Vegetables Can Be Sentimental

                                     

The green beans were the clincher. As I stood in the church  kitchen pouring cans of the vegetables into aluminum trays, their subtle smell, dull green color and mushy texture transported me back to another time. I thought about the many occasions, while staying at the Ronald McDonald House last summer, that they had been prepared for me. During the 8 weeks I stayed there, every day a group would come in and lend their time and energy to cook a warm meal just for us. After a long hard day at the hospital, all we had to do was grab a plate and enjoy the fruits of their labors. I always felt so grateful to them and wondered how I could ever repay them and their smiling faces. When would I be able to help someone?

Flash forward to today and I'm at the Lutheran House of Prayer, helping my Youth Group to serve a "Manna" dinner to the needy people of West Aliquippa. No longer on the receiving end of the deal, I am finally prepping instead of eating, spooning veggies and plating brownie squares. A woman comes into the room to take our picture to hang on the wall with the photos of other volunteers who have in the past come to help. "Thank you all for coming." she says. I realize at this moment that here I am, doing my part to help. Now I know what it feels like to be the one serving instead of the one being served. Boy, what a good feeling it is. But part of the reason it feels so good is because I have felt both ways. I know how special one simple meal can be, and how it can mean so much to one who needs it. And I also know how doing your part to do something for someone else can be so fulfilling, gratifying, even liberating.

Although I had to leave early due to soccer practice, this experience at the Manna dinner was a very positive one for me, and I hope that my Youth Group will do more of these types of service projects in the future. I will leave with a quote from the acclaimed blockbuster film, "Les Miserables", which I think applies perfectly to this situation: "Remember the truth that once was spoken: To love another person is to see the face of God".

I agree: it seems like the best in us is brought out when we are all serving and looking out for one another. We get changed for the better, as I can attest: I'll never see people --nor green beans-- in the same way again.

Unseasonable Memorial Day Still Iconic, Poignant

                                 

The unofficial start of summer didn't feel too summery in Beaver Cemetery on Memorial Day morning. Clouds covered the sky and the men and women gathered among the gravestones shivered a bit in their short-sleeved patriotic garb.

But unseasonable temperatures and gloomy weather didn't deter Beaver residents from coming out to the annual parade and cemetery service. Young and old alike lined the main street to catch a glimpse of the veterans and little-league teams marching by, cheering, waving flags and collecting candy.

At the service, Beaver District Attorney Anthony Berosh gave the keynote speech after the invocation by Reverend James Equels. He posed the question "Who are they?" about the fallen soldiers we honor on Memorial Day. "I address you today not as District attorney," he began, "But as a husband, father, brother and friend...... " Continuing, he identified the said soldiers by the generals they served, the places they fought, and the professions they held. Concluding, he exclaimed, "Let all within the sound of my voice take up the cry: 'Who are they? Who are they?  [From the streets of Beaver to the farms of Hanover, they are among us,] They are Heroes."

Beaver's young people also played a major role in the ceremony. Nick Kanapesky, Senior Class President, recited the Gettysburg address. Beaver Area High School Chorus sang "God Bless America", and the local Boy Scout troop assisted in handing out programs to spectators. Other youths participated in the fife and drum corps and presentation of the colors.

On a holiday so often defined by picnics, pool-parties and outdoor festivities, outdoor conditions were unfavorable; but Memorial Day in Beaver, with its patriotism, enthusiasm and sincerity, was still a success. As one citizen observed, "It's iconic. It's America at its finest."

Summer's First Sound

--Beaver

It starts with a clank and rumbles on with a whirrrr.  It's one of the first sounds of summer and the best way to find relief from the heat.

It's the home air conditioner.

Residents in Beaver have been closing their windows and cranking up their air conditioners in response to this week's scorching temperatures. Six of the past seven days have seen highs in the eighties, over ten degrees above average, and humidity steady around 50%. The current conditions present quite a contrast to the wet spring weather experienced less than two weeks ago, when lows went down to a freezing 32 degrees.

The extreme switch in seasons has been a challenge for local gardeners, says Missy Koshute, a flower and vegatable grower. "It's crazy," she said, "Is it hot, is it cold, are we done with frosts or aren't we?"

According to meteorologists from weather.com who predict the same hot temperatures for the rest of May and June, it seems safe to say that we won't be having any more frosty mornings. Instead, folks better get used to finding ways to keep cool.
 
Not everyone will use their air conditioning as their only way to beat the heat. Susan Koshute, a Beaver resident of 30 years, says she'll do what she always does: "I'll sit in the shade on my porch, feel the breeze and pretend that I'm at the beach."

New Shop on the Block

Tonight we went up and sampled Beaver's newest culinary venue, "Sincerely Yogurt". I was super excited to try it, as were the droves of  customers filling the shop to its capacity. It was hilarious to watch how everyone reacted to the yogurt shop concept, obviously something new in these parts.  They hovered about trying to figure out what to do, mixing up the toppings bar with the yogurt station, and vice versa, until an employee gathered them around and gave the Sincerely Yogurt rundown: you get a cup, fill it with the flavors you choose, add toppings, and then place your dish on the scale at the counter and pay by the ounce (55 cents per ounce).

