Rodeheavers Boys Ranch June 2011Rodeheavers Boys Ranch June 2011

“ It’s better to build boys than mend men.”“ It’s better to build boys than mend men.”

Inside This IssuePg. 2 Letter from our Executive Director

Pg. 3 Giving Dynamics And The Meaning Of Lifeand Three High School Graduates

Pg. 4 Rodeheaver Boys Ranch Foundation

Pg. 5 Livestock Show and Sale (Putnam County Fair)

Pg. 6 The Huntley’s, Vehicle Program, Computer Upgradeand our New Cookbook For Sale

Pg. 7 Annual Meeting, Entertainment By Wire and Wood

Pg. 8 Spring Bluegrass Festival

Pg. 9 Dedication - New Activities Building

Pg. 10 Longtime Patron, Mrs. Mickey Westbury

Pg. 11 Annual Bass Tournament

Pg. 12 Trail Ride

Above: Seniors, Amos Betonio, Brett Buchanan, andZach Dina celebrate their graduation from high schoolthis month.Below: Bill and Bonnie Huntley of Palatka, Florida, longtime supporters of the ranch, take a moment in theirhome to let us make a photo to share with our boys,staff, and readers.

Four of our boys take a close look at the cowsfrom the back of a pick-up.

From the Executive Director:From the Executive Director:Dear Friends,

When John Newton sat down one evening and penned the words to the timeless hymn,“Amazing Grace,” he said he was responding in worshipful wonder to how good God hadbeen to him personally. I’m sure that is the reason when you ask for favorites to sing with agroup – be it a youth meeting or church congregation – folks always seem to get this songin the mix – because God has been so good to them. Scottish bagpipers at funerals andweddings alike always seem to showcase this familiar tune.

The word “Amazing” is just that and defined as “ to fill with great surprise or sudden won-der; astonish.” And that is pretty much the whole Webster definition. It’s all one can sayabout the word – but when you put the word Grace with it – “Amazing Grace” -it puts thingsin high gear. Grace is commonly defined as “beauty or charm of form, composition, move-ment, or expression (esp.) of God’s good will and unmerited favor.”

One of Mr. Homer Rodeheaver’s nephews made it to our annual meeting this past month and took a tour of the ranchafter the program was finished due to arriving a little late. He was thrilled that this simple working ranch, began in 1950,is still functioning. Mr. Rodeheaver and local rancher, Mr. Westbury, provided the foundership and leadership to makethis vision a reality.

Through the 61 years, others have sensed this “Amazing Grace” and desired to help this dream continue in reality.After all, boys have the same needs as they did back in the 40’s and 50’s.

Realizing that one is part of God’s Amazing Grace has a sobering affect and prompts one to do some soul – search-ing. It might not be politically correct to say any more, but we really are doing God’s work and enjoying His AmazingGrace.

And if that thought doesn’t wind up the hand dial of your “happy meter,” talk to some of the boys – they are wisebeyond their years about this concept of enjoying God’s blessings on each of them.

Thank you for being a part of this “Amazing Grace” with your faith, your prayers, and your gifts.

Sincerely,

Ken JohnsonExecutive Director

The history of RodeheaverBoys Ranch would be incom-plete without emphasizing thework and dedication of itslongest serving board mem-ber, R.T. “Tommy” Clay, Sr.

2011 marked 59 years ofservice on the Ranch Boardfor Tommy. He was theassistant County AgricultureAgent for Putnam County in1950 when the ranch wasfounded, and worked withthe boys through theschool 4-H program.

In 1952 he accepted an invi-tation and joined the Board.Later, Homer Rodeheaver rec-ognized his passion for theRanch and offered him theExecutive Director position.Tommy declined but remainedon the Board and worked tire-lessly on behalf of the Ranchfor decades to follow.

Tommy was involved inevery aspect of the Ranchoperations, from assuring thatthe boys had plenty of food toeat, to making sure the Ranch

had enough money to pay itsbills. Fundraising was a con-stant challenge and almostevery Ranch function involvedthe legendary “open pit barbe-ques” by Tommy, (then Sheriff)Walt Pellicier, and the crew.

The early years of the Ranchwere a struggle almost on adaily basis, in almost everyarea. However, Tommy’s hardwork and leadership wereinstrumental in guiding theRanch through some difficulttimes.

Because of this solid founda-tion, the Ranch was well pre-pared as it moved into the 21stcentury. In 2007, the Ranch pre-sented Tommy with a “LifetimeAchievement Award” in recogni-tion of his unique service to theRanch.

