Cancer Research Study

Here is a message from Wanda Franklin about an opportunity to help with Cancer Research:

I am a participant in this study and have a brochure about it that I’d be glad to give to you.  They need more participants and have appointments available in June.  Participation is free, and our participation helps cancer research.

You can find more information at www.cancer.org/cps

You can see available appointments at https://www.seeuthere.com/rsvp/invitation/invitation.asp?id=/m1c9c3bc-1CK78M1VB5OA7

Relief Society Birthday Dinner

The Relief Society Birthday Dinner was a big success! Thank you to all those who helped put this great event together, all those who made cakes, and all those who came. We missed those of you who couldn't make it -- hopefully you can make it next year!

Here are a few of the highlights...

Seneca Stake Preparedness Fair

The Seneca Stake is putting on a Preparedness Fair this Saturday:

Below is a schedule of classes for the Preparedness Fair on Saturday,16 March 2013.  It runs from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.  It will be held at 18900 Kingsview Road in Germantown, MD. If you would like a copy of the class schedule you can email c2bulletin@gmail.com or click on the image below to enlarge.

There will be an assortment of 20 and 50 minute classes, from 5 to 7 every hour to choose from.  The classes will be on a variety of subjects related to preparedness and self-reliance. 

There will also be snacks available to purchase.

The fair is free and open to the public. Everyone is welcome, and encouraged to invite friends and neighbors.

Looking Ahead: Temple Trips and Family History Classes

Here is the schedule for our Relief Society Temple Trips and Family History Classes for the next six months. Please mark these dates on your calendar and join us!

• April 17 (Wed.) 11:00 am temple session (meet at the church at 9:45 am)
• May 23 (Thurs.) 10:00 temple session (meet at the church at 8:45 am)
• June 12 (Wed.) family history class from 9:30-12:00 (meet in the Family History Center in the lower level of the church)
• July----(summer break)
• August ----(summer break)
• September 25 (Wed.) 10:00 am temple session (meet at church at 8:45 am)

If you have questions please ask Shawntel McPhie (mcphiemom@hotmail.com)

Organizing Important Documents

There was a lot of great information at our Organization Fair a few weeks ago. If you were not able to attend we missed you and hope you will make it to the next activity (our Relief Society dinner on March 13th at 7pm). One of the booths at the fair was all about organizing important documents. Here is some information to help you get started...

Organizing Important Documents

1.  Supplies you will need to put your documents together.

• A. 1-1/2” to 2” Binder
• B. Page Protectors (25 to 50 count)
• C. Package of 8 or 10 Page Dividers (the style used with page protectors)

2. Items you should put into your binder: (for each individual)

• A. Last Will and Testament
• B. Durable Power of Attorney
• C. Advanced Director/Living Will/Declaration & Appointment of Agent
• D. Beneficiary Documents 
• 1. Pensions, Investments, Bank/Savings, Life Insurance, etc.
• E. House/Property Deeds: Such as Owner’s Title and Insurance Policies. 
• F. Car Titles and Insurance Policies
• G. Savings Bonds
• H. Miscellaneous: Such as Drafts of Legal Papers, Estate Planning, etc.

Online Food Storage

Did you know you can order cases of food storage on the church website?

They will even ship it to your home for FREE!

So if you can't get down to can your own food, you can still have some of the basics!

Click on the link below to submit an order!

http://store.lds.org/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Category3_715839595_10557_21158_-1_N_image_0

          $31.00                    $21.25                       $30.00
       Starter Kit                Quick Oats              White Wheat

       $32.00                       $30.75                     $40.75
    Whit Flour                 White Rice               Pinto Beans

   

$28.00   

Red Wheat

Water Storage barrels

Do you have enough water stored for your family in case of an emergency?

It is recommended to have 1 gallon per person per day. 

And having at least 2 week supply is a good idea. 

A 55 gallon water barrel can cost anywhere from $50-$90. Here is a wonderful opportunity to get one for only $10-$19.95!

Pepsi manufacturing plant:

2611 Pepsi Place

Cheverly, MD 20781

Contact person is Howard Turk, 301-341-2326.

Price: $10-payment must be made by check.

Howard said that the barrels used to contain Pepsi syrup and should be cleaned with hot water before using to store water. 

Barrels can be purchased on Fridays from 6:30-10:30am.

(When you drive to the address, go around to the rear gate to the check-in shed. Howard said they currently have about 40 barrels for sale. 

McCtcheons:

13 South Wisner Street

Frederick, MD 21701

301-662-3261

Price: $19.95

You can pay extra for McCutcheons to put a spigot in the barrel.

