Not Forgotten: Helping the Children of Eastern Europe | December 2021

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DECEMBER 2021

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Cultivating Anchored Community

Our Story WHO WE ARE...

From 2007 to 2012 the Millers adopt their first three children, a preschooler on the autism spectrum and two babies with Down syndrome. They publish their first issue of Plain Values in 2012 to highlight Biblical ministries, share the beauty of adoption, and to cultivate anchored community. In 2018 they welcome their fourth child in a surprise adoption, this time a baby with Mosaic Down syndrome.

WHAT WE BELIEVE...

Our values are plain values, steeped in the rich traditions of yesterday. We enjoy the simple things in life. Gathering eggs from the coop, getting our hands in the dirt to grow food, and cooking meals from scratch. Sometimes we sit around a fire and share life. We strive to walk humbly to strengthen authentic relationships with our families and neighbors. And, yes, we have taken a fresh pie to a front porch and surprised a friend… we didn’t even text them before! We just stopped by, walked up the steps and knocked on the door! Just the way our grandparents used to do on a Sunday evening. They called it living in community.

We seek to serve our neighbors. Plain Values began with a prayer hoping to play a small role in connecting a child with Down syndrome to his or her forever family. We have checked that box nearly a dozen times in the last ten years and we will not stop until the orphanages are empty! We will rest in Heaven!

HOW YOU CAN HELP...

Subscribe today. Join us as we pursue a more authentic life. By subscribing to Plain Values you help fund the work of the non-profit and bring awareness to children with special needs.

Our Team PUBLISHER

OFFICE + PRODUCTION

EDITORIAL

Marlin Miller

Bethany Troyer, bookkeeping

Nic Stoltzfus, editorial manager

Jan Schlabach, customer service

Sabrina Schlabach, quality assurance

ADVERTISING

Isaac Hershberger, production manager

Elaine Tomski, contributing writer

Matt Yoder, Ohio sales advisor

Seth Yoder, graphic artist

Merissa A. Alink, Homestead + Roots

Aaron Stutzman, Indiana + Michigan sales advisor

Landon Troyer, photographer

Joel Salatin, Confessions of a Steward Ferree Hardy, The Widow's Path Elam Stoltzfus, Our Heritage Jim Zumbo, All Things Outdoors

JANUARY AD CLOSE

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December 6, 2021

Plain Values is published monthly by Plain Target Marketing, LLC. Please contact us with any questions.

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contents

December 2021 // Issue 102

features 13

NOT FORGOTTEN Helping the Children of Eastern Europe words by: Elaine Tomski "Tiny sparrows huddle in the nest until father and mother return. Helpless, they must wait for seeds to fill their hungry stomachs. If their parents do not return, the chicks' peeps of desperation fall silent, and the little ones remain hopeless. Many children in this world are like these sparrows — lost. Unseen, lacking a voice, and missing the gentle touch of a parent, millions of precious children hope for the love of a family. According to the Lost Sparrows website, there are an estimated 7.3 million orphans in Eastern Europe alone. We wonder how such a massive problem can find a solution."

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HOMESTEAD + ROOTS Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix column by: Merissa A. Alink "A super simple homemade hot chocolate mix (without powdered milk)!"

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CONFESSIONS OF A STEWARD Carbon Development on the Farm column by: Joel Salatin "From bison on the prairie to wildebeests on the Serengeti, perennial prairie polycultures pruned by herbivores chased by predators built the deepest and most fertile soils on the planet. That's the big picture, but how do we apply it to our gardens and farms? "

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ONE MINUTE WITH MARLIN

ON THE COVER

FUNDS AND BENEFITS

Thoughts and ramblings from Marlin Miller, publisher of Plain Values.

Siblings, Israel and Zorey Gagnon, both adopted from an orphanage in Eastern Europe.

Every month we provide a listing of opportunities to help out those in need.

support 37

THE WIDOW'S PATH The Comfort of Christmas Kindness column by: Ferree Hardy "Everyone needs comfort this Christmas.

For some, it would be the best gift of all. Do you know someone who might be alone? Someone you could comfort with your presence and kindness?"

history 41

OUR HERITAGE History of the Amish Parochial School: Wisconsin v. Yoder guest columnist: Elam Stoltzfus “...required attendance past the eighth grade interfered with the right of Amish parents to direct the religious upbringing of their children... In essence, the U.S. Supreme Court decided that Amish parents’ right to freedom of religion outweighed the state’s interest in educating their children."

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ALL THINGS OUTDOORS Antelope: The Fastest Animal in the United States column by: Jim Zumbo "They had to be pronghorn antelope! I can’t remember ever being more excited.

We must be in Wyoming! I made a vow that someday I’d live in that state, based on articles I’d read on the Wild West, and now, being so enchanted with the view out the window."

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one minute with Marlin

WHAT WAS IT LIKE for Joseph and Mary to change baby Jesus’ diaper? To feed and care for him? From all appearances, Jesus was a typical baby boy — except for that little detail of being fully God in human form! I wonder at times if Joseph and Mary’s lives were any different from our own? The Son of God was in their midst — but did they also deal with the normalcy and mundaneness of everyday life that we parents struggle with? Did baby Jesus ever get into the pantry and accidentally break jars as he learned how to use his physical body? Did He even have to “learn” that part of life, or did it just happen automatically? How old was Jesus when he learned to scoot around on the floor, crawl, and then totter back and forth on his feet?

Is it not incredible to think the God who created everything chose to send His Son to this earth, experience life much the same as we do, and then give His life for us in death? Jesus, through His incarnation, validates and verifies the sanctity of human life from birth to death.

What an unbelievable thing He has done for us!

I read recently of a Guinness world record that I’d never heard of before. In 2010, a hotel in Abu Dhabi built the world’s most expensive Christmas tree. It was more than 40 feet tall and held ornaments worth more than $11,000,000. So, in case the conversation ever comes up about keeping Christ in Christmas, you can pull that factoid out of your back pocket to make your point. Christmas is more than expensive trees and gifts. I wonder: how far have we veered from the real purpose of celebrating Jesus’ birth?

The gift that’s worth the most is who God gave to the world — His only son Jesus.

May you and your family have a wonderfully blessed Christmas time, and as always, may you find joy in the simple things. //

The $11 million Christmas tree in the hall of Emirates Palace hotel in Abu Dhabi.

MARLIN MILLER

publisher, always looking for more friends

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feature NOT FORGOTTEN

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HELPING the CHILDREN of EASTERN EUROPE

words by: ELAINE TOMSKI

TINY SPARROWS huddle in the nest until father and mother return. Helpless, they must wait for seeds to fill their hungry stomachs. If their parents do not return, the chicks' peeps of desperation fall silent, and the little ones remain hopeless. Many children in this world are like these sparrows — lost. Unseen, lacking a voice, and missing the gentle touch of a parent, millions of precious children hope for the love of a family. According to the Lost Sparrows website, there are an estimated 7.3 million orphans in Eastern Europe alone. We wonder how such a massive problem can find a solution.

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"He alone is big enough to see the whole picture, and Darren and Stacey know they are small enough to need His guidance."

