Cascade Youth Councils brings youth to Camp Kuratli

By Stephanie Orefice

Unexpected: bouncy balls, songs about hot pockets, magic tricks, Lt. Colonel Judy Smith showered with pitchers of water, late night worship sessions, a vault full of really big stuffed animals, Jim Sparks’ trophy, Major Bob Louangamath’s testimony.

None of those things were mentioned on the poster advertising Cascade Division’s youth councils, but all of them will remind participants of the “Unexpected” weekend event held at Camp Kuratli at Trestle Glen in Boring, Ore.

Youth councils generated laughter, whether from a Spike Arndt look-a-like beat poet, musical comedy duo Dave and Brian’s songs about Smalltown Gangstas, watching people attempt to throw ridiculous items through a basketball hoop, or watching cabin 6 Up win a bunch of meaningless points.

Amid the crazy, unexpected events was the one part of youth councils delegates expected: the presence and moving of the Holy Spirit. Each morning campers gathered with their own corps for a time of reflection and prayer before hearing the morning speakers, Lt.

Colonel Victor Doughty and Captain Paula Wild, bring the Word. Testimonies from Louangamath and Cadet Dana Walters revealed real-life accounts of God shattering expectations.

Some youth councils memories are fast, loud and unpredictable: those bouncy balls that appeared out of nowhere and turned teenagers into hungry hippos, racing as fast as they could to grab one and redeem it for a prize.

Other memories are more personal, tucked in the heart: the late-night Saturday evening acoustic worship in the Grounded Café, empty Italian soda cups scattered around, voices and hands raised.

The main memory from Youth Councils 2013 was that despite the theme of “Unexpected,” one expectation was met: through every activity and meeting, God was present to all who were at Camp Kuratli.

By Julie Matovich

The Salem (Ore.) Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center honored its “Weight Loss Challenge” participants at an awards ceremony April 5 featuring T.C. Pool, a contestant on the most recent season of NBC TV’s “The Biggest Loser.”

The center’s Weight Loss Challenge is an annual 10-week competitive program. This year three teams, each with its own trainer, met twice a week and—in addition to working out—explored topics including the benefits of cardiovascular exercise, proper technique and basic nutrition. The 24 contestants lost a total of 184 pounds with Keisha Bondaug, top female loser, and Daniel Uselton, top male loser, receiving a plaque and a Kindle Fire.

“Breaking participants up into groups had the desired effect of fostering teamwork, which builds the foundation for long-term lifestyle changes,” Fitness Coordinator Bohannon Faraon said. “People are now…exercising together outside of the program.”

In December 2012, the center welcomed Pool and his family for an afternoon that included climbing the rock wall and playing basketball in the gym. The outing was part of a “Where Are They Now” segment that aired during the show’s season premiere Jan. 6.

“Inviting T.C. to share his experience with our Weight Loss Challenge participants and our Kroc Corps community had the impact we hoped for,” said Kendall Reid, director of operations. “Sharing his journey and experiences underscored elements taught in our program and provided valuable inspiration for our community as they continue toward their health and wellness goals.”

Michael Allen Harrison and other pianists perform on the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall stage during
the “Something Grand” benefit concert. Photo by Teresa Engel

Annual concert nets thousands of dollars for Army music programs.

By Teresa Engel

The Salvation Army in the Portland (Ore.) Metro area celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ on March 30 at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall with “Something Grand,” a benefit concert for the Army’s after-school music programs. Ten grand pianos and ten pianists—all on one stage for 90 minutes—shared the gift of music and the joyous spirit of Easter. The concert raised over $15,000, with donations still coming in.

Headliner Michael Allen Harrison, a renowned pianist native to Portland, played alongside colleagues from the music industry, including Michael Kaeshammer, Mac Potts and Barbara Roberts, and several youth protégé pianists. The musicians played together and individually, performing classics by Chopin and Gershwin and modern songs by Adele and Fun.