Mark Your Calendar

I've spoken to a few parents who have questions about preschools in the area. The annual Howard County Preschool and Childcare Information Fair is scheduled for 26 January from 9am-1pm.  I've never been, but I have heard it is a great place to ask questions and find out about all the different preschool options in the area.

Are We Prepared?

I spent yesterday afternoon and evening feeling a lot like one of the 10 virgins. The story is a parable about the coming of Christ, but I realized it can be about the preparation for any upcoming event.  We are all sitting waiting for the arrival of a grand event. In our cases, currently we are waiting on what is supposed to be a monstrous storm.  In the next three days, and possibly into the next week depending on whether or not we lose power, we will be able to see if we truly prepared ourselves as much as we could.  Much like the parable, we can't prepare for each other. We can encourage each other and we can help them, but we can't do all of the work for others because there is not enough hours in the day.

Here are a few things that the county has encouraged us to do.  Somethings may be too late, but others are things that can still be done.

1.  Clear the drains on your gutters or downspouts.

2.  Check in with your neighbors (Especially the sick and elderly)

3.  Have your "must have" prescriptions filled. (With that I thought make sure you have adequate amount of animal food, diapers, wipes, baby food. . . sometimes we forget the little guys who can't fend for themselves)

4.   Keep your electronic devices including cell phones fully charged and keep a battery powered radio on hand.  (I would suggest keeping your phone on a charger at all times when you are able. That will allow it to always be fully charged at the time the power goes out if it does).

5.  Make sure that all of your lawn furniture, grills, outside plants, trashcans and other items are secured so they don't become airborne and dangerous in the face of a storm.  (We moved our lawn furniture into our dining room area because we had a big open space, but usually it is lighter weight and can be stacked in a garage that has space or it can be tied to deck railings etc.  )

6.  If you live in a low lying area, or a flood zone be prepared for what could be 48+ hours of rain.  (As I was looking at the weather last night, it is predicting rain starting last night until early Wednesday morning).

7.  Howard county will be using their reverse 911 calling to give out information during the storm.  Answer your phone even if you don't recognize the number so that you can receive that information.

8.  And lastly, to keep up to date with what is going on in the county sign up for free information letters at www.notifymehoward.org or text HOWARD to 411911. For the latest updates, follow the county on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hocogov or on Twitter at @hocogov.

If the storm gets fierce, and you live near trees, remember to stay on the lower levels of your home.  I am thinking that my kids and I will have a campout in the basement tonight.

I have faith and a knowledge that if we prepared ourselves adequately, the Lord will be by our side to protect us. This doesn't mean that we wont lose things or that things wont be damaged, but it means that we will have a peace that we were prepared and that we can be safe.

Declutter Your Home and Assist Others in the Process

Do you have things that you are dying to get rid of?  Do you have problems with hoarding, but you know you would do better if you had a good cause to donate to?  (That would be me!) I find myself often saying "But, maybe I will use that some day".

If you have things that you want to get rid of, and you are lazy like me and don't want to sell them or bring them to a thrift store, here is a site for you!  VA Donation Site. You can easily sign up for a pick up date and they come right to your home to get it. The items can be placed in your driveway, on your porch, on the side of your home etc. . .

This is an organization that sells your junk and gives the proceeds to the VA which gives service to the Veterans of our country.

Opportunities like this encourage me to go through my things and get my home in order!  I thought I would pass on the information.

Miriam Plass
Provident Living "Specialist"

Ward Goals

The bishop last month, encouraged every person in the ward single or married to work on a 90 day supply of food.  He would like for each family/individual to have a 72 hour kit by the end of this year and then to continue working on obtaining a 90 day supply of food throughout this next year!  I will be posting ideas and such as they come!

I know we can do it!

Miriam Plass
Provident Living "Specialist"

Walton Feed Fall 2012 Order

Some members of the stake are putting together a bulk order from Walton Feed. If you are interested, please look at the following links and decide what you would like to build your food storage.  I do not know yet how we will handle payment. But, payment will be due with your order form.  I will get back to you as soon as possible with that information.  Orders will be due on September 30th.  They are hoping that the shipment will arrive here around Thanksgiving.

Click here for the Fall 2012 Price Form.

Click here for the Fall 2012 Order Form. (If you would like a copy that isn't scrunched up send me an email and I can send you the original. This is what converting it did).

Click here for the recommendations of what/how much to store.

Below is the email that I received explaining this venture!  The prices are typically really good! I haven't had a chance of looking at this particular order yet.

Miriam Plass
Provident Living "Specialist"
Columbia 2nd Ward

 This is an email intended for those who would like notifications of group food storage orders. If you would like to be removed from this list, please respond with "Remove" in the subject line. Thanks!

