OCR Text |
Show A Christmas Story Mam Activities Mark Stake Christmas Past Shurtz on back Christmas Thinking past is a heart tugging, emotional activity. There were happy ones, sad ones, and mixed ones. The earliest one that comes to my memory happened on a farm near Denison. Texas, the town where I was born. When I was two years old, I can remember the excitement that Christmas brought into even the tiniest heart. We lived on a small piece of land we called a farm. Vague memories crowd my mind of chickens, a well, the fear of fire from the woods around us, a grape arbor, a frightening time with a rabid white mother dog and her pups. I also remember my paternal Grandmother, a large woman who frightened me. She was ill much of the time, but I still think of the beautiful butterfly collection and know she loved my older sister more than me. They were of the same temperament, loving and giving. I still think back to my small self standing by the front window watching the wolves that crossed our yard, going from one woods to the other. Now for the briefest Christmas memory of all. It was Christmas Eve and I knew about Santa and heard that he would be bringing presents. My first year on earth was 1932 so this was 1934, in the midst of the bad depression America suffered. However, not being aware that we were poor, I was looking forward to Christmas morning. The night began to fall and it was getting near bedtime. My parents told us we had better get to bed or Santa wouldn't stop when he came by. Then the magic moment hapheard sleigh bells. pened. Everyone became excited and though I was small, I distinctly remember how I felt inside. So happy, and funny, and not the least bit sleepy, but scared that he would look in the window and see me awake and pass by. Yes, it is my smallest memory but it is still very vivid. I have had 40 Christmas Days, but it seems the ones which stay with me most, happened unusually, or unhappily, which leads one to the conclusion that we grow most from troubles or unusual experiences. It was during the second world war that I remember next. I was 10 by now, living on the coast of Texas in a town called Goose Creek. The war had snapped up three of my uncles to serve their country. Harry, my mother's youngest brother, was in the Navy in the Pacific somewhere. Arnold was a SeaBee on one of the Japanese attacked islands in the Pacific. Emerick, my aunt's husband, was in the Army in Italy. Just before Christmas we had word that Arnold couldn't eat or sleep because of such heavy bombardment. Harry hadn't been heard from in a while and Emerick was in the process of helping the Allies hold Italy. I don't remember the presents, or the tree, or anything about the day except Christmas dinner with all the family. Grandma looked worried and drawn as many mothers must have during those terrible war years. All of a sudden she left the table, unable to control her emotions any further. Then my mother left and then my Aunt Doris. The thought of those three women in separate rooms crying with the worry and fear of war still haunts me at Christmas time. One more memorable Christmas and the tale will be complete. I'll jump from 10 years old to 40. By now I'm a mother of five children of my own. This particular year we were moving our home and business from Salt Lake City to Lehi, Utah. We moved into an unfinished home on a piece of land in the county. It was July 1972 and we worked very hard to get the home livable and by October started building our business house, which was to be a large building about 18 ft tall and 60' x 60' square. We had worked all the by Shirley K. 1 fall and into the winter. Progression had moved to the point of putting on the roof. We had done most of work ourselves and the roof was to be no exception. On Friday, Dec. 22, Kent stepped on a loose board, falling 18 ft. to be knocked unconscious. He received a concussion, fracture, and broken facial bones. We sped off the hospital in our heavy work clothes. On Christmas Eve, after a very nice Sunday School program, I brought him home in a very confused state. All the family was the-- for the celebration the next day. We were not working so money and presents would be scarce, but each one had some nice thing. Together we decided to make it an especially good Christmas for our six year old son, Rusty. He had home made gifts such as blocks, games, a promise book, plus a huge Tonka truck, skis (2 e CASTOR BEAN PRODUCTION FOR NEVADA Can the high desert country of sets), small cars, a music box, etc. Indeed he received more than anyone else. He really seemed to be beaming. His big brother-in-lahelped him with his skiing on our record amounts of white snow. They became close that day in the cold and fun. My husband was with us in body, but his mind was wandering in that void of confusion that generally accompanies a concussion. It was a nice day in many ways and the children went to their beds fulfilled that evening. The 26th dawned bright and sunny and Kent kept worrying about