Getting Your Car Ready for Winter

Submitted by the View Committee

Below are key areas of your vehicle that need your attention as the season moves into Winter.

1. Under the hood - First it is all about making sure your battery is strong enough to handle the cold. Most newer batteries last up to 5 years so it is a good idea to check around year 3 or 4 to see that the battery is aging well and can run the electrical components of the car and withstand the cold weather.  The fluids under the hood are another area. Make sure oil, de-icer washer fluid and especially coolant, not just for hot summer driving, are all good. Don't forget the filters - Oil, fuel, transmission and air filters are important to keep your engine running well. Check your owner's manual to see how often they should be changed.
 2. Tires - If it's cold enough to see your breath it's time to check your tire or at a very minimum check your tread. If you don't have a tread gauge use a penny - see how much of Lincoln's head sticks out. A half penny is a good indicator - less than half and you need to look at purchasing new tires. Check your tire pressure monthly - For every 10 degrees the temperature drops, your tires can lose about 1 pound per square inch (PSI) of pressure. Monitor your tire pressure more closely during the winter time.
3. The Trunk - Now for the trunk. You should have an emergency roadside kit that includes jumper cables, extra gloves, blanket, flash light, and yes kitty litter. Kitty litter is a great tool when stuck on ice or in mud or snow. It provides the traction your tires need to move out of the spin.
4. Keep it Clean - Last but not least, keep your car washed - Keeping the exterior washed and waxed will protect your vehicle from the elements as the seasons change.
It is never a good time to be stranded but Winter brings more problems than most times. Planning ahead always saves frustration later. Be safe and enjoy the season.

Events: Placer Hills United Methodist Church

The Filipino Impact in America

Interview of Romy Velasco (Methodist Pastor in Meadow Vista) by Joe Hoffmann

The Rev. Romy Velasco, born and raised in the Philippines, upon graduation from high school in 1970 was encouraged by American missionaries to become a preacher.  In 1987, he came to America, earned a Master of Divinity degree, and pastored churches here for 25 years. For the past two years he has been the talented and energetic pastor of the United Methodist Church in Meadow Vista. 

• Pastor Romy, why do Filipinos want to come to America?  Why did you come?
My parents were liberated from the Japanese occupation by American soldiers in 1944, and they taught me great respect for Americans.  I was often reminded of the debt we owe America. Whenever I saw an American, I wanted to bow and say, “Thank you, thank you for saving my country and my family.”  I wanted to come to America to show my gratitude, as have many other Filipinos, but most come for the employment opportunities here that are not available in the Philippines.  At first many farmers came, but now most come for professional and service positions.  According to the 2010 census, the unemployment rate of Filipinos in the U.S. is only 5%, much lower than that of the general population.
• Are there many Filipinos living in the U.S.?
Yes, according to the 2010 census, the number of Philippine-born people in the U.S. was 180,000. Plus, many of those have America-born children raised the “Filipino way.” My three daughters, born in the Philippines, married American men here.  Now my six grandchildren are being raised the “Filipino way,” with a little of the “American way” mixed in.
• What do you mean by the “Filipino way” of raising children?
Filipinos raise their children in a special way.  Filipino relatives usually live together, so when Filipino babies wake, there is always someone there to cuddle and rock them.  Also, there is no pressure to potty-train nor to eat like adults at the table.  They are spoon-fed until they are nearly six years old.  The growing child is included in the activities around the house and gradually learns to be helpful.  But I think the biggest difference is that children are consistently taught self-esteem, respect for authority, and the importance of education.  They must be doing something right, because the literacy rate for all adults in the Philippines is 96%, including many primitive tribes in the mountains and the poor living in shanty towns around the big cities. 
• Do Filipinos have other, unique customs?
Oh, yes!  The Philippines are blessed with an abundance of rice, served at every meal, and with sea foods, served almost daily, and with year-long supplies of fruit.  For special occasions guests are served Léchon, a roasted pig whose brown crust is cut into delicious strips. Everyone is invited to come and try some Léchon at our Filipino Festival on Saturday, September 15, from 10:00 to 2:30 at 17250 Placer Hills Road.  With the help of many Filipino friends, we are serving a variety of authentic, delicious Filipino dishes followed by exciting Filipino entertainment clearly showing the impact of the Filipino culture on America.   (Adult reservations are $10. Call 530-878-0651 or 878-8087. Limited to 150 people.)

Gold Country Community Parish Events

The Gold Country Community Parish (“GCCP”) is a cooperative parish made up of three United Methodist Churches who work together to serve the communities of Meadow Vista, Colfax and Dutch Flat and the surrounding areas along the I-80 Corridor.  The three churches are united in faith, love and service and support each other in a variety of worship events, fundraising activities, training events, and mission work. 
Pastor Romy Velasco serves all three churches and resides in Meadow Vista.  In addition to offering regular Sunday services at all three churches during the Advent season, our Parish will be holding the following events in February & March:

• Saturday, February 18th at Placer Hills UMC (M.V.) Mari Gras Celebration with food and entertainment.
• Special Lenten Series
- Wed., February 22nd… Ash Wednesday Service at the Colfax church:  6:00 p.m. soup supper; 7:00 p.m. Service.             
- Wed., February 29th at the Colfax church:  6:00 p.m. soup supper;  7:00 p.m. devotional.
- Wed., March 7th at the Colfax church:  6:00 p.m. soup supper; 7:00 p.m. devotional.
- Wed., March 14th at Placer Hills Church:  6:00 p.m. soup supper; 7:00 p.m. devotional.
- Wed., March 21st at Placer Hills Church:  6:00 p.m. soup supper; 7:00 p.m. devotional.
- Wed., March 28th at Placer Hills Church: 6:00 p.m. soup supper; 7:00 p.m. devotional.
• Easter Sunday,  Sunrise Service in the Meadow Vista Park with breakfast following at Placer Hills Church in Meadow Vista…more in next issue of the ”View.”

We encourage you to seek out a spiritual home and find joy in serving your community. We always welcome you to any of these events or others listed on our website www.gccparish.com.  We look forward to getting to know you better as we work together as the hands and feet of our Lord in our communities.