by Captain Robert L. Rudd – 

It isn’t too soon to be thinking about the National Advisory Organizations Conference, to be held in Pasadena, Calif., April 30-May 2, 1999.

The NAOC Conference is one of the most exciting and enriching experiences you can have with The Salvation Army, bringing together members of advisory organizations throughout the U.S.

The Pasadena Convention Center was selected because it is well suited to the major event presentations and small group workshops that will share creative and meaningful ideas from around the country. With our own Bob Bearchell involved, it promises to be an outstanding event.

FLOOD FIGHT GOES ON

Captain Phil Lum, Santa Rosa corps officer, says their Emergency Canteen has been on call since early February. They have provided meals for the helicopter pilots at Sonoma County Airport, delivered homemade soup to the Red Cross Shelter in Sebastopol, and fed victims and workers at Rio Nido.

Having use of the Sonoma County Fairground main pavilion has helped distribution greatly this year.

BACK COUNTRY ANGEL

Beverly Lockett, the Army’s angel of the back country, died recently in her Descanso home at the age of 61. Lockett pioneered the Army’s outreach to the mountains, deserts and canyons of San Diego County in 1977. Her white Ford Bronco was a beacon of mercy, as in boots, sweatshirt and jeans, she delivered clothing and compassion. “For the poor, Beverly often was the voice of compassion and a messenger of hope,” said Major Don Bell, divisional commander. By runaway teens, struggling seniors, and many others overlooked by the public, Beverly’s work will be remembered.

“EGGSTRAVAGANZA”

Turk Street in San Francisco is literally the front yard for more than 200 kids living in the immediate area. Shirley Louangamath, youth program director at the Turk Street Central Corps, hatched a memorable Easter Saturday program for the 50 kids involved in her after-school and recreational programs and others nearby. The Fire and Police Departments pitched in with tangible treats, displays and help with traffic. See’s Candy and Safeway donated gift certificates and Easter candy. Booths included face painting, a dunking tank, and other exciting games. For two hours, Turk Street had a different look and mood. Congratulations for a job well done!

JUNIOR SOLDIERS INCLUDED

According to Captain Glenda Berko, four corps were omitted from the 1997 Junior Soldier Standard of Achievement Awards. They are: Oceanside, Riverside, and San Diego Citadel: blue; and San Bernardino: yellow. Congratulations to these fine Junior soldiers!

HARBOR LIGHT MERIT AWARD

We are pleased to learn that the San Francisco Department of Public Health has selected the Harbor Light Center (Majors Lawrence and Victoria Shiroma) to receive a $24,700 merit award. The monies have been approved by the review committee and will be well used for new carpeting, resident recreational supplies, dining room tables, and a new computer and printer.

FORBES MAGAZINE HAS IT!

Don’t miss the article in the April 20, 1998 Forbes Magazine by Susan Lee and Ashlea Ebeling entitled, “Can You Top This For Cost-Efficient Manage-ment?” Some quotes: “Charity it may be, but The Salvation Army can teach us all a lot about how to run a business…Of the $1.56 billion the Army spent in 1996, $1.34 billion went to helping people-that’s 86 cents for every dollar.” Statistics show the Army looking good compared to other prominent charities. Peter Drucker says, “…If achieving its goal at low cost is a measure of an organization’s effectiveness, the Army stands high.”

ARC CORPS THRIVING

Carpinteria, Calif. ARC Corps, the newest of three in our ARC Command, is well on its way. Lt. Grady Brown, ARC administrator, reports, “Still glowing over Easter week services. God blessed us tremendously.”

The nine events during Easter week averaged about 90 in attendance, with 89 new adherents and eight Senior soldiers enrolled. The Sunday morning Easter service was attended by 167. Congratulations!

RAY WILL BE MISSED

After an aerospace industry cutback, Ray Monson’s “filler job” as truck driver at the Santa Monica ARC stretched to 27 years of dedicated service. Ray served under 11 different administrators, 37 supervisors, and even worked with the same truck helper for the last five years.

“He is one of the most thoughtful men we have ever had,” says Director of Operations Ray McDaniel. Administra-tors Lts. Man-Hee and Stephanie Chang, as well as the numerous people with whom he has come into contact, will dearly miss his quiet, gentlemanly presence. Enjoy your retirement, Ray!