Time and again, even as the local news industry has been buffeted for a quarter-century by change, reporting by trained professionals continues tobe a catalyst for positive change in our communities. Group led Water Aerobics starts on Tuesday May 2nd! There really is no place like it. Join thousands of others to get the FREEDOM POST newsletter for free, sent twice a week from The Christian Post. When told it was for a youth camp, Bob wrote out a check for the amount needed. While holding a crusade in Erie, PA Wes met a man named George Mckinley who asked him who was doing the plumbing for the camp? Holding a crusade in a town nearby Wes was introduced to a man named Bill Daily who worked construction and was also a master stone worker. The change comes less than a week after publication of aUSA TODAY Networkinvestigation, which found that the camp's director, WayneAarum, fostered improper relationships and touchedat least 16teenage girls inappropriately, some on multiple occasions, according to their firsthand accounts. It would have board-walks, hitching rails, a Sheriffs office with two cells, an old country store, a dining hall, a chapel, cabins that could accommodate 192 campers plus 32 counselors, a swimming hole (pond) and a corral that contained a herd of horses. Circle C Ranch opened in the late 1960s on a 315-acre wooded parcel in rural Cattaraugus County. It all started in the heart of an evangelist named Wes Aarum. National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). They know Mr. Aarum personally, often for decades, and they know he would never intentionally harm anyone.. The Circle C board goes on to accuse The Chapel of sponsoring anonymous claims from the alleged victims, even thought The Chapel says all information was unsolicited and the victims are not anonymous to The Chapel. It makes a difference to people of all backgrounds and life experiences. endstream endobj 1155 0 obj <. Living Waters Ministries says it takes allegations serious, and thats why the ranch says it conducted a thorough investigation of these circumstances assisted by professional experts.. This is the Annual Report of the Board of Directors of the Circle C Homeowners Association. Some former staff said Aarum typically targeted specific girls who were pretty, slim, emotionally fragile or those who had father issues and that girls complained to staff asking for help in avoiding [Aarum]., In a March statement, The Chapels board and pastoral leadership said both their leadership and MinistrySafe have found the allegations to be credible.. For thirty years, from 1968 to 1999, the close friendship between the Andrews family and the Aarum family was important for their organizations and their personal satisfaction with their work. 2023 www.democratandchronicle.com. Michael Kilian is executive editor of the Democrat and Chronicle. 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On week ends there would be scores of men donating their time to help build the camp and Wes wife Marge was kept very busy feeding all these volunteers. Ministry Watch 2022 All rights reserved. One of America's most exciting Christian Camps. In . A religious liberty newsletter that is a must-read for people of faith. 1.) In an exclusive interview with 7 Eyewitness News last month, Aarum and board member Daryl Dekalb made that same suggestion while strongly denying the allegations against him. Kens wife Joann was an R.N and she worked in a local hospital to help support them while the camp was being built. Because of its unique history as part of the Circle C Ranch neighborhood, The Child . All rights reserved. The board of Circle Cs parent corporation, The Living Waters Ministries and people who are close to Aarum say he is innocent of the sexual harassment claims against him. Circle C board defends accused camp director Weeks after a Delevan minister and local camp director Wayne Aarum was accused of sexual misconduct by 21 former campers and staffers, the Circle. I found each of the women to be credible, one attorney who investigated the reports of abusetold our two reporters. She was saved as a teenager, went to Buffalo and became a Registered Nurse. These women say a Western NY pastor, Christian camp president abused them as teenagers, He was my identity: How emotional, spiritual abuse creates lasting trauma. A MinistrySafe investigation cited by WKBW alleged that Aarums inappropriate touching of the girls included: "stroking legs (outside clothing and on bare skin); stroking genital area outside clothing; touching vaginal area outside clothing (in shorts or jeans); touching, rubbing and stroking breasts, outside clothing; stroking labia, outside clothing; stroking from hips to breasts, clothed, on