8 minute read
Elijah T
from Ward Newsletter TEST
by Steve Neidig
Service to others can be healthy
When I am feeling oppressed by the national news I like to seek out some uplifting news on the good news network (www.good newsnetwork.org). Recently I came across an article regarding a unique “weight lifting” exercise a coach had his team do after a huge snow storm. Here is an excerpt from that article: Students in Western Pennsylvania had a snow day on Monday, but instead of staying home or meeting for an indoor workout, these teens on a high school football team were instructed by their coach to get outside and help their neighbors. Coach Brian DeLallo at Bethel Park High School near Pittsburgh, took to Twitter to announce that Monday’s weightlifting session in the gymnasium was canceled—but he had an alternative assignment for the young men. “Due to the expected severe weather, Monday’s weightlifting workout has been canceled. Find an elderly or disabled neighbor and shovel their driveway… that’s our Monday workout.” He also told the boys not to accept any money. By mid-morning more than 27 of the athletes were texting photos to the coach, with some saying they were on their 6th driveway. “What better workout than shoveling driveways,” said Braedon Del Duca, a junior on the team who went from house to house offering their services with teammate Colton Pfeuffer. “It’s just nice getting out here, helping out the community, just helping out others that need help,” Pfeuffer told WTAE-TV News in Pittsburgh. From www.mentalfloss.com I found this article that supports Coach DeLallo’s idea of using service to help you stay healthy. This article indicates there are at least 7 good scientific benefits or reasons to look around and help others:
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1. HELPING OTHERS CAN HELP YOU LIVE LONGER. Research has shown that these kinds of activities can improve health in ways that can lengthen your lifespan—volunteers show an improved ability to manage stress and stave off disease as well as reduced rates of depression and an increased sense of life satisfaction. 2. ALTRUISM IS CONTAGIOUS. When one person performs a good deed, it causes a chain reaction of other altruistic acts. 3. HELPING OTHERS MAKES US HAPPY. One team of sociologists tracked 2000 people over a five-year period and found that Americans who described themselves as “very happy” volunteered at least 5.8 hours per month. 4. HELPING OTHERS MAY HELP WITH CHRONIC PAIN. According to one study, people who suffered from chronic pain tried working as peer volunteers. As a result, they experienced a reduction in their own symptoms. 5. HELPING OTHERS LOWERS BLOOD PRESSURE. One piece of research showed that older individuals who volunteered for at least 200 hours a year decreased their risk of hypertension by a whopping 40 percent. 6. HELPING OTHERS PROMOTES POSITIVE BEHAVIORS IN TEENS. According to sociologists, teenagers who volunteer have better grades and self-image. 7. HELPING OTHERS GIVES US A SENSE OF PURPOSE AND SATISFACTION. Studies show that volunteering enhances an individual’s overall sense of purpose and identity—particularly if they no longer hold a life-defining role like “worker” or “parent.” In conclusion, I suggest we all pray for snow to shovel (because we need it) and keep watch for opportunities to improve our health by helping others.
Submitted by Paul Carter, 1st Counselor
Erin and Jason Nelligan live at 7387 Banbury Circle with their five children.
Accurately guessed by Bob and Linda Johnson, Ashley Shaffer and Kelly Kline. Well done!! Easy to see them in their children isn’t it???
WARD WELFARE/SERVICE
Favorite vegetable is creamed turnips Said yes to marriage proposal after two weeks of dating Wants to find Greek ancestors Used to race cars as a teenager Hates cucumbers Played keyboard in a rock band in high school Submit your guess to bstrong8@hotmail.com Answer will be posted in the next Newsletter.
This year, 2022, offers us another opportunity to serve our fellowmen again. Assignments have been made to everyone in the Ward, and ask that if you cannot serve during the time assigned you, that you contact the team captain and let them know, or make a switch with someone else. All service areas take extra precautions for health safety, and all are at Welfare Square. A schedule for the entire year is available if you do not already have one by contacting Bud Strong at bstrong8@hotmail.com. We thank you for your support and service.
February, Captains Mark and Kelly Kline Tuesday, February 15 - 10 am to 1:30 pm 4 people Monday, February 28 - 8 am to 11:30 am 4 people
Bud & Viki Strong Wendy Ericksen Miles & Hillary Baum
Steve & Lori Spurrier Will & Tammy Cooper Cory & Deanna Wall
March, Captains Terry and Linda Thatcher Wednesday, March 9 - 10:30 am to 2 pm 3 people Monday, March 21 - 1:30 pm to 5 pm 3 people
Dallin & Kenedi Padgett Ron & Pam Deppe Barbara Christensen Jerome & Larissa Hirschi Bridger & Alison Harris Bev Bawden Ron & Mava Day
April, Captains John and Linda Stout Monday April 11 10:30-2:00 pm 3 people
Spencer & Anika Pihl Ed & Susan Hosenfeld Jean Ingleby Josh & Kaitlin Gifford
NOTE: REVISED STARTING DATE FOR CLASSES
NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES BEGINNING JANUARY 2022 Please check each month for your assignments and THANK YOU for your service!
