Leaving Chicago

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Merrill Powers

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May 11, 2021, 4:45:16 PM5/11/21
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After 22 years, Nancy and I have been given our marching orders and we will be leaving Chicago at the end of June.  My stay here has been a true BBQ adventure.  Over the years I have developed a love for Chicago style BBQ, learned new and exotic foods with Gary Wiviott, cooked with Bobby Flay, been ambushed by Hoda Kotb, and met some truly amazing pit masters.  I was blessed to meet up with Gary Wiviott my first week on this list and we have had a wonderful friendship all of these years. Some of you have joined us to cook turkeys for the homeless on Thanksgiving and others have helped with our annual Father's Day cook at the Freedom Center. When it comes to sharing talent and resources, there are no better people than those I have met on this list!
 
We will miss Chicago, but we are on to our next appointment in Wichita, Kansas.  We will be responsible for the Salvation Army operations in Wichita, plus Sedgwick and Butler counties.  While I am a little excited about a new adventure, this move is a wee bit of a change from the 9.5 million Chicago metro to 583,000 total for two counties. Lil' Red is going with me, so the BBQ adventures will continue.  The city command directs 3 corps community centers, a family shelter, a 42 acre summer camp, 3 emergency social service locations and an emergency disaster services unit.  Add on Kettles and Angel Tree at Christmas and it should be enough to stay busy.  I'm told our directors googled me and are already planning how they can get me cooking!!! 
 
I don't post as often since life got busy, but I do read and enjoy the occasional discussion.  Once we are in Wichita and have new email addresses, I will definitely be signing back on.
 
Best,

Merrill

spe...@knology.net

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May 11, 2021, 4:47:25 PM5/11/21
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good luck and godspeed.

spence
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James McCabe

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May 11, 2021, 4:49:52 PM5/11/21
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Good luck Merrill. Have always enjoyed your discussions. Keep up the good work. You’re the best.

Jim


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Lucy Baker

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May 11, 2021, 5:11:09 PM5/11/21
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The best of luck in your new adventure. Wichita is very lucky to have you.

Lucy
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Jon Stine

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May 11, 2021, 5:35:41 PM5/11/21
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Safe travels, and good luck with the Merrilltude!

Jon 

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Rory Remenak

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May 11, 2021, 6:00:00 PM5/11/21
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Sounds like a step up to me! Glad you'll be hanging around here still. I'm sure God has some exciting new adventures ahead for you and some more incredible people to meet. Keep us updated! 

Sleepybozo (aka Rory)

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JOHN KNOLL

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May 11, 2021, 6:26:03 PM5/11/21
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Chicago will certainly miss you guys, but you and your Merriltude of smokers will be closer to me now (I'm in Topeka), so maybe I will get to eat some of your cooking. Best of luck in your new assignment, and welcome back to Kansas!

 

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Kevin Cleek

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May 11, 2021, 6:26:09 PM5/11/21
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It's the Windy City's loss.  Enjoy the new adventure.

Kevin

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Gerry Curry

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May 12, 2021, 5:39:49 AM5/12/21
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All the best Merrill! I look forward to hearing about your new adventures!

Robert King

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May 12, 2021, 9:03:14 AM5/12/21
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Good luck on your new adventure Merrill!

I heard steel prices are going down in the Chicago area as you reduced your heard :)

Robert King

James Stewart

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May 17, 2021, 9:21:35 PM5/17/21
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Wow what a big move. Our prayers are with you on this new outreach God has big plans for you!

Pigmanjim

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From: Merrill Powers <capta...@comcast.net>
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