the half finished roof. The girls enjoyed their holiday away from school and busses and our son played himself into exhaustion with his new toys. That evening the High Priest group of our ward offered to finish the roof the next day, but they needed me to interpret the plans. The morning of the 27th dawned clear so as usual, Rusty was the first one up. He had some aching legs so I took him into bed with me to rub them for awhile. Then he brought me one of his new story books and we read it together. Then, knowing that I must leave pretty soon, I got up and fixed the breakfast he ordered. We ate together and I told him if he went outside today to dress warm and left for work as the rest of the family was stirring. I helped the men all morning, not stopping for lunch. About 1 : 30 my daughter and two of the w came to tell me that Rusty had been hit by a car when he went, on his own volition, to get the mail. hurried to the hospital for the second time neighbors I in a week, only to be met by my bishop telling me he was gone. The reason I remember this Christmas with some degree of happiness is because it was his last one and we made it very happy for him. There are no regrets attached to his last few days on earth. When he was hit by the car, he was dressed in his coat, gloves, snow boots, muffler, and hat. He minded my last request of him to the letter. Yes, remembering Christmas past is a very emotional adventure and they pile up in the mind like packages waiting to be opened and savored. You open one and it is full of childhood memories; another of full of young married memories; an- other, motherhood memories; another, Santa Claus; another, walks through pine scented woods in Texas in search of a tree for Christmas; another, toys; and on and on and on . . . Primary Schedule During The Lehi Stake Primary Board takes a moment at this time to reflect on the happenings of the past year, and looking back, we find a new Presidency was sustained in January. Zina Jenkins was released as President, after serving for nearly, four years in this capacity. Her two couase-lors- , Shirley Tripp and Geneal Winslow were also released, along with Renae Holmstead. Scouting Director, and Barbara Powell, Inservice Leader. Eleise Smith was sustained as President, and Barbara Powell and Haws were Shirley sustained as her counselors. Mary Peterson continued to serve as secretary, as did Raima Bennett as Music Director, Pat Fox. Organist, and Phyllis Gray as Cub Scout Director. was Ray Ruby sustained as the new Scouting Director and LaVee Strong as the Inservice The annual Penny Drive was held in February throughout Lehi Stake. The wards conducted this very successful drive, and almost $3,000 was collected to send to the Primary Children's Hospital to aid in its operation. All the Stake Board members had the privilege of attending Primary General Conference in April. These meetings were held in Salt Lake City, and eryone felt rewarded for having attended these informative and inspiring sessions. The Cub Scouts of the Stake presented their American Heritage Program in April. This was under the direction of Phyllis Gray. She was aided by Raima Bennett and Pat Fox who took care of the music for the Cub Scout chorus. A Day Camp was held during the month of June. Ruby Ray and the ward leaders took the Blazer B boys of the Stake to Sandy Beach for this activity. In July Mrs. Ray headed a contingent of Stake Blazer B boys, who boarded a charter bus and spent an interesting and busy day at Camp Maple Dell. There were no primaries held in the wards during August, but everyone - officers, teachers, and children returned to Primary with enthusiasm in September. In September, Shirley Haws conducted a special workshop for the Targeteer Leaders in the Stake. Everyone agreed that this was something really special. Some changes were made during the year. Phyllis Gray was released as Cub Scout The Man in The Mirror Submitted by Ralph Goates When you get what you want in your struggle for self, And the world makes you king for a day. Just go to a mirror and look at yourself, And see what that man has to say. For it isn't your father or mother or wife, Whose judgment upon you must pass The fellow whose verdict means most in your life, Is the man staring back from the glass. You may be a Jack Horner and chisel a plum, think you're a wonderful And guy. But the man in the glass says you're only a bum, If you can't look him straight in the eye. before refreshments were served. Afterwards, more fun games were played. Ilene Peterson, Marjorie Burningham and Dianna Mercer were the hostesses. The October club meeting was a progressive dinner with salads starting at the home of Twila Rockwell. Helping her with the salads was Alice Watts. The main course was at Dianna Mercer's home, with Dianna and Ilene Peterson as hostesses. Desserts were served at the home of Helen Curtis, with Helen and Bonnie Miner as hostesses. Afterwards a story was given by Twila Rockwell. The November club was held at