Darren and Stacey Gagnon spend their days seeking solutions. They believe children belong in families. After years of looking for answers, the Gagnons understand their obedience to God brings desired results. He alone is big enough to see the whole picture, and Darren and Stacey know they are small enough to need His guidance.

"If God asks us to do it, we need to do it," says Darren.

"God takes care of the details."

Plain Values first introduced you to the Gagnon family and their non-profit organization, Lost Sparrows, in our April 2020 issue. Darren and Stacey are the parents of seven children: two biological children and five special needs children chosen through adoption.

Their two youngest children, Israel and Zorey, were rescued from an orphanage in Bulgaria.

In Eastern Europe, it is common, even expected, that children born with physical impairments and special needs are placed in government-funded orphanages.

Israel was born with spina-bifida, and he laid tied to a crib in such an orphanage at the age of four. Alone, Israel laid in silence, along with many other neglected children, on a liquid diet and never feeling sunshine on his face. That is, until the blessed day Darren and Stacey

Israel Gagnon and his sister, Zorey

before adoption

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took him home. In 2016, the Gagnons returned for

Israel

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after adoption

mission statement reads, "Because no child should be forgotten, Lost Sparrows advocates for the safe closure of orphanages, equips parents and caregivers with trauma-informed education, and provides resources to partners around the globe."

Let's look at some of the ways God uses his people to expand the reach of Lost Sparrows.

Nik's Heart of Hope Eric and Blythe Royaards already had three children when they felt God was leading them to adopt. Some friends introduced them to an orphanage in Bulgaria where the Boyaards met their blessing named Nikolas.

He was born with cerebral palsy, yet God's image shines brightly through him. Nik's dad says, "Since Nik has become part of our family, he brings a joy and just a whole new sense of what it means to give, and what it means to be selfless." With all of the effort he can muster, Nik says, "Love is strong, and God wants us to love people." Eleven-year-old Nik's heart is so full it

Eric and Blythe Royaards with Nikolas

overflows into a contagious smile. He has come a long way from living in an orphanage as a cold, shamed, and forgotten child.

two-year-old Zorey, born with only one complete limb,

Stacey Gagnon first met Nik when his adoptive

her right hand and arm. Because Zorey has congenital

parents picked him up at the orphanage in Bulgaria,

limb differences, medical researchers so devalued her

where the Gagnon's found Israel and Zorey. She says,

life that they performed experiments on her precious

"Nik was just a tiny scrap of a kid. He remembers a lot

little body. Darren and Stacey were able and willing

because he was a little over six years old when he was

to quickly rescue Zorey and adopt her before further

adopted. Because Nik had cerebral palsy, he was treated

research took place, completing the Gagnon family.

very poorly, but cognitively he understood everything

Since Darren and Stacey cannot adopt all children

going on around him." The Royaards and Gagnons

needing homes, they do their best to make a difference

became fast friends, supporting each other in special-

every day. They also invite others who believe children

needs adoption. They have also served together in Lost

belong in families into the journey. Lost Sparrows'

Sparrows from the start.

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Zorey

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Nik's memories of his life at the orphanage helped Lost Sparrows choose projects to improve the lives of orphans left behind. Stacey says, "Nik would say things like, 'I remember being cold,' and he cried for all the kids, so we took blankets to several of the orphanages."

In another project, Lost Sparrows raised funds for the installation of an elevator at the orphanage because Nik said, "I remember I would get in trouble because I couldn't walk the stairs quickly."

Nik wants to help kids like himself. He knows he's a child of God and believes the Holy Spirit whispers to him—When you get older, you can do crazy things and help other people. And crazy things, in the eyes of man, Nik does. Now an older kid of eleven, he operates his own business called Nik's Heart of Hope (NHOH). According to his mom, Nik delivers a large bucket to the homes of willing neighbors, asking them to save their aluminum cans for him. Then on Saturdays, Nik collects the cans, spends six or more hours crushing them one-by-one, organizes them into bags, and then exchanges them for money at the recycling center. His mom says, "That's how he raised nearly five thousand dollars." In addition to recycling cans, Nik sponsors other fundraisers and recently spoke about his cause at church. Lost Sparrows comes alongside Nik to magnify his voice, and Nik helps Lost Sparrows meet the needs of orphans. The little boy, who once had no voice and struggles to speak well because of his cerebral palsy, now speaks volumes for the voiceless.

Recently, funds from NHOH provided resources for boys moving into the Wide Awake International (WAI) duplex in Ukraine. Perhaps you remember Jed and Kim Johnson's story from our February 2021 issue of Plain Values ? The Johnsons said yes to moving from the USA Nik collecting items for children in need

to Ukraine, where they rescue older, special-needs boys

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Sophia

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after adoption

from the orphanage and give them the family, life, and love they desperately need. Nik went through a list of items needed to outfit the newly completed second side of the Wide Awake International duplex. Nik chose things he thought the boys would like, including rocking chairs for the outside deck. He says, "That was really cool!"

Once sitting, forgotten, inside the orphanage, boys now sit outside swaying peacefully in awe of God's creation.

Nik remembers. He doesn't want to leave them behind.

So, Nik is doing every crazy thing God gives him to do to love them. Nik's Heart of Hope also helps fund the Foster Closet, yet another outreach of Lost Sparrows in Bulgaria.

A Foster Closet on the Move Foster Closets located throughout the United States exist to provide much-needed support for foster families. Generous donors supply Foster Closets with necessary items to help families offset the costs of the foster children in their care. Darren and Stacey Gagnon received Foster Closet support while caring for foster children in their homes, so they understand the immense benefit it provides. Creating a Foster Closet in Bulgaria may seem like a good idea, but it's so much more in reality. It's a God idea.

We know God can take a bad situation and redeem it for good. According to Stacey, COVID-19 facilitated the shutdown of disability orphanages in Bulgaria. Thankfully, many special needs children were instead placed into foster families for the first time.

Unfortunately, that means generous foster families face challenges like never before. Ann Todorov and her team work diligently to help meet those challenges with the help of generous donors and a Foster Closet established in the church pastored by her husband.

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Ann Todorov working with a foster family

Let me introduce you to Ann. She and her husband live in Varna, Bulgaria, where she is a trained physical therapist. Originally from England and the child of a missionary, Ann met her husband while smuggling Bibles into his father's church. You can already see her daring heart, can't you? Darren and Stacey met Ann while picking up their son Israel at the orphanage. "She went into the orphanage with me," says Stacey. "She has gone several times to orphanages to work with kids and work with staff to better position and support kids." Ann has also traveled throughout the country with Stacey to assist families who choose to keep their special needs children at home.

Ann helps them set up their homes differently, supplies braces, and provides tips on feeding and positioning the children. "Every single day," says Stacey, "Ann is out in the community or orphanages working with kids."

Now, thanks to COVID-19, Ann has the opportunity to support foster families caring for children with special needs, too. Funded by Lost Sparrows, Ann and the Foster Closet are on the move. Ann shares a story about what she and her assistants heard and experienced while visiting foster families in the villages.

