Fountain Green, Utah

A Great Family Weekend

2009-09-03T10:11:00.003-06:00

Well another super weekend came to an end. It sure is wonderful to have family and friends drop by. Last weekend we had our two daughters and their families from up north come visit. These photos are of Shandra and her husband Randy Mangum. They have three young kids, Madolyn, Tanner and a new born Adalee (less than a month old so too small to ride yet). Randy is a real outdoors man and loves hunting and fishing.

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I'll soon get some photos of our youngest daughter Stacey and her husband Nathan Petersen. She's our baby but is also expecting her first little one.
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Our boys are Randy and his wife Kelsey who also live up north and Russell and Lora who still live in San Antonio Texas with his two boys.

Nothing more important than family.

Fountain Green Sesquicentennial Celebration

2009-08-24T23:30:00.004-06:00

The great citizens of Fountain Green has again overwhelmed everyone with a Hollywood style live production of the history of our fair city. From the early settlers, through the deadly Blackhawk Indian War, to a vibrant community and of friends and families. As usual the volunteers both adult and youth put a valiant effort to thrill the community. Many thanks to everyone who helped remind us of our heritage as new families settled and help grow this great city.

Edna Johnson Christensen 1920 - 2009

2009-08-04T15:47:00.003-06:00

A best friend to everyone in Fountain Green and Sanpete County was laid to rest in the arms of our Lord this day. When we moved to Fountain Green a little over a year ago, Edna was the first to welcome us to church and the community. She was a dear and close friend to my grandparents Leland and Relda Despain and my parents told me of many stories of love she showed to the community. She offered a book of family history for us to copy but unfortunately we had to return it before we had a chance to fully study her work. She and Owen offered many times for us to come to their home and learn the stories and also have them teach us how to grow a vegetable garden. A true friend to everyone she met. There is no doubt the Lord had his arms open to accept her into his kingdom. Thanks Edna for your friendship and love.

Don and Pam Despain

New Grand Daughter

2009-08-03T22:39:00.004-06:00

Today was a fun filled and a very proud day for our family. Our oldest daughter Shandra Lee, married to Randy Mangum had her third baby and our fifth grandchild. Shandra and Randy now have three beautiful children, two girls and a boy. Adalee Marie Mangum was born just after noon and weighted 5 pounds 13 ounces and in perfect health. Shandra is a Register Nurse at Primary Children's Hospital and Randy is a financial expert at Morgan Stanley Investments. We are so blessed with great kids and family.

Don & Pam

5 Years Of Service & More to Come ...

2009-08-02T16:01:00.033-06:00

Today in Sacrament Service we all sustained and at the same time gave a spirit of thanks to the "old" Bishopric and welcomed the new. After serving for five years the first and second counselors were released and new counselors were called to serve with Bishop Walker. A great thanks for the sacrifice of Wade Johnson and Derrin Owens. Although released they were immediately called to serve in new callings.

The New Bishopric is Bishop Walker, Scott Aagard and Jed Bailey. Everyone sustained their callings and we look forward to sacred advise, counsel and direction from them. The Fountain Green 2nd Ward is indeed blessed with great leaders. Thanks!

Lamb Day parade 2009

2009-07-28T22:23:00.004-06:00

Well a great end to the 2009 Lamb Day celebration. A great week of softball, parade, carnival, lamb contests and auctions, fried mutton and lamb sandwiches. We all owe a great big thanks to all the volunteers that made it happen again. Looking forward to next year.
Don

Duck Fork Reservoir

2009-07-26T22:41:00.002-06:00

A beautiful week and a real need to relax. My son-in-law Randy and I took the dirt bike and ATV for a ride up Manti Canyon to Duck Fork Reservoir. A nice little lake high in the Manti La Sal Mountains that allows fishing with artificial lures and flies only. A day fishing is still always better than a day at work. I managed to get one nice Cutthroat trout and lots of exercise casting lures and flies. So who wants to go try a different remote mountain lake and wet some flies or lures?

Don

Fish Hatchery visit

2009-07-23T21:14:00.003-06:00

When is the last time ya'll visited the State Fish Hatchery in Fountain Green? My grandfather, Leland Despain retired from the Fish and Game, working at the old fish hatchery. I remember so much fun going with him to feed the fish and transport them to various ponds and lakes around Sanpete. The most enjoyable deliveries were to Hamburger Pond on top of Maple Canyon. Too bad but this high mountain pond is now gone. While I was there John and Camille Field with some of their grand kids were also there. What a great learning experience to see how wildlife and fish are managed for our enjoyment. Well done to all the hard workers at the Fountain Green Fish Hatchery!

