Youth Service Project

On Saturday, August 7, 2010, a large group of the Montgomery Chinese Branch gathered at the Interfaith Clothing Center in Rockville, Maryland to help the organization in its effort to provide for low-income families. The organization was established in 1972 with the initiative of addressing the growing social and economic needs in Montgomery County. And after nearly 40 years of service, Interfaith Works still works hard to make sure families in need are provided with clothing, food, education, etc. Most importantly, the organization serves to give low-income families love, support, and dignity which have slowly diminished as a result the financial factor. Volunteers of the Montgomery Chinese Branch worked in different groups at the Clothing Center. Some picked clothes out of bins to hang while others went around gathering empty hangers to reuse. A few distributed the already hung clothes to their appropriate racks and others helped parents gather their children’s backpacks which had school supplies already packed in them. All in all, although some volunteers worked up a sweat, literally, more than others, everyone enjoyed serving Interfaith Works and the clients for a good cause.

Alice Huang

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Pioneer Day Activity

Despite record-breaking temperatures of 100 (with a heat index of almost 110), about 50 courageous and adventurous souls braved the weather to attend the branch's first Pioneer Day celebration at the Foulger-Pratt Farm. To avoid the day's hottest temperatures, the activity began at 5pm, two hours later than scheduled. After an opening hymn of "Come, Come, Ye Saints," President Patrick Shen delivered the theme message about capturing the pioneer spirit. All the participants then enjoyed barbecued hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, and other delicious food. The kids enjoying playing with the water sprinkler, water guns, and the little kiddie pool and fishing game. Brother Ray Pratt led us to the fruit orchard to pick blackberries. We were able to eat them on the spot and carry some home. Brother Pratt also drove the tractor for a hay ride. We took a group picture in front of the tractor. The night concluded with a bonfire and smores.




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Youth Temple Trip

Ten youth participated in baptisms and confirmations at the Washington DC Temple on Saturday at 4:30pm, July 3. All 10 patrons (Kevin Kuan, Ya-Chih Chang, Ada Huang, Pearl Zhang, Joshua Tsai, Melinda Tsai, Emerald Shen, Alice Huang, David Chang, and Amanda Huang) and 9 adults (Patrick & Meili Shen, Jess & Logan Theodore, Da Zhao, David Chang, Andrew & Tanisha Groberg, and Benjamin Tsai) were there.  There was a group before us from Philadelphia consisting mainly of West African members, and the Healy family from Utah joined us.  On this beautiful day, those who who attended were able to become closer to Jesus Christ and understand his atonement better by acting as proxies in these sacred ordinances.

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Fourth of July Brunch

Over 30 people attended the Fourth of July brunch fireside at the Tsai home on Saturday morning at 11am, July 3.  We began with a brunch, consisting of donuts, bacon, scrambled eggs, sausage, and fruit.  A group started a game of Apples to Apples.  At 1pm, we gathered in the basement.  With Jess and Logan Theodore holding the US flag, we recited the pledge of allegiance to the flag and sang one verse of the Star Spangled Banner.  We watched a special slideshow on the Founding Fathers and the St. George Temple.  President and Sister Tsai shared some thoughts on this special day.  Afterwards, we enjoyed ice cream and cookies together.

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Emergency Preparedness Fireside

Steve and Betty Anderson presented a special Emergency Preparedness fireside at the Tsai home on Sunday evening, June 27. They encouraged and taught us to prepare a family plan for assembling the family in case of disaster. They also showed examples of a good and a bad 72-hour emergency kit. Fifteen people attended this special fireside.

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