Press Release

Feed My Starving Children
401 93^rd Ave. NW
Coon Rapids, MN, 55433

Release Date:  Friday, Nov. 26, 2010

CONTACT: Erin Arndt
Office phone: (763) 504 -2919
Cell phone: (763) 555-1111
Email: EArndt@fmsc.org

Feed My Starving Children is looking for volunteers and donations.  Feed My Starving Children (FMSC), a Christian hunger relief ministry based in Minnesota, packages and distributes food rations, or ‘Manna Packs’ for countries like El Salvador, Haiti, Indonesia, North Korea, Nicaragua, The Philippines, Uganda and Zimbabwe. 

“Donors to FMSC can be confident their dollars make an immediate difference in the world,” said Mark Crea, CEO and Executive Director of Feed My Starving Children. “Through

partnerships we have on the ground in 67 countries, food packed with FMSC saves the lives

of people in dire circumstances and remote places that are hard for others to reach.”

           

Founded in 1987, FMSC has seen its fastest expansion since recommitment as a Christian based non-profit in 2003. Since then, average year-to-year growth has been 76 percent, from three million meals in 2003 to 127 million expected in 2010. One packing site has

expanded to six located in Minnesota, Illinois, and Arizona, along with a nationwide mobile

packing program that has brought portable packing to 30 states. All food is funded by

donors and packed by community volunteers.

“Our kids are so happy with the blessings of the food. It has changed them; their physical condition is visibly different these days.”
- Lea Peters, Trinity Church, Malawi (March 2009)

Wish List:                                                       

-Printing paper                                                                      
-Hair ties/binders                                                                     
-Paper towels                                                                         
-Toilet paper                                                                                                                                                                     
-Trash bags (kitchen and large)                                                                                    
-AA batteries
-Commercial vacuum cleaner - new preferred
-Pallets - large quantities of size40x48/standard 2
-Paper cutters (large)
-Picnic tables

Role-model from an Unlikely Source

                Friend, partner, hunter, and fisher Michelle Nordlum is loyal, trustworthy and dependable to all who know her.  From getting stuck in the mud, needing help with math, needing a couch to crash on or help sawing down trees in your yard it is just a commonly known fact that Nordlum will be there to lend a hand if it is within her power.  For Nordlum and her friends and family, it hasn’t always been this way however.

                At the age of 16 due to severe peer pressure Nordlum got involved in drugs.  Her entire circle of friends were users of some nature and she came from a family with a history of addiction, many who joined Nordlum in becoming chemically dependent during this time in her life. 

                “You name it and I did it, with the exception of heroin,” stated Nordlum. 

                Nordlum spent the period of the next eight years in a drug abuse pattern.  In Dec. of 1999 high on drugs and alcohol, she got behind the wheel and was involved in a serious accident. 

                “I rolled like three and a half-time’s, smacked into a tree and dislocated my hip,” said Nordlum.  “I was airlifted to North Memorial Hospital where I spent all of Christmas.”

                It was during her stay in the hospital that Nordlum made the decision to get clean.  Because of the rampant drug abuse in her circle of friends and family it was through “me, myself and I” that helped Nordlum to get clean.  Remarkably though it wasn’t long after getting sober herself that she was an influence to that same circle of friends and family to get clean as well. 

                Since becoming sober Nordlum has held a steady job for the past 12 years, came out to her friends and family, started her relationship with long-term domestic partner and now owns her own home along with a large variety of recreational vehicles.

                “I was finally able to stop house-jumping, sleeping on anyone’s couch that would let me and become a homeowner.  I am very proud of that status,” remarked Nordlum.

                Her newest greatest achievement has been to return to school.  Having been out of school since 1993 and at the age of 35 Nordlum decided that she was tired from welding and physical labor.  Now a full-time student at Anoka-Ramsey Community College in Cambridge, Nordlum is pursuing a degree in Computer Science.  It is because of her earlier history in drugs that she feels even more challenged than the average non-traditional student.

                “I struggle with memory issues and comprehension of material.  I find myself relying heavily on my friends and family for assistance,” said Nordlum.  “It is kind of nice that since becoming clean and starting school, I inspired most of my family to return to school as well and we can rely and help each other when needed.”

                Just today Nordlum sought a tutor to help her successfully get through a tough essay in an English class. 

