The SOS Porch Light: March 2008

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY...
and EASTER
and WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH
and FIRST DAY OF SPRING
and SET YOUR CLOCKS AHEAD ONE HOUR!

Welcome to the abbreviated, "Spring Break" edition of the March, 2008 SOS Porch Light newsletter! Although the SOS Support Group will not meet this month, I wanted the opportunity to prepare one final newsletter before I officially move on.

As some of you may already know, my life has taken an interesting twist...My husband recently accepted a position in San Francisco...which means we will be moving to California in the foreseeable future. While it is not easy to leave the friendships, comforts and support of the Houston community, Tony and I recognize the greatness of this opportunity and are ready to pursue the next chapter of our lives.

It has been such an honor to know you as individuals and as well as a group. I have come to respect and appreciate each of you for the unique strengths you possess and will miss you very much.

For those of you who participated in the book project, I remain especially grateful and forever in your debt. I can never repay you for your courage and acts of faith. Because of your efforts, we now have a fund established with
M. D. Anderson from the book proceeds which benefits Lobular Breast Cancer research. In addition, our book continues to do well at Amazon.com

It has also been my pleasure to present you with the SOS Porch Light for the past several months and I thank you all for your kind feedback, support and frequent contributions. It's a wonderful legacy and I encourage you all to keep it going. If anyone is available to take-over the newsletter duties, please contact Marsha Yeager or Rosemary Herron.

I hope to see you during a future visit to Houston (check-ups and MDA Annual 3-day Caregiver Conference) and invite you to look me up if your travels bring you to the Bay area.

Until then....I'll be waiting for you on the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge!

BIG HUG, Josie

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SPECIAL NOTICE:

This is a reminder that there will be no SOS Support Group meeting in March due to Spring Break, however the group will reconvene again in April at Holy Cross Episcopal Church as usual. (Directions below)

Also, as a reminder, please notify Marsha Yeager if you will be a 5-year survivor this year, 2008. (Survivorship is marked from the date that you are diagnosed going forward.) Survivors will be honored at our last meeting in May. Please call ( 281 431 0700) or email (marshayeager@yahoo.com ) if you will be an honoree. Thank you.

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SOS SURVIVOR UPDATE

Marsha Yeager

Well-wishes and lots of prayers go to Marsha as she remains homebound following recent knee surgery. We continue to send positive thoughts for a speedy recovery. You can forward a personal note to marshayeager@yahoo.com

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From Rosemary Herron:

Rosemary Herron has the new 2008-2009 Pink Phurree Dragon Boat Calendar in case anyone is interested in purchasing one. The cost is $25 for the two-year calendar. Rosemary Herron and Rosemary Barr are both featured in the calendar together! How cute!

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Marty Imper is sporting a very new and very cute Pink Ribbon tattoo. Please contact Marty if you are interested in learning more about this option. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to breast cancer research.

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SPRING CLEANING - Tips
Get Organized Now
(featured column)

10 Spring Cleaning and Organizing Tips
by Maria Gracia

Along with Spring comes thoughts of crisp, fresh air, newly budding flowers, singing birds and a sense of renewal. Getting organized and doing a bit of spring cleaning, helps to bring that wonderful fresh feeling into your home and office.

Here are 10 tips to help you start the season off right:

ASSIGN YOURSELF A DIFFERENT TASK FOR EACH DAY
Make yourself a schedule that is comprised of one hour and one task each day. Your schedule may look something like this:

Monday: Decluttering
Tuesday: Dusting
Wednesday: Vacuuming
Thursday: Scrubbing
Friday: Organizing and Rearranging
Saturday: Laundering
Sunday: Decorating

Then, spend one hour each day doing your assigned task for each room, throughout your house. You'll be amazed at the difference you can make in your home by following this simple system.

USE THE PROPER TOOLS

When cleaning and organizing, it's important to use tools that help you get the job done as quickly as possible.

For instance, there are now dusting cloths that allow you to dust quickly and easily, without any additional sprays. Just dust and be done with it.

