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by Captain Robert L. Rudd –
Great Plains, a leading provider of enterprise-wide business management solutions for the midmarket, recently honored the territorial finance department with a 1999 Pinnacle Award for outstanding achievements. There were 60 major corporation nominees at Great Plains’ annual customer conference.
Because of Great Plains C/S+, the Army has improved its communication and information sharing, helping both us and our donors, as the added efficiency makes more resources available for charitable efforts.
HICKMAN HOUSE BENEFITS
Families who have been through domestic violence find a haven at Northwest Division’s Hickman House apartments. Recently, the Army has partnered with three groups: The Paul Allen Foundation, the Girl Scouts of America, and the West Seattle Rotary, to build a beautiful new playground and quiet area. Lt. Colonel Chris Buchanan and Divisional Secretary Captain Paul Seiler were present at the recent dedication. Also attending was Miss Lindsey Hampson, the Girl Scout who helped develop this project as part of a badge requirement and was honored with the NSFRE Washington State Young Philanthropist of the Year Award. It was a time of appreciation and thanks for this new addition to Hickman House.
CHILDREN LEARN WITH MUSIC
At the Santa Rosa, Calif., Performing Arts School, children learn in innovative ways. Captain Phil Lum says, “Because we use Christian music, we get to introduce youngsters to a spiritual experience they may never have had otherwise.”
The school is in the second session since beginning in February. A concert is held for parents at the end of each six-week session. People from the corps teach keyboard, guitar, timbrels and brass instruments as well as creative ministries and choir. Even low-income families can afford the small fee. Instruments are now borrowed; working used instruments are needed if the program is to continue.
SPIRIT AWARDS
Some of Orange County’s most compassionate and community-oriented organizations and individuals were honored at the 1999 Annual “Spirit Awards” civic dinner and celebration of service. Special guests were Commissioners James and Ruth Osborne (R), former national leaders. The 1999-2000 Orange County Advisory Board was introduced and honored.
Chief Secretary Colonel Bill Luttrell, Lt. Colonels Alfred and Sherryl Van Cleef, Captains Lee and Michele Lescano and Advisory Board President Milt Madole were present. Steve Knott, of the famed Knott’s Berry Farm, accepted the “Spirit of the Army” award for the family, and the “William Booth” award was presented to Bill Wenke of Newport Beach. Betty Belden-Palmer and Doy Henley co-chaired the evening, which was enjoyed by more than 450 people.
KINGDOM KIDS
During its regular Sunday morning worship service, the Santa Barbara Corps’ Kingdom Kids Child Care held a very special graduation ceremony. Thirteen preschoolers, wearing graduation caps, received diplomas and gifts from Captain Isobel Robinson. Child Care Director Irma Blancarte and her teachers were also recognized during the service. Later in the day, more than 100 people from the corps and Kingdom Kids continued the celebration with a barbecue, games and fellowship.
CELEBRATING SOBRIETY
The Riverside County ARC (Lts. Grady and Judy Brown) recently held its annual Sobriety and Recognition Ban-quet, attended by 262 people. Rev. Robert E. Bloom, pastor at The Village Church in Santa Clarita, was the guest speaker. He shared his story of alcohol addiction and how God had delivered him, even while serving as a pastor. Bob Dreschler was volunteer of the year, and Ms. Micki Birks was employee of the year.
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