FALL 2020 UPDATE If you’re like me then you are getting weary of hearing or reading, “... due to COVID 19”, and having that phrase preceded or followed by news of some cancellation, terrible statistic, drastic social limitation, or personal routine altering restriction. But take heart my friends. I have the proverbial “good news/bad news” for you. Good news: Life goes on in Placer County. Babies are born, people have birthdays, kids still graduate from high school and college (with or without commencement), and gardens still produce tomatoes and veggies. Bad news: Families are still struck with grief and tragedy, a normal part of “life goes on”. Good news: Placer chaplains have not missed a beat. We continue to operate as an “essential service”, available to the Placer Community and to Law Enforcement in our County. In keeping with the “life goes on” theme, I wanted to update you on the happenings at PCLEC. There’s been a lot going on. If you didn’t see my COVID update from Spring, you can catch up on that by clicking here. But here we go! Lace up those tennies, we’re going to romp through the last ten months and let you know what to look for in the next few months. What’s in this Newsletter CLICK TO JUMP AHEAD Celebrations Accomplishments Challenges Encouragements Upcoming Events How You Can Help L-R Jim Farquhar, Debbie Boon, Jenny (Farquhar) Ebinger CELEBRATIONS In January we had our annual Unorthodox Orthodox Christmas Party that always includes recognition of our outstanding Chaplains. This year’s Farquhar Award (Chaplain to the Chaplains) was awarded to our Executive Admin., Debbie Boon, for her regular ongoing prayerful concern for our chaplains. That evening also found James Farquhar coming forward to accept the Chaplain of the Year Award for his faithful availability to step up and take on a call. In August we were able to graduate 8 Academy Students with honor and excitement as they began the process of being vetted and background checked. They are now eagerly awaiting the completion of the background process, chomping at the bit to get on the streets for their field training hours. ACCOMPLISHMENTS Our biggest single accomplishment is noted in the fact that PCLEC Volunteers responded to every opportunity for service in spite of being a bit short-handed and needing to smile through masks and give “air-hugs”. These volunteers logged in 11,000 hours of available time in addition to 13,000 hours of time on calendar as standby dispatchers and supervisors. This year we have responded to 200 calls for service, spending over 700 hours on scene with families and law enforcement personnel. These calls included death notifications, natural deaths, suicides (40), fatal accidents (motor vehicle and industrial), and more. In each of these PCLEC volunteer chaplains have been able to assist law enforcement in maintaining a human and compassionate approach to each tragic call. We started our 2020 Chaplain Academy with a robust group of 12 Cadets. Each of them was excited to begin their ministry with the grueling task of completing 16 weeks of intense training. Though limited, chaplains were still able to make a few visits to agencies and to officers with specific needs during this time of isolation. We have been able to come alongside officers facing discouragement, frustration, personal loss, and other emotional and spiritual needs. We are grateful for the trust displayed by these LEO’s reaching out and allowing us to assist them. California is Burning: As Chaplains we were able to provide mutual aid for the Butte County Sheriff's department assisting with ride alongs, and IC (Incident Command) support during the recent Bear Fire (North Complex Fire) with over 150 hours of volunteer time expended. CHALLENGES-DISAPPOINTMENTS Due to COVID-19 (sound familiar?) the lock downs began the onset of uncertain times, and unprecedented fear and anxiety. Among the vast number of cancelled events in our nation one of the most disappointing was National Police Memorial Week. So many families who needed to be honored had to be recognized virtually. All of our fundraisers were cancelled and we are facing the possibility of going two budget cycles with last year’s Squaw Valley Reception being the only successfully completed event. Our list of cancellations includes our 10th annual BBQ and Blues, our first responder flag football tournament, and our Mike Davis Memorial softball tournament. Nearly as disappointing was the cancellation of our annual chaplain picnic due to unhealthy, smoke-filled air at Donner Lake. The health risks associated with the virus sidelined a number of our chaplains who either had personal health issues or needed to protect a family member with potential high-risk conditions. On top of that we had several of our active chaplains move out of state. Find the article here ENCOURAGEMENTS In July we were finally able to meet in person with our 2020 Academy Cadets. They began the task of "catching up" and getting all the requirements fulfilled. Our intrepid students put up with cancelled classes, no-show instructors, video teachings, and a host of obstacles that they overcame, creating what is likely the most flexible set of academy graduates we have ever had. To say we are proud of them would be an understatement. Shut Door-Open Window: As it became apparent that we would not be able to hold our Annual BBQ and Blues event we redirected our focus to the Big Day of Giving. Our efforts were rewarded with an exceptional turnout of generous partners that resulted in an outcome ranking us third in similar sized organizations. And as if that wasn’t fantastic enough, the vast majority of our early bird BBQ and Blues sponsors and ticket holders donated their funds anyway. A special thanks to those super-supporters. The Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation had a few extra dollars from their COVID Relief Emergency Fund that were left after the worst of the shelter in place crisis was past. We were blessed to be recipients of a portion of those funds. We were also able to benefit from CARES Act funds from both the Feds and the County via Placer Community Foundation. But Wait! There’s More! As we continued to think outside the box, we were given some amazing public exposure with a front page article in the Foothill Weekly (Grass Valley Union) along with a live broadcast with Sr. Chaplain Mike Boon and local radio anchor Barry Stigers on the KAHI radio station. Lt. Victor Pecararo, ret., cooking for National Night Out. UPCOMING As the close of the year approaches we still have several things on the burner. Nothing is solid yet, and we are still looking into ideas to develop and implement safe fundraising opportunities compliant with the limited options afforded us. Still simmering is The Hannah Rose Foundation who has offered up a huge portable screen to possibly have a Drive In Movie Night as we look for a venue for this event. We are looking toward a couple of pancake breakfasts assisted by the Auburn Jeep Club willing to provide food and cook for 100+ breakfasts - again, looking for a venue. We also are waiting to pull the trigger on a special event for law enforcement only participation. There may be a chance for sponsorships once the green light goes on for that. There is one more top-secret event on the stove, but the burner has not yet been lit. Exciting times ahead. T-shirts will be available soon HOW CAN YOU HELP? 1. Keep those prayers, letters of encouragement, and checks coming. Participate in our “GoFundMe” Campaign and spread the word. Or simply, just donate directly here. 2. Watch for soon-coming events to participate in and sponsor. T-shirt sales coming soon to an event near you. Picture to the left. 3. Spread the word to folks you know who would be interested in staying in touch and learning more about us. 4. If you have been personally touched by chaplain service, or if you know someone who has, send us a short testimonial so we can add it to our communications and publications. (we can keep them anonymous or not by your choosing) Email Testimonials, Questions or Concerns to: PCLECadmin@gmail.com 24/7 Emergency Line: 530-889-5824 Office: 916-672-6984 PO Box 1111, Newcastle, CA 95658 TERMS OF SERVICEPRIVACY POLICY WEBSITE DESIGNED BY JUSTIN MABEE DESIGN