Let me introduce

 

Let me introduce you to my friend, Birgitta, who just got citizenship.  By Claralyn Hill

When I announced my candidacy for office in February, my friend, Birgitta, kindly offered to help with refreshments. Birgitta is the perfect person for such a job. An immigrant from Sweden, she knows all the recipes for the most delicious Scandinavian treats, which she serves with great simplicity and elegance. Birgitta is also one of the most compassionate and guileless people I know, always stepping in to help our neighbors in need. She is a model to me of grace, kindness and selflessness.  

As we prepared for the campaign announcement, Birgitta seemed sad. Her face got serious as she explained she would not be able to vote for me. Although she had been in the United States legally for many years, she had not yet gained her citizenship. I completely understood. Unlike those of us fortunate enough to be born into this great country, an immigrant faces a costly and time consuming journey toward citizenship. But wanting to support me and my efforts, Birgitta suddenly realized the importance of finishing up this important task.  

Last week, Birgitta proudly announced to the entire Relief Society that she had just obtained citizenship. We were all so happy for her. I have spoken with many immigrants during the course of this election, as I have walked our area. I urge each of you to do the work to become a citizen. The right to vote as a US citizen is an important right that makes your voice heard on the important issues that face us all on a daily basis.  

Congratulations, Birgitta!

Let me introduce

 

Let me introduce you to my nephew Jag, and tell you the story of 211.  By Claralyn Hill

In 2001, my little nephew, Jaganoth, arrived from India to join my sister and his three other siblings, who had also come from India. It had taken longer than we hoped to get him here. By the time he came, he was already three years old, spoke Bengali and no English, had parasites and lice from the orphanage, and had been so spoiled by the massis at the orphanage that his older siblings were having a hard time adjusting to his demanding ways. The head lice quickly spread to the whole family before they were detected. My sister, who was totally prepared for his substantial physical handicaps, was overwhelmed by everything else that hit at once. She called me, wondering where to begin to address all the problems. I felt overwhelmed too. How could I help her? Then I thought of United Way 211. 

For years, I had served on the Board of United Way of Utah County, and on its executive committee, overseeing community services and ensuring they were made available and accessible to the people of Utah County who needed them. While I was on the board, United Way developed a state of the art web page through which anyone can volunteer to help in the community. We also initiated the 211 telephone system. This is a simple phone number, 211, which anyone can call to find out about community volunteer opportunities and also to access community resources. I like to think of it as the give and take center of the community. You can call 211 to give of yourself. Or you can call 211 to receive help. I called 211.  

Immediately, I was put in touch with someone who helped me brainstorm the kinds of help available for my sister and her little ones, who were so deserving of help. I made a list of things we could do for her and called her back. We talked about her options. Just knowing how much help existed in our little community helped me to know that my sister would get through this crisis. She immediately went to work to solve the problems one by one. 

Since then, Jag has grown into a bright eyed young 10 year old, who still gives his siblings grief from time to time, but fits right into the family. We love him and are so glad that he and the other children have taken their places in our family. He still prefers crawling on all fours to using his wheel chair, and he can crawl faster than anyone I have ever met. In 2002, a special friend of ours arranged for him to go to the Paralympics, a highlight for him.  After only three months after Jag arrived his English had improved tremendously.   My sister took him to the airport to see the planes coming in. “Oh, Mom,” he said, “I remember when I came here in a plane! You couldn’t talk very well then. You just said, blah blah blah blah! Now you can speak!” 

I frequently think of how much that 211 call meant to me and how much I wish I could find a way to share the number with my neighbors and friends. So this is my chance. The number is there for all of us to help us connect with our larger neighborhood. Please feel free to use it as I did.

I completely support private community initiatives for people to work together outside of government to solve personal & community problems.

If you want to volunteer or are looking for resources in Utah County, go to www.unitedwayuc.org.

Celebrating the Fourth

The Hill Family along with several Claralyn Hill supporters gathered on June 28th to march in the Children’s Parade for the Freedom Festival in Provo, Utah.

Beautiful sunny skies and thousands of families joined to celebrate and honor America’s birthday. Vote for Grandma Hill!

What You Can Do

            

             Utah County is a wonderful place to live and work.  The best people in the world live right here. I am proud to be from Utah County. We deserve to have the best representation, representation that reflects the goodness and intelligence of the people who live here.  I understand your values.  I promise you that if you elect me, I will work hard and be effective. I will do the job with the integrity and excellence with which I have done everything else in my life. 

             There is a price to be paid for good representation. We all must be involved. I’m running for office to give you a choice.  But not everyone in our district knows me. If you know me and know that what I’m telling you is true, then I need your help to spread the word.  Campaigns are expensive in time and money. One party systems are a lot cheaper and more efficient, but they don’t work. Please continue to support me with your vote on election day, and also volunteer to help. Together, we can make a difference.  All of us, working together can truly change the way we are governed.