Announcements

Avelina Aguilar Caponpon.

Nearly A Century of Blessings

Avelina “Belen” Aguilar displaying a remarkable knack Caponpon recently celebrated for selling books. As one of the her 92nd birthday. She was born pioneer pupils of the Quipot in Quipot, San Juan, Batangas, Seventh-day Adventist Elementary Philippines, on November School, she was instrumental 2, 1928. She was married to in the reopening of that school Francisco Caponpon (deceased) when it closed. She also served on December 29, 1960. Her as the treasurer of that school. husband was a successful Belen has a superb ability to farmer, and together they were reach people and touch their blessed in rearing four children lives in a deep and positive way. in the fear of the Lord: Rodney She likes to cook, and in her (Medilyn), Marjorie (Sam), Imelda, spare time, she enjoys hosting and Bong (Joy Mellicent). small-group gatherings.

Belen with her children, grand children and great grandchildren.

Belen is further blessed with Avelina is a member of the amazing grandchildren: Franz Red Deer Seventh-day Adventist (Linda), Shae Lynn, and Breanna Church. She supported (deceased). However, more than and involved herself that, she was gifted with two in various church and marvelous great-grandchildren: community services. She Eliana and Oliver. Belen is the was also an adviser and eldest of ten. Her five brothers treasurer of the Red and four sisters all emigrated Deer Fil-Can Group. She to the USA while Belen chose is a very well-respected Canada, and in 1997, she joined leader and considered her sons and their families. a matriarch. She is

As a seamstress from her late passionately called “Inay (eeteens on, Belen also worked as a nigh) Belen” (“Mommy Belen”). colporteur for the South Central

—Submitted by Marjorie Luzon Conference, Philippines, Caponpon Santos

50th Wedding Anniversary

Arni and Elvine Skoretz celebrated their 50th anniversary in Banff and Lake Louise on August 30.

They met at Andrews University (1969) and were married on August 30, 1970, in Vegreville, AB. Over the past 50 years, they have made friends and were active in church families across Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, and California.

They have three children: Justin, Orlando, FL; Kimberly, Los Angeles, CA; and Rachelle, Los Angeles, CA., and five grandchildren: Nate Skoretz, Sara Skoretz, Gabe Skoretz, Sidney Innes, and Isabel Innes.

Arni earned his master's degree in social work from Wilfred Laurier University (1984) and retired from Alberta Social Services in 1996. He taught social work at Canadian Union College (CUC) from 1986 –2018, now named Burman University, and serves on the School's Board of Directors (1990-Present). Arni also created the Canadian Accreditation Council — world accreditation of children and adult services.

Elvine graduated from CUC in 1971 and was a financial advisor and president of their financial, insurance, and real estate business, Achieve Excellence Investments, Inc., established in 1986. The couple currently lives in Red Deer, AB, where they have resided since 1984.

Arni and Elvine Skoretz