                “What she said really made a lot of sense,” stated Nordlum.

                Nordlum’s current GPA is 3.75 and she is getting A’s and B’s in all of her current classes.  She has to work extra hard to succeed in classes like English, Literature and Speech but despite the challenge she has persevered. 

                Now Nordlum in turn has become the stability and influence on her friends and family that drives them all to achieve.  On weeknights she can be found studying with friends, on weekends she enjoys relaxing by fishing with her dad or brother-in-law.  Just a few short weeks ago, on Nov. 6 she participated in the deer hunting opener by going out with her dad and a few weekends before that she was out hunting duck with her faithful dog Miller and brother-in-law. 

                Despite the fact that her memory has been impaired and she faces both self-inflicted challenges and those of a regular non-traditional student she is a warm hearted, hard working student and friend.

Environmental Teacher by Reluctance

Environmental Teacher by Reluctance

                From U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to contemplating becoming a veterinarian, Brad Wold knew he never wanted to be a teacher.

                Growing up on a farm with a long tradition of hunting and fishing and just spending time out of doors, Wold became interested early on in, “being a good steward of the resources that we have”.  After getting his Masters in Biology he began working for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  It was during that time that he came to a crossroads in his life between deciding if he should continue in his career with the Fish and Wildlife Service or perhaps pursue a career as a veterinarian.  Ironically, he knew that teaching was a career he never wanted to pursue.  However, one thing led to another in his life and he ended up teaching high school for a short time and learning that he actually enjoyed it.  As it turned out, more doors began opening for him and due to a staff member being on a leave of absence in Hibbing he got his foot in the door at Hibbing Community College.  Concurrently, Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Cambridge announced a position for astronomy and chemistry that Wold applied for and he has been teaching at the Cambridge Campus now for the last 26 years. 

            Wold’s current role on the Cambridge Campus has taken him away from astronomy and chemistry that he applied for so long ago and back into his field of expertise, biology.  He currently teaches, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Environmental Science and Microbiology.  As well as being an instructor for these courses Wold has also taken time out with fellow peers and faculty members to improve the trails by creating guides and maps of the restored prairie on the Cambridge Campus of Anoka-Ramsey Community College.

                “I was part of a committee with Mary Janushcka, Phil Anderson, and Bill Carlson a community member.  We all worked together on setting up trail signs and guide maps.  It was a collaborative project”, stated Wold. 

                What Wold didn’t really say, but was very evident in the care and time he took showing each plant was that he was very proud of the website he created in addition to the signage and maps.  Clicking through a variety of grasses and wildflowers until he finally found the right one Wold stopped on a bright purple flower that somewhat resembled a sunflower. 

                “This is my favorite, the New England Aster.  In this particular picture I like how I captured the grasshopper just sort of hanging out”, remarked Wold.

                Wold tries to put into practice the same concepts he illustrates in class, but to be environmentally friendly is not always practical.  Living with his wife and three children, two of which are still at home, on a hobby farm with horses he remarked that he does his best.  The top three things he does to be a good steward?

                “I recycle, I compost and I grow a big garden every year”, said Wold.  

   Deciphering School Clubs       

Center: Nate Schleif Left to Right: Megan Aho, Kathleen Hoffman, Mike Rike and Doug Sjerven

         Have you ever walked by one of the monitors on campus at Anoka-Ramsey Community College and seen a promotion for a club but didn’t really know what the club was about or stood for?  Nate Schleif Vice President of membership and technology for Phi Theta Kappa wants to get information about his club out there that will make it enticing for students to join.

          At a PTK meeting on Oct. 27, 2010 members met to discuss both old and new business.  One of the more important matters placed on the table for discussion was getting slides made up to include meeting time and place, the person to contact for involvement and upcoming events that would encourage students to join. 

          So what exactly are the upcoming events for PTK?  Mike Rike Co-President of PTK brought up an upcoming faculty potluck and themes of food disbursement that should be decided on. 

          “I think we should keep it fairly simple to ensure everyone’s commitment, if you make it too complicated people won’t want to partake,” suggested Schleif.

          After voting between a theme of colors or ‘taste the rainbow’, a Hollywood theme like “What’s eating Gilbert Grape” and a crock-pot theme, the members voted for a crock-pot-luck. 