the home of Mayleen Bean with President Dianna Mercer taking charge. The program was slides of Israel displayed by Clinton Richey, a nephew of Mayleen's. He had been on a BYU study tour to Israel. Hostesses were Myrna Smith and Karola Collings. The Christmas party was held December 13, at the Fourth Ward Cultural Hall, with a buffet supper furnished by all members. Husbands were invited and everyone danced after dinner. Music was furnished by Randy Burningham and Kevin Rockwell. There was a short program before dinner. Marjorie Burningham and Twila Rockwell sang two Christmas songs "Silver Bells" and "Winter Wonderland." Marjorie sang a LETTERS TO SANTA Dear Santa Claus, Thank you for the things you gave me last year. By the way. I would like these things for Christmas. Crinkle long black boots and a walkey talkey and roller skates. My sister wants the same things. Kimberly wants some surprieses. Love Patricia, Michelle and Kimberly 73 Director and La Vet Strong as Inservice Leader. Betty Gurney is now serving as Cub Scout Director and Fay Fox as the Inservice Leader. In November, the Stake Priesthood Preview banquet was held. This is for the Blazer B boys and their fathers to introduce the boys to the importance of their becoming members of the Aaronic Priesthood. This was under the direction of the Stake President, with Lars Jenkins, High Priesthood Advisor to the Primary, taking charge of the arrangements. The Stake Primary Presidency, along with the ward Primary Presidents, took care of the food prepara- Nevada produce C. Faupel, executive director of the Jackpot Chamber of Commerce, intends to determine from the University of Nevada. Why? Because castor oil is a fine lubricant for cars, and in former days was widely used in airplanes. Warmed in a crankcase, it does have a end. lotion" fragrance. Mr. Faupel, who is also personnel manager for Cactus Pete's and Horseshu casinos, admits, but that is more tolerable than Shank's ponies. Stake Preparation Meeting for Stake and Ward Board members wasn't held in December. During this month the Stake and ward officers held Christmas parties for the sisters and their partners. As the Primary officers and teachers in Lehi Stake look forward to the New Year, their goal is to have "One or More in 74" - that is, to try and bring one or more children into Primary activity during 1974. With the help of our Heavenly Father, and a sincere effort by dedicated primary workers, we feel this goal can be achieved. Israeli Project Creates Biblical Zoo A grassy 10,000 acres in the Negev, 25 miles from Ellat, has been transformed Into a veritable "Noah's Park" called the Hal Bar which, in Ml! mssnms Hebrew, means wild life preserve. Breeding herds of most of the 120 animals mentioned In the Bible have been collected and pastured here. With warmth and lots of good cheer, we wish you a Merry Christmas . . . and thank you for your continued friendship and patronage. He's the fellow to please, never mind all the rest, For he's with you clear to the 71 And you've passed your most dangerous, difficult test, If the man in the glass is your 20. 1973 tion. old-fashion- ed friend. may fool the whole world down the pathway of years, And get pats on the back as you You Hearty Christmas Greetings solo "The Holy City" and Twila did a Christmas reading. It was a very fun evening for all. Future CDe welcome this opportunity to thank all our customers for their fine support. programs scheduled for the club are: January- - Mar- riage counselor and a discussion. February - A Karate demonstration "The Art of Self Defense". March- - a Pot Luck supper with husbands invited. Apri- l- Musical program with Elaine Ahlander. Night with mothers or guests invited. July. Summer canyon party with husbands. May-Tal- General Refractories i pass, But your final reward will be heartaches and tears. If you've cheated the man in the glass. Serimpian Club Has Busy Year Filled With Activities The Serimpian Club, so far, has had some very good times. In September, the opening social club was held at the home of Verda Searle with President Dianna Mercer taking charge. Husbands of the members were special guests. A White Elephant auction was held and a couple of games were played Northeastern castor beans? That's what Fred THE LEHI FREE PRESS, THURSDAY. DECEMBER A. ent Goodwin's Lehi Cafe S3 v.v.vr- - flit. n m i " m a i " Lehi Fire Department Stanley Gordon, Chief Grant B. Smith Asst. Chief Karl Zimmerman Wayne Allred Alvin Broadbent Wesley Dalley Knollln Haws Harold Hutchlngs May the happy holiday spirit fill your days and warm your hearts. As we share these joys, we pause to express appreciation to all. Dean Kirkham Bert Wilson Doyle Kohler Lynn Lewis Berl Peterson Ern Player Mac Powell Max Ray Stan Lewis Lonnle Hardy George Reynolds Scott Robinson Dale Ekins Lewis Smith Mike Southwick Wesley Turner 7 Greenwood Carpets Ye Old Pool Hall Dale Walker Opal and Mark Ken and Rita Ned Wilson Dennis and Kathy Phyllis Craig Mark LaFeria Gift Shoppe Rhoda Betty |