Thursday, December 30, 2021

HAPPY NEW YEAR

 

Here's to sunnier skies and clear roads to new adventures in 2022.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Yellowstone

 

Dakota Ogden back from Texas working on set of 1883 wrangling for Tim McGraw, Sam Elliott, Isabell May, and Faith Hill.  Photo taken inside The Payson Chronicle office, December 28, 2021.

Mourning the Passing of Friends: Forthcoming Funeral Service

"What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. 

All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.”


~ Helen Keller 

GORDON HICKMAN




Gordon Wallace Hickman, our loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend peacefully passed away Wednesday, December 23, 2021. He was 93 years old.

He was born November 16, 1928 in Goshen, Utah to William Wallace and Elizabeth Stansfield Hickman. He graduated from Payson High School and later from the University of Utah with a Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering.

Gordon enlisted in the US Army (despite a university student waiver) and served for two years during the Korean War. He served as a Missionary in Louisiana and surrounding areas.

Gordon married Patricia Louise Alldredge August 25, 1962 in the Manti Temple. They adopted three children: George, Bryan, and Rebecca, as well as having cared for many foster children.

Throughout his life, Gordon served as a Missionary, in Bishoprics, Elders and High Priest leaderships, councilor to a Mission President, and many other callings. He especially enjoyed serving as a Temple Ordinance worker for over 30 years, serving with Patricia in the Las Vegas, Provo and Payson Temples.

Gordon is survived by his children, George (Amy) Hickman, Payson; Bryan Hickman, Henderson, NV; Becca (Joe) Burgess, Payson. He also leaves behind his older brother, Theron (Louis) Hickman, ten grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia, his brother, Keith Snyder, his daughter-in-law, Dellyce Oriol Hickman (George) and many other loved ones.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, January 8, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. at the Mountain View 9th Ward Chapel, 75 South 600 East, Payson, Utah. Family and friends may visit Friday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home in Payson, and on Saturday from Noon to 1:15 p.m. at the church. Interment will be in the Goshen, Utah Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Walker Funeral Home. www.WalkerMemorials.com




Wednesday, December 29, 2021

#savethisphoto



 


Payson 2nd Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, AKA "The Green Church" (circa 1930-1940)
#savethisphoto #preserveourhistory #paysonstory #paysonchronicle #thepaysonchronicle #readthepaysonchronicle
#utahhistory #paysonutah 

Happy New Year

 

#inthisweeksedition #happynewyear #paysonutah #tedbates #paysonchronicle #thepaysonchronicle #readthepaysonchronicle #utahnews 

DOWNTOWN WINTER 1890s

 

Winter in Downtown Payson, circa 1890

Tuesday, December 28, 2021

Mourning the Passing of Friends: Forthcoming Funeral Service

"What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. 

All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.”


~ Helen Keller 


VIRGIE HASKELL



Virgie Haskell, loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend.  Surrounded by her loving husband and children, peacefully returned to her Heavenly Father on Sunday, December 26, 2021.

She was born to Amos and Mary Mecham on October 20, 1944, in Murray, Utah.  She later moved to Charleston, Utah where she attended Elementary and Junior High School.  Before her sophomore year, her family moved to Spring Lake, Utah where she attended Payson High School.  It is here she met the love of her life, Stanley Jay Haskell.  Soon after, her family sold their farm in Spring Lake and planned to return to Charleston.  Virgie did not want to leave her sweetheart, so the two chose to marry on October 20, 1960.  Their marriage was later solemnized in the Provo Utah Temple on December 7, 1982.

She was a devoted and faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, serving in various callings, including primary, young women and relief society presidencies and served as the Relief Society President.  She loved every opportunity to serve, diligently fulfilling every calling given to her.  She loved her Savior and Redeemer with all her heart and looked forward to seeing him again.

