Western Division
The Salvation Army Salute
Volume 19, No. 1
Welcome Home, Nighthawks
In this issue:
Local UFL Team Finds Home at Omaha’s Kroc Center Some people were very surprised when the UFL Omaha Nighthawks announced at a news conference on July 21 that it would establish its football training camp at The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in south Omaha. There’s nothing like this partnership anywhere else in the nation. The UFL team signed a two-year rental agreement for the facilities. According to United Football League (UFL) spokesperson Kat Welch, the Nighthawks also became the first of the five UFL franchise teams to conduct practices in its host city. Team training began August 21.
Fall 2010
United football League partnership Lincoln Corps' "Mission: Literacy" New Planned Giving Associates
The Kroc Center’s sports field complex is used for the team’s practice field. A 5,000-square-foot locker room is being built within the Kroc Center. The Education Center is used for team meetings and the Fellowship Hall is the training table with the Kroc Center’s executive chef preparing the food. Among those present at the news conference was the first player to sign with the Nighthawks, former Nebraska Husker and Green Bay Packer star Ahman Green. Green signed the tee-shirts of the children who were attending “Kroc Summer Day Camp” that day. For the Kroc Center, having players there furthers The Salvation Army’s mission of giving children the chance to interact with positive role models. It also gives the community exposure to what the Kroc Center offers when people drop by to watch the Nighthawks practice. Using the state-of-the-art Kroc Center facility as their home for training helps the UFL team with its goal of being close to the Omaha community. “From the moment we first visited the Kroc Center, we wanted to house our team there and not only make the most of top-class facilities but also become integrated within the local Omaha community,” said Nighthawks General Manager Rick Mueller. “Everyone from the Nighthawks organization is excited to be here.” Ahman Green, former Nebraska Husker and Green Bay Packers star, is pictured with children attending Kroc summer day camp at the Kroc Center.
UFL Nighthawks Present $25,000 Award to Kroc Center
A $25,000 award from the United Football League (UFL) Omaha Nighthawks to the Omaha Salvation Army will allow two programs for Omaha’s children and teens to take place at The Salvation Army’s Kroc Center in south Omaha. With this generous award, the Nighthawks expansion team and the Kroc Center have partnered to create a Nighthawks youth fan club for children ages 5-12 and a new mentoring program for teens. These two programs will help children and teens experience a better life, give them access to positive role models and have fun along the way.
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Lolo Jones Returns “Home” International track star Lolo Jones paid a surprise visit to The Salvation Army’s Citadel Corps and summer day camp in Des Moines, Iowa on June 28. She brought a television crew with her. Jones and the NBC television crew visited the corps to help tell the story of how her family lived at the corps during a time of homelessness when she was a child. Lolo was active in the corps’ children’s ministries during her childhood. After playing a game of dodgeball with the day camp children, Lolo encouraged them to reach for their goals. “What a joy to have Lolo visit,” said Major Mary Corliss, Citadel Corps Officer. “She was such an inspiration to the young lives in our day camp.” In the course of the year, the Citadel Corps’ day camp program serves some 120 children. Nearly 50 day campers were on hand for Lolo’s visit. continued on page 2 www. G i veSa lv a t io n Army .o rg
Save the Date Bell Ringing Signup Begins: . . . . . . Oct. 1 at www.RingOmaha.org Red Kettle 5K Run: . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct. 30 For more information, visit www.GiveSalvationArmy.org Bell Ringing Season: . . Nov. 12 – Dec. 24 Kettle Klub Reception: . . . . . . . . . . . Nov. 3 Tree of Lights Kickoff: . . . . . . . . . Nov. 12 TurkeyFest: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nov. 25
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From The Commander I have always found early autumn to be a season of paradox. It means the beginning of another school year. On the other hand, the beautiful colors in the changing leaves remind me that the ending of another year is fast approaching and with it comes winter, the holidays, and family gatherings. This issue of Salute is filled with useful information and inspirational stories. You Paul D. Smith will read about our BackTo-School effort and also our ministry to the Sudanese community in Omaha. You will find examples of The Salvation Army meeting basic needs through our disaster services and a literacy program in Lincoln, Nebraska. I think you will be inspired by the impact Olympic athlete Lolo Jones had during a recent visit with the children in Des Moines, Iowa. I believe what you read will be a blessing to you as you see examples of lives being impacted and transformed through the ministry of The Salvation Army. This ministry is made possible through the generosity of organizations and people like you.
Your partner in serving others,
Local UFL Team Finds Home continued The youth fan club provides kids the chance to meet Nighthawks’ players and to be a part of the UFL Nighthawks team excitement. Details for both the fan club and the mentoring program will be posted at www.OmahaKroc. org as they become available.
Pictured with Camp Kroc Kids is Lt. Bersabe Vera - Hernandez, Youth Development & Outreach/Multi-Cultural Ministries Coordinator Omaha Kroc Center
Two New Donor Opportunities: Support Scholarships. Honor a Friend. Donations to the Kroc Center Scholarship program fund up to 100 percent of a membership at the Kroc Center for people who live below the poverty level or who have very difficult life circumstances. The sponsored scholarship gives them the chance to grow and develop. One scholarship recipient said, “The Kroc Center will change my life because it will help my children and me to be a normal, healthy family.” Donors also are taking advantage of the opportunity to honor a friend or relative, living or deceased, in the new Tribute program. They can create a lasting memorial, salute or a special occasion in the person’s life such as a birthday, anniversary, marriage or special achievement. The honored person’s name and a tribute message will be placed on a garden bench or tree in the Kroc Center’s outdoor green space.
Major Paul D. Smith Divisional Commander
Lolo Jones Returns "Home" continued The NBC crew captured video of Lolo Jones and the day campers in preparation for coverage of Lolo prior to the 2012 Summer Olympic Games. The footage is expected to be broadcast in August of 2012. The film crew director said some of the video may be shown sooner on NBC’s Today Show. Jones, an Olympic hurdler from Des Moines, is a two-time world indoor champion. She won her second outdoor national title in the 100-meter hurdles at the USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Des Moines on June 26 with a time of 12.69 seconds.
Thanks to Mark Theisen, Joe Bavaresco and Woodmen of the World for the donation of brochures for the Omaha Citadel Corps
Majors Todd and Catherine Thielke, Omaha Kroc Center leaders with Camp Kroc Kids.
Scholarship donations can be sent directly to The Salvation Army, 3612 Cuming St., Omaha, NE 68131, Attn: Development Department. Or they can be made by clicking the Donate flag at www.OmahaKroc.org. (For website donations, please specify Omaha Kroc Center). Any donation amount is welcome. A tribute can be made over the phone by simply calling 402-898-6052.
