Spotlight on Braeden Larsen.  Braeden was born in Fontana California and moved to Utah soon thereafter.  One of his earliest memories was when he was baptized at age 8. He remembers it as one of the happiest days where he felt the spirit strongly. Additional he remembers enjoying playing the trumpet, the father and sons’ outings, and learning new skills at scout camps. All of his youth leaders made a huge impact on Braeden and helped prepare him for his mission.  He enjoyed serving and helping others in his quorum leadership.  Bishop Richards gave Braeden a lot of responsibilities, taught him how to serve which helped him feel the spirit. This may surprise you, but Braeden was super excited when he got my call to Nevada.  He said, “To be honest I cried because I knew that that was where I was supposed to be.”  His mission was one of the highlights of his life. Before being released, he asked his mission president how to stay on path and was advised to do three things: scriptures, church attendance, and prayer. Braeden will start working next week and go to school in the fall. Some of his strengths include a unique ability to empathize with others, make personal connections, and teach the gospel in simple and understandable terms. He suggests that if we ever feel stuck, go to Heavenly Father and ask Him how to progress!

Learning Together. Lase Sunday’s lesson was taught by Brother Dave Loughton based on Elder Gary Anderson’s conference address entitled, “Nourishing and Bearing Your Testimony.” The key takeaways that Dave feels are most important are:

Prepare Now for a Power Outage. Learn the location of the fuse box or circuit breaker. Electrical sparks have the potential of igniting natural gas if it is leaking. Store candles, flashlights, and extra batteries in convenient places. Purchase and install approved surge protectors for appliances and electronics. Survive During Power Outages. Keep freezers and refrigerators closed. The refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours. Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Generators, camp stoves, or charcoal grills should always be used outdoors. Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home.

Blast from the Past: Guess Who? Answer: Tony Poll

Spotlight on Bruce Hersh.  Bruce Hersh was born in 1947 in Dargerton Utah (near Price) that was built specifically for WWII and had the largest school in Utah. It was a raucous town where stabbings and shootings were not uncommon. But neither Dargerton nor the school are still in existence. The town was built to get high quality coal needed to make steel for battleship gun barrels, many of which were sunk in Pearl Harbor. Bruce’s father was a miner in Carbon County and died in a mining accident. Bruce spent his youth on a cattle ranch with his grandpa who taught him to drive cattle and sheep. He also learned how to cook over a fire, and to this day makes the best baked beans, BBQ country ribs, Dutch oven chicken, and Dutch oven apple desserts. He graduated from East Carbon High School and went to College of Eastern Utah and the University of Utah. Bruce had an incredible knack for envisioning new ways for department stores to display and sell merchandize. He quickly worked his way up in management at Grand Central department store and the craft store that eventually became Michaels.  He also brought innovative ideas and huge sales increases to one of the largest companies in Rexburg, Idaho. While there, he taught in the Primary, Young Mens and Elders quorum, where he served in the presidency for many years.  Bruce moved to Mountain Green in 2008 and feels so fortunate to live here. He lives here with his wife Mari, her son Chris, and grandson Martigen (Marty).  He has always found it helpful to set spiritual, physical, social, and temporal goals. “Dreams are the fuel that drive the wheels of reality. To accomplish dreams, convert them to goals.” Bruce’s strengths include innovation, imagination, creativity, leadership, vision, and an ability to get things done. In his early days, Bruce played the trumpet and guitar and formed a band in college. He has written many songs and poems. Now he is an impressive Cowboy Poet. He’s written poems about the mine disaster that took his father’s life, the birth of Christ, wounded warriors, and many other topics. One poem goes like this: “This day the king was born, with nothing did he come, no chariot or golden braid, a gift made free, that all might be, and live eternally.” Another poem says, “I believe in things that are soft, that give when the fall is great, in words of kind saying, and in children on bended knee praying.” Bruce likes to think of himself as the old cowboy that lives on Sierra!

Learning Together. This Sunday’s lesson will be taught by Brother Dave Loughton based on Elder Gary Anderson’s conference address entitled, “Nourishing and Bearing Your Testimony.” Elder Anderson invites us to seek opportunities to bear our testimonies in word and in deed.