She worked full time for many years at Signetics Corporation in Orem and a short while at Utah Valley Hospital as an operator.  Both places she was known as a hard worker and a loved and respected co-worker and friend. Her greatest career in life was that of wife, mother and homemaker.  She kept an immaculate house and created a home, where all felt welcomed, loved and accepted.  She was a devoted wife and mother.  She loved Stan with all her heart and raised one son and two daughters, who loved and adored her.  She supported them in all they did and was their greatest cheerleader.  She was later blessed with grandchildren, whom she thoroughly enjoyed and dearly loved.  She welcomed the opportunity to tend and spend time with them, any chance she got.    She especially enjoyed spending time with her sweetheart, Stan.  She felt great joy in supporting him, in all he did. She also enjoyed vacations, car rides to Spanish Fork, Provo and Payson Canyons.  One of her favorite trips was going to St. George in the winter months, where it was warm and sunny.

For many years she suffered silently with physical pain, that would eventually take away the quality of life and good health she once enjoyed.  She endured all this with great dignity, strength and humility. All the while, with her loving husband and constant caretaker by her side, she rarely, if ever complained.  Despite her physical limitations, she always had a smile & positive outlook on life, finding ways to joke and enjoy the simple things that brought her joy.  This example, along with her devoted love to her husband, children and grandchildren, will always be remembered and known as her greatest legacy.

She is survived by her husband, Stanley Jay Haskell, son, Scott (Chris) Haskell, Monticello, Utah, daughter, Lynette(Blake) Mortensen, Payson, Utah, Son in Law, Victor Camp, Idlelyd Park, Oregon, Sister, Janet (Randy) Maestas, Orem, Utah.  11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Amos and Mary Mecham, daughter, Wendie Tingey Camp, brother, Jack Mecham, Sister, Arlene Widdison Chandler.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Maple Creek Hospice and especially Chris Haskell for their loving care.

A public viewing will be held on Wednesday, December 29, 2021 from 2:00 to 2:45 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 587 South 100 West, Payson, Utah.  A private family and close friend funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. following the viewing.  Interment will be in the Payson City Cemetery.


Wednesday, December 22, 2021

In This Week's Edition: December 22, 2021

 


Centuries Old Love Affair With Poinsettials

 


by Emily Edman

From Aztec kings to the local florist:  Our centuries old love affair with poinsettias. The Christmas plant that Mexico and Central America gifted the world.


Bright red poinsettia plants are everywhere this time of year and a cheerful reminder that ‘tis the season of Christmas and cheer.  Hard to miss, the red-leafed seasonal wonders are at the entrance of many stores so as to remind us to take one home as we make our purchases. Poinsettias are a Christmas staple; it wouldn’t look like Christmas without them.   They decorate entryways, border fireplaces, and are included in many Christmas displays and flower arrangements.  Once purchased, we may read articles on how to best care for the plant or look up one of the several Youtube videos that show us how to keep it alive and well. After all,  a wilted or sad looking poinsettia would not match the joyful spirit of the season.  


So how did this plant that so expertly coincides with the Christmas colors of red and green come to be a Christmas must-have in our homes and offices?  Where did these plants originate?  Poinsettias are native to Mexico and Central America. They are found  at moderate elevations from southern Sinaloa down the entire Pacific coast of Mexico to Chiapas and Guatemala. They are also found in the interior of Mexico in Guerrero and Oaxaca. (source: https://web.extension.illinois.edu/poinsettia/facts.cfm. It is a wild and perennial winter flowering shrub that can grow anywhere from ten to fifteen feet high whereas it doesn’t typically grow much beyond 3 as a potted plant.  There are currently over one hundred varieties of the plant including white, pink, burgundy, marbled and speckled with red being the dominant color option.  


In Mexico and Guatemala the poinsettia is aptly called, Flor de Nochebuena (Flower of the Holy Night or Christmas Eve ) or in Spain, la Flor de Pascua (Easter flower) because it has a different holiday attribution. It is said that the shape of the poinsettia flower and its leaves are representative of the Star of Bethlehem. Some believe that the red colored leaves represent the blood of Christ and the white leaves of the white poinsettia,  his purity. 


