Emma Lai's Baptism

Emma is getting baptized and you're invited to attend!

• Date: 6 Feb 2010
• Time: 10:00am
• Place: Stake Center

Humanitarian for February

Humanitarian Service will be held on Feb. 11th from 10-12 and again from 7-9 at the church. We will be working on quilts.

Some of you may be wondering why we're not focusing on hygiene or newborn kits after the recent earthquake in Haiti. Kristen and Carrie have both been impressed that that is not what we need to be doing right now. The Church lets us know what the current needs are and in the past we have done the kits. We didn't know at that time who they would help. But since they were made and shipped to the storehouses, the Church was ready with kits already made when the crisis in Haiti happened. The Church was ready to help because of your generous donations of items and time. We thank you greatly. Please know that all the projects that you have helped with are making a difference to people throughout the world. Thanks again!

Ward Activity Coming Up!

Please help the Activities Committee in "Coming Out of the Dark Ages of Winter"! Here is the information for our latest activity...

Coming Out of the Dark Ages of Winter

Saturday, February 13, 2010

6-8 PM

Stake Center

There will be music, activities and fun for all all ages. We encourage you to invite a friend or neighbor and come in your best Medieval attire! There will be door prizes for Best Family Crest and Best Dressed. It is going to be a finger food kind of night. We will provide the main dish and fun. If you can help with side dishes, please sign-up according to the first letter of your last name..

• A-G: finger food dessert
• H-O: 2 loaves of pre-sliced bread
• P-Z: washed grapes

We hope to see you there!

Fundraiser for Special Olympics Arkansas

“Freezin’ for a reason” Polar Bear Plunge – Feb. 13


Wanted: Brave souls to form or join a team that will “dare to bear” by taking the Polar Bear Plunge into Beaver Lake at noon on Saturday, Feb. 13.

The Polar Bear Plunge benefits Special Olympics Arkansas and is a celebration of life, creativity and fun. Costumes are encouraged and a costume contest will be held before the plunge.

Each plunger must collect a minimum of $50 to participate. Even if you can’t plunge, your monetary support would be greatly appreciated. Proceeds from the Polar Bear Plunge allow Special Olympics athletes to train and compete in a variety of sporting events free of charge. For more information about Special Olympics Arkansas, please go to http://www.specialolympicsarkansas.org/.

Missing Teen Update

I just wanted to update you all to let you know that they found the missing teen, Kristen Wise. 

It's wonderful news!!

Please Help

SALT LAKE CITY - The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints appealed today to the worldwide membership of the Church to help relieve the suffering in Haiti.


In a statement published on the Church’s official Web site, Church President Thomas S. Monson and counselors Henry B. Eyring and Dieter F. Uchtdorf said they are “keenly aware that many in America are dealing with economic challenges brought on by the recent recession.” Many Church members have made substantial contributions to Church Humanitarian Services, but more is needed.

Church members and others wishing to contribute to the aid efforts may do so by using the Donation Slip they normally use for Church donations or by logging onto lds.org and clicking on Humanitarian Services Emergency Response.

The Church’s humanitarian outreach to the poor dates from its earliest beginnings, but major international efforts have included relief shipments at the end of World War II, aid during the Ethiopian famine in the 1980s and most recently relief after the Asian tsunami. Efforts include not only immediate relief but long-term restructuring.

Often, the Church collaborates with other organizations to provide shipments of food and other needed items.

Today’s First Presidency statement also addressed the emotional trauma the Haitian people are experiencing in the wake of the devastating earthquake.

“Money is not the only need in Haiti,” the statement continued. “People are frightened, bewildered, and wholly uncertain about their future. In addition to what people can do in helping with food, water and shelter, there needs to be a calming influence over that troubled nation. We invite people everywhere to supplicate God for a spirit of calm and peace among the people.”

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (newsroom.LDS.org)

Organization: Solutions for Everyday Living

Our RS activity is this Thursday.

We'd love to see you there!!

Baseball Sign-Ups

The Bentonville Youth Baseball has opened up Registration for theupcoming Spring Baseball league.

