A1 DecemberFEATURING 2018 THE PEOPLEa OUR FACES THAT / OUR MAKE HUMANITARIANS OUR COMMUNITYa GREAT! 1 OurFaces LIGHTING THE WAY One family’s quest to spread hope and cheer

Generous ‘Helpings’ Why MOW delivers 85,000 meals a year Thank Goodness for Friday FFBF fuels Laramie County’s youth Greg Dyekman, A Scout Among Men Humble leader & community steward Building a Better ToMORROW The spark plug behind Day of Giving Ann Esquibel Redman, Trailblazer Only focuses on the positive Adopt-A-Grand-Family Brightening the holidays for families in need

MORE THAN A NEWSPAPER A3 December 2018 a OUR FACES / OUR HUMANITARIANS a 3

FEATURING THE PEOPLE THAT MAKE OUR COMMUNITY GREAT! Faces INSIDEOur THIS EDITION: HUMANITARIANS

Lighting the Way One family’s quest to spread hope and cheer ...... 4

Adopt-A-Grand-Family 4 Making a difference this holiday season ...... 6

Greg Dyekman, A Scout Among Men Humble leader & community steward ...... 8

8 Thank Goodness for Friday Friday Food Bag Foundation fuels Laramie County’s youth . . 10

Generous ‘Helpings’ Why Meals on Wheels delivers 85,000 meals a year . . . . 12

14 Building a Better ToMORROW The spark plug behind Day of Giving ...... 14

Ann Esquibel Redman, Trailblazer 16 Only focuses on the positive ...... 16 A4 4 a Wyoming Tribune Eagle a Lighting the Way one family’s quest to spread hope and cheer

Gary “Papa” Kelley created the forest with his wife, Nancy. Photo by Rachel Girt. Six-year-old Jessie Hall with her neurosurgeon, By Rachel Girt Dr. Ben Carson. Photo provided by the Kelley family. alking among the their brain in hopes that the child The resulting surgeries, she Her enthusiasm for learning over 300,000 twin- will live free of severe epileptic has had more than 11, left new things inspires Papa Kelley kling lights in the seizures, explains Gary “Papa” Jessie permanently disabled, who taught his granddaughter to WHemi Lighted Forest of Hope, Kelley, who created the forest but without them the disease drive the ATV and fly a drone. located just east of Cheyenne, with his wife Nancy and help of would have eaten away at her “If you have a little patience, it douses visitors with instant holi- many volunteers. brain causing frequent seizures, is amazing what these kids can day cheer, but the trees represent Their granddaughter Jessie Hall, paralysis, and possible death. eventually accomplish.” so much more than that. at six-years-old, underwent the Today, Jessie is 16 and going These proud grandparents The magical forest is a radical surgery in 2008 as a result to high school, says a very spend months each year celebration of life for over a of Rasmussen's Encephalitis, proud Papa Kelley. Despite decorating their yard, large thousand children across the an inflammatory disease that the challenges, she's been a outdoor water feature, and two world who have undergone the relentlessly attacked the right side cheerleader and served on indoor displays for the annual hemispherectomy, a surgery to of her brain causing debilitating student council, as well as being a Hemi Lighted Forest of Hope, remove one-half (hemisphere) of seizures. good student. located at 6565 Ashley Drive, just A5 December 2018 a OUR FACES / OUR HUMANITARIANS a 5

How you can help Happy Holidays Hemi Lighted Forest of Hope from Wasabi! www .hemiforest .com HaveyourNewYearHolidayPartywithus!

over 4 miles east of Cheyenne. Lighting up the trees in their The forest is free and open front yard initially was just a way to the public 6 to 8:30 p.m. to make Christmas memorable seven days a week until the end for their granddaughter who of January. Hayrides and the was planning to visit them in 4620 Grandview Ave #205 indoor displays are only available 2010. But Papa Kelley wanted (in Avanti Plaza off Dell Range Blvd, through Dec. 31 and include hot to go much bigger and light a located between Wal-Mart and Harbor Freight) chocolate, as well as a free stuffed tree for every child who had to 307-514-5606 • wasabicheyenne.com animal for all children who undergo a similar surgery. That come. Donations are welcome at ended up equating to 2,000 feet Open for Lunch 11am-4pm Mon-Fri the Hemi Forest or make your of underground wiring with 22 Dinner 4pm-9pm Mon-Thurs donation directly to the Hemi service points, 450 trees, 450 4pm-10pm Fri-Sat Foundation at extension cords, and 65,000 LED Sun 12pm to 8:30pm All Day Dinner www.hemifoundation.org. See Forest of Hope, 18 A6 6 a Wyoming Tribune Eagle a

Adopt-A-Grand-Family making a difference this holiday season Grandmother Susan Lyday poses with her grandson, Lazerous Gilbert, who she has raised since he By Rachel Girt was 3. Photo by Rachel Girt. hen her grandson Lazerous Gil- autism, as well as ADHD. age of 18. The program is mostly supported bert was 8 years old, Susan Lyday’s As part of the adopt-a-grand-family through federal dollars funneled through holiday wishes came true when a initiative, Lyday received a gift card to buy the Wyoming Department of Health’s Aging Wstranger from Laramie adopted their family for shoes, clothes or other items needed plus a Division but also receives funding from United Christmas through the Community Action of special gift. She bought Legos when Lazerous Way, community services block grants, and Laramie County’s adopt-a-grand-family initia- was younger but, for many years now, all he donations. tive. wanted was books. “He reads every night until The older relative caregiver program has 63 That was about 10 years ago, and the same midnight.” clients, who care for well over 120 children woman has continued to provide for all Lyday calls the gifts a “blessing.” “She’s a good in the county, said Debbie Walter, Kinship Lazerous’ Christmas presents since then. lady. That’s all I can tell you.” Support Services Access Care Coordinator. Lyday’s finances have been pretty strapped. The adopt-a-grand-family initiative is “This year there were 28 people on the list for Retired, living off of a fixed income, she ended part of the older relative caregiver program, the adopt-a-grand-family initiative, but I could up with guardianship of her grandson, when he available through Kinship Support Services list all 63 people,” Walter said. “They all need was just three. at Community Action of Laramie County. help.” “He’s such a remarkable, smart child,” Lyday The program serves people who are 55 years Walter explained that at least 80 percent says, fondly. She homeschooled Lazerous, who of age and older who are caring for someone, of the clients are caring for children because has been diagnosed with high-functioning a relative or a family friend who is under the the parents have either abandoned them A7 December 2018 a OUR FACES / OUR HUMANITARIANS a 7

