Ammon's Mission Farewell

Ammon was called to serve in Cote D'Ivoire, Africa in the Ivory Coast.

Today was his farewell and he gave a beautiful talk.

He is so funny and so much fun to be around. He is going to be a huge asset in the mission field.

We love him and had so much fun being there to support him.

Mid SIngles Luau at Adam's House

 

 This is the 2nd luau that I have hosted for our Mid Singles Ward.

This year I was so grateful to Adam for allowing me to have it in his backyard.

We had about 200 people there and yummy food (Island grinds), Shave Ice and entertainment and swimming. I love when my family is able to come and help support me. My girls were busy with their babies, but their wonderful husbands were my muscles. 

I love this tradition in our ward and am glad that they asked me to help with it.

Thank you from the Volunteers

Tonya,

We have thoroughly enjoyed working with you because your positive attitude always brings up everyone around you.  We're hoping whatever challenge you are facing will be overcome.  We will continue to follow you and your wonderful family on Instagram.

Best wishes,

Tom and Diane Rezny

You are such a joy to be around. I'm so sad you won’t be there any longer. It will be a great loss to everyone. I wish you luck in whatever you are doing!  Sincerely. k. 

Dear sweet Tonya:

I've got mixed feeling. So Sad you've left, when Shannon left the lights dimmed but now the LIGHTS ARE OUT!!!  You are the best person I know, full of love and compassion.  You always have a smile on your face, I was so happy you were there to greet me with a big hug.

AND, I'm happy you have stood up for the things we all hold dear to ourselves.  Our DIGNITY!!  People do not have the right to disrespect anyone, if they do, I hope karma will come and take a BIG bite of their butt. You are an AMAZING PERSON.

I wish you much happiness and know that you have touched many people’s lives at Tuacahn, MINE FOR ONE!!!

I Love and will miss you terribly.

Harriet

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You will be sorely missed.  I have enjoyed seeing your smiling face and hearing you laugh.  May you have a great time with whatever comes your way.  Look forward to seeing you out and about.     Sharon Lamb

Hi Tonya,
We are currently not active volunteers at Tuacahn for personal reasons but have loved and appreciated you during our active five years.  So sorry and sad for you and Reece.  You are both wonderful people.
We have always been impressed by your enthusiastic and loving personalities.  May you both know that you are loved and appreciated for who you truly are.
Reece did not share his contact info, so please  forward our thoughts to him if you have opportunity.
Truly wish the other managers well.  Tuacahn is great!  Hope to see you around town!
Appreciatively,
Richard and Elaine Chaufty

I don’t know what the heck is happening!  Just want to tell you that you and Shannon were our FAVORITES.  I am sorry for whatever took. Place.  you are such a fun, sweet kind person. 

Love Kathy and Eric Vorlage

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No!!!!. You will be missed. I’m sorry someone questioned you. You’re amazing! I loved when you were there to house manage. I love going out to Tuacahn but it’s falling apart. I hope to see you soon.       Kathy Habel 

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Tonya,

Stunned to read this ... I trust you will be happy wherever you spend your time, because you bubbled all over us, even those struggling with grumpy moods.

I have yet to recover from losing Maren, so have little hope of bouncing back losing you ... and Reece?!

Enjoy your free time, lovely lady, and boo on whoever gave you an unacceptable work environment 

Hugs and best wishes,

Yvonne Nickels

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Hey, Tonya. Mike Richardson here. I have had my inner core attacked twice in my life and it hurts badly and is hard to forget. But there is a wonderful life out there and now you will have the time to enjoy more of it. Best of luck to you and a BIG THANK YOU for your help and guidance in my learning the ins and outs of volunteering at Tuachan. You were a great part of the house manager team.

Mike Richardson

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Dear Tonya,

The news yesterday was tremendously sad.  William and I worked your last shift with you on Saturday night which makes it even more of a surprise that you were leaving!  The first day we started our volunteer adventure this year, it was you who helped us adjust the most and we learned a lot from you.  We could see your love for Tuacahn, the volunteers and the patrons.  The organization lost a valued asset with your leaving.  We will continue to strive to make it a wonderful opportunity for the patrons when they arrive.  

We wish you the best in your new adventure and hope that we have the opportunity to run into you in the future.  

