Community Info, Happenings, and Local Stuff

• There is currently a local campaign to raise awareness for driving while distracted, like driving while texting. A local woman shares her story at http://www.kbtx.com/home/headlines/87419332.html and has a blog http://kristinwcooper.blogspot.com/2010/03/interview-on-bryan-college-stations.html
• The Association of Former Students has a new area on the second floor of the Clayton Williams Jr. Alumni Center (on the corner of Dexter and George Bush across from the institude) that has great displays about being an Aggie. You can learn Aggie yells and even record yourself leading all of Kyle Field in a yell, along with other interactive exhibits. It's free and open whenever the building is open.http://www.aggienetwork.com/ContactUs/
• The Sam Houston Sanders Corps Center has an exhibit of the history of the Corps of Cadets and the Aggie Band plus the Metzger gun collection. See the history of Reveille, the yell leaders, and the military history at A&M. Free admission, check http://www.aggiecorps.org/about-the-corps/sam-houston-sanders-corps-of-cadets-center.html
• The Forsyth Center Galleries are usually located in the MSC on campus but because of the MSC renovation, it is temporarily located in downtown Bryan. The MSC Forsyth Center Galleries, one of Texas A&M University’s art museums, is home to the Bill and Irma Runyon Art Collections. These collections contain a world-class collection of English Cameo glass, Tiffany and Steuben glass, and other important 19th and 20th century art glass. Also included are an important collection of American paintings including works by The Eight, Winslow Homer, Childe Hassam, Thomas Moran, and Frederic Remington. Free admission http://forsyth.tamu.edu/exhibits.html
• Chemistry/Physics/Engineering Festival that would be a ton of fun for any families with preschool or school age children.http://usafestival.tamu.edu/Saturday October 23rd

Lunch & Learn and other announcements

This Wednesday, September 29th, we will have a special activity called "Lunch and Learn-Stretching your Dollar in the BCS area."
Bring a salad to share!

Wed. September 28th
11:45-1:30

Babysitting will be provided- Please have your children fed prior to arriving. Due to the allergy issues in the nursery, we will not be providing food for the children. If your working, don't worry about bringing a salad, just drop by if you can during your lunch hour.

Questions? See Erin Sillito 979-703-6972

Other Announcements:
Next week, October 2nd and 3rd is General Conference. No regularly scheduled meetings will take place, instead conference will be broadcast from Salt Lake City at the chapel at 11:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. You may also view conference at home if you have access to BYU TV through satellite or lds.org
October 10th will be fast Sunday
Playgroup is Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. at University Park
Choir is at 4:15 p.m. on Sundays in the RS Room
Family Promise is October 10th-17th, to sign up, see Gary & Rhonda Williams
Co-ed Volleyball is on Tuesday nights, we need more people to play! This week is a bye week, so no games.
Starting October 10th there will be a Temple Prep Class during the Sunday School hour. This is for people who would like to attend the Temple for the first time, people who would like to someday in the future go to the Temple, or for those who have already gone through and would like to seek some additional Spiritual enlightenment.

Playgroup for 2010

September:
21st - 10am - Playtime at Brazos Valley Children's Museum (check with Melonie or Elena for entry information) www.mymuseum.com
28th - 9am - University Park

October:
5th - 9am - Kites & Bikes at Sandstone Park
12th - 9am - Brother's Pond Park
19th - FIELD TRIP to the Cameron Park Zoo in Waco, TX (**details coming soon **)
or...if a field trip won't be practical for your family for any reason, enjoy playtime at Brazos Valley Children's Museum at 10am!
26th - 9am - Candy-free Costume Parade at the Church Building

November:
2nd - 9am - Election Day Childcare Swap (to accommodate voting) at the Church Building
9th - 9am - Bee Creek Park
16th - 10am - Playtime at Brazos Valley Children's Museum (check with Melonie or Elena for entry information) www.mymuseum.com
23rd - 9am - Coloring Service Project for the Marine Corps at the Church Building
30th - 9am - Craft Activity at the Church Building - Paper Chain Countdown to Christmas

December:
7th - 9am - "Project Christmas Card" at the Church Building...kiddos can entertain each other playing while Mommies address their family Christmas Cards!
14th - 9am - Christmas Cookie Decorating at the Church Building
21st - 10am - Playtime at Brazos Valley Children's Museum (check with Melonie or Elena for entry information) www.mymuseum.com
28th - 9am - Playtime at the Post Oak Mall Playscape

Let me know if there's any questions and otherwise we're ready and set to P-L-A-Y!
Thanks!!!
~ Elena

Geneology Workshop

Just FYI,

The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum are hosting a Genealogy Workshop: Discover who you really are!

October 2, 2010
9:00am-4:15 pm

This is a free program and is designed for all levels of genealogical interest, from beginners to experienced researchers. The workshop will feature prominent speakers who will explain how best to explore their research facilities locally and in Houston and Ft. Worth. There will also be a special panel on finding and creating your family's health history.

A morning seminar will be just for beginners and will kick off the workshop at 9:00am, those who have already started their journey can join in at 10:00am.

There is no cost, however due to limited seating, reservations are recommended. Boxed lunches may be ordered for $10 fee payable in cash or check. Please contact Tracy Paine at 979-691-4014 or tracy.paine@nara.gov.

Activities and Events:

• September 17th is the ward pizza and ice cream social! 6:30pm at the church, bring a dessert or ice cream please!
• Clean the church this week! Saturday the 18th at 7:30am for last name M-So. Many hands make quick work! Please come!
• Beverly handed out chocolate and frozen berry orders last week and we sent the email, be sure to see Beverly if you have any questions.
• Choir is on Sundays at 4:30 p.m.
• Playgroup is Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. Questions? Call Elena Morgan or Melonie Florcik! Elena: (512) 395-5096 Melonie: (469) 328-4357

Welcome to the new sisters!

Cooking at the church kitchen

Dear Relief Society Presidents, Stake Auxiliary Leaders, Seminary Teachers Food Storage Specialists,

Just a reminder that when we are preparing food in the kitchen or giving demonstrations that we should not cook in the kitchen, only warm food.

A new fire extinguishing system was installed over the stoves at the Stake Center yesterday. I spoke with Brother Sullivan, the Stake Facilities representative, and the installer.

This system which contains fire extinguishing chemicals will be activated if the heat under the hood becomes to high. It is imperative that each time you use the stove to be sure and turn on the exhaust vent fan. The switch is on the right side of the stoves and is on a timer, so that it will turn itself off, if we happen to forget the fan is running. Under normal conditions there should not be a problem, however, if someone decides to boil water then the vent hood can exhaust the excessive steam.

As everyone in the Stake no matter what unit or organization they are in usually uses the kitchen at one time or another would each one of you please make sure the appropriate leaders in your organization receive this information.

Thank you!

Suzanne Todd
Stake RS President

General Updates!

WELCOME
We have had quite a few sisters move into our ward over the last few weeks! Please take a moment to introduce yourself and get to know these ladies:
Melinda Washburn
Suzanne Colvin
Heather Chase
Lindee Hanselmann
Virginia Hodnett
Carrie Lunt

Karina Moore

Lynda Freeman

Juanita Niemeyer

Sarah Garcia

Rachel Condie

Andrea Louder

Visiting Teaching
Almost all the visiting teaching routes have changed, so please check with Lori if you have not received your new route!

Missionary Fund
The church has issued a letter regarding missionary funding. There are many young men all over the world who cannot go on a mission because they are providing financial support for their families. The church is encouraging those who are able, to donate locally to your mission funds so that these young men can have the opportunity to go on a mission.

Thanks from the Cannery

The 2010 Houston Cannery targeted welfare production of 25,770 casesof peanut butter was slightly exceeded. However, what is noteworthyis that the target was achieved in 6 rather than the usual 12 months.Without the support of your stake and others this noteworthyaccomplishment could not have been achieved.

The Cannery Operating Committee wishes to express our gratitude to youand all of those members who in some way, either directly orindirectly, contributed to this success. We express our sinceregratitude and thanks and would you please convey our appreciation toyour members, as well. May the Lord continue to extend his blessingsto all of you.

Best regards,

President Al Paulsen
Agent Stake President
Houston Cannery

Playgroup Info

Tuesdays at 10:00am

If you have any questions, please call:Elena Morgan (512) 395-5096 Melonie Florcik (469) 328-4357or Carrie Morgan 979-255-4452.

