By Alan Sorensen
Lieutenants William and Christine Ware say they find the fabric of life in Havre and northcentral Montana just the way they like it. And the new heads of the Havre Salvation Army expect to handle the winter weather just fine.
We both went into the seminary from Alaska, Lt. Christine Ware said. Havres really nice. Its bigger than where we came from. Its a very nice town and friendly people.
Christine, whose parents are Salvation Army officers, grew up in Fairbanks, Alaska, and William grew up in Petersburg, a town south of Juneau. They completed their seminary training at Rancho Palos Verdes in Los Angeles, Calif.
The people really seem to support the Salvation Army, which is a plus for us, William said. Weve had a lot of support since we got here.
The Wares arrived shortly after their predecessors, Captains Steve and Amanda Mitchell, left at the end of June for their new assignment in Sacramento, Calif.
Now that were through the transitional period here, were looking forward to getting out and meeting people, William said.
William looks forward to pursuing two of his favorite hobbies in northcentral Montana. I like to hunt and fish, he said. The advice has been tremendous. Its the first time Ive been fly fishing. I just started picking it up and caught a couple of rainbow at second lake (Upper Bear Paw Lake).
The Wares have no major changes for the programs they say are working so well in Havre.
I just have a small change at the Thrift Store, a few small changes that will improve the business that we do, Lt. William said.
Christine, on the other hand, plans to begin a church outreach in the Salvation Army neighborhood and other target areas around town.
Were both ordained and the outreach will be to let people know that we are more than just social services that we are a church and to bring people in.
With the charitable work beginning to gear up for the holidays, the Wares have already divided up their principle duties.
In the beginning of September were starting that Community Christmas Project, Christine said. Shes expecting to be more deeply involved with the community organization while William will be in charge of the bell ringers.
But before handling Thanksgiving and Christmas, the Wares expect to be part of Havre Festival Days.
Well probably set up a table and hand out flyers and brochures about the Salvation Army, William said.
And well check with the Chamber of Commerce to see what else we can do, Christine said.
The Wares, who have been married 4 years, have a son, Billy, who turned 3 yesterday, and another baby on the way.
Our 3-year-old looks forward to horseback riding, Christine said.
That should be no problem in a town and county that have embraced the Salvation Army warmly in recent years.
