Thursday, December 26, 2013

Til We Meet Again, Brother Dennison


The B7 Ward recently lost one of its favorite High Priests when DeVon Swensen Dennison passed away on Sunday, December 22, 2013.  Born March 22, 1938 in Hinckley, Utah to Theodore A. and Edith Swensen Dennison, he grew in stature and testimony before serving a fulltime mission to Denmark.  After his honorable release, he met and married RaNae Jones in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple.

A graduate of Weber State College in Ogden, DeVon went on to earn a Masters degree in vocational counseling from UNLV, then lived and shared his education and work ethic throughout central Utah communities until 1975 when he and his family moved to St. George where he managed the Job Service office for more than twenty years.  He loved serving in any and all ward callings, but was most happy doing missionary work and working in scouting, for which he was recognized for his years of service with the Silver Beaver award.

DeVon is survived by his wife, RaNae; and children Eric (Amy), Lisa (Daren) Cottam, Bruce (Kerry), David (Michelle), Kevin (Molly) and 21 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two sons, Scott and Bradley.


Monday, December 23, 2013

Young Men and Women Practice Holiday Etiquette


On Friday, December 20, Laurels and Priests dressed up and gathered at the home of Bishop and Sister Goldhardt for a holiday dinner of prime rib and baked potatoes with all the trimmings.  Planned as an etiquette (ĕt’i-ket’) dinner, the young men and women practiced “codes governing correct behavior prescribed by social convention or by authority” such as dress and demeanor, table manners and communication skills while enjoying good food in the company of their friends.  During the evening, Bishop Goldhardt expressed his love and appreciation for the example these young men and women set for those around them – both young and old - and encouraged them to continue on the path of righteousness as they move out into the world!

Friday, December 13, 2013

Merry Christmas, Relief Society

 

The Relief Society Christmas party, on Thursday, December 12, was a festive success with elegantly decorated tables – complete with china and stemware – a delicious dinner and amazingly talented entertainers.  Thanks to the committee including Jill Jones, Rebecca Larson, Jeanine Smith, Helen Baltazar, Deanne Hill and Jane Creed; to those who brought their creativity and their favorite holiday centerpieces, including Teresa Lindquist, Beth Foxley and Mary Jean Carson, Diane Miller and Jill Jones, Linda Sappington, Vanda Lawson, Trudy Oviatt, Cheryl Kanenwisher, and Shar Simikins and Ann Bertschi; and, to Linda Lowe who invited violinist Jaden Cox and pianist Heidi Webb to perform.  Thanks, also, to all who came out on a (very) cold winter night.  Merry Christmas!

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Welcome Home, Tom and Jackie Malm

Tom and Jackie Malm returned home to ice and snow in early December after 18 months as fulltime missionaries in the Laie Hawaii Temple Mission in Honolulu, Hawaii. Together in this heavenly assignment, they recertified ordinance workers every six months, trained new ones, and met weekly with the two other missionary couples and the temple president to make sure everything was being done correctly "and that we didn't get too casual," notes Sister Malm. "We were prepared in the MTC to do proselyting but the mission president felt our singular responsibility should be the temple."

Their 24/7 companionship, according to Brother Tom, strengthened their love for each other and the Lord, while giving them the opportunity to associate with church members from all over the world. "We were ready to come home, but we really miss the people who were so awesome and loving ... and smiled at us even when they didn't know us!"

Missionaries serving in northern California were the first assigned to preach in Polynesia in 1850. In February 1851, the first Hawaiian convert was baptized and by August of that same year, there were five congregations with 220 members. The first meetinghouse in the Hawaiian islands was built on the island of Maui in 1852. In 1854, the Church purchased land at Laie for a colony, sugar factory, and schools and where in 1919 the first Hawaiian temple was completed. In 1955, the College of Hawaii (now BYU—Hawaii) began classwork and in 1963, the Polynesian Cultural Center - now Hawaii's #1 tourist attraction with villages and exhibits representing the 8 cultures of the South Pacific - began bringing international attention to the Church. Currently there are more than 72,000 members in 135 wards and branches throughout the islands.

What are the Malm's doing now that they are home? Brother Tom is back to work full-time at PowerInk, the business he started 40 years ago (he'd like to sell it if anyone is interested). Together they also work in the temple on Thursday night, help people with family history and teach the ward temple preparation class. 

Welcome home, Brother Tom and Sister Jackie. You were missed!