Rubber gloves will help you deep clean, without drying out your hands, exposing them to harsh chemicals, or burning them in hot water.

Racks can hold mops, brooms and other cleaning supplies in one organized place, rather then storing them loose and having them constantly tip over.

An apron with lots of pockets, can help you transport cleaning products from room to room easily, so you don't have to keep running back and forth to get what you need.
BE RUTHLESS WHEN IT COMES TO DECLUTTERING
If you don't love it, and/or you don't use it, it's clutter. It's the perfect time to embrace the Feng Shui art of uncluttered living. Feng Shui teaches that if energy can easily flow through a room, your life will be more harmonious and happy--and clutter is an obstacle to reaching this relaxed and calm state.

Make it a quest of yours to be ruthless when it comes to your decluttering efforts. You'll have less to dust, less clutter to look it, an easier time finding the things you do use and less stress in your life.

DONATE OR SELL THE THINGS YOU DON'T USE
If you have items that you don't use, but are in good condition, they are prime candidates to sell or donate. Gather all of these items together in boxes or plastic bags.

Then, decide whether you would prefer to donate them or sell them.
If you choose to donate, consider giving them to your local Salvation Army, or perhaps even a shelter or orphanage in town. Many of these organizations will even pick up your donations for you.

If you choose to sell, you might set a date for a yard sale. Or, take some photos of these items with your digital camera, and put them up for sale at an online auction Web site.

MAKE YOUR SPRING CLEANING AND ORGANIZING FUN
Don't think of it as a chore. Instead, think of it as a 'feel good' exercise--one that will really help you to feel good about yourself and your clean and organized environment.

Play some lively, fun, upbeat music. Dance your way through your home or office with your dust rag or vacuum.

Get the family involved. Give everyone a task, and then do something relaxing afterwards, like watching a movie together or going to the park for a walk.

Set timers and play 'beat the clock.' Give yourself time limits for completing small tasks, and try to complete those tasks before the timer goes off.

Ask a friend to help, or do a swap. You clean her living room if she'll clean your kitchen.

ELIMINATE DISTRACTIONS
Turn off the TV while you're cleaning and organizing, and let your answering machine field your calls.

If a friend stops by while you're working, simply tell him/her that you've scheduled this time for spring cleaning. He or she is free to stay, as long as you could continue working. Perhaps, you might even get some help. If not, tell your friend you'll stop by his or her house later on when you're done.

If you have kids, give them their own jobs to do, or at minimum, be sure they're occupied with something else.

The quickest and best jobs are accomplished when there are no distractions.

MAKE YOURSELF A CHECKLIST
Make a checklist of all springtime jobs that you only do once or twice a year.

Perhaps you might bring your large comforters to the laundromat, bring your drapes, and winter coats, to the dry cleaners, store your winter clothes and bring your warm-weather clothes out of hiding or check the smoke detectors.

If all of these odd jobs are on a list, you won't forget to do them. Then, try to do at least one or two of these odd jobs per week, throughout spring.

DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE INSIDES
It's important to clean and organize things that are in sight all of the time. But, it's also important to remember those items that are out of sight.

Spring is a great season to organize your closets, cabinets, drawers, bins, boxes, pantry and other inside storage areas.

Give yourself that spring feeling, both inside and out!

ENJOY THE WEATHER WHILE YOU'RE WORKING
Do some outside organizing and yard work, so you can be accomplishing something, but also enjoying the nice weather at the same time.

Gather your gardening and planting supplies in one place. Replace old and broken tools. Perhaps you might even get a gardening caddie to store your good gardening tools.

Clean the garage. Keep the garage door open while you're doing so, so that you can enjoy the nice weather.
OPEN YOUR WINDOWS
There's nothing like taking in a breath of fresh air. As you're cleaning, open the windows. You'll be removing musty winter odors, protecting yourself from inhaling harsh fumes from cleaning products and the fresh air will keep you going.

While you're at it, let the sun shine in. Open curtains and drapes to give yourself plenty of light, for an energy boost.

