JANUARY BIRTHDAYS

Trapnell, Jan 01/01

Foster, Toriana 01/02

Allison, Jim 01/03

Greene, Bob 01/06

Ecker, Dave 01/07

Skaron, Andy 01/08

Pickering, Dan 01/09

Etz, Annabelle 01/11

Johnson, Dave 01/11

Skinner, Katarian 01/11

Day, Colin 01/12

Carpenter, Johanthan 01/15

Buck, Jerry 01/16

Wetterberg, Mina 01/16

Maronde, Madison 01/17

Skinner, Stephen 01/17

McCarty, Brian 01/19

Buck, Callan 01/22

Perkins, Savannah 01/22

Tuin, Brian 01/22

Garcia, Harry 01/25

Kendall, Trish 01/25

Budde, Krystal 01/26

Jensen, Bridget 01/28

Majors, Nelson 01/30

Korkowski, Kristin 01/30

Pokorny, Brett 01/30

Pokorny, Scott 01/30

Dunkle, Iain 01/31

Ervin & Lois Gruntorad 01/04

Dale & Doreen Eld 01/08

Ways to Start off the New Year

According to historians, the celebration of the New Year is the oldest holiday. Ancient Babylonians first observed it in the spring about 4,000 years ago. In 153 B.C. the Roman Senate declared January 1 as New Year's Day.

The early church started to hold religious observances that coincided with pagan celebrations. Some denominations still mark Christ's circumcision on New Year's.

The tradition of making resolutions dates back to the Babylonians, who often promised to return borrowed farm equipment. Using a baby to symbolize rebirth and the New Year dates back to the ancient Greeks and Egyptians.

Modern day New Year's customs often focus on prosperity. In Spain , people eat 12 grapes at midnight, hoping to have 12 happy months to come. The Dutch eat donuts because another year has come full circle.

One of the best ways to start off the New Year is by spending time in prayer. Look back on God's blessings during the completed year and ask for his guidance in the one to come. Also consider starting the tradition of praying for people around the world on New Year's Day.

New Addresses :

Jim and Glenda Allison

725 Arlington Place

Lemoore

Ron and Renee Townsend

649 G Street SE

Washington , DC 2003

● “I object to people running down the future.

I am going to live all the rest of my life there,

and I'd like it to be a nice place.

--Charles Kettering

**************************

LEMOORE PRESCHOOL NEWS

H APPY NEW YEAR ! We hope that everyone had a wonderful happy holiday vacation! We look forward to welcoming the children back for the rest of the busy year – it's hard to believe that the school year is already half over!

We had a very busy December which began with the Preschool's participation in the Lemoore Christmas Parade. A couple of our Lemoore Preschool students' faces were made famous by local front page newspaper coverage! A very special thank you to Susan Aquino, for organizing the float for the parade. Thank you to all who participated to make this years' float a smiling and waving holiday success! The month concluded with holiday parties and a special visit from Santa himself! Thank you also to those of you who helped the Preschool donate canned and packaged foods for Lemoore Christian Aid.

Great activities will greet the children as we begin 2009! The month of January will focus on all things Wintery and cold including discussions about weather, snowmen, igloos, penguins and polar bears just to name a few! To keep everyone warm and cozy – the children will have a PJ party where they can wear their pajamas to school and be prepared to wrap up toasty as they watch a movie and eat popcorn. Be on the lookout for more information from Miss Mary and Miss Lisa.

Greg and Steve are making a visit to Fresno ! If you have not had the opportunity to see them entertain the children – it is a must see. Although they will be performing at the end of February, the ticket cost ($8.00 per person) will be collected by the Preschool at the end of January. Please watch for more information in the cubby room as the date approaches.

Please note the following important dates: the four's class will return to school on Monday the 12 th of January, and the three's will resume on Tuesday, January 13 th . There will be no school Monday,

January 19 th,,,, in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday.

We will have a Parent Work Day Saturday, January 24 th from 9 – 12. Please remember that each family is responsible for completing one work day (unless your committee job notes otherwise.) There will be a sign-up sheet in the cubby room. Please see Miss Mary or Miss Lisa if you have any questions. We thank you in advance for your time and for keeping the Preschool in tip top condition!

Here is to a fantastic 2009! Welcome back!!!

Sincerely,

Your 2008-2009 Parent Board

Karlyn Gendreau, Farrah Hoekstra ,

Tara Royles and Melynda Miya

Our thanks to those who donated the beautiful red poinsettias for the altar for Poinsettia Sunday and Christmas Eve Service It was a radiant beauty.

Mina Wetterberg, in honor of her family

Sandy & Jeanne Brown , in memory of Larry Day, Billie Brown and Ben Brown

Dave & Hazel Johnson, in honor of Mina

Dave & Hazel Johnson, in honor of Mary Ellen

Harry & Lynda Garcia , for mother, Reba Hamilton

Harry & Lynda Garcia , for mother, Ruby Garcia

Dave & Susette Ecker , in memory of Geo and

Wanda Harris, & Clarence & Zana Ecker

Bill Bowen , in memory of Evelyn

Salyer family, in celebration of our church family

Hazel & Jim Clark , in honor of family

Adam Hinojos & family, in memory of Annie

Evelyn Ellis, honoring husband Dwayne's birthday

Nancy, Adam and Braxton Mitchell, in memory of brother, Caleb

page 2