General Classified Ads

• Tired of nagging your husband to mow the lawn? Tanner Jasperson is starting a lawn mowing business and would be glad to mow for you according to your schedule! He will mow, edge, and blow the grass clippings off the sidewalk and driveway. Please contact Tanner for an estimate. 979-436-4843.
• Angela Mattson is looking for part time work in the graphic design/marketing field. She specializes in the following: Business materials (i.e. business cards, letter head, brochures, posters, fliers, etc.), Event promotional materials (i.e. posters, fliers), Small business marketing/consulting services. If you are in need of these services, giver her a call! Angela Mattson(925) 206-8662
• Cindy Quinn is looking for a Texas certified sign language interpreter to help with Brazos Valley AAA. Stipend available, call Cindy for details 979-458-2237 or 979-693-6034.
• Nefilinda Weberich's husband, Fernando, is a professional photographer. He does wedding photography, family portraits, kids' pictures, senior portraits, etc. His website is http://www.fernandoweberich.com/
• Emilee Twedt just moved into the ward and is a piano teacher. She is looking for students so please contact her if you are interested. She said the time when people generally start taking piano is when they are about 5 and know their letters and numbers. Her number is (801) 558-7850 or email her at emilee_newton@hotmail.com
• Elise Ewell is a professional hair stylist and would love to have your business. She does make house calls! She also cuts children's hair. Her number is 801-664-9398.
• Sister Ramos, from the Spanish branch, asked I contact any sisters I know who might need or know of others who need housekeeping assistance. She is going to begin cleaning homes again. Her phone number is 778-3798 and her email is sofr@verizon.net.

Bread Braid Instructions

Braids

All braids use ¼ dough recipe. Roll out dough into large rectangle. Make horizontal cuts on the long sides of the dough from the edge about 1/3 of the way across the rectangle. These cuts should be about 1 ½” apart. After cutting you should have the center third uncut with 1 ½” 'fingers' extending off of either side of the center third. Spread filling down the center. Braid by alternately folding left and right fingers over filling. Bake 25-30 minutes at 350 degrees.

Basic Bread Dough Recipe, versions #1 and #2

Basic Dough Recipe #1

10 ½ c white flour (all-purpose or bread flour)
½ c white sugar
1 T salt
3 heaping T SAF instant yeast
~ 3 T liquid lecithin
4 c hot tap water

Mix dry ingredients. Add Lecithin and Water. Mix about 1 minute and check consistency. Add more water as needed to achieve moist almost sticky consistency. Mix additional 5 minutes.

Basic Dough Recipe #2

4 c warm water
1 c sugar
1 c mashed potato flakes
1 c shortening
2 t salt
3 eggs
2 c flour
1 ½ T yeast
~8 c flour

Place first seven ingredients in mixing bowl and stir to batter consistency. Stir in yeast and let sit a few minutes. Add 2 more cups flour and beat well with mixer. Add remaining flour. Additional flour or water may be added to achieve desired consistency.

Cream, Chicken, and mushroom rolls

cream cheese chicken rolls

¼ c softened butter
½ t pepper
8 oz. Cream cheese
4 oz can mushrooms, drained
2 c cooked cubed chicken
½ dough recipe
¼ c melted butter
crushed herb seasoned bread crumbs or croutons
½ c finely chopped nuts

Combine first 5 ingredients. Roll out dough into large circle. Cut pizza style into 8-12 slices. Place 1-2 T filling at large end of triangle. Roll up like a crescent roll. Seal so as to encase filling in dough. Dip rolls in melted butter then coat with mixture of crumbs and nuts. Place on ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

Lower fat substitutions: use neufchatel cheese instead of cream cheese. Instead of dipping rolls in melted butter, dip in egg whites or spray with non-stick spray to facilitate coating with crumbs.

Orange rolls

Orange rolls/cinnamon rolls

¼ dough recipe
4 T butter
2 T orange juice concentrate
grated orange peel
1 c sugar

Roll out dough into large rectangle. Melt butter and orange juice concentrate in bowl in microwave. Brush light coating onto dough, reserve excess for frosting. In bowl combine sugar and orange peel. Sprinkle on dough. Cut into 2” squares. Stack 4 squares and place vertically in muffin tin. Bake 10-15 minutes.

Frosting:
~ 1 T butter (excess from above)
~ 1 T orange juice concentrate (excess from above)
1 c powdered sugar
milk as needed

Combine butter, orange juice and powdered sugar. Mix by hand with fork adding milk until drizzling consistency is achieved.

Berry braid

Berry Braid
Filling:
¾ c sour cream
1 egg
4-5 T brown sugar
2 c frozen berries, defrosted and drained (juices reserved for frosting)

Combine sour cream and egg, mixing well. Spread down center of braid. Sprinkle with brown sugar and berries. Braid. Add glaze below after baking.