Copyright © by Maria Gracia, author of Finally Organized, Finally Free! All rights reserved.
Getting Organized Article Index
http://www.betterbudgeting.com/articles/organizing/springcleaning.htm

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FROM THE KITCHEN:

Easter Brunch - March 23rd

Looking for brunch ideas for Easter Sunday? Try something new!

Recipe #1 Vanilla Spice French Toast With Apple

Ingredients
1 egg
2 egg whites
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
cinnamon , dash
nutmeg , dash
2 slices whole grain bread
1/2 medium apple , sliced

Directions
Whisk eggs, vanilla and spices together.
Dip bread into egg mixture.
Spray skillet with cooking spray and saute bread on each side until brown (about 3 minutes).
Top with apple slices.
Source: Recipe Zaar
http://www.recipezaar.com/289728

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Recipe #2 Ham and Cheese Quiche

Ingredients
2 red potatoes , cubed
1 tablespoon dried rosemary
1 cup cubed ham
1 pie crust , in foil pan (premade, 8 or 9 inch)
1 cup shredded colby-monterey jack cheese , blend (recommended Kraft)
3 eggs
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon all-purpose seasoning (recommended ( McCormick)

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Place potatoes and rosemary in a microwaveable dish.
Cover with a damp paper towel and microwave for 2 minutes, until almost cooked through.
Cover the bottom of the pre-made pie shell with potatoes, ham, and cheese.
Place on a cookie sheet and set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and seasoning and pour into the pie shell.
Place quiche into preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until eggs have set.

Source: Recipe Zaar
http://www.recipezaar.com/289606

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Recipe #3 - Zesty Crab Cups

Ingredients
24 wonton wrappers
1/2 lb crabmeat
2 scallions , sliced thinly
2 radishes , chopped
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 lime, zest of
1 lime, juice of
2 teaspoons hot sauce

Directions
Heat oven to 350.
Press wonton wrappers into mimi muffin tins that have been coated with cooking spray.
Bake 10 minutes or until a golden color.
Remove from pan and cool.

In a bowl combine the next 4 ingredients.
In a separate bowl whisk the oil 2 tbsp lime juice 1 tsp of the zest and pepper sauce.
Add salt if desired.
Stir oil mixture into crab mixture and divide into the wonton cups.

Source: Recipe Zaar
http://www.recipezaar.com/289708
© 2007 Recipezaar. All Rights Reserved. http://www.recipezaar.com/

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PARTY OF THE MONTH

St. Patrick's Day - March 17th

Are you in the spirit to spread a little Irish cheer? Here are some tips to
throwing an Irish-themed party and going GREEN. You can do this with decorations that are as cheap or expensive as you like: Green streamers set the mood if you're on a budget; if you have more green to spend, go all out with green light bulbs in your lamps, green helium balloons and shamrock-shaped party lights.

Gold-foil-wrapped chocolate coins and Lucky Charms cereal make for festive table decorations - as well as great snacks. Fill bowls or vases with them to dress up your party.

Also, find a big rock (or make one out of Styrofoam or papier-mâché) to be your Blarney Stone. Position it near the door so people can kiss it when they enter. Since legend has it that kissing the actual stone is supposed to give the kisser the gift of eloquence and persuasiveness, you're bound to have more interesting party chatter if guests pucker up as they arrive.

Again, green is the way to go with your St. Patrick's Day gear. Lads and lassies alike can get into the spirit of St. Patrick's by breaking out all the green clothing they can, pinning on a "Kiss Me, I’m Irish" button and topping it all off with a green leprechaun's hat.

To really cheese it up, use the Lucky Charms leprechaun as your guide. He sports a green blazer, a green scarf and a green bowler hat with a shamrock sticking out of it.

For the over-21 crowd, drinking is the most popular way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Pub crawls to local Irish haunts give you a drinking break and some fresh air between drinks.

Put on a CD of traditional Irish songs and print out the lyrics for your guests so they can croon along to classics like "Danny Boy."

Hand out paper and pens and give your guests five minutes to write a limerick, then read them aloud in your best Irish accents.

If you're the adventurous type, send your guests on a treasure hunt for a leprechaun’s pot of gold. Before guests arrive, hide your treasure (gold-foil-wrapped chocolate coins in a small basket or glass makes a handy pot of gold), then have guests search for it throughout the party.
Get out your green food coloring; you'll need it to dye everything from mashed potatoes to beer. In addition to green-colored treats, serve traditional Irish favorites like corned beef and cabbage and Irish soda bread.

For sweet snacks, put out bowls of green M&Ms and green jelly beans. Or make shamrock cookies using a clover-shaped cookie cutter. And don't forget, Irish whiskey and dark Irish beer make excellent dessert ingredients.

Provided courtesy of http://www.evite.com/
http://www.evite.com/app/cms/ideas/st-patricks-day?_2

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St. Patrick's Day Party - Drink Recipes

Irish Manhattan (serves 1)

1/4 cup Irish whiskey
1 1/2 tablespoons sweet vermouth
1 maraschino cherry, for garnish

Fill a lowball glass with ice. Add whiskey and sweet vermouth; stir. Garnish with maraschino cherry.

Serve it on the rocks to better balance the Irish whiskey's peaty note. If you prefer it a bit drier, make the vermouth portion half sweet and half dry.

Irish Coffee (serves 1)

1 1/2 oz. Irish whiskey
1 teaspoon brown sugar
6 oz. hot coffee
(to taste) heavy cream

In a mug, combine whiskey, sugar and coffee. Stir to dissolve. Top with heavy cream to taste.

Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Mint-chocolate milkshakes, Gatorade, green Kool-Aid

Courtesy of Epicurious.com
www.Epicurious.com
http://www.epicurious.com/recipesmenus/holidays/stpatricks/recipes

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FYI:

From Marsha Yeager:

To all SOS Support Group members: We need to know who will be a 5-year survivor this year, 2008. Survivorship is marked from the date that you are diagnosed going forward. Even if your month/day anniversary occurs in the summer, we want to know about it now so we can honor our survivors at our last meeting, which is May. Please call ( 281 431 0700) or email (marshayeager@yahoo.com ) if you will be an honoree. Blessings, Marsha

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Cell phone numbers are now public!

REMINDER....all cell phone numbers have been released to telemarketing companies and you will start to receive sale calls. YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS!

To prevent this, call the following number from your cell phone:
888-382-1222.

It is the National DO NOT CALL list. It will only take a minute of your time
It blocks your number for five (5) years. You must call from the cell phone number you want to have blocked. You cannot call from a different phone number.

HELP OTHERS BY PASSING THIS ON TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS.
It take about 20 seconds.

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AROUND & ABOUT HOUSTON
Mark Your Calendars!

PINK RIBBONS PROJECT
Tickle Me Pink Fashion Show
featuring Houston-area Student Designers
March 8th, 2008, 4:00 p.m.
Lamar High School
3325 Westheimer Drive
$10 tickets sold at door

KNOCKOUT ROSES
A support group for women diagnosed under 40.
2nd Monday of each month, at 5:45 pm, March 10th, 2008.
The Rose, 3400 Bissonnet.
Contact Amy Rigsby, Technical Director of The Rose, 713-660-6675.

M. D. ANDERSON CANCER CENTER
Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Conference
Conference activities will include genetics of hereditary cancer, risk management, panel discussions with patients, survivors and caregivers, research directions and clinical trials.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
8am - 1 pm
Registration now open. www.mdanderson.org/departments/ccg
For info: call 713-745-7391 or e-mail ccg@mdanderson.org

THE ALICE THOMSEN LYMPHEDEMA AWARENESS GROUP of Houston Meetings are scheduled on the 3rd Tuesday of every other month at the American cancer Society Building, 6301 Richmond (between Hillcroft and Fountainview). Please join us on March 18, 2008 at 7 pm. Hope to see you then, Cynthia Gdula.

