Never Too Old to Learn

Last week I visited the Salvation Army facility in Glendale. I recently became an advisory board member there. I was honored to have my name “floated” among the board members as someone who could bring something to the table, who had something to offer. Many of the other board members I recognized from my Kiwanis Club in Glendale (a good bunch). I was comfortable coming aboard.

The first board meeting I attended was eye opening for me. I quickly realized that not only would I be bringing something to the table but I also would be exposed to a new way of thinking.

I toured the facility last week with Capt. Kelly, who heads up the Glendale unit. After the tour, we sat down and talked a little about the mission of the Salvation Army. Its mission statement, “The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination,” was easy to understand. The board’s primary duty revolves around meeting those human needs.

I was honest with Capt. Kelly and shared this scared me a little – the idea of meeting human needs. As most everyone in Los Angeles County has seen and read, homelessness is abundant and not everyone who is homeless is mentally well. Meeting human needs no doubt includes the needs of those who are homeless. Capt. Kelly told me that the job of the Salvation Army is to treat everyone with dignity and “meet them where they are.” Granted, the advisory board won’t be going into the streets to minister to folks; instead, our goal is to provide services that would be welcome to those in need. But looking ahead I think that my perceptions and interpretations will be challenged as I move forward. I’m grateful that those leading this charge are kind hearted and patient.

___________________

I wanted to quickly share with you the fabulous holiday weekend I had.         

On Monday morning, I was in the Sunland-Tujunga Shadow Hills Rotary Club 4^th of July parade. With me were CVW sales diva Sonya Marquez and her two daughters and our office manager Rachelle. The parade had been canceled these past two years due to the pandemic and I was eager to climb aboard my car and make my way down Foothill Boulevard.

I’ve always been nervous in the parade. First, I worry that people won’t know the CV Weekly; second, do they like us? Turns out I had nothing to worry about. The people who lined the boulevard were kind and shouted positive comments. I was so excited to see them!

Later that night, around 6:15 p.m., I made my way to CV High School for the fireworks extravaganza. And it didn’t disappoint! From the performance by the Mary Dyer Band to meeting families who came from as far away at Thousand Oaks, it was a fun time.

Ending the day was a fireworks display that left everyone pretty much breathless. All in all, between the food trucks, the live music, the inflatables and the fireworks, it was an event not to be missed.

I wonder how they’re going to top it next year?