Glaze:
1 c powdered sugar
1 ½ T butter
1 T berry juices
milk as needed

Melt butter in microwave. Combine butter, berry juices and powdered sugar. Mix by hand with fork adding milk until drizzling consistency is achieved.

Ham, broccoli, and cheese braid

Ham, Broccoli and cheese braid

2 c cooked cubed ham
1 ½ c steamed broccoli
2 T butter
2 T flour
1 c milk
8-10 oz. Cheddar cheese cubed/grated

Melt butter in skillet. Remove from heat and add flour, mix until smooth paste is achieved. Return to heat and add milk, stirring until thickened and bubbly. Add cheese and stir until melted. Remove from heat and add ham and broccoli. Fill braid.

Checken Broccoli Bread

Chicken Broccoli Braid

2 c cooked cubed/shredded chicken
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 c steamed broccoli
1 c grated cheddar
½ c chopped onion
½ t season salt

Combine all ingredients and fill braid.

Southwest Chicken Braid

Southwest Chicken Braid

2 c cooked cubed/shredded chicken
½ c frozen corn
½ c black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can green chilis
½ c salsa
1 c grated cheddar cheese
¼ c chopped onion
½ can cream of chicken soup
1 ½ T taco seasoning

Combine all ingredients. Fill braid. Serve with sauce consisting of ½ can cream of chicken soup and ½ c salsa.

Philly Cheese Steak Bread

Stuffed Steak Braid

1 Lb. Thinly sliced steak
1 ½ c sliced mushrooms
1 c sliced green peppers
½ c sliced onion
2 T butter
3 T Worcestershire sauce
½ t pepper
1 c grated mozzarella, plus 8-10 extra slices

Cook steak in frying pan. Add veggies and butter and sautee. Add Worcestershire sauce and pepper. Remove from heat and add grated mozzarella. Fill braid. Add slices of cheese along top of filling before braiding.

Southwest Chicken Braid

2 c cooked cubed/shredded chicken
½ c frozen corn
½ c black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can green chilis
½ c salsa
1 c grated cheddar cheese
¼ c chopped onion
½ can cream of chicken soup
1 ½ T taco seasoning

Combine all ingredients. Fill braid. Serve with sauce consisting of ½ can cream of chicken soup and ½ c salsa.

Strengthening Marriage Class

Strengthening Marriage Course - by Wilf and Mary Jo Gardner -
Sunday evenings 6:00PM - 7:30PM,
High Council Room, CS Stake Center.
8 week course. Begins May 2 (no meeting on May 9 (Mother's Day).

The class is limited to 30 participants. This course is not a lecture class. It involves active learning. Manual cost is $5 per participant.

Participants will learn how to resolve conflict, foster greater trust, and make marriage a priority so they can enjoy greater happiness together.

Participants will learn to listen and to share feelings and to handle angry feelings appropriately.
Participants will gain a better appreciation for the eternal significance of the marriage covenant and of the eternal possibilities that come through celestial marriage.

Participants will learn to develop greater unity, equality, and mutual respect.

To sign up email maryjorichardson@gmail.com, or wgardner@ocean.tamu.edu or call 99-693-3399

Young Women Girl's Camp Fund raising

The Young Women are looking forward to Girls Camp this year! They have a goal to earn some of their own money for camp. If you have a household project or a babysitting need, please consider discussing it with Laura Nixon, our Young Women's President or a Young Woman's parent. Thank you!

Thank you from Kristi Linton

Dear Sisters,

I’d like to thank the many of you (and your Primary children) whose hands made the beautiful quilt I received for my upcoming baby. College Station 2nd Ward holds a special place in my heart and will be forever remembered each time I use this quilt. Thanks to so many of you for your love, kindness and friendship and for blessing my life in so many ways.

Love,

Kristi Linton

***Upcoming Events***

Events & Activities

• There will be a Walton Grain Order coming up, see Beverly Little for details.
• Playgroup on Tuesday at 10:00am, see playgroup post for details.