          “I think it will be fun and simple,” stated Rike, “but let’s save the Hollywood theme for spring, that was a really good idea.”

Center: Kathleen Hoffman Left to Right: Mike Rike, Doug Sjerven

          Another event discussed by Rike was ‘Random Acts of Kindness Week’ from Nov. 8 through the 14^th.  The members threw out several ideas on how to incorporate random acts of kindness into their everyday student life; Teddy Bear Drive, Compliment Day, Button Day, Grace Pointe Reading Day and Hospital Visit Day. 

          Megan Aho also Co-President said, “I really like the idea of Compliment Day, and it’s fun and easy and will make others feel good.”

          Pumpkin carving, an event PTK felt they had nearly missed the opportunity to participate in, was quickly talked about and decided that Cori Bolan Vice President of fellowship would handle the carving.

          “I already have a pumpkin carving contest I am in, so adding one more won’t be a big deal, just don’t expect a lot from me and keep your expectations low,” Bolan quipped.

          Lastly it was discussed by all members of PTK in attendance: Advisor Kathleen Hoffman, Aho, Rike, Schleif, Bolan, Martin Guillaume, Jacob Krebs and Doug Sjerven that they wanted students to feel they could join even if they did not have the standard membership fee.  Hoffman suggested letting students know that there are sometimes scholarships available to interested students.  The biggest concern was that they wanted to make good use of any available scholarship money to ensure sincerely interested students would have the opportunity available to them.  Rike suggested that an interested student demonstrate their interest by attending an open PTK meeting to learn more and be certain of their desire to join.    

          “We don’t want to give that money away only to have the student not show up to future meetings or participate in PTK events if another student is willing to be active and involved,” said Rike.

Left to Right: Nate Schleif, Megan Aho and Kathleen Hoffman

          During an interview with Aho she stated, “We as Phi Theta Kappans value serving others and developing fellowship among not only those who are members of the club, but also other students and people in the community.  We typically clean up along the Snake River every fall and spring and encourage others to partake in this.  As for other service acts we may plan, we try and gain student participation by adding it to the student life meeting agenda or promoting it ourselves by telling others.”

Becka Stenberg

Family dynamics refer to the ways in which family members relate to one another and are capable of change; these are rich throughout Becka Stenberg’s life and family. 

                Rebecka, better known as Becka, is the third born child in a line of seven.  She is the only girl.  Her brothers range in age from 15 to 35 with Jaxon being the oldest and Josh the youngest.  In between are Nathan 24, Becka 22, Benny 19, and Rueben 18.  Of all of these guys, she feels closest to Benny, he is her “best friend”. 

Growing up in a house full of boys was a challenge in some ways, bringing home a new boys friend for example.  There was the time Becka brought home her very first boyfriend Brandon at 16 and her brother Nathan had his own group of friends over who found it fun to harass her date.  They took off on Brandon’s snowmobile while she and Brandon waited in the entry way.  She looks back at this time now of course and laughs, knowing it was all in good fun and only due to their over protectiveness.

Then there were ways in which the rules in her house applied differently to her than they did to her brothers.  Becka states, “The rules would be upheld for them were I would tend to just get a slap on the hand.  I guess I was a little bit more spoiled that way”.

                As far as any rebellious stages, the only one in the family to really struggle was Benny who went through a brief struggle with drugs.  It was really hard for her parents to accept it.  For a long time they tried to ignore it, but once they were finally forced to come to terms with it, as a family they did and Benny has been better for a long time.

                The theme to Becka’s story that she told me was about how her family has changed and grown and yet how close they remain. 

                

Q & A

 Q & A for Becka Stenberg:

Q:            So how many brothers do you have?

A:            6

Q:            No sisters?

A:            No-I am the only girl

Q:            And what is the age range then for all of you?

A:            Jaxon-35, Nathan-24, Becka-22, Benny-19, Rueben-18, Aaron-16, Josh-15

Q:            Is there anyone you are closer to?

A:            I would say I am closest to Benny.  He is my best friend.

Q:            What was it like growing up in a house with all boys?

A:            They were pretty protective, but I was never really a tomboy like usually happens             with some girls who grow up with all boys.

Q:            So was it hard to bring home boyfriends then?

A:            Yeah, a little!

Q:            Can you describe for me time when they razzed one of your boyfriends?