Missionary Moment.  Over the past three weeks Ann and I have been attending a class provided by the stake on missions for seniors. We have both been impressed with the wide range of options that seniors can request for missionary service and with how easy it is to search an extensive database for opportunities. Our last class will be tonight. If you are at all curious about the available opportunities, go to seniormissionary.churchofjesuschrist.org. Time commitment ranges from 4 hours per week to full-time. Service can include opportunities such as giving tours of church facilities, providing clerical support from home, helping to feed the hungry, working in the church history department and much, much more. Time commitments range from 6 to 24 months. Costs begin at $0 and there are missions for seniors that can be served from your current home or as far away as the other side of the globe. If navigating the interface on the Senior Missionary web sited doesn’t come natural to you, give me a call and Ann and I would be happy to come to your home and show you the ropes. My number is 208-720-6522.  Ann and I have had the goal to serve a senior mission since the earliest days of our marriage. We feel blessed beyond expression to be at this place in our lives and are so thankful to our Heavenly Father that this amazing opportunity is available to us. Are there things we are nervous or unsure about? Sure, but we have faith in Christ as well as sufficient life experience to know that the most rewarding and blessing-filled adventures we have enjoyed were proceeded by a few butterflies in the stomach. We can’t wait for what comes next! Sam Gappmayer. Ward Mission Leader

Blast from the Past: Guess Who?  Answer: Bowen Gines

 

Spotlight on Austin Larsen.  Austin was born and raised in Mountain Green. He was a cute little helper boy from the day he was born. Austin graduated from Morgan High in 2003. He was excited to serve a mission. He was called to serve in the Mexico Monterrey East Mission where the learned to love the people and made lifelong friends. His testimony grew and he learned what a joy it is to serve those around him and the true meaning of “Labor of Love.”  Six months after returning from his mission he met his smoking hot wife Nicole at a singles ward activity in Jackson Hole. Nine months later they were married and sealed in the Bountiful Temple. This year they will be celebrating their 15-year anniversary. In the first few years of marriage, they moved a few times, remodeling two homes. Two years ago, they bought Austin’s third-generation childhood home here in Mountain Green. Austin is a Lieutenant Paramedic and works for Weber Fire District. In his career he is able to continue to serve people in their times of need, often on their worst day. He is very passionate and loves what he does. Some of his best memories from his job are, delivering a baby and pulling an unconscious woman from her burning home. Austin and Nicole have two children, Brooks (8) and Beth (5). Austin is a passionate Waterfowl hunter and will big game hunt when it is not duck hunting season. Austin is a great husband and father. He works hard to provide for his family and always is looking to achieve his goals. Austin is fiercely loyal and has a very small circle, and at times he is seen as the strong and silent type. He loves unconditionally and really is a big soft teddy bear.

Sunday, Dec 4 at 6:00pm – First Presidency Christmas Devotional

Thursday, Dec 8 at 6:30pm & 7:30pm – Very Special Nativity Pageant presented by our Morgan County special needs friends at MHS.

 

Saturday, Dec 10 at 9:00am – Neighborhood Christmas Breakfast at Highlands church

 

Sunday, Dec 25 at 1:00pm – Christmas church service with music at Highlands church.

In Case You Missed It.  Alan Turner led a discussion last Sunday on Elder Neil L. Anderson’s conference address entitled,  “Drawing Closer to the Lord.”  Alan said the most important part of his lesson was, “that even though things are getting difficult, know that things will work out and as you stay prepared you have no reason to fear.” He also suggested two scriptures: D&C 38:30 and D&C 45:35.

Blast from the Past: Guess Who?  Answer: Alan Turner

 

Spotlight on Seth Erickson.  Seth was born in Logan, Utah. He spent most of his formative years growing up just south of Provo, in Woodland Hills. After graduating high school, Brother Erickson was called to serve in the Spain, Madrid Mission. His mission had a profound impact on him, making him more confident, giving him a greater sense of independence and taught him how to connect with those whom he was called to serve. Perhaps the greatest lasting impact was a greater sense of how to serve people in a way that the Savior would, without judgment, full of understanding, love, care and respect. Following his mission, Seth attended BYU, Provo where he graduated with a bachelors and masters degree in information systems. More recently, he married his wife, Tyler (Fowers). The two had a few interactions before life’s circumstances finally brought them together and the rest was history, as they say.  Seth works as a tech consultant for a tech consulting firm. He enjoys his work because of the challenge of solving problems and the broad exposure he gets to various parts of other businesses. In fact, because he enjoys his work so much, it can almost seem as if it were a hobby at times. During spare time, Seth has created an augmented reality app to educate people on what augmented reality is. In fact, the app is now used at various museums for institutions of higher learning around the state. When he’s not working on tech-related matters, Seth enjoys just about anything outdoors, but especially skiing, playing soccer and camping. Upon getting to know Brother Erickson, it’s apparent that he is focused and wise beyond his years. Perhaps even more importantly, the ward has gained someone who continues to serve in accordance with lessons learned while serving the Lord, full of genuine care and compassion for others.

