News Headlines: Record Keeper Named Among Best Sci-Fi Web Series (And More!)

The Record Keeper Places Sixth in Web-based Competition.The Record Keeper, a web-based film series funded by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists but never officially released, has been named the sixth of nine favorite indie-made, science fiction web series by the website Inverse. Inverse describes itself as "search[ing] out emerging ideas, new technologies, and simmering trends as well as fearless innovators, designers, and thinkers. We’re compulsively curious not only because we’re fans of progress, but also because we want a glimpse of the future and the chance to better plan for and enjoy tomorrow." From Inverse.com, "Ranking the 9 best indie science fiction web series."

Auburn Adventist Congregation Ends Sabbath Homeless Breakfasts. The Auburn, California Seventh-day Adventist Church will no longer host a free breakfast on Saturdays before church services. Pastor Dan Appel and breakfast coordinator Steve Holm agreed that  providing the meal closely before Sabbath School proved too difficult to continue.  Some parishioners said they felt unsafe because the number of homeless individuals attending was increasing. The church still provides mental health, dental, optical chiropractic and other medical care, clothing, showers, and groceries on Tuesdays from 9am – 1pm.  From Auburn Journal, "Seventh-day Adventist Breakfast Ends After Homeless Increase."

Utah Churches Host Free THRIVE Health Clinics. Adventist volunteers in Utah from the Ogden Seventh-day Adventist Church, the Community Vineyard, and the Ogden Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church sponsored a two-day health clinic organized by THRIVE, a full-time volunteer organization run by college-aged Adventist members. Dentists at the event offered free fillings, cleanings, extractions and x-rays. Optometrists gave patients eye exams and cataract screenings. Physician consultations, massages, and lifestyle counseling was also provided.  Caren White, THRIVE event coordinator said, “We could do things like help clean up houses and yards, but we figured these medical services are something that is a necessity.” From Standard Examiner, "Volunteers help inner-city Ogden get free health services."

Adventist and Muslim Officials in Malawi Receive Presidential Blessings. A 12-person delegation from the Seventh-day Adventist Church introduced Malawai President Peter Mutharika to its governing council as it transitions from Malawi Union Mission to Malawi Union Conference.  Pastor Frackson Kuyama, President of the Adventist Church in Malawi, commended President Mutharika for continuing a policy of freedom of worship in the country, saying that Malawi benefits in having a God-fearing President. President Mutharika later met a delegation of the Muslim Association of Malawi (MAM) whom he praised for for its cordial relationship with his Government.

Florida Hospital Altamonte Plans to Expand Emergency Department. Florida Hospital Altamonte, part of the Adventist Health System, is expanding its emergency department as patient demand grows. By 2017, the Altamonte, Florida facility will increase its number of beds from 37 to 53. Florida Hospital is in the midst of a construction boom, recently opening the Florida Hospital Orlando Hospital for Women. It is not yet known whether the Altamonte expansion will create new permanent jobs, but at the least, it will provide construction and subcontracting work while the facility renovation is underway. From Orlando Business Journal, "Florida Hospital Altamonte to expand emergency department."

Pam Dietrich taught English at Loma Linda Academy for 26 years and served there eight more years as the 7-12 librarian. She lives in Redlands, California.

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