the side of the body; touching legs and knees; hand placed on upper thigh; pressing penis into back of girl (hugging from behind); rubbing penis repeatedly in a girls presence and the extended hug of a partially dressed girl.". Wayne Aarum, pastor accused of abusing teens, sues Buffalo megachurch The Chapel for $2.5M. As an evangelist eh spoke at many youth camps during the summer and that desire to starta a camp grew even stronger. If you are new to the Web site, be sure to complete the Sign Up information to receive a password to the private and secured portions of the site. Aarum has denied the allegations and continues to serve on staff at the camp. You can also join. Sarah Taddeo is an enterprisereporter for USA Today Network's New York State Team. On each occasion, Wayne Aarum, as spokesperson for the board of directors, refused to sell or lease any portion of the land used by the Circle C Ranch for such purposes recognizing that the corporation was giving up hundreds of thousands of dollars over the next decade, the lawsuit says. The lawsuit stated that the Chapels leadership was aware of the increasing value of the property and embarked on a campaign to remove Aarum from the board of Living Waters Ministries Inc., to create a more favorable board of directors to control the Circle C Ranch Camp and the use and disposition of its land.. It was 50 miles south of Buffalo, NY on a 315 acre piece of land that had been a farm. Like much of the world, they've been closely watching what's been unfolding in Afghanistan. How easy is it to make anonymous declarations?. The accounts of the women, describing incidents involving Wayne Aarum that took place when they were Circle C Ranch campers, are troubling and concerning. To reach the Ranch Association Executive Director Michele Brethower, click here. 10611 Ames Lane SOLD in 4 days! To email a Board member directly, click their email address below. Anne Stych is a writer in Charlotte, North Carolina. And at its best, local journalism reveals truths that leaders and institutions of importance would much prefer remain hidden. Together they worked to increase contributions from the members of the church and expand the churchs membership with three satellite locations. In her lawsuit, filed last month in Cattaraugus County under the state Child Victims Act, Snell claims Aarum, 55, touched her inappropriately between 2008 and 2015, when she was a minor, including touching her genitals, breasts and buttocks; rubbing her inner and upper thighs and pressing his pelvis into her back. Two other days, July 3 and 31, are designated as "Family Fun Days," according to the website. What else might develop? Percy, as they wanted to call him, was considered by many to be the founder of the Christian Camp Ministry. That was of the Lord. Simply select the past meetings minutes you wish to view or you can view the DRAFT minutes which will be approved at the next board meeting. . Read the original investigation:These women say a Western NY pastor, Christian camp president abused them as teenagers, Aarum sues The Chapel:Pastor accused of abusing teens sues Buffalo megachurch The Chapel for $2.5M. At this age, he began to take care of his health. A former camper and staff member at Circle C Ranch, a Christian camp in Cattaraugus County, has filed a lawsuit against the camp and its president, Wayne Aarum, accusing Aarum of grooming and. Specifically, in a portion of the story about Circle C's legal counsel having recommended at a meeting that Aarum resign, they took these steps: "The USA TODAY NETWORKreached out to Wayne Aarum, his son Josh Aarum, andboard members Daryl Dekalb and Wes Aarum Jr.for comment specifictothis matter. A social worker can get anyone to say anything, Dekalb said. ContactSarahat STADDEO@Gannett.com or (585) 258-2774. He met Margaret Stevenson who had been born on a farm in Pennsylvania (which would prepare her for life at the Ranch). This coverage is only possible with support from our readers. Wes held a crusade in Montana and there God gave him 2 men, Ken Strait & Russ Alexander who were great with horses and hammers and they came east to help build the camp. Circle C stands for "Christ Centered" which is the p He has consistently denied all of the allegations against him. endstream endobj startxref That's a Christian camp for young people nearDelevan, New York, a village southeast of Buffalo and southwest of Rochester. In investigative journalism, it's vital reporters show their efforts to confirm facts and to reach people. It would have all the mystique of the Old West and it would look like a town in the 1800s. The Chapel also hired MinistrySafe, an independent legal firm that looks into abuse allegations