Leader

Dear Stephanie,

Due to your extended absence, we have elected a new Leader.

MY cookies

How interesting that the last row of cookies left of the family home evening treat was "Mom's row..."

A Day of Service

Las Cruces may be a small town, but the needs of the needy are anything but small. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were seen in mass numbers at the Mesilla Valley Community of Hope this Saturday for what they called, "A Day of Service."

The Community has several outreach services, which include a soup kitchen, health care clinic, and homeless child care. Recently, budget cuts have eliminated the establishment's ability to hire janitors or landscapers.

The volunteers were split into several groups to work around the Community. They worked in two shifts: 8am to 12pm and 1pm to 5pm. One hopeful Eagle Scout took charge of the St. Luke's Health Care Clinic. The clinic provides free limited health care to those who qualify. They also distribute hygiene kits on a monthly basis. St. Luke's used to suffer from stained walls, ripped furniture and an overall unpleasant atmosphere. When the morning shifts volunteers had finished, the walls were fresh, exciting colors, the furniture had been fixed and smiles were on the staff's faces.

Other areas reported similar transformations. In the Jardin de los Ninos, several volunteers refreshed the sand boxes. "It was a lot of fun," remarked Onate High School student.

At the Hengen house, one housewife was busy assembling ingredients to make frozen dinners. Her feelings of gratitude for her mother ignited her idea of service. The two enjoyed their time together immensely.

Such a mass gathering of volunteers may seem uncommon. However, it is not unusual to see several stalwart young men moving families into new homes. The Elder's Quorum president of the Mesilla Valley Ward is often spotted along the roads of Cruces, his father-in-law's trailer in tow.

A Day of Service? No. A Lifetime of Service. Thanks to all those who sacrifice so willingly to bear one another's burden and serve your fellowmen.

Christmas is Coming

An ice cream truck has been heard around town playing Christmas music. Apparently, the truck has been trumpeting tunes such as "Away in a Manger" and "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" since the summer. With dessert selections such as famous character heads with gumball eyes, chocolate dipped chocolate ice cream cones with chocolate sprinkles and otter pops, no one can seem to resist. The truck driver, male, was so busy serving the Daisy-Duke clad females that he did not have time for an interview. Get into the spirit of Christmas by supporting this year-round holiday vehicle next time it comes around.

Beer Stash Found

A six pack and four glass bottles of apple beer were found on a matching dish towel in a local family's kitchen Sunday evening. The beer came from Provo, Utah, where three of the family's members recently traveled to. Only two of those three members returned home to Las Cruces.

Investigators reported that a large cooler was found near the beer stash. Inside were multiple cans of various highly caffeinated beverages.

Authorities tracked the stash days after its discovery. It traveled from the home of origin to another home, nearly off the grid, where it was consumed by both adults and under-age drinkers.

Apple beer is a lesser known drink in certain communities. It's highly valued for its uniqueness and ability to generate conversation while simultaneously granting the opportunity to invite potential friends to "hang out." Authorities believe this is the reason the apple beer found its way into Las Cruces. Plans are underway to create a road-block to stop potential smugglers from repeating the same offense.

Asian Massage Parlors

With the police hot the trails of less-than-reputable local massage spots, it might seem strange that the Hengen family was spotted enjoying some in-home relaxation.

Cheryl, mother of five, was the first to get the treatment. Steve, former Cougar football coach, finished up the session before he left to attend a fireside. Money did not exchange hands.

The Asian's name has not yet been released.

Tick, Tock, Boom

A new hair-do hits the streets of Las Cruces.

One of Las Cruces's fashion trenders showed up in town with a hot new hairstyle. You can imagine my excitement when she agreed to sit down and have a chat about it late Thursday afternoon.

Miss Hengen took her place in an armchair with her legs comfortably crossed, but with a sort of insecurity emanating from her side of the room. Her slender figure and smooth, tanned skin are what the townspeople find themselves envying. But now with the media attention, she seemed to be nervous to give the wrong answers. Eager to get started, I began my questioning.

Arabela: Miss Hengen, this new hairstyle really is something. What do you call it?
Stephanie: Oh, I, uh...
Sharlye: It's called "The Exploding Bombshell."

Sharlye appeared to be an employee of Miss Hengen.

A: And how exactly do you get the look?
S: Well, I put it up in little sections and wait for it to dry. Then I take it out.
A: I see. Was it difficult?
S: Uh, my hair didn't dry very quickly. But it wasn't really hard or anything.

Miss Hengen wetted her perfectly plumped lips with slight pressure from her teeth as her eyes darted nervously about.

A:Is there anything else you want to share with us about it?
S: No.
A: Would you mind if I did a follow up interview?
S: Alright.

Miss Hengen smoothed a hand through her hair, a breath of assurance filled her body as the interview came to its conclusion.

On Friday, I snoached Miss Hengen until the time came to stalk her for a follow-up picture and interview. She seemed slightly more confident than during our previous interview, almost like she forgot what her hair looked like.

A: Oh my, your hair seems... different than yesterday.
S: I can't help it!
Sharlye: It's the humidity. Everyone around here suffers from it.

Sharlye had practically appeared out of nowhere with a defensive voice so practiced, there was no longer any doubt that Sharlye was Miss Hengen's agent.

Miss Hengen scurried down the hall, an obvious desire to end the interview early.

No one in town has yet been donning The Exploding Bombshell.