If you know of someone who can benefit, please pass this along to anyone wanting to learn English. Bi-lingual missionaries residing in Mesquite are offering these classes as a free community service. Depending on enrollment the group may be divided base on level of instruction/understanding. Start either day Monday or Thursday! Call the number below!

Sister and Elder Chandler were set apart as Service Missionaries on Feb. 12 2023 by President They served in the humanitarian area with the Young Service Missionaries in St. George Utah. They helped make sleeping mats out of grocery bags and tied quilts to send to refugees around the world. Sister Chandler: "It was a privilege to serve and we loved working with the young missionaries. We lived at home and commuted to St. George 2 days a week. "

The annual Discovery Days Celebration was held on Saturday, March 9 2024 at the Heritage Park in Mesquite. Each ward or branch provided an activity or food booth for the community. There were activities for all ages including horseshoe throw, pole wrestling, wagon rides, rubber band shoot, branding, and horseback rides, cow milking, crafts. This year’s organizers, Jennifer and Larry Reber, welcomed all who came and all who volunteered to make the event possible. Pres. Ryan Toone of the East Stake in his remarks shared an example about his father serving others with no apparent personal benefit to himself. When he asked why his father did it, he replied “It’s just good to help other people.” Toone also quoted Leo Milton Hardy, who wrote: “I think this is the best valley and the best climate to live in that you can find. This is the best place in the world to live your religion and live the gospel and to raise families. When we first came to Mesquite, we lived in wagon boxes and look at us now. We were blessed, we had to be blessed.” Toone went on to say “Think about your heritage and what they did for you and think about the heritage you want to leave for others. “ President Hollingshead of the West stake encouraged the attendees to be grateful for the people who come and add to the story of the valley and said, “the thing that makes it beautiful is the people that live here.” “Their testimony got them through tough times and it will help us get through our tough times.” There was a variety of delicious food. Homemade dough made into fresh corn tortillas in amazing speed and efficiency by Rosa Zarate and her daughter Isela from the Spanish branch. “I’ve been making tortillas as far back as I can remember, it was a tradition passed down from my mother and grandmothers many generations back.” Rosa said. Hot scones made and served by the Anthem Ward Elders quorum were served with butter and honey or jam. The men rolling out the dough, cooking, and serving where happy to share their love of scones with others. From the Old Mill Ward, John Zarate demonstrated kettle corn cooking in a wok style pan over a camp stove. The Summer Crest Ward’s lemonade stand provided several different flavors of refreshing lemonade. “These lemon cookies were made from a recipe in my grandmother’s cookbook” Terry Butterfield said. On display were several cookbooks, one dated 1982, compiled by people in the valley; showing that another way to connect with and preserve heritage is through food. Many children were delighted to pick up and hold baby chicks and bunnies brought by the Laren Abbott. There were also goats, turkeys and several varieties of chickens to see. Horseback rides were made available thanks to the Hafen family who helped the children and adults ride around the grassy field. This year, in memory of local resident, Sam Reber, Leon Gubler and Andy Ballard from Hurricane generously provided wagon rides for all wanting to experience a little bit what it was like to travel by wagon the way the first settlers did. Arden Bundy and his nephew helped participants brand their initials or their family brand on a block of wood which they could keep as a memento. The first settlers had to raise their own food; many settlers had cattle which they branded to aid in sorting them when they were rounded up. A large mechanical milk cow from the Nevada Farm Bureau used in agriculture education provided fun to the kids trying to milk her. At one time there was a dairy co-op in Mesquite. There also used to be several large dairies in the valley. The children of the early settlers did not have manufactured toys so they had to use their creativity to make their own toys using what was available. “The children often would use scrapes left over from quilts to make rag dolls,” Kayleen Hughes said. Several volunteers were on hand to help attendees make bracelets and rag dolls from fabric scraps and assemble small cardboard handcarts. Rubber band shooting, a pastime of children not so long ago, was easily taken up again by adults who remembered playing, though the younger generation needed some instruction on how to shoot the rubber bands. Scott Sessons said, “I grew up hearing stories of how they would cut up the old rubber car tires into rubber bands.” Information about the history of the Virgin Valley including a timeline of the settling of Bunkerville, Littlefield, and Mesquite was presented by Geraldine Zarate of the Historical Society. A presentation of how water has influenced the growing community was presented by Aaron Bunker, hydrologist for the Virgin Valley Water District. Charts and maps of the wells and storage tanks were displayed and a short video about water also provided further insight into this most important resource. Thirty years ago, citizens of Virgin Valley and surrounding communities came together to picket a pornography store twenty-four hours a day, 7 days a week for 2 ½ years! The display showed the timeline of the events surrounding the picketline, the court cases that were brought and how dedicated the citizens were to eliminating this vile business from the valley. A slideshow of pictures of the picketers could be viewed. Original picket signs, letters from Utah’s governor, T-shirts and other memorabilia were on display thanks to Dena Hoff, committee member for H.O.M.E. (Help Our Moral Environment.) The Anthem Ward Relief Society displayed several handmade quilts, furniture, dishes, photo albums, and other items from ancestors. A well-loved tradition in the valley is Dutch oven cooking. Thanks go to Danny Allen and John & Jennifer Woods and others for the delicious meal of smoked meat, beans, coleslaw, potatoes and cobbler that was served for lunch at the pavilion. Attendees savored lunch while listening to “Old Time Fiddlers” band which includes Monte Morganson on guitar and his wife Teresa vocalist and fiddler, Gary Butler on banjo and his wife, Julie on bass. Their music adds so much to the whole event. BYU Pathway also had a display with information on the benefits and how to sign up for the education program. They also offer classes for learning English as a second language. Resources are available to find out more about your own ancestors and preserving photos, videos, and audio recordings of them for your family remembrance and for future generations. Contact your local Family History Center for more information, services are free to the public. Krissy & Richard Cook were the assistant organizers and will organize the event for next year.