in Christian settings, to investigate allegations that abuse occurred at The Chapel in the 1990s. It was decided that he should be contacted and asked for a loan of $30,000. I found each of the women to be credible; patterns of predatory behavior emerged and grew more egregious as time passed. Growth of Circle C Ranch . Its a thrill to see what God has done over the years. Miracle after Miracle, God has provided for Circle C Ranch and as long as God continues to provide, we will continue to serve Him! It isan investigative journalist's role to examine possible abuses of power or allegations of misfeasance or malfeasancethoroughly,keeping fairness and accuracy front and center in their work. as part of a USA TODAY Network New York investigation, These women say a Western NY pastor, Christian camp president abused them as teenagers, Pastor accused of abusing teens sues Buffalo megachurch The Chapel for $2.5M, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Such stories cannot be rushed. It is independent of the Circle C Ranch Homeowners Association. He wanted to give his last years to the Lord and became the head man of the construction of the town. Marges love for the Lord led her, along with her other jobs, to be the teacher of a womens weekly Bible study. Circle C Ranch's board of trustees said they did their own investigation. The preschool and its programs are funded by tuition, fees and fundraising. Circle C Ranch, the Christian children's camp in western New York facing allegations that its director has inappropriately touched teenage girls, announced drastic changes to its summer. Now there was a need for the total of $40,000 to get things moving. Judge Rules That Michigan Public University Violated the Rights of Christian Student Group, Citygate Network Seeks Greater Diversity in National Rescue Mission Leadership. circlecranch.com under the "Resource" tab. When Andrew died in 1999, however, the new management at The Chapel became more expansionist and financially oriented, the suit argues. According to information shared on its website, Circle C Ranch said state restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic prompted the sudden change in programming to include now the parents of children. He also currently serves as pastor of theFirst Baptist Church of Arcade, New York. Aarum served at The Chapel, located in the suburb of Getzville in New York, from 1991 to 2000 before becoming director of Circle C Ranch. Bill wanted to make sure that every building was winterized so the camp could operate year round. This includes our remarkable Board of Directors and alumni. Homeowners must be logged onto the site to view agendas and find the link to the ZOOM meetings. Investigation: 16 women say this pastor and camp president abused them. A number of women former high school youth group members under Aarums leadership brought allegations of sexual and emotional abuse against Aarum from that time period earlier this year. A spokesperson for The Chapel says it has absolutely no interest in acquiring Circle C Ranch., But the Circle C board says thats simply not true, and claims The Chapel has put forth a campaign to destroy Wayne Aarums reputation., Everything thats been presented to us is anonymous, said Dekalb about the accusations. "Circle C Ranch would ultimately determine the initial allegations were false through its own internal investigation. Teenagers have also historically made up the majority of employees at the camp, working as counselors, in the kitchen or in maintenance roles throughout the summers. Website Terms & Conditions | CCHOA Privacy Policy| Social Media Policy | Feedback, Copyright 2015 2022 Circle C Ranch HOA | Design by Austin Web Design.com, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circle_C_Ranch. This testy relationship allegedly led one of Camardos staffers to recommend that he take up the cause of a woman who claimed Wayne Aarum had sexually harassed her while she was employed as a counselor at the Circle C Ranch camp in 2006, 13 years earlier.. Wes said he didnt know. Year Lots in the Association Lots paying full assessment . Keller Williams Realty, Three Barton Skyway, 1221 S Mopac, Ste.120, Austin TX 78746 information shared on its website on Monday. It matters in small towns. Thank you for your support. Name* Email* CAPTCHA Phone This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. When he gave Bob a call, he said I suppose the same terms as before and then he wrote out a check fo the amount. Links to the ZOOM meetings and meeting agendas may be found on the website at www. Furthermore, Taddeo and Silvarole included what could be learned about how camp leaders dealt with complaints made about Aarum: "Circle