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Victoria

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Ann's team also visits another village where they "It is a cold Bulgarian fall day, and we eventually

deliver food supplies before a heavy winter storm hits. A

find the first home off the beaten track, away from

new foster child in the area is fragile. The foster carers

what could be called civilization. The smiles, the

are weary and tired, explaining they need to wake every

warm handshakes, the log fires, the cozy living

few hours through the night to stoke the fire. They fear

space, beds in the living room, a cooking pot

the underweight child will become sick with a cold if

outside. Simple but friendly. A huge thank you from

the fire goes out. In addition, the foster child has an

the foster carer as we give them a packet of diapers.

esophagus problem the national health system will not address. The foster family can no longer cope. Ann gives

“‘Why was this baby not given to us earlier?' asks

a phone call to Darren and Stacey, who quickly raise

the foster carer. 'We adore him!' I smile and recall

the funds required for the child's surgical procedure. A

how time and time again we hear the same thing.

mere two hundred dollars is all that's needed. The child

Contrary to popular belief, these children are

recovers with much post-operative care from Ann's team.

wanted and make a wonderful addition to the

Each team member sacrifices their family time, money,

foster carer's families.

and food until the child returns to his foster family. The child is now eating normally, starting to feed himself,

“The foster carer remarks that it looks like [the

putting on weight, and taking a few steps! Ann says,

child] has only had milk from a bottle until now as

"We still give a lot of input in terms of visits, diapers,

he doesn't eat or doesn't know how to. He chokes

food, and therapy. But, thank God the child is loved in

on puree and refuses to take a spoon but is happy

this home."

with a bottle. How wrong it is to see a toddler who

The child protection agency has noticed how Ann

only drinks milk. If only he had become a part of this family soon after birth, he would be eating

and her crew are finding solutions and helping foster

well by now.

families care for the children with special needs. Stacey says, "The government officials have applauded what

“The passivity of lying in a cot all of his life in an

Ann is doing. They love it!" Ann sees the needs and

orphanage has taken a toll. But since we started

desires to expand the reach. She loves supporting these

this project in the fall, I've seen time and time

generous foster families with the resources, the therapy,

again that love conquers all, albeit not as fast as

and the prayers they need. She does not want the

I would hope. The advice and practical expertise

orphanages to reopen and fill up because Ann sees first-

we are able to share while on home visits help the

hand the benefits of keeping these precious children in

foster carers to carry on with therapy when we

families. However, the challenges are significant.

are absent. The patience of these foster carers is

Currently, Ann and two other women juggle requests

astounding. It's the small improvements that bring

to visit more homes than they can manage. "Can I just

joy in these homes."

stress that we are absolutely stretched to the limits with these children?" says Ann. "We desperately need more

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"It's coming alongside these men and women and saying, 'we see what you're doing, and we know this is hard. We see your children are worthy.'"

funding. We need to involve more people and spread the load. I am leading this project, and the only way I have been able to do this, this year, is by taking a leave of absence from my employment. The other members of our team are doing the same, and they visit on weekends and evenings when they should be spending time with their own families. We all feel so strongly about these disadvantaged children that we do this from our hearts.

We also communicate directly with the authorities, and they respect our efforts with these families, seeing that it is done through the love of God. We often run out of funding for food for the foster families or the means to travel to visit."

The team is also praying about starting a weekly children's club at the church where the Foster Closet is. The club will provide playtime, appropriate level activity, and time to socialize for the children. Their vision is to have a center for the children with special needs where families can also come for spiritual and practical support from other foster care families and specialists on the team. However, one team member shares, "Our stumbling blocks are our ability to consistently provide transport for the foster families who live in villages outside of our city, most of whom do not have their own transport. In addition, although

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Lillian

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Darren and Stacey Gagnon, founders of Lost Sparrows

Increase for Lost Sparrows "We really have grown a ton in our ability to reach we have specialists on our team in occupational

and support families raising kids from hard places,"

therapy, physiotherapy, and special needs education,

says Stacey. Lost Sparrows continues to work diligently

each individual is working on the foster care project

to stop the flood of babies into orphanages in Eastern

in addition to their day jobs and fitting visits around

Europe. They also embrace more ways to equip families

their work commitments." Let us pray with them for

who rescue children traumatized in those orphanages.

solutions to provide transportation and salaries for

Again, because of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic,

these specialists to work full-time with the club and

Darren and Stacey have been using computer technology

home visitations. Doing so will offer foster families of

to reach Eastern Europe. Stacey says, "We have trained

special needs children the assistance they need to keep

thousands over the past year using Zoom." This

them in homes and out of reopening orphanages.

technology allows people from across the globe to see

Stacey says, "To me, it's more than just providing

and hear each other on a computer screen for real-time

for physical needs. It's coming alongside these men and

chats, meetings, and conferences. Because of Zoom,

women and saying, we see what you're doing, and we

Stacey also recently spoke to five thousand Russians

know this is hard. We see your children are worthy."

about understanding children, their lack of resiliency,

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Dasha

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DECEMBER 2021

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and the trauma orphanages do long-term to children.

what God calls us to do, and we couldn't do it without

Stacey adds, "Darren and I have put together several

your readership. The Amish community has been one

training videos, which will go into twenty-six countries,

of the greatest supports for us. The orphan crisis is

on how to support kids who have lived in institutions

overwhelming. But I truly believe, every day we make a

and orphanages."

difference to at least one."

When you are the parents of seven children, several

Orphans with disabilities in Eastern Europe are not

of whom come from hard places, those children require

forgotten. Not by the good servants highlighted in this

much attention, so technology helps keep the Gagnons

article, not by we who steward our resources to support

home more. "We've had one of the hardest years with our

their work, and not by our Good Father. He stands ready

kids," says Stacey. She and Darren must practice daily,

and willing to love unconditionally all who come to him

hourly, and moment-by-moment everything they teach.

through his Son, Jesus Christ. Our Good Father offers the

Children are not resilient like a piece of elastic. Stacey

solution to a problem faced by people worldwide. The

says, "They can't go through horrible abuse and come out

manger is like a nest large enough to include all who

unscathed." Although the Gagnons are typically the ones

choose to find hope and wholeness there. The Christ

to step up and help, they now understand how important

Child was born once so that you and I might be born

it is to be willing to receive help and support from others,

again. Never orphaned. Not forgotten. //

as well. Parents in the adoption and fostering world Elaine Tomski is the author of Pregnant and Praying, a gift book for expectant

sometimes feel alone, like no one understands. Darren

mothers. She and her husband call Ohio's Amish Country home.

and Stacey have learned they must intentionally reach out to people they trust, telling them exactly what they need. "God has been so incredibly faithful in putting people around us to help us," says Stacey. "And even with Lost Sparrows, sometimes we're just tired. But God has been faithful to put others around us when things

"I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor."

are really hard. Our eyes are open to a whole new world through our own struggles. God has given us a heart and understanding for others struggling, as well."