Links for VT Message and Lessons

Here are links to the Visiting Teaching Message and the lessons:

March Visiting Teaching Lesson-

http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&sourceId=eb59fcaf2abf6210VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=f318118dd536c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD

March RS Lessons:

March 14th: The Creation by Lisa
http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=61811f7962d43210VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=198bf4b13819d110VgnVCM1000003a94610aRCRD


March 21st: The Fall of Adam and Even by Meg
http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=06d11f7962d43210VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=198bf4b13819d110VgnVCM1000003a94610aRCRD

A note from the Stake RS President on Canning

Hi Sisters,

It is canning season again. I have had several calls about how to can. I have attached the Nation Center for Home Food Preservation website. This is an excellent website, with safe instructions for canning, freezing, drying, preserving anything, anyway you can think of and yummy recipes. Great, easy instructions to understand. I have also attached the UGA website for canning tomatoes. It has instructions and diagrams that will be useful to those of us who are new to the canning experience.

Have fun and enjoy the fruits of your labor this winter! This is a great way to help build up your 3 month supply that the Prophet has counseled us to do.

http://www.uga.edu/nchfp/index.html

With Love,
Suzanne Todd
Stake RS President

Music Makers

Music Makers meets weekly on Fridays in the Nursery at 10am and is a great opportunity to invite friends-not-of-our-faith ;) We took a break for the month of July but beginning this Friday we'll be back-in-action and singin' away! If anyone has questions or would like to volunteer to help with part of the experience...they may email me elenamorganqtpie@hotmail.com or give me a call at (512) 395-5096

Feed Our Missionaries

We can again sign up to feed our missionaries!

They can take appointments 2 weeks in advance, so we will start including a sign up in the RS Binder.

Missionary Opportunities

The church has launched a new video channel on YouTube called Mormon Messages. Each week, Mormon Messages provides short video segments about the church's basic beliefs, as well as inspiring stories and messages of hope. members are invited to watch these gispel-centered videos and then share them over the Internet with family, friends, and people of other faiths.

The Mormon Messages can be accessed at mormonmessages.org or http://www.youtube.com/mormonmessages

Scout Information:Youth Protection Training

Youth Protection Training

If you are older than 18 years old and plan to attend any youth camping activity in the stake, you need to complete "Sexual Abuse And Child Molestation Awareness" training. This training is required by a recently enacted Texas law.

Instructions for how to complete this training are contained in a memo from the Sam Houston Area Council regarding the new state regulations at the following website:
http://www.samhoustonbsa.org/Home/Training/YouthProtectionTrainin

If you plan to participate in a camping activity as a leader, you will need to complete this training before attending the activity. Please be sure to save copies of the documents you complete to verify that you have done the training.

Building Safety

The Bishop has been concerned over the safety of our Sister's and their families in the building during the day. Several incidents have occurred that fortunately have not had bad outcomes, but could have. Our church is unique in many ways and one of them is that we don't have a full time Preacher or Pastor onsite during the day. Some individuals expect this and go from church to church hoping to find clergy at the church that they can ask assistance from. So, just as a reminder and to avoid a possible bad situation, Sisters are asked to not be alone in the building during the day.

There are times when this can't be avoided, for instance when the enrichment committee needs to set up for the evening activity or the same for the Young Women and other organizations, just remember that there is safety in numbers and to keep all the Church doors locked when you are inside. In talking with the Bishop, he has advised that a presidency meeting of 4 sisters is probably not sufficient safety in numbers and we are encouraged to hold our Presidency meetings etc. in homes or locations other than the church unless Priesthood is present.
Our beautiful church is there for all of us to enjoy-we are so blessed to have it, but let's all be cautious and keep safe while using it!

Recipe: Lentils with Fresh Chiles and Cilantro

Lentils with Fresh Chiles & Cilantro

2 cups split red lentils (HEB has them on the bread isle in the Indian section)
1 16oz can Garbanzo Beans or chick peas, drained
3 Tbsp olive oil or coconut oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic-pressed
2 tsp fresh ginger root-pressed
2-3 fresh Anaheim green chilies, seeded and chopped
1 tsp ground cumin
4 cups warm water
1-2 teaspoons salt
1 Tbsp fresh cilantro leaves-chopped

Wash lentils and let soak for 30 minutes. Heat the oil in a medium saucepan, preferably nonstick, over medium heat and add the onion, garlic, ginger, and chilies. Stir fry the mixture until it begins to brown.

Drain the lentils and add to the onion mixture together with the cumin. Reduce the heat to low and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, then pour in the warm water. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes.Stir in the salt, cilantro. Serve garnished with the strips of chile and tomato. I serve this dish on top of basmati or brown rice.