Don

Lamb Day 2009 Events

2009-07-22T09:43:00.003-06:00

So much to do and see. So many great friends and family to visit. Beautiful weather. The great citizens of Fountain Green again volunteered hundreds of hours to help give everyone another fantastic week. No place better on this earth than Sanpete and Fountain Green. Let's get ready for next year!

Don

Lamb Day 2009

2009-07-15T15:56:00.003-06:00

It's Lamb Day celebration again. Getting ready for the main events this Friday and Saturday. Can miss the Sour dough and mutton fry Friday night and the Lamb Sandwiches Saturday.
Here's first night highlights of the almost week long softball tournament.
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2009-06-23T19:15:00.003-06:00

Well here it is, the end of June already, before long it'll be fall and hunting season again. Big news, we finally moved into our new home. A couple weeks over a year in the 5th wheel; going from two small rooms to too many, now Pam and I can get lost from each other.
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A change in life, last month my Dad passed away at 81 years old. I sure miss hearing his stories and adventures. He was so proud of us building on the family homestead. The property has largely been abandoned with no care for over twenty years. We are now the fourth generation to live on it, A tradition that I hope lasts a lot longer.
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Last week the Fountain Green 2nd ward had their annual campout. A remote but well cared for area several miles up Water Hollow Road. A big thanks to Dave and Linda Christensen for their generosity and friendship. I didn't have time to add music but here is a small slide show of a few of the great ward members that enjoyed the evening.
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Please feel free to add photos, stories, family and community events.

Don Despain

My Ancestors

2009-01-23T20:25:00.003-07:00

We are so happy to be part of this community. My ancestors on several branches settled Fountain Green, something I'm proud of and will always honor and respect their perseverance, hard work and dedication to the community and their church.

Bishop Robert L Johnson was the Bishop of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for over 23 years. WOW ... not much more to say than WOW. His wife Polly Ann Guyman Johnson was the Relief Society President for over 33 years ... again WOW!

They owned the local store and also the Fountain Green Hotel. Many times President Brigham Young as well as various Apostles would stop and spend the night when visiting the Manti Temple. Uinta Springs, now Fountain Green does have deep roots, dedicated people and generations who are thankful for what they have done for us.

Don Despain
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Fountain Green Cub Scouts Pinewood Derby

2009-01-22T19:28:00.003-07:00

Yes the snow is melting and the cars are ready to race. Every hot rod in town showed up for the annual speed challenge. What a crowd ... the excitement was overwhelming and the drivers, pit crew and spectators had a show to remember.

The Scouts presented the colors, a rousing Pledge of Allegiance, opening prayer and Cub Scout Oath. Fun and patriotism filled the city elementary school. Fun was had by all and yes ... the boys all built and developed the most fuel conservative vehicle in the county.

Thanks to the race commentator and his electronic race track, the scout leaders, the parents and friends but especially the boys for giving us all a great evening of fun and adventure.

Don
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It's That Time of Year

2009-01-06T23:54:00.004-07:00

Yup, it the time of year to get the snow pack off the old home roofs. After a couple of weeks of melting and a new storm on the way I had doubts the roof could support a lot more. Today throughout the town I saw several citizens doing the same thing. Sure need the water for next spring and summer but does make a lot of work. Love it ;)
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Empty Nest Home Evening

2009-01-05T22:17:00.004-07:00

A great time was had by a few couples from the 2nd Ward. What a great idea, a way to socialize and share experiences, learn and have fun ..... and don't forget the treats. Heck I don't know what they were called but I had three of them, a tasty cheese cake thingy with a cherry on top. I'm not a gourmet chef just a big eater of anything sweet and they were indeed good.

A big thanks to Wendell & Melba for inviting us into their home.

Pam thought up a great string game where the length of the thread represented our lives. Each wrap of the string around our fingers required a short statement of something important in our lives. It was interesting hearing what was important, fun and exciting in each of our lives. A great way to make new friends.

