 then entered the United Sates Army on March 18, 1941.  He served until November 6, 1945.  Later moved to Vernal to work at the phosphate plant from 1960 – 1966.
He operated heavy equipment for Hiawatha and Wattis coal mines then retired in 1975 from Hiawatha.
He enjoyed farming, welding, fishing, lapidary, poetry, and inventing.
Because of his willingness to serve and compassion for others, he made countless friends.
He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and has a granddaughter currently serving as an LDS missionary in the Charleston, West Virginia mission.
Martin is survived by his children: Martin (Vonna) Hamaker of Moab, Marion (Gloria) Hamaker of Price, Glenice (Danny) Bentley of Vernal, and Coreena (Scott) Johnson of Price; nineteen grandchildren; thirty-four great-grandchildren; three brothers; two sisters; and numerous extended family members.
Martin is preceded in death by his lovely wife, Ellen; grandson, Jason Wayde Hamaker; parents; four brothers; and two sisters.
Funeral Services were September 5, 2008 at the Price 3rd Ward.  Interment with military honors was in the Price City Cemetery.  Services are in the care of Fausett Mortuary.

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Barbara Hamelwright Bliss

PRICE- Barbara Olene Jensen Hamelwright Bliss passed away on Saturday, September 6, 2008 at the age of 93.  She was surrounded by loving family at the time of her passing.
Born in Molen, Utah to Stanley and Eudora Caldwell Jensen, she attended schools in Carbon and Emery counties.
Married Lee Hamelwright in 1930, he later died in an auto accident.  They were the parents of twins, Ray and Faye.  Married Howard Bliss in 1938 and they were parents of three children, Gary, David, and Kathy.
Barbara was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints.  She attended Excelsis Beauty School in 1937 where she became a licensed cosmetologist.  When her family was raised she pursued her life’s dream and graduated from Carbon College in 1956 as a Licensed Practical Nurse.  For the next 30 plus years she was actively involved in the field of nursing with a personal commitment to improving education and work status of Licensed Practical Nurses.  Barbara Bliss was a member of the Utah Association for Licensed Practical Nursing and from 1956 to 1960 she served as secretary and president at the district level and from 1960 to 1970 she was secretary, first vice president and president at the state level.  She served as Executive Director of the UALPN from 1970 to 1985.  Active on state and national boards, Barbara was appointed to the Utah State Board of Nursing where she served for 15 years - one of the longest terms on record.  She was a member of the National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service board for 8 years.  While on the board she held the position of second vice president for two years.  Barbara’s Bliss’s commitment to quality nursing was recognized in the Community Leaders of America in 1969, 70, and 71; Dictionary of International Biography, 1972; World’s Who’s Who of Women, 1973; International Who’s Who of Community Service, 1973.  Since her retirement in 1985 Barbara has devoted her time to her family and compiling the family history.
The family expresses thanks to Dallan Skelley and the staff at Beehive Homes, and to Rocky Mountain Hospice for their support during these last few months.
She is survived by her children, Ray (Kay) Hamelwright, Ft. Worth, TX; Faye Kay, Salt Lake City; Gary Bliss, Palm Springs, CA; Kathy (John) Yoklavich, Helper; ten grandchildren, twenty seven great-grandchildren, and five great-great grandchildren; daughter-in-laws, Karen Bliss Jones and LouJeanne Bliss Lefler.
Preceded in death by her parents; husbands, brother, Keith Jensen; son, David Bliss; granddaughter, Camille Yoklavich; and infant great-grandchildren, Taylor and Alex.
Funeral service, Wednesday, September 10, 2008, 11:00 a.m. Mitchell Funeral Home.  Family will be at Mitchell’s Tuesday evening from 6:00-7:00 p.m. and Wednesday one hour prior to service.  Interment, Price City Cemetery.