According to Encyclopedia Britannica, the plant “was named for Joel R. Poinsett, who popularized the plant and introduced it to floriculture while he was U.S. minister (ambassador) to Mexico in the late 1820s. What appear to be petals are actually coloured leaflike bracts (modified or specialized leaves) that surround a central cluster of tiny yellow flowers.”

 (source: https://www.britannica.com/plant/poinsettia)


The Aztecs referred to the plant as the “flower that withers” or” flower on fire”.   In the Nahuatl language, the flower is called "Cuetlaxochitl” or “flower that grows in residues or soil.” The Aztecs used the Poinsettia bracts to make a dye for fabrics, and used the sap to control fevers. Montezuma, the last of the Aztec kings, loved them so much that he would have the poinsettia plants brought into what is now Mexico City because the plant could not be grown in high altitude. Luckily for us, we don’t have to special order nor do we have to travel far for us to enjoy them since they are readily available at several  local stores and flower shops. We buy these delicate plants as if to usher in the holiday season and tenderly care for them even if it is just for a short period of time. 


In brief, thanks to an amateur botanist who brought a flower home from Mexico, the poinsettia beautifully adorns our homes and workplaces, creating a colorful and festive display, this and every holiday season.


Children’s books- The following two are available at Payson library: 

The legend of the poinsettia / retold and illustrated by Tomie dePaola.

by De Paola, Tomie.

 

Feliz Navidad : learning songs & traditions in Spanish / by Anna Maria Mahoney ; illustrated by Barb Björnson ; Spanish translation by Martha López-Tolsa and Vidal Guzman.


A few local places for purchasing poinsettias: 

Karen’s Floral Designs

Olson’s Garden Shoppe

Walmart

Smith’s


Additional information about poinsettias

https://web.extension.illinois.edu/poinsettia/facts.cfm The Poinsettia pages: University of Illinois Extension-  History, Facts, Selection, Care, etc.  


Youtube:

Poinsettias for Kids Youtube video


The Miracle of the First Poinsettia A Mexican Christmas Story 🎄 CHRISTMAS STORIES 🎄 Christmas Story book read aloud on Youtube by KidFunCo




Monday, December 20, 2021

2021 Payson Crèche

 

This year was the first in which the annual Payson Christmas Crèche encompassed multiple faiths. Diverse groups were invited to join together in the nativities’ creation for a multi-site presentation that wrapped up earlier this month.  Pictured here are some of the depictions of the birth of Christ celebrated as the event played out in Payson before wrapping up last week.


#payson #interfaith #nativities #creche #christmascreche 

#paysonchronicle #thepaysonchronicle #readthepaysonchronicle

#christmas2021











Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Mourning the Passing of Friends: Forthcoming Funeral Service

"What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. 

All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.”


~ Helen Keller 


Paul L. Diamond



After months of declining health, our family lost a wonderful man. Paul L. Diamond, age 92, passed away at his Payson home on Thursday, December 9, 2021, just four months after the death of his sweetheart, Emajean.


Paul was born October 5, 1929, in Mapleton, Utah, to Ida Ludlow Diamond and Leanard Lee Diamond. Paul was the oldest of four children and learned his hard work ethic from working on his family farm. He graduated from Springville High School, and soon after enlisted in the US Army. Paul proudly served our country during the Korean War. He later attended BYU.


Paul married the love of his life, Emajean Wilson, October 31, 1950. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Manti LDS Temple, June 25, 1963. Together, they raised three children: David, Nancy, and Dennis.


Paul worked for and retired from Pacific States Pipe Plant. He had a passion for gardening and grew the best cucumbers, tomatoes, and squash. He was an avid Utah Jazz fan until the very end, with his last words being, “What’s the score?” He loved camping, horseback riding, and spending time with his family. He was very supportive and never missed a family activity. His love was unconditional, and he was always thinking of others, putting their needs above his own.