Long time friend and boardmember, Judge Ed Hedstrom,states “We owe Tommy a hugedebt for all he has done and toLorene for being the womanbehind the man. We wish themthe best in life.”

2011 Marks 59 Years of Service ForTommy Clay...Longest Serving Board Member

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GGIVINGIVING DDYNAMICSYNAMICS ANDAND TTHEHE MMEANINGEANING OOFF LLIFEIFE

SENIORS, AMOS BETONIO, BRETT BUCHANAN, AND ZACH DINA

CELEBRATE THEIR GRADUATION FROM HIGH SCHOOL

There have been numerousarticles written by a host ofqualified fund raising profes-sionals explaining the psy-chology of how different emo-tions motivate people to giveto charities. Some of the mostcommon emotions attributedto philanthropic behavior are:

While the above list mayrepresent reasonable explana-tions of why people give tocharities, we feel that the rela-tionship between RodeheaverBoys Ranch and its donors isa little bit different.

We believe our donors havealready found meaning in lifeand give to the ranch because

they identify with our mis-sion of feeding, housing,clothing and educat-ing/mentoring homeless,abandoned, neglected orunder-privileged boys.

We believe our donors givebecause they truly understandthe Biblical concept that thegreatest joy in life comes fromthe satisfaction of knowingthat your life has meaningwhen you invest your time, tal-ent, and treasure to help meetneeds of those who are hurting.

Donors, who give to chari-ties because they truly believethey are making a difference insomeone else’s life, alwaysget back (satisfaction in life)more than they give.

This principle of findingmeaning in life through givingto those in need is describedin Luke 6:38, “Give, and it shallbe given unto you; goodmeasure, pressed down, andshaken together, and runningover, shall men give into your

bosom. For with the samemeasure that ye mete withal itshall be measured to youagain (KJB).”

While we believe in and takeadvantage of modern technol-ogy that simplifies andimproves the process of find-ing new potential donors, wealso understand what attractsdonors to Rodeheaver BoysRanch and what developsrelationships that last for a life-time.

Our donors are like family.They come, sit down, and eatwith the boys and staff. Theylisten to a young man describecatching his first fish in the St.Johns River, about riding hisfirst horse, or maybe evenmaking his first B, or even anA on his report card.

Our donors know they arewelcome here. Like those ofus who actually have the privi-lege of living here, our donorsknow that Rodeheaver BoysRanch is unlike any other

place in the world.

A loving God through thegiving heart and generosity ofa Godly man established thisplace, with a mission andmotto that has stood the testof time. The programs offeredby the ranch are still changingthe lives of maladjusted,angry, hurting, young men byteaching them to work and ful-fill personal responsibility in aloving Christian, agriculturalenvironment.

Our hope is that every poten-tial donor who visits the ranchwill see what Paul Harvey sawduring his visit in 2002. Afterspending a day and a half withthe boys and staff, with tearsin his eyes, he made the state-ment, “I did not know a placelike this still existed inAmerica.”

To all of you who help uscontinue on…

Thanks and God Bless!

Brett is one of our staff children andhas lived at the ranch since he was fouryears old. His parents, Greg and LisaBuchanan , manage our vehicle programand Greg is also our Boy Scout troopleader.

Brett graduated from Temple ChristianSchool in Palatka on June 3. He hasbeen accepted into the Florida Schoolfor the Arts photography program wherehe plans to continue to develop his tal-ent. For those who have seen his pho-tography portfolio, it's obvious that Bretthas made a very good decision.

Amos is also one of our staff kids. Hismom and dad are the cottage parents forBoeing Cottage and the family has beenon the ranch for over five years. Amosgraduated from Peniel Baptist Academyon June 9. While at Peniel, Amos hasbeen a standout in varsity athletics,especially basketball.

After graduation he will be attendingSt. Johns River State College in Palatkawhere he will take classes to pursue acareer in nursing. Amos was recentlyawarded the rank of Eagle Scout in a cer-emony here at the ranch.

Zach is the only ranch boy that is grad-uating this year. He has been a residentsince June of 2007 and has really madethe ranch his home during the last fouryears. He graduated from Palatka HighSchool on June 10.

Zach has done very well in theExceptional Student program at the highschool and they are currently working onan after graduation program to ensurehis future success. There will be manychallenges for Zach after the ranch, butwe believe that he has developed thefoundational life skills to meet them headon and prevail.

BrettAllen

Buchanan

AmosTed JohnBetonio

ZacharyRogerDina

(1) To help those less fortunate

(2) To enhance one’s image orstatus

(3) To fulfill a sense of obligation

(4) To find meaning in life

(5) To make amends for personaltransgressions

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Yes, I want to invest in the future of Rodeheaver Boys Ranch.Rodeheaver Boys Ranch.

Name:_________________________________________________(please print)

Address:_______________________________________________

City/State/Zip___________________________________________

Ph:____________________________________________________

Email:__________________________________________________

Please indicate total gift/pledge to the capping:

I/We wish to contribute a total gift/pledge of $_____________

Please indicate payment opt ions:

I/We are enclosing $______________as payment in full.

I/We pledge the entire amount to be paid over :

Please bill:

My/Our gift qulaifies for a matching gift from:

(name of company)______________________________________

My/Our gift is in honor/memory of:________________________________________________________

I/We wish to remain anonymous (if this option is notselected I/We will be listed in campaign materials)

I/We would like information on naming opportunities.

Signature_________________________Date_________________

We Invite You to Take a Leadership RoleLeadership Role byInvesting in the Future as a

Rodeheaver Dream Builder.“Only you

can make mydreams come true.”

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Quarterly Annually

2 3 4 5 years.

Rodeheaver FoundationRodeheaver Foundation3400 Crill Avenue, Suite 1

Palatka, FL 32177

RODEHEAVER FOUNDATIONRODEHEAVER FOUNDATION

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Rodeheaver Youth ShineAt The 2011

Putnam County FairLivestock Show and Sale

Rodeheaver Participants Top Out With A Blue Ribbon Booth

Arts & Crafts WinnersDisplay Ribbons In Various Categories

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Rodeheaver Boys Ranch is a uniqueplace for young men to thrive. TheVehicle Program provides a way forthe boys to learn minor mechanicalskills and personal responsibility. Theboys come over after school andstudy hall in the afternoons and helpget the donated cars ready for thenext auction.

The boys love hands-on learningmechanical skills and the auctionsplay a major role in fundraising.

Volunteers like Russel Terjung savethe ranch thousands of dollarsthrough the services they provide.

Russ is an IT Specialist and helpsthe Development Departmentupgrade their ability to manage theranch's database and he also teachesthe staff and boys valuable computerskills.

Russ and his wife, Sharon worktogether to make their knowledgeavailable to staff and boys.

Boys, ranch staff, and our manyranch friends contribute to the RanchCookbook. Volume 4, is now on sale.The book can be purchased throughthe ranch office or at the ranch storeduring our on-ranch fund raisingevents for $10.00.

Ranch Boys Play A Major Role InThe Vehicle Program

Ranch BoysAutographing

Cookbook & Recipes

Russel Terjung, VolunteerIT Professional

Few couples have hadthe impact the Huntley’shave had on the ranch inits 60 year history. Theirunselfish support andencouragement haveresulted in being a part ofa winning team thatworks very well.

Mr. Huntley has servedon the board of directorsfor decades and took histurn as president of theboard in 1991 – 1992. Healso just celebrated his90th birthday.

In 2006, Mr. and Mrs.Huntley provided the meansto initiate, plan, build, andfurnish Huntley Cottage.Cottage parents and 10boys call it home.

This addition brought thenumber of cottages to 5which enables the ranchto house 50 boys with nospace issues.

The Huntley’s have beeninvolved in all aspects of theranch’s needs. Their interestin the horse programallowed us to update ourpaddocks several years agoand to improve our farmfacilities in order to be moreproductive.

They have for manyyears made specialrecognitions available forboys that attained theschool term honor roll.Their interest in educa-tion has been steady allthese years.

Bill and Bonnie havealso challenged others toinsure the future of the ranch by helping plan forits maintenance andemergencies that mighthappen along the way.

Ken Johnson, ExecutiveDirector, states that “theHuntley’s are bell ringerswhen it comes to caringfor others in need. Theirconcern for the next gen-eration and its needs areapparent in all their con-versations and giving.We salute them andthank them for letting usbe part of their lives. Weapplaud their sensitivityand love for the boys whohave come our way andwill come in futureyears.”

Bill and Bonnie Huntleyof Palatka, Florida, longtime supporters of theranch take a moment intheir home to let usmake a photo to sharewith our boys, staff,and readers.

Bill and Bonnie HuntleyFriends At The Ranch

Huntley Cottage

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The 61st Annual Meeting and BBQApril 17, 2011

The 61st Annual Meeting and BBQ was held on April 17, 2011. The 61st AnnualMeeting/BBQ began at 12:30 with the Pledge of Allegiance and opening prayer. Localbluegrass band, Wire and Wood, provided the entertainment. Along with the wonder-ful BBQ luncheon prepared and served by ranch staff, boys, and volunteers, 3 doorprizes were drawn and given away. The 50th Anniversary Savage Shotgun and the60th Anniversary Henry Lever Action Rifle were auctioned off and then donated backto the ranch. A drawing for a 100CC dirt bike was also held.

