Mid-City Christian: FirstFruits NEWS April 2016 Issue

FirstFruits NEWS

April 2016 Issue

"A Quality Fruit Company Committed To Bearing Fruit...Fruit That Will Last" (John 15:16)

Manager's Retreat: Strengthening a Culture of Care

Apples are our business, and the growing, packing, sale and distribution of them keeps

over 1,200 individuals employed year-round at our orchards and warehouse. The work is constant and requires teamwork in order for the customer, in the end, to choose our apples over others. This is the work, but it is not our purpose.

Broetje Orchards is committed to the growth and development of people, families and communities, and to do this well requires us to invest beyond that which makes us produce great apples to that which helps make great people.

Over the many years of our operations, Ralph and Cheryl have built a company culture that cares for those in need - our employees, their families or those in distant communities - to increase their capacities so that they can become leaders and servants in their own right. We are not perfect, but seek improvement year over year.

Continuing to build upon this culture of care requires our managers and supervisors to become the company's ambassadors to employees and the public. That is why every year we gather all our managers together for one day in the spirit of capacity building.

This year's retreat was held on February 19^th and it did not disappoint. Eighty-five supervisors and managers came together in a spirit of learning and teamwork. The day's topics ranged from understanding the industry's current trends, our company's strategic direction, and implementing a trauma-informed approach to managing staff.

All in all, it was a reminder of how fortunate we are to have these talented people with their dedication and eagerness to learn.

Roger Bairstow, Director of HR and Corporate Responsibilities

Spring time on the Farm

It's spring time on the farm! That means numerous biological processes are beginning and we are responding. From the early Spring blooms of our Pink Lady apples and Rainer Cherries to thinning and monitoring the weather for frost control, our orchard is buzzing with a bit of apprehension, some excitement, and a lot of activity.


	2010 Fuji Block in Wallula - Taken By Ray Miles

There are several moving parts entailed in ensuring that the trees and fruit are well-protected from the ever-changing elements. Spring is always the most critical time - if weather or our actions are not accommodating, it affects everything further into the calendar.

One of the most important jobs during this period happens when most of us are asleep. It is frost control. Prescott Orchard Manager, Joe Shelton explains, "When the buds come out of dormancy they begin to be susceptible to frost. The closer the buds get to

the blooming stage, the more vulnerable they are. When temperatures fall


	Prescott Cherry Blossoms - Taken By Tyler Broetje

to 32-31 degrees Fahrenheit, it can cause damage to the fruit - either killing the bud or damaging it."

"Once the fruit is formed, if temperatures fall below 31 degrees Fahrenheit, this can cause russet, marking the fruit as it grows. To prevent this, we have crews who are on call throughout the night monitoring the temperatures. If the nights get cold, we run wind machines and water to help circulate the warm air."

So, as you go to bed during this time of the year, please say a small prayer of appreciation to those farmers and orchardists who get very little sleep in order to ensure that we have our apples and cherries for another season.

Tyler Broetje, Communications

Loving the Unloved in Egypt

For more than 25 years , Stephen's Children has worked in the garbage slums and squatter settlements of Egypt. Inspired by the vision of their founder, Mama Maggie, they operate schools, medical clinics, camps, and training programs to build trusting relationships, restore dignity, and equip youth to serve their own people.

At the core of this ministry are the home visitors who faithfully visit children every week in their homes. They serve as a light to families living in destitute poverty and despair - listening to them, praying, encouraging hope, curbing violence and abuse, promoting education, and strengthening children's personal relationships with God.

For many of these children, the home visitors are the one, consistent, caring adult in their lives. They are like angels, reaching out in the darkest of times. In turn, these children bloom and flourish - their eyes light up, their hearts open, and their spirits heal.

Vista Hermosa Foundation has supported this ministry since 2004, most recently with the development of Farah Philomena farm north of Cairo. The farm was built to be a place of refuge from the garbage slums - amongst the olive and palm trees, children attend camps and staff engage in leadership trainings. They breathe the clean air, work together, play together, and connect with God. They then return home refreshed and renewed for the work ahead.

For more information, visit www.stephenschildren.org

Suzanne Broetje, VHF Director

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Keeping up on your child's learning is so much more than studying vocabulary lists and doing math worksheets. Summer is the perfect time for children to discover that education isn't limited to the classroom.


	*Students learning at Camp Vista*

Hands-on learning opportunities, field trips, exploring the environment, and asking questions are all great ways for kids to learn that does not feel like learning. "You don't want your kids to think that learning is only something that happens for 9 months of the year at the school building; rather, you want them to grasp that learning is fun and can go on anytime, anywhere, with handy materials" says Maria Iglesias, Camp Vista Director.

1 in 10 children are left home alone in the summer. This not only creates stress for parents but stress for kids. With summer vacation looming, plan ahead with your child to keep them safe, physically busy, and mentally active.

Most parents choose summer day camps as the most affordable option for summer care for their kids. "Summer camps are an opportunity for kids to learn about being part of a community of learning" says Maria. "However, choosing the right summer day camp for your child can be daunting. Here are a few things to look for to make the process a little easier:

Þ History - has the camp been serving kids for multiple years

Þ Philosophy - how are beliefs integrated into the camp

Þ Community - great camps focus on an inclusive experience and a compassionate approach to all students and staff

Þ Staff - training and background checks ensure camper safety

Þ Themes - the best camps are theme based, tying all activities together into a holistic experience.

Also remember that many camps offer scholarships, so don't let cost be the barrier to your child's summer!

Karen Baker, Community Education Director

Vista Hermosa Foundation Welcomes:

Guadalupe Mendez

Scholarship Program Coordinator

Guadalupe Mendez was born in Los Reyes de Salgadoin Michoacán Mexico, the only of her 3 other siblings to be born outside of the United States. Soon after her birth, her family moved back to Washington State and settled into becoming permanent Washingtonians.

After graduating from high school in the Lower Yakima Valley, Guadalupe went on to become the first in her family to attend a four year college. While at Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA, she achieved her BA in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing and a minor in French.

Guadalupe is excited to be joining the Vista Hermosa Foundation as the new Scholarship Programs Coordinator. She is thankful for the opportunity she was given when she decided to pursue her educational goals and is eager to help provide that same opportunity to those who are now seeking it.

Please remember Scholarship Deadline for Fall Quarter is April 11. For more information, visit the office or call 749-8220

Health Tip: Take a Walk

Warm weather has finally arrived and it's important to remember to get out there and take a walk. Walking is one of the best ways to get exercise and includes several

benefits like: