Hunting Down Antlers | February 2020

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PUBLISHER

MARLIN MILLER

GENERAL MANAGER

SUE WENGERD

SENIOR EDITOR

PHIL BARKMAN

COPY EDITOR

MATT YODER

ACCOUNT MANAGER GRAPHIC ARTIST

ISAAC HERSHBERGER SETH YODER

GRAPHIC ARTIST

BETHANY TROYER

CUSTOMER SERVICE PHOTOGRAPHER

LANDON TROYER

CONTRIBUTING WRITER CONTRIBUTING WRITER CONTRIBUTING WRITER CONTRIBUTING WRITER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

KEVIN BILLE

KAREN RABER DEVON SPENCER FERREE HARDY MARCUS A. YODER

TORRY MARTIN & DOUG PETERSON

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

DR. TERESA HOXWORTH

MARCH AD SALES DEADLINE FEBRUARY 5, 2020

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CONTENTS OHIO

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ISSUE 80

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FEBRUARY 2020

MESSAGE FROM THE PUBLISHER PAPER DOLL CHAINS

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Have you ever seen a string of cut paper created to look like a bunch of children holding hands? This month we'll teach you how to make them!

WHAT A DOG'S NOSE KNOWS!

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Depending on their training, they can be sniffing for anything from illegally imported meats to drugs to firearms.

SHINING SOME LIGHT

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On February 15, Lord willing, I will help shine some light on grief at a seminar at Fairlawn Mennonite Church in Apple Creek, Ohio.

FUNDS AND BENEFITS

HUNTING DOWN ANTLERS // 1 1

Every month we provide a listing of opportunities to help out those in need. Pray for them, and support them financially if you feel led to do so.

Whitetail Heritage provides children with special needs the opportunity to bag a deer in their own guided hunt.

FIRST CHOICE MATTRESS // 27

THE BIG BOOK

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DRIVING ME CRAZY // 56

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VACCINES

// 65

ON THE COVER

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

The hunters each take practice shots in the shooting range before heading out on their hunts.

Every advertiser in this issue of Plain Values can be found here, along with the page their ad is on.

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FEBRUARY 2020

MESSAGE from t he

PUBLISHER words by: MARLIN MILLER My cousin and I sat fifteen feet up in the cold,

life, Whitetail Heritage youth hunts bring the chance

having a great time not really hunting. We were doing

to enjoy God’s creation in new ways; the joy it brings

more talking and laughing (quiet chuckling, I should

to all involved is a treasured memory for many years

say) than real hunting but were thoroughly enjoying

to come. And tucked in the details is the story of the

the time together. As the evening wore on, he decided

redemption of an untimely sneeze!

we should try to rattle in the big one. That excited

Speaking of joy, Linus Coblentz will be thirty

me, of course, as I had never shot “the big one”! I have

years old on the 4th of February, and we just had to

never shot any deer, actually! I’m not a very good

throw him a little party.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LINUS! //

hunter, as you’ve figured out by now.

He rattled, we chitchat, he rattled some more, we chitchat some more. One of us cracked a joke, and I laughed out loud. At the very moment I ended that “just a bit too loud” laughing, my cousin and I heard twigs breaking close on our left side. The rattles had brought in a shooter buck! And not more than fifteen or twenty yards away. He slipped in to check us out, and we were too busy telling stories to notice! All I remember was seeing horns disappear into the bush and the shame of spooking him with my laughter.

This month’s feature story makes me want to be a better hunter, not for my own sake but for the sake of others. For youngsters with different challenges in

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AUSTIN KURTZ HARVESTED THE BIGGEST BUCK AT THE EVENT, WINNING HIM A FREE MOUNT FROM WHITETAIL HERITAGE.

FEATURE STORY

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

GOD OF WONDERS

WIDOW'S PATH

OUR HERITAGE

GREAT OUTDOORS

CANINE CORNER

HUNTING DOWN ANTLERS words by: KAREN RABER

I would never have guessed that the term “deer hunting” would one day evoke pleasant memories. If someone had asked me a year ago to rate my interest in hunting on a scale from one to ten, I wouldn’t have thought twice and pinned it at zero. But this year was different.

It was the first chilly Saturday morning in October, a perfect morning for the Whitetail Heritage hunt. I had agreed to attend the event and then write a story about it, but this morning I wondered why I had said yes. Stifling the desire to renege, I headed out. As with most of my assignments, I went completely unprepared for the blessing that would be mine in the end. The blessing would be an experience bringing beauty to my life and opening my eyes to

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a unique world of people. I don’t enjoy hunting, but I do enjoy people, and I found a whole crowd with some of the most inspiring personalities and with equally inspiring stories. The event I had almost dreaded ended up blessing me and, yes, even changed my views on hunting a bit!

After a half-hour trek on Ohio backcountry roads, I arrived at the Pilgrim Hills Mentoring facility, where a wide-open field had been prepared for the event. It was only 9:00 am, but already a plume of smoke was rising on the morning air that smelled of bar-b-que.

“Byler’s BBQ” was lettered on the side of the food truck, and their busy crew was already preparing lunch. The sun was shining through the autumn chill; the scene was idyllic. An enormous tent dominated the space in which an enthusiastic crowd was milling about. Hm, where to start... Quelling the urge to leave, I walked toward the multitude.

It was just as I had been told; the event was put on by avid deer hunters who unselfishly gave the opportunity to hunt to others who faced difficulties in life. Applications for the hunt had been submitted in the preceding months, and a committee chose those whom they felt were most qualified.

Choosing who would get to hunt wasn’t an easy task; so many applicants qualified. Finally, it was narrowed down to twenty-one, more than the committee had ever accepted before. These included children as well as adults experiencing a broad spectrum of adversities. Some were diagnosed with big names like Demyelinating Neuropathy and Friedreich’s Ataxia, which confine them to their wheelchairs. Others had Down syndrome, had endured severe burns, or were deaf, blind, or paralyzed. Some had lost loved ones and were struggling through grief and sorrow. But all of them wanted to hunt deer, and most of them would never be able to do so unless some type of special event was planned for them. And that event was today!

Nerves were tight, and excitement ran high. Maybe today they would be the ones to harvest some antlers and feel the rush their friends talked about! And the entire event was all about them. The goal was to give them the most enjoyable hunting experience they could imagine.

It would be hard to exceed the excitement of Jonathan Miller, a bright, sweet nine-year-old, and

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THE EVENT WAS PUT ON BY AVID DEER HUNTERS WHO UNSELFISHLY GAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO HUNT TO OTHERS WHO FACED DIFFICULTIES IN LIFE.