Thank You, Joan Kroc
For up to date information on Kroc Center progress, log on to www.OmahaKroc.org. 2
The Kroc Center was made possible thanks to the vision and generosity of Joan Kroc, wife of the founder of the McDonald's restaurant chain. At the Kroc Center, children, adults, seniors and families are inspired to discover their unique potential through health, education, the arts and spiritual enrichment. The state-of-the-art building covers six square blocks and includes an Aquatics Center, Fitness Deck, Gymnasium Complex, Learning Center, Assembly Hall, Sports Field Complex, Game Room and more.
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It’s Not All About Them
Emily Essen of Fremont lives with an illness. Yet the teenager puts pain aside as she volunteers. Among other contributions, she founded “The Little Rays of Sunshine” to comfort children hospitalized on holidays. Like the other eight teenagers selected this year as The Salvation Army D.J.’s Hero Awards Luncheon winners, she has reached outside her own problems to help others. “These kids know that it’s not all about them,” said Super Bowl hero Kurt Warner who spoke at the D.J.’s Hero Awards Luncheon on May 3. Haley Graupner of Lincoln knows it’s not all about her. Despite being placed in 27 foster homes, she enthusiastically volunteers in the community. Desiree LaFerla left an abusive home life behind and now volunteers for organizations such as the Open Door Mission. She created a student-led club, “Do Something Mustangs!”, that carries out activities to help those in need. Desiree knows it’s not “all about her”. These three were among nine teenagers saluted along with this year’s Adult Hero, Dr. Lee Simmons. Director of the Henry Doorly Zoo for nearly 40 years, Simmons has created many educational programs that bring knowledge of the natural world to young people. Among the 1,400 people who rose to give these heros a standing ovation were Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman and Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle. Each teen received a $5,000 academic scholarship. Several are the first in their families to go to college. The number of “heroes” ages 17 through 19 who were honored this year was a record number. Sid Dinsdale, co-chair of the event with his wife, Dawn, said: “My favorite part of the preparation process for the D.J.’s Hero Awards Luncheon is the reading and selecting of the scholarship winners. If you read these applications and don’t tear up, then you don’t have a heart. These kids are truly an inspiration.” Donors included Mid-American Energy Holdings Company and David and Peggy Sokol. The awards are named for their son, D.J. Sokol, who died at age 18 after a valiant battle with cancer. Other donors were Sid and Dawn Dinsdale and Suzanne Caruso. Sokol persuaded Warner to sign a football for a $5,000 donation. He then challenged those in the audience to match his donation for a second football
Back row (from left): Desiree LaFerla, Kasey Pestel, John Gardner, Dr. Lee Simmons, Kurt Warner, Major Renea Smith, Major Paul D. Smith, Andrew VanDerVeen and Emily Essen. Front row (from left): Sarah Payich, Taylor Tacha, Richelle Price and Haley Graupner
autographed by the former Arizona Cardinals quarterback. After spirited bidding, Scott Robinson of Omaha won with an $8,500 donation. The luncheon raises funds to support programs such as: Children’s Summer Enrichment, Comprehensive Adolescent Residential and Educational Services for pregnant and parenting teens (CARES), and Salvation Army KETV Seven Can Help Kids Back-to-School Backpack program for children from low-income families. Warner named the Rev. Billy Graham and civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr., as examples of heroes who never compromised their ideals. He quoted King as saying, “A man who won’t die for something is not fit to live.” Warner adds, “To be a Hero, you have to be willing to sacrifice for someone else.”
“The D.J.’s Hero Awards Scholarship Committee met intending to select six teens from 130 nominations for the $5,000 scholarships,” said Joanne Bemis, divisional director of development and community relations. “But there were too many good nominations and outstanding candidates so we selected three additional recipients!”
Welcome New Officers: Steven Merritt and Christine (Diaz) Merritt were both born to Salvation Army officers. Growing up, Steve lived with his family in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Indiana, and Illinois. Christine lived in Michigan, Nebraska, and Illinois with her officer parents. They met as children while both families were stationed in Omaha, Nebraska. Their paths crossed again in Chicago, Illinois. From Chicago, Steve went into the US Marine Corps in 1981 and spent three years at Camp Pendleton, CA. Christine attended Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, IL from 1980-1984 and graduated with a BA in Education/K-9. After Steve returned to Chicago, he was employed at Schiele Graphics as a Journeyman Printer. Christine returned to Chicago and worked at Burson-Marsteller Public Relations Firm. Both were active soldiers at The Salvation Army Oakbrook Terrace Corps. They were married in 1986 and resided in Oak Park, IL. They had their first child, Benjamin, in 1990. In 1991, Steve and Christine entered the College for Officer Training in Chicago, IL. After being commissioned and ordained in 1993, they were appointed as corps officers in Lafayette, IN. Their responsibilities included preaching, teaching, and oversight of The Salvation Army work in Lafayette and Tippecanoe County. Under their direction were social services, a family shelter, and an advisory board. They also added a second child, Matthew, to their family in 1994. In 1995 Steve and Christine were appointed to Oak Creek, Wisconsin as corps officers. They remained in the ministry in Oak Creek for eight years. They were responsible for congregational life, community relations, a 78 unit HUD housing complex for seniors, and an extensive childcare and afterschool program. The last of their three children, Abigail, was born in 1998. The Salvation Army transferred the Merritts to Dearborn Heights Citadel (one of the oldest established corps in the Central Territory) in the metro Detroit area as corps officers. They worked very closely with the Ford Motor Company community. Their area of service included the largest population of immigrants from Iraq outside of the Mideast. They served in this appointment from July, 2003-June, 2010. Recently, Steve and Christine have been appointed to Western Division Headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska. Steve serves as the divisional secretary and Christine as the divisional women’s ministries secretary. They took up these responsibilities in this appointment on July 1, 2010. www. G i veSa lv a t io n Army .o rg
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“Because You Cared. . .” Captain James Pennington, corps officer in Lincoln, Nebraska reflects on his personal experiences when The Salvation Army set out to help during the recent flooding in Norfolk, Nebraska. “After four days of mobile feeding in the flood area, we really got to know the people in the area by name. We were able to pray with them and provide short-term counseling.” “I remember talking to Elisa one day over a plate of spaghetti in her driveway. She was talking about the devastation and how she lost so much. But then she said to me, ‘I’m trying to keep it in. I have to pull myself together. I can do it.’ I looked at her and said, ‘No, you don’t have to hold it all in. You have just gone through a traumatic event. It’s okay to let it all out.’ She looked at me as if she was asking for permission, and, at that moment, she burst into tears. We hugged and I offered to pray for her.” “She accepted the prayer and afterwards thanked me for allowing her to cry -- the first time she had cried about the whole thing. From then on at every meal, we made sure we stopped by Elisa’s home. I met her husband and her two children, and soon she introduced me to her next door neighbor and her children. Every time we passed by her house, the canteen stopped, food was dispensed and a prayer was said.” “It was neat to see the people in Norfolk. We would drive down the street stopping at every driveway, dispensing food and clean-up kits. The people would see us coming, and they would stop working. They would patiently line up in their driveways waiting for us to reach them.” “Soon one neighbor would run and get a few lawn chairs. Another would appear with a table cloth, and there in the middle of the putrid smell of receding flood waters, a little neighborhood picnic was held.”