God has not forgotten Darren, Stacey, or their children. Stacey says, "God has grown us so much in recognizing [that] when you're at the end of you, He gets to step in and do His work. When we have struggled and feel like we have nothing left to give, we've seen Lost Sparrows grow exponentially." Lost Sparrows is not

Psalm 140:12

just some non-profit organization. Darren and Stacey live it out every day. "This is our life," says Stacey. "It's

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simple living HOMESTEAD + ROOTS

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homestead

+

roots

column by: MERISSA A. ALINK

Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix LAST YEAR I HAD THIS SECRET LITTLE ADDICTION. Each morning, when I would get up to work in the winter, it was still dark out and kind of depressing (I always get up at least an hour or 2 before everyone else so I can actually get something done). The house was so cold and uninviting. So I’d pull out my saucepan and whip myself up a warm glass of homemade hot chocolate to enjoy while I worked and woke up.

Last year I did things the “cheater” way and used milk and chocolate chips, but this year I wanted to come up with something even easier so all I had to do was just warm up the milk. Thus the invention of this super simple homemade hot chocolate mix (without powdered milk). With just 3 ingredients it’s easy to make up the mix in a hurry. Then, when you are ready for a glass, all you need to do is simply add it to warm milk and your hot drink is ready to go.

Ingredients: 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

I NST RU CTIO N S : 1. In a blender, add the cocoa powder and turbinado sugar (sucanat).

2. Blend until the sugar is powdered.

3. Add in the salt and place in a jar, container, or bag for storage.

2

/3 cup ground sucanat

brown sugar or raw sugar work as well 1

/2 teaspoon salt

US I N G THE MIX: 1. Add about one heaping tablespoon of the mix to one cup of hot milk.

2. Stir and enjoy!

If you are dairy-free, this recipe will still work great for you! You don't need to change the mix recipe, but you can add it to warm coconut milk instead of dairy milk. This mixture will make at least 12 cups of hot chocolate.

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simple living CONFESSIONS OF A STEWARD

Confessions of a Steward Joel co-owns, with his family, Polyface Farm in Swoope, Virginia. When he’s not on the road speaking, he’s at home on the farm, keeping the callouses on his hands and dirt under his fingernails, mentoring young people, inspiring visitors, and promoting local, regenerative food and farming systems. Salatin has published 15 books, and he is the editor of The Stockman Grass Farmer, granddaddy catalyst for the column by:

JOEL SALATIN

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homesteading movement. He passionately defends small farms, local food systems, and the right to opt out of the conventional food paradigm.

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LAST MONTH I INTRODUCED the concept of the carbon economy for soil fertility and the numerous ways God designed soil fertility and development to run on sunbeams converted to biomass. From bison on the prairie to wildebeests on the Serengeti, perennial prairie polycultures pruned by herbivores

Carbon Development on the Farm

chased by predators built the deepest and most fertile soils on the planet.

That's the big picture, but how do we apply it to our gardens and farms? How do we catalyze on-site carbon development and utilization to build the organic matter by cycling biomass into the soil?

Sir Albert Howard introduced the scientific method for aerobic composting with a five-part recipe: carbon, nitrogen, water, oxygen, microbes. When those are in correct ratios, rapid decomposition occurs. If any is out of balance, the decomposition either halts or moves in less desirable directions, like putrefying or stagnating.

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SEPTEMBER 2021

for

When you buy a two-year-old apple tree from a

practice

nursery, what does it look like? A stick. Why do they

decomposition without manipulation. We see this

prune off roots and branches? If the plant has to maintain

process routinely, like when a tree falls in the forest

those roots and branch twigs while going through

and rots over time. If that same tree falls in a pond,

transplant shock, the energy drain on the plant's core

however, it won't rot. Why? No oxygen.

will either set it back or kill it. In similar fashion, the

While rapid

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composting

decomposition,

is

human-managed

natural

processes

Perhaps the most vibrant ongoing decomposition

grass plant protects its core when it's pruned, just like

occurs in pruning. A plant wants to maintain biomass

your body protects the liver and heart when you go into

equilibrium between what's above the ground and

shock. The body shuts down fingers and toes first; all

what's below the ground. Plants try to maintain bilateral

this protocol is about preserving life.

symmetry at the soil horizon. In other words, if you

The second reason the plant jettisons root mass is

could see below the soil surface, you would see as much

to capture that carbohydrate energy, concentrating it in

plant material below ground as above ground.

the core of the plant to send forth new shoots. When

Pruning above ground makes the plant jettison

pruning, either mechanically or with an animal, the

root mass to maintain equilibrium with above-ground

plant's solar array (leaf area) diminishes, and it calls

material. Nothing expresses this more dramatically than

on stored energy from the crown, or core, to send out

forages when they are mowed or grazed. When you cut

new leaves. This temporarily weakens the plant until

off the top of a grass plant, for example, it sloughs off

the leaf area gets big enough to run on its own power

an equivalent amount of root mass for two reasons.

and then replace the energy and roots lost during the

First is to keep the plant from having to maintain far-off

pruning process. We call this pulsing the pasture, like

appendages while recovering from pruning shock.

a heartbeat.

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When plants begin to grow, or re-grow, they follow an S-curve,

"Keeping the plant in that rapid teenage growth cycle as many days as possible is the key to converting as many sunbeams as possible into decomposable biomass."

starting slowly, then speeding up, and then slowing down toward senescence. I call these three stages diaper grass, teenage, and then nursing home. Unlike humans, grass goes through all these stages in as little as 50 days. Keeping the plant in that rapid teenage growth cycle as many days as possible is the key to converting as many sunbeams as possible into decomposable biomass.

The foundation of soil carbon, then, is this root mass injection that comes from strategic pruning. The migratory choreography of wild herds ensured that pruning and rest cycles maintained this heartbeat, or pulsing, in the soil ecosystem. Obviously, either overpruning (keeping the plants too short) or under-pruning (leaving the plants in a senescent state) shuts down the solar panel and carbon collection. Every hundred pounds of grass is only five pounds of soil; ninety-five pounds is pure sunlight. Under good stewardship, the planet should be gaining weight every day with all the conversion of sunlight into biomass. As farmers and gardeners, that is our mandate.

On our farms, we mimic this pulsing with what I call "mob stocking herbivorous solar conversion lignified carbon sequestration fertilization." That means we restrict the animals to small areas, moving them every day or two to a new paddock, allowing the forage to

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NOVEMBER 2021

"The average woodlot in Europe is owned by the same person or family for 800 years; in North America, it's 40 years."

recuperate to almost senescence before putting animals

Europe is owned by the same person or family for 800

back on the area. And yes, this applies to one cow and

years; in North America, it's 40 years. You can't have a

one horse. In my experience, much of the worst grazing

forestry plan with a 40-year ownership turnover cycle."

in the world occurs on homesteads and small acreages

Managing a woodlot requires visioning far into the

with only a handful of animals. When they aren't rotated,

future, and in this column, I'm not going to dive into

the forage can never build root mass which means the

the nuts and bolts of silviculture. Suffice it to say that

soil can never receive its carbon injection.

forests need pruning, culling, and management, just

The next carbon source on the farm is the woodlot.

like livestock and forages. Native Americans managed

One of the most overlooked and mismanaged portions

with fire as their most strategic tool. That culled out the

of a typical farm is the woodlot. I asked an Austrian

diseased, weak, and undesirables. Thick, dark woods are

forester one time why the European forests were

a fairly recent American phenomenon created by fire

significantly more productive than North American.

suppression policy.