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Aaron Mast, a spunky twenty-two-year-old who both

moment possible, Aaron couldn’t stifle a desperate urge

have Down syndrome. Jonathan had never gone

to sneeze. Kerchew! The deer didn’t wait to investigate;

hunting and was elated when his application was

it showed its little white flag and disappeared. But

approved. But the hunt had seemed a long, long way

Aaron hoped this year would be different.

off. Now here it was, the morning of the hunt, and his

The committee of Whitetail Heritage had outdone

mother had gone to wake him early, only to find that he

themselves with preparations for the day. After talks

was already dressed and sitting on his bed. There just

by several individuals, including a game warden, each

wasn’t any point of wasting time snoozing when such

hunter was paired with a guide (one of the afore-

excitement lay ahead!

mentioned avid hunters) who would take them to their

Aaron, on the other hand, had qualified for the

stand, and a cameraman who would record the actual

Whitetail Heritage hunt last year, and had gone out

hunt. Then they were fitted with camo hunting clothes,

with his guide and cameraman early in the afternoon.

which would be their very own. They were also given a

Deer activity had been sparse at first, and Aaron’s

small duffle bag with binoculars and other gear, beef

guide kept nodding off, occasionally emitting soft

sticks, and, of course, a book. It’s my personal hunch

snoring sounds. Aaron couldn’t fathom feeling drowsy

that even avid hunters occasionally need a book in the

and woke his guide with, “You will scare the deer away

tree stand.

with your snores!” After a bit, a nice deer appeared,

After this, they were fitted with crossbows, all

and Aaron was elated. But unfortunately, at the worst

of which were provided for the day by Ten Point

ARIANNA'S CEREBRAL PALSY CONFINES HER TO A WHEELCHAIR, BUT HER UNCONFINED SMILE WAS VERY CONTAGIOUS. HERE SHE TRIES ON HER CAMO JACKET BEFORE THE HUNT.

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Crossbows. The bows came in all sizes and colors;

years old, his parents began to notice changes in his

one even had pink bowstrings. Adorable, dark-eyed

vision and took him to see a doctor. He was diagnosed

Arianna Dillon, nine years old, was matched with this

with a cystic brain tumor, already the size of an orange.

one. Arianna has cerebral palsy and is confined to a

After unsatisfactory results from cancer treatments,

wheelchair, but a wheelchair cannot confine the size of

the doctor felt they should pursue surgery. When

a smile, and Arianna’s was a contagious size!

Michael first awoke after surgery, everything seemed

Following the outfitting, the hunters were taken

fine, but soon afterward, optimistic and happy little

to the shooting range at the edge of the field and

Michael could no longer see! Everything had turned

each given some practice shots. This was interesting,

black. The faces of his parents and siblings were only

indeed. How would a blind person be able to shoot a

a memory. What a hurdle for a such a young child to

target, let alone a deer? It turned out that a secondary

grasp and work through!

scope—in some cases, a smartphone—was set up at a

Michael is now ten years old, and more cystic

right angle on the crossbow, which enabled the guides

tumors

to assist their hunters in finding the target. Once the

treatments have kept Michael’s family on the move and,

crosshairs were on the bulls-eye, the hunter was given

at times, separated. Since the Troyers live in Indiana,

the command to pull the trigger, and the arrow hit the

some very kind people from Ohio helped Michael apply

target with a resounding thwack! Never mind that the

for the Whitetail Heritage hunt and arranged for him

arrow and target weren’t seen; the sound of the arrow

to attend. The Troyers stayed at a nearby cabin where,

on impact and the cheers were like music. They had hit

the evening before the hunt, Michael’s mother was

the mark!

rocking his baby sister when she noticed a book on

have

made

an

appearance.

Continuing

Michael Troyer was one of these hunters, but

the side table. She picked it up and began to read. The

Michael hadn’t been born blind. When he was four

book was about praising God. She looked at Michael

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and said, “You know, Michael, that’s what we need to do. We need to praise God more in our difficult days!”

Dear Michael and his mother inspire me.

And then there was twelve-year-old Felicity Williams. She isn’t blind, but deaf. I was amazed to see that both her father and a friend serving as her guide were deaf as well! It was a beautiful thing to see their hands speaking as fluently as our tongues! What’s even more interesting is that Felicity’s parents are both deaf, as are her grandparents. Felicity couldn’t hear her arrow hit the target, or people’s compliments, but she could see the arrow and the smiles of encouragement around her.

After target practice, it was lunchtime! What a delectable spread Byler’s BBQ put out for us all! Grilled chicken, pulled pork, hot noodles—perfect for warming up, and a tasty treat for all the families there. Salads, puddings, and homemade ice cream appeared with what seemed effortless efficiency and were quickly cleaned away afterward. Thank you, Byler’s! Your generosity was amazing!

After lunch there was a gun raffle, and the hunters were introduced to Porky, the dog who would track out any missing deer that evening. Then Sam Miller, one of the hunters, shared his story. Perhaps his was one of the most tragic stories, but also one that inspires each of us to rise above circumstances and choose to make the best of them. Here’s Sam’s story: Sam was one of the dark-haired twin boys born to an Amish family in Lodi, Ohio, in 1976. At the tender age of three, Sam was diagnosed with cancer, and although his treatment was considered successful, the cancer was back by the time he turned six. While his body was weak and frail from chemo treatments, he contracted spinal meningitis, and before they could reach the hospital, he was in a coma. The doctor said there was little hope. The only option was to triple the dosage of a medication that had never been used for a case this serious, and if Sam awakened within twenty-four hours, there might be a chance of helping him. Twenty-four hours later, on the hour, Sam revived out of his coma. He recovered from the cancer but was always considered the weaker of the twins. His brother was able to do things long before Sam was, but by the time Sam turned twelve, he had caught up with his brother physically.

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“WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WOULD CHOOSE TO DO IF YOU COULD?” SAM ANSWERED, “GO DEER HUNTING!” ABOVE: GIVING A LECTURE ON DEER ANATOMY RIGHT: SUITING UP TO HEAD OUT

Soon after his twelfth birthday, his family moved to

make the best of things. Sam chose to make the best of

Kentucky and had been living there for six weeks when

things. Little by little, the feeling in his arms and hands

they were in a car-versus-buggy accident. The accident

came back, and even though he was in a wheelchair,

was so horrific that the splintered wood and debris

life seemed better. Several years after the accident,

on the road could no longer be recognized as a buggy.

Sam’s family sought out an alternative medical doctor.