Sister Savannah Cannon returns after serving her mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in the Australia Brisbane mission, 18 months. Savannah's parents are Shaquel and the late James Cannon of the Bunkerville 1st Ward, West Stake. Sister Savannah Cannon will speak on March 10th, at 10:30 am, in the Bunkerville Chapel. It is located at 355 W. Virgin Ave. in Bunkerville. Welcome Home Sister! My name is Sister Savannah Cannon and I have been serving in the Australia Brisbane Mission for the past 18 months. It has been the best experience of my life! When I decided to serve a mission I thought of it being a big sacrifice. I now see it as a huge blessing! I could not tell you all the things I learned, but know that they all helped me to be more aware of the love Heavenly Father has for each of His children. There were many challenges along the way, but I'm so grateful I chose to keep going and moving forward even when I didn't understand everything. I have been able to look back on experiences and see how God was helping me grow to become more like the Savior. I know God has a perfect plan for each of us, and Jesus Christ is the center of that plan. I'm so grateful to know that families can be together forever! I know Joseph Smith was a true prophet that restored the true Church of Jesus Christ back to the earth. I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God. It teaches and testifies of Christ, and we can grow closer to Him as we read and strive to live by it. I know Jesus Christ lives, and His Atonement is a gift for each of us. He is my strength and I know it is through Him that we find true peace and happiness in this life. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Elder McCurdy: I am from Southern Arizona near Tucson. I absolutely love dogs and all kinds of reptiles. I did wrestling for quite a few years and absolutely loved it Elder Riggs: I am from North Carolina, and I love all kinds of animals. I also did cross country in high school 435-862-3514