Volunteer Opportunities Adopt-a-Family Radiothon Christmas sign up Turkeyfest Toyland Gene Eppley Camp Material Assistance (MASS) Dora Bingel Senior Center • Cleanup and volunteer • Food pantry helper • Bingo Caller Assistant • Van Driver • Meal Servers • Movie day coordinator • Red Hat Society aide • Scrabble coordinator • Scrapbook leader • Wii leader Durham Booth Manor • Government commodities distribution Omaha Senior Services Department • Telephone Reassurance/Friendly Visitor Emergency Disaster Services • Disaster Services volunteer Stepping Stones Child Care Development Center • Substitute grandparent Interested in volunteering? Go to our website www.GiveSalvationArmy.org/Volunteering.asp or call 402-898-6000
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The volunteers heard many stories of floods past and how the folks dealt with them then and now. Captain Pennington said that many residents thanked The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (SAEDS) volunteers for their caring in a time when all seemed lost. They were called “angels on site” and the “calming force among all of the destruction.” There were also many “thank you’s.” In regard to The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Service (SAEDS) efforts, Lt. Joe Martinec with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office stated that The Salvation Army services were “PRICELESS!”
Our Wish List • • • • • • • • •
Three wooden pedestal tables (large enough for board games) Travel size hygiene products: soap, lotions, toothpaste and shampoo especially for men Hand-held steam cleaner New puzzles with larger pieces Diapers Yarn Laundry detergent Bottled water Snack foods (individually packaged)
If you are able to contribute to Our Wish List, please contact Madeline Madden, 402-898-5907.
For current news and information or to donate online visit www.GiveSalvationArmy.org.
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From Air Force to "Army" Captain Scott Shelbourn and his wife, Captain Jolinda Shelbourn, joined the Western Division in June as divisional youth secretaries. Scott’s first job after high school was with the U.S. Air Force where he served six years as an imagery interpreter specialist. He then attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Before God called the Shelbourn’s to His service with The Salvation Army, Scott worked for Medical Technologies where he installed audiological medical equipment for hospitals. Jolinda was a dance teacher with a background in theater. In 1997, they left their careers and began work as directors of ministries at the Omaha Citadel Corps. They worked there for two years before entering the College for Officer’s Training in Chicago, IL. While at the college, they were selected to try a new training program and became the administrators of the Peoria Citadel Corps for their second year of training. They ran the corps while completing the course work. In 2001, they were commissioned as captains. They returned to Peoria Citadel as the corps officers. In 2005, they were appointed as corps officers at the Bloomington Corps in Bloomington, IL. Four years later, they completed a $2.5 million capital campaign in Bloomington to build a new homeless shelter. In 2004, Scott was honored as the Outstanding Young Religious Leader of the Year by the Peoria Area Jaycees. He has been a member of Kiwanis International for eight years and served as the Spiritual Aims Committee Chairman in the Bloomington Kiwanis Club until June when he moved to Omaha, his hometown. Married 18 years, the Shelbourns have four children.
“Mission: Literacy” Launched in Lincoln
The Bible is used in Lincoln to help students improve their reading scores. The Salvation Army in Lincoln, Nebraska began “Mission: Literacy” in January for students in its after-school program. The literacy program was developed for The Salvation Army nationwide in conjunction with the American Bible Society to improve reading scores using Bible stories. Captain Angie Pennington of the Lincoln Corps found out about the program on Facebook from an officer using it in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Over the course of the semester in Lincoln, improvements were dramatic. Forty-five students participated in the 22-week program. Six teachers worked with students for one hour twice a week. Eleven of the 45 students initially received the lowest score possible on tests. By the end of the program, only two students re-tested at that same level, and 87 percent of the students improved their reading scores. A majority of students in the after-school program attend nearby Clinton Elementary School which has the second lowest reading scores in the district. One third grader, Aries, began “Mission: Literacy” at the lowest reading level. At that time, his report card showed that he “did not meet minimum standards” in five areas related to reading. By the end of the program, his scores had jumped 20 points, and he is now reading at grade level. On his final report card, he now “meets minimum standards” in all but one of the reading areas. "Mission: Literacy" Program a big success at the Lincoln, NE Corps Community Center
James, a first grader, began the program lacking basic reading skills. At the end of the program, James’ scores increased seven points. He is now what most would consider an emerging reader. James’ mother said that before our program began, her son had absolutely no interest in reading. She had never seen him with a book. Since our program began, her son has regularly brought books home from school to read. At the end of the semester, students celebrated with a graduation party that was well attended by parents. Stanford Bradley, the program coordinator, said, “We want the kids to know that we support their education as passionately as we support their sports.”
Lincoln Corps Welcomes Karen Cullinan Karen Cullinan has been named development director for the Lincoln, Nebraska Corps. Cullinan has been with The Salvation Army Divisional Headquarters since March 2007 where she worked in Development as a planned giving associate. In that role, her territory included Lincoln and all points west in Nebraska as well as western South Dakota. She will now focus her efforts in Lincoln and says, “I have enjoyed my time traveling and meeting our friends and donors all over Nebraska and South Dakota, and I am very excited for the opportunity to work with The Salvation Army and to help meet the needs of the city where I was born.” Her transition began in late May, and she began working full time in Lincoln this June. Her primary role is to raise funds for the Lincoln Corps Capital Campaign. For more information about ways to support The Salvation Army in Lincoln, please contact Karen at 402-318-4671. www. G i veSa lv a t io n Army .o rg
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Three Join Des Moines Staff The staff of The Salvation Army in Des Moines, Iowa recently welcomed a new officer, director of family services and receptionist. Lieutenant Janelle Cleaveland was assigned as the associate officer at The Salvation Army’s Citadel Corps in Des Moines. She began her duties on July 1. Cleaveland works with Citadel Corps Officer Major Mary Corliss. After earning a bachelor’s degree in community relations and marketing in Wisconsin, she entered the College for Officer Training from Waukesha, WI. A native of Clinton, IA, Lt. Cleaveland was ordained and commissioned on June 13, 2010 in Schaumburg, IL. She is working on her master’s degree. Marie Birdsley is the new director of family services for The Salvation Army in Des Moines. She succeeds Bev Johnson who died unexpectedly in February. Lt. Janelle Cleaveland
A native of the Des Moines metro area, Birdsley is a graduate of Urbandale High School. In May, she received a bachelor’s degree in Child, Adult and Family Services from Iowa State University. As a college student, she had considerable internship experience with the Iowa Department of Human Services. In her new position, Birdsley supervises all aspects of The Salvation Army’s social services outreach in Des Moines. Two food pantries are part of their outreach. Roberta Arnett joined The Salvation Army’s staff earlier this year. A true multi-tasker, Arnett serves as receptionist for the city administrative offices, the Temple Corps and the family services department. She also assists the family services staff. A native of Galesburg, Illinois, Arnett has lived in Des Moines for eight years. Prior to joining The Salvation Army staff, she worked as an administrative assistant/office manager for The Christian Church in the Upper Midwest. This new staff member is the mother of one son, Dario, 19.