completely, are homeless, are drug users, or are incarcerated. “It’s not that the parents don’t love their children,” Walter adds. “Whatever situation they find themselves in, mostly drug abuse, the grandparents are the only ones left who can care for children.” These grandparents are on a very fixed income, many well below the poverty line, How you can help often just living off of Social Security. They’re usually well past retirement age, and many Community Action of suffer from health issues. Laramie County One grandmother, who is raising two www grandkids, came to Walter for help. She had The adopt-a-grand-family initiative is one of .calc .net only a monthly income of $208 plus received many programs offered through Community Action of Laramie County. Community Action some assistance with her rent and food stamps. of Laramie County is dedicated to eliminating poverty by empowering people Walter said, “It’s hard to deal with because through education, advocacy, crisis intervention, and by providing opportunities toward self-sufficiency. you know they’re struggling. It just is Photo by Rachel Girt. heartbreaking to me.” As part of the older relative caregiver no money for Christmas and was panicked, would abandon him at his grandmother’s program, Walter can arrange for a variety of absolutely panicked.” house 10 hours at a time until Lyday gained services such as a Lifeline, sidewalks being Walter completely understands the situation guardianship of him. His mother has now set shoveled in the winter, a ride to the doctor, these grandparents find themselves in. She has her life straight, gotten off of drugs and alcohol. home modifications like railings, or provide been raising her grandson for 11 years. His father stopped visiting him when he turned Happy Meal coupons. The third Thursday When grandparents come to Walter, they are 3. of the month, the program also has a group devastated by what is happening. “There is the “In my mind, I already had a mother, and support meeting at the North Christian Church heartbreak that you feel for your grandchild that person was my grandmother. She loved me that includes dinner and respite workers to take who is going through all of this. Then there’s and took care of me, and I love her,” Lazerous age of 18. The program is mostly supported care of the kids for the evening. the heartbreak that you feel because your child said. “But living without the discipline of a through federal dollars funneled through That is why the adopt-a-grand-family isn’t stepping up to the plate or isn’t able to.” father was hard. I had no one to show me how the Wyoming Department of Health’s Aging initiative makes such a difference in these Walters is genuinely grateful for having her to be a young man, no one to talk with about Division but also receives funding from United families’ lives during the holidays, Walter said. grandson in her life, though raising him hasn’t my problem.” Way, community services block grants, and The program asks the grandparents for a list been easy. She doesn’t have the same energy He adds that he got through his childhood, donations. of things that the kids need and then things that she did when she raised her kids. but it was hard. Today, still living with his The older relative caregiver program has 63 that the kids would love to have. “The people “But I would do it all over again. He’s the clients, who care for well over 120 children who volunteer typically are so incredibly light of my life. I adore him. I, just like the grandmother, he attends Laramie County in the county, said Debbie Walter, Kinship generous, trying to fulfill the wish list of the grandparents in this program, do it because we Community College working to earn an Support Services Access Care Coordinator. kids,” Walter said. love them.” associate’s degree in Computer Information “This year there were 28 people on the list for One single grandmother, who was barely Lyday agrees. Systems with a goal to attend the University of the adopt-a-grand-family initiative, but I could getting by, took on her three grandchildren, Being Lazerous’ guardian has taken away Wyoming for engineering. list all 63 people,” Walter said. “They all need removing them from a pretty bad situation. from her ability to be just a grandma, Lyday Lyday, who uses a walker to get around, says help.” Her family was adopted for the program last says, but “I wouldn’t change it for the world.” that she is fortunate to have Lazerous in her life. Walter explained that at least 80 percent year. Lazerous recently told his story in a letter, “If it wasn’t for him now, I might be in assistant of the clients are caring for children because She told Walter, “I don’t know what I would explaining the difficulty of growing up without living. I was there when he needed me, and he the parents have either abandoned them have done without you guys last year. I had his parents. Starting at his birth, his mother is here when I needed him.” A8 8 a Wyoming Tribune Eagle a

Greg Dyekman, A Scout Among Men humble leader & community steward

Greg Dyekman displays his many badges, his speech printed in the Congressional Record and a tie clip By Rachel Girt personally given to him by President Richard Nixon. Photo by Rachel Girt. hen Greg Dyekman Business Forum. The statewide Dyekman grew up in focused on trying to get the troop joined Boy Scout award is given by the Wyoming Cheyenne, the oldest of four members to advance in rank. Troop 101 at 11 years Business Alliance, the Daniels children whose father was the “We had plenty of chances to Wold, he was like most Cheyenne Fund, and the University of first Dean of Boys at Carey Junior decide whether to do something boys his age, eager for scouting Wyoming (UW) College of High School and whose mother that was right or was wrong. We adventures. However, the values Business. was a music teacher. He joined didn’t always make the correct of citizenship, community ser- That recognition was totally Cheyenne Boy Scout Troop 101, choices, but we were well coached vice, and leadership he learned unexpected, Dyekman admits, which met in Lions Park and when we didn’t do the right while in Boy Scouts have had a humbly. “All these values - I live included scouts from all over thing.” profound impact on his life. out mostly unintentionally. It all town, not just localized to a The troop placed a heavy Dyekman, a well-respected started with the values I received specific neighborhood. emphasis on public service Cheyenne attorney, recently when I was a kid in Boy Scouts. Troop 101 was a very strong projects beyond what was received the 2018 Daniels Fund Scouting gives kids an ethical and scouting unit with wonderful required for advancement in Boy Ethical Leadership Award for his value foundation for citizenship adult leadership, Dyekman Scouts. “The troop really had commitment to living a life of and leadership for the rest of their recalled. The troop camped a lot, a strong ethic for us to be out integrity during the Governor’s lives.” did all the outdoor things, and helping other people and that A9 December 2018 a OUR FACES / OUR HUMANITARIANS a 9 really influenced me,” he said. The troop did fun public service events like helping the Lions Club with their Broom-A- Rama selling items door-to-door, catching pancakes at the Pancake Breakfasts during Cheyenne Frontier Days and cleaning the stands at Frontier Days. Troop members also came up with other service projects as part of their advancement requirements. Shortly after turning 16, Dyekman achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and was later involved with the Explorers. Greg Dyekman, “Achieving Eagle Scout was the first goal like that I had ever really tackled and accomplished with lots of good pushing from my Greg Dyekman received the 2018 Daniels Fund Ethical Leadership Award during the Governor's Business Forum. On the stage, A Scout Among Men family and leaders.” left to right, Kent Noble with University of Wyoming College of Business, Bo Peretto with Daniels Fund Ethics Initiative, Dyek- Dyekman credits the scouts man, Gov. Matt Mead, Ben Blalock with the University of Wyoming Foundation and Ernie Skretteberg with the Wyoming Busi- ness Alliance. Photo by Rachel Girt. with giving him the first formal leadership training he ever taking on leadership positions The news of the Watergate speaking contest finalists were received and his mother for a with nonprofits. He signed up for scandal had just come out, and escorted into a room to learn the humble leader & community steward strong work ethic. “My mother the judicial council in the dorms at the time of his speech, there “secret” of the scouting program. always pushed me pretty hard then served as dorm president was a lull in national attention. “We all thought, oh man, maybe because I was capable of much and was the president of the Dyekman pointed out his speech it’s a secret second handshake, or more than I demonstrated as a debate team and a couple of other was more encouraging than maybe there’s something really young kid.” honorary groups during college, negative, and the Vice President mystical about it.” But her encouragement didn’t including the campus-wide appeared to like it. Instead, the scout leaders fully click until he attended a leadership honorary. Later on the same trip, from the national office told the student council leadership camp When he was 18, just a college Dyekman would meet President students that scouting is much between his junior year and freshman, Dyekman won the Richard Nixon in the Oval Office more than just fun outdoor skills. Dyekman recalls what they were senior year. When he came back, national Explorer public speaking to make the annual Report to the told, “We’re trying to make you he started working harder, getting contest for his 6 and half minute President, where the President the very best citizens that you can straight As. “I became convinced speech about recovering from gave him a presidential tie clasp. be. We’re trying to teach you to that I had the potential to do Watergate. The contest finals Dyekman laughed that the be leaders and the values of what better, which is what my mother were in Washington, D.C. and as President didn’t know the topic of is right and wrong. And we’re had been telling me all along. the winner, he gave the speech at his speech, which was probably teaching you to live productive, You hate it when your mother is a breakfast of 600 that included a good thing. Later Wyoming happy lives as good citizens in right.” members of Congress and their Senator Cliff Hansen had his your communities.” He went to the University of staffs. At the long head table speech transcribed and published A giant lightbulb went on for Wyoming on a debate scholarship to his immediate right sat Vice in the Congressional Record. Dyekman. “Up to that point at and started a lifelong pattern of President Gerald Ford. During the trip, the 12 student See Dyekman, 20 A10 10 a Wyoming Tribune Eagle a Thank Goodness for Friday Friday Food Bag Foundation fuels Laramie County’s youth

Volunteers go through an assembling line to pack 3,600 bags a month to feed hungry children in Laramie County. Photo by Rachel Girt. By Rachel Girt tarting a little bit after 1 and 40 percent of District 2 are The effort made 50 bags a The volunteers, numbering 5 p.m., twice a month, Fri- eligible to receive free or reduced- week the first year and, with the around 300 representing a day Food Bag volunteers, price breakfast and lunch while at community’s generous support, multitude of organizations, pretty Syoung and old, scurry through school. has grown to 900 a week. much show up on their own to two food lines, placing each item The program hits only 20 Each bag costs $5.45 and help. Sports teams, cheerleaders, in a brown paper bag. Their goal percent of the need, said Eric contains nonperishable, easy to high school students, Veteran’s is to make 3,600 bags a month to Miller, Foundation Board prepare items like Chef Boyardee Administration, Boy Scouts, feed kids who otherwise might President. “We’re not servicing pasta, Vienna sausages, mac and Rotary, Kiwanis and even not eat well, or at all, during the all the children who need food cheese, applesauce, diced fruit, retirement homes have come weekends. because financially we can’t do it.” two granola bars, and Rice a Roni. to pack food. Some volunteers Started in 2007, the Friday The effort has come a long way The recipients can be as young have designated jobs, like the Food Bag Foundation provides but it has a long way to go, noted as kindergarten up through high volunteers who recycle or deliver approximately 900 bags filled with Judy Weickum, who has been a school, so the items need to be food. The rest grab a bag and go nutritious food each Friday while board member for seven years. easy to prepare. through the line. school is in session to children The effort began with Holland The big community filling The board has grown to 14 who get free or reduced breakfast and Hart Law Firm, which happens twice a month, the members and held its first major and lunch at school in Laramie launched the Food Bag program second Tuesday of the month and fundraising event at Little America County School District 1 and 2. in a back room of its Cheyenne the fourth Wednesday, starting at this past fall. One young lady told Currently, 43 percent of all kids in office in 2007 as a way to celebrate 5:15 p.m. Smaller organizations the crowded room how she would Laramie County School Districts the firm’s 60th anniversary. help out at other times as well. hope and pray that all her siblings A11 December 2018 a OUR FACES / OUR HUMANITARIANS a 11