Paul is survived by his son, Dennis Diamond; daughter-in-law, Kerry Diamond; son-in-law, Thayne Banks; brother, Dutch (Luann) Diamond; his grandchildren: Kristy (Bill) Eastwood, Jessie Banks, Sarah (Brandon) Hawkins, Seth (Justine) Diamond, Brady Banks; his great-grandchildren: Madison (Preston), Bridger, Gracie, Brylee, Boden, Karlie, Maycie, and Brykelle. He was preceded in death by his sweetheart of 70 years, Emajean Diamond; son, David (Kerry) Diamond; daughter, Nancy (Thayne) Banks; his parents; his brother, James Diamond; and his sister Farres Hales.


Funeral services were Saturday, December 18, 2021, at Walker Funeral Home, 587 South 100 West, Payson, UT.  A visitation for family and friends was held from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Saturday, prior to the services which were also at the funeral home.  Interment, with Military Honors, was at Payson City Cemetery, 400 North 800 East, Payson, Utah 84651.



In This Week's Edition: December 15, 2021

 

#inthisweeksedition #paysonchronicle #thepaysonchronicle #kayceefeild #pwr #rodeophotography #genolautah #readthepaysonchronicle #utahphotography #cowboys #uvurodeo

Mourning the Passing of Friends: Forthcoming Funeral Service

 


"What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. 

All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.”


~ Helen Keller 

CARL J. NELSON 




Carl J. Nelson, 95 (and 2 months), passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 12, 2021.  He was surrounded by his six children who love and adore him. Carl was born in Payson on October 4, 1926, to Carl Oscar and Dollie Wightman Nelson. He married Pauline Adams in the Salt Lake LDS temple on November 6, 1947. He treasured their 57 years together. Pauline passed away in 2004. Carl married Lylia P. Carlisle in 2011 and they enjoyed a wonderful companionship until she passed in 2020. 

Carl grew up as the only boy with five sisters. Most of his life was spent in Payson except for a short time when his father was teaching school in Springville. Carl was educated in Payson and graduated from Payson High School. He was drafted into the United States Army in January 1945. He served honorably in Japan and returned to attend Brigham Young University. He met his future wife, Pauline, in a class where she dropped her pencil “on purpose” three times which Carl picked up and returned to her each time. They dated using Carl’s only mode of transportation, his bicycle. They built a beautiful home in West Mountain where they raised four boys and two girls.

Carl loved nature and farming his 40 acres, which he and Pauline bought with a loan from the GI Bill. He received the Outstanding Young Farmer Award for his innovations and ability to raise abundant crops. He could fix anything with baling wire and duct tape. We often called him the original MacGyver.  

Carl was raised in a family of talented musicians and served the community using his beautiful tenor singing voice. He performed in community musicals and sang in numerous choirs. He and Pauline spent many years as members of the Payson Civic Chorale. They especially enjoyed singing in the annual Messiah production. Carl sang for funerals, weddings, temple dedications and the weekly Payson Band Concerts in the park.  

Carl loved life and people. He drove the school bus for Nebo School District for 35 years. He loved the kids and his infectious personality could tease a smile out of even the most ornery of them. He and Pauline were also employed as custodians for the LDS West Ward Chapel for many years. They took pride in caring for “their” building by spending extra hours to keep it spotless. They donated their own time and money to plant flowers, shrubs and the pine trees that have now grown into a large evergreen wind barrier around the entire property. Carl continued working for the church until he was 83 years old. 

He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was a loyal and consistent Home Teacher who gave generously and anonymously to those in need.

His most prized possession was his family. He loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He relished listening to their accomplishments and did his best to support them in their pursuits.

He is survived by his children; Mark (Debbie) Nelson of SLC; Dana (Don) Oliver of Alberta Canada; Ross (Annette) Nelson of Payson; Kevin (Gwen) Nelson of Spanish Fork; David (Sherry) Nelson of Grantsville; Karel Nelson of Riverton; 18 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Pauline, Lylia and daughter-in-law, Karin. 

