Who We Are

We are a diverse group of people working to encourage relationship and community building. We are committed to the exploration of spirituality and how it can encourage and support us in the life journey. We are also committed to providing a place for youth that is safe and to engaging youth in activities that build the foundation they need to live, learn, work, and play in the world!

Don Benton

• Don Benton has been a resident of the Gorge since 1991. He retired from the US Navy in June of that year after 26 years of active duty with the Navy/Marine Corps team. Since coming to Hood River he has driven Taxi, worked at the local Safeway, and managed rental properties for a number of owners. He received his education from San Diego City college, the University of Maryland, and George Washington University, majoring in clinical health sciences. Don "retired" for a second time in 2001. Since then he has enjoyed working with, and supporting various community service, and non-profit organizations here in the gorge. He is a member of the Hood River Lions (Noon Club), Military Order of the Purple Heart, on the advisory board of Big Brothers Big Sisters, Hood River Police Department Citizens advisory Panel, Hood River-Tsuruta Cities Board of Directors, and a member of The Dalles Rifle and Pistol Club. Don is a Christian, and was raised as a Southern Baptist, but currently has no affiliation with any particular church. Don is married to Bonnie, and has two children, and one granddaughter. He enjoys being with his family, reading, music, firearms, Kendo, and their little mini Schnauzer Dieter. "God has blessed me, and my family in so many ways, giving of myself to others gives me great joy. I am honored to be allowed to serve."

Perry Cole

• Perry Cole has been a resident of the Gorge since 2000.  He has a background in medical management as an office manager, bookkeeper, payroll clerk and billing manager.  He has owned his own business, contracting with medical offices for practice management, bookkeeping, payroll and billing.

  Perry has served many area churches as a church musician and presently is the Choral Director for Riverside Community Church.    In addition, he has been the Choral Director of the Mid Columbia Community Choir since 2003 and through that organization has raised money for many local charities through the annual benefit Thanksgiving and Christmas concerts.  In 2007, Perry was the recipient of the Gorge Ecumenical Ministries Inspired Service and Action Award for his work in the community and churches.

  Perry has two children and six grandchildren.  He enjoys music, photography, hiking, and camping.  “I believe that God has led me to Soul Café and I trust that through my involvement, Soul Café will become a shining light in this community for Him.

Debby Chenoweth

• Debby Chenoweth has a BS in Natural Resource Management from the University of Michigan. She has worked for the US government for 33 years as a Park Ranger, Park Manager, Manager of Bonneville Dam and most recently Operations Chief for the Corps of Engineers. She was raised Episcopalian but has also been a member of non-denominational, Baptist, and Presbyterian Churches in Ohio and Nebraska. Debby and her husband Art have raised three daughters and a son. Debby currently attends Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and is a member of the executive board of the Oregon Synod. She recognizes that Soul Cafe provides a place for anyone in the community to question spiritual issues and grow together with others who have not had their needs met by traditional organized religion.

Sandra Ferrick

• Sandra Ferrick, Has a MS in Education from Buffalo State College and a BS in Education from the University of Vermont. She currently works for the North Wasco School District as Special Education teacher. She has been working in education since 1988. She has been married for 17 years to her husband Tim. She has a daughter in High School and a son in Middle School. Sandra grew up in the Presbyterian church in Buffalo, New York. She was the youngest ordained deacon in the church, while in high school. She church shopped with her family when they moved to Oregon in 1993 and attended many denominations. In 2003 she moved to Hood River with her family and they became members of Riverside Community Church, United Church of Christ.
  

Dory Fiamingo

• Dory is from Johnstown, Ohio, where she lived on a farm that was more a menagerie than a farm. According to Dory, she “raised ducks and chickens, cats and dogs, horses and brothers, and a llama.” She began writing her first book in middle school and is currently editing that book while working on a fourth. While finishing college, she met her husband over the phone when he was working in Hood River at the Embarq Call Center and they married a year later. She currently works as a Classified Aid in The Dalles and enjoys her days when she is not working at a school or listening to movies while she edits and writes.

Larry Visser

• Larry Visser is 59 years young and a retired school teacher. He has a B.S. in Education, and he taught elementary and middle school children for 32 years. He is the father of 2 grown children and a grandfather. Since retiring, Larry fills his time by volunteering, raising cattle, gardening, hunting, and fishing.

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