Moon Festival Celebration

Five days after the harvest full moon, our branch held its annual celebration of the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival in our own Kentlands Chapel.  Led and planned by Da Zhao and Fengdi Chen, the evening's program was emceed by Leroy Thong and Sherry Wei.  We first enjoyed a delectable potluck meal.  Under the direction of our emcees, the program included recitation of Tang Dynasty poems, family stories of how they celebrate the Moon Festival in their home now or when they were growing up, and a couple of special musical numbers. Brennan Zhao recited the poem, 夜思.  After the Guo Family shared how they celebrated the Moon Festival in China, Michael Golden recited his poem, 竹里館.  The young women sang a Chinese song, with Melinda and Emerald at the piano.  Then Isaiah Shen recited the poem, 楓橋夜泊.  The Huang family told us about celebrating the moon festival in Taiwan, and the Ly family informed us about celebrating the moon festival in Vietnam.  Richard Huang shared his poem, 山居秋暝.  Then Melinda Tsai played the flute, with her mom accompanying on the piano.  During the program, Betty Anderson chaired the lantern making table, wherein the children learned how to make paper lanterns, decorated with an artificial lamp.  Of course, we enjoyed the homemade moon cakes made this past Thursday by our fabulous Relief Society sisters.

All in all, over 100 people attended.  We saw old friends and made new friends in our large branch family.  Thank you Brother Zhao and Sister Chen and all those who made this event possible.  Happy Moon Festival.  Hope you can come next year!

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Where Are They Now? ---> Jake Petersen

My name is Jake Petersen. I served as a missionary in the branch from 1997 to 1998. My companion was Carl Johnson, and I served under President Gary Farnes. As far as memorable experiences in the branch there were many. I was actually called as an English elder and transferred to the Chinese branch about half way through my mission. I remember sister He inviting all us missionaries over to her home when she entertained the U.S ambassador to China. Also, I remember the Chinese New Year celebration put on by the branch. Since my mission I have attended some college classes at the Salt Lake Community College here in Salt Lake City but have yet to finish. I work as a customer service supervisor for Verizon Wireless, and I am currently single but dating a wonderful girl. I miss you all and hope to soon have the chance to come back and visit!

Sincerely, (Elder) Jake C. Petersen

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Relief Society Moon Cake Activity

Over 15 people attended the Relief Society Enrichment Activity on Thursday, September 15. Mrs. xxx, Sister Gee, and Sister Azucena taught the sisters how to make Guandong style, shu shi, and frozen ready-to-eat moon cakes. Over 100 moon cakes were made to prepare for the branch Moon Festival activity this Saturday. Stay alert for the report on how the homemade moon cakes turn out.

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Elders Quorum Breakfast

On the Saturday before Labor Day, the Elders Quorum invited the Young Men to participate in a breakfast activity.  Although President Mike Cunningham and Brother Mingshu Zhang were not able to attend, Brother Greg Ly stepped out to the plate and did a fabulous job in organizing the event, preparing and making the breakfast, and conducting the activity.  About six men and four young men participated.  While the breakfast was being prepared, a friendly basketball game ensued between young men led by Jess and the older men led by Da.  The exciting game went into a tiebreaker, in which the older men barely won.  Afterwards, we enjoyed a delicious full meal consisting of waffles, sausages, rolls, fruit, and juice.  We were filled in more than one way.  This activity was a great way to kick off the fall season.  Thanks to the Elders Quorum leadership for organizing this activity.

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Where Are They Now? ---> Stephen & Janice Adams

My name is Janice Adams.  I was a missionary in the branch and I was known as Sister Ng.  Sis Chew was my companion for 2 months (I was in the Chinese branch for the last 2 months of my mission).  Pres. Graff and Pres. Farnes were my mission presidents.

One of my fond memories is how kind, patient, and loving the branch members were despite my limited Chinese.

I am married with one son and a baby girl on the way (due Aug 14, 2011).

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