Talk of the Town - Whitley County

(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) The ceremonial red ribbon flies through the air as a group gathered to celebrate the new home of the Salvation Army of Whitley County – now housed in an office on the lower level of First Presbyterian Church on Chauncey and Jackson Streets near downtown Columbia City. Above, center, Mayor Jim Fleck cuts the ribbon while Salvation Army executive director Pat Mossburg stands just left of him, wearing green. They are surrounded by community volunteers and representatives of several non-profit organizations.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

The Salvation Army of Whitley County officially celebrated the grand opening of their new home in the lower level First Presbyterian Church – and thanked scores of volunteers for their various roles in supporting the organization during the past year.

Called Dedication & Donuts, the gathering wasn’t held in the morning – the typical time for donut consumption – but later in the afternoon. The event did, however, uphold a longstanding Salvation Army tradition of serving donuts to those who’ve had stake in the organization’s success.

“It is a World War I-era tradition of the Salvation Army that began in 1917,” said Salvation Army executive director Pat Mossburg Tuesday afternoon. While the dedication was a one time event, the donut reception is expected to become an annual tradition.

“The donut part is something I’ll continue as a thank you, as a way of showing our appreciation to those who’ve helped the Salvation Army,” Mossburg said, adding that it was fitting to hold the event this week: National Salvation Army Week.

“We’ve had a great turnout today,” said Mossburg as she looked around the room at the many faces who’ve helped the organization in big ways and small ways this year.

“Most everyone who has walked through these doors has had something to do with our Salvation Army, helping with bell-ringing, making donations, the Kiwanis, Toys for Tots and many others,” she said.