How you can help Friday Food Bag Foundation cheyenneffbag .org

The foundation must raise money to pay for the food, which costs $5.45 per bag. Photo by Rachel Girt. would all get a food bag to get added. them through the weekend. The foundation is constantly “It’s just heart-wrenching, and searching to find any grants or APY* we hear many stories like that,” donations. Miller added, “The Miller added. success of this program depends Miller hopes that someday that on the volunteers’ help but to 3.15% zero bags will be needed. “The grow it we need more money.” 35-MONTH TERM SHARE reality is that we don’t expect to When they are at school, see the need go away.” students in need will receive SERVING OUR MEMBERS The foundation works with free or reduced-priced meals; SINCE 1951 little to no overhead. The social however, when school is not workers at the schools identify in session, this becomes more the students in greatest need. challenging, explained Mary Volunteers do all ordering, Quast, Community Relations For a limited purchasing, unpacking, filling, Director for Laramie County time only! recycling, and delivering to the School District 1, called the Open by December 31. schools. Element Church lets the program “an invaluable service foundation use, without charge, to our students, many of whom a portion on the north side of would not have access to their building to load and store nutritious food on the weekends.” the bags. JoEd Produce, a local “We are grateful to live in a business, gives the foundation community where people are so discounted food and delivers the willing come together to donate * Annual percentage yield effective 12/01/2018. $50,000 minimum deposit for IRA and term share. Rates subject to change. New money cases at no extra charge. their time and resources to help only. Rewards for Liferate bonus cannot be used in combination with promotional rate. Early withdrawal penalties apply. Availablefor a “Virtually all of the donations our children,” Quast said. limited time. Membership is easy, just ask. Insured by NCUA. 800.368.9328 | bluefcu.com/special go right back to the kids,” Miller A12 12 a Wyoming Tribune Eagle a

Generous ‘Helpings’

why Meals on Wheels How you can help

Meals On Wheels delivers 85,000 of Cheyenne meals a year www .mealsonwheelsofcheyenne .com By Rachel Girt Nicole Kaiser-Mills, who works at Gold’s Gym, takes her Friday lunch break to deliver meals. Photo By Rachel Girt. ffering much more than on Wheels uses meal delivery as hospital, or the doctor. “If we the church. nutritious food, Meals a tool to check on clients’ well- can't find them, we call 911 and The program has gone from on Wheels of Cheyenne, being. Delivery drivers, who are may break down the door.” making 60 meals a day to OInc. helps elderly and other volunteers, have rescued clients In 1970, Church Women producing at least 300 meals a homebound people remain in who have had a stroke, heart United started Meals on Wheels day, equating to about 85,000 their homes for as long as pos- attack or even fallen. Last year, to help feed the homebound, meals a year. Meals on Wheels sible. volunteers did 1,400 emergency operating out of the basement sends out maybe 250 meals daily, “Our clients are the people you interventions, saving four lives by of Saint Paul's Lutheran Church Monday through Friday, and then don't see,” Executive Director getting them to the hospital on in Cheyenne. Benson, hired in makes another 50 to 80 frozen Sharon Benson stressed. “They're time. 1990, helped the organization meals for the weekend and the not about town eating and If a client doesn’t answer the obtain its first main building, evenings for people to eat. shopping. They're homebound door, the driver calls the office, located on South Greeley Without these meals, most of and very lonely.” which immediately calls the Highway, and added a kitchen, the clients, who are homebound, Benson explained that Meals emergency contact person, the using the 1980s equipment from would not have any food to eat. A13 December 2018 a OUR FACES / OUR HUMANITARIANS a 13 The program offers therapeutic need it.” diets like a hospital would, Some clients get two hot meals offering renal, diabetic, and a day, so they can warm one meal heart diets or whatever the client up for the evening. They can have needs to maintain their health. as many frozen meals in a week as Their in-house dietitian develops they want, plus a few frozen meals the menus and identifies all the to carry them over the weekend. alternates of that meal for each The program sends out birthday kind of diet. They also try to cakes and cards, as well as honor food dislikes. Christmas stockings or dyed hard “My philosophy is if they don't boiled eggs at Easter. Volunteers like it, they're not going eat it, also pitch in to buy presents or and we want them to eat to stay gift cards. healthy,” Benson said. “They get excited as little kids “Most of the people who because we remembered them Volunteer Ed Olson helps organize which meals go out on the routes we serve cannot cook for on their birthday and holidays,” four days a week. Photo by Rachel Girt. themselves,” Benson said. “They Benson added. lunch break to deliver meals. government funds. To raise have health problems or aging While the organization has “Delivering doesn’t take much funds for the operating budget, issues like dementia in which they some staff, the volunteers are the time and giving back is very Benson relies on donations, no longer can do the daily acts of heart and soul, making a huge satisfying.” grants, and funds raised through living. They can't shop for food to difference in clients’ lives, Benson Each route is localized to a sales at the Meals on Wheels cook. They can't cook anymore said. “Our volunteers always tell specific area in Laramie County Mart, a thrift store. Without the because they leave the stove on or me that they get more out of it with generally between five Mart, almost 100 people would they can't see the dials anymore.” than they give.” and 14 clients receiving meals. have to be placed on a waiting list. Becoming a client is simple, Ed Olson, who has volunteered The drivers take a little time to Benson suspects that the Benson explains. Those who for 13 years, used to be a delivery check on each individual, some demand for meals will continue are interested just need to call driver and help in the kitchen offering to help them with chores. to increase. in with their basic information, until he needed supplemental Delivering the meals takes a little By 2055, Wyoming’s population health conditions, allergies, oxygen. Today he helps organize over an hour. of residents age 85 and older will and medications, so Meals on which meals go out on the routes, With the demand for meals grow by 227 percent and make up Wheels can prepare the correct four days a week. He calls the growing, the kitchen has reached more than 5 percent of the state’s the church. diet. Meals are delivered as soon complicated process a “well-oiled maximum capacity, and Meals on population, according to a recent The program has gone from as possible. The program also machine.” Wheels is the process of building study by AARP. making 60 meals a day to includes a personal visit for an Volunteers drive 25 routes a a much larger kitchen, replacing “The Meals on Wheels program producing at least 300 meals a in-home assessment of living day, Monday through Friday. their old equipment. The kitchen is a very cost-effective way to day, equating to about 85,000 skills, how mobile they are, and Most drivers only drive one will be complete by March, provide preventative care for meals a year. Meals on Wheels nutritional risk analysis. route one day a week, though and the rest of the remodel is seniors and other people with sends out maybe 250 meals daily, “We gather information, some drive more. Some local scheduled to be complete by health problems and keep them Monday through Friday, and then like mobility problems, so we businesses, military organizations, early summer. Meals on Wheels in their homes,” Benson added. makes another 50 to 80 frozen know what kind of emergency state agencies, and nonprofits is raising money to complete the According to the Wyoming meals for the weekend and the we might be dealing with if have adopted a route and have current expansion. Association of Senior Project evenings for people to eat. they cannot answer the door,” different employees take turns Benson notes that less than Directors, one year of senior Without these meals, most of Benson explained. “We also try delivering meals. 28 percent of the organization’s meals served equals six days in a the clients, who are homebound, to coordinate other services like Nicole Kaiser-Mills, who works $1 million budget comes from nursing home and one day in the would not have any food to eat. hearing aids or dental if they at Gold’s Gym, takes her Friday federal, state, city, county hospital. A14 14 a Wyoming Tribune Eagle a Building a Better ToMORROW the spark plug behind Day of Giving

