The previous year was a year of change for many. We discovered that our residents started looking for ways to serve; checking in on neighbors, grocery shopping for the elderly, helping take friends to medical appointments, among others.
Because they noticed the positive change happening in their communities, the Juab County Commission decided they wanted to create a program to honor those volunteering time and service to help their neighborhoods and communities.
Under the guidance of Commissioner Clinton Painter, a committee was created to develop this program. The committee knew the best way to gather nominations was to open a nominating process throughout the entire county.
The nomination form was made available online through Facebook and Instagram, published in a local Nephi newspaper as well as made available at city administration buildings and libraries.
Nominations were open for approximately one month and in that time the committee received nominations for 48 different nominees, representing four of the communities in Juab County: Eureka, Levan, Mona and Nephi.
A reception was held for all nominees and two guests on March 16.
Each of the 48 nominees were presented with a certificate of recognition as well as a placard with their picture and the reason for their nomination.
At the event, the committee made an Honorary Presentation to Matt Sessions on behalf of his late wife Annalee, who recently passed. Annalee was a beacon of service and despite fighting cancer for 12 years, continued serving others. Her life is an example of what our Big Hearts and Helping Hands Award represents.
Additionally, a member of each community, plus a couple of other at large nominees were chosen to be highlighted.
One of those chosen was Robert Pagnani from Eureka. Pagnani received multiple nominations for his involvement with his community. Listed below are the comments received about Robert:
“Bob is always out helping people in our community and is involved with Veterans almost daily.”
“Bob keeps the American Flags refreshed and new for the Tintic Motorcycle Museum and many others all over the state.”
“He keeps new flags in his vehicle wherever he goes and if he sees a tattered flag, he replaces it (at no cost).
“He donates his time and fuel to plow at least five businesses in town and countless neighbors.”
“He is a dedicated member of Tintic 711 Elks lodge and is involved with food drives, needy families and veterans.”
Pagnani has volunteered his time and service to his community for many years and this was a small token of appreciation and thanks to him.
Pagnani shows by his example that the best place to make a difference is locally. We should all strive to become involved locally and help make their local communities a better place through service. (Serve daily submission.)