His quick answer startled me: "Royalty." I was

Weeding a woodlot does not diminish its overall

taken aback. He explained: "The average woodlot in

production; it simply concentrates the growth on

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desirable stems. An acre can only grow a

periods of high income and low or no income;

certain amount of material; the goal is to put

creating value off-season is one of the fastest

that growth on desirable stems.

ways to profitability.

That means American forests, especially

An industrial chipper is expensive, but it

east of the Mississippi, have incalculable tons

can generate mountains of carbon in a hurry.

of biomass retarding growth on good trees.

Our Vermeer machine can create a cubic yard

One of the first big equipment investments we

of chips in less than two minutes. Because we

made on our farm was a commercial chipper.

use these chips as bedding for all of our winter

That machine enabled us to generate our own

housed livestock, we use more than twenty

carbon and at the same time upgrade our

tractor-trailer loads of chips per year. With this

forest acreage. The sheer volume of carbon that

chipper, we can chip nearly two tractor-trailer

can be generated by even one acre of woodlot

loads in a day. We rent it out to others for a

weeding is unbelievable.

week at a time. Or a professional chipping crew

When I say "we don't spend any money on fertilizer," it doesn't mean we don't invest in soil

could move from farm to farm like the threshing rings of yesteryear.

development. The chipper, labor, and fuel are our

Shared equipment use is still viable. If we

fertilizer investment. Since coming to the farm

viewed our woodlots as fertilizer factories, we

in 1961, when it averaged one percent organic

would spend more time managing them and

matter, we've moved the soil to more than eight

take better care of them. Integrating them with

percent organic matter. While organic matter

open land is positive for both ecosystems.

and carbon are not identical, they are close enough cousins for this discussion.

I've done farm consulting where the senior farmer laments not enough income for a late-

If all money currently invested in chemical

teenaged child who wants to stay on the farm.

fertilizer were invested instead in carbon

"This farm won't produce two salaries," Dad

development, we'd have healthier and more

says. I look at the fertilizer budget and realize

productive forests, much healthier soils, and

immediately that if the next generation were

fewer (if any) fires. Had we as a nation been

put in charge of the fertility program, the

managing our forests correctly for the last

fertilizer savings would pay for another salary.

hundred years, the fire conflagrations costing

Investing in carbon through both forage

us many billions of dollars annually could be

and woodlot management is the fastest and

eliminated and all that biomass dedicated to

cheapest way to grow soil. Soil is the ultimate

soil building. Wouldn't that be a good exchange?

wealth reservoir of a culture. Let's build it. //

Most farms have a patch of woods or woodsy areas that scream for management. A balanced farm should be at least 25 percent forest and up to 5 percent water (ponds). All ecosystems thrive at the intersection of forest, open, and riparian edges. A chipper and chainsaw are the best tools to manage trees.

Woodlots offer standing carbon inventory just like stockpiled forages offer standing feedstocks for grazing herds. Nobody brought hay to the bison. Pruning and weeding woodlots in the winter as part of an ongoing tree upgrade and open land soil-building program offers dormant season value. Too often farmers have

35

DECEMBER 2021

support THE WIDOW'S PATH

The Comfort of

Christmas column by:

FERREE HARDY

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CAN YOU IMAGINE Christmas without kindness? For

No one can say He's not able to sympathize with our

those who face their first Christmas alone, some days can

weaknesses. From the start of His ministry He said,

be very challenging and seemingly unkind. Many events,

“Blessed are they who mourn…” (Matthew 5).

sights, sounds and fragrances can overwhelm them with

man, Jesus knew sorrow; as God, He offers the solution—

floods of sadness and loneliness. Even the first snowfall

His presence with us. His special Christmas name,

may cause tears to fall.

Emmanuel, means “God with us.” It follows that we

That's the nature of grief. It comes in waves. God

As a

should be present with each other for the comfort and

knows this. He understands.

the celebration of our Savior’s birthday.

As I've been thinking about the first Christmas so

Everyone needs comfort this Christmas. For some, it

many eons ago, this question occurred to me as I imagined

would be the best gift of all. Do you know someone who

the Newborn's cry—was this the first time God cried?

might be alone? Someone you could comfort with your

Of course, we don't know. What I do know is that

presence and kindness?

Jesus lived among humanity, and grew up to be called

What about widowed people? They stand in plain

The Man of Sorrows. He was acquainted with grief.

sight, but many feel invisible. Do you see them?

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DECEMBER 2021

•

Babysitting might be a huge help. Now that the spouse is gone they might never get a break or any time to themselves.

•

If appropriate, buy them a cellphone and perhaps even pay for the monthly service.

It could be a life saver.

•

Begin now to think about planning a Valentine Banquet for all the widowed in your community. It’s a tough day for most.

For the children of widows and widowers, similar things could apply: 1. Gift cards for fast food, ice cream shops, or other treats.

2. Grandparents might open a savings account in the grandchild’s name and show them how to use it. Or, take them along on a vacation or a special event.

3. Spend time with the children and give them opportunity to help you. Let them learn and practice some of the skills you have that their deceased parent would have normally showed them. But do so because you genuinely enjoy the child’s company, don’t do it out of pity; be

Here are a few ways to include them this Christmas:

sensitive to their recollections, and understand

1. Pray for them. We’ll talk about this in a bit.

that children do not grieve as you would.

2. Your presence can be the best present of all.

4. Gifts like family games, toys, bicycles, sports,

You could visit them, but also know that being

or hunting equipment might be appropriate.

invited to join you means a lot. And please

Several families could purchase something

stay in touch with notes, phone calls, and a

together.

Christmas card. Widows and widowers need all

Widows and widowers may also provide the comfort of Christmas kindness to themselves or others.

the unconditional friendships they can get.

3. If you’d like to provide a gift, here are some

Don’t forget about yourself. Although the idea

practical suggestions: •

Stamps, envelopes, and writing paper.

might seem selfish at first, (which it did to me when

•

Gift cards or cash.

I was a widow) it’s really not. Remember this: You are

•

A gift card to a restaurant or coffee shop

your own best friend now, so you’re allowed to give

they like.

yourself a gift.

• •

•

When I suggested this to some widows, one of them

Pre-paid transportation. Have the driver issue a gift certificate or voucher.

laughed and told me this: “I can now thank you for that

A Christmas tree, if one is wanted this

new little appliance I’m going to buy. I know it will make

year. Take the family out to get it when

mealtime easier and healthier for me — and anything

you get yours. Help set it up too.

that makes living alone easier and healthier is a good

Needed help like snow plowing, roof

thing.” So try some of the following, but you don’t have

repairs and home maintenance. In the

to thank me. Thank yourself! You are pretty special!

1. Go out for dinner, or order carry out and take

spring and summer provide lawn mowing,

it home with you.

or garden tilling.