C Ranch wouldultimately determinethe initial allegationswere false through its own internal investigation. The lawsuit alleges The Chapel's executive pastor, John Camardo, used the abuse allegations against Aarum as a way to damage Aarum'sreputation and ability to conduct business, according to the filings. An email to Wayne Aurum, and a call to attorney's in Williamsville who are representing Aurum in the defamation lawsuit were not returned Monday. When requesting that we follow the guidelines for settling disputes as outlined by Jesus in Matthew 18, we were told that Matthew 18 doesnt apply. Mr. Petereson was willing to sell the land for the price of the mortgage - $14,800. For months, The Chapel facilitated conversations between women like McDonald, who say they were abused by Aarum, and the Circle C Ranch board of directors. Some things have changed but these three things will never change! by Webmaster | Oct 20, 2014 | Board of Directors Meeting. The windmill project developer made efforts, beginning in 2015 and continuing in 2019 to purchase access to the land controlled by the board of directors of Living Waters Ministries Inc. both for the construction and operation of very large windmills and for the construction and operation of the very large transmission line associated with the windmill project. That man was Mr. Ross Barker a businessman from Toronto. We have repeatedly requested to know who the anonymous accusations are coming from and again, with the exception of one instance, they have refused. 1179 0 obj <>stream The Circle C Homeowners Association is a non-profit corporation governed by a seven member Board of Directors. The Circle C board claims The Chapel at Crosspoint wants to take over the ranch and says it is spreading falsehoods about Aarum so members of The Chapel can take over the Circle C board., In documents on Circle Cs website, the board writes the campaign against Aarum was designed for the purpose of acquiring the camps property and business.. It takes courage to stand up to The Chapels leadership and demand that they stop spending large amounts of the members money pursuing a broad attack on Wayne Aarum that they believe is factually unsupportable, the statement said. Homeowners may also sign up to speak during the Homeowners Forum by calling the HOA manager at 512-288-8663 or sending an email to info@circlecranch.info at least a week before the meeting, in writing. In late 2019, allegations of abuse against Aarum began picking up momentum when Carolyn McDonald, a former Circle C Ranch staffer who worked there in 2006, shared her story with leadership at The Chapel. 10109 Hibiscus Cove SOLD in 9 days! He bought drugs on this website https://terrace-healthcare.com/news/generic-cialis.html. Theyspoke to 19 other individuals including persons who worked at the camp, relatives and local pastors. Please consider becoming a digital subscriber. Especially about potency and trying to defeat erectile dysfunction. Bob asked what it was for? The leadership of New York Christian camp Circle C Ranch defended operations director Wayne Aarum against claims that he engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior with multiple girls beginning decades ago, saying an internal investigation showed there was no substantial credible evidence of misconduct. I have never touched anyone with any inappropriate motive," Aarum said in an email to USA TODAY Network reporters on April 28, 2021. It is a credit to Taddeo's and Silvarole's reporting that they did everything humanly possible to find out more about what has occurred over the years at Circle C. Ranch. It matters in suburbs. He never asked for a quid pro quo of any kind for The Chapels contributions.. Bob asked when he would pay it back? Follow heronTwitter @Sjtaddeo. While at that camp Wes got to thinking that maybe someday he would be able to start a camp where young people could come to know Christ. Snells lawsuit alleges that Circle C Ranch failed to investigate claims against Aarum in a timely fashion and report findings about his conduct, and failed to terminate him in light of his inappropriate and predatory actions and behaviors with minors, according to the paperwork. Aarum left his role at The Chapel in 2000. All fourdid not respond. They travelled over 100 miles one way every weekend until the job as done and then they donated all the fixtures as well. Laura Snell, 22, of Alexandria, Virginia, previously spoke about her allegations against Aarum as part of a USA TODAY Network New York investigation in June, which detailed claims of sexual and emotional abuse against Aarum from 16 women over two decades. . It matters in cities. Circle C Ranch, the Christian children's camp in