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by Sue Schumann Warner –
For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
(Jeremiah 29: 11, RSV)
Kettle talk from around the territory
Alaska—A number of bell ringers were recruited online this year. “We continue to see great success in developing new relationships for the benefit of the Army,” said Jenni Ragland, DHQ. One bell ringer from Anchorage said: “My six grandchildren, ages 4-9, came along to help ring bells with me at the Northway Mall Carr’s-Safeway Store. The store manager invited us into the store to set up near the floral department, where we entertained shoppers by singing Christmas carols. This was the girls’ first volunteer experience; we had a blast and our red bucket was nearly full!
Washington—Major Carol Pontsler reports that Lauren Kuhn—a young teen—volunteered with her mother Dawn and sister Paige to stand at a kettle in Aberdeen, Wash. A few days later, Lauren telephoned the corps to say, “That was fun! May I do it again?” Thereupon, she organized a full crew from Aberdeen High School Future Farners of America Club, who enthusiastically volunteered five evenings—for a total of 20 hours! Thank you, Lauren!
Colorado—“A group named Mountain Garrison [who dress up as Star Wars characters] volunteered to ring bells for us,” said Captain Michael Halverson, Ft. Collns, Colo., corps officer. The group gave three hours and brought in $300. “The wonderful thing is we were able to get WB2 Television News to come out and the local Coloradoan newspaper to put it in the paper the next day.”
Fritz honored
Amanda Fritz, a Salvationist from the Portland, Ore.,Tabernacle Corps received the prestigious 2005 Spirit of Portland award on December 14, 2005 during ceremonies at Portland’s City Hall. She was chosen by the members of the Portland City Council for her 20 years of community involvement. Mayor Tom Potter chaired the public presentation and City Commissioner Erik Sten introduced Amanda, told of her numerous accomplishments and presented her with the award—a beautiful lucite plaque. Amanda is also running for City Council. She is the daughter-in-law of Colonel and Mrs. Edward Fritz, retired Eastern Territory officers.
Majors Crosby celebrate 60th
Major Kathie Timpson, Karren Krosby, and Linda Chamberlain, daughters of Majors Ed and Evie Crosby, honored their parents with a 60th anniversary celebration at the Murrieta, Calif., corps after the Sunday morning service on December 4. About 100 attended the event. The couple married December 4, 1945, and entered training from the Denver Citadel Corps in 1952.
Mesquite recognizes McCaffrey
William McCaffrey, director of Salvation Army operations in Mesquite, Nev., was recently honored by the Chamber of Commerce as Business Person of the Year. McCaffrey, who is also board chair of the Clark County United Way campaign and chair of the Emergency Food Supply program for Clark County, was described as “tenacious in his dedication to doing the right thing for the people in the community.” Congratulations, William!