On Familiar Ground in South Dakota For new planned giving associate Greg Krumbach, working with donors and professional advisors across South Dakota will be familiar territory. A native of Parker, SD, Krumbach is a graduate of South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD. After working on the campaign to elect the late South Dakota Governor George S. Mickelson, Greg served in the Governor’s administration and in the South Dakota Department of Agriculture. He later attended the North American Baptist Seminary in Sioux Falls then served as pastor of several Iowa churches before becoming a fundraiser in the nonprofit sector. “I look forward to providing information to donors of The Salvation Army that will help them and their trusted advisors develop estate plans that can fiscally benefit them and create a lasting gift to The Salvation Army,” Krumbach said. He and his wife, Karen, have three children. His hobbies include wheat harvesting, camping, boating, basketball and reading, especially historical novels. Greg can be contacted at 402-898-5970 or online at greg_krumbach@usc. salvationarmy.org
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Give and You Shall Receive
Charitable gift annuities offer tax advantages and guaranteed lifetime payments. Tacye Pedersen of Red Oak, Iowa, found a way to give to The Salvation Army while also benefitting herself in the future in a practical way by giving through charitable gift annuities. Her two charitable gift annuities offer tax advantages and guaranteed lifetime payments while at the same time providing future funding for Salvation Army programs and services. “The interest from a gift annuity is very good,” said Mrs. Pedersen. “You don’t get this good rate of interest on anything else these days. I like to give to charity, but at my age, I can’t just do that. The charitable gift annuities let me support The Salvation Army while giving me some financial security.” For Mrs. Pedersen, who was born and raised in Hastings, Iowa, her family’s connection with The Salvation Army may extend as far back as her grandfather, William Booth Wilson. “My grandfather was probably named for William Booth.” (Booth founded The Salvation Army in 1865). “It’s possible that my grandfather had direct contact with William Booth.” Her grandfather lived in England before moving to the United States. Following a career as a gold prospector, he moved to Iowa where he purchased farmland in Mills County. Pedersen’s late husband also supported The Salvation Army. “He always knew that The Salvation Army was a good, safe place. The Army would always help.” Mrs. Pedersen’s confidence in the work of The Salvation Army was fostered by both her grandfather and husband. “It’s wonderful what The Salvation Army can do. I strongly recommend The Salvation Army and its charitable gift annuity program as a good way to help those in need,” she said.
President’s Volunteer Service Award Recognition The President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation (the Council) was established in 2003 to recognize the valuable contributions volunteers are making in our communities and encourage more people to serve. The Council created the President’s Volunteer Service Award program as a way to thank and honor Americans who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service. Recognizing and honoring volunteers sets a standard for service, encourages a sustained commitment to civic participation, and inspires others to make service a central part of their lives. The President’s Volunteer Service Award recognizes individuals, families, and groups that have achieved a certain standard – measured by the number of hours of service over a 12-month period or cumulative hours earned over the course of a lifetime. This year the President’s Volunteer Service Award Program recognized Harry Reyburn of Omaha, NE as the recipient of the President’s Call To Service Award. This award recognizes volunteers who have completed 4,000 hours or more of volunteer service over a lifetime. Congratulations Harry!
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Strategic Planning with the Corps: “Planning for the Future” A quote attributed to Yogi Berra states: “If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll end up somewhere else.” “The quote may not express an intellectual approach to life, but its meaning resonates with those of us who believe in planning,” said Hal Johnson, Western Division director of board development and long range planning. “If a business, a person or a corps is ever to fully engage the gifts that God has provided and rise to full fruition, planning is a critical element in the process of getting there. Such was the genesis behind strategic planning for the corps,” he says. “It has taken a full two years to see our long-range planning process accepted and adopted by Salvation Army corps throughout the Western Division. But now that we have hit the point of critical mass, it seems another corps is asking for a strategic planning retreat every week.” Appointed to his position by Colonel William Harfoot in 2007, Hal has seen the efforts of Divisional Headquarters come into full bloom within the last year. In the most basic explanation of the division’s approach to long-range (sometimes called ‘strategic’) planning, this approximately 10-hour retreat encompasses four primary areas: mission development, vision definition, strategy and timing. The term “mission” challenges corps officers and advisory boards to state WHY the corps is active in its respective community. The “vision” definition seeks to describe WHAT the long-term vision for the corps is. “Strategy” sessions develop HOW the corps plans to attain the goals and objectives set out in the vision segment while “timing” seeks to lay out a final plan of WHEN important milestones are to be achieved (and in what order). This general planning outline is further explored in terms of four distinct areas: programs, facilities, staffing, and branding. By the end of the retreat, usually held on a Friday night-Saturday time frame, corps officers have an excellent plan from which to guide the day-to-day operations of the corps. The plan enables the officers and advisory board to selectively develop specific program thrusts while also enabling the corps to proactively design its impact on the local community. Strategic planning also aids in the transition of new officers into a corps as the incoming officer already has a welldefined plan from which to manage. “The positive result of strategic planning cannot be understated and is backed up by the hundreds of successful books and studies on leadership, business management, and church development,” says Johnson. “It is an exciting time in The Salvation Army. Corps that make strategic planning a priority are well-positioned to take a leadership role in addressing the many and complicated issues of the era.”
OFFICERS ON THE MOVE
Helping Donors Fulfill Goals Diane K. Moore joined The Salvation Army staff in July as a planned giving associate. In her new role, she will visit contributors and friends of The Salvation Army throughout the state of Nebraska.