Here are the new price lists for the FALL 2012 Walton Feed Group Order!

Hooray! I have never had so many emails and phone calls about the next order! I'm glad y'all are thinking of your food storage and being prepared! All are welcome to join our order!

ATTACHED

There are 2 forms attached.

1 - The PDF price list is printable and for your convenience.

2 - The Excel price list is what you should use to turn in your order. All you have to do is fill out the contact information in the top left corner, then type in your quantities. Your order total and weight will automatically be added up at the bottom of the page. Save this to your computer, then you can attach it to an email and send it in to your group leader!

3- What Should I Store PDF - See note at bottom of email in the "P.S." Section : )

DEADLINE

The deadline for everyone to have their orders turned in to their group leader is September 30th! Group (or Stake) Leaders need to have their orders to me no later than October 5th. Please follow the deadlines that your group leader gives you! Her deadline for you might be different so she has time to meet my deadline of October 5th. We are hoping to have all of our trucks delivered by Thanksgiving, which would be wonderful! But that will depend on a million things. : ) That is the goal though.

GROUP FOOD STORAGE BLOG!!

I have set up a blog for this order! Those who have ordered can log on at any time and see updates and delivery information for this order! This will make it so much easier for all involved! I would highly recommend for everyone who orders, to sign up to receive email notifications when I post a new update. Just click the link below and type in your email address where it says "Follow By Email".

http://groupfoodstorageorder.blogspot.com/

NEW ITEMS

I almost forgot to mention that there are several new items on the list....Gravies, several Quick and Easy Meals, spice mixes, French Vanilla Almond Granola (yum!), roasted garlic mashed potatoes, sweet potato dices, dried golden raisins, storage boxes, clear poly bags, and several more.

SPREAD THE WORD

There are so many people buzzing about food storage and really wanting to do an order. Would you please try to email it out to anyone who might be interested, and let people know about it. Feel free to share it with neighbors, friends, family, church groups, homeschool groups, etc. With all that is happening in the world, it's a good time to make sure we have our food storage and supplies in order. Thanks for all you do to help others be prepared. I know that we are blessed as we serve each other!

GROUP/STAKE LEADERS

These orders are organized by groups in geographical areas (Stakes). If you need to know who your Group Leader is, please contact me and I will try to get you in touch with the right person.

If you are a past group leader, please let me know if you plan to head up an order this time or not. If you want to start up an order in your area, email me and let me know and I will help you get started. Thanks for all of your time and service to help others get prepared!

QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions about this order please email me and I will be happy to help! Have a wonderful week! Melissa : )

Melissa Coombs

macoombs5@comporium.net

P.S. - SWEET NOTE from someone who accidentally sent this to me instead of her church group. I thought I would share part of it. It is very wise and timely counsel!

...I would like you to prayerfully think about your food storage.  The drought is already driving up food prices and so I would really recommend stocking up now before it gets worse.  The Church's Cannery Prices have been steadily going up also.  I would also recommend stocking your freezer with meat since corn prices drive meat prices and meat prices will skyrocket. If you think they are high now, just wait. I will again hand out on Sunday some of the Church's recommended storage items so that you can more effectively plan for the future and be in line with Church teachings....

I have a testimony of food storage.  It has helped my family live more economically on a budget and eat more healthy.  When you plan your food storage don't go into debt, but do be diligent that you may attain the prize and follow the Prophet....  Thanks XXXXXXX (name omitted)

From Melissa: I have attached a form that states recommended foods and amounts. The first page shows a year supply of basics for one person. On the second page I broke it down to a one month supply for one person to help it seem more do-able. This is a great page to copy and use as a handout! The third page is more info and comments if you care to read them. May you be blessed as you work on your food storage and family preparedness. : )

Grain Mill Hand Grinders

Here is an e-mail from Sister Schott from the Hamstead Ward.  She is putting in an order for hand grinders.  There is a discount if they can get an order for 8 or more. Currently they have 4 people who want them.  If you are interested, please let me know, and I will send her your name and 

e-mail address. Once she has 8 people who are interested in ordering, she will contact you and let you know exactly what the cost will be (she will divide shipping between everyone), and she will have you write her a check.  She will then make the order!  If you have wheat but no grinder this  is a GREAT opportunity! 

You can find my e-mail and phone number on the lds website or you can find me on the ward facebook page as well.  Again, we need no money at this time. We just need to know who would be interested in ordering a grinder.