Sam was carried to the side, covered with a sheet, and

This doctor asked Sam, “What is one thing you would

pronounced dead. The accident was broadcast over

choose to do if you could?” Sam answered, “Go deer

the radio, and when some non-Amish neighbors heard

hunting!” It was a dream that Sam had little hope of

the news, they notified Sam’s relatives in another

ever happening. And it didn’t happen until 2018, when

community of the accident. Several of them packed up

Sam had his first opportunity to attend the Whitetail

and came for his viewing and funeral, only to find Sam

Heritage hunt.

in the hospital in critical condition. A paramedic at

I was beginning to realize something that made

the scene had tried to resuscitate Sam one more time,

me uncomfortable. I wasn’t nearly as thankful as I

and Sam had started breathing. The prognosis didn’t

should be! Here were people who had met with some

look good, however. He was in a coma once more, and

unfathomable difficulties; some had been born with

doctors predicted that if he lived through it this time,

only four of our five senses while others, like Sam,

he would always be brain-dead; a vegetable.

had endured horrific physical and mental suffering. I

Again, the doctors were surprised. After nine and

had all five senses fully intact and was as mobile as I

a half weeks, Sam woke up as if from sleep, his mind

wished to be. What was I doing with these blessings?

as sharp as it had been before. But now a new trial

I knew two things I wanted to improve in: I wanted

assailed him. He was paralyzed from his neck down.

to cultivate a constant attitude of gratefulness, and I

The grief of feeling that his life was robbed from him

wanted my life to bless others.

was overwhelming, and many times he wished he

After Sam’s poignant account, it was time for

could go to sleep and never wake up. But as time went

guides, hunters, and cameramen to regroup and head

on, Sam decided he could sit in a corner and pout or

out! What scrambling and last-minute well-wishing

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One mother had pulled her small son out of a campfire and stop-drop-and-rolled with him to extinguish the flames. She hadn’t thought he would live, the back of his head having sustained such terrible burns, but little Austin had.

Another shared how they had been miraculously chosen to be the adoptive parents of a tiny baby boy.

Jeremiah was a bright and happy child and progressed physically despite his diagnosis of Demyelinating Neuropathy. But as he grows older, his diagnosis has kept him from getting stronger, and over the past few years, he has lost some of his mobility and strength.

AUSTIN KURTZ’S SMILE WAS AMONG THE BIGGEST. HE HAD BAGGED A NICE NINEPOINT BUCK. SINCE AUSTIN’S BUCK WAS THE LARGEST ONE HARVESTED, HE WAS AWARDED A SHOULDER MOUNT FROM WHITETAIL HERITAGE.

She and her husband keep encouraging and loving him, and help him to see the positives.

One parent told me how two of their children had run and played like any other youngster but as they grew older, they could no longer keep their balance and fell frequently. At the age of eleven or twelve, they were diagnosed with a rare disease and have been confined to their wheelchairs ever since. They are now in their twenties, and when people express sympathy, they respond with a smile and say with calm acceptance, “That’s just how it is.” How inspiring!

None of the mothers in the circle had had the same experience, but all of them had something in common.

They all understood the pain and the trials of parenting when things were tough. I also spoke with Dads who were just as caring and involved with their children as the mothers were. Dads, I decided, were the steel and action in caring for children who depended on them, while Mothers provided the soft touch and words. All

as eager hunters and their crew departed! Each of the

of these children, I realized, were blessed immensely

twenty-one hunters had been designated a hunting

with the parents God had given them.

spot that was contributed for the day by generous

Slowly the hunters trickled back in from their hunt,

landowners, many of whom also served as guides.

and everyone rushed to each new arrival to see and

The hunters were taken out with trucks as far as

hear what had happened. The scenes of these young

possible and then either hiked the rest of the way or

hunters climbing out of the vehicle with enormous

were transported with ATVs. Most of these spots had

smiles and the excitement of their families were firmly

hunting blinds and were located on property closely

stamped in my mind.

monitored for deer activity. Since many of the guides

Little Jonathan was among the first to come back.

owned the land themselves, they were familiar with

The deer he had bagged was tiny, but that didn’t dampen

the deer habitat, and chances for the young hunters to

his spirits. “Mom,” he said, smiling from ear to ear, “I

shoot a deer were great.

thought maybe we could take it home and make some

Then came the patient waiting for the rest of us.

hamburgers.” My mind conjured up a mental image

I sat in a circle with many of the mothers who shared

of five hamburgers on a plate, and I felt like hugging

their stories with me. Several times I felt my eyes grow

him. What did it matter that there wouldn’t be stacks

wet. I marveled at their calm strength, their acceptance.

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of burgers? It was his first deer, and they would taste all the better for that reason! His mother was beaming at him, and replied, “That sounds just fine me.”

Michael Troyer had harvested a doe, and while his father stood smiling, his mother put her arm around him, congratulating him. Baby sister, on her mother’s hip, laid her little head on Michael’s. Suddenly, I choked up and wildly blinked back the tears. Michael hadn’t even seen his deer. He didn’t know anything about it other than what his guide had told him. But what he couldn’t see was made up for in his family’s touches and words. Love, approval and excitement were things he could feel.

Aaron Mast’s hopes were well-rewarded. He had bagged a doe, and with animated gestures, he showed his parents how the hunt had gone. As he got to the best part, he said, “Then I pulled the trigger, pwhoo, and I got it!” There hadn’t been any snores or sneezes this time!

Austin Kurtz’s smile was among the biggest. He had bagged a nice nine-point buck. Since Austin’s buck was the largest one harvested, he was awarded a shoulder mount from Whitetail Heritage. Great job, Austin!

Out of the twenty-one hunters, eighteen had harvested a deer, an incredible success ratio that can be attributed to landowners who gave their best stands for the event. All of the hunters were allowed to choose what type of meat they wanted from their deer, and Whitetail Heritage covered all of the processing costs.

While we were enjoying the action, Byler’s had prepared supper for us all; french fries and burgers this time. As the guides and hunters came back, they ate supper with each other, the fries tasting of sweet success.

At last, the hunters were all grouped together with their deer for a final picture. To me, it’s a picture that speaks of far more than deer hunting. It’s a picture of overcoming odds, smiling in the face of adversity, and praising God in the difficult days. Thank you, hunters, for your example! I want to overcome, and smile, and praise, even though my trials differ from yours.

Together we can hunt down our discouragements and hold them by the antlers. And we can smile because we are praising a God who is in control! // Find Whitetail Heritage of Ohio on Facebook

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FEATURE STORY

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

GOD OF WONDERS

WIDOW'S PATH

OUR HERITAGE

GREAT OUTDOORS

CANINE CORNER

First Choice

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Beginning in 2010, Daniel and Edna Yoder began selling highquality memory foam mattresses. In 2014, Freeman and Linda Troyer bought that business and began selling from their home in Apple Creek, Ohio. As word spread about these comfortable mattresses, the business grew, and soon they were shipping orders across the country.

Did you know we spend one-third of our life in bed? WOW! Why not let First Choice Mattress provide you with the comfort of a good night’s sleep?

First Choice Mattress sells the Remedy Sleep memory foam mattress (previously known as the New Day mattress). They are made from Pure Visco Elastic Memory Foam and are hypoallergenic and are ideal for someone who suffers from allergies. You can rest easy knowing that these mattresses contain no unnecessary additions or fillers to increase density artificially. You will feel the difference compared to other mattresses!

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Here is one such testimonial: “My husband struggles with constant back pain. Before we had a memory foam mattress, he would end up on the

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recliner most nights. But with our new mattress, he can go to bed and get a good night’s sleep. We love our new mattress and wouldn’t choose anything else.” The Troyers – Applecreek, OH Other mattresses available are the 8”, 10”, 12” and 14” foam mattresses. All of these contain varying amounts of gel-infused foam. The gel adds a layer of cool and contouring comfort, as well as temperature balance.