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Merry Christmas, B7 Ward

The B7 Ward celebrated the holiday season with a delightful Christmas party on Saturday, December 7.   The committee, made up of Mary Jean Carson and her family, made the decision with the support of the entire ward council, to forgo a traditional dress-up, sit-down dinner in favor of a Christmas breakfast of German pancakes, bacon, orange juice, Santa Claus and Max the Magician.  

By most days, and nights, Stan Poole considers himself a normal Accord-driving, mortgage-paying, yard work-avoiding, middle-age husband and father of five who sells ads for The Spectrum, but for our entertainment, Stan Poole disappeared and was replaced by Max, a hilarious comic magician.  

It was an enjoyable Saturday morning with friends, good food and filled with the spirit of the holiday.  As the festivities ended and people began heading home, snow started to fall – a perfect end to a memorable holiday party.

And, here’s the recipe for German pancakes:

            *          6 beaten eggs
            *          1 c. white flour (whisked in until smooth)
            *          1 c. milk
            *          ½ t. salt

While preparing the mixture, preheat the oven to a temperature of 410 degrees.  Warm a 9 x 13” cake pan in the oven with 2 T. butter until it melts.  When the oven reaches its correct temperature – but before the butter burns – pour in the pancake mixture and cook for another 20 minutes.  When the pancakes are ready, cut to an appropriate size and serve with butter, warm syrup or jam and sprinkle with powdered sugar. 

Merry Christmas, one and all 

Sunday, November 24, 2013

Welcome, Bairs


The family of Michael and Lori Bair include three beautiful daughters – Brianna Teddie Bair, a single, 21-year-old college student at BYU-Idaho; Aspen Honey Bair, a 15-year-old who loves sports, particularly volleyball and basketball; and, Cara Cinnamon Bair, a lively and sociable 13-year-old who also loves sports.  Dakota Black Bair, the only son, is currently serving the Lord in the Oregon Portland Spanish-speaking Mission.  

The Bair’s naming tradition is simple starting with Black Bair.  Michael’s mother’s maiden name was Black before she met his father (Michael says he got his father’s build and his mother’s tender heart).  Michael served the Lord for two years in the California Oakland Mission, then attended BYU where he played football (his claim to fame is that he showered with Steve Young).  He met and married Lori in his junior year (she says she dated all of his roommates before attracting her husband’s attention).    After graduation, he accepted a job teaching health and drivers education at Dixie High School where he has worked since 1992.  Currently he is the Vice Principal and Athletic Director.

Lori was born on a Navajo reservation.  The Catholic nuns at the hospital knew her family was LDS, so baptized her as a newborn.  "I guess they wanted to save my soul, so I’m double covered!” she laughs.  She attended BYU-Idaho when it was still Ricks College (“it will always be Ricks to me”), then studied two months at the MTC before serving 10 months of her mission for the deaf in the Florida Tallahassee Mission and another 6 months in the California Anaheim Mission.  After her mission, she worked for ten years as an interpreter but now works part time at SkyWest.  The first counselor in the B7 Young Women’s Program says she has been in YW “forever” while Michael has served as Gospel Doctrine teacher, High Priest Group Leader and a ward clerk.  Currently he is the priest quorum advisor.

Welcome to the ward, Bairs … one and all! 

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Hello and Farewell, Elders

Elder Zachary Miller, grandson of Charles and Diane Miller, is newly home from "the most amazing experience of my life" as a full-time missionary in the Nicaragua Managua South Mission.

The first missionaries came to Nicaragua in 1953, but in 1978 a civil war broke out forcing foreigners to leave the country.  In 1980 the political climate had cooled and work was resumed.  In October, 1989 when the Nicaragua Managua Mission was created, membership had grown to approximately 3,500.  In less than two years, membership increased to 8,000 and five years later membership had doubled. In July 2010 a second mission was created to meet the growing demand for the gospel message.  Today there are more than 67,000 members and two missions – Nicaragua Managua North and Nicaragua Managua South - in this Central American country.

Zachary, a student at the University of Utah prior to his mission, is giving some thought to transferring to BYU now that he is home.  Regardless of which school he attends he will need to choose a major.  He thinks there is the possibility of law school in his future but his first priority, now that he has put away his black name badge, is to find a job.  