Special recognition was given to Bruce Howe and his wife Ann. Bruce Howe wasHomer Rodeheaver's Personal Assistant until Mr. Rodeheaver's death in 1955.

Mr. and Mrs. Howespend their summersin Indiana and theirwinters in Florida. Aspecial heartfeltthank you was givento Carlton and RubySpence for their helpand generosity.

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Rodeheaver Boys RanchWelcomes 7th

Palatka Bluegrass Festival

The 7th Annual Palatka Bluegrass Festival was held at Rodeheaver Boys Ranch this pastFebruary. Donald (Duck) Harper, who was the person who originally came up with the idea of host-ing a Bluegrass Festival on the ranch, was also the first person to be honored as the GrandMarshal for the event.

Norman Adams and Tony Anderson along with their wives Judy and Susan, continue to lead theindustry in promoting Bluegrass Music. Adams and Anderson have been a real blessing to theranch and many of the bluegrass fans they have brought to the ranch have become some of ourmost faithful supporters.

Congratulations toLillian Riggs whosename was drawnSaturday night at thefestival to win theMartin HD 28V guitar.

This is the fourth yearMartin has donated aguitar to help raisemoney for the ranch.

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Ranch Board of Directors, Staff and BoysDedicate Langdon-Newby Activity Center

The new activity center thatyou read about in the October2010 issue of the RanchWrangler is now open for busi-ness. After the formal dedica-tion ceremony earlier this yearthe doors were officially openedand the fun began.

The building has proven to bean even greater asset than weanticipated. We now have alarge space for Boy Scout and

4-H meetings and all the associ-ated training and instruction.The building provides amplestorage for our canoes, boyscout equipment trailer, andranch water craft.

There’s also plenty of roomfor recreational pursuits, includ-ing table tennis, air hockey, bil-liards, or just a comfortableplace to relax and read a bookor watch a movie.

The activity center has quick-ly become a major part of ourdaily routine. That is to say ithas become exactly what PearlLangdon and Jen Newby wouldhave liked.

We salute the vision and realitythat was made possible byranch staff, along with theLangdon-Newby family, theMiller family, and theRodeheaver Foundation.

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Mickey Westbury Entertains

Boys Visitin

Her Home

Mrs. Mickey Westbury tookpart of an afternoon thisspring to visit with the boysand staff in her home. Shegraciously gave each boy abox of chocolates and chat-ted briefly.

Mrs. Westbury, still an ele-gant hostess at 91 years ofage, is the widow of the lateHarry Westbury, the localrancher, who helped HomerRodeheaver begin the ranchback in 1950.

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Fifth Annual Rodeheaver Boys Ranch Bass Tournament

Over the years therehave been dozens of fish-ing tournaments at theranch. With our setting onthe beautiful and historic St.Johns river, it is just a natu-ral fit. However, all of thosetournaments were for thefishermen and not the boys.

Enter Jerry Shawver. Jerryis a professor at Florida StateCollege Jacksonville and a

member of the First CoastChristian Bass Club.

On a visit to the ranch in2005 to speak to the boysabout fishing, he heard thatthey never really had anopportunity to fish on theriver in a real bass boat.

After speaking with other men in his club, the idea ofa bass tournament for theboys was born. Through

months of planning andcoaxing sponsors each year,Jerry has organized anevent with thirty five to fortyvolunteer fisherman andtheir boats who actuallytake our boys fishing in anofficial tournament setting.

The tournament includesa weigh-in and prizesawarded in several cate-gories. Each boy is provid-

ed t-shirts, sun glasses,snacks, an opportunity toride in a high-speed bassboat and of course thechance to catch fish.

The tournament gets betterevery year and has becomeone of the highlights of theyear for the boys.

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Edie Kynard, EditorKen Johnson – Executive Director

Steve Watkins – Director of Ranch LifeJeff King – Development Director

Greg Buchannan – Vehicle Program/Activities Director

Marc Spalding – President RBRRichard Perallon – Vice President RBR

Sam Taylor – Treasurer RBRRobert Mitchem – Secretary RBR

Dan Martinez – President, Rodeheaver FoundationBen Bates – Treasurer, Rodeheaver Foundation

Ed Hedstrom – Secretary, Rodeheaver Foundation

RANCH WRANGLER MAGAZINERANCH WRANGLER MAGAZINE

Saturdays, Hol idays and Any Days Of f

The SHADO riders held their AnnualField Day of Equestrian Instruction,demonstration and trail rides inMarch of this year.