Samuel Alvin Reber, 82 years of age, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on February 15, 2024, and was reunited with his eternal companion Pat, on Valentines Day (Nevada Time) He was born on April 8, 1941, in St. George, Utah, to Ralston Virden Reber and Myrtle Jensen, of Mesquite, Nevada. He was sealed in the St. George Temple to his sweetheart, Patricia Lee Edlefsen, on August 20, 1960. They resided in Mesquite until their passing. Sam was the fourth of seven children born to Ralston and Myrtle. He was a tender-hearted boy from the beginning. One story his mother told about him was that “He was at the dining table and an uncle was eating with them. He said, ‘Don’t look at Sam or he will start bawling again.’” When he was in the third to the fifth grade, he lived with his Grandma Reber during the school year to help her with the chores. He said that she was alone and needed some help. She also helped him with his schoolwork. He had difficulty reading and needed additional support. For Sam, this was the beginning of a life of serving others. Growing up on the family farm taught him responsibility and a good work ethic which he tried to teach to his children. They all had chores to do and responsibilities on the farm. After the boys had all left the farm, he bought a mechanical bail wagon. When asked why he hadn't bought one years earlier he said, “It’s not about farming, it's about raising boys.” During school he enjoyed FFA, basketball, boxing, singing and dancing. In 1958, he met a new teacher in his school that would change his life. Pat (Miss Edlefsen as she was called) was teaching dance and PE at the high school. After they were set up on a date, things began to be serious. His father said to him, “You can’t go wrong marrying a school marm.” After their wedding they moved to Reno, Nevada, where he attended college at the University of Nevada Reno. Since he had dairy experience, he worked several jobs at the University and local dairies. While there he was called into a bishopric and ordained a High Priest at the age of 19. He enjoyed school and did well with Pat’s help. He joined the Sierra Singers, a UNR men’s choir, and was privileged to sing in the World Fair. He enjoyed singing his whole life and sang often in the ward choir and duets with his sister Darlene. When his father Ralston was hurt and couldn’t take care of the farm on his own, Sam quit school and moved back home to be partners on the farm with his dad. Sam worked at the local dairies in Mesquite and became a herd manager and breeding technician. Then he became a park manager and cared for the Mesquite City cemetery and local park. He continued to farm and care for the Beaver Dam ranch and the Grape farm at the same time. When Mesquite incorporated, he continued to work for the Clark County Parks, and he went on to manage facilities in Vegas and then the Clark County fairgrounds until his retirement at age 55. Sam enjoyed hunting, which was one of his favorite activities. With his friend, Val Woods, he started The Beaver Dam Guides and Outfitters. He always had horses. He enjoyed breaking them, riding them, roping, hunting on them, and driving them. He participated in several wagon trains with his teams of horses. He especially enjoyed the reenactment of the Mormon Trek from Winter Quarters to the Salt Lake Valley. In fact, most of his children and their families were able to join him and Pat at this reenactment. Sam was a great Dutch-oven cook and liked to share his cooking skills with others, regularly cooking for ward functions and fundraisers. His specialty was Dutch-oven chicken and potatoes and cobbler. His son, Matt, has since become the family Dutch-oven expert and continues to use some of his dad’s recipes. Sam was active in civic affairs and volunteering. He worked for the Clark County ambulance and both the culinary and irrigation water boards. He served as Clark County Farm Bureau president, Clark County ASCCS member, and as an Arizona Soil and Water Conservation Committee member. Sam was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving as Bishopric counselor and secretary, Sunday School and primary teacher, ward mission leader, home teacher, Stake Sunday school president, and High councilman. Sam and Pat served 2 full time missions: Cove Fort in 2000, and Nauvoo, Illinois in 2010. They also served in the St George temple for 12 years. Sam is survived by his children; Keith (Rebecca) Springville, UT, Kaelyn (Dan) Spencer of Bloomington, UT, Van Cluff (Melanie) of Panaca, NV, Larry (Jennifer) of Mesquite, NV, Matthew (Brandi) of Axtell, UT, Elizabeth (Aaron) Bleak of Riverton, UT, as well as 36 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren, with 4 on the way. He is also survived by his sisters Darlene Reese of Wells, NV, Mary (James) Andrus of Bloomington, UT, Helen (Wayne) Bunnell of Provo, UT, and his remaining brother Grant (Kathy) of Far West, UT, two sisters-in-law, Lynn (Dennis) and Marlene (Glendon) Reber and one brother-in-law, James Edlefsen (Patricia’s brother). Sam and Pat have been blessed with 36 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren, with 4 more on the way. He is preceded in death by his loving eternal companion Patricia Edlefsen, his parents at Ralston and Myrtle, brothers Dennis and Glendon, grandsons Dane Reber (Larry and Jennifer) and Brett Cluff (Van and Melanie) and great-grandchildren, Braxton and Tate. Services will be held Saturday February 24, 2024, at 12:00 pm (Nevada time) at the Mesquite, Nevada Stake Center, 100 N Arrowhead, Mesquite, NV 89027. A viewing will be held from 9:30 - 11:30 am prior to the funeral service. The internment will immediately follow at the Mesquite City Cemetery, 301 Hillside Drive, Mesquite NV 89027 Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff Street, St. George, Utah. 435-673-2454. Family and friends are invited to sign Sam’s online guest book at www.spilsburymortuary.com