How you can help

Cheyenne Day of Giving The 14th Annual Cheyenne Day of Giving will be held on Friday, May 10, 2019 www .cheyennedayofgiving .org

Greta Morrow continues to volunteer at a Day of Giving, which she helped start. Portrait by Rachel Girt. Volunteering photo provided by Greta Morrow. By Rachel Girt hen cancer took away efforts helped Needs, Comea help in our community.” bookworm when I was in school, Greta Morrow’s abil- Shelter, and the Salvation Army, Seeing some of her students reading under my covers with ity to teach English raising $800 and collecting two struggle with homelessness and a flashlight late into the night. Wfull-time, this compassionate pick-up trucks of food donations. hunger stuck with Morrow, who I played teacher during the woman became the spark that Last year, 77 congregations plus taught English at Central High summer when I was in grade launched the Day of Giving in numerous businesses, community school from 1982 until her battle school.” Cheyenne. groups, and individuals helped with cancer forced her to stop Her family, which included a “God and I had a lot of 17 nonprofit organizations, raised teaching in 2002. “One student younger brother and sister, lived conversations when I was in over $50,000, and collected 12 told me he hadn’t eaten anything on their hobby farm, 15 acres a MD Anderson Cancer Center in tons of food, personal care items, since breakfast the day before. I little bit north of Fort Collins, Houston receiving treatment,” and craft items. had another kid who lived in a Colorado. Her father was the explained Morrow, who had been Morrow received the Wyoming U-Haul trailer with his mother. water commissioner in the area, diagnosed Stage 4 low-grade Tribune Eagle’s 2007 Community That was their home.” and her mother was a stay-at- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and Spirit Award for her volunteer The Day of Giving helped home mom. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. efforts. She, however, refuses to quench Morrow’s thirst to give “My parents were very “I thought if I get to live that take sole credit for the event’s back. “We all belong to this conservative, hard working farm I want to help people who are creation. community, and we can all join people. The Protestant work ethic sick or who can't provide for “I don't like to say I started it. together and help each other.” was very much instilled in us, and themselves life's necessities.” Maybe I was the spark plug. It was Morrow’s desire to help others I think that served me well down The Day of Giving started in my idea for maybe two weeks; started young, and she isn’t the road.” 2006 with just 15 congregations then it was our idea because surprised that she became an After graduating high school, participating. The first year’s many people came together to English teacher. “I was a real See Morrow, 21 A15 December 2018 a OUR FACES / OUR HUMANITARIANS a 15

IT’S THE PEOPLE OF CHEYENNE THAT MAKE IT HOME

HollyFrontier is dedicated to being a good neighbor in this community, and a good neighbor is in it for the long run. Our commitment to this community goes beyond our work. Since 1934, Cheyenne has been where we’ve lived, played, volunteered and raised our families. Cheyenne is our forever home. PART OF THE CHEYENNE COMMUNITY SINCE 1934 Visit hollyfrontier.com to learn more. A16 16 a Wyoming Tribune Eagle a Ann Esquibel Redman, Trailblazer only focuses on the positive

One of Anne Esquibel-Redman’s first jobs was at the Wyoming State Museum at age 19. Photo courtesy of Wyoming State Archives. By Rachel Girt She went on to work for for several governors, and continues to be an advocate to help others. Photo by Rachel Girt. s a young girl growing have recognized Redman’s her beginnings were quite simple. school. up in Cheyenne, Ann efforts on behalf of women and Annabelle Esquibel was born in At some point in the early Esquibel Redman, now minorities. She has received the 1935 in her grandfather’s house in 1940s, the family briefly came A83, was once advised to forgo Small Business Administration’s a tiny farming community called to Cheyenne for work and then her dreams of having an office 1996 Minority Advocate of Ledoux, located in the mountains moved to Covina, California job because of her Hispanic the Year, the governor’s 2000 of New Mexico. The close-knit so her father could work in the heritage and having Esquibel as Service and Volunteer Award, Spanish speaking community was orange groves. a last name. the Wyoming Student Leaders filled with her extended family. “California was where I first She didn’t let that negative of the University of Wyoming’s She is the oldest of nine children. experienced that people saw us advice hold her back, though it 2009 Woman of Distinction “At the time, there few vehicles differently,” she said. Redman took several years to build up Award, Wyoming Council for in the community, and we’d recalls kids laughing that she her confidence. Redman went Women’s Issues’ 2016 Woman of get mail every two weeks on couldn’t pronounce words beyond a mere office job, working Distinction Award, and the 2017 horseback,” Redman said. She correctly and another time when for several governors, and has Woman of Influence Lifetime rode her horse a few miles to her cousins and brothers who had spent many years being a tireless Achievement Award by the attend a primer school, like darker skin were not allowed in at advocate to help others. Wyoming Business Report. kindergarten. Spanish was her the local swimming pool. Today countless organizations Redman humbly points out that first language until she attended When she was in fourth grade, A17 December 2018 a OUR FACES / OUR HUMANITARIANS a 17

the family moved to Las Vegas, she was waiting tables. Impressed who served in the U.S. Air Shortly after Governor Ed New Mexico. Her father had by her, Homsher offered her a Force. Redman traveled with her Herschler was elected, a young Ann Esquibel Redman, developed pneumonia from the job at the state museum. At first, husband and their four sons all Dave Freudenthal, who was the smudge pots that they used in Redman worked selling souvenirs over the nation and world during State Planning Coordinator, the orange groves to keep them but eventually became Homsher’s his 20-year career. hired Redman as an assistant. warm, and doctors advised him secretary. While stationed in a very cold Redman continued to work for to leave California. After a year of working at the Limestone, Maine, Redman the next several State Planning Trailblazer Eventually, her father left the museum as well as waiting tables, worked for the exchange officer Coordinators up to Governor family in Las Vegas to work Yarter asked Redman what she where she dealt with high ranking Mike Sullivan’s administration. construction and on the railroad wanted to do with her life. “I officers. The job increased her Governor Sullivan appointed in Cheyenne. Her father brought wanted to go to Parks Business confidence level. “I thought if I her as International Trade Redman to Cheyenne the College in Denver, but it was $900 can relate to these high-ranking Assistant and Protocol Officer, only focuses on the positive summer of 1950 to work as a bus to attend. My family couldn’t officers I can do anything. Every which included special projects girl at the Valencia Restaurant afford it.” job that I have had has given me like Wyoming’s centennial downtown. Several months later, Yarter paid for Redman to go. the confidence for the next.” celebration. the entire family joined them. “There were a lot of people that The family eventually returned Eventually, the trade office, As a teenager, Redman had didn’t believe in me, but he did.” to Cheyenne to settle down, and and along with it Redman, dreams of going to college but Redman continued to Redman launched a prestigious moved underneath the Wyoming had little self-confidence of being persevere, despite stereotyping, 22-year career working for the Department of Commerce. able to do so. “I was told that even in Denver. When she asked State of Wyoming. See Redman, 22 nobody would hire someone the college superintendent for whose last name was Esquibel help finding an office job, he to work in an office. People insisted that she aim for being a would tell me I couldn’t do this; I store clerk. “He said quite frankly couldn’t do that because of who I Ms. Esquibel I don’t think you’re was.” capable of having an office job. I’ll One of Anne Esquibel-Redman’s first jobs was at the Wyoming State Museum at age 19. Photo courtesy of Wyoming State Archives. “When I was growing up never forget those words.” She went on to work for for several governors, and continues to be an advocate to help others. Photo by Rachel Girt. in Cheyenne in the 1950s, Redman courageously rebutted, we were not allowed to eat in “I don’t think you are the judge of some restaurants,” Redman t h at .” said. “There were signs outside The next day he set up an that said no dogs, no Mexicans, interview for Redman with referring to citizens of Hispanic two young lawyers on South ethnicity. People of color were Broadway. She got the job, not allowed to live north of working for them in the Pershing.” afternoon after attending college. Is owning a home Thanks to the support of her Redman graduated Parks boss Ed Yarter, who owned the Business College with an associate causing you problems? Sky Trail restaurant located at degree in business, something the airport, and Lola Homsher, that she never dreamed was LET US HELP! who was the first Wyoming state possible as a teenager. She Helping Homeowners Move on to Their Next Best Life historian, Redman was able to continued to work for the law obtain her first office job and firm of Reibscheid and Machol. Lynn BUyS HoUSES eventually an associate degree. After graduating, Redman 307.222.9885 • Find us on Facebook Homsher met Redman while married her husband Ralph A18 18 a Wyoming Tribune Eagle a

The Hemi Lighted Forest of Hope has over 300,000 twinkling lights outside, and an indoor display has stockings for all the children who have had a hemispherectomy. Photos by Rachel Girt. Forest of Hope from 5 Air Force Base came out to help Hemispherectomy Foundation, “We have so many kids registered set up. So far the 2018 display started by their daughter Kristi with the foundation now that lights. is up to over 300,000 lights, 900 Hall and son-in-law Cris. they have to share trees,” Papa Unfortunately, seizures kept extension cords, and over 630 At the time of Jessie’s surgery, Kelley says, noting the indoor Jessie home in Texas for another trees. Papa Kelley never stops no organization existed for display has a stocking with each surgery that year, but she made decorating, adding more lights, the Halls to seek support and child’s name on it as well. it the following year in 2011. By and tweaking the design right up resources about the surgery and “When you walk through the that time, the Hemi Lighted Forest to the end of its lingering Hemi Forest, you get an idea of of Hope had grown with the January when after-effects. the thousand kids worldwide who addition of an indoor garden scale To visit Forest of Hope, go he starts taking east on U.S. Highway 30 from The Halls are part of the Hemispherectomy railroad, a hayride, and 108,000 down the lights. College Drive about 4 miles decided to Foundation and who are going lights. To help fund the project, His to Reese Road. Go north on create the through that same challenges the Kelley’s sold their motorhome, granddaughter Reese 1 mile to Beckle Road. foundation that our granddaughter's gone boats, and other toys. loves the lights, Turn left and go one block to become a through,” Papa Kelley says. Gesturing to the permanent Papa Kelley west to Ashley Drive. Go one-stop shop Visitors from as far away as indoor display in their garage that said. “Her eyes north on Ashley to the fifth for parents Russia, India, Turkey, Europe, includes a large parade-size train sparkle when house on the right. of “Hemi Canada, and Mexico have come set, Papa Kelley emphatically she goes out, kids” across to see their child’s tree. Just says, “We use this and share walks through the trees and looks the world. Funds raised recently families from Casper, this way more of our life than at everything. You can walk for support medical research, as WY and North Carolina stopped anyone every shared with their 10-15 minutes and never leave the well as children who have had by the forest and were moved motorhome.” property and never see the same hemispherectomy surgery as a to tears when they found their Each year the lights and the tree twice.” result of intractable epilepsy. child’s tree. displays grow more elaborate, Beyond delighting visitors, one Soon after creating the forest, Papa Kelley explains showing taking longer to decorate. This of the goals behind creating the the Kelleys started to place photos these families that they are not year High West Energy employees Hemi Lighted Forest of Hope of the children who have had a alone and giving them hope is and folks stationed at F.E. Warren is to bring awareness about hemispherectomy below the trees. precisely why the forest exists. A19 December 2018 a OUR FACES / OUR HUMANITARIANS a 19