Y-ME NATIONAL BREAST CANCER
Houston Team Captain Training Luncheon
DoubleTree Hotel Houston Downtown
All team captains and co-captains are invited to attend the Houston Walk Team Captain Training Luncheon on March 19, 2008. This event promises to be a lot of fun, bringing together representatives from corporate, family, and club teams!

The luncheon is an opportunity for your team to learn fun ways to fundraise as well as meet others who will be there on Mother's Day morning By attending you will be one of the first to receive our brand-new 2008 promotional posters and brochures which will help you get started on the right foot!

DoubleTree Hotel Houston Downtown
400 Dallas Street
Houston, TX 77002
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
http://main.y-me.org/site/Calendar/2108956386? view=Detail&id=5161&JServSessionIdr004=avtc2m4ov4.app14a

VICTORIA'S PLACE
Seed Meditation with Victoria Silva
Saturday, March 22nd
7:00 PM
Cost: $10
http://www.feminineliving.com for the details and RSVP. See you there!

M. D. ANDERSON CANCER CENTER
Fatigue Awareness Week - April 7 -10, 2008
Monday April 7th, 10am - 1pm - Clinic Open House
Mays Clinic, Sixth Floor
Tuesday, April 8th, - Cancer-related Fatigue Video Viewing
6:30 - 7:30pm
Cancer Prevention Building, Eight Floor, Rooms 1 & 2
RSVP: 713-792-2808 or e-mail bsmp@mdanderson.org
For more information, call the Patient Education Office at 713-794-5379
or e-mail www.mdanderson.org/departments/patedu

SOS SURVIVOR MEETING
Held the second Tuesday of each month for those living in Fort Bend County.
April 8, 2008, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Holy Cross Episcopal Church
For additional info and directions: http://sosporchlight.blogspot.com/

AVON WALK FOR BREAST CANCER
Houston - April 12 - 13, 2008
Congratulations on deciding to register for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer! By registering online now, you will have immediate access to all of the tools of your 'My Avon Walk Center' and can begin fundraising towards your goal today. https://secure2.convio.net/avon/site/TRR/Walk2008/Houston/1021196898?pg=ptype&fr_id=1420&JServSessionIdr004=x9jrwe2701.app26b or For more information, please call us at (713) 968-9250. Email: volunteer.houston@avonwalk.org

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
Relay for Life, 2008
April 18, 2008 6:00 PM - April 19, 2008 6:00 AM
Location: Rice University Track Field, 6100 Main, Houston, TX 77005
Contact: Shelton Moore,Rosalyn, (713)706-5634 x296
Email: Rosalyn.SheltonMoore@cancer.org
No registration fee. Each person is asked to raise $100.00
Agenda: Survivor Ceremony, Luminaria Ceremony, Entertainment, Food and Games. For more information: http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/coe?EID=62080

NATIONAL BREAST CANCER COALITION (NBCC):
2008 Annual Advocacy Training Conference
Renaissance Washington, DC Hotel
999 9th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
April 26th - 29th 2008

Register now to attend NBCCF's 16th Annual Advocacy Training Conference. Join hundreds of national and international breast cancer activists in our fight to eradicate breast cancer.

NBCCF's yearly gathering helps participants hone their advocacy skills and learn about the latest in breast cancer science, research and policy. Hear directly about the controversies and issues from important leaders, scientists, and advocates. To learn more about this event and registration, visit: http://www.stopbreastcancer.org//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=598&Itemid=1

SUSAN'S RALLY in the Fight Against Breast Cancer
The Susan Roberson Wade Memorial Car Rally
Save the Dates: Rally - April 27, 2008
Golf Tournament - October 27, 2008
For more information: http://www.susansrally.org/

HOPE STONE, INC.
Save The Date for our Premiere Piece
PEACE PIECE ...May 1st, 2008
a dance, theater and music performed by
the Kid's Play Ensemble and YouthSound
7:00 pm
Kaplan Theater, JCC
tickets on sale now
http://www.hopestoneinc.org/
713.526.1907 ext. 3