Here is the link for online registration: www.onlinesignup.org/byb or you can go to the following link for more information: http://www.bentonvillebaberuth.org/

Soccer registration is also coming up in a few weeks, so stay tuned for more details!

Ward Lost and Found Box

There are several items in the lost and found box in the library of the church building that have gone unclaimed for the last couple months. Most of these items are baby toys and items that have been dropped somewhere along the way. If you believe one of these items might be yours, please check in the library.

Land for Sale

Beautiful, mostly flat, 8.41 acres, in a platted subdivision (with tracts from 5-11 acres), with rural water and underground electric already available at each tract. Minimum 1800 s.f. homes. All farm animals allowed, but no large poultry or hog operations permitted on property, no mobile or modular homes. About 20-25 minutes from Walmart home office. It is also in the Centerton ward boundaries. We already had a soil test on it, and it came back fine for building. (I have also attached a picture of the property).

We have it posted for $60,000 but are willing to negotiate if interested.

Address: Tract 5, Georgia Flat Rd.

To get out there:
*From Walton Blvd., head West on Central
*Continue on Hwy 72 West
*When the road curves toward Hiwasse, continue following the road to the left, staying on Hwy 72 West, past Hiwasse, into the Gravette town center.
*At the stop sign, by the grocery store, turn right, then the 1st quick left over the bridge, continuing on Hwy 72 West.
*Continue for another mile or two. Georgia Flat Rd. is on the left side. Turn onto Georgia Flat Rd. and keep going straight. You'll see the big plat map by the lots straight ahead. There is a house across from our property. If you look at the map, it's Tract 5. It's the largest flat piece that is there, and the previous owner that we bought it from had cows out there grazing. He said the grass is great for cows & horses.

So, just give us a call if you have any more questions or are interested, or pass it along if you know of anyone that is looking.

Thanks!

Stacey Checketts (Bentonville 2nd Ward)
254-8565
schecketts@yahoo.com

Help for Haiti

Dear Friends,

Given the circumstances in Haiti, I am sending this World Disaster Report which just came to us today. Some have asked how they may help. In response, I don’t know for sure yet but I suspect the Church will be needing Hygiene Kits or School Kits, and Blankets and Quilts.

The Church always customizes its Emergency Response to the specific requests of the local area church leaders, and the local government. Since that is still being worked on at this point, the Church Emergency Response Dept has told us so far that the Church is currently preparing to respond to the very serious situation in Haiti, and donations are welcome. Those wishing to assist may donate to the Emergency Response fund. This fund is used to respond to natural disasters when they happen around the world and is not restricted to a certain area.

https://secure3.convio.net/ldsp/site/Donation2?df_id=1861&1861.donation=form1

This may help you in answering questions, but be aware that this is changing rapidly.


Pres. Stout

Looking Ahead to Kindergarten Enrollment

Parents of kindergarten students residing in the Bentonville School District with a student five (5) years of age on or by September 1, 2010**, may begin online pre-registration at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, February 8th thru 3:00 p.m. Friday, February 12, 2010. If you choose to waive kindergarten enrollment for the 2010-2011 school year, please complete and submit a Kindergarten Waiver.

**State law specifies that you may enroll your child for kindergarten, if your child is age(5) by September 1, 2010, however, House Bill 1098 allows for exemptions for students whose birthdays fall between September 2 and September 15, 2010. If your child meets the criteria for exemption please contact the Director of Student Services at the Bentonville Public School District Office, 500 Tiger Blvd. (479) 254-5000.

You can jot this date down now if you want, and I will try to remember to post a reminder as it gets closer.  For more complete information, you can check out the webiste at http://www.bentonville.k12.ar.us/web/parents/enrollment.asp, although right now it still has last years information.

Humanitarian Service

Ladies,

Just a reminder that we are holding Humanitarian service tomorrow (Thursday) at the church and would love for you to stop by.  We will be tying quilts and making jingle blocks. 

