Heather Latter
Lieutenants Dennis and Mary Maybury are the new officers for the local Salvation Army, taking over from Capts. Angel and Marlene Sandoval, who have moved to their new posting in Ariano Irpino, Italy.
“[Fort Frances] is beautiful and people are very friendly,” enthused Lt. Mary Maybury. “It’s very much like back home.
“Fort Frances seems to be a good fit for us,” she added.
The couple hails from Bermuda, but has spent the last two years in Winnipeg at the Salvation Army College for Officer Training.
This is their first posting, although their summer posting last year was in Parry Sound, Ont.
The couple also has a 12-year-old daughter, Demara, who will be attending Robert Moore School this fall.
While they only arrived a few weeks ago, the Mayburys already are getting settled and involved in work.
“We want to continue to build on the work of the previous officers, and to gain the trust of the community and business leaders,” said Lt. Dennis Maybury.
They already have met many residents, who have stopped by to welcome them, and have ministered services at the Citadel for the past few weeks, getting to know members of the local congregation.
“We really like the ministry side of it and don’t want to lose that,” Lt. Mary Maybury stressed.
But they also will continue with the Family Services programs to help local residents in need.
The first program the couple is organizing is in preparation of children heading back to school in the fall, in which they will distribute backpacks to those who use Family Services and others in need.
This will be done in partnership with local donors who were developed by the Sandovals.
“We thank them for their support and hope to continue to work with them,” noted Lt. Dennis Maybury.
Meanwhile, his wife is hoping to start up a kids’ club at the Citadel one evening a week for those in Grades 1-8.
She has experienced this activity in another community, and thinks it would be fun and worthwhile to get going in Fort Frances.
“It’s really nice. The kids come and watch videos, we cook a meal, play games, and have some fun,” she enthused, adding there also is a devotional time.
While this is the Mayburys’ first posting, they feel prepared to take on the task.
“The college did an excellent job,” said Lt. Dennis Maybury, though admitting they will learn a lot while on the job.
“We get a lot of support,” he added. “We can call and ask for help if we need it.”
And the family is looking forward to getting involved in the community.
Lt. Mary Maybury and her daughter, for instance, enjoy singing—often performing during the church service—and she also enjoys visiting seniors.
“They are my heart,” she remarked, noting some elderly people don’t get a lot of visitors.
“I like to show love and care towards people,” she explained. “It doesn’t matter where you come from or what you look like.”
Lt. Mary Maybury also wants to be able to offer a listening ear to anyone who needs it.
“We won’t turn anyone away,” she vowed. “Our doors our always open.”
The Mayburys’ welcome new members to their church, inviting any and all to stop by and say hello.
The couple soon will be headed for a three-week holiday home to Bermuda, where their daughter is currently, but will return mid-August, ready to work and support those in need.