As of last July, there are many new faces and some new appointments for Salvation Army officers throughout the Western Division which includes Nebraska, South Dakota and the western two-thirds of Iowa. Major Steve Merritt, Divisional Secretary/Men’s Ministries Secretary, Omaha, NE Major Christine Merritt, Women’s Ministries Secretary, Omaha, NE Captain Scott Shelbourn, Divisional Youth Secretary/Camp Administrator/ Assistant Candidates Secretary, Omaha, NE Captain Jolinda Shelbourn, Divisional Youth Secretary, Omaha, NE Major Todd Thielke, Senior Kroc Center Officer, Omaha Kroc Center Major Cathy Thielke, Kroc Center Officer for Congregational Life, Omaha Kroc Center Lieutenant Bersabe Vera-Hernandez, Kroc Center Officer for Youth Development & Outreach/Multi-Cultural Ministries Coordinator Lieutenants Joel & Etta Johnson, Corps Officers, Omaha North Corps Lieutenants Bradley & Cassandra Burkett, Corps Officers, Council Bluffs Corps Lieutenant Janelle Cleaveland, Associate Corps Officer, Des Moines Citadel Corps Major James Beardsley, Black Hills Area Coordinator/Corps Officer, Rapid City, SD Major Elizabeth Beardsley, Black Hills Area Special Services/Corps Officer, Rapid City, SD Majors David & Marina Womack, Corps Officers, Aberdeen Corps Transferring within the Division: Majors Richard & Susan Rubottom, Corps Officers, Omaha Citadel Corps Captain Grace LaFever, Assistant Corps Officer, Lincoln, NE Lieutenant Ruth Sellen, Associate Corps Officer, Mitchell, SD
“Gift-giving is a very personal endeavor,” she said. “I look forward to the privilege of working with our donors and hearing their stories.” Moore said she is ready to assist donors and their advisors with information that will help them fulfill their lifetime financial and charitable goals, both for their family and their legacy. A native of Norfolk, NE, Moore moved to Omaha in 2000. She has maintained a strong commitment to the nonprofit sector, working previously for the Boy Scouts of America Mid-America Council, Dana College, the Omaha Symphony, and Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska. She holds professional memberships with the Nebraska Association of Fundraising Professionals, the American Association of Grant Professionals and the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning. Moore enjoys spending time with family and friends. Her hobbies include genealogy, scrapbooking, photography and crafts. Diane can be contacted at 402-898-5890 or online at diane_moore@ usc.salvationarmy.org.
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A Gift to Encourage Positive Choices Long-time supporter and Advisory Board member Mike Simmonds recently agreed to chair the Army’s North Corps Development Committee. After touring the facility, Mike learned the important role the corps plays in the lives of many young boys and girls from the neighborhood. He also realized right away that the North Corps summer program was in need of additional funding to meet the growing needs of the young people who depend on it for summer activities and programs. “We learn early in our youth that choices have both rewards and consequences,” said Joanne Bemis, divisional director of development. “Today’s youth have many temptations, and hanging out with no place to go only leads to problems.” She says that thought motivated Simmonds to help The Salvation Army raise the necessary funding to provide scholarships that gave at least 50 to 75 North Corps boys and girls an opportunity to participate in a wide range of summer enrichment classes at The Salvation Army Kroc Center. The children were transported twice a week to the Kroc Center where they enjoyed computer classes, pottery, art, outdoor sports, culinary arts, swimming lessons and more. All took place in a safe, caring and state-of-the-art facility that offers extraordinary recreational, educational and self-esteem building opportunities. On their return trip to the North Corps, the children eagerly asked to go back again and again. “Thanks to Mike’s inspiration and that of several other generous supporters, life changing experiences were made possible for many boys and girls,” said Bemis. As one member of the North Corps staff summed it up, “It is so rewarding to see the sparkle in the children’s eyes as they returned from each trip.” “Thank you Mike Simmonds and to all who supported this summer venture,” Bemis said. “You provided a positive experience that will impact their lives for weeks and years to come.”
“Shovel and Shield for Salvation” Vegetable Garden For fresh, home-grown produce, senior residents at Durham Booth Manor need go no farther than their yard. Thanks to the vision and volunteer efforts of Judy Grace, The Salvation Army Lied Renaissance Center in Omaha has a new garden. Produce from the garden also is available to those who utilize the Army’s food pantry. The garden began last fall through the efforts of many volunteers. Home Depot delivered the materials, and, along with Kiewit Construction volunteers, built the four raised-bed-style garden plots. OPPD delivered the mulch, and volunteers from various church organizations helped spread the mulch throughout the area surrounding the plots. This spring, Judy Grace and other volunteers planted tomatoes, green peppers and cucumbers. Additionally, they planted parsley, rosemary, basil and thyme in large pots placed outside the garden fence. Grace also reached out to the community for donations. Making her vision become a reality were these donors: Home Depot, Mulhall’s, Earl May, Kiewit Construction, Wal-Mart, OPPD, Terry Hughes Tree Service, Bressman Lawn Service, Ralston High School, Center Ace Hardware and Ideal Hardware. People who come in for help from our Material Assistance and Seasonal Services (MASS) office are grateful for the opportunity to have fresh produce all summer long. “We would like to thank the gardeners from the following community gardens for their generosity: Gifford Park, Dundee, City Sprouts and Ford Birth Site and Gardens. For two years, they have donated their extra produce to The Salvation Army food pantry,” said Gregory Kadrlik, divisional director of volunteers. Oren Hodges, a nearby farmer, also donated fresh produce from his two-acre farm located in Macedonia, Iowa. “The ribbon-cutting and garden-blessing ceremony held in July showed that when a community pulls together, great things start to grow,” Kadrlik said. “The Salvation Army thanks Judy Grace and all of our partners for making a difference in the community.”
New Partnership Steps Forward
to
Help Food Pantry
A news conference held May 6 at the southwest Omaha Fire Station No. 63 kicked off the Omaha Fire Department’s new “Food Pantry Donation Station” campaign. Omaha’s neighborhood fire department stations are now a “drop” where donors can leave nonperishable food items for The Salvation Army’s Food Pantry. The need at the food pantry has nearly doubled since The Salvation Army took over the Red Cross Food Pantry and its consumers on June 9, 2009. That increased demand, also the result of a bad economy, has put a significant strain on The Salvation Army pantry. In the new partnership, the Omaha Fire Department, The Salvation Army and Mayflower Moving and Storage are working together to keep The Salvation Army Food Pantry shelves stocked year round. The collaboration announced at the news conference will help provide a constant supply of food to people in need. At the news conference were Captain James Gentile, Public Relations Officer Omaha Fire Department, Scott Riha of Mayflower Moving & Storage and Major Richard Trimmell of The Salvation Army. Also present were Station No. 63 firefighters and Salvation Army staff members. The public is invited to bring donations of nonperishable food items to their neighborhood fire stations year round. Food donations also may be dropped off at Salvation Army headquarters at the Renaissance Center, 3612 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE.
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Omahans Who Never Stop Giving Lead Tree of Lights The Salvation Army has joined forces with four phenomenal supporters for this year’s Tree of Lights Campaign --- Dan and Shirley Neary, 2010 Tree of Lights honorary chairmen, and Hal and Mary Daub, 2010 Tree of Lights honorary vice-chairs --- to promote our mission of doing the most good in the Omaha community. As CEO of Mutual of Omaha Companies, Dan Neary helped with the successful rehabilitation of The Salvation Army North Corps into a more efficient and pleasant environment for families. A Mutual of Omaha gift allowed the North Corps to upgrade its kitchen, computer lab and indoor activities center.
Dan Neary – 2010 Tree of Lights Honorary Chairman
Neary promotes volunteerism by encouraging Mutual of Omaha employees to give of their time during the company’s “100 Days of Giving” program. It was through this program that many Mutual employees generously gave of their time to build a playground area at the Army’s Gene Eppley Camp in Bellevue, Nebraska.