2200 Westland Rd • Cheyenne, Wyoming (307) 638-3335 • www.spradleybarrcheyenne.com A20 20 a Wyoming Tribune Eagle a

Dyekman from 9 the need to serve.” 18-years-old, I didn’t think that’s Wyoming Secretary of why I had been in the Boy Scouts. State Thyra Thomson noticed And then it was suddenly clear Dyekman’s fundraising skills at that that’s exactly why I was in the a Boy Scout dinner featuring Boy Scouts.” former President Gerald Ford Dyekman earned his Bachelor and encouraged him to join the of Arts Degree in Accounting Board of Visitors at the UW from the University of Wyoming College of Arts and Sciences. in 1977, and then went on to That one invitation started a now earn his Juris Doctorate in 1980 20-plus-year career serving on from the UW College of Law. boards at the University for the He received a job offer with a College of Arts and Sciences, Cheyenne law firm where he’d College of Business and the had a summer internship. He College of Law Dean’s Advisory became a partner in that firm in a Board. He has also served on little over two years and practiced the UW Foundation Board as a with what eventually became member and the chairman and Dray, Dyekman, Reed & Healey, currently is an emeritus member. P.C. for the next 38 years. Today, Dyekman confesses, “I tend to he serves as a senior counsel with be willing and happy to serve in Long Reimer Winegar Beppler leadership positions. Sometimes LLP in its Cheyenne office. it’s fun, and sometimes it’s Dyekman’s family came to the 2018 Daniels Fund Ethical Leadership Award ceremony. The support of his partners challenging. But the combination Left to right: His niece Kathy Riedl, his sister Debbie Riedl, his mother Patsy Dyekman, and Dyekman, who credits his mother for his strong work ethic and pushing him to do has allowed Dyekman to pursue of service and leadership has better. Photo by Rachel Girt. community service. Dyekman given me many opportunities and went back to being an assistant allowed me to work alongside over the years and has mentored and the UW College of Law scoutmaster in Cheyenne some amazing people.” young lawyers to do it as well. (2016). The Greater Cheyenne immediately after graduating He has been on the Boy Scout “In the legal profession, we Chamber of Commerce named from law school. He soon joined Council Board of Trustees since have an obligation to serve the him Person of the Year in 2008; underserved and help those the Cheyenne Symphony Board the 1990’s and the treasurer for Wyoming Tribune Eagle awarded and then the YMCA board. the First Presbyterian Church people who need access to legal him the 2014 Community Spirit The dire financial times in the 32 years. He has also served as services.” 1980s were tough on nonprofits. the chairman or president of Many entities have recognized Award, and the National Eagle “I was breaking my teeth serving the Foundation for Meals on Dyekman for his leadership and Scout Association recognized him with organizations that were Wheels of Cheyenne, an annual commitment to others. He has as an Outstanding Eagle Scout in having financial problems,” campaign for United Way of received the Wyoming State Bar 2017. he said, noting he even had Laramie County, Cheyenne Leadership Award, Wyoming Dyekman explains that serving to give a personal guarantee Kiwanis Foundation, Cheyenne Bar Foundation Pro-Bono others is what fulfills him, not for the Cheyenne Symphony YMCA Board of Directors, Public Service Award, and the accolades. “I see how well the Orchestra to secure a loan to and the Cheyenne Symphony Thomas G. Gorman Excellence make it through one of its first Orchestra Board. in Professionalism Award. He symphony’s doing and how the professional seasons. “I learned On the professional side, is a Distinguished Alum of the community’s supporting it and a ton, as much from mistakes as Dyekman has tried to give back University of Wyoming (2012), the that’s the kind of thing as a board from successes, I think. But I felt with a fair bit of pro bono work UW College of Business (2014) member that you can be proud of.” A22 December 2018 a OUR FACES / OUR HUMANITARIANS a 21