Jared Ford enters the MTC in Provo this week in final preparation for two years of fulltime service in the Montana Billings Mission.  The oldest son of Scott and Sophie and a 2012 graduate of Tuacahn High School, states he would have enjoyed the opportunity to learn a language but is happy to serve the Lord and His children in Montana.  He is also quick to point out he already has lots of warm clothing based on the recommendation of numerous people here in sunny St. George who have lived in Big Sky Country.
The first few members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints found their way to Montana during the gold rush of the 1860’s where they traded with the Flathead Indians and eventually settled in the area. Others followed the Montana Trail from the Church's Fort Lemhi settlement on the Salmon River.  The gold discovery, followed by the completion of the overland railway in 1869, attracted others until in 1896 the Montana Mission was established.  In October 1897, Church leaders in Montana received the promise of religious freedom from then-Governor John E. Rickards.  The Church’s first official meeting was held in Anaconda with 75 in attendance.  

Today, the Church in Montana - with an overall population of just over a million people - has nearly 48,000 members, 120 congregations, one mission and the Billings Montana Temple, which was dedicated in 1999.

Friday, November 1, 2013

Happy Halloween, B7!

 
 
Members of all ages enjoyed another fun Trunk or Treat event in the church parking lot on Halloween, Thursday, October 31.  Hosted by the Primary, the activity has become a favorite for the young but is also eagerly anticipated by the young-at-heart, who … no matter their stage in life, dress up to hand out their Halloween goodies and seem to get as much fun out of it as all the little ghouls and boys who go from trunk to trunk for their treats.  Thanks, too, to the Young Women who organized the Chili Cookoff to provide a tasty hot meal on a cool fall evening.  Winners of the completion – selected from more than a dozen entries – are:

·         *  Witches Spellbinding Brew (Most creative):  Tina Forsyth

·         *  Ghostly Goulash (Best non-red chili):  Swansborough Family

·         *  Howling Hot (Hottest Chili):  Gary Anderson

·         *  Mummy's Choice  (Most Kid Friendly):  Anne Bertschi

·         *  Halloween's Finest  (Best Overall Chili):  Philo Close

Thanks to everyone who participated.  It was a fun evening!

Monday, October 7, 2013

Farewell, Sister Brown

Our sweet, beautiful Maxine Stewart Brown, a longtime member of the B7 Ward, passed peacefully away on September 30, 2013, at her home surrounded by those she loved most in the world.  Maxine was one of six children born to Paul and Ethel Higbee Stewart in Alamo, Nevada where she lived until age 15 when she moved to Seattle.  There she attended Lincoln High School and eventually met her future husband, Shirl, with whom she would share her life for more than 71 years.  From their wedding day on June 4, 1942 in the Salt Lake Temple, she supported her husband through dental school at the University of Washington, while developing amazing talents as a homemaker, an excellent seamstress, outstanding cook and was a loving, nurturing mother to their five children. 

Maxine was grateful for her membership in the Church, frequently sharing her testimony with family, studying the gospel and willingly sharing her time and talents over the years in Relief Society service, as a temple worker and in the Young Women’s program.  Together, Shirl and Maxine served as name extraction / indexing volunteers for over 25 years.  After they retired to St. George in 1983, she – like many St. George retirees – enjoyed the chance to play after a lifetime of work.   She particularly indulged herself in tennis and bowling, even winning individual and team gold medals in competition in the Huntsman World Senior Games.  She also enjoyed board games with grandchildren and her membership in the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers organization. 

The beloved matriarch of a family including five children, 23 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren will long be remembered for her gentle demeanor, her service to others and her love of family.  She will be missed!

Monday, September 30, 2013

Farewell to Sister Cleo Larsen

Cleo Alena Larsen, loving wife to Garth for more than 70 years; proud mother to Deborah, Todd and Richard, her accomplished offspring; “Grandma Great” to her progeny; “Candy Lady” to neighbor and ward children; and a dedicated long time member of the Bloomington 7th Ward, returned to the loving arms of her Heavenly Father on Thursday, September 26, 2013.  For neighbors and friends who lived nearby she will also be remembered for her brisk morning walks with her pup, stopping along the way to chat with passersby to catch up on the latest news of the neighborhood.

Cleo grew up in Price, Utah – the oldest of four children – graduating from Carbon High School before meeting the love of her life in Garth Larsen who was serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II.  Cleo always took pride in her appearance, and after completing beauty school, she enjoyed the opportunity to share her knowledge to help others look their best. 

Cleo loved serving those around her – especially her family - and as an active member of the Church, she had many callings in the Young Women’s and Relief Society programs, but always said her favorite calling was that of YW Camp Director.