He reminds us that leadership is about knowing what needs to be done and then finding the way to do it. If asked, Neary will tell you that the mission of The Salvation Army is one of “giving hope to people.” His wife, Shirley, believes in giving hope to people as well and is a strong community volunteer.
Hal & Mary Daub will be the 2010 Tree of Lights Honorary Vice-Chairs. Hal is pictured at a Tree of Lights celebration more than a decade ago.
Hal and Mary Daub continue to put the needs of Omaha in the forefront of their lives. In the past, the Daubs have served as chairs of the D.J.’s Hero Awards Luncheon. Hal, who is on the Omaha Salvation Army Advisory Board, started volunteering with the Army at a young age. When asked to volunteer, Hal always says, “You know I will help.” Mary participates in the Women’s Auxiliary. The mission of The Salvation Army is embodied by these individuals. Their example of giving will undoubtedly inspire thousands of Omahans to give of their time and talent this Christmas and to do the most good.
When It Pays Not To Wait A tax increase next year gives you a great opportunity this year. Capital gains tax rates are expected to increase in 2011. With a higher capital gains tax rate, it will be more expensive than ever to sell your appreciated assets starting next year. However, there are things you can do now to save on taxes and have peace of mind. If you sell an asset this year, the capital gains tax rate you pay will be less than if you wait until next year. Carefully consider any stock (or other asset) you have that is worth more now than what you paid for it. No matter what the market is doing, remember your gain is not measured by what the stock was once worth, but what you paid when you purchased it. If your stock is worth more now than the amount you paid for it, consider the coming tax increase and what you can do to avoid it. Even if your asset has lost value in recent months or years, you may still have significant gain depending on its current value compared to what you paid for it. Now is the time to deal with these assets. If you delay, higher taxes will result. For even greater tax advantages, talk with your tax advisor or with us about creating a charitable remainder trust. A charitable remainder trust, or unitrust, avoids all capital gains at funding and provides significant other benefits for you. To learn more, please call The Salvation Army Planned Giving Department at 1-800-274-0628 or contact us at wst_pg@usc.salvationarmy.org.
Back-to-School Backpack Program. Another year, another success!
Corps Community Center and Omaha North Corps Community Center. Volunteers assembled the backpacks with the donated school supplies at The Salvation Army Lied Renaissance Center. It takes more than 400 volunteers each year to manage the Back-toSchool program, 200 for assembly and 200 for distribution.
“In these tough economic times, many families continue to struggle each month. The Salvation Army/KETV 7 Can Help Kids Back-To-School Backpack program offers hope and assurance that these children will be well equipped to start the school year with the essential tools for learning,” said Dr. Linda Burkle, divisional social services director. More than 10,000 backpacks were given to children in the Omaha community during the 2010 Salvation Army KETV Seven Can Help Kids Back-to-School Backpack program. Since 1998, more than 87,000 children have been assisted through this program. Salvation Army volunteers handed out backpacks Aug. 7 at the Omaha Public Library Millard Branch and Aug. 12-14 at The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc
Creighton University and University of Nebraska at Omaha staff and students gave a pre-season boost to The Salvation Army KETV 7 Can Help Kids Back-to-School Backpack program. The two universities challenged each other to collect the most erasers and rulers. Celebrating a big victory at the Kroc Center are KETV News Anchor Brandi Petersen with school representatives and children who will benefit from the program. UNO collected more than 5,100 erasers and Creighton collected just over 5,400 rulers.
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“I really enjoyed the opportunity to work with The Salvation Army on the Back-to-School Backpack program. I was dirty and hot at the end of the day but very pleased with my day when I left. I know there is a lot yet to do with the project but I felt like I had helped at least a bit,” said volunteer, Celeste Hubbard, Creighton University School of Medicine, Office of Student Affairs. The 2010 KETV 7 Can Help Kids Back-to-School Backpack program would not have been a success without KETV and the support of these sponsors: First National Bank, NRG Radio, Boys Town Pediatrics, Staples and Payless Office Products.
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TRIBUTE GIFTS: (Tribute Gifts received January 2010 thru June 2010) The Salvation Army is privileged to continually receive gifts in honor or in memory of loved ones. These gifts not only provide a fitting tribute but also serve, in a practical way, to relieve human suffering. The Army notifies the honoree or the family of all tributes. IN HONOR OF: Barb Schaefer Mr. & Mrs. Richard K. Davidson Beth Gerlach Mrs. Joan Field Bill & Nancy Pierce Colonel & Mrs. Donald C. Hansen Bud & Donna Strong Mr. & Mrs. Scott J. Gass Darlene Spencer Mr. & Mrs. Rex King Dennis Wilfong Mr. Vernon Davis Donald J. & Linda M. Hagen Mr. Delbert C. Huddleston Earl Robotham Ms. Dorothy Robotham Edward & Maxine Kruger Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Halverson Eldon & Marie Wietzke Mrs. Thomasina Parker Eric & Patty Tussey Mrs. Ruth C. Tussey Frank & Sally Walker Mr. & Mrs. Allen L Shepherd Franklin & Barbara Landis David & Cathy Landis Gayla Fletcher Mr. & Mrs. Richard K. Davidson Gene Miner Mrs. Janice Miner Howard & Carolyn Rhoten Mr. & Mrs. Allan D. Nelson Jay Schueler Mrs. Amelia C. Pusl Lee Simmons Amy Scott Dolores C. Owen Mr. & Mrs. Dennis E. Pate Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Grewcock Mr. & Mrs. Jim O. Armitage Mr. & Mrs. Nick Baxter Mr. & Mrs. William R. Grewcock Mrs. Dian Moore Lorraine Change Mr. & Mrs. Richard K. Davidson Mabel Wyatt Ms. Evelyn Green Mary Jane Lamountain Mr. Stephen Trimarchi Mary Rogers Megan Tooker Mr. & Mrs. Thomas E. Nelson Mr. & Mrs. Lloyd Kennedy Nancy & Larry Tooker Megan Tooker Nancy Roberts Mr. & Mrs. Richard K. Davidson Paul G. Madsen Mr. & Mrs. Paul Madsen Phyllis Toebben Jennifer Toebben & Chris Link Richard & Joan Pitner Dr. & Mrs. Gordon E. Fredrickson Sylvia Kessler Nebraska Paralegal Association Taylor Amlee Mr. & Mrs. David Claassen Willard Kuchar