Snow shoveling —
March 1-6 - Dave Schmutz, Captain Richard Paulsen Bridger Harris Mark Van Mondfrans Jerry Rose Steve Spurrier March 7-13 - Cory Wall, Captain Steve Webb John Packard Scott Henriksen Will Cooper March 14-20 - Monte Christensen, Captain Jason Nelligan Mark Tylka Arden Engebretsen
Building cleaning — Please be aware that beginning in January through June, our ward will be responsible for cleaning the building, please include your children to participate with the groups.
February 5, 12, 19, 26 - John & Linda Stout, Captains
Bill & Adam Shober Ryan & Stephanie White Family
Elaine Jewell Connie Denton Diane French Jean Ingleby Jerome & Larissa Hirschi Family Bud & Viki Strong Esteban Bor Family Vera Thomas
Miles & Hillary Baum Family Paul & Kathy Carter
March 5, 12, 19, 26 - Brett & Ashley Shafer, Captains
Devin & Lindsay Andrews Mike & Jody Davis Family Kay Soffe Thomas & Syerra Loomis
Valerie Anderson
Charlene Pope Family Brian & Sarah Linton Family Josh & Kaitlin Gifford Duane & MM Hanson Dallin & Kenedi Padgett Michelle Tanner Family
April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 - Jim & Aubrey Bullough, Captains
David & Melanie Bowen Family Scott & Cara Shimizu Family Tom & Junko Shimizu Wendy Ericksen Paul & Dawn Fowler Jerry & Cathryn Rose Pete & Melanie Sims Mark, Lynette & Nycole Tylka Kellie Saxton Suzanne Hafer Mike & Jayne Neeley Jennifer Roylance Matt & Linda Whitney Ed & Susan Hosenfeld Rachael Hailstone
May 7, 14, 21, 28 - Arden & Debbie Engebretsen
Scott & Penny Henriksen Richard & Lori Paulsen Joey & Elise Hogan Family Steve, Linda & Erin Stirling Cory & Deanna Wall Ron & Mava Day Jacob & Kaitlyn Whittle Family Steve & Chris Neidig Sherry Jensen Mark & Jacque VanMondfrans Brigham & Katarina Jackson Bob & Linda Johnson Will & Tammy Cooper Tina Ballinger Enid Pierce Jill Brown
Have you ever wondered “What exactly is Groundhog Day?” Well, here is an explanation. Groundhog Day is celebrated on February 2 because that is about halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It was celebrated by the Celts who anticipated the birth of new farm animals and the planting of crops; the Christians who celebrated Candlemas; and, the people in Middle Ages who watched for the badger and bear to interrupt their hibernation to appear. The legend came with German immigrants to the United States but they substituted a groundhog for a badger. Whatever animal you follow, if he sees his shadow it means more winter, if he doesn’t an early spring could be coming. OR if you live in Utah it could be spring today and winter tomorrow! The appearance of Punxsutawney Phil has been watched for since 1887. Many claim he has never been wrong, but statistics show he has actually only been correct about 40 percent of the time. Presidents’ Day is celebrated on the third Monday in February. It is usually recognized as the birthdates of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, but other presidents are included. Lincoln was born on February 12 and Washington was born February 22, so it was decided to have a holiday between those dates. Washington’s birthday became a federal holiday in the 1880s, but Lincoln’s birthday never achieved federal holiday status. In 1968 when Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Bill, it was proposed Presidents’ Day should be created. However, the name did not come into use until 1971.
MINISTERING HEART Cara & Scott Shimizu
Instead of worrying about what we can't do, it's good to focus on what we can do to reach out to and love our neighbors. Perhaps this is a conversation outside, taking them a small gift, or even a text. Focusing on their needs + our abilities can guide us.
Jesus said, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." -Matt 22:37-39
Thoughts and prayers are with the families of two dear sisters in our neighborhood. Becky Parker’s mother passed away and Dawn Fowler’s father passed. This is a difficult time for both of them, so if you see them be sure to let them know we are all thinking of them.
LDS Church services are every Sunday morning 11:30 am - 1:30 pm Sacrament meeting 11:30-12:30 Primary, Sunday School, Relief Society and Priesthood 12:45 to 1:30 PM
Neighborhood Highlights March, 2022
For the service project plastic grocery bags are needed and will be split and woven into sleeping mats for the homeless and refugees. Bring with you or take to one of the ward buildings to donate.