There are 2 sessions: from 10:00am-12:00pm or 7:00-9:00pm.  You are welcome to come and go as you need to.  Kids are welcome, though there is no offical childcare.  They can just play in the gym. 

All service is appreciated!

Local--Missing Teen

If anyone has information about Kristen Wise, please contact her parents at 479-238-4048 or the Centerton Police Department. She is a BHS 10th grader who ran away a week ago today. She is on the national hotline.

http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/PubCaseSearchServlet?act=viewChildDetail&caseNum=1138548&orgPrefix=NCMC&seqNum=1&caseLang=en_US&searchLang=en_US

Please keep her family in your prayers.

American Diabetes Association"Kiss A Pig" Charity Gala

Attention Walmart Vendors/Suppliers: Corporate sponsorship tables available! Great opportunity to interact with key Walmart and community contacts while supporting a worthy cause. Contact Steve Hoyt for details.

Voted as the Best Charity Gala in Northwest Arkansas for the last three years, the American Diabetes Association and Glucerna proudly present this year’s theme – “The Fab Boar”. Join us as we ‘come together’ for an evening of entertainment, fine cuisine and live and silent auctions. Enjoy a far-out performance by BeatleMania Now and find your inner flower child while grooving on the dance floor. Hang loose as the community’s most talented leaders compete for the chance to kiss a pig to thank it for producing the first source of insulin for people with diabetes.

When/Where:  Saturday, February 27, 6pm to midnight
John Q. Hammons Convention Center, Rogers

Keynote Speaker: Sean Algaier
Contestant on The Biggest Loser Season 8

Emcees: Neile Jones & Matt Turner
KNWA Anchors

Tickets:
Individual - $150

Table and Corporate Sponsorships available

Event Information: www.diabetes.org/nwakissapig

All proceeds benefit the American Diabetes Association of Northwest Arkansas in our work to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all children and adults affected by type 1, type 2, gestational, and pre-diabetes. One in three people will develop diabetes during their lifetime and more than 23 million Americans are already affected.

Also seeking auction item donations and general contributions. Tickets/donations are tax deductible.

Please contact Steve Hoyt for details and/or to sign up: 479-657-7683 or steven.j.hoyt@abbott.com

February Book Group

For February, we'll meet Thursday, February 4th and we will be reading Being the Mom: 10 Coping Strategies I Learned by Accident Because I Had Children on Purpose by Emily Watts. I was able to hear Emily Watts speak at Time Out For Women and I was very impressed. I am really excited to read this book.

You will not be able to find this book locally, but it has been around a while so used copies are readily available. For example, amazon.com has 1 cent used copies (plus $3.99 shipping), so you can get it for $4.

Here's a little summary:
"Nothing you can read could ever prepare you for the feelings, the challenges, and the excitements of having children. But the strategies presented in the delightful book can help you cope when you're up to your eyeballs in peanut butter and science projects and mismatched socks.

In Being the Mom, you'll learn some practical strategies for building a strong family that can be comfortable in a variety of situations. Beyond that, you'll figure out how to keep a healthy perspective and your sanity. Strategy 3, for example, "Be discerning: sometimes a one-mile effort is enough," gives mom's license to save their best efforts for the times when they really matter. "Be grateful for the things you have to do" is a gentle reminder that commitment is not such a bad thing. And in "Remember that the years fly by, even though some of the days are mighty long," you'll learn to treasure the wonderful blessing that come with each stage of mothering.

From the often hilarious and always helpful perspective of a real, live mom you'll find that with a lot of love, and a good sense of humor, "being the Mom" can be done lots of ways. Your way may just be better than you thought! Most of all, this will lighten mothers' hearts and make them glad they chose the life they did."

We don't have a host yet for February, so if you would like to open up your home to us, please let me know! Also, if you have any suggestions for books, let me know (fiction or non-fiction). You can email me at apfam@sbcglobal.net

Happy Reading!
Aubrey Patterson

Ward Choir

Please come and particiapte in our ward choir.  Practice is at 9am in the Primary Room on Sunday January, 10th and 17th. We are performing in sacrament meeting on the 17th.