Thanks

Miriam Plass

Provident Living "Specialist"

Columbia 2nd Ward

 

 

Hi Everyone,

     We’ll be making a discount group order for hand grinders very soon. These grinders are sturdy and work well. I have used my Back to Basics for over 30 years. If you have priced hand grinders they range from $60 to $500.

We need to have 7 orders to get the 10% discount.

Normally they are $60.00 but the discount will make it $54.00.

There is no tax but the S&H will be divided between everyone.

We made an order about 2-3 years ago and everyone was satisfied with their grinders.

 

If you are interested in getting a grinder at a discount please call me and I’ll make the group order. The last day to order is August 18th. Feel free to send this e~mail to others who may be interested. A hand grinder makes a perfect self-reliance Christmas/Birthday gift for your married son or daughter.

 

By the 18th I’ll know how many grinders are needed and be able to come up with an exact price that reflects S&H.

At that time I will ask each person who ordered to send a check to me so I can cash them and send one check to make the order at MIX’nMILL :https://www.mixnmill.com/  (They carry lots of other things too.)

This is the site where we made the last grinder/grain mill order and they were prompt and efficient.

 

      Donna Schott

      

Fun Links

I love getting ideas from others about personal preparedness. Although my calling has the word "specialist" in the title, don't let that fool you! I am a specialist only when it comes to learning as I go.  I love to hear things that have worked and things that have not so that I can share those thoughts and ideas!

Mylar Bag

Box for Mylar Bag

Sister Grange sent me a link to a way to store water.  You can buy mylar bags made for water and store them in sturdy boxes made for this purpose. The boxes hold 5 gallons of water and can be stacked 3 high which allows for less space than jugs.  Here is a link to these boxes.  If anyone is interested in trying to do a bulk order let me know and we can look into getting some savings if possible.  I believe they are $7 for both the bag and the box which is about $1.40/gallon.  The bags are reusable.



This video was pretty cool to watch. It was sent to me by Sister Mitchell. Big thanks for sharing!  If you find that you have cans in an emergency, but no can opener. . . Here is a way to rectify the problem!  Enjoy! I think I may have to go out and try this!  Click here.

If anyone else has a link or idea to share, please send it my way so that I can pass it on!

  

Miriam Plass

 Provident Living "Specialist"

 Columbia 2nd Ward

I Will Go I Will Do!

As I sat in primary today and we sang Nephi's Courage, I thought of our commitment to Personal Preparedness.  The Lord has asked us to be prepared with a few basic things.  An emergency supply of food/water/money (72 hour kit), a 3-month supply of food, and then a longer food storage to ideally last for a year.  So when you get frustrated (as I have in the past) think of these words:

                                   I will go, I will do, the things the Lord commands.

                                   I know the Lord provides a way he wants me to obey.

                          

We have been promised that if we do our very best, we will be blessed for our efforts.  Some of us do not have the storage space that is required for a year supply of food.  The Lord has said, do what you can!  If you can't do a year, do 3 months. If you can't do 3 months, do 1 month.  Start small! Don't go into debt for it, but make sacrifices.  Eat out one less day a month and put that money towards food storage. 

I know that we will be blessed as we turn to the Lord and do what he has asked us to do!

Miriam Plass

 Provident Living "Specialist"

 Columbia 2nd Ward

Notify Me Howard

Tonight, I was given a site to look at, and I came across this website: www.notifymehoward.org.  If you would like to find out what is going on in the community, you can sign up there.  You can tailor the information that you receive to yourself. They have information from weather alerts to amber alerts, council notes, health information, and even product recalls.

I signed myself up for several alerts tonight, and if I see any that are important, I will pass them along.

Since I found the link for Notify Me Howard on the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services facebook page I will share the following challenge:

This week I would like every sister to check their fire alarms. Make sure they are in working order.  Push the dreaded button and listen to the shrieking alarm.  It is annoying to do, but it could save your life.  If you haven't made a family fire escape route, this could be a great time!  Plan how family members will get out of the house, and where they will go in order to meet up. Do a few run through practices and make sure that everyone is on the same page.

If you would like to share your experience or things you have learned. Fill free to post a comment.

Miriam Plass
Provident Living "Specialist" C2

First Aid Kit

I firmly believe that every family needs a first aid kit!  And, with my family the past few weeks. . . my belief in that has been doubled.  You do not need anything fancy. You can buy one that is prepackaged or you can make your own. You should have one in your home and one for each vehicle.  I would even go as far as saying to have two for your home, one that you have out and use all of the time and one in your 72 hour kit (that way one is always in stock and full.)  If you are only able to afford one then start with that! Even if you are only able to carry a couple of bandages and some antibiotic ointment (i.e. neosporin) in a purse.

