Habitat for Humanity - the Mariscal House

Kena Mathews is the executive director for the Utah County chapter of Habitat for Humanity.

"Habitat for Humantiy of Utah County is a nonprofit, interfaith organization and is one of more than 2,300  affiliates of Habitat for Humanity International. The local affiliate is committed to eliminating poverty housing and homelessness in the county by building or renovating simple decent homes with area residents in need of affordable shelter. Affiliated in 1991 by a group of local community members that were concerned about substandard housing in the county, the organization has built or renovated 43 homes providing 70 adults and 143 children safe and affordable housing and a stable home environment."

Kassandra "Kassie" Mariscal, age six, is super excited for her new home with her mom and younger brother.

Vale Hale (left) is Habitat for Humanity's Board President. Kena Mathews is the executive director. Cory Duckworth (middle right) is UVU Vice President over student affairs. Alexis Palmer (right) is UVU's Director of Volunteer and Service-Learning Center. Its because of these leaders that the house had enough materials, time, and help to be built.

Christian Mariscal, age five, wanted to show off his new room to everybody. The room was decorated by students at UVU with everything from the movie "Cars".

 

Michelle Mariscal was extremely grateful for her new home for her children. All she could say was thank you to everyone who helped, over and over again.

Everything within the house was provided by members of the community and UVU. The kitchen had cupboards of food and even cleaning supplies.

One Square Mile - Lindon War Memorial

 Standing in one of Lindon's city parks, this memorial recognizes those who have fought and died in 20th century wars, including World War I, World War II, and Vietnam. The memorial contains photos and biographies of those who have given their lives in defense of this country who have ties to Lindon, Utah. 

  Mounted on top edge is an eagle. The metal eagle was made by Patch's Majestic Metals, owned by Bob Patch.

  Ten names are remembered with the monument. Shown once here at the base of the flag pole and again on the monument with pictures of each man. Mayor Larry Ellertson said at the unveilling of the monument, "Whether it's in France at the age of 28 at the expense of a German shell, or Germany or New Guinea or Vietnam ... each of these young men had a life and a story -- individual circumstances -- that was cut short." 

 What struck me the most about this monument, was the lack of an American flag. It seemed wrong and empty not to honor a Veteran Memorial with a flag. The pole had everything it need to support a flag, including pulleys and even ropes, but no flag.

Without the flag, the memorial was more sad than a place for remembrance and honor. Harlow Clark, writer for the Daily Herald, said "When I see a war memorial I think mostly about the waste of life, human and otherwise, and the waste of resources. War itself is something I have no respect for but I want to honor and remember the people whose lives are shattered by it."