Funeral services will be Monday, December 20, 2021, at 11:00 a.m., in the West Mountain Chapel, 5237 West 10400 South, Payson, Utah. Friends and family may visit Sunday evening from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. or Monday, 

9:45 - 10:45 a.m. prior to services. Burial will be at the Payson City Cemetery with Military Honors accorded by the American Legion, Payson, Post 48. Funeral services are under the direction of Walker Funeral Home.



Monday, December 13, 2021

The Beautiful Places Of Payson

 

Memorial Park Bandstand, 250 South Main Street, Payson, Utah (Dec 2021)

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Utah Division Of Wildlife Resources (DWR) Explains Wildlife/Waterfowl Management Areas (WMAs)

What are they and what is their purpose?


Wildlife Management Areas and Waterfowl Management Areas (both WMAs) are properties owned and managed by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources for the following purposes:

  • Conserving critical wildlife habitats

  • Helping to minimize and mitigate wildlife depredation on private property

  • Providing places where Utahns can go to hunt and fish

Currently, there are 146 WMAs throughout Utah, totaling over 500,000 acres, or 780 square miles. Each WMA ranges in size from a couple dozen acres to over 10,000 acres.

The Division first established WMAs in Utah in the 1940s to provide winter ranges with feed and shelter to help deer and other big game animals survive in the snowy, winter months. The Division and its partners manage these lands and implement habitat projects to help provide food and water to maintain healthy wildlife populations.

List of all Utah WMAs.

Each WMA operates according to its own management plan. Some WMAs and portions of WMAs are closed to the public, while others have limited access during certain times of the year. Unlike other public or state-owned lands, WMAs are not multi-use lands, and the types of recreation allowed are limited. For details about whether you may enter a Utah WMA or what you are allowed to do there, check the Wildlife Recreation Access Maps.

For WMAs that allow public access, use of these lands, including for camping (where it is allowed) is free of charge.

WMA FAQs

How does the DWR manage WMA properties?

For most WMAs, their primary purpose is to provide a winter range for wildlife — an area with food and shelter to help the animals survive the winter months. The Division works year-round and implements various projects with Utah's Watershed Restoration Initiative to ensure there is sufficient vegetation and healthy watersheds in these areas.

For areas that have been ravaged by wildfires, the Division rehabilitates the land, clearing charred bush and reseeding the ground. In many cases, the Division will take preventative measures to reduce future wildfires, including removing excessive conifer trees and other flammable items.

Where does the funding come from for WMA maintenance and purchases?

One of the main funding sources is the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's Wildlife & Sport Fish Restoration Program, a result of the Pittman–Robertson Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act in 1937. Much of this funding comes from an excise tax on hunting and fishing equipment.

Additional funding comes from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses and permits, which is why hunting and angling are the primary recreational activities allowed on these lands.. Thus individuals who enter WMAs with the intent of hunting or angling there help pay for their use.

What am I allowed/not allowed to do on a WMA?

Hunting and fishing are activities that are allowed on WMAs, but visitors should note that some WMAs are closed during certain times of the year so the wildlife aren't disturbed.

Because WMAs are primarily intended to provide food and habitat for wildlife and are not established as multi-use public lands, they are not well suited for many other forms of outdoor recreation, including off-roading, mountain biking, etc. On some WMAs, these activities are prohibited, while on other WMAs, they may be allowed but only in certain areas. Check the Wildlife Recreation Access Maps for each WMA's rules and regulations before planning a visit. Information about each WMA is also posted at the entrances.

What can I do to help the DWR care for WMAs?

Recent incidents of vandalism, littering and other criminal activity, as well as overcrowding, have caused issues at some WMAs and have led to closures. In addition, wildfires caused by target shooting have caused additional closures and destroyed necessary habitat for wildlife who utilize the areas. These type of incidents require expensive repairs and habitat rehabilitation.

The most important thing you can do as a vistor to a WMA is to follow the posted rules and refrain from doing anything that would hurt the animals or damage the habitat.

The Payson Chronicle

In This Week’s Edition