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2. Buy some fresh flowers or house plants. Or

The comfort of being with people worked its

cut small pine branches to put in a vase as a

kindness on her. No wonder God chose to redeem us

fragrant centerpiece.

through our Savior’s birth, life with us, and the cross.

3. Invite people over. Or not. Maybe you’d

He knew we needed to have Him with us!

like some time to yourself. We all need that

Finally, and most importantly, pray. As you pray for

sometimes. But if you want people over, ask

your family, friends, and our world, please remember

them. They’ll never know you’d like some

widows, widowers, and their children. Here’s my prayer

company if you don’t ask.

for them and for you.

4. Plan ahead to give yourself something to look forward to. Attend a regional get-together or conference hosted by your church or district

Dear God,

order. Start planning now to attend the “Widow’s

As I consider the needs of widows and

Journey” retreat on March 4-6, 2022 at Sandy

widowers this Christmas, I pray for them your

Cove Ministries in North East, MD. You’ll have

promise, “Blessed are those who mourn, for

a built-in friend there because I will be one of

they shall be comforted.” May they experience

the speakers! For more information, see www.

this comfort. Fill their hearts with Your

sandycove.org and look up “Widow’s Journey.” Or

presence. Fill their lives with the kindness of

call 800.234.2683 for rates and information.

people. Fill their deeds with kindness towards

5. Give to others. Gifts don’t have to be expensive.

both themselves and others.

Time is valuable too. Take time to send

Renew and revive our experience of the name

Christmas cards if you’re up to it.

“Emmanuel.” For when we know that You are with us, we know that we can make it through

Please let me reiterate that especially if you are widowed, being kind to yourself is very important.

our struggles. When our own strength and

A widow friend once told me how she grew from this

hope are gone, the comfort of knowing "God is

important lesson:

with us," and the kindness we share with each other, are what matter most.

I spent the first year at home alone on Christmas Day. Not at all a good idea. I realized then that I

Grant us all the comfort of kindness this

had to make plans on my own.

Christmas, and please bless each person reading this with a sacred and peaceful new

The next Christmas I went away with a bus tour.

year. Amen. //

Much better! Lots of festive activities among friendly people. A beautiful setting. Special meals.

Even an informal "Carol Sing." New friends. New

Merry Christmas!

ferree l

experiences. And for a person like me, who had very little energy, all the planning and preparing and decorating was done by others.

Now I find it literally true that God’s mercies are new every morning…In spite of bereavement, cancer, heart problems, loss of work and income, loss of energy, and side effects of chemo….He daily loads me with blessings.

We’re sorry, but Ferree’s book is not available this month because she is moving to New York State. Watch for the new ordering address in the January issue. “Postcards from the Widows’ Path—Gleaning Hope and Purpose from the Book of Ruth” is a gentle, biblical guide for widows that has many saying, “This is the best I’ve ever read!”

39

DECEMBER 2021

history OUR HERITAGE

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PA RT FO U R

History of the Amish Parochial Schools: Wisconsin v. Yoder column by: ELAM STOLTZFUS

HEADLINES IN NEWSPAPERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY: "Supreme Court Takes Up Amish Question Wednesday" (December 6, 1971, Monroe Evening News, Monroe, Wisconsin) "Contest of Values: Amish Versus State" (January 18, 1972, The Wilson Daily Times, Wilson, North Carolina) "State Education Laws May Force Amish From U.S." (March 9, 1972, Christian Science Monitor, Boston, Massachusetts) "Amish Court Decision Political Hot Potato" (March 30, 1972, The Derrick, Oil City, Pennsylvania) p h o to © A P I m a g e

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DECEMBER 2021

In the early-to mid-20th century in the United

Hershberger of Apple Creek stated that “our

States, many Amish communities were compelled

religion prohibits valuing certain talents…

to break with their traditions in how they educated

which you value. We are not contesting your

their children to comply with federal and state

rights to these values, but they are not our

regulations. What follows is a sample of comments

values. We want to live simple lives, free of

and newspaper articles that provide the backdrop

pride, self-seeking, and ostentation, to ensure

for the landmark Wisconsin v. Yoder United States

their entrance into the New Jerusalem….”

Supreme Court case in 1972: •

•

In 1921, in LaGrange County, Indiana, legal

charges against eleven Amish parents accused

actions were brought against eleven Amish

of violating the State of Michigan’s compulsory

fathers for failing to send their children to

school attendance law.

school after the eighth grade.

•

•

In 1966, the Kansas Supreme Court took up

In 1922, five Amish men in Holmes County,

a case on compulsory school laws involving

Ohio, were arrested by Judge Estill and were

Amish from Hutchinson.

“being accused of being guilty of contributing

•

to the dependency and delinquency of a minor

In 1968, three Amish families from Green County, Wisconsin, withdrew their children

child in that they fail, refuse and neglect to

from the public school.

send a minor child to a state recognized school.”

•

In 1964, a judge in Michigan delivered criminal

This event in 1968 was the catalyst that finally

In 1936, the sixteen Amish church districts

brought the school issue before the Supreme Court

in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, created

in the 1972 Wisconsin v. Yoder court case. So —

a school committee with one member from

what is the big deal about this trial brought before

each district to address issues related to the

the United States Supreme Court? Who was Jonas

parochial school (As a personal note, my

Yoder? Follow along as we review a brief synopsis of

great-grandfather Samuel B. Zook was one of

this high-profile court case.

the founding members from the Elverson-area church district).

•

Jonas Yoder - 1969

In 1947, an Indiana School Superintendent met with a group of 500 Amish men to plead for their students to be excused from school after completing the eighth grade.

•

In 1955 in Pennsylvania, Governor George Leader worked with the Amish to create an alternative vocational program after students completed the 8th grade. As a result, from 1950 to 1960, over forty new one-room parochial schools were built across Pennsylvania by the Old Order Amish and Old Order Mennonites.

•

In 1957-1958, in the Ohio communities of Apple Creek, Kidron, and Mt. Eaton, Judge Young had the heads of household in six Amish families imprisoned for refusing to comply with local educational laws. Upon their release twelve days later, Amishman Henry J.

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Pennsylvania Amishmen walk toward the Supreme Court building in Washington on December 8, 1971.

"...the school superintendent asked

In 1968, three Amish families withdrew their

the Amish to keep their

children from the New Glarus, Green County, Wisconsin primary public school. Jonas Yoder (one

children enrolled for

of the fathers) said the school superintendent asked the Amish to keep their children enrolled for a few

a few more weeks so

more weeks so that they could collect $18,000 in aid from the State of Wisconsin for that school year. The

that they could collect

Amish refused. The superintendent filed truancy charges against the three fathers for failing to send

$18,000 in aid from the

their children to school.

Jonas Yoder and Wallace Miller, Old Order Amish,

and

Adin

Yutzy,

Conservative

State of Wisconsin for

Amish

Mennonite, argued that sending their children to

that school year. The

high school was not aligned with their religious beliefs. However, in Wisconsin, the law required

Amish refused."

students to attend school until the age of sixteen.

Since Yoder, Miller, and Yutzy refused to send their children to high school, they were prosecuted under Wisconsin law.