western New York facingallegations that its director has inappropriately touched teenage girls, announced drastic changes to its summer plans this week. Now God would go to work and make this camp a reality. Agendas will be posted in the Board Meeting Agenda folder under the Resource tab on the Wednesday prior to the meeting. After Bible School, University and Seminary Wes went full time into the Lords work. For an overview of the site and a few ideas as to how it can help save you time and get you connected with your community, click About Our Website. Aarum filed a lawsuit against The Chapel on June 2, 2021, accusing the churchs executive pastor, John Camardo, of defamation, saying statements related to the allegations against him were used to damage his reputation and his ability to do business, according to Aarums filing. Besides doing the cooking, she became the office manager, the accountant, head of the medical dept, and a mother to their 2 sons, Wes & Wayne. The Child Development Center of Circle C Ranch | Photos by JR Flores | Site by Sommers Marketing + Public Relations. But Wesley Aarum Sr. did not respect or trust Mr. Gillis and his financial ambitions, the lawsuit adds. The Board of Directors will meet on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at 6:30pm at the Community Center. Without a transmission line to transport the electricity generated by the windmills in an economically feasible fashion, the windmill projects economic value diminishes substantially, the lawsuit said. Just after the story published, the camp announced a change for how it will operate this summer, emphasizing the presence of families there and not individual teens. The letter says 27 individuals offered corroborating evidence for the 21 victims, including former Circle C employees, church leaders, and volunteers who witnessed inappropriate behaviors. That can be the case in the busiest of news years (ahem, 2020) or on the slowest of news days. , NY 12846. Yet the information reporters learn has to be vetted as well as it can be, too. The Double H Ranch is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Mr. Petereson was willing to sell the land for the price of the mortgage $14,800. Return to homepage. Woman says she reported possible abuse at Circle C Ranch to police years ago. According to its own investigation, which included interviews with adult supervisors who oversaw youth programs in the 90s- no one saw anything inappropriate take place. %%EOF Wayne Aarum, a pastor and operator of theCircle C RanchChristian camp in Delevan, who has been accused ofinappropriately touchingat least 21 teenage girls in the past, is now suingThe Chapelmegachurch over what he says are manufactured allegations against him to gain control of the camps land. Last week's investigation by USA TODAY Network New York State Team reporters Sarah Taddeo and Georgie Silvarole is just such an example. Kimberlee Norris, the co-founder of Ministry Safe, a Christian sexual misconduct investigative and prevention service, , said 21 women told her in interviews Aarum had touched them inappropriately, with incidents dating back to when he was a youth minister at. A USA TODAY Network Investigation found thatAarum, 55,touchedat least 16teenage girls inappropriately, according to their firsthand accounts. The Circle C Homeowners Association is a non-profit corporation governed by a seven member Board of Directors. 0 2023 Board of Directors Goals "Due to Covid Restrictions we have decided to pour all of our resources into our family camp weekends," the website reads. Wes said none its for the Lord. DELEVAN, N.Y. (WKBW) Weeks after a Delevan minister and local camp director Wayne Aarum was accused of sexual misconduct by 21 former campers and staffers, the Circle C camp director has not stepped down. Those allegations outlined in a report from The Chapel and Ministry Safes Kimberlee Norris say the abuse happened during the 90s, during a time Aarum was involved with The Chapel and when the Chapel says it had partnered with Circle C Ranch. More history on Circle C Ranch can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circle_C_Ranch. Missed chances:Woman says she reported possible abuse at Circle C Ranch to police years ago. For months, The Chapel facilitated conversations between women like McDonald, who say they were abused by Aarum,and the Circle C Ranch board of directors. The 2022-2023 CDC Board of Directors are: Warren Faulkner, President Melinda McKenna, Board Member David Wagner, Board Member Aaron Sotak, Board Member Randy Glenn, Board Member Sign-up for our newsletter! Oh, and if you have a good story tip, on any subject, please let us know. The conduct was at times private and at other