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Tillie Winder

HUNTINGTON- Matilda “Tillie” C. Pomani-Winder, age 90, entered into rest September 6, 2008 in Ferron, Utah.
She was born March 16, 1918 in Fort Thompson, South Dakota to Gage and Anne Thompson Pomani.
Tillie’s favorite past times were fishing, outdoors, hunting, entertaining grandchildren, great-grandchildren and others.  She loved all animals, crossword puzzles, crocheting and reading.  She was a strong member of the community, and loved visiting family, friends, and all were welcome at her home.  She will be greatly missed here and welcomed home by others who are waiting on the other side.
Survived by her sister, Melerine Pomani-Fischer; brother, Leroy Pomani, both of South Dakota; daughter, Lawise Joy, Washington; sons, Harmond and LaVar Winder, both of Utah; grandchildren, Francis Jo, Rena, Tiffany, Stephanie, Derren, Keith, Chris, Cameo; numerous great and great-great-grandchildren.
Preceded in death by her parents, Gage and Anne; husband, Arnold Winder; six sisters, Zenola, Rena, Sheila, Madeline, Mary, and Maggie; three brothers, Delbert, Bobby, and Gabriel; two daughters, Doris Shields-Espinoza and Gloria Shields; grandson, John Espinoza; great-grandson, Cory James.
Funeral service, Friday, September12, 2008, 10:00 a.m. Huntington 5th LDS Ward, 115 South 400 East.  Family will be at the church Friday one hour prior to service.  Interment, Victor Cemetery East of Elmo.  Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price, where friends are welcome daily.
In lieu of flowers, family suggests donations to Mitchell Funeral Home to help cover funeral expenses.

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Vonda Mae Wilson

HUNTINGTON —Vonda Mae Wilson, age 91, departed to her Heavenly Father Friday, September 5, 2008.  Vonda Mae was born May 31, 1917, in Standardville, Utah to Henry and Lillian Day.  She married June Pierce Wilson on March 11, 1939, in Grand Junction, CO.  Their marriage was later solemnized on January 15, 1994, in the Manti LDS Temple.  At the time of June’s death, Vonda Mae and June had celebrated 54 years of marriage.
Vonda Mae loved to fish, hunt, crochet, read, and garden.  She also loved to do crossword puzzles and play games with her family.
She is survived by her children: John Jay (Karleen) Wilson of Monroe, Vonda Fay (James) Franklin of Huntington, June Pierce (Valnita) Wilson, Jr. of Boise, ID, Edwin Dean (Debbie) Wilson of Salt Lake City, and Arthur Walt Wilson of Roosevelt; many grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, and many great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, June Pierce Wilson; her parents, Henry and Lillian Day; a sister, Beatrice; two brothers, Newlle and Clive; a son, Rex Day; and two granddaughters, Tina Day and Jayleen Wilson.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 10, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. at the Huntington Stake Center (240 N. Main St.).  There will be a viewing on Tuesday, September 9, 2008, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Fausett Mortuary in Castle Dale (720 N. Center St.) and on Wednesday one hour prior to the services at the church.  Interment will be at the Lawrence Cemetery.  Services are in the care of Fausett Mortuary.

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Joanne Earlene Houghton Hyatt