The high-density base foam that is used is designed to provide resilient support and maintain the structural integrity of the mattress.

First Choice Mattress LLC can help you with any

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These mattresses need only to be placed on a solid,

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flat surface or platform. First Choice Mattress sells

head and neck. The ventilation design allows the air to

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WHAT A DOG'S

NOSE KNOWS!

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FEATURE STORY

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

GOD OF WONDERS

WIDOW'S PATH

OUR HERITAGE

GREAT OUTDOORS

CANINE CORNER

words by: DEVON SPENCER If you have been to an airport recently, you may have noticed an increased number of canine staff on the TSA payroll, weaving through the security lines and along the busy corridors. In the nine airports that I have been in the last six months, I have seen German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, and Labrador Retrievers working these patrols. Beagles are another popular breed for this line of work. They are all sniffing out the scene for signs of something amiss. Depending on their training, they can be sniffing for anything from illegally imported meats to drugs to firearms.

What about dogs makes them the best candidate for the job, and why these breeds of dogs?

Testing with Treats In the Dog Spies blog, Scientific American highlighted a recent study that starts to answer some of these questions.1 In the study, the researchers had two main goals: to identify a test to assess a dog’s ability to detect scent that did not require previous training, and to compare domesticated dogs’ scenting ability with that of

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hand-reared wolves.2 The dogs were placed in one of three groups—scenting breeds, non-scenting breeds, and short-nosed breeds. A fourth category was for wolves. Each animal had four tests at each level.

The test, which is like the find-the-pea-under-thecup game, had four overturned bowls in a line. Only one had a food reward under it. The dog or wolf was then walked along the line until it sniffed out the food or until the allotted time had run out. There were five levels of difficulties. In the first, the food reward was in an open plastic container. For levels 2–4, the food was covered with a lid with a decreasing number of holes in the top. For level five, the food was covered by a solid lid.

The results of the test were both expected and surprising. All three dog categories and the wolf category were similar (not statistically significantly different) for the first 4 levels of the testing. At the fifth and hardest level of the test, the non-scent group and the shortnosed group had the same number of correct answers as random guesses. The wolves and the scenting breeds continued to be able to detect even a subtle odor with greater success. A week later, they retested some of the dogs and the wolves. All the dogs scored the same score as they had previously. The wolves all scored significantly higher. million.4 The volume of the olfactory lobe of their brain

Got a Nose for Details?

is three times that of our own and 31 percent of their

To appreciate these results, we need to understand

total brain volume compared to our 0.1 percent, allowing

the inner workings of canine olfaction. The sense of

them to utilize all the information they receive.5

smell needs several key physical traits. It needs a way

Understanding the complexity of the physical

to bring air-carried scents to cells that can bind to

aspects of olfaction both physiologically (the chemicals)

these scents and send information through nerves

and morphological (the physical structures), we also

going to the olfactory lobe of the brain. This type of

need to be aware of the information it takes to make this

odor detection is common to all mammals; but canines

all happen. The physiological and morphological parts

differ in their mechanism of airflow, the number of

are known as an organism’s phenotype. Their genotype

receptors on their nasal cells, and the amount of their

is the genes that are stored in their cells that tell how

brain devoted to interpreting the data. Dogs breathe in

to make these components. Current research estimates

through the dorsal or higher part of their nostrils and

that there are over 800 genes needed to encode these

breathe out through the ventral or lower part of their nostril. This creates a streamlined sampling of air for

components—the largest gene family in mammals

scents. They also are taking in different air samples with

currently identified. Fifty percent of these genes are

different scents in each nostril, allowing them to take

highly conserved, or there is little variability among

both nostrils’ information and combine it to let them

mammals. The other 50 percent is highly variable, but

know the location from which a scent came from.3 Dogs

trends can be seen among certain kinds and even breeds

have approximately 220 million receptors in their

of animals.6 This is why the basic components of all

nose compared to a human that has approximately 6

mammal olfaction are the same, while different animals

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have different variations of these components, leading

selected for the trait of having a short nose. We humans

to a difference in sensitivity to odors.

like the cute, pushed-in faces; but in breeding for one trait, we have selected against other traits. These

Worth Their Snuff

short-nosed pups are now unable to efficiently move

So why then did some dogs perform better than

air through their nasal passages, limiting the ability

others on the scent test, and why did some individuals

of odors to come in contact with receptors. It is not

within a group not perform the same as the rest of the

currently known if they have fewer receptors due to the

group? The wolves and scent-breed groups had the

decrease in size, but it is a reasonable hypothesis. Even

most similar results. If we were to look at their specific

if nothing differs in their nerves and the olfactory lobe

genotypes, we would expect that these animals would

of the brain, 50 percent of the components are altered

not only share the conserved 50 percent of the olfactory

enough to change their ability to work at full capacity.

genes, but that they would share a large portion of

One of the motivations for developing this scent

the variable genes. Individuals that did not have the

test was to avoid the need to extensively train a dog

same test results would have some specific locations in

prior to the dog being assessed for its scent skills. This is

these genes that would differ from their counterparts.

both an expensive and time-heavy endeavor, especially

The scent test gives us information on these groups of

for dogs that do not make the grade. Cutting out the

animals’ phenotypes, but it will take further research

behavioral aspect of scent detection may make testing

to confirm how closely the genotypes line up with the

easier, but there is a reason that some of the best scent-

phenotypic results.

detection dogs are not typically used in detection work.

The short-nosed group that had the poorest

The bloodhound is a perfect example. These dogs can

performance are animals that have been artificially

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make wonderful scent-detection dogs, but they are harder to train to do a task than easy-going Labradors and do not have the same drive as German shepherds.

As a young-earth creationist, I love research like this because it shows us God’s consistency, diversity, and complexity all at the same time. Baraminology is the study of the created kinds, the way that God organized His creation according to the Bible. In the case of the wolves and dogs in this study, we see that they function in very similar ways, but not identically. The wolves and scent dogs were both able to locate food at the most difficult level of the test, but it’s significant that only the wolves greatly improved when later retested. The common ability to figure out scents as a single attribute

prompting this research, are two things that could not

does not automatically make them the same kind. When

have evolved separately and still worked in concert as we

you take this information and combine it with other

see them today. Since both would need to have evolved

research such as records of interbreeding, comparative

at the same time, their design points to the need for a

morphology (studying similar body structures), and

divine creator. He created a canid kind on Day Six of the

comparative genetics, it gives us another piece of data to

Creation Week that would use its abilities to multiply

confirm that these animals are of the same created kind.

and fill the earth. A representative pair of this single

This means that Noah would have only needed two

created kind would have also been on the Ark. After the

canids on the Ark, not two wolves and two dogs.6 This is

waters receded, the genetic variety hidden within that

another confirmation that the created kinds of the Bible

single pair of canids would have multiplied and spread

are at a similar level with today’s taxonomic level of the

out all over the globe. Since groups of animals became

family.