“This is an exciting opportunity for The Salvation Army to reach a whole new audience and to showcase such an important part of our ministry,” said Major Don Gilger, Portland Metro coordinator and Cascade divisional secretary.

After last year’s concert, which raised $10,000, The Salvation Army in the Portland Metro area launched several new music programs, including the “Gresham BlueGrass Ensemble” and the “Gresham Glee” group at the Gresham Corps, as well as a chimes class at the Moore Street Corps, purchased musical instruments and tuned up existing ones.

L-r: Lt. Kristy Church, Rebeca Johnson, Ashley Kate Whittaker and baby
Photo by Angie Tovar

The program helps approximately 120 families each year.

By Vivian Gatica

The Salvation Army’s Baby Haven has provided a resource for families in Caldwell, Idaho, for the past seven years. In March alone, the Caldwell Corps, led by Lts. Brent and Kristy Church, linked five new families to the program.

Baby Haven is an incentive-based two-year program that offers education, connections to local family resources and economic help for families with children under 2 years old.

“Due to the uncertain job market, many clients do not have the education, skills or transportation to find jobs within their community, which may cause stress that can lead to neglect and child abuse as well as domestic violence,” said Rebeca Johnson, Baby Haven program director. “Baby Haven protects children from child abuse by helping to relieve some of the economic and financial stress caused by uncertainty in our communities.”

Classes provided by the ministry are tailored to teach parents how to overcome obstacles that may come with parenting. They are taught in both English and Spanish, and guests occasionally speak on topics ranging from nutrition to budgeting. Childcare is provided so that parents can attend classes.

“The goal is to educate families on how to become self-sufficient and advocates for their children by giving them value and support,” Johnson said.

Ashley Kate Whittaker, a parent enrolled in Baby Haven, is a single mother who works part-time at Sizzler and attends school full time. Since joining the program, she has become an advocate on creating healthy lifestyles for families in her community. When Whittaker graduates from the program this summer, she plans to mentor new moms and continue to volunteer.

“You [Baby Haven] are truly a godsend in my life,” Whittaker said.

The program, created by previous Corps Officer Captain Ligia Ambriz, helps approximately 120 families yearly. As parents achieve their goals, they are rewarded with baby necessities, alleviating some of the economic stress.

“The goal is to help parents, including single moms and dads, become the best parent they can be,” Johnson said, “and to encourage, empower and equip families through knowledge and community resources.”

Jack Mego selects cauliflower at the Food Circus. Photo by Juli Matovich

Annual event benefits The Salvation Army World Service.

By Julie Matovich

The Salvation Army Salem Corps held its 34th annual International Food Circus and Bazaar on Nov. 3 at its new site, the Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center.

The event featured food booths, a farmer’s market and bazaar, silent and live auctions, and live entertainment with sales proceeds benefiting The Salvation Army World Service.

Visitors sampled foods from countries including France, Germany, Mexico, Italy and Israel, as well as the popular pulled pork sliders at the Southern American booth. An English tea room also offered a variety of teas and finger foods.

Women’s Ministries hosted a farmer’s market of local produce, a bakery booth and a home and gift bazaar.

The Majesty Brass Quintet, McNary High School’s Jazz Band, the Keizer Big Band and other local artists provided entertainment.

Jim Horgen, lead organizer, said in the event’s 34-year history it has raised over $150,000 for The Salvation Army World Service, including such programs as community health, microfinance, human trafficking and disaster relief efforts.

BY TERESA ENGEL

Anita Brackensick, who was promoted to Glory in 2011 following a battle with ovarian cancer, dedicated her life to ensuring women arriving at The Salvation Army West Women’s and Children’s Shelter in Portland, Ore., would have something to wear.

A new clothing closet—appropriately named “Anita’s Closet”—now exists at the domestic violence shelter in her honor, thanks largely to a team of Nike employees.

Brackensick initially identified the need for a clothing closet in 1988 when she noticed that most women did not have much when they came to the shelter. After that, she and her husband, Allan, became weekly volunteers there.