Thank you for being you and good luck,    Cindy and William Ritchie

So sad to hear the news about yourself and Reese. We will both give you a big hug and a 👍. You are a Great person with a Big Heart and no one can take that away from you.

 Jeff and Kim Bogen😎

Dear Tonya,

 I am going to miss you so much! You have been amazing. You are the most helpful friendly house manager and I always knew I could come to you and you would be able to help with any patron problem or question. 

I wish you the VERY best!! I know you will be happy where ever you end up because that is just who you are!

Love,    Valerie Winget

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Tonya,
I’m just devastated to see you leave. I think of all the kind things you’ve done over the years, smiling, helpful, patient, surprises, handling difficult situations, just to mention a few. There’s a big hole in my heart️. I’m blessed to have gotten to know you, love you dearly.
With sadness I say goodbye and wish you the best in whatever is in your future.
Love and hugs,
Nancy

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Wow,  I am speechless. You know how I feel about you.  You made volunteering at Tuacahn a pleasure and an honor for me and many others.  I sensed that something wasn't right the last few weeks.   I have always been, am now, and always will be your friend, and will miss your smile, positive attitude and ability to take care of the multitude of challenges that you faced each night at the theater.  My sense of loss about this turn of events is enormous.  Thank you for everything you have done for me and everybody else the last nine years.

Speechlessly yours,

Jerry

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Tonya, 

I am sad to hear about your resignation.  And even sadder to hear that it is due to someone questioning your integrity and character.   You have got to be one of the sweetest, most kind, most cheerful person I have ever met!  You greet everyone with a smile and your work ethic is top notch.  I feel so good when I’m around you, and when I don't know what I’m doing I know I can come over to you, and you will show me grace and respect and love.    I thought to myself last week when I was ushering..... this woman has such a great attitude no matter what gets thrown at her.   I saw you deal so well with the stress when problems arise with patrons, and you are spot on every time... and with a smile.  Tuacahn is really missing out!!  And so are the rest of us!   Dang, I just came on board, and you really make it a great place to work/volunteer.  

I hope I see you around!  AND I hope whoever was the cause of your pain, takes a step back and feels truly sorrowful for what they've done and said about you and apologies to you.   There are plenty of fools in this world.  Don't let them get you down.   You know who you are!  You are loved!!  

AND I hope you both come back to Tuachan.  

God bless you! 

Will miss you! 

Kathy Yancy

I"m at kmyancy@sbcglobal.net cell 4082023734 

If you want to go hang out some time, get lunch, get a yogurt - would love to get to know you more! 

I don't know your situation or what's happened but you are the backbone of house management do you do what makes you and your family happy I will miss you. Love Betty Blundell

Hi Tonya,
You have been a wonderful house manager and person. I am very sorry to see you go. Losing Shannon and now you are two sucker punches to the gut. No question that the vibes have changed this year. And yes, stay with your integrity. Always the right choice.
I do hope to see you around and best wishes for your happiness!
Peace and Blessings!
David Hatch

Hugs forever. Kaye Bair

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I will miss you a lot..... I hope everything is ok.... please continue to post on messenger...I love watching the babies.... 

Take care and know that I love you🥰

Missing you Pat Clark

Is it true Kevin Warnock (sp?) has left Tuacahn?  

Makes Me Wonder…hmmmm

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Dear Tonya,

          I do not know what has been going on up at Tuacahn to cause your leaving it behind.  Knowing you, it is a necessary choice for you to make.  I just wanted to tell you how your positive attitude and helpful manner always made me happy that you were a manager.  I never heard a negative word out of you about anything, and I always appreciated that very much.  We, volunteers will really miss you.  Hopefully, I will still see you occasionally around town, but you will be greatly missed.  Love,  Claire Oler

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So sad that you are leaving. When is Reece leaving? Same problem? New managers? Reece and you will be missed greatly!

Cheryl Andersen

I am so so sad to hear this.   Makes me question whether I want to stay and volunteer. The climate is changing. I’ll be looking for you I. The Temple and around town.
Karen Hayes 

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Dear Tonya

    Although we haven’t been able to volunteer this year due to a broken ankle. Your smile will be missed and your helpful spirit will always be loved and missed also. Yes. Life gives us turns we don’t appreciate but you must do what you feel is best. 

    Just know that you are appreciated and loved. 

  The Purser’s. 