geographically isolated from the main population, we have seen some of these hidden characteristics

Pointing the Way

become visible. Indeed, we continue to see this in the

With the complexity of this system of information and physical components, it is unfathomable to believe

ever-increasing number of dog breeds. According to the

that it occurred by random chance. Once again we see

American Kennel Club’s website, 43 of the 189 dog breeds

the creation point to the Creator God and confirm His

now recognized by the organization have become

Word as recorded in the book of Genesis. The complexity

members since 2000. In pursuit of our own desires and

of a dog’s sense of smell and how it is interwoven with

in thinking we know what is best in a breed, we continue

its behavior, the very complexity of that relationship

breeding by artificial selection, decreasing their overall

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vitality and ability (e.g., the short-nosed dogs that have

FOOTNOTES 1) Julie Hecht, “A Simple Test Unlocks the Dog’s Nose,” Scientific American,

a more limited ability to detect smells). Looking at the

September 30, 2016, https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/dog-spies/a-simple-test-

variety of these dogs’ physical characteristics gives us a

unlocks-the-dog-s-nose/.

2) Zita Polgár et. al., “A Test of Canine Olfactory Capacity: Comparing Dog Breeds

hint at the variety of information God placed in the first

and Wolves in a Natural Selection Detection Task,” PLOS One 11, no. 5 (May 6, 2016):

two canids.

e0154087, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0154087.

3) Ibid.

So what does a dog’s nose know? It knows that the

4) Peter Tyson, “Dog’s Dazzling Sense of Smell,” Nova, October 4, 2012, http://www.

Creator God has designed it and that dogs and the rest

pbs.org/wgbh/nova/nature/dogs-sense-of-smell.html.

5) Boniface M. Kavoi and Hassani Jameela, “Comparative Morphometry of the

of creation groan from the sin and death brought to

Olfactory Bulb, Tract and Stria in the Human, Dog and Goat,” International Journal

all of us from the Fall (Romans 8:22). It is only through

of Morphology 29, no. 3 (2011): 939–946, http://www.scielo.cl/pdf/ijmorphol/v29n3/ art47.pdf. See also this great video that summarizes this in a fun cartoon: https://

the hope of Jesus Christ through His death, burial, and

www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7fXa2Occ_U.

Resurrection that we can look forward to His return

6) Stephanie Robin, et. al., “Genetic Diversity of Canine Olfactory Receptors,” BMC Genomics 10, no. 21 (January 14, 2009): doi:10.1186/1471-2164-10-21.

when all creation will be freed from the bondage of sin and death. //

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS ARTICLE IS REPRINTED HERE BY PERMISSION OF ANSWERS IN GENESIS. (ANSWERS® AND ANSWERS IN GENESIS® ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF ANSWERS IN GENESIS, INC.) FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING ANSWERS IN GENESIS, GO TO WWW. ANSWERSINGENESIS.ORG,

WWW.CREATIONMUSEUM.ORG

AND

WWW.

ARKENCOUNTER.COM.

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FEATURE STORY

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

GOD OF WONDERS

WIDOW'S PATH

OUR HERITAGE

GREAT OUTDOORS

CANINE CORNER

SHINING some LIGHT words by: FERREE HARDY “I’m losing my hair!” my brother complained to me over the phone.

“Well, you’re over sixty years old,” I said. “These things happen.”

“Hmph!” He apparently didn’t like my reply. I went on.

“Sometimes stress and grief can do it, too. And you’ve been through a lot of that this year with selling your house, Dad’s death, and all the other problems. When Mom died, I was losing some hair, too.”

“Hmph!” he said again. “I gotta go,” and he hung up.

He’ll call back when he’s ready to talk some more. Or when he has a new “crisis.” I comb my fingers through my own hair, wondering if there are more loose strands than usual. Weird little things like hair loss, sleeplessness/sleeping too much, phantom pain, weight loss/gain, forgetfulness, inability to concentrate, unexpected crying spells, and more are pretty normal during grief.

On February 15, Lord willing, I will help shine some light on grief at a seminar at Fairlawn Mennonite Church in Apple Creek, Ohio. I’ve been talking and listening to widows for many years, and I’ve learned that when a crisis hits, our “new” normal feels very “abnormal.” And that’s normal! But it’s all new to most people; never before experienced, a big unknown. So a hand along the path

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THE AFTERNOON WILL BE MY FAVORITE PART—SHINING SOME LIGHT ON HOPE! or a light along the way is very helpful! If you or someone you know could use a little guidance, please plan to come.

In the morning sessions, I’ll shine some light on the dark days of sorrow. The fog and numbness of grief will start to clear up by putting to use our life stories, practical tips, and God’s mercy and grace.

Coincidently, February 15 will be the twentieth anniversary of my first husband’s home-going. I can hardly believe it—twenty years ago! That sounds like such a long time but seems like the blink of an eye. I don’t talk about it much anymore, but with such a milestone, it seems only right to tell how I was widowed. I’ll be honest—there have been ups and downs, failures and grace points. I pray you’ll learn from my mistakes and also from some things I did right.

Then we’ll have some small group time, and I’ll finish up the morning with practical ways to process and deal with grief. We’ll go over some tips that will help keep people from being caught off guard or getting “stuck.” We’ll also talk about what to do with your loved one’s belongings, nosy neighbors, anxiety and stress, and much more.

The afternoon will be my favorite part—shining some light on HOPE! I can’t wait to dive into Scripture with you and tell the many amazing ways that God treasures widows. I touch on this topic occasionally, but this is my chance to put all the pieces together at once. You will never look at widowhood the same after we gently dig into the painful question, “Why did God make widows?”

We will then have a Question & Answer session. Time will fly, so I’d like for questions to be turned in before the session begins. That way, I can get in as many as possible. If you don’t think you have questions, consider these examples:

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•

Will we know each other in heaven?

•

Will I still be married?

•

How long does grief last?

•

Am I “stuck?”

•

Do my children need help?

•

What if my church won’t help widows?

•

What is God’s will for my life?

Can you think of some questions now? I won’t guarantee I’ve got the answer for you, but I’m sure that God does, and together we can entreat Him. To conclude, I’ve saved the best for last—“The Value of Tears.” In 2 Corinthians 4:17, it’s stated that “our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” In other words, the problems and suffering we must deal with in this life, the ones that feel hard, heavy, and never-ending, serve a purpose. There is an “eternal glory,” which is a marvelous reward that no one can ever take away.

This is not fluffy clouds and angel-harps-glorypie-in-the-sky. It’s a solid gold street that our feet will walk when we see Jesus. It’s a future hope that has a

BOOK SIGNING!

transforming impact on life here and now. Out of that transformation grows each widow’s unique message

Meet Ferree at The Gospel Book Store in Berlin, Ohio

and satisfying purpose. It’s a hard fight that cannot be trivialized, but in the end, God is glorified, the widow is blessed, and the world is forever changed.