All are welcome.

COME TRY MY ZUMBA CLASS FOR FREE!!!

The gym where I teach is having their Grand Opening this Saturday (January 9th)!   If you're needing a destressing break from the kids, come check out the facilities! Highlights include my class (10:45-11:30), a cycle-thon, door prizes and FREE chair massages by our therapists.

The gym is on 14th St next to Hobby Town, across the street from the Walton Fitness Center. Just check out our website http://www.xtrainfit.com/ or call me if you have questions!


Thanks,
Kristen Cornelsen

Winter Tips From the U.S. Department of Health And Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Keep a Water Supply
Extreme cold can cause water pipes in your home to freeze and sometimes rupture.

When very cold temperatures are expected:

• Leave all water taps slightly open so they drip continuously.
• Keep the indoor temperature warm.
• Improve the circulation of heated air near pipes. For example, open kitchen cabinet doors beneath the kitchen sink.

If your pipes do freeze, do not thaw them with a torch.  Instead, thaw them slowly by directing the warm air from an electric hair dryer onto the pipes.

Monitor Body Temperature

Infants less than one year old should never sleep in a cold room because (1) infants lose body heat more easily than adults; and (2) unlike adults, infants can’t make enough body heat by shivering. Provide warm clothing for infants and try to maintain a warm indoor temperature. If the temperature cannot be maintained, make temporary arrangements to stay elsewhere. In an emergency, you can keep an infant warm using your own body heat. If you must sleep, take precautions to prevent rolling on the baby.

Pillows and other soft bedding can also present a risk of smothering; remove them from the area near the baby.

Older adults often make less body heat because of a slower metabolism and less physical activity. If you are over 65 years of age, check the temperature in your home often during severely cold weather. Also, check on elderly friends and neighbors frequently to ensure that their homes are adequately heated.

Avoid Ice


Walking on ice is extremely dangerous. Many cold-weather injuries result from falls on ice-covered sidewalks, steps, driveways, and porches. Keep your steps and walkways as free of ice as possible by using rock salt or another chemical de-icing compound. Sand may also be used on walkways to reduce the risk of slipping.

Prepare Your Car
You can avoid many dangerous winter travel problems by planning ahead. Have maintenance service on your vehicle as often as the manufacturer recommends. In addition, every fall:

• Have the radiator system serviced, or check the antifreeze level yourself with an antifreeze tester. Add antifreeze, as needed.
• Replace windshield-wiper fluid with a wintertime mixture.
• Replace any worn tires, and check the air pressure in the tires.

During winter, keep the gas tank near full to help avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.

Book Group

Book Group will meet this Thursday, January 7th at 8:30 pm at Alicia Lindsey's house. We will be discussing The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Annie Barrows.


You are always welcome to come, even if you have not read the book.  With all these "snow days" and kids at home, I'm sure everyone could use an evening out! Hopefully the weather will cooperate.  Will post again if we need to cancel.

Lamaze Childbirth Classes

Dear Centerton Ward Members,


My name is Beth Day and for those of you who don't know me yet, I am a Lamaze-Certified Childbirth Educator and a doula. I just wanted to make you aware of a service I offer to members of our ward. I teach Lamaze Childbirth classes and usually charge $120 for a six-week series. If you are a member of the Centerton Ward, I offer a 50% discount. You can find out more about my classes and services at http://www.foreverymother.net/.

I have a new series starting January 19th. If you or a friend is in need of childbirth preparation, don't hesitate to contact me!

Sincerely,
Beth Day

Can you Help?

Are you getting rid of a fridge, washer or dryer?   Even a little mini fridge will be great. Even if David and I could borrow those for a little while that would be great. We had to move in a hurry and our new place doesn't come with any of those things. We are looking on Craigslist at a mini fridge for $25, but we'll see. I'm just trying to spread the word.

If you can help, email hollywoodstar46@hotmail.com


Thanks,
Amy and David Ovando -

Sakamoto's Baby

Congrats to Susan and Corey on the birth of their new baby girl 2 weeks ago!