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Mr. William Banwell Willie Williams Mr. Lloyd F. Leetsch IN MEMORY OF: Amy M. Dinger Mr. Jeffrey L. Norton Anna Smith Mr. & Mrs. James Barger Anne Loquist Ms. Kristi Omar Arlene Phillips Ms. Anita Smith Arlys Lewis Mr. & Mrs. James B. Lammers Arlys Lewis Mr. & Mrs. Thomas L. Flickinger Arthur Jacobsen Mrs. Nadine Jacobsen Barbara Kuehn Mr. James A. Kuehn Barney Shives Mr. & Mrs. Fritz Buglewicz Bart & Grayce McElligott Ms. Patricia A. Reinhardt Bernice Doughty Mr. Neil C. Doughty , Jr. Bernice Huddleston Mr. Delbert C. Huddleston Betty Gruber Ms. Lori J. Pankonin Betty Lou Ingvall Ms. Ann Wallace Bev Hawk Ms. Dolores D’Agosto Bill & Carrie Grafelman Miss Wilma M. Baird Bill Baumgart Mr. & Mrs. Bob Dickkut Billy Templeton Ms. Phyllis Payne Bryce Christianson Mrs. Debra Montufar Byron Barney Strattan Mr. & Mrs. Stephen C. Flansburg Carl & Augusta Johnson Ms. Virginia F. Jensen Carl Hula Ms. Millie Christianson Carl J. Kjar Mrs. Carl J. Kjar Charles & Margaret Keau E. Ewing Charles G. Cvrk Ms. Bernice Cvrk Charles Shimerdla Jeff Hunter Karin J. Schliesman Mr. & Mrs. Francis E. Stanek Mr. & Mrs. Gary J. Shimerdla Mr. & Mrs. Gary T. Barta Mr. & Mrs. John A. Egermier Mr. & Mrs. Timothy W. Starbuck Mr. Richard L. Zpevak Mr. Ronald F. Rubek Mrs. Mary Ellen Shimerdla Mrs. Shirley A. Killian Ms. Kim L. Hackbart Peter Sarpy Elementary School
Ray Z. Zagozda Timothy & Cynthia Finnigan Chris Rudloff Mr. & Mrs. Alan G. Siemek Cinnia Culliver Marsha Moyer Michele Shear Conrad Young Gary Mongar Craig Saylan Mrs. Esther K. Karloff Darrell G. Taylor Mrs. Darrell Taylor David Charles Arnez Mr. & Mrs. Charles L. Arenz Dean Saeger Mr. Harold Marshall Dee Jones Mrs. Joan S. Carnaby Donald Leslie Lair Ms. Nona Lair-Klein Dorothy Ott Mr. & Mrs. Jimmy Brasch Steven Beran Earl Livdahl Mrs. Eleanor Livdahl Ed Patton Mrs. Jean Patton Edith McEntee Ms. Mary M. Breler Eloyse Johnson Rice Mr. & Mrs. Gayland Block Em Rose Mr. Raymond Mlinar Ernest Love Ms. Patricia Love Florence Eischeid Mr. Hank Eischeid Florence Knutson Dan & Marge Christensen Mr. & Mrs. Doug Knutson Mr. & Mrs. Milton Knutson Mr. & Mrs. Rick Bortnem Floyd Pearson Mrs. Doris Pearson Forest F. Boots Ms. Laura Boots Chambers Forest Hill L. R. Smith Gene Brong Mr. & Mrs. David A. McBlain Gene Mears Mrs. Elizabeth A. Haarberg George P. Bowker, Sr. Gordon & Linda Specht Mr. & Mrs. Bill Bauer Mr. & Mrs. Charles H. Crane , Sr. Mr. & Mrs. Dale Von Lintel Mr. & Mrs. Verlin F. Schaefer Mr. Gerald F. Hanlon Mr. Gilbert L. Bailey Mr. Roger Morris Mr. Wilber E. Clemons Ms. Erma Ferguson Ms. Janice E. Durnin Ms. Mary Nance Ms. Melissa Hanlon Ms. Sandy Acton V. I. Brenizer
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Gordon Anderson Mr. & Mrs. LeRoy Anderson Grace Martin Mrs. Lola Hoover Greg & Cheryl Asbury Ms. Joan Asbury Guymon Sears Ms. Maxine Groesbeck Helen Hoschar Heartland Council Telecom Pioneers Herbert Buntemeyer Mrs. Mildred Buntemeyer Ivan Novak Mr. J. E. Miller Jack L. Krahulec Mrs. Mary A. Krahulec Jack Quackenbush Mr. & Mrs. Larry J. Carmody Janice Lampkin Mr. & Mrs. Bobby R. Lucas Jerald Harder Mrs. Ruth Harder Jerry Lopour Ms. Louise J. Harris Jessie McDole Mr. & Mrs. Roger L. Crook Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Jorgenson Yvonne Stephens Jim & Gloria Asbury Ms. Joan Asbury Jim Johnson Mrs. Virginia Johnson Joe Grasso Mrs. Cathy High Joel J. Allen Gene & Christi Allen John & Margaret Mertz Mr. Eugene Mertz John Heller Mr. Dallas Johnson John Mitchell Ms. Louise J. Harris John T. Grant Mr. & Mrs. Keith Howard Johnny Hawkins Ms. Sandra Goff Joseph Cunningham Ms. Theresa Cunningham Joseph Siracuse Mrs. Lucy Siracuse Joseph Vondracek Mr. Steve J. Vondracek Julia, Delmar and Wesley Mrs. Arlene Schmidt June Albers Ms. Priscilla Christensen Kay Louise Lee Mrs. K. Jean Lockwood Kevin F. Morefield Ms. Nancy Morefield L. C. Jack Petersen Mr. & Mrs. Lauren G. Faist LaDonna Doughty Ruth Yentes Lanae Hagen H. M. Amos Larry Vorse Mr. Richard Juro
Memorials (continued) LaVonne Wood Gayle Haner Mr. & Mrs. Bob Simon Mr. & Mrs. Daniel L. Grone Mr. & Mrs. James A. Schmitt Mr. & Mrs. James E. Black Mr. & Mrs. James J. Parks Mr. & Mrs. Michael A. Brown Mr. & Mrs. Ralph L. Morocco , Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Richard L. Hurley Mr. & Mrs. Ron Strong Mr. & Mrs. Thomas A. West Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Risinger Mrs. D. D. Sorensen Ms. Ann Haskins Olney , MD Ms. Brigitte Howard Ms. Cheryl R. West Ms. Deborah A. Fredrickson Ms. Linda L. Hammann Ms. Susan Stalnaker Lawrence A. Liska Ms. Kathy J. Liska Loreann Heller Devlyn Cooper Louise Freebury Ms. Phyllis O’Brien Lydia Simmons Mrs. Eldora Andreas Mabel Houts Sandra Houts Margaret Lebeda Mr. & Mrs. Harry Perry , Jr. Marge Mr. & Mrs. Norris Skadburg Mary Hughes Ms. Barbara H. Geil Nancy Schoening Mr. & Mrs. Robert M. Scott Neal Chase Mrs. Mary Ellen Chase Nina Andersen Mr. Chester A. Andersen Nita Stattler Mr. Clarence K. Stattler Ralph Gene Parmenter Mrs. Charlene Parmenter Ramsey Austin Mr. & Mrs. Gayland Block Ray VanNorman Mr. & Mrs. Melvin Engler Raymond A. Holm Mrs. Priscilla Holm Richard & Ethel Mulder Mr. Mike Mulder Richard & Marilyn May Ms. Darla May Richard D. Fulmer Mr. Karl R. Borkenhagen Robert Cross Mrs. Phyllis C. Cain