CURE MAGAZINE
Registration is open for the 2008 CURE Day of Caring Breast Cancer Forum on May 3 & 4in Denver. The Day of Caring weekend features breast cancer experts from around the country, as well as educational exhibits, and a Survivor’s Fashion Show.
Full agendas, hotel accommodations, and online registration are available now! We look forward to seeing you there! http://www.curetoday.com/forums/index.html

Y-ME NATIONAL BREAST CANCER ORGANIZATION
Houston Walk to Empower, Non-Competitive 3-mile Walk
Mother's Day, Sunday, May 13, 2007
Check-In Begins: 7:30 a.m. Walk Begins: 9:00 a.m.
Sam Houston Park, Houston, Texas

During the past 15 years, Y-ME’s Mother’s Day Events have raised more than $26 million to help ensure that no one faces breast cancer alone. In 2006, $6 million was raised. Please join us this year -- you’ll be proud to know that your support will help Y-ME continue providing its essential programs and services to people and their loved ones touched by breast cancer.
For more details: http://houstonwalk.y-me.org/site/PageServer? pagename=MDE_HTX_homepage

M.D. ANDERSON NETWORK 20th ANNUAL
LIVING FULLY WITH and BEYOND CANCER CONFERENCE
This annual event for patients/survivors and caregivers celebrates its 20th anniversary with the theme,
“Live, Reach, Celebrate,”
September 4 - 6, 2008
Houston Marriott Westchase
Details TBA

PINK RIBBONS PROJECT
Tour de Pink 2008
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Tour de Pink is the annual fundraising bike ride sponsored by Pink Ribbons Project to raise funds for breast cancer education and awareness.
Details, TBA

"UNBEATABLE"
Stages Repertory Theatre
Coming September, 2008
The new musical Unbeatable is coming to town in September 2008 in a World Premiere production produced by Houston’s acclaimed Stages Repertory Theatre. This brilliant new musical follows the true story of a strong-willed woman and her life-changing confrontation with Breast Cancer. http://www.unbeatablemusical.com/ Details TBA
To make a donation, contact Emma Jacobs at emma@jacobswoerner.com

SUSAN G. KOMEN RACE FOR THE CURE
Houston, Saturday October 4th, 2008
Save the Date! Details TBA

CURE MAGAZINE
Coming later this fall, the 5th Annual CURE Patient & Survivor Forum will take place November 1 & 2 in Dallas. CURE is proud to offer a Young Adult Track at this meeting in addition to CNE credit for nurses. For More information visit:
http://www.curetoday.com/forums/index.html

For weekly updates and additional events, please refer to: http://pinkcrusader.blogspot.com/

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Directions to Holy Cross Episcopal Church: From the corner intersection of Hwy 6 and Hwy 59: Continue South on Hwy 59. Exit at Grand Parkway-Texas 99. You will go by an H.E.B. grocery store on the right as you turn right at a traffic light to get on the Grand Parkway. Proceed to the next traffic light (River Park Drive). Turn left. You will be facing the church. Go through the next intersection (traffic light at Texas 99) and park in the church parking lot. The address is 5653 West River Park Drive. If coming from New Territory: Go to the intersection of New Territory Blvd. and Texas 99. Turn South on to Texas 99. River Park Drive is one intersection (traffic light) past New Territory Blvd. Turn right at that intersection. If coming from 90A: Turn at intersection of 90A and Texas 99 (Grand Parkway). Go South on Grand Parkway, passing Sand Hill Blvd. and New Territory Blvd. Next intersection is River Park Drive. Turn right. Church is right there.

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This concludes this month's issue of the SOS Porch Light. We encourage you to share your thoughts, suggestions, photographs and topics of interest with all members for future editions of the newsletter. Comments may be posted directly to the blog or by email to JosieSethi@aol.com
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THOUGHT OF THE MONTH:

"May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow, and may trouble avoid you wherever you go."