I sent an email to the Tuacahn website and want you to know how much I respect you as a beautiful woman and friend who has always been there for those of us who care about you on a personal level. ️You deserve the best of Life and I pray you now can enjoy your family and please know you will be missed more then words can express. ️It’s very different in the volunteer world and I stand back and try to figure out why. Why are attitudes and respect so misunderstood with volunteers treating others so nasty ? It was never like this before and sometimes you wonder why. I’m not a quitter but I get it and feel blessed when I work with a positive team and make the evenings productive.  Go live your life beautiful lady and remember there are numerous people who love and respect you

,️Thanks for being there for me a of these years! Big hugs and love, ️Sandi Probst

Leaving Tuacahn, It is with extreme sadness that I read your Email. You were one of the first housemanagers that I met up there. I was always fond of you. I am SO SORRY that you are leaving on a bad note. I hope whoever is responsible will realize what a gem they have lost. My very best wishes for your future. You will be missed, be sure of that. Love Jo Anne Parkes

Dear Tonya. Thanks for your friendship and kindness.  Whenever I volunteered you were most helpful and friendly, It won't be the same there without you.  I don't know what has gone wrong with the volunteer situation, but I could feel something was not right, In fact I told my wife after the last night I was there I did not plan on volunteering anymore. 

Good luck in whatever you do,  Thanks,  Gary Kruitbosch

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Hi there,

Sorry to see you leaving. In my eyes you are such a huge asset. Hoping only good things come your way and you will be missed.
Best,

The Griffith Family

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Tonya!

I'm sad to hear that you are leaving Tuacahn...but I hope the decision will add peace and harmony to your life.

I have no idea who would question your integrity but clearly they are a bit addle- headed! Forget them and move on!

Kathy Workman

Tonya,

You have been incredible to work with! We will miss you very much! You and Shannon made volunteering so much fun. We will miss you a great deal!

Vicky and Rex

PS It will not be as much fun anymore!

Hi! So sad you're leaving Tuacahn!! You will be missed! 

Karla Hanks

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So sorry you are leaving us, but you gotta do what makes you happy. It's been great to get to know you. You were a great HM.

I'll miss you . But, our paths will cross again !! My best to you ......

Don Conger

You will be missed thank you for everything  Serena Guptill

Scott and I were so sad to learn that you and Reece had resigned from Tuacahn. You have always been such a bright light with the volunteers. You always put forth an upbeat, happy attitude whenever you were there. You will be very much missed. Wishing you the best! Darla and Scott Pectol

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Hey Tonya, I loved volunteering with you and hope the best in whatever comes next for you. And if you ever want Discount tickets I’m your man. Lol    Ed Woodin

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hi tonya,

glad we got a chance to chat for a while. sending you this message so you can have our email address and phone #. our best wishes with the next chapter of your life. enjoy the extra time with your kids and grandkids. take care.

benita and sanjoy

435-668-4294

 Tonya!!! 😢😢😢 You are so special and beautiful and you made ushering out there so fun! We will miss you!! 💕💕 Amy Stover

You are amazing and will be missed!!!❤️ Shae Robbins

I look forward to seeing you there as much as the shows! How sad! Tracy Martin

WHA???? You will be SO missed! Love you girl!  Tami Craemer

We will really miss your beautiful smile and infectious enthusiasm! Lenae Trent

 I will miss your smiles, friendliness and laughter.. I'm thankful to being your friend on Facebook and witnessing the love you give and receive from your friends and family ... your life is good.

❤ Lynette Bingham

Thanks for always being so fun and great to work with! You will be missed ❤️Ruby Ricks

I will miss seeing your beautiful face!! 💞  Amy Gleave

Not sure what is going on up at Tuacahn, but boy did they mess up. Even though we aren’t there much, we will miss you. Just loved you and Shannon being there. Stay in touch. Love you Beth & Denis Green

What will they do without you!? You made my years there THE BEST!

Love, Daysha Pedersen

So Proud of you mom!!! You will be terribly missed there, as I know you were a bright light to everyone you came in contact with !!! I love you!

Love Cecilee

NOOOOO!!!!! I am so sad about this!!!! You will be missed terribly. I am so proud of you for making what I know was a hard choice. That shows strength. I sure love you Tonya and look up to you greatly!