Morrow from 21 the bookworm majored in injury or even pregnancy, helping Needing surgery to place a Hill in Washington D.C. to lobby English at Colorado State keep up with all their subjects. titanium rod in her back, Morrow for increased funding for cancer University loving the challenge In 1982, she started at Central couldn't go back to teaching. The research and access to healthcare. of studies and the independence as a full-time English teacher. doctors then told her that she In 2005, she became the of living in the dorm. She met “I enjoyed high school kids, would die unless she had a bone chairman of the blood drive the love of her life, Al, the last especially teaching literature and marrow transplant. committee for the First semester of her senior year, composition. High school kids She had her bone marrow Presbyterian Church. “I marrying him almost a year later you can talk to about ideas like transplant in July 2001. The decided to invite every single in 1970. life, death, beauty, truth and what doctors at MD Anderson Cancer congregation in Cheyenne to Her very first job teaching it means to be courageous.” Center forthrightly told her that come and have volunteers register remedial reading at Northglenn “Teaching was always quite a the experimental treatment might as bone marrow donors, as well as Junior High School was initiation challenge,” Morrow said. “But only give her a few extra months give blood.” by fire, Morrow said. At the time, that's what makes life interesting, and at one point even considered That first drive was very the teenagers placed in remedial all those challenges.” putting her in hospice. Morrow successful, but Morrow wanted reading included those who She was diagnosed with cancer didn’t give up. “The long-term to grow the event. She emailed had difficulty reading as well as in 1995. At first, she received treatment didn't work right away, her church pastor asking if the those with behavioral issues. At treatment in Cheyenne but but it worked eventually. Now my event could be broadened to all of 22, she was just eight years their eventually had to seek treatment bone marrow is all my donor’s Cheyenne, held at a community senior, and reining in some of the at MD Anderson Cancer Center bone marrow. I don't have any of location, and include blood behavior was difficult. in Houston. Determined not my own.” donations, bone marrow donor “I have always enjoyed teaching. to miss work, Morrow would Morrow had to stop teaching, registration, and food collection. Dyekman’s family came to the 2018 Daniels Fund Ethical Leadership Award ceremony. The big lesson of teaching is arrange to fly to Houston for permanently. “After my bone Her pastor agreed and the Day Left to right: His niece Kathy Riedl, his sister Debbie Riedl, his mother Patsy Dyekman,that you don't try to be the treatment on a Friday and be back of Giving started, growing larger and Dyekman, who credits his mother for his strong work ethic and pushing him to do marrow transplant, I didn't have better. Photo by Rachel Girt. kids' friend. My very favorite at school on a Monday. the energy. Being a good high each year. class that first year was my least Even with health insurance, school English teacher, for me, The event, held on the second favorite class at the end of the having cancer is expensive. was a 60 to 80 hour-a-week job Friday of May, is not limited to year because I didn't have the Recognizing this, Morrow’s to teach students how to read, be a single day anymore, Morrow structure I needed.” Central’s students held ice cream critical thinkers, and how to write points out. “The Day of Giving Morrow became department socials, raising over $1,000 about what they read.” has grown to be a major effort chair but burned out after three to help cover travel expenses. Recovering from her bone where we use financial donations years. She briefly took a job as “When the president of Student marrow transplant took a while, to make purchases throughout secretary to the division manager Council handed me that check, but Morrow was driven to give the year that help area agencies at Farr Better Feeds in Lucerne, I just dissolved. It still brings back. She volunteered with cancer meet the needs of clients and then Colorado, but the job didn’t me to tears today to think how support efforts, served on the have our Youth Event and yearly challenge her. wonderful those students were.” board of Meals on Wheels and event in May to bring a huge In 1974, Mountain Bell hired In October 2000, she went as a driver, tutored in the GED influx of donations to give them her husband, and they moved down to MD Anderson Cancer program at Laramie County an enormous boost.” to Cheyenne. Morrow became Center for a clinical trial, thinking Community College, and was The outpouring of caring about a homebound teacher, a perfect that she would be gone for just a Deacon at First Presbyterian other people continues to amaze part-time job that allowed her to two weeks. One day she bent Church of Cheyenne. She also Morrow. continue to teach while raising down to pick up the newspaper became an advocate for insurance “Everybody helps out, not their three sons. For ten years, but could hardly straighten her reform and coverage for clinical thinking about what they're going she taught students who were back up again. She had fractured trials, serving as an Ambassador to get, but thinking about how homebound due to an illness, five vertebrae in her back. to the 2006 Celebration on the they can give.” A23 22 a Wyoming Tribune Eagle a

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Wyoming Latina Youth Conference www wyominglatinayouthconference. . com

Anne Esquibel-Redman stands next to the street sign named after her father, Mar- Anne Esquibel-Redman serves on the USS Wyoming Committee, helping provide scholar- tin Esquibel, who also contributed a lot to the city. Photo by Rachel Girt. ships and hosting visits with the crew. Photo provided by Anne Esquibel-Redman. Redman from 17 Conference. Plus she is an Conference evolved from though she admits that she didn’t Redman still worked on special original member of the Wyoming Redman heading up a group believe in herself for a long time. projects and became involved in Latina/Latino Coalition. She has of eight Wyoming women at a That is perhaps, why she has been the commissioning of the USS also served on Wyoming’s Silent regional women’s conference in so driven to help Hispanic youth Wyoming. Gov. Jim Geringer Witness Initiative, Wyoming Sacramento, sponsored by the U.S. and others. appointed Redman to the Women’s Foundation, Saint Department of Health. Inspired She shakes her head in dismay, Industrial Siting Council. When Mary’s School Foundation, and by the national conference, the saying that Hispanic youth still her former boss Freudenthal ran the USS Wyoming Committee. group created the Wyoming tell stories of being profiled by for governor, Redman served The idea for the HOPE evolved Latina Youth Conference in 2000 stores and having parents who on his campaign, chaired his from an organization called to empower fifth grade to twelfth- only speak Spanish. “They have inauguration ceremony, and Somos, based out of US West. grade girls of Latino descent some of those same barriers that I worked in his transition office. When most of the originators through mentorship, education, experienced growing up.” While working for state transferred out of Wyoming, the and awareness. “I tell them not to let other government and after she retired, effort came close to dying, but Redman convinced the LCCC people define who they are,” Redman remained passionate Redman and few others refused Foundation to provide the Redman says in her quiet, about improving the lives of to give up. Through their efforts, umbrella for the Latina conference determined way. others, providing educational HOPE achieved its own 501(c) until it was able to go out on Redman explained that she just opportunities to Hispanics, and (3) in 1994 and has supported its own. Today the conference wants to leave the world a better battling to end domestic violence. countless Hispanic students in is hosted at the University of place than when she entered it. Chief among her contributions Laramie County seek higher Wyoming, attracting 170 girls from She also says, “if you want to see are helping launch several education by annually providing all over the state to participate in change you have to be part of the impactful efforts, including the scholarships to Laramie County workshops on topics related to solution.” Cheyenne Hispanic Festival, Community College (LCCC), the health, education, careers, and If the Latina Conference or the Hispanic Organization University of Wyoming as well culture. HOPE can provide support and for Progress and Education as other four-year educational Education and growing provide these youth with some organization (HOPE), and institutions. confidence made a considerable confidence, we’ve done our job.” the Wyoming Latina Youth The Wyoming Latina Youth difference in Redman’s life,