Robert Hartigan Ms. Celeste Mack Robert J. Brower Mr. John M. Brower Robert Woodfin West Dianne M. Johnson Roger Cano Mr. & Mrs. Brian C. Peterson Mr. & Mrs. Gary L. Beller Mr. & Mrs. Gordon S. Thompson Mr. & Mrs. James L. Barna Mr. & Mrs. Paul S. Jensen Mrs. Kathleen L. Cano Ms. Mary G. Kassmeier Ms. Maryanne Johnson Ms. Rosemary S. Block Ms. Maxine A. Munhall Ms. Melissa Beber Rosella Sipe Mrs. Roberta A. DeFord Russell F. Tate Ms. Lou Etta Smith Mr. & Mrs. Lewis VanFosson Ms. Wanda Y. Kauffman Janet & David Herkelman Mary Weets Ruth Harmer Ms. Sean Heldt Stanley & Nadine Hall Mr. & Mrs. Robert Beilke Terry Dray Mr. Thomas Duncan Traci Thrailkill Mr. Harry L. Hoogers W. R. Bob Ballew Central States Health & Life Co. of Omaha Lamson, Dugan & Murray Mr. & Mrs. Robert Mattson Wallace King Mrs. Viola Niederbaumer Walter Moe Mrs. Clarine Moe Wendi Olivia Sense Ms. Mary Boynton Wilda Ubben Mrs. Irene E. Mayland Wilfred Edith Olson Ms. Dorothy Olson William & Emma DeMoss Mr. & Mrs. Eldon C. Goff William Dave Turner Mrs. Onedia C. Turner William R. Gewinner Ms. Rosemary Gewinner William V. Brooks Mr. & Mrs. Bruce D. Classen Mr. & Mrs. Gene Ferrell Mr. & Mrs. Martin Desilets Woodrow Melena Mr. & Mrs. Robert Gonderinger
Category One Partners with The Salvation Army Food Pantry Please help dull the sharp pain of hunger and have your kitchen knives sharpened at the same time! On October 2 from 12:00 Noon - 3:00 PM customers who bring in a donation of non-perishable food items for The Salvation Army’s food pantry will get up to five non-serrated knives sharpened at no charge. Omaha’s Category One Gifts & Gourmet is located in Rockbrook Village, 10922 Prairie Brook Road.
A Class Act: Social Manners 101 Imagine going to Sudan and fitting in with the social customs of that African country. That’s what the Sudanese teens that came to Omaha were facing. They were uncomfortable adapting to the different social situations in their adopted country. As the teens came to The Salvation Army Citadel Corps for an after-school program, Captain Ken Shiels saw their fears and wanted to help. He turned to Anne Baxter, a member of the Omaha Salvation Army Advisory Board. She designed a class called Social Manners 101 especially for the Sudanese teens. Omaha Advisory Board Member and Social Manners 101 instructor Anne Baxter pictured with students at a graduation celebration in the First National Bank dining room overlooking the city of Omaha.
Her husband Nick Baxter from First National Bank and Kathy Wilson another community volunteer, enthusiastically joined Anne in sharing their knowledge and experience. The three volunteers facilitated a fun and lively program. Eighteen Sudanese teens from Omaha learned lessons in the art of dining, the how-to of social chit-chat, and skills in interviewing for that first job. A graduation luncheon culminated the two-night program in April. From the First National Bank dining room looking out over Omaha, the 18 young men and women dined, socialized and talked about their hopes for the future. • John Lako, Got Gatwak, Alo Guizar, Nyahok Chut, Jimmy Eremti • Kochoch Duop, Nyabieg Lam, Boumkuoth Galuak • Nuapech Makuach, Chuil Makuach, Bumetet Duop, , Kernyang Chut, Haylee Boeller • Kayla Sebastian, Mat Walter, Ruben Guizar, Gawar Gai
The graduates of Social Manners 101 thanked their teachers and assured them that they would continue using the skills they developed in class. As for Captain Ken, Anne, Nick, and Kathy, their smiles said, “We are proud of you for a job well done.”
Generous Donation Helps Women The Pilot Club of Omaha donated 125 personal care kits to Salvation Army programs for women in need. The women, however, received more than soap, shampoo, toothpaste and other personal hygiene items. Tucked inside the kits, they also found little pictures of encouragement drawn by children attending art classes at Madonna School. The Pilot Club of Omaha is a service club affiliated with Pilot International. The club’s mission is to serve humanitarian efforts through charitable, educational, and research programs in local communities and throughout the world as well as to achieve universal awareness and prevention of brain-related disorders and disabilities. The Omaha Pilots have been providing personal care kits for many years to the various shelters in the Omaha area. Anyone can bring personal hygiene items to their neighborhood fire station in the Omaha community. The donations will be given to The Salvation Army.
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Michele Shearer, Volunteer & Special Events Coordinator & Yvonne McGarry of the Pilot Club
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Bell Ringers Wanted! 5K You can be the person smiling behind the red kettle. Give as little as three hours this Christmas season to ring bells. Or give as much time as you can. This volunteer opportunity is very important to our fundraising success --- and it’s fun, too. The bell-ringing campaign runs Nov. 12 through Dec. 24. Contact Michele Shearer at 898-6000 or at michele_ shearer@usc.salvationarmy. org.
NEW THIS YEAR! A pre-season fundraiser for The Salvation Army’s Food Pantry— the Red Kettle 5K Run! Date: October 30, 2010 at 9 AM Location: Zorinsky Lake Park, 3808 S. 156th & F Streets, Omaha, Nebraska The Salvation Army Red Kettle Drive kicks off November 12, 2010. New this year is a pre-season fundraiser for the Army’s food pantry and feeding programs. The Red Kettle 5K Run hopes to help stock pantry shelves during a time of overwhelming need in Omaha.
Sign up online at www. RingOmaha.org beginning Oct. 1, 2010.
For more information on how you can participate in our 5K run and qualify for great prizes and awards, visit our website www. GiveSalvationArmy.org or call Joanne Bemis, 402-898-5911.
Suzanne O’Donnell Joins Development Team
and nonprofit companies. O’Donnell’s corporate background in relationship management and her active role in many networking organizations are great tools toward building a supportive donor base for the Kroc Center. “I’m excited to help the Kroc Center build a strong community of support,” O’Donnell said.
Suzanne O’Donnell has joined the development team at the Western Division Headquarters in Omaha. Her special focus is development for the newly opened Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Omaha. O’Donnell brings over 20 years of sales, marketing, contract negotiations and P&L management to the organization.
She has a Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Suzanne has received numerous awards including being named one of the Ten Outstanding Young Omahans by the Omaha Jaycees. O’Donnell is a current member of Omaha Network and active in her parish and children’s school. She and her husband have four young children.
Her professional experience spans both corporate
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