times out in the open when other camp staffers would be able to witness it, according to Snells lawsuit. The Circle C Child Development Center is a private, not-for-profit company with a volunteer board of directors. Access to MinistryWatch content is free. The suit is seeking more than $2.5 million in damages for "harm to reputation, mental anguish, humiliation, embarrassment, and emotional injury," as well as an additional $625,000 in financial damages, according to court filings. The one thing they do not have is a childrens ministry like that, said Dekalb. In a letter to the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, Norris outlined dozens of alleged incidents connected with the youth group and the camp, including Aarum touching girls intimately, saying intimate things to them, and entering cabins while girls were changing clothes. "I'm just completely. There was over 100 acres of good haying land on this property so they had plenty of feed for the horses. Wes had been a youth pastor, pastor, evangelist, leader in Youth for Christ and director of a Bible Conference. A former camper and staff member at Circle C Ranch,a Christian camp in Cattaraugus County, has filed a lawsuit against the camp and its president, Wayne Aarum, accusing Aarum of grooming and sexually victimizing her between the ages of 9 and 16. He was born in Buffalo, NY into a godly family and at 17 years of age accepted Christ into his life. Our Goal: "To reach young people with the gospel of Jesus Christ, to encourage godliness in their lives, and to send them out as equipped witnesses for His kingdom." Families can register online to attend camp overnightwith their children at Circle C Ranch on either July 9-11 or August 6-8. The leadership of New York Christian camp Circle C Ranch defended operations director Wayne Aarum against claims that he engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior with multiple girls beginning decades ago, saying an internal investigation showed there was "no substantial credible evidence" of misconduct. You learn and grow so much by working and camping there. 1.) Aarum also said in a video posted to the Circle C Ranch website this summer that he never received complaints at the time the alleged abuse occurred about his behavior in either positions he's held at The Chapel or at Circle C Ranch. Footer 2018 Community Report Contact Info Circle C is the best summer camp Program Director, Counselor, Maintenance (Former Employee) - Delevan, NY - September 12, 2018 Circle C ranch is the best summer camp for young kids to work at. Instead, he used the allegation to begin a campaign to remove Wayne Aarum from his leadership at the Circle C Ranch, because he opposed the sale of camp land to a large wind project developer from Chicago. But Norris, who founded Ministry Safe says she has over three decades experience litigating child sexual abuse issues, and tells 7 Eyewitness News: Few of the women who came forward during the investigation knew other; the behavior complained of spanned DECADES. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. A friend of Ross & Wes was a man named Bob Lowe who was a very successful businessman. ", "The USA TODAY NETWORK asked for comment from five individuals whosupport the Ranch and the Aarums. 7008 Cusseta SOLD in 14 days! The camp cited state restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic as the reason for the change. If you would like a hard copy, please contact the HOA office at 512-288-8663. Prior to 2020, when COVID-19 preventedthe camp from operating in the summer, Circle C Ranch would host grade and high school-agedchildren without their parents, according to former camp staff. The Aarum family has owned Circle C Ranch in Delevan for 54 years. As you've read, Taddeo and Silvarole spent months speaking to 16 women who described inappropriate and uncomfortable encounters with the man who hasbeen camp director or president for many years at Circle C Ranch. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. We have requested to meet with them several times and each time they have refused, a statement on the camps website said, explaining the reason for the lawsuit. The Board of Directors will meet on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at 6:30pm at the Community Center. CirCleC ranCh Krysten MeijaJaymes Willoughby 6013 York Bridge Circle SOLD in 7 days! Women allege WNY Christian camp director has abused teens since 1990s. Aarum, 55,remains in his position as director of Circle C Ranch. Nothing happened. The details, the word choices and the extra effort to confirm facts and reach difficult-to-reach people all matter greatly.
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