Wednesday, October 31, 2012

B7 Celebrates Halloween

The ward, once again, celebrated Halloween with the annual Trunk or Treat in the church parking lot. Dozens of ward members decorated their car trunks and many also got into the spirit of the holiday donning face paint and costumes to pass out candy to little ghosts and goblins.

But this year, some new elements were added. The Young Men put together a kid-friendly spook alley in James Bertschi’s trailer . . . and the Young Women organized a Chili Cookoff (which also served as dinner for the revelers).
Winners of the Chili Cookoff (as determined by unbiased judges Mike Twitty, Rob Wilkes and Jake Green) were:

·         Carol Hollowell in the Ghost White Chili (Best non-red chili) category

·         Gary and Nancy Anderson won for Hauntingly Hot (most hot) category

·         The Forsyth Family took home the award for the Magical Witches Brew (most unique)

·         Cheryl Kanenwisher won for the Little Pumpkin Preference (most kid friendly)

·         Cole Wilkes won the coveted Best Overall / Spooktacular Chili Award
The Trunk or Treat event is a great ward tradition which is getting better and more fun every year! Thanks to all who put the event together and to all who participated!

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Farewell, Brother Hafen

Banard Ervin Hafen, a longtime member of the Bloomington 7th Ward, passed peacefully from this earth at home on Thursday, October 25, just a few weeks short of his 91st birthday.  A descendant of John George Hafen, one of the Swiss founders of Santa Clara, Banard was born in Santa Clara but saw the world as a professional athlete (Detroit Lions – 1949 and 1950 seasons), a special agent with the FBI (where he exemplified the motto of "integrity, loyalty and bravery") for more than 21 years.  Before his retirement to St. George in 1982, Banard worked as the Chief Investigator for hotel security for Howard Hughes’ Summa Corporation in Las Vegas.   

Though 90-years-old, he continued to play golf three days a week until August when he decided he had played long enough. Dad shot an 86 in his last game, and his buddies claimed he was quitting before they had a chance to get back all the money they lost to him over the years. A sportswriter once wrote that Banard was "one of the best athletes to ever come out of Southern Utah." A natural in basketball, baseball and football, he started on teams in junior high and high school as well as Dixie Jr. College. Banard went on to the University of Utah and played football and baseball. He was selected to play in the Shriner's East-West College All-Star football game as a junior and senior. In 1940 he joined the National Guard (because "you got a dollar for only showing up once a month"). In March of 1941, his unit was activated and he, along with many other young Dixie men, went to San Luis Obispo for training. While driving back from California he heard about Pearl Harbor on the car radio. By May, 1943 he was in England with the 351st Engineer battalion, then in France until the end of WWII. Upon his return Banard went back to the U of U to finish his schooling and play football. He came home to St. George for Thanksgiving in 1947 where he met Dixie co-ed McVoy Holt on a blind date and were married on June 11, 1948.  McVoy, his wife of 53 years, passed away in 2002 and Banard was visited often by his daughters, Susan Henderson; Sally Tielemans (Anton); Laurie Hafen; Elaine Krause (Curtis); 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.


Congratulations on a beautiful posterity and a life well-lived. Brother Hafen will be missed by those who knew and loved him.

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Catching Up: Another New Member is Welcomed

Gracie Green, 8-year-old daughter of Jacob and Annie Green and granddaughter to former 7th Warders Joe and Becky Petersen, began “the spiritual journey of a lifetime” when she was baptized and confirmed by her daddy on Saturday, October 13.  Gracie, with her big smile and her big testimony, is big sister to Nellie and Lucie and a 2nd grade student at Bloomington Elementary School.            

In the words of Elder Neil L. Anderson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles concerning this milestone, “we do not know everything in the beginning or even along the way. Our conversion comes step-by-step, line-upon-line. We first build a foundation of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.  We treasure the principles and ordinances of repentance, baptism, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, then remain steady and patient as we progress through mortality. At times, the Lord’s answer will be, 'You don’t know everything, but you know enough' — enough to keep the commandments and to do what is right."

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Cub Scout Fun in the Sun

Cub Scouts Scott Stokes, Thomas Larson, Thomas Gierisch and Ashton Gardner, attended a Wild West Day Camp last Saturday on the Sandvic's farm across from Bloomington Park.  Sister Roma Goldhardt and Rebecca Larson went along on this fun-filled day of rock climbing, teepee building, running an obstacle course and enjoying a tasty lunch of grub-in-a-bag.  The boys loved every minute of their fabulous, fun day in the sun while they passed off several scout badges. Thanks to Rebecca Larson for sharing her great photos!

Monday, October 15, 2012

Meet the Davies Family

Raelynn Davies recently moved to Bloomington with her family of three sons, including 27-year-old Todd, 16-year-old Trevor, 12-year-old Seth; her delightfully precocious 6-year-old granddaughter Alexis Broberg and Willoughby, the family’s high spirited Pomeranian-mix. 

A transplant from Salt Lake City, Raelynn notes she is currently spending her days unpacking boxes piled high in the garage in an effort to settle in . . . and, like most parents, taxiing kids to their various activities around town. 

Welcome to the ward, Davies family!!!  We look forward to getting better acquainted.

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Meet the Ward's Newest Member


 

Brynlee Olsen, daughter of Sunnie Scott Olsen and granddaughter of Allen and Sherry Scott, stepped into the strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life when she was baptized by her Grandpa Scott and confirmed by her Uncle Skylar Scott on Saturday, September 29.  The 2nd grader at Bloomington Elementary School  is now the newest member of the Bloomington 7th Ward and a “fellowcitizen with the saints” in the “household of God” following the example of Jesus Christ.