By Aidan Mortensen | KOAL News
The Carbon Country Club was bursting at the seams on Thursday, July 17, as members of the Carbon County Chamber of Commerce gathered for the chamber’s monthly luncheon. During this luncheon, the CCCC took a moment to spotlight Color Carbon County, Gagon Family Medicine and the Helper Arts Festival.
Kicking things off was Color Carbon County, represented by Ashley Vincent. “The idea of Color Carbon County began in 2023 while I was working for Helper Vibes as the kids’ activity coordinator and created two coloring pages based on Helper landmarks,” explained the artist. “During that time, I was also the art teacher at Sally Mauro and hosted an after-school art club for kids who needed a place to be and loved to create. I’ve always loved art, and I’ve always believed that creativity should feel fun and personal, not just something you do in school with strict rules.”
But tragedy struck for Vincent, as a cancer diagnosis changed her outlook on life. “That experience forced me to slow down and take a hard look at what really matters in life. It helps you realize that my time and energy needed to go toward things that felt meaningful and a little less like work. For me, that meant creating art and making a space where kids could feel safe, seen, valued and connected. That clarity gave me the strength to step down from my position as the art teacher at Sally Mauro.”
This life change has thus far led to a stand-alone coloring book featuring Helper’s landmarks and businesses, alongside a Children’s book that features Helper’s famous Big John statue as its main character.
Vincent was able to celebrate this achievement in June with a ribbon cutting courtesy of the Chamber of Commerce.
As for what lies ahead, Vincent explained that she is currently preparing a coloring book for Price and Wellington, with a Color Emery County Book in production as well.
Moving to the next spotlight, Gina Gagon from Gagon Family Medicine took the podium. Recently celebrating its 25th anniversary, Gagon Family Medicine provides health care for residents across the Castle Country.
“I think there’s a perception out there that the quality of care in rural areas is not on par with the quality of care in more urban areas,” said Gagon. “We take offense at that. It kind of lands as a challenge to us.”
Moving to the business mission statement, Gagon explained,” We want to be better than good, we want to be great in everything we do, day in and day out.”
Closing her time at the podium, Gagon shared,” We’re also open to urgent care services in both of our locations, although we prefer that you call ahead and get on our waiting list because that lets us manage your wait a little better.”
Rounding out the trio of spotlights was Jana Larson, who spoke on the Helper Arts Festival, which is rapidly approaching its kickoff of Aug. 14. “On the 14th, we start with the gallery walk. After that, there will be the winner of the Battle of the Bands playing that night,” explained Larson.
She continued,” Friday will be food and music and lots of fun art. They’ll also feature film shorts. They’ll have the Helper Plein Air competition going on, so lots to do for everybody. There’ll be a kids’ yard, so please come and support and have some fun.”
Castle Country Radio would like to congratulate all these businesses and organizations on their dedication to improving the Castle Country.