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NOVEMBER 2021

William B. Ball, a lawyer from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, took on the case on behalf of the Amish and successfully argued it before the Wisconsin Supreme Court. This court decided on behalf of the Amish, granting them the right not to send their children to high school.

The State of Wisconsin then appealed the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s decision to the U.S. Supreme Court, hoping for a ruling in their favor.

In December of 1971, the U.S. Supreme Court began hearing arguments for the case. Drs. Hostetler and Erickson provided expert testimony on behalf of the Amish. Their testimony—which remained uncontested during the case—ended up becoming a deciding factor in the Supreme Court’s final decision.

Dr. John A. Hostetler, an anthropologist from Temple University, testified that if the law demands that Amish children are compelled to attend a regular high school, that “their religion will be destroyed.”

Dr. Donald A. Erickson, an education professor at the University of Chicago, said that Amish children received their own style of education that fits the needs of the Amish community, which are different from mainstream society. He noted that Amish training is of the “best kind” and that “They learn by doing, and I would be inclined to say they do a better job than most of the rest of us judging by the fact they have little unemployment, delinquency or divorce.”

Jonas Yoder, along with the Amish National Committee, represented the Amish community and its traditions in the court case. Yoder was uncomfortable with all the attention from the media, but he accepted it as part of his duty to his community. In one article, he commented, “What we have done, going to court, ain’t approved by all of our people. For me, I wish it would be somebody else’s name on this.”

The justices weighed the evidence carefully. Justice Douglas dissented, voicing concerns for the children. He wrote, “On this important and vital matter of education, I think the children should be entitled to be heard. While the parents, absent dissent, normally speak for the entire family, the education of the child is a matter on which the child will often have decided views. He may want to be a pianist or an astronaut or an oceanographer. To do so he will have to break from the Amish tradition.

“It is the future of the students, not the future of the parents, that is imperiled by today’s decision. If a parent keeps his child out of school beyond the grade school, then the child will be forever barred from entry into the new and amazing world of diversity that we have today.”

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However, despite offering his partial dissent,

compulsory education would be adversely affected

Justice Douglas still ruled with the majority in

by granting an exemption to the Amish...”

favor of Jonas Yoder and the Amish. In May of

After 50 years of struggle to retain the right to

1972, the Supreme Court’s final decision was that

educate their children as they saw fit, Amish in the

“The Wisconsin Compulsory School Attendance

United States finally had the legal right to do so. //

Law violated the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment because required attendance past the

For more on the Wisconsin v. Yoder case, see

eighth grade interfered with the right of Amish

Teaching American History, Wisconsin v. Yoder

parents to direct the religious upbringing of their

by Warren E. Burger & William O. Douglas,

children. Supreme Court of Wisconsin affirmed.”

May 15, 1972.

In essence, the U.S. Supreme Court decided that Amish parents’ right to freedom of religion Research and quotes from the archives of the NewspaperArchive.com;

outweighed the state’s interest in educating their

Teaching American History website; Amish and Old Order Mennonite

children.

Schools, a Concise History; Wisconsin v. Yoder, Oyez website; supreme.

In Chief Justice Warren E. Burger’s closing

justia.com, Wisconsin v. Yoder, 406 U.S. 205 (1972); The First Amendment Encyclopedia - MTSU.edu; AmishReligiousFreedom.com.

remarks, he states that, “...In light of this convincing showing, one that probably few other

Elam Stoltzfus currently serves as caretaker of the Nicholas Stoltzfus

religious groups or sects could make, and weighing

Homestead in (Berks County) Wyomissing, Pennsylvania. In 2018, he

the minimal difference between what the state

traveled to Germany to document the history of the Stoltzfus family—this

would require and what the Amish already accept,

research is documented in German Lutherans to Pennsylvania Amish: The Stoltzfus Family Story. To order a copy of this book, you can mail a $30

it was incumbent on the state to show with more

check to Elam Stoltzfus, 1700 Tulpehocken Road, Wyomissing, PA 19610.

particularity how its admittedly strong interest in

45

DECEMBER 2021

nature ALL THINGS OUTDOORS

46

—

ALL THINGS OUTDOORS

—

Antelope

T H E FA S T E S T A N I M A L I N T H E U N I T E D S TAT E S column by: JIM ZUMBO

IT WAS JUST BREAKING LIGHT in the morning when I awoke from my seat and looked out the bus window. I was 19 years old and was headed west to go to college. What I saw took my breath away. There were oddly shaped buttes and ground cover that I thought to be sagebrush. Then I spotted unfamiliar animals. They had to be pronghorn antelope!

I can’t remember ever being more excited. We must be in Wyoming! I made a vow that someday I’d live in that state, based on articles I’d read on the Wild West, and now, being so enchanted with the view out the window.

As the years passed, I indeed settled in Wyoming. I’ve been here 36 years and love it.

Of all the big game species available to hunt, antelope are one of my favorites. My firstever antelope hunt occurred in Utah prior to moving to Wyoming. Antelope licenses were issued via a computer draw since there were quotas for all the units. Drawing a license in Utah was a big deal, so I was overjoyed when I saw the license in the mail.

47

DECEMBER 2021

I was told by locals that the best way to hunt was to

feeding less than a hundred yards away. I immediately

drive around in the desert and prairie until I spotted a

jumped out of the truck and put the buck down. My first

herd of antelope. Then I could just get out of the truck

antelope! I was thrilled, even though I got him close to a

and shoot one, but I didn’t want to do that. I actually

road. I figured I put enough time and work in to deserve

wanted to hunt them and not do a “drive-by.” My plan

him.

was to watch a waterhole deep in the desert.

Pronghorn antelope are unique in so many ways.

On the day before the season, I drove my truck to the

They actually are not true antelope and are not closely

waterhole and hid it in a brushy gully. My son Dan, who

related to other antelope in the world, though the giraffe

was 11 at the time, was with me. We ate dinner at the

is a distant cousin. They’re 100% North American, found

truck and hiked to the waterhole, a half-mile away, with

mostly in the US, with some in Canada and Mexico.

sleeping bags, water, food, and my hunting pack and

They’re the second fastest land mammals in the world,

gear. We slept in tall sagebrush where we had a view of

second only to cheetahs. However, in a long-distance

the waterhole. Then, when the sky was just beginning to

race, the antelope would win. Cats have small lungs and

brighten in the east, I was ready, my rifle resting on my

can attain top speeds for only short distances. Running

backpack. Nothing happened that day except for doves

full out, an antelope can reach 55 miles an hour and

and other birds drinking at the waterhole.

cover eight yards in a single bound. It’s a thing of beauty

I spent the next two weeks hunting, most of the

watching a herd race across the prairie.

time hiking in the hot desert with temperatures in the

Their vision is superb, better than any other animal

high 90s. I saw a few antelope, but they were always far

in the country. It’s said that their eyesight is equal to

beyond rifle range. At times I drove around and if I saw

10 power binoculars. In addition, they have hollow hair,

antelope in the distance, I’d park and make a stalk, but

which insulates them from extreme temperatures.

that never happened. Every time I saw a herd, they saw

There are other peculiarities. Antelope prefer

me first and raced away. On the last day, I drove up a

being in the open rather than in the shelter of brush

road I hadn’t traveled before. I rounded a bend and was

and trees. Other big game animals seek cover when

astounded to see a small buck and a half-dozen does

predators threaten and use cover as protection from

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hot summer days and winter blizzards. Antelope, on the other hand, are comfortable on the open prairie because of their ability to endure bitterly cold temperatures and driving gales due to their hollow hair. When antelope are alarmed, they’ll typically speed away and, when far enough from danger, will stop and stare at whatever alarmed them. Their superior vision allows them to see danger at a distance, and their incredible speed allows them to outrun the enemy.

