Local church gets a new name, at least on TV news

KTVN-Channel 2 got our attention this week with its great food drive in Reno, Carson City (at the Governor's Mansion) and in the Gardnerville-Minden area. But it was the latter that really made us laugh. At each site, they would have singing and music groups appearing to entertain those bringing food, so in Gardnerville (or maybe it was Minden), the Channel 2 lady introduced, "The Gallstones, a church group, 'er, a group from church ... I think it's the 'Gallstone Church.'" While we didn't know St. Gall's Catholic Church had changed their name, it cracked us up ... now to be forever known as "St. Gallstone's Catholic Church." And, while we're on a "church spree," Judge Robey Willis was telling stories about the Rev. Pat Hardy's attempts at a Swedish accent at the Presbyterian Church on Sunday. He said the accent was funnier than the joke. Stick to the Irish ones, Pat.

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Then, since we're going on "train of thought," Robey told us that his wife, Barbara, had foot surgery and was recuperating well; however, she blames her mother and great-grandmother, Ida Sofia, for the problem. Seems they had the same toe bothering them, too. In any case, get well soon, Barb.

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And thanks to the United Methodist Church for putting on its splendid Nativity display last weekend. It is truly a treat for the community (but why is it always freezing outside when they do it? We'd have a word with God about that). Thank you again.

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Barbara Gregg tells us the Christmas story of the "pastor's cat." "Seems just before Christmas, a pastor's kitten had climbed up into a tree and was afraid to come down. He tried to coax it down with food and warm milk, but, no dice. The tree was too frail to climb, so the pastor decided to rope it and pull it down closer with his car, thinking the cat would jump off when it neared the ground. But, as he moved the car forward, the rope snapped, the tree went 'boing,' and the kitten sailed out of sight. The pastor felt terrible, but figured the Lord would care for it somehow.

"A few days later, he was in the supermarket, when he came upon one of his parishioners, who hated cats, with a basketful of cat food. Being curious, he asked her why she was buying cat food when she disliked cats so much. She said, 'You won't believe this, but my little girl had been begging me for a cat for Christmas, so I told her if God wants her to have a cat, I would let her keep it. I watched her go into our yard, kneel down, and pray for a kitty. No sooner had she finished, a kitten flew out of the sky and landed in front of her. I know, Pastor, because I was there when it happened.' 'Amen,' smiled the pastor knowingly, as he thanked God for the 'Christmas gift.'"

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If you've been reading the paper lately, you know that some (insert expletive here _____ ) burned down the Connected Church and damaged other property next to it, including some of the Toys for Tots presents. One of the other places "smoked out" was Positive Energy, the dance and tumbling school run by our friend, Tamara Holmes. To raise the funds for them to go on, they are putting on a "Christmas Show-of-Support Fire Relief Fundraiser Party" on Thursday at the Brewery Arts Center from 5-8 p.m. There is a $10 "suggested" donation, semi-elegant or "church" clothes, music, entertainment, a potluck, a "silent auction, hoooley auction," all to raise money for the cause. Call 884-3633 for more information, and come and have a wonderful time. They need you!

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Sad to say, one of our friends, Larry Fitzpatrick, passed away last week. He had just been to Oregon to visit family, and bring home a pie and a present for Carolyn. She met his family at his funeral and found out how very nice they were. Our deepest condolences.

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We are among those who are dismayed at the WNC Douglas campus being on the chopping block if the budget cuts, as slated, go through. Rather than taking big chunks out of individual agencies, such as education and Health and Human Services, why not take an across-the-board cut of 2-3 percent - much easier for an agency to digest and fairer, to boot. It's like telling four children in a family that two of them will get dessert, but the other two are out in the cold. Split the desserts so that all of them get something and not leave half "out of favor." Think about it.

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A happy birthday to Katie Rooney. Paula Morton is proud of her granddaughters, Tiffany and Tia, for being such cute, costumed guides at the Roberts House.

And the "Peanutcracker" is going on this Saturday at the Community Center at 2 and 7 p.m. Call Rosine Bena at 720-5204 or 783-3223 for details. It's the short, narrated story of "The Nutcracker" for "children of all ages" at Christmastime.

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It's also time to think about a donation to the Romanian Families Fund, Inc. This is the organization started by our own Sara Bierman Blattier and her husband, Christoph, which helps the families in Berceni, Romania, to have a "Second Chance." Tax-exempt donations may be sent to 811 Weninger Drive, Carson City, NV 89703. In just a few years in this little town, you have helped with the school, business opportunities and the new senior center that's being built, so please keep up the good work. "Our little 'adopted sister village' sends their greetings and gratitude to you all." For more information, go to www.secondchanceromania.org.

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Let's talk heresy, for a moment. Yucca Mountain keeps getting funds for dumping nuclear waste, no matter how strong the rhetoric is. Nevada could solve all its infrastructure woes and send us checks as well (an Alaska-like deal) by going along with this and taxing the hell out of every entity that "dumps on us." With all the technology we have, and are going to keep getting, we think within a few years, the "waste" problem will be solved, and we won't need to be taxed for anything, i.e., gas, roads, anything. Work on it.

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Vern Manke sent us this one: "A blonde acquired two dogs. When asked what their names were, she said, 'Rolex and Timex.' 'Who ever heard of naming dogs that?' her friend asked. 'Hellooooo ...,' answered the blonde, 'they're watch dogs.'" Arf!

• Carolyn Tate and Maizie Harris Jesse are longtime Carson City residents. Write to them at editor@nevadaappeal.com.