HELPER - Joanne Earlene Houghton Hyatt, age 74, returned to her Heavenly Father on Sept. 5, 2008.  She was born Mar. 3, 1934 in Castle Gate to John Thomas Houghton, Sr. and Deseret Josephine Gilbert.  Joanne and Larry Hyatt were married by her father on June 15, 1956 in his home.  Sealed in the Manti Temple for time and all eternity on May 24, 1958.  They just celebrated 52 years together.  Larry and Joanne are the proud parents of six children.
 Joanne, a long-time resident of Castle Gate and Helper, graduated from Carbon High School and Carbon College.  She had a valiant testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and found great joy doing church service and genealogy research.  She was involved in the Carbon County Historical Society where she served a term as President and a member of the Friendship Club.
Hobbies and interests included crafts, reading, cooking, collecting, and animal lover.  Joanne was a published writer and wrote poetry and rhymes for family and friends.  She worked at JC Penney in Price and the Confectionary in Castle Gate.
Survived by her wonderful husband, Larry; children: Teal Hyatt, Mark (Michelle) Hyatt, Kim Wing, Chris (Kelly) Hyatt, Vicky (Eldon) Holmes, Tom (Dianne) Hyatt; brother Donald (Jane) Houghton; sister-in-law Sonya (Ron) Prudence; brothers-in-law Mike (Nellie) Golden and James (Addie) Golden; grandchildren: Seasen (Shaun) Ruoti, Brandon (Denise), Tyler (Lindsay), Bronson, Amanda, Ashley, Nicole, Matthew, Ty and Cru Hyatt; Kyle, Keshia and Kody Holmes; Phoenix and Shilo Vanderlinden; great-grandchild: Bentley Hyatt; pets: Maverick and Durango.  Preceded in death by her parents John and Josephine Houghton; brother John Thomas (Tommy) Houghton, Jr.; in-laws Homer and Melba Hyatt.
 Funeral services will be Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008 at 11:00 am. at the Helper Stake Center.  Viewing on Friday from 6-8 pm at Fausett Mortuary in Price and one hour prior to service.  Interment Mountain View Cemetery. Funeral services are in the care of Fausett Mortuary.

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Duane Van Buren

ORANGEVILLE—Duane Van Buren, age 86, passed away September 5, 2008, at his home in Orangeville.  Duane was born December 4, 1921, as the oldest of three children born to Lloyd Arthur and Irene D. Sitterud Van Buren.
Duane was born and raised in Orangeville.  He graduated from South Emery High School.  He attended Weber State following high school.  Duane then moved to California.  He worked at Douglas Aviation where he met the love of his life, Gloria Weisner.  They married on January 12, 1947, and spent 61 wonderful years together.  Duane retired from Douglas Aviation as an Aerospace Engineer after 35 years.  He and Gloria returned to Orangeville in 1981.
Duane loved fishing, the ocean, traveling, and he was very adventurous.  He was very family oriented.  He loved his family—both immediate and extended.  Duane will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Duane is survived by his wife, Gloria; two children: Cheryl (Jack) Blair of Carrolton, TX, and Linda (Britt) Durfee of Cascade, ID; daughter-in-law, Valerie West of Oregon; a sister Lorene (Royce) Olsen of Orangeville; seven grandchildren: Jason, Jeremy, Cherise, Amber, Jake, Pete, and Jenna; and six great-grandchildren: McKenna, Christian, Ashley, Noah, Molly, and Caden.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Dennis Van Buren; and an infant sister.
Graveside services will be held Saturday, September 13, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. at the Orangeville, Cemetery.  Services are in the care of Fausett Mortuary.

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August 5, 2008

From Puppies to Lizards: 
What Makes a Pet?

Colleen Davis

When beginning this article, the first thing I did was look for the definition of pet. Well some of what I found was that a pet or companion animal is: an animal kept for companionship and enjoyment, as opposed to livestock, working animals or sport animals, which are kept for other reasons. Pets also seem to provide their owners with health benefits; keeping pets has been shown to help relieve stress for those who like having animals around. Walking a dog can provide both the owner and the dog with exercise, fresh air and social interaction.

My research also revealed that for thousands of years people from all different places and cultures around the world cared for some animals simply because the liked them. Sometimes it was because of the way they looked, felt or the sounds they made. Some people chose the pet they had because of the status having such a creature gave them. Some animals are just good company and show an attachment to people.