In Case You Missed It. On Sunday, Robin Porter led a discussion on President Nelson’s October conference address entitled, Overcome the World and Find Rest.   One of the key points is summarized by this statement from our prophet in this classic speech, "Dear brothers and sisters, my message to you today is that because Jesus Christ overcame this fallen world, and because He atoned for each of us, you too can overcome this sin-saturated, self-centered, and often exhausting world…My plea to you this morning is to find rest from the intensity, uncertainty, and anguish of this world by overcoming the world through your covenants with God. Let Him know through your prayers and your actions that you are serious about overcoming the world. Ask Him to enlighten your mind and send the help you need. Each day, record the thoughts that come to you as you pray; then follow through diligently. Spend more time in the temple, and seek to understand how the temple teaches you to rise above this fallen world".  May we study this classic speech from our prophet and follow his prophetic advice and find peace and joy in these troubled times.

Blast from the Past: Guess Who?  The answer is Brad Richards.

Annual Highlands BBQ this Saturday. Join us for our neighborhood BBQ on June 4 from 6:30-8:30 at the Winn's Home (6444 Davis). Come for some good food and a chance to say hello to old friends and meet new ones.

Congrats to MHS Graduates 2022! Robby Cameron, Kacen Helsten, Danielle Bigelow, Nixan Ordyna, Jaxon McCullough, Jaxon Winn.  Best wishes as you take the next step in your life!!

Spotlight on Brad Winn. Brad Winn lives at 6444 Davis Street, in the house across the street from the house where he was born. That house was one of the first built in Mtn Green. Brad remembers when they first paved the road to his house, because he could then ride his tricycle on pavement instead of in the dirt. Brad was born in 1967 and is 59 years old. He grew up in Mtn Green and loved to hunt, hike, and ride horses. His horse pasture is now occupied by the housing subdivision at the bottom of Highland Drive. Brad was a member of both the Marching and Jazz Bands at Morgan HS and participated in a number of musical productions, including: Bye Bye Birdie, South Pacific, Music Man, Guys & Dolls, and Sound of Music. He graduated from Morgan HS in 1981 and then served a mission to South Africa from 1982-83.  He graduated in engineering from Purdue University in 1989. Brad worked on the Space Shuttle Booster at ATK Thiokol and then did a masters at BYU and a doctorate at the University of Michigan in Organizational Behavior. Brad then served as a VP of Snow College, VP at UVU, Assistant Commissioner at the Board of Regents; Governor’s Aid for Higher Education. Brad is presently employed as a Leadership Professor and the MBA Director at USU. Brad has also been singing with the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square since 1915. Brad met his wife Johanna in Jackson Hole when they were both performing in 7 Brides for 7 Brothers, and were also players in the popular stage coach hold up reenactments and shoot-outs in the city square. Brad was the holdup villain named “Sourpuss Pete” and Johanna was one of the stagecoach passengers that he absconded with, along with all the money. He gave the money back, but decided to keep the girl and they were married in the Denver Temple in 1990. They have 5 kids. Their oldest son Christian is the only one married and he just moved back into the ward. When asked about his hobbies, Brad said, “hiking, camping, singing with the Tab Choir, and playing with my kids.” Asked about his favorite callings, Brad replied, “Primary Chorister; Young Men’s President.” Brad grew up in Mountain Green and then left for 25 years, before moving back. We are very glad that he returned. Ask Brad how he met the Premier of China.

Emergency Preparedness Tip: Check out these emergency preparedness items you can get at the Dollar Store!

A Gathering of Beautiful Wisdom. President Jacki Cameron and Jennie Porter hosted a delightful luncheon for our senior sisters last week. The time was filled with interesting life stories, music, and laughter.  What a blessing it is to have so many caring neighbors like these wonderful women.

New Elders Secretary Sustained. Brother Nick Hansen was released as a Secretary in our Elders Quorum meeting.  His service has been filled with energy, wisdom, and brotherly love. Brother Criag Brenchley was sustained as a new Elders Quorum Secretary. Craig lives on Woodland Drive with his wife Sue. Craig brings a wealth of experience and service to our Quorum. Welcome Craig!

Save the Dates.

May 27: Morgan High Graduation

June 4: Community Backyard BBQ

Jun/Jul/Aug: Block Parties (TBD)

Aug 27: Summer Bash at Park

Come Learn with Us. Join us Sunday as Deven Browning teaches us about Our Heartfelt All from Elder Uchtdorf’s conference talk. We’ll discuss how to offer our whole soul to Christ and what it means to consecrate ourselves to the Lord.  “Jesus taught that our offering may be large or it may be small, but either way, it must be our heartfelt all.”