Winter Recreation

2008-12-29T19:00:00.002-07:00

Yup, it's that time of year, snow and outdoor recreation. The kites were flying on the Skyline Drive today. Sunny and almost warm. Probably still need a little more snow for the good snowmobile riding.
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Another Evening of Praise to Our Lord

2008-12-20T20:44:00.003-07:00

The second night of the live Nativity was a great success. No falling snow but indeed colder, below 20 degrees. The warmth of family and friends showing love, respect and honor to our Savior this Christmas season kept everyone comfortable. Many thanks to everyone who helped set up, take down, portray historical characters and events. A lot of work and a lot of love shared. Thanks!
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Don D.
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Another night in Bethlehem - Video

2008-12-20T20:24:00.003-07:00

Another night of love, honor, respect and praise to our Savior. No snow falling tonight but cold weather. The warmth of the participants and guest made it an evening not easily forgotten. Down to under 20 degrees during the night event. New actors portray the event over 2,000 years ago. Thanks to everyone who participated in being characters, setup and take down, cookies and refreshments. Looking forward to next year. Thanks!
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Don D

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Tis the Season ... Nativity

2008-12-19T20:48:00.007-07:00

Fountain Green 1st & 2nd Ward Live Nativity 19 & 20th December 2008

This year the citizens of Fountain Green braved the snow storm and cold weather to share the spirit of Christmas. Tis the season to remember the birth of our Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ. This year we gathered at Mark & Ann Bailey's property where the small village of Bethlehem was re-created. Roman soldiers, tax collectors, inn keepers, market stores, Caesar Augustus on his throne and the representation of Joseph, Mary and the Christ Child. This was one of the best Nativities I've seen anywhere.
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Along with a short video about the Savior, hot chocolate, cookies and refreshments were offered free to everyone. Warm fires and the warmth of friends made today and tomorrow an event not to be missed. Thanks to everyone who organized, made clothes, uniforms, cookies, set up the tent, lights, heat and props. Especially to those who stood in the cold snow and wind to remind us all of the reason for the season. THANKS!
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And Pam's tennis shoe feet are now starting to thaw out ;)
Don

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Jerry's Kids ... Summer Cub fun

2008-12-05T10:21:00.007-07:00

Here's some of Jerry's kids. Well at least Jerry Beck having fun, helping and giving life lessons to our local Cub Scouts. Looks like they had a great summer with pinewood derby, making kites, cooking pancakes and showing patriotism to our grand nation. Way to go Jerry and especially the kids.
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A lesson on ATV riding

2008-11-25T21:43:00.002-07:00

Well today I decided to enjoy the great weather by taking a ride on the ATV up Big Hollow road. Just a lesson to others, always wear boot, gloves and a helmet. I was being very careless and yes indeed stupid. Driving at over 50 mph heading west towards the turn at Polly's Peak I could not make the corner, lost control and rolled the four wheeler several times. After being dazed and confused I managed to drive home. Off to the hospital at Nephi for a checkup. Still can't move my right shoulder and right knee. Lots of pain and a helmet that was damaged pretty good by rocks and sage brush. Doing fine just mad at how stupid driving that fast on a dirt road is. So lesson learned, slow down, enjoy nature and most important wear your safety gear!

Hero's and Freinds.

2008-11-21T00:18:00.002-07:00

Just thought Id put this link for the adventurous to watch. It's about the Red Flag war games out of Nellis AFB, Las Vegas Nevada. As a young 2nd Lieutenant in the USAF I started my USAF flying career at this base. Now with over 2,000 hours in the F-4 Phantom II jet fighter, this movie made me homesick, wishing I was again airborne. I have flown in dozens of these Red Flag missions over a number of years. Yes indeed,the best training any military member can get anywhere. It is also very dangerous. It was an acceptable loss to lose at least one aircraft and it's crew every Red Flag. I have lost many great friends during these missions. All were hero's, that I am proud to have served with.
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http://www.hulu.com/watch/24197/fighter-pilot-operation-red-flag
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Don

WOW, What a week

2008-11-20T22:54:00.002-07:00

Hard to believe that winter is just around the corner. This last week has been unbelievable, warm and sunny. Could this be a mild winter or just a tease prior to the snow blizzard storms that are to follow? Get outside and enjoy the weather.

Fountain Green Humanitarian Day 2008

2008-11-16T08:39:00.002-07:00

A beautiful day and a great gift was given by the Saints and Citizens of Fountain Green to those in need. Dozens of families and individuals turned up and cheerfully gave of their time and talents to make items for distribution worldwide in time of need and disaster. Quilts were tied, blankets cut, toys stuffed, block sanded and painted, hygiene kits were filled and cheer was shared with each other. A great day and a wonder gift to others, THANKS!

Don

So Many Gave So Much

2008-11-10T23:41:00.002-07:00

Lest We Forget

2008-11-10T23:20:00.003-07:00

View More of my Veteran videos at www.pond5.com Do a search for "Despain veteran"

Veteran's Day

2008-11-10T22:33:00.003-07:00

Tomorrow is Veteran's Day. An important day in my life since I served proudly in the United States Air Force for over 20 years, retiring as an officer. I have been so blessed to be able to call many men and women my friends who served side-by-side with me. I have had close friends give their life while in service and many more who served with courage and dedication. Let's never forget to honor those who have given their all to our safety and freedoms. Never forget to tell every veteran you meet, thanks. This is not for me, but every time someones thanks me I indeed feel proud and yet humble to have to have been able to do what I have done.

Tomorrow in the Fountain Green Theater, there is a special program but on by the Elementary School children for the local veteran's, THANK YOU!

Don

Humanitarian Day

2008-11-08T23:02:00.003-07:00

Today was beautiful, warm, sunny and a chance for the church members to participate in a Humanitarian Service day. Most of the day members met at the chapel and graciously gave of their time, talents and money to make items for distribution throughout the world to needy and those affected by disasters. A great time tying quilts, sewing blankets, stuffing dolls and toys, painting wood blocks and putting together sanitary kits. A great time to meet each other and help others. THANKS!

City Counsel Meeting 14 Oct 2008

2008-10-15T08:50:00.002-06:00

A spirited time was had by all. The full elected counsel was present and chaired by Mayor Scott Collard. I'm not going to go into the entire meeting, visit city hall and ask for a copy of the minutes from this and past meetings. Do ya'll know what is happening here in Fountain Green? The best way is to participate in each and every monthly meeting. Starting next month they meet an hour earlier at 7 p.m. in the City Hall.

Lots of great interaction on things such as city cleanup, property rights, the new water project that may be in the works, road repairs, general city property maintenance, Eagle Scout Projects, building permits, financial condition of the city, citizen comments and questions. This is our city, we elected the city counsel and they really need our help in governing and directing the affairs of the city to best meet the needs of the majority. If we are silent we have no right to complain. Be there next month.

I personally want to thank the members of the city counsel, they are truly trying to do what is best for all of us. Sometimes they don't really know without our help, most of the time they are right on the spot.

Biggest issue last night was trying to cleanup the city streets. They have asked citizens to move trash, old sheds, wrecked cars and personal property off the city property that extends from the road to the individual property line. Overall it is a good thing to help make our community look cleaner and more organized. Many citizens had concerns of car parking and trailer parking. The discussion was lively to say the least. Scott Collard and the counsel agreed to take the comments under consideration and review. Thanks.

The city counsel voted the Fountain Green Sportsman Club to fall under the umbrella of the city. It was proposed that a new trap and skeet shooting facility be built on city property near the sewer ponds. The nearby land owners will be contacted for input. Preliminary approval was given to continue plans for the sporting complex.

Two Eagle Scout projects were submitted. One was to repair and resurface the basketball court in the city office building. The other was to put together emergency bags that can be carried by the local fire and police vehicles that contain various medical supplies. Both projects are still in the planning stages and we hope to hear more about them. When we do, it's real important for the citizens of Fountain Green to support and assist these young men in making them a success.

It was brought up that there is a dangerous section of sidewalk on the east side of the business on State Street. This section has been pushed up by tree roots. I felt it is an eye sore for the city as well as a public danger. Since gas lines may be in the roots nothing has been done. It's under advisement.

See ya'll next month at the city meeting.

Don

Last Weekend Before first Snow

2008-10-12T21:06:00.003-06:00

Last week end of autumn colors on West Mountain before the first snow storm of the season. Beautiful autumn colors.

Don on the way to Maple Canyon

2008-10-10T20:24:00.004-06:00

. What a beautiful world, golden leaves and country fresh air.

Don in Log Canyon

2008-10-10T19:21:00.004-06:00

A great way to spend a cool autumn day. Exploring Sanpete County by driving up Log Canyon and down Maple Canyon.