“Anita’s hope for the clothing closet was to make it inviting, welcoming and supportive, as it is often the first place a woman goes after coming to the shelter,” said Fay Schuler, director at the West.

Brackensick worked in the clothing closet every Monday. Sometimes she would be at the West all day and into the night working on the closet and helping women pick out clothes. When she was in the hospital, her husband came in her place, and continues to volunteer today.

“We wanted to remember Anita for all of her work at the West,” Schuler said. “Naming the clothing closet after her seemed a wonderful tribute to an amazing woman.” When Schuler presented the idea at a Nike luncheon, employee Dale Grealish became interested and assembled a team of Nike employees to take on the project.

They secured donations from Nike stores around the country and utilized shelving and hangers to completely renovate the room into a welcoming closet allowing women to “shop” for their clothes. The team painted the room and hung a picture of Brackensick outside.

“The room looks great, but I want to make sure the women have what they need. That is what Anita wanted,” Allan Brackensick said upon visiting the renovated closet. “If her legacy lives on for 100 years, that’d be nice. I am happy that they have recognized the work she started, and I know Anita would be happy to see what has happened here.”

Salvation Army Portland Metro Advisory Board members celebrate a successful All About Kids Annual Dinner, where over $275,000 was raised for youth programs across the Portland Metro community. From left, Paul Migchelbrink, Becky Tymchuk (chair), Lieutenant Jennifer Masango, and Bob Moore
Photo by Teresa Engel

The Salvation Army’s 18th annual All About Kids Dinner raises over $275,000.

By Teresa Engel 

With over 340 guests, The Salvation Army’s 18th annual All About Kids Dinner, “My Story” at the Oregon Zoo Cascade Crest Ballroom, Sept. 25 raised $275,000 for kids in need in the Portland metro community.

“We are truly humbled by the generosity that we continue to see from our supporters in the Portland metro community, and we are so thankful to the men, women, and children who shared their story with us,” said Major Don Gilger, Portland metro coordinator. “Their testimonies made the difference, allowing us to raise nearly $50,000 more than we did last year. Just think of the number of stories we can help write now.”

Longview Fibre received the “Community Partner Award” for its years of providing thousands of cardboard boxes to distribute food to clients. Atiyeh Brothers received an award for long-time service and support of The Salvation Army’s programs, especially at Christmas.

Video testimonies and pictures presented stories of lives changed, and eight individuals told a personal story of The Salvation Army’s impact on his or her life. The Salvation Army Portland Metro Youth Brass Band performed before dinner.

Event sponsors included Fred Meyer Stores and Hoffman Construction.

Lt. Colonel Diane O’Brien provides vocal instruction during the staff band’s ministry
weekend in Portland. Photo by John Docter

Band performs and teaches students in the youth music programs.

By Diane O’Brien, Lt. Colonel

The Western Territorial Staff Band, led by Bandmaster Neil Smith, completed its first ministry weekend under its new designation as “staff band” in Portland, Ore., Oct. 12-14, both performing and teaching.

“We were thrilled to come across excited, expectant listeners as well as young people who really wanted to learn,” Smith said.

Friday evening’s “Beat the Drum” concert, a fundraiser for Salvation Army youth music programs, filled the pews at Old Laurelhurst Church with neighborhood supporters and raised nearly $3,000 and a baby grand piano. The Gresham Corps’ young people’s band participated, exemplifying those who would benefit from the donated funds.

The weekend’s music featured classic pieces: “Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral,” “Fire in the Blood,” and “The Light of the World,” with solos from Stephen Yalden (xylophone), Nick Helms (flugel) and Susan Pierce (vocal). Music composed by band members Ralph Pierce, Kevin Larsson and Daniel Prince were played as well.

Staff band members tutored students Saturday at the Gresham Corps on brass instruments, guitar, voice, percussion, keyboard and composition. That evening, those tutored participated in the concert with brass contributions from “Muffins’ Rhapsody” to “Quicksilver,” the former from the beginners and the latter from Jeremy Morrison and John Docter.

The weekend concluded Sunday with a holiness meeting at the Portland Tabernacle Corps.