Friday, February 14, 2020

Widows are deeply loved by God and essential to their families and communities. I will count it a privilege

3:00–6:00 pm

to meet some more in person in February! If you can’t make it for all day on Saturday the 15th at the church in

She will be signing Postcards From the Widows Path

Apple Creek, drop in at The Gospel Bookstore in Berlin on Friday, Feb. 14. Please check ads for the time. // Until next month,

ferree l To learn more about widowhood, order a copy of Postcards from the Widows’ Path – Gleaning Hope and Purpose from the Book of Ruth, by Ferree Bowman Hardy. It’s a gentle, biblical guide for widows that has many saying, “This is the best I’ve ever read!” Please mail a check for $14.99/copy (paperback, 248 pgs.), along with your address to: Ferree Hardy, P.O. Box 5024, Florence, SC 29502. Allow 2 – 3 weeks for delivery. Free shipping for all JPV readers! www.WidowsChristianPlace.com

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FEATURE STORY

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

GOD OF WONDERS

WIDOW'S PATH

OUR HERITAGE

GREAT OUTDOORS

CANINE CORNER

THE BIG BOOK

words by: MARCUS A. YODER Persecution is often viewed as a hindrance to the growth and development of the church. Not one of us desires persecution, but when it does happen, God faithfully supplies the grace and courage to face those hard times. It is often in times of persecution that the greatest acts of faith are seen. It is also true that when persecution diminishes, Christians often need to work harder to keep—or recover— the original vision of Christianity.

This is particularly seen in the Anabaptist Church in Holland from 1650 onward.

As

persecution

diminished,

concern grew as the people realized

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that the stories of the martyrs would be lost as the times changed. One Mennonite leader in Holland, Thielman van Braght, decided to collect those stories. Convinced that Anabaptism was in danger of disappearing unless

VAN BRAGHT BEGAN TO GATHER AND COMPILE THESE MARTYR STORIES INTO ONE VOLUME. THIS TOME EVENTUALLY BECAME KNOWN AS THE MARTYR’S MIRROR.

the history was recorded, Van Braght began to gather and compile these martyr stories into one volume. This tome eventually became known as the Martyr’s Mirror.

The Martyr’s Mirror was first published in the Dutch language in 1660. By 1685, the second edition included 104 etchings that created a picture of the suffering for the readers, which mark the work to this day. These martyr stories became the central way in which the vibrant faith of the early Anabaptists was communicated.

When the Amish and the Mennonites moved to America, the first book they commissioned was the Martyr’s Mirror. They asked the Ephrata Cloister to print a German edition with, in this case, no etchings.

The Cloister printed it in 1748, and these copies are still

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...IT IS OF VITAL IMPORTANCE TO TELL THE STORY IN OUR LANGUAGE SO THAT OUR CHILDREN AND YOUTH CAN UNDERSTAND... in circulation today. If you visit the Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center, you will be able to view each of the editions mentioned above. They are on display not only because they are important and valuable, but also because they remind us of the vibrant faith of our forefathers and of the price they paid for that faith.

They remind us of the need to continually evaluate our lives to see if our faith could withstand the same tests that our forefathers endured.

Today, the Martyr’s Mirror can be found in many Amish and Mennonite homes. Also available are some modern, easier-to-understand versions of those stories.

While a translated work from the original is good, it is of vital importance to tell the story in our language so that our children and youth can understand the historical faith and heritage of our forefathers.

If you would care to see our displays of the Martyr's Mirror and look at the modern versions of these stories, please call or visit the Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center. We offer guided tours of "Behalt" - a 10 ft. X 265 ft. Cyclorama oil-on-canvas painting that illustrates the heritage of the Amish and Mennonite people from their Anabaptist beginnings in Zurich, Switzerland, to the present day. Behalt means “to keep” or “remember.” We are open Mon–Sat 9:00–5:00 and are located near Berlin; you can find us at 5798 County Road 77, Millersburg, OH 44654. Please call (330) 893-3192 for more information or to schedule a day or evening group tour. //

MARCUS A. YODER IS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE AMISH & MENNONITE HERITAGE CENTER AND THE OHIO AMISH LIBRARY. HE IS ALSO THE AUTHOR OF CATHEDRALS, CASTLES, & CAVES: THE ORIGINS OF THE ANABAPTIST FAITH.

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FEATURE STORY

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

GOD OF WONDERS

WIDOW'S PATH

OUR HERITAGE

GREAT OUTDOORS

PT Part

Two

II

DRIVING ME CRAZY

words by: TORRY MARTIN & DOUG PETERSON “Hi, welcome to Walmart!” I exclaimed to the shoppers as they strolled into the store. “Do you want a shopping cart?”

I was just trying to be helpful.

When I finally gave up trying to become buddies with the greeter, I began wandering throughout the store. For three long hours.

I actually managed to entertain myself for a couple of hours before becoming bored out of my mind. You can spend only so much time alphabetizing the soup section. So, deciding I could not wait another two hours for Rob to get off work, I told myself I could drive home without an official escort. Good grief, I was a grown man! I could do it.

I barely made it out of the Walmart parking lot.

I was turning right out of the lot when my Jeep hit a patch of ice, and once again I was on a Disney World ride. This time I slid up and onto a six-inch-high concrete median separating the

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ALL THEY COULD SEE WAS OUR DOG SAM SITTING UPRIGHT IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT...

IT LOOKED AS IF SAM HAD DRIVEN UP ONTO THE MEDIAN.

was our dog Sam sitting upright in the driver’s seat.

As I said, post office Jeeps have the driver’s side and passenger’s side reversed, so it looked as if Sam had driven up onto the median.

Sam just stared back at the people. What’re you looking at? You try driving without opposable thumbs!

There was a cat—I swerved!

With growing trepidation, I dialed the phone.

“Rob?”

two lanes of traffic. I wound up perched on the median

“Yes?”

with my left tires hanging over one edge and my right

“I’ve got a problem.”

tires hanging over the other edge.

“Let me guess. You left Walmart and you’re stuck in a ditch somewhere.”

None of my wheels were touching the ground, so

“You’re half right. I did leave Walmart, but I’m not

I was stuck. Motorists honked, shaking their fists and

in a ditch. I’m on a median.”

gesturing wildly, as if to tell me, “Hey, you’re on the median, mister!” As if I didn’t know that! What, did they

“A what?”

think I chose this as my parking spot?

“A median. You know, those are the things that separate the—”

I was so embarrassed that I ducked down really low when I called Rob on the cell phone so none of

“I know what they are.”

the passing motorists could see me. All they could see

I explained the situation to Rob, glad that I had

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the distance of a phone connection separating us.

try to lighten the mood. Without a word, Rob handed

Grumbling, he agreed to drive out once again, and I

me the tow strap.

waited in my Jeep, feeling growing embarrassment.