Here is what the red cross recommends for a first aid kit:
(This is for a family of 4 so you can adjust as needed)

*2 absorbent compress dressings (5x9 inches)- These are used when there is a lot of blood.
*25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
*1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
*5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram)- I think a tube is sufficient
*5 antiseptic wipe packets
*2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)
*1 blanket (space blanket)- these fold up tiny
*1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)
*1 instant cold compress
*2 pair of non latex gloves (size large)- I think they say large so that they would fit anyone.
*2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)- 1tube would work
*scissors (I would suggest bandage scissors)
*1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)
*1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
*5 sterile gauze pads (3x3 inches)
*5 sterile gauze pads (4x4 inches)
*Oral thermometer (non-mercury/non glass)- We have a forehead strip thermometer for the car.
*2 triangular bandages
*tweezers
*first aid instruction booklet

Those are the basics for a first aid kit.  I would suggest having Tylenol for headaches (children should not take aspirin), sting/bite cream, calamine lotion (for the poison ivy that loves Columbia), and hand sanitizer.  If you have issues with carsickness, upset stomachs, etc. . . add those in to your car kits so that you have them on trips.

Here is what the Mayo clinic recommends you have. They have a list of medications they recommend as well.

This is one step closer to getting you prepared!

Stake Personal Preparedness

The Columbia Stake has made it a goal to encourage all sisters to get a 72 hour kit and a 3 month supply of food.  This can be done by sisters whether single, married, widowed, divorced etc.  It is something that is very important no matter the stage of life that we are in.  When emergencies hit, we need to be prepared to care for ourselves and our families.  If you are single and in school, you will probably not be able to get any more than the 3 month supply if even that, but still you want to have enough stored to get yourself through a tough patch if one comes.  Figure out what is right for you in the situation that you are in!

I will try to do a few posts each week as I find things that will assist and to encourage.  I will put helpful ideas up that I find etc.  Unfortunately for all of you, I can't go and collect all of the supplies for you!  That is something that we all have to do for ourselves, but I can help you as I figure this out for my family. If you have any comments or additional ideas, you can put them on here or e-mail me and I can put them on a post. Together we can make great things happen!!

This book looks like a ready GOOD one!  I have felt prompted to share it with you, my beloved sisters!
Olga Campoa.

Click on the linkhttp://deseretbook.com/Beginning-Better-Days-Divine-Instruction-Women-Prophet-Joseph-Smith-Sheri-L-Dew/i/5078230?et_cid=100441&et_rid=lvice.oli@verizon.net&utm_source=spotlight&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=spotlight&utm_content=e6120712a

Heat Alert Is in Effect

There is a heat advisory in effect for the next several days!  I thought it would be important to share with everyone some tips for helping you and your families!  Make sure you DRINK a LOT!  If you aren't going to the bathroom a lot or your urine is dark then you are not getting enough fluids.  This can lead to heat exhaustion and could lead to heat stroke.  Click here for information about heat exhaustion. This can be very serious!!  Today I did some running around doing errands and didn't even think about anything. I was out and about from about 8:30 until 14:00 and I was so tired.  I hadn't been outside much except for going in and out of buildings. I finally crashed for a nap with my kids and when I got up I was dizzy and thirsty so I started drinking like crazy, and I think just that mild running around had caused me to start getting dehydrated!  So to be safe for you and your families DRINK, DRINK, DRINK!

Here is a great calculator that shows how much water you need to drink.  I thought it was interesting that with my weight doing nothing, I still needed 11 cups of water in extreme heat and 16 cups if only doing 60 minutes of working out and normal life i.e. chasing kids or walking a pet can be a workout!

Here is a website about heat and kids and how to keep them hydrated.  Kids do not need as much water as adults, but again monitor how much they are going to the bathroom and notice the color. If it is dark get them to drink more!  Water is the best, but if they don't like the flavor you can add a bit of juice or other things they like. Avoid straight juice and sodas because then you are getting extra calories and sodas really don't quench thirst. Popsicles are also great ways of hydrating.  If you have a nursing infant, nurse them often and if they are able to take a bottle you can give them bottles of water as supplements when you are running around and can't sit to nurse.  My 9 month old will get fussy and I realize "Oh, he's probably thirsty"  a sip can make a big difference!  Ice in a mesh bag food strainer is also a favorite! Chances are that if you are thirsty your kids are too!

Keep water bottles in your car!  My husband hates it because they roll around in the back, but if you get stranded with a flat or run out of gas, it is good to have something there. Plus, I have reached back and just grabbed one several times because I have forgotten to bring something.