Cleo and Garth were married on January 2, 1943 in San Francisco.  They were sealed for eternity on June 24, 2000 in the St. George Temple.  Cleo is survived by a large family, including 10 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren and will long be remembered by those who knew and loved her.

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Cubbies at Camp




Four B7 Cub Scouts attended a high energy Day Camp on September 21. The boys - Brandan Schnaubelt, Thomas Larson, Ashton Gardner and Hunter Cannon - made and launched air rockets, then made shields and swords, climbed a rock wall, played human battleship, and other activities with adult leader Roma Goldhardt trying to stay up with these lively, vivacious little guys.  It was a fun day!

Saturday, September 21, 2013

Elder Woodland Heads to Twin Falls


Wesley Woodland, second of Shauna Gardner’s four sons, has been called to 2 years of fulltime service in the Idaho Twin Falls Mission, one of 58 new missions recently organized after the extraordinary response of young Latter-day Saints to the October 2012 announcement by President Thomas S. Monson lowering the age for full-time missionary service for both men and women. It is also the fourth mission in Idaho which has the third most members of the LDS Church of any U.S. state (after Utah and California) ... nearly 500,000 in more than 1000 wards and branches in the state. Is he disappointed in a call so close to his hometown?  “When I put in my papers, I really didn’t care where I served.  I only wanted to serve!” states the new young elder.  The 18-year-old entered the MTC in Provo in mid-September in final preparation for his fulltime service in the ice and snow of Idaho.

Friday, September 20, 2013

Ward Members Enjoy September Social Activities

 Members of the B7 Ward had a very busy last week.  On Monday, September 9 about 25 Empty Nesters travMembers of the B7 Ward had a very busy last week.  On Monday, September 9 about 25 Empty Nesters traveled to Pine Valley to visit Doug and Janet Labrum in their new home.  Following a delicious pot luck dinner, attendees enjoyed an historical perspective on the early days of the area by the current Pine Valley Branch President.  After he had concluded his remarks, Sister Labrum shared her vocal talents before bidding “safe travel” and “thanks for coming” to ward members.













































On Saturday, September 14, members gathered again to enjoy a delicious dinner of pulled pork, rice, green salad and cookies prepared by the Bloomington 9th (Samoan) Ward.  The autumn evening also included bounce houses and a climbing wall for the kids, entertainment provided by young men and women from several of the wards, and a chance to socialize for the adults.  

Thanks to all who organized these two enjoyable events as well as those who attended.

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Court of Honor Recognizes Exemplary Scouts and Scouting Program

During a Scout Court-of-Honor on Sunday, September 8, sixteen scouts in Troop 817 were awarded a total of 79 merit badges completed while they also learned about sports, crafts, science, trades, business, and future careers. These determined and hardworking scouts and the merit badges they earned toward their Eagle award are:

Cache Bertschi
animal science, camping, metalwork, rowing, search and rescue and space exploration
Matthew Clarke
Camping and hiking
Dallen Forsyth
Art, astronomy, camping, canoeing, climbing, family life, personal management, rowing, wilderness survival
Noah Forsyth
Family life
McKay Goldhardt
Astronomy, canoeing, citizenship in the community, citizenship in the nation, citizenship in the world, fishing, geocaching, landscape architect, metalwork, personal fitness, robotics, rowing, space exploration, wood carving
Adam Gwilliam
Animal science, art, astronomy, camping, climbing, metalwork, rowing, welding
Luke Gwilliam
Camping
Stephen Larson
Archery, environmental science, kayaking, rifle shooting, wood carving
Gavyn Milner
Animal science, environmental science, metalwork, rifle shooting, wood carving
Bryce Nelson
Animal science, backpacking, camping, family life, fishing, hiking
Tanner Nelson
Art, astronomy, camping, environmental science, family life, metalwork, rowing
Shane Simkins
Animal science, family life, home repairs
Jacob Stokes
Camping
Jarrett Thomas
Animal science, astronomy, environmental science, family life, metalwork, rifle shooting, weather”
Luke Wilkes
Animal science, home repairs
Wyatt Woodland
Archery, environmental science, shotgun shooting

In addition to the awarding of merit badges, there were also 14 rank advancements:

·         Dallen Forsyth, McKay Goldhardt, Adam Gwilliam, Bryce Nelson and Luke Wilkes were advanced to the rank of Life
·         Stephen Larson, Jarrett Thomas and Tanner Nelson were advanced to the rank of Star
·         Gavyn Milner was advanced from Tenderfoot and 2nd Class to 1st Class.
·         Wyatt Woodland was advanced from Tenderfoot to 2nd Class.
·         Shane Simkins was advanced to 1st Class.
Scoutmaster Matthew Chappell called this year’s Scout Camp, “one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.  We have great leaders and great boys.  I asked all of them how many of you want to go all the way to an Eagle.  I’m willing to give them the opportunity to achieve it, but they know they will have to earn it.”  He also expressed his appreciation for the Bishop, Brs. Stephen, Larson, Gwilliam, Nelson, Foley and Warner and for all the merit badge counselors in the ward who have willingly accepted assignments to help the boys complete merit badges.
Venture Crew Chief James Bertschi shared his pride in the older boys who voted to camp with the younger scouts.  “They didn’t have to do it … and they sacrificed a lot of creature comforts through their decision but the end result was amazing as the older boys mentored and built strong bonds with the younger boys.  I was so proud of the way they behaved and the example they set.  They were proper when they needed to be proper and leaders when they needed to lead … and we all lived through it!”

Special recognition included the Award of the Buffalo in commemoration of the 100-year Anniversary of the partnership established in 1913 between The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Boy Scouts of America.
·         Stetson Jones
·         Jacob Smith
·         Tanner Nelson
·         Warner Brown
·         Haus Jones
·         Jarrett Thomas
·         Mitchell Smith
·         Cache Bertschi
·         Gavyn Milner
·         Matthew Clarke
·         Wyatt Woodland
·         McKay Goldhardt
·         Stephen Larson
·         Christian Goldhardt

Each recipient must have completed the requirements for this unique award at a BSA camp, to have read the History of Scouting in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – the first chartered organization in Scouting - and discussed with a leader five significant dates in the history of the Church and Scouting; talk with their leaders about how preparation at Scout Camp will prepare him to serve a full-time mission; and to select at least 3 special electives.

The “On My Honor” youth award, the BSA religious award for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is awarded at the discretion of the Bishop.  Recipients must have earned at least a Star Rank, be worthy, completed at least the Deacon Duty to God requirements or equivalent, and have demonstrated through their actions and deeds an understanding of priesthood duties.  Recipients were:

·         Matthew Clarke
·         Jacob Stokes
·         Mitchell Smith
·         Warner Brown
·         Cole Wilkes
·         Haus Jones
·         Christian Goldhardt
·         Stetson Jones

Adult leaders were also recognized with the “On My Honor” award.  Also under the discretion and direction of the Bishop, recipients must have at least three years of service in Scouting or Cub Scouting, be fully trained and continue to participate in training activities and involvement, be worthy, and have demonstrated the important of being an activity arm of the Aaronic Priesthood and making Priesthood a central focus with Scouting.  Recipients are:
             Roma Goldhardt                                                               Steve Gwilliam
             Claude Warner                                                                 Matthew Chappell
             Boyd Kanenwisher 

Varsity Scout Leader Boyd Kanenwisher noted, “through every scout’s effort, we became a team rather than a troop.  Varsity scouting is an unknown quantity … it is anticipated all the boys will have completed their merit badge requirements before they get to us so our focus is on completing the requirements to become an Eagle.  But the boys also plan and participate in a high adventure camp and in sports and activities.  Because they plan it, we either have some great activities … or nothing at all.”
The Bishop expressed his gratitude to Roy Stephen, who he called “an invaluable asset to scouting … a man who has a passion – not just an enthusiasm, but a real passion – for scouting.”  Since he has already received every award in scouting, the Bishop presented Brother Stephen with a copy of the commemorative book Scouting: A Century of Honor to show his – and every scouts – appreciation for his efforts in supporting the program.

And two more awards … Steve Gwilliam received the Silver Spatula award for his amazing Mountain Man breakfast (“oh, yum” said the boys), his homemade ice cream (“mmmmmmmm” was the unanimous response) and his Dutch oven peach cobbler (“yes, yes, yes,” the boys agreed).  In return Brother Gwilliam presented each scout with ashes from the last campfire of scout camp … a tradition which dates back to Baden Powell, who founded the scouting program.  Legend has it that Lord Baden Powell would always take a small amount of cool ashes from the campfire from the night before and spread them into the first campfire of the next camp gathering.  Its purpose, he said, was to keep the spirit of the first campfire alive forever … and to remind the boys a campfire is a special time of fellowship, spirituality and good fun!

And, Sister Pat Chappell was recognized as the Life to Eagle Scout Czar and for her more than 100 hours of service to scouting since being called as Advancement Chairman in July!!!