Kedrin Farlee Returns From Mission to Mexico

Brother Farlee was called to a mission in Mexico. He was only there for a short time when COVID-19 struck the earth and he was sent to Texas, then home, and finally back to Mexico. This was not what he expected and it was a very hard time for him. But he worked hard and learned from every situation. He even had the special privilege of attending the temple with converts that he had taught earlier in his mission. This is what he said about his mission: "My mission was the best two years of my life! I learned so very much and am so grateful for the opportunity I had to serve my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

Advance Directive Class for RS Sisters

    Relief Society Sisters had an informative class taught by Linsey Bailey about planning for end-of-life preferences they should consider. Linsey is the granddaughter of Joyce Dickerson and is a regestered nurse at Lodi Memorial Hospital. At the same time she is working online on her Bacheler's Degree from Aspen University. Following are the things that were covered: 

     A Living will communicates your values and treatment preferences should you be unable to speak for yourself. Often addresses end-or-life medical treatments, but can also include wishes, values, and goals of care. 

     Power of Attorney/Health Care Proxy designates someone else to make all medical treatment decsions for you if you cannot make them ourself. 

     POLST (Physician's Orders for Life-Sustainng Treatment) is not intended to replace an Advance Directive, but rather complement it by ensuring consistency. When signed, this form is a legally valid physican order and must be followed by health care providers according to California Law. Linsey answered questions and emphasized that all topics should be discused with family, friends, doctors, and whoever may be involved in decision making.

YM and YW Get Etiquette Lesson from Bishop

Bishop Holden

      The Young Men and the bishopric put on a delicious etiquette dinner for the youth in our ward. The etiquette lesson was presented by Bishop Holden, who got an early education in etiquette from his grandmother.   He taught the youth the proper use of all the utensils at the table along with being a conversationalist and all things included in dining with others or being invited to dine in someone's home.  From not talking with food in your mouth to thanking your host--the bishop covered it all.  SO--feel free to invite any of our wonderful youth over and test their skills!

  

                              Here are some snapshots of each of the tables at the etiquette dinner.

Members and Non-members Work Together to Harvest Pomegranates

    A non-member friend  who lives in the foothills had planted  24 acres pomegranates on his farm.  Soon after, he had a heart attack and was unable to care for it.  Mark Wilcox and Cliff Kerr stepped in and took care of it for two years.  When the first crop was ready to harvest there was no way it could be done by two people.  So they reached out to members of the ward, and to all their non-member friends who have an interest in fruit production.

  Here are a few pictures of the event.  Left: Sister Gonzalez enjoys picking the fruit and did an excellent job. Below left:  Brother Kerr introduces the Elders from our area and gets them started.  Center: Showing the sister missionaries how to measure a pomegranate for size. Right:  Ardell Gillingwater chats with the orchard owner.  Below light:  Mark Wilcox helps unload picked fruit. 

 

   This was an all-day project.  For lunch the 35 volunteers had a meal of hamburgers and hotdogs cooked by non-member Alvin Soto. He works as a custodian at Tokay High School and outdoor cooking is one of his many talents.

      Dave Gillingwater had plenty to do during the day, but his favorite thing is to talk about emergency preparedness, which is his specialty.  He cornered the sister missionaries and showed them his emergency kit which can take care of a stranded and injured person for three days, and is contained in a lunch bag.  Below are some of the items he showed.

     Top Row:  A good supply (40) of quarters, list of  emergency phone numbers, a blanket for warmth, a fire lighter and flashlight among other things.  Bottom Row: multiple knife, can of soup (the tape on the can can be used to open it, as well as tape on bandages if necessary,) a roll of toilet paper condensed to a small flat pack, and emergency sun screen.  

    This picture shows the lunch bag open.  On the left are two MRE's (meals ready to eat--beef stew.) Some (but not all) of the other things in the pack: mosquito repellent, plastic spoons, band aids and first aid kit, matches, sewing kit, buttons, magnifying glass which can also be used to start fires, razer blade, compass, and three snack bars.

    The pictures on the right show the small bag which is all packed.  Two bottles of water reside in the lid area. Dave suggests that each family have one of these and keep it in their car at all times.