“Here,” he said. “Keep the tow strap. The next time

When Rob drove out to Walmart to tow me for a

you get stuck, you can wave down anybody you want.

third time in one day, he was fuming. At first, he didn’t

You’re not calling me.”

say a word. Moving swiftly, he got out of his truck,

“That’s not a very Christian attitude,” I said.

staring daggers at me as he hooked the tow strap to

Probably not the wisest choice of words, but

the back of his truck and then to the front of my Jeep.

correcting my spiritual mentor always made me feel

Finally, he stomped over to the Jeep and knocked on

better. However, it just served to further annoy Rob.

the window.

Apparently, I had pushed his missile launch button.

Rolling down the window, I tried to lighten the

As Rob returned to his truck, he ran his hand along

mood. “Oh look, Sam, there’s Rob! What a surprise!”

the vehicle’s cab, gathering just enough snow to form

Rob was not amused.

a nice round snowball. Spinning around, he hurled

“You’re gonna want to hold on to something,” he says.

the snowball at my Jeep, and it went poof ! on the

So I held on to the dashboard as he towed my

windshield just in front of my face.

Jeep, and with a mighty BUMP we were pulled off the

He followed me home just to make sure I made it

median. Then Rob, still hitting me with a laser-like

safely, and then he took away my keys for safekeeping.

glare, got out of his truck, unhooked the tow strap, and

On that day, I discovered that driving in Alaska

knocked on my window again.

was a good training ground for understanding the

This time, when I rolled down the window I didn’t

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FEBRUARY 2020

gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:13-14).

In my experience, the road is not just narrow. It’s also icy and snow packed.

In Alaska, the snow falls so heavily that plows often settle for clearing just a single lane in one direction and a single lane in the other direction, creating a narrow path through the mountain of snow and requiring you to be constantly on your guard. Evidently, God’s lane is just as narrow, and I often wonder, “Lord, why can’t You give us a ten-lane highway that leads to life? Why does the wide road lead to destruction?”

But the reality is that God knows life is treacherous—like a narrow, icy road. Dangers are all around, and the precarious nature of life requires us to be vigilant. Therefore, like any good parent warning a child to drive carefully, God wants us to understand that if we race down this slick road, we will inevitably wind up in a ditch.

So stay on the straight and narrow and icy—and if you need someone to talk with, you don’t have to shovel through six feet of snow and maneuver down icy roads just to spend time with a Walmart greeter, as nice as they are. God is right there, right now, ready to listen, and He never gets tired of towing us out of ditches. //

TAKEN FROM: OF MOOSE AND MEN. COPYRIGHT © 2016 BY TORRY MARTIN AND DOUG PETERSON. PUBLISHED BY HARVEST HOUSE PUBLISHERS, EUGENE,

OREGON.

PERMISSION.

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WWW.HARVESTHOUSEPUBLISHERS.COM.

USED

BY

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FEATURE STORY

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

GOD OF WONDERS

WIDOW'S PATH

OUR HERITAGE

GREAT OUTDOORS

CANINE CORNER

THE CANINE CORNER

VACCINES PA R T T W O

words by puppy expert: DR. THERESA HOXWORTH As a follow-up to my last article about vaccines and how they work, I am going to briefly discuss the diseases that we commonly include in the basic annual vaccine for dogs. This is meant to be a brief overview since I have written entire articles on some of these more commonly seen diseases such as parvovirus and leptospirosis. There are many combinations of vaccines available from several different companies, and an understanding of these diseases will help you determine which diseases you should include in your vaccine program.

One of the better-known diseases included in yearly vaccines is parvovirus.

It is most commonly seen in puppies and causes severe—often bloody—diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and not wanting to eat. Sometimes it can cause puppies to die suddenly, with minimal signs. Because parvo is caused by a virus, there is no treatment besides supportive care. The modified live vaccine for parvo is a very

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effective one and reduces the incidence of the disease, but in a highly contaminated environment, a puppy is still likely to develop the disease.

A puppy is protected by the antibodies it receives from its mother for the first few weeks of life. This is the reason we recommend also keeping up on the vaccines of your adult animals. As the antibodies received from the mother decline, there is a short time frame of a few weeks where puppies do not respond to vaccination and are susceptible to a disease if they are exposed. It is impossible to tell at what age a specific puppy will respond to a vaccine, and apparent “vaccine failures” are likely due to the puppy being exposed to the disease during the time they were between their mother's antibody protection and protection from a vaccine. This is also one of the reasons that vaccines are given in a series since you cannot be sure when a vaccine will be effective in that particular puppy.

Another disease commonly included in the yearly vaccine protocol is canine distemper. Signs of distemper can be extremely variable but may include fever, being off feed, depression, discharge from the eyes and nose, vomiting, diarrhea, and

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nervous system signs, including being off-balance,

disease complex we know as “kennel cough.”

not walking normally, or even seizures. Once again,

The vaccine for Adenovirus is very effective, and

canine distemper is caused by a virus, so there is

vaccinating for just one type will likely cross-

no effective treatment besides supportive care.

protect your animals for the other type.

The modified live vaccine for canine distemper

Parainfluenza is another disease usually

virus is nearly 100 percent effective, but the same

included in annual vaccines. Parainfluenza is

scenario described for parvovirus can occur with

a common cause of kennel cough. Therefore,

distemper virus in young puppies, causing it

signs seen include coughing, nasal discharge,

to look like a “vaccine failure.” There is also the

fever, and not wanting to eat. The treatment for

possibility of vaccine-induced encephalitis, which

parainfluenza includes antibiotics and supportive

can occur seven to fifteen days after vaccination of

care. The vaccination for parainfluenza, which is

very young, ill, stressed, or immuno-compromised

included in the injectable vaccine, protects dogs

puppies.

against the disease but not against infection.

Adenovirus Type 1 and Type 2 are sometimes

Therefore, it may not prevent spread of the disease

included in the yearly vaccines given to dogs.

from carriers of parainfluenza to susceptible dogs

Adenovirus Type 1 is also called infectious canine

in an outbreak situation in a kennel.

hepatitis and causes fever, vomiting, diarrhea,

Canine coronavirus is a disease that some

coughing, central nervous system signs, and

people have recently not included in their annual

sometimes, cloudy eyes. Adenovirus Type 2 is

vaccine. Coronavirus is a contagious disease that

related to type 1 but is a common cause of the

causes vomiting, diarrhea (sometimes with mucus

66

and fresh red blood), depression, and not eating.

Most cases are mild and only cause diarrhea for a short time, although some dogs can have diarrhea for up to four weeks. Treatment is also supportive care, although most dogs require little treatment and are able to clear the virus on their own. Coronavirus can sometimes be considered an optional portion of the vaccine; however, it is recommended to be given to dogs with a high risk of exposure such as show dogs, hunting dogs, and breeding dogs housed in kennels with other dogs. There is some debate on how efficacious the vaccine is, and it may not provide as long of a duration of immunity compared with the other diseases in the vaccine.

