First Baptist Raytown helps Joplin

A group from First Baptist Raytown is planning a second work trip to tornado-ravaged Joplin, Mo., on Saturday.

Church members will assist College Heights Christian Church with projects at the church and in the community. The group will depart at 6 a.m. and return by 9 p.m. The trip is open to adults, and students in seventh through 12th grade if accompanied by a parent.

FIRST in Action, a ministry to help those in need, is sponsoring the trip. For more information, visit http://www.firstbaptistraytown.

Katy Texas Lifestyles & Homes Magazine » Katy's Community Heroes

Golden Beginnings Golden Retriever Rescue Volunteers

After losing their 12-year-old Golden, Pete, the Moodys found themselves looking online at shelter dog bios and wondering if there was another dog in the world as special. This led them to foster through Golden Beginnings. “When Watson arrived, it didn’t take long to fall in love. We became ‘foster failures’ — people who can’t give up their guest pet,” says Jennifer Moody.

Three years and 13 Goldens later, the Moodys are foster successes with dogs staying three days to two months. “One long-term foster was 12 years old with health issues, living out her final days with our family,” says Moody, who is joined by husband, Scott, and 7-year-old daughter, Laureli. Foster pets quickly figure out that Scott is the chef of the house, feeding them every morning and evening.

Goldens are highly intelligent and have a special instinct with kids – they know to be gentle. Moody believes there is no better breed for children. “When Laureli offers a pull-toy, they simply won’t tug the way they do with Scott. Watson climbs into Laureli’s bed to listen to her prayers, watches when she’s out front with friends, and gives her kisses when she cries. Goldens are VERY tuned in to their humans.”

The Moodys provide the home, food, and love. GB pays the vet and medication bills. Both Jennifer and Scott work full time, and their fosters fit right into the family routine. “I take our fosters to twice-monthly Meet & Greets because exposure is the best way to find adoptive families,” says Moody. Goldens (who always look like they are smiling) are often rescued from sad situations — tied to trees as people move, abandoned or surrendered due to divorce or the economy.

For anyone who has a little extra room in their home, fostering is a great way to find Golden Retrievers their forever homes. Visit www.gbgrr.org/testweb/become_volunteer.htm

As a single mom with two daughters, Sheffield joined the West Memorial Elementary PTA to stay busy after a job loss. While helping during lunch periods, she noticed the volume of unopened milk and juice being discarded from lunch trays and became concerned. “I saw all these perfectly good unused cartons  being thrown in the trash and tried to return it to the serving area for redistribution. Silly me, I thought there was a shortage, but was quickly told that once it’s sold, that’s it — it’s gone,” says Sheffield.