“God’s blessings were abundant all weekend,” Smith said. “Not just to attendees but to members of the band as well.”

Cascade Divisional Commander Lt. Colonel Judy Smith cuts the ribbon at the Caldwell Corps’ grand reopening. With her are (l-r): Lt. Kristy Church, Lt. Brent Church, Major John Stennett and Brandon Hixon, candidate for the Idaho House of Representatives. Photo by Connie Vigil

By Kristy Church, Lt.

The Salvation Army in Caldwell, Idaho, led by Corps Officers Lts. Brent and Kristy Church, celebrated completed renovations to its church and social services buildings with a grand reopening Sept. 23.

With new steps and ramps, a new roof and draining, indoor carpet, sod and sprinkler system, and a new parking lot, the Army in Caldwell—which fund-raised for the capital improvements—can better serve the community.

“This is not our building; it’s the community’s building,” said Church. “We wanted a place for people in the community to feel that they’re loved, that they’re accepted no matter what.”

Cascade Divisional Commander Lt. Colonel Judy Smith officially re-dedicated the corps, cutting the ribbon before an audience including Boise (Idaho) corps members, who joined Caldwell Salvationists for a united worship meeting. Other attendees included Caldwell Advisory Board members;Brandon Hixon, a candidate for Idaho’s District 10 House of Representatives seat that covers the city of Caldwell; and representatives from ASC General Contractor, which completed the renovations and donated a built-in barbecue. A celebration lunch using the barbecue followed.

The renovations to the corps basement frees additional space for Baby Haven, a parenting class that began with 30 clients in 2007 and has grown to benefit 682 people.

Swimming instructor Jessica Mitchel teaches a student how to do a streamline back glide at the Kroc Center in Salem. Photo by Jeni Niquette

Oregon Kroc Center offers a variety of aquatics classes.

By Erica Andrews

In high demand every summer, swimming programs at the Kroc Center in Salem, Ore., reach capacity. Coinciding with the closure of the Salem city pool, the Kroc Center officially opened its doors in October 2009.

“We have a variety of classes that we offer and if we had twice the size of pool, all of the classes would still be full,” said Julie Louden, aquatics coordinator for the Salem Kroc Center. “We have a very high need for lessons here.”

Swimming lessons are crucial to all ages, as drowning ranks fifth among the leading causes of unintentional death in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It’s especially important for children 1-4 years old since they have the highest rate of drowning.

Teaching families about water safeguards can drastically reduce a child’s risk of drowning. Nellie Nunez, a health educator for the injury prevention program at the Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles, teaches about the importance of water safety. She said it’s surprising how many people do not know how to swim.

“It’s one of the top three mechanisms of injury for children that we see here,” Nunez said. “Swimming-related injuries are preventable and there’s no need to ever have to experience something tragic.”

The CDC report also showed that between 2005-2009, the fatal unintentional drowning rate for African-Americans was significantly higher than that of Caucasians across all ages; for African-American children ages 5-14, fatality is almost three times that of Caucasian children in the same age range.

Nunez said they work to address this disparity in their swimming education program, which is targeted at communities that are underserved in the Los Angeles area.

At the Kroc Center in Salem, participants in the program are predominantly of Hispanic descent. Louden said the center is looking into specialty classes that will be specifically catered to Spanish speakers.

Kroc Centers nationwide currently provide an array of swimming lessons and activities. They currently offer lessons for preschool (3-5 years old), juniors (6-14 years old) and adults (15 years old and above). The center also has CPR training courses and aerobics classes like Spin & Swim, which combines land and water exercise.

“Besides just learning to swim, swimming offers kids such a well-rounded experience because it helps in their developmental years,” Louden said. “You can see their confidence grow when you’re teaching them…their faces just light up because they realize they can do it. It’s exciting!”

One participant said the program was fantastic and she couldn’t believe how much her son learned in such a short amount of time. “He use to be afraid of water and now he is confident,” she said. “I think he will be teaching me some things!”