Pet is a word that started appearing in the English language as early as the 1600s. Pets are generally not expected to work for their keep and they are not eaten. People have been using animals for hundreds of years in many ways. Dogs have been used for generations as guards, for hunting, and herding, but as time has passed, dogs have been kept as companions and playmates. Then and now most family dogs are not purebreds although they still are recognized as retrievers, spaniels terriers, shepherds, hounds, and other types. Their looks reflect the kinds of dogs that are living in the community.  At first domestic dogs appeared to have been similar in appearance. As civilization proceeded, dogs began to evolve so they could perform various functions in the community. Some were used to work with stock, while others served as guards. The selective breeding to develop dogs with deliberate physical traits began about 150 years ago. Today there are about 300 different breeds throughout the world.

Cats were first introduced to help keep rodents and vermin away. What farmers from centuries ago saw and realized is that the crops and grains attracted vermin and rodents. The vermin then attracted cats. The farmers then started encouraging the cats to stay by leaving out food that would attract them. Since they had a source of food. They moved in on a permanent basis. Being a naturally calm animal just as are feral cats today, they first started allowing people to approach them to be petted and then eventually to be held.

What have been considered “children’s perfect pets”, are rabbits, mice, rats, gerbils, hamsters and guinea pigs, because they were easy to care for, didn’t have a long lifespan and are generally gentle. Chickens have also been considered to be a perfect backyard pet for some of the same reasons; they are easy to care for and are gentle and friendly.

One of the most recent changes in the types of pets have been reptiles: lizards, snakes and turtles. One reason for this is because people are able to care for them, but also because a large number of our society finds lizards and snakes both dangerous and repulsive.

Keeping a pet takes a lot of work and dedication, and involves a number of practices. These include providing the animal with a special diet or food, playing with it, giving it adequate shelter and sometimes even allowing it to live in our home or sit on the furniture or your lap. And one of the most important practices in having a pet is caring for it when it is sick or injured.
As I stated earlier pets have been part of our lives for hundreds of years and we continue to debate what our responsibilities are to them. The issues are difficult and opinions vary. Americans for the most part value their pets as companions and associate them with their happiness.

Pet owners include the family pet as a part of their family life. They are included in family portraits, family vacations, holidays and also when buying gifts. Some pet owners celebrate their birthdays, and when the time comes they have a memorial service to mark the end of their life. Over time pets have become an important part of many of our lives, whether it has been a faithful pet or just one that we are used to having in the yard.

So the question again is “what is a pet”? Well a pet  in short is an animal that is a companion and brings us comfort, joy and in general helps us to be happy.

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June 17, 2008

Wilderness Program up and Running in Huntington

Josie Luke

Many residents of Emery County appreciate the surrounding area because of the ability they have to have two very different environments in such close proximity, with the Manti la Sal Mountains to the west and the San Rafael Swell to the east; this also made the area a perfect place for a group of entrepreneurs looking for an area to run a wilderness therapy program.

Elements Wilderness Program is one of the newest businesses to select Emery County as the place to base their operations. With an office in Huntington, the program is now up and running, and began accepting clients on May 30.

Wilderness therapy is emerging as a viable alternative option for the treatment of youth. It incorporates group and individual therapy with the opportunity for youth to learn how to take care of themselves and cooperate with others while working through challenges in an unfamiliar environment.

 Program Director Karen Hesselman described the group’s reasons for selecting the area. “Our first thought was that we’d like to be a little bit closer to our home, Salt Lake, but there really was nothing remote that would work. The elevation was a problem because we need two different field areas, one for summer and one for winter,” she said.

“So, Huntington and Emery County, this strip along Highway 10, was perfect because you have the Forest on one side and you have the Swell on the other. This is really nice, just being in between the two different field areas. ”

She also explained another benefit to the location-- safety, saying, “The time it will take for us to get to the group on either side is quick and that is a big deal for us for safety. It seems like the perfect fit.”

The partners in the business are Hesselman, Admissions Director John Karren, and Clinical Director Lynn Smith. All have previous experience with similar programs. They joined to organize a program they believe will benefit those adolescents who are involved. “We want to go back to the real wilderness piece, as in using the outdoors as a therapy tool, getting rid of all the distractions,” Hesselman stated.  

