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The Portland Moore Street Corps, led by Captains Robert and Donna Marshall, shared the Christmas spirit throughout the city. From mascots Sally Ann and Mr. Kettle joining with Army musical groups in the tree processional at Pioneer Square, to the world’s largest Christmas kettle and an amazing musical presence throughout––the joy of the season was evident.
“The Sights and Sounds of Christmas” community sing-a-long featured internationally acclaimed harpist Ms. Willa Dorsey, the Dickens’ Carolers, the Bossa Boys Steel Drum Band and others, with several hundred people attending. In addition, corps members, local churches, and volunteers from the University of Portland basketball players, local police and firefighters, and the Oregon Food Bank provided services to those in need, including nursing home visitations, free haircuts, and food and toy distributions.
Army music ensembles performed in the holiday parade, at several Portland Winterhawks and Trailblazer games, as preludes to the Portland Symphony Yuletide season and the Oregon Ballet’s traditional performances of the Nutcracker Suite at the Festival of Lights in Portland’s famed Grotto, and as part of the traditional Singing Christmas Tree events.
The World’s Largest Kettle, weighing in excess of 1,000 pounds, was created by local steel companies and painters and mounted on a trailer pulled by a bright red truck donated by local car dealership, Rose City Chevrolet, greatly enhancing visibility and enthusiasm for the Christmas effort. In addition, a Volkswagen Beetle, donated by Herzog-Meir auto dealership, served as a mobile kettle reaching non-traditional locations. The Ring Bells volunteer effort brought in many new supporters, while the Paper Kettle campaign encouraged donations of food and goods from local restaurants and stores. The convenience store chain, Plaid Pantry, launched the Paper Kettle campaign in its nearly 100 area stores.
Faithfulness in kettle caroling inspired a wonderful relationship with world famous mouthpiece and instrument maker Dave Monnette and his staff. Monnette provided ensemble members the unique gift of customized mouthpieces. In addition, a $20,000 digital piano was donated to the Moore Street Corps ensuring even more music in the coming year.
—Contributed by Mike Verbout