The flavor line-up tonight included some classic frozen yogurt staples --mango, raspberry and green tea--  which taste tart and fruity, and also a few varieties with sweet ice cream-like consistency: peanut butter, banana, and french vanilla, to name a few. Over at the toppings bar, choices were abundant. Marshmallow bits, fruit, candy, sprinkles, nuts, almost any topping you could think of was available. Most of the kids beelined straight for the gummy worms and chocolate pieces, while many adults created interesting blends of fruits.

Leaving the crowded shop, blooming with activity and lively music, it was plain to see that "Sincerely Yogurt"  had created quite a buzz in town. But only time will tell whether this new kid on the block has the stuff to keep the business coming, and the staying power to become Beaver's next hang-out.

5 Things to Do During Holy Week

                                          

Are you on spring break this week for Easter? If so, then why not take time to celebrate Holy Week! Holy Week, the name given for the seven days leading up to Easter, culminating in the three day Tridium on Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday, is a celebration filled with beautiful traditions and interesting customs, many of which we can all be a part of! Here are a few fun things you can do to help get the most out of your Holy Week, the week that changed the world!

1. Pick up some fresh palms

When Jesus entered Jerusalem on the Sunday before his Passion, the people greeted him by waving palms and shouting, "Hosanna!" Today, churches still distribute real palm leaves as symbolic reminders of the event, and you can even take them home with you! Though they are blessed, there are still many fun ways to sacredly use them. Palm weaving has become a beloved Palm Sunday pastime for church members young and old alike. Research the Internet (or find someone who's a palm-weaving pro) and you'll finds scores of examples on how to make palm crosses, crowns, and even baskets. After being woven, you can use them as Bible bookmarks, table centerpieces, or as reverent decorations placed behind a crucifix or religious picture.

    

2. Observe the Robin

Hmmm.... what does a red-breasted bird have to do with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ? Very much if you read the legend of the robin! Take a look at this adaption of the story:

The Easter Legend of the Robin

Once, long ago, a little bird in Galilee saw a large crowd gathered around a Man carrying a heavy wooden cross. On the Man's head was a crown made from a thorn branch.  The little bird saw that the thorns were hurting the Man.  It wanted to help Him, so it flew down and pulled out the longest, sharpest thorn with its tiny beak.  As he did, a drop of blood from the thorn's wound dripped onto the robin's breast, staining it bright red.

The stain never went away. And so today the robin proudly wears a red breast, because it helped a Man named Jesus.


I just love to imagine this tender scene!
 If you really want to read a wonderfully spun rendition of the tale of the Easter robin, I suggest the one in Easter Garlands by Priscilla Sawyer Lord. It's imagery is so vivid and moving; it was after reading this version that the robin became my favorite bird!

 

 3. Bake some buns!

But not just any buns, mind you! Hot Cross buns, the semi-sweet rolls topped with a delicate icing cross, have been a Good Friday tradition for centuries. Much folklore surround their history, including a claim that hot cross buns baked on Good Friday will never grow moldy. WOAH! That's some crazy shelf-life! Oftentimes raisins, dates and orange zest are added to give the buns that extra-special flavor.



   4. Be sneaky on Wednesday!

The Wednesday of Holy Week is traditionally known as "Spy Wednesday" because on that day, we remember how Judas plotted with the priests and Pharisees to have Jesus arrested. To me, there always seems to be an air of eeriness on this day, as if someone is secretly watching....(shudder) It could just be my imagination. Nevertheless, keep your eyes peeled-- even if you do it just for fun!

 

5. Visit a church

On Holy Thursday, Jesus prayed fervently to his Father in heaven from the Garden of Gethsemane. He knew the suffering he was about to endure, and so he begged God for strength and courage. Like his disciples, we too are called to "watch and pray" with him on this night. That's why churches have the custom of staying open late into the night for people to sit with our Lord in prayer. Many Parishes organize "Church Walks", visitations to various churches throughout the evening. You can perform your own church walk! Simply assemble a list of churches you'd like to visit, and on Holy Thursday spend a few minutes at each talking to God. It's a very powerful experience!

I hope you enjoyed these suggestions! Happy Holy Week!

January 25, A Special Day for Writers

Today is a special day. It is the feast day of Saint Francis De Sales, patron saint of Journalists and Writers. St. Francis himself was a great writer, along with scholar, and holy man of God. His many books and quotes are filled with inspiring words to reflect on and live by. He is also a Doctor of the Church.

Pray for us, St. Francis De Sales, that as writers we may write well, and for the glory of God!



Favorite Carol Survey

The sounds of the season never cease to warm our hearts. From classic hymns to yuletide anthems, it seems everyone has at least one Christmas carol that, no matter where they are, spurs them to break into song.

The Missy Times wants to know: Which carol is your favorite?

Thank you to all our friends who've already submitted their answers. You can post yours as a comment below. We look forward to the nominations yet to come!