Spotlight on Nick Ordyna. Nick is the last of 8 children born to Rich and Tona Ordyna on Nov 5th, 1978. He is their 7th son. As they pondered what to name him, his oldest sibling and only sister Julie, blurted out, “Nicholas!…because EIGHT IS ENOUGH!” Apparently the youngest character in the popular TV show “Eight is Enough,” was named Nicholas and that was that! Nick grew up in the highlands neighborhood and has many found memories of primary teachers, youth leaders, and former home-teaching companions still living here in our ward. He graduated from Morgan High and promptly left to serve in the England, London mission—he was given special permission to serve at 18yrs old since his parents were also serving in the Poland, Warsaw mission. After his mission, Nick began his studies at BYU, where he met Jamie Allen, also a freshman. They married within 6 months of their first date and will celebrate their 22nd anniversary this Friday! Nick’s educational pursuits took their family to Ogden, Richmond Virginia, & Dallas Texas, where he completed Medical school at the Medical College of Virginia and residency training in anesthesiology at University of Texas Southwestern. His first job after residency was in Phoenix Arizona, where they lived for one year before the opportunity to move back to Utah came. Nick was happy to move back home and live close to his parents in their later years. It was an honor helping them and caring for them before they each passed. When he’s not working, Nick enjoys building Legos, smoking meat for great BBQs, collecting Legos, cooking ethnic food, and organizing Legos. Although he won’t admit it…Nick has a great singing voice and is very artistic! His favorite color is blue. And he loves listening to pretty much all types of music from hip hop to Broadway!

 

Welcome Sam & Ann Gappmayer.  We’re excited to welcome Sam and Ann to the Highlands on Gordon Creek Circle. Sam grew up in the San Francisco Bay area and lived in Montana as a young adult.  Ann was raised in Montana and met Sam there during their college years, both being interested in music.  They moved to Provo during the early years of their marriage and have lived in Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming and most recently in Wisconsin.  They have five adult children who live in California, Idaho, Utah, and Colorado.  Sam and Ann are retiring as a Director and Archivist (respectively) from the Kohler Art Center in Sheboygan WI.  They both love hiking and camping and look forward to meeting their new ward family.  We’re so happy to have you both in the neighborhood!!

Save the Dates.

May 15: Worldwide YSA Devotional

May 27: Morgan High Graduation

June 4: Community Backyard BBQ

Jun/Jul/Aug: Block Parties (TBD)

Aug 27: Summer Bash at Park

In Case You Missed It. Last Sunday Kevin Deiber taught us from Elder Anderson’s recent conference address, “Following Jesus: Being a Peacemaker”. Because of social media platforms, one voice of disbelief can appear to be a multitude of negative voices, but even if it is a multitude of voices, we choose the path of peacemakers. We can choose to genuinely listen to others and focus on what we share in common.  We can choose to prioritize relationships of love over differences of opinion.

Spotlight on Ric Lofgren. Ric Lofgren moved to Mtn Green in 1998 and lives at 5949 Sierra Drive in a square cedar timber cabin. Rick was born in Salt Lake City on April 10, 1957, and is first generation Swedish/Norwegian American. He grew up in Sugar House and graduated from Olympus HS in 1975. Rick then served a mission to St Louis Missouri (Originally the Independence Missouri Mission) from 1976-78. Upon his return, he went to the Community College in Salt Lake to learn cabinet making, a skill he has used throughout his life. He then went to Utah State University and graduated in 2003 with a degree in Education. His career since has been spent as a cabinet maker and a teacher. He worked for Salt Lake Community College for 17 years as an instructor at the Utah State Prison where he taught Building Construction (He would have stayed, but they stopped the program). For the last 9 years, Rick has been employed by the Jordan South Valley School District teaching wood shop to Special Needs students. Rick has many skills enabling him to build, fix or renovate almost anything, including building a Nantucket Windsor rocker. He studied auto mechanics in high school and worked in an auto shop for a time and he still enjoys working on cars. Rick likes being outdoors, hiking, mountain & road biking, & cross-country skiing. Nowadays, he mostly enjoys walking & scenic hiking. Ric has worked with Scouts and has attended Wood Badge twice. He also likes gardening and family history. Ric met his wife Mary on a cross country skiing outing in Driggs, Idaho and they were married in 1997. They have one son (Leif), who is now married, so they are officially Empty Nesters. Ric loves to be outdoors, and has gotten into wood carving. He is currently working on a Viking chair with dragon carving on the arms. Ric has been a Sunday School Teacher, Teachers Quorum Advisor, Ward Clerk (for Bishops Smith & Barns), and has also served as a Sunday School President in a Singles Ward. He is currently a Sunday School Teacher for the 14 & 15 year olds. Asked what other things people should know about him, Ric said, “I’m outgoing and get along with most people. I’m also patient, which is why I can work with kids (and Mary).” Ask Ric about meeting Spencer W. Kimball.