Love, Mandi Dover

I’m so sad! I’ll be at a show the end of the month with some friends. I’ve told them all about you and was so hopeful you’d be there. Bummer for me, but hoping you have some fun adventures. Love Steph Mathews

Mark and I were devastated to hear the news about you and Reese leaving Tuacahn. Thanks for your love and support through the years. We are serving a mission in Shreveport, Louisiana so we’ve been out of the loop this season. Anyway, know that you will ALWAYS be loved by us!
Love,
Mark and Julie Gibbons

So sorry to get this news. I'm looking for the hug!  Paul Nickles

Tonya:  We're very sad to hear about this development.  Regardless of whatever/whomever caused you to make this decision, we're happy you're holding your head high.  You have a lot of folks that know you and respect you and we certainly hope to see you again so we can offer a big hug!

Dennis and Shauna Day

Hello Tonya,

I, along with many volunteers, are sad to see you leave the Tuacahn House Management team.  I was always impressed with your ever-present smile, helpfulness and professionalism.  Tuacahn, and my volunteer experience, certainly won’t be the same without you!

I wish you the best in whatever your next adventure entails!

Ginger Blinstrubas 

It is with a sad heart I say farewell to an esteemed colleague. You were someone everyone respected and loved.   I was always excited when I knew you were the house manager.  Such a wonderful, happy, caring person. I didn't see anyone else care enough about our welfare to bring us Popsicles (yum, yum).  I have no idea what happened - that's not important- but whoever caused you to feel it was not fun to work at Tuacahn anymore made a grave mistake. Shame on them!,!
You always made everyone feel cared about.  That we weren't just another volunteer - you always made us feel important. You need to know you are important to us. Thanks for all your hard work and friendship. I wish you well in all you do in the future. We love you and hope to see you again soon.

With much love,
Your friend,
Jane Fenton

Gave up my favorite job of all time

I went to lunch with all of the house managers at SAKURA as a goodbye lunch for Reece. He was quitting because he wasn't having fun with the volunteers and he was so busy with school and his marriage to Kyle. So we all got together and was having fun when he happen to slip and say something that Kevin said about me to him. Holley had said that I should be in charge of the Social Media since I do more marketing for Tuacahn than the marketing team. That's when Reece said not according to Kevin Smith. We all looked at him and said, "WHAT?" then he proceeded to tell us what Kevin told him. He told him to look out for Tonya because she takes too many SELFIES and doesn't work. Reece said, "WHAT? She brings up the morale out with the volunteers and the stage crew and actors with her selfies, everyone loves the Housemanager selfies!" So after he said that my face just dropped and I was trying to hold back my tears. I looked at him and told him what was the other thing he said. Then he told me the back on 4th of July he saw that I had seated my sister and her family in left overflow and the house wasn't full so he knew that they didn't have tickets there. So he told Reece that he thinks that I snuck her in and that she didn't have tickets that night. Because he saw her dancing in the parade that day and she was fine to walk down the stairs. He didn't know the whole story that she was experiencing contractions and instead of not coming to see the show I told her that she can sit where she wouldn't have to walk down or up any stairs. (This was something that I would've done for a patron, so why not do it for my sister), when I heard that I just started crying. My heart was so broken and hurt from hearing those things, when I thought I was doing a good job and giving Tuacahn everything of me for the last 9 years. I felt like my character was questioned and I just couldn't work for someone that didn't believe in me as an employee. So I came home and cried and sat down and wrote a letter to Joe Smith and Kevin Smith giving my resignation. Joe Smith wrote me back and said that they didn't want me to do 2 weeks that I can turn in my keys now. That hurt too, they didn't value me at all. I love Tuacahn and I for sure didn't want it to be a bad place for me. So I just continued to pray for comfort and pray for the ability to forgive my Stake President, Kevin Smith. Now that I look back, I do wish I would've handled it differently and maybe just went straight to Kevin, but then I think, my husband has asked me to quit for years so that I wasn't gone so much in the evening. Now I get to spend more time with my kids and babysitting for them for date nights.

I am so grateful that I had those 9 years with Tuacahn. I loved the people I worked with, the volunteers, and the actors. I met a lot of wonderful people through the years. I loved the shows I was able to share with my family and the memories that we have made through that job at Tuacahn.
Where one door closes another door opens!!