A:            Well when I was 16 and I brought home my first real boyfriend, Brandon, my older brother who was 18 at the time had a group of friends at the time.  We were just all kind of standing around in the entry way and it was getting awkward because you could tell Brandon was uncomfortable and the other guys were kind snickering a little.  But what was most horrible was that he had his snowmobile over and one of the guys got on it and took off on it in a teasing fashion.  But it was all done in fun.  Brandon was a good sport about it. 

Q:            Would you say you are closer with your mom or your dad?

A:            Well I am a little bit of a “Daddy’s Girl” but overall I think I am closer with my mom.

Q:            And why is that?

A:            Well mostly just because she was always the one around, she was a stay-at-home              mom and dad worked FT, was gone M-F and was kind of a workaholic, so we didn’t see as much of him.  But mom was really cool.  She pretty much raised us.  We never went to daycare; we were privately schooled, and are just really close.

Q:            So would it be fair to say that your mom is the glue that hold the family together?

A:            Oh, definitely!

Q:            Were there ever any rules that were different for you or were you treated any differently being the only girl?

A:            Yes, I seemed to get away with so much more than the boys.  The rules would be upheld for them were I would tend to just get a slap on the hand.  I guess I was a little bit more spoiled that way.

Q:            Did you ever go through a rebellious stage?

A:            Not a TRUE rebellious stage like the whole drug scene, more of like a bratty/attitude stage in like 7^th and 8^th grade.  Benny did have a little bit of trouble with drugs though.

Q:            How did your parents deal with that?

A:            Not real well at first.  They sort of ignored it, tried to pretend it away until it was right in their face and they had no choice but to deal with it.  But eventually they did and Benny is doing great now.

Q:            Has there ever been anything else like that that occurred where anyone was in danger of losing their place within the family?

A:            No, the only one who is really kind of an outsider is my dad and that is because he is more of a type-a personality.

Q:            Ok, last question, could you describe an average night in your household for me?

A:            Sure, after everyone gets home from school someone is always on the computer, usually someone is signing, mom goes around asking everyone about their days. Aaron plays the piano while mom makes dinner.  Once dinner is made everyone grabs a plate and we all eat somewhere in the living room, then we scatter to go our separate ways.  

Hospital Bill

James Foucault, 23 was killed last Wednesday in a motorcycle accident.  But for his family, the tragedy was only beginning when the car made impact with his Harley and he was brought to Mercy Hospital, pronounced brain dead and doctors subsequently requested they be allowed to keep him alive long enough to harvest and donate his organs. 

            Carmen Foucault was told that the doctors were unable to save James, Jimmy’s life due to the severe head injuries he had suffered and that he would not regain consciousness.  It was at this point Foucault was asked to make her decision.  She believed that donating his organs was the right thing to do and that it was what he would have wanted since Jimmy was always helping other people.

            They harvested his organs until noon last Thursday when Foucault was told he was gone.  She said they told her, “They’d gotten everything they’d wanted and then turned off the machines and let him die.  They butchered him.”

            His funeral was scheduled for Saturday but Foucault was unable to afford to pay for a proper funeral herself or even provide a gravestone for her son due to a lien being placed on his estate despite the fact that Jimmy had insurance and money that would have accounted for and covered for the costs of all of that.  Foucault said that she had not been informed of any of these costs prior to being asked for her son’s organs, but she received a bill for $41 thousand.

            After receiving a notice by registered letter Foucault made the decision to get a lawyer.  A hospital spokesperson went on record at this point to say, “The lien is a standard procedure to ensure a bill is paid.  I agree the bill needs to be re-examined, and the donor bank will pay most of it.  But Mrs. Foucault will have to pay for her son’s initial treatment, and right now I don’t know what that will be.”

            Not all of the news this week was bad however; Foucault received a second letter from the donor bank stating that Jimmy’s heart, kidneys, liver, pancreas and eyes all went to save the lives of other individuals.  She also got a call from Irwin Greenhouse, Chief Administrator of Mercy Hospital, who said that they would be readdressing hospital billing procedures.  Greenhouse also stated, “Normally, Mrs. Foucault would be billed the cost of normal emergency care, but the donor bank has agreed to pick up everything in this case, everything, and we’d like to apologize to Mrs. Foucault.”