Day: December 2, 2016

The year 2016 has been spectacular for Gastonia F3.  The PAX have been pushing the rock and expanding our footprint to impact men and our community.  The launch and growth of Midoriyama, Folsom, and the Fighting Yank have meant more choices for first F opportunities.  The F3 Nomads has helped men experience other AO’s and form friendships outside our region.  The training, preparation, and completion of our first ever Blue Ridge Relay team has formed tighter bonds between men.  The combination of all three F’s in events has been a signature of the Gashouse’s short existence as evidenced by the Backwoods Brawl and the recent epic #CSAUP “The Climb” at Crowder’s Mountain.  Dr. Feelgood pulled that one off during trying times and we are grateful for his dedication to make it happen.  Getting Dredd and CSPAN to speak on Veteran’s Day was a real treat.  Many men were ready to charge the hill and take no prisoners.  What a great event!  If we can repeat that next year I expect at least double the numbers.

The Gashouse has a lot to be thankful for.  One of the blessings of living third is impacting others through leadership at home, at work, and in our community.  It is to that end that I announce the December convergence at the Schiele on December 17^th in honor of Operation Sweet Tooth.

Last Christmas, F3 Gastonia sponsored a family at Jobu’s recommendation and the generosity was overwhelming.  This year, in that same spirit, Gastonia F3 is going to partner with Operation Sweet Tooth in support of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Gaston.  http://www.bgcgreatergaston.org/

Why Operation Sweet Tooth you ask?

Earlier this year, F3 Olive lost his 8 year old daughter Christina Marie Latini unexpectedly.  There were many prayers lifted for Olive and his family in COT’s and backblasts during this time.  As a testament to his family’s faith and resolve, Olive is using the tragedy for good by creating a 501(c) 3 organization in honor of Christina.

“To honor her memory, the mission of Operation Sweet Tooth is to keep her spirit alive by providing hope and joy to children who may be sick, less fortunate, homeless, or just need to have their spirits lifted. The goal is to provide toys, gifts and items of need through various fundraising efforts in hope that we can have of positive impact and experience on their lives.”

https://operationsweettooth.org/

“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.  ”Mother Teresa

What:  Convergence workout

When:  December 17^th

Where:  Schiele Museum

Who:  Bandit and Roscoe QIC

Why:  Because you have overcome Sad Clown Syndrome and want to live third by helping others and giving back

Price of admission:  At minimum something to donate on the list below. There is no maximum donation!  You can also donate cash directly to #OST and get the deduction.  YHC will have donation forms available.

What to donate:  Cash or check to Operation Sweet Tooth

$5 and $10 Gift Cards from Best Buy, Game Stop, Walmart, AMF Bowling, etc

Circuit Training items:jump ropes, hula hoops, basketballs, footballs, multipurpose game balls, cones, etc.

Art Supplies: Charcoal, Calligraphy sets, Art Pencil Sets, Paint, Easels,

School Supplies: Pencils, Notebooks, 3 Ring Binders, Erasers, Construction Paper, etc.

Snacks: Anything healthy: pre-packaged snacks like popcorn, low fat/low sodium potato chips, etc. (Boys and Girls Club feed approximately 200 Kids a day)

Start EH’ing your friends now!  Read some old backblasts on F3Nation.com and find those PAX that we haven’t seen for a while and pick them up and bring them.  If you are on IR, bring a gift in time for the COT and do bible study and coffeerama with us.  For every FNG at the convergence, Bandit and I will perform twenty burpees at the end of the workout and buy your coffee at Panera afterwards.  For every Kotter we welcome back, all the PAX will perform ten hip slappers each.*

So prepare your M that when you come home from Panera on December 17th, (sometime before lunch), your spirits will be lifted and your heart, mind, and body will be ready for the holidays and the real reason for the season!

*Disclaimer:  There will be no backwards running.