Aspen Forest Autumn

2008-10-04T10:11:00.001-06:00

Get out and enjoy life.

Beautiful Autumn on Nebo Loop

2008-10-04T10:01:00.002-06:00

Well it that time of year that everyone should get out of the house and enjoy nature. The oaks are red and the Aspens are brilliant yellow. The Nebo Loop isn't all that far away and less than 40 miles ya'll can be in the big city of Payson. Here's a view along the road this year. Enjoy and be thankful for what we have been given to enjoy.

Fountain Green ... The hidden Treasure

2008-09-20T20:19:00.001-06:00

A beautiful day, sunshine and some clouds. Above it all the end of the rainbow sits on Fountain Green hills.

A beautiful Day in Fountain Green

2008-09-20T19:44:00.003-06:00

Another beautiful day in the valley. The feeling of autumn is coming and the maple trees on the West Mountain are turning brilliant red. Before long the Aspens will turn yellow and we will know fall is getting ready to change to winter. Here's a panorama from the back of my field looking towards town and the West Mountain. This was taken during the summer, in the near future I'll be putting up some great autumn colors.

A few Lamb Day Pics

2008-09-19T22:45:00.000-06:00

Only a few, maybe more to come later, Lamb Day's finest.

Fountain Green, Utah

2008-09-19T21:56:00.001-06:00

Well after spending 20 years in the USAF flying the F-4 Phantom II jet fighter, a life time of traveling the world, and 10 years in business owning and operating five 250 seat restaurants in Texas and New Mexico, I came home to my ancestral homestead. After a few months of preparation and planning we have started to build our new home out behind the old family pioneer home.

We just moved from our last USAF assignment of San Antonio, Texas with it's 1.3 million people to what we hope is a slower, friendlier and more hospitable family orientated town of Fountain Green, Utah with it's 1,000 people.

There aren't any red lights, but a few yield signs, no cross walks, one city park, one small grocery store, an old but well supplied gas station, one elementary school, a few dozen horses, a few thousand sheep, and thousands of turkeys destined for Thanksgiving dinner.

Where else do a large percentage of the citizens drive four wheel ATVs, an occasional riding lawn mower, and a few tractors to the post office to pick up their mail.

This town also has a renovated dance hall and theater that were built in the 1800's, and a few monuments describing the Indian wars and dedicated to the "white men" who were killed during the Blackhawk War in and around the 1860's. These are at the forefront along main street and the city park.

The busiest and greatest time is the Annual Lamb Day, held each July. There are softball games with men, ladies and even the older folks which start the festivities for several days. Friday night is the mutton fry where more than a dozen sheep or mutton are made into steaks and are deep fried in various cast iron pots to serve to the over 750 hungry towns people. Saturday morning starts at 6 a.m when the volunteer fire department sets off a couple sticks of dynamite on the hill above town. Then the fire engine races through town with it's siren blasting calling everyone to the early morning flag ceremony. Afterwards, it's time for a great pancake breakfast in the park,then back to State Street for the parade. Yes, a real parade with floats from the neighboring towns. The big event is the float with the Lamb Day Queen and her attendants. This year there were of course the local politicians, the local store, volunteer fire department, a few antique cars and tractors, the local skateboard "team", high school marching band and pep club. All throwing candy to the hundreds of kids lining the street.

The rest of the day is the lamb show and competition between the kids(where I saw dust scramble), a few music groups singing, and the lamb sandwiches, which are not to be missed. Yes indeed, over 20 lambs are prepared and cooked in underground stone lined pits all night and are ready to eat for lunch. It's hard to believe but the lines don't stop for several hours and it's not unusual for a single person to buy a dozen or more.

One of the state's best fireworks shows ends the day. Fast and furious explosions fill the night air. A perfect ending to a great community celebration.

Oh so much to talk about, the community, the people, the Mayor and the cities councilmen, farmers and businessmen, the politics and the friendships, the mountains and the valley. Yup, we'll get to it all as time goes on. Feel free to add your inputs and ideas. Problems, suggestions, advise, thank yous, congratulations and sympathy; we can talk about most anything. The only thing I ask is that no personal attacks take place here. We can be honest but let's show Utah and this great world how well we can develop friendships and work together to improve our community.

Have fun and let's hear what you think is important in Fountain Green.

Don Despain