The final disease that can be included in yearly vaccines is leptospirosis. Leptospirosis can cause many different signs: fever, depression, not eating, vomiting, kidney failure, and occasionally abortions, coughing, and liver failure. Treatment

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ANOTHER CONCERN WITH LEPTOSPIROSIS IS THAT IT IS ZOONOTIC (CONTAGIOUS TO HUMANS) for leptospirosis is supportive care plus penicillin or amoxicillin and doxycycline. When an animal contracts leptospirosis, it usually gets very sick and can often die from it. Another concern with leptospirosis is that it is zoonotic (contagious to humans). Vaccination for leptospirosis is recommended, but immunity may only last for six to eight months. The initial vaccine should not be given until a puppy is at least nine or ten weeks of age. Sometimes vaccine reactions are seen with the addition of leptospirosis into the vaccine, although vaccines are improving, and these reactions are seen less frequently.

This article is meant to increase awareness of the diseases for which the yearly vaccine helps provide protection. I have given a very brief overview of the common diseases that can be included in your yearly vaccination protocol; if there are specific questions that you have for your individual kennel or situation, I will be able to discuss it with you. //

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR TO SUGGEST FUTURE TOPICS, DR. TERESA HOXWORTH CAN BE REACHED AT DANVILLE VETERINARY CLINIC (740) 599 - 5991.

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FUNDS a n d BENEFITS //

BENEFIT FOOD STAND

Benefit food stand for Mrs. (Orley) Ada Miller at the Tri-County Health Expo, Feb 14–15. Hours: Friday, 8-7, Saturday, 8-1. Soup, sandwiches, salad bar, etc. Heritage Community Center, 3558 US 62, Millersburg, OH 44654.

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SAMUEL KING JR. FUND

Samuel King Jr. is the son of Sam and Anna King. Sam, 18, was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma cancer and is receiving treatment in Mexico. He has a lot of ongoing expenses. Thank you for your support. Make checks payable to Samuel King Jr. Fund: send to Bank of Bird in Hand, 309 N. Ronks Rd., Bird in Hand, PA 17505. Attn: Sam and Anna King

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RUDY AND LINDA YODER FUND

A fund has been set up for Rudy and Linda Yoder. Linda is sixty-nine years old and is fighting cancer. Expenses are high. Any donations would be greatly appreciated, and can be sent to Linda Yoder Benefit Fund, NBT Bank, 41 Canal St., Fort Plain, NY 13339

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JOHN YODER FUND

The John Yoder family moved from Ronks, PA, to Dillwyn, VA, in August. On December 20, a truck rear-ended their carriage. All six occupants were thrown out, and Sylvia died the next day. The two boys have many broken bones and will have ongoing expenses and future surgeries to remove hardware. Let’s help them with their bills and also raise some funds to help John establish some work at home with his family. (Produce, etc.) Make checks payable to John Yoder Fund, Bank of Bird-in-Hand, 309 N Ronks Rd., Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505. (Or any branch of B-I-H Bank)

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ARLEN AND WANDA MULLET FUND

A fund has been set up for Arlen and Wanda Mullet. Arlen fell at home and fractured several vertebrae in his neck.

He is currently paralyzed from his chest down. They are facing large medical and rehab expenses. They have 2 children, ages 1 and 6. Thank you for your prayers and support. Make checks payable to Mt. Hope Charities, Inc. Attn: Fairview West Church, Po Box 19, Mt. Hope, OH 44660.

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SACRED GROUND: INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES NEEDS ASSESSMENT

Sacred Ground, a disability initiative that began in 2017, is conducting a 2020 Needs Assessment in Holmes County, Ohio. The purpose is to learn from individuals with disabilities, their families, and their communities about their needs for support, education, and care. Sacred Ground was born with the vision of a new future for holistic, faith-based support, education, and care for these individuals that will enhance their capacity to thrive. Join us for an informative evening on Thursday, February 13, 6-8 pm at The Gardens at Homestead, Mt. Hope, or on Tuesday, March 3, 6-8 pm, at the Encore Event Center, Berlin. You won’t want to miss it! Questions? Call 330-403-9075

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P L E AS E N O T E

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If you are conducting a fundraiser to assist with medical or hardship expenses, please let us know and we will be happy to feature it for one month at no cost.

Funds must be payable to a bank, church, or charitable organization.

PLAIN VALUES

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INDEX of ADVERTISERS ABC Foundations page 14

First Choice Mattress page 46

Nutrition Wellness Center page 63

Anabaptist Foundation page 51

First Federal Community Bank page 71

Pleasant Hill Surplus page 40

Apple Creek Banking Co. page 52

Forever Lawn page 22

Precision Orthopaedic Specialties page 21

Authentic Intimacy page 46

Green Country Tours page 62

Premier 1 Supplies page 67

BioSpine Institute page 74

Hershey Machine page 61

Premier Outdoors page 58

Body Balance System of Sarasota page 30

Holmes Power page 14

Quality SIPs page 59

Boontown Sprayer page 51

Homestead Furniture page 30

Skinner's Salve page 68

Christian Aid Ministries page 54

Immunity Therapy Center page 53

Skyline Homes page 24

Charm Wellness Center page 60

Kellis Eye & Laser Center page 69

Sugar Valley Bicycle page 24

Chestnut Ridge Sewing page 62

Killbuck Savings Bank page 17

Summit Valley Fabrics page 46

Country Corners Greenhouse page 31

Leon Miller page 68

Taggart Law Firm page 52

Country Home Supply page 52

Lone Star Quilt Shop page 34

TGC Supply, LLC page 66

Creative Holmes page 69

Massaging Insoles page 23

Time and Optics page 25

Commercial & Savings Bank page 54

Maysville Elevator page 40

Trail Plumbing page 16

DAC page 75

Maysville Harness page 22

Troyer Websites page 67

Des Eck Welding page 35

Merit Seeds page 59

Trumbull Regional Medical Center page 25

Doug's Family Pharmacy page 53

Mid-Ohio Sporting Goods page 61

University Hospitals page 76

Dutchman Hospitality Group page 34

Miller Packaging page 34

Utility Pipeline page 71

E-Bikes of Holmes County page 61

MotherCare Center page 24, 52

VISION 2020 page 23

Elite Flooring page 39

Mt. Eaton Care Center page 23

Walnut Creek Glass page 52

Esther Beachy page 34

Mt. Healthy Hatchery page 38

Yoder Drilling & Geothermal page 41

Fairview Painting page 39

MWSB, Inc. page 12, 70

Yoder Hydraulics page 22

Faith View Books page 55

My MedicalHUB page 44

Ferree Hardy page 44

Navarre Dentistry & Orthodontics page 44

First Choice Concrete page 41

Nexalin Technology page 3

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P L E AS E N O T E

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When contacting our advertisers, please mention that you saw their ads in Plain Values magazine.

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FEBRUARY 2020