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by Sue Schumann Warner –
Managing Editor
It’s hard to believe summer is almost over, and soon school buses, pumpkins, and autumn leaves (or haze, in Los Angeles!) will replace swimming pools, picnics, and lazy summer days.
As summer ends, I thank God for his faithfulness–no matter what the season…
HOLDING FAST
Commissioners David and Doreen Edwards greeted members of the Hold Fast Session at their 60th reunion recently, as Training College memories were recalled and exchanged for the 1939-40 session. The former cadets present from the class of 1940 were Commissioner Orval Taylor (R), Mrs. Major Duen, Frances Fletcher, Mrs. Lt. Colonel Muriel Collier (R) and Mrs. Brigadier Clara Rydell (R).
SECOND LIFE FOR COMPUTERS
Adults at the San Gabriel Corps Community Center are enjoying the 24 computers donated to the corps’ computer training lab by Arthur J. Gallager & Co. The computers will be used in classes directed by corps members David Lin and Tie-Mint Song; 30 individuals ranging in age from 20 to 83 are participating. Area Co-President Dominic Ornato expressed appreciation for the opportunity to turn over computers being “retired” by the company, and now serving as training computers.
SUMMER FUN
A/Capts. Arlene and Dion Torres, Apache Junction, Ariz., celebrated the grand opening of the R.I.O.T. (Righteous Invasion of Truth) House, a youth center for children ages 7 to 15 years. Open daily during the summer, the program provides games, snacks and field trips for up to 35 children. The center also has a computer lab, with filtered Internet access, donated by former Vice President Dan and Mrs. Marilyn Quayle. Jason Kidd, of the Phoenix Suns, donated two arcade video games.
ALL ABOUT KIDS
More than 550 people joined SA officers and board members for a special “All About Kids 2000” luncheon in Portland, Ore., raising $175,000 for Army youth programs. TV anchorman Paul Linnman emceed the event and two teens, Stephanie Shults and Rachael Blackledge, shared testimonies of their life-changing experiences at the Army’s Greenhouse and West Women’s and Children’s Shelter.
A LITTLE BIT COUNTRY
The Tustin Ranch, Calif., Corps’ fourth old fashioned Country Fair–highlighted by sky jumpers, climbing walls and Bluegrass musicians–communicated the gospel of Jesus Christ to the more than 500 people who attended. Corps Officers Captains Lee and Michelle Lescano report a team of soldiers contacted newcomers who filled out information cards–30 percent of whom were first time visitors from the neighborhood. Many of them came to church the following Sunday!
CHRISTMAS IN JULY
With a growing need for toys and clothing for disadvantaged children in Tucson, Ariz. a Christmas in July Summer Toy Drive was held recently at Toys ‘R’ Us. With participation by local radio station MIX FM, Toys ‘R’ Us, Sleep America, and McDonalds, the Army’s goal of collecting 20,000 new toys and articles of clothing is under way.
Last year, the Metropolitan Salvation Army Christmas Angel Tree program assisted more than 6500 children and provided over 18,000 new toys and articles of clothing.