The Field Director Dan Shorb explained their program’s approach. “This program is smaller and we’re trying to specialize by dealing with less, what we would call, clinical kids, meaning, students that aren’t acting out as much as others in other programs,” he said. “I think our specialization is really a kind of a symbol of where this genre of educational programs has gone. From its real roots of being kind of boot camp style, to now where its gone to the other extreme to where its very therapeutic and very clinical.”

In this light, in the program the youth are referred to as students and staff are called field mentors. For every group of 10 students, there are four field mentors assigned. The field mentors will work with the students for eight days and then have six days off, with a another group of mentors alternating in each week.     

Most students will be referred to the program through an educational consultant who is versed in the many different treatment types and treatment providers, and selects a specific program according to the needs of the client. Parents can also find such programs online. Information on the Elements program can be found at www.elementswilderness.com.

Hesselman also revealed that it took a great deal of time to get permits and licenses in hand for the group to finally be able to open such a business in the area. A license had to be granted from the state, a business license from the city, and permits from the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management.  

She related, “It would come and go, one day it would be really exciting and I would think ‘everything’s working perfectly,’ and then the next day, you’re just totally depressed and depleted because there would be another glitch. It was up and down a lot, but everything seems to be working out now that we’re up and running.”

Hesselman and her partners are pleased to be in the area and plan to look to the community for support. “We still need a lot of local support to make it happen. We will need more employees as we start to go, so I hope everyone is open to what we have to offer and know that we are very interested in bringing the community into what we’re doing. We do want to know the community and use the resources and hopefully they’re accepting,” she said.

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August 26, 2008

OccMed helps businesses
keep employees healthy

James L. Davis

A new medical service being offered to businesses in the Emery and Carbon County area aims to help improve the health, safety and wellness of their employees.

Castleview OccMed is the newest service being offered by Castleview Hospital, both from the hospital in Price and from Emery Medical Center in Castle Dale.

PAC Lowell Morris is the manager of the new department and will balance his schedule between the Price and Castle Dale locations as demands for OccMed services grow.

And Morris expects that they will grow as word spreads of the department.

“I’ve heard from several companies that said it’s about time somebody down here started doing this,” Morris said.

The purpose of OccMed is to partner with local businesses to provide the medical needs of the company, from pre-employment physicals, drug screens, hearing tests and respirator fit tests, to helping employees who have been injured on the job.

Morris said OccMed will also be there to provide wellness programs to companies, which is one of the areas he is excited about.

“It’s a lot more fun to help a person learn about maintaining their health than to be there after something has already happened,” Morris said.

The new department has already been out to several local businesses to provide health training for employees and Morris said he recently finished a “back school” for Westridge Coal Mine, teaching employees how to prevent back injuries. Being able to be involved with companies and go out and help conduct safety training for employees at their place of work will be one of the benefits that might interest employers.

With the number of companies in the two county area devoted to what can be hazardous work, such as power plants, coal mines, oil fields and construction companies, the need for a centralized occupational health program has been a long time coming and one Morris said companies have been excited about.

While the hospital and the clinic have always provided services such as physicals and drugs screens for employers, with OccMed, employers have one source to provide all of the medical needs for employers. 

“It’s definitely an area that’s been needed down here. It will give employers and employees one contact,” Morris said.

Joining Morris in OccMed is Kaylene Behling, a occupational nurse who worked in the lab at Emery Medical before moving to OccMed.  Morris said Behling will be a great asset to the department because she already knows all of the requirements for physicals, including commercial drivers license physicals and the procedures for drug screens.
Dr. Otto Dickman will be the supervising physician of the department.

Morris said that he will continue to see patients at Emery Medical Center.  As demand for OccMed services grow Castleview will look into hiring additional staff to provide care for patients and OccMed clients.

For more information on call 381-2305.

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