In time of need, Salvation Army rises to occasion
One way to gauge the economy is to monitor how many people are in need of help. Unfortunately, the Salvation Army Tri-City Corps had a record month in August in terms of how many bags of groceries it handed out.
Fortunately, there is a Salvation Army and its social service programs are more vital than ever.
"We handed out 311 grocery bags to those in need, and we have never given out more than 300 in a month," said Jennie Ziegert, the social services program director. "An average month would be between 150 and 200 bags, but we're seeing a big increase because of the current economy."
Ziegert is preparing for one of the Salvation Army's most vital programs - holiday food and gift distribution.
Those seeking help during the holidays can come to the Salvation Army center from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 6, or 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 7 at 1710 S. Seventh Ave. in St. Charles to fill out applications for the Thanksgiving food baskets and Christmas assistance. There is also a time slot of 5 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 9 for Spanish-speaking residents.
"We go through those applications and try to get some families 'adopted' by businesses, churches and organizations, so we can serve more families," Ziegert said.
As an example, Ziegert said, the student councils at St. Charles high schools will adopt a specific teen or family and raise money to help.
"We're just a supplemental program," Ziegert added. "There are food pantries and churches, and some people qualify for food stamps as well."
Ziegert said the hardest part is for a family to come to the center to seek help.
"I have had men crying in my office because they are so embarrassed about their situation," Ziegert said. "My family had to go to the Salvation Army for help, so I understand how they feel.
"I love helping people and I love paying it forward, because the Salvation Army helped me."
A clearer picture: With the growing popularity of high-definition and home-theater TV setups, one would think that movie theaters would want to assure crystal-clear pictures on the big silver screen. Or people might just stay home.
That thought crossed my mind last weekend when we went to see "Mamma Mia!" at the theater. And yes, I did enjoy the movie. And no, it wasn't the singalong version. If I were to sing out loud in a movie house, the show would shut down and it would ruin that format for future generations. Any man caught singing aloud at this particular movie probably should be hauled off anyway.
But back to the picture clarity. The screen had small black lines running down it during the entire film. After a short time, you didn't notice it as much, but in this day and age of clearer pictures, it was at least slightly annoying.
A clearer picture Part II: Maybe it's because I still remember my dad standing on the roof, moving around the TV antenna, asking if the picture on the TV was getting any clearer for the Bears' 1963 championship game.
For some reason (probably the cost), I have remained one of those rare breeds who have not plunged into the modern world of cable or satellite TV.
If someone told me I was the last human on earth still watching TV through an antenna in his attic, I would believe it.
But when I went to purchase my digital TV conversion box in preparation for the major shift to digital scheduled for next February, Gene Olmstead of Olmstead's TV and Appliances in Batavia told me he has been selling hundreds of the boxes.
So, for anyone who is still using antennae or rabbit ears for analog TV reception, but haven't picked up their converter box, I will give you a quick briefing on the new process in my Wednesday column. It's not as complicated as some have made it sound.
Help our image: With our country's image abroad suffering more than ever, you gain a greater appreciation for the value of the Rotary Youth Exchange program in which local kids live and attend high school abroad for a year.
The Geneva, Batavia and St. Charles Rotary clubs have all sent numerous students on these educational journeys in the past. Anyone interested in applying for next year's program, in which the students would leave in August of 2009, can get information from Don Cummings at (630) 802-9600. Interested applicants can also visit the youth exchange Web site at www.rye6440.org.
dheun@sbcglobal.net