Elder Connor Boatright has returned after serving his honorable mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in the Idaho, Idaho Falls Mission, 24 months. Brian and Nicole Boatright of the Heritage Ward, West Stake, are Connor's parents. Elder Connor Boatright will return home on February 22. He will be speaking on February 25th, 1:30 pm, in the West Stake Center located at 100 N. Arrowhead Ln. Welcome home! Elder Boatright Testimony: I know that heavenly father and his son Jesus Christ lives and they are helping us through the hard times and being out on a mission really helped me feel their love throughout our day.

Dear Sisters, We were delighted to see so many of you at Women's Conference on February 3rd and hope you found it helpful and educational.  We promised we would send you some of the resources we used in planning our conference: Life Help (Gospel Library or lds.org) https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/topics/families-and-individuals/lifes-challenges/hope-and-help?lang=eng Addressing Mental Health by Elder Erich W. Kopischke, Oct. 2021 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2021/10/25kopischke?lang=eng#title1 Like a Broken Vessel by President Jeffrey R. Holland, Oct. 2013 Through Cloud and Sunshine, Lord, Abide With Me! by Sister Reyna I. Aburto, Oct. 2019 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2019/10/31aburto?lang=eng#p3 In addition, we have attached a list of local resources here in Mesquite. We love you, sisters! You are amazing daughters of God, who are doing the best you can despite the challenges of life in these latter days.   We pray that you will find solutions to difficult situations; that you will have peace and comfort as you need it; that you will not become discouraged and that your faith will be strengthened.  The Lord is concerned with every aspect of your life and loves you! Kathy Abbott, Kathryn Burrows, Valorie Lystrup, Chelsie Abbott Community Resources Senior Assistance Programs Mesa View Hospice, LLC Palliative Care (O) 702-346-3088 (C) 702-610-3786 Palliative care aims to improve the quality of life of people with serious or life altering illnesses. It addresses both the symptoms and stress of living with a chronic illness. Adult Protective Services 702-486-3575 Ask for Intake Supervisor Nevada Care Connections – Jewish Family Services 702-732-0304 Similar to 211. Resources and services specific to seniors Mesquite Senior Center/Meals on Wheels 702-346-5290 Community Services Salvation Army 702-345-5116 Victims of Crime 702-486-2740 Safe Nest 702-204-2911 Mesquite Police Victims Advocate 702-346-5244 Mental Health Services Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 988 CARE Team (Crisis Line – Adults) 877-283-2437 Children’s Mobile Crisis Response Team (Crisis-Children/teens) 702-486-7865 NAMI Warmline (non-crisis peer support) 775-241-4212 Mesquite Behavioral Health Center 702-346-4696 Steps to Healing 702-465-1462 Virgin Valley Mental Health 702-807-3289 Ascend Counseling and Wellness 435-688-1111 Core Mental Health (ask for Ren Abbott) 725-735-2700 Behavioral Health Solutions 702-587-4871 Intermountain Behavioral ACCESS Center Program provides assessment to determine if adult psychiatric inpatient unit is needed or if mental health stabilization services are needed. Go to St George Regional Hospital emergency room and request ACCESS program. 435-688-4343

President Mindy Hughes Cristin Nelson,1st Counselor Jamie Wakefield, 2nd Counselor Kasey Abbott, Secretary

Area Seventy Elder Richard Heaton will be presiding at the Mesquite West Stake Conference, February 17th and 18th. He was called as a Seventy during the April 2020 General Conference. Elder Heaton is the managing director of Priesthood and Family Department and is currently serving as Sunday School President in the Pleasant View, UT 7th Ward. Elder Heaton is a former bishop, branch president, mission president, stake presidency member, and stake president. His wife is Valerie and they have nine children.