Hunting strategies vary widely and depend on the country you’re hunting, your physical ability to hike, and your personal set of ethics. Because the prairie is vast and antelope tend to hang out in small herds, it’s often futile to just start walking, hoping to find the quarry.

You might hike all day and see very few antelope, and those you see may run off as soon as they spot you. For that reason, many hunters will slowly drive the dirt roads and two-tracks until they spot the quarry in the distance. At that point, the vehicle is moved out of sight

landscape. On private land and with permission of the

of the antelope, parked, and a foot stalk is made. It’s

landowner, you can dig a shallow trench deep enough

necessary to have the wind in your favor.

to hide in. Of course, you need to fill it back in when

Another strategy is to sit near waterholes and wait

you leave.

for a thirsty animal to show up for a drink. This usually

Since many hunts are held during the breeding

occurs in late afternoon. Often there’s vegetation to

season or rut, which is mid-September to early October

hide in because water is available in the otherwise dry

in most regions, antelope bucks are highly competitive.

Like elk, they’ll gather herds of females and guard them from other bucks. As a result, battles between bucks are common. This behavior opens the door for an effective strategy—to use a decoy to lure a buck within range.

This is especially deadly for bowhunters who hope for a 30-40 yard shot. It’s amazing how well this technique works. You can buy a commercial decoy or make your own out of cardboard, plywood, or other materials. A decoy that looks like a small buck works especially well.

Set the decoy on a rise where it can be seen at a distance and be ready for an irate buck to charge in, challenging this new intruder in his territory.

An effective strategy is to take a hidden position near a fence crossing. Antelope very rarely jump fences, but they’ll go under the lowest wire at a spot where the wire is high enough off the ground for easy passage.

In popular crossings, you can see well-worn trails. This technique usually calls for a long wait for the quarry to show up since you can’t predict when they’ll be traveling on that trail.

Trying to evaluate antelope horns in the field is 49

DECEMBER 2021

"It’s almost like hunting in Africa, where you easily see lots of animals.

But in this case, you’re hunting in America, in a land that’s open..."

challenging because the horns typically curve inward

immediately and is fully grown in just a few months.

at the top, with many making sort of a heart shape.

Hunters who are afield when horns are shed may be

You must judge the length of the horn from the base

in for a surprise when they grab the horn and start

to the tip. The mass and length of the prongs are also a

dragging, only to have the horn pull off. This isn’t all

consideration, but hunters look at the horn length when

that bad because a taxidermist will remove the horns

determining the trophy quality of an animal. In most

anyway and install them on a polyurethane form.

regions, a 14-inch buck is a good representative buck,

Antelope sometimes get a bad rap for having strong-

but hunters often set their sights higher. A really good

tasting meat, but that’s often due to improper handling

buck is 16 inches or better. When the weather is optimal

in the field. As always, all big game animals must be

with adequate forage and mild winters, horns will grow

field-dressed immediately after the animal expires.

larger. Older bucks typically have the largest horns.

Antelope require an extra step because the hollow hair

The horn itself is a keratinous shell that is shed

insulates the carcass and slows down cooling, especially

annually in November and December. It regrows

since many antelope hunts are held in late summer or early fall when air temperatures are high. That being the case, the carcass should be skinned immediately. For best results, skin and quarter, or bone the meat and put it in a large cooler with plenty of ice.

One of the biggest advantages of hunting antelope is the ability to see large numbers during a single day in good country. They’re highly visible, but they can be a challenge to stalk in the wide-open prairie.

Some are more bold than others and will allow you to approach fairly close. I see them as the perfect quarry for hunters young and old, especially those who are new to hunting. It’s almost like hunting in Africa, where you easily see lots of animals. But in this case, you’re hunting in America, in a land that’s open, much of it being administered by the US Bureau of Land Management that has millions of acres of public land where hunting is free, and you’ll never see a posted sign. That’s plenty of reason to give antelope hunting a try. But be careful. You may become addicted. //

Jim has hunted all fifty states for deer, has fished in most states, has hunted elk in all the major western elk states, and has hunted on four continents. He worked for fifteen years as a forester, game warden, and wildlife biologist. Jim draws on these experiences for his monthly column “All Things Outdoors.” For more information, visit www.jimzumbo.com.

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funds & benefits

PLEASE NOTE 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.

JONI BEACHY FUND In 2013, 27-year-old Joni was in a truck/cart accident with serious head injuries. He has had numerous hospital stays since, and he is facing yet another head surgery. In addition, he is currently unable to hold a full-time job.

Any help is greatly appreciated—Give God all the glory. Make checks payable to Joni Beachy Medical Fund, Clare Bank, PO Box 36, Boscobel, WI 53805.

KEVIN YODER FUND Kevin was born to Alvin and Margaret Yoder in April of 2020 with CDH (congenital diaphragmatic hernia). His diaphragm was only 25% formed on the left side, causing 4 organs to move up to his chest. This causes a lot of pressure on his heart and lungs. He had surgery to fix it and was on life support for 6 days. Finally, after 9 weeks in the hospital, he was able to come home. His hospital bill was $1.8 million, but now it’s down to $400,000. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Write your check to South District GAMC, (memo) Kevin Yoder Fund. Send to Kevin Yoder Fund c/o Elkton Bank & Trust, PO Box 98, Elkton, KY 42220.

MARIA ANN BOWMAN FUND A fund has been set up for Maria Ann (18), daughter of Samuel & Elsie Bowman. She is in and out of the Akron Children’s Hospital. She was diagnosed with ALCL Lymphoma Cancer and is undergoing chemo treatment. The cost will be extensive and is ongoing. Thanks for your prayers and support. Make checks payable to: Mt. Hope Charities Inc. c/o Benton Church (60-1), PO. Box 19, Mt. Hope, OH 44660.

AMZIE AND ROSIE SWARTZ FUND Amzie and Rosie Swartz are an Amish couple from Indiana currently living in Lancaster while Rosie recovers from surgery for MALS (Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome). They’ve had many medical expenses over the years, and they can use some financial support to help with past medical expenses, as well as travel and lodging and any upcoming medical expenses. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Make checks payable to: Amzie Schwartz Fund.

Send to: Bank of Bird-in-Hand, 309 N Ronks Rd., Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505. Phone # 717-768-8811. PS: Please keep the family in your prayers, as well, since their only daughter is in the instruction class in Indiana this summer.

ROSANNA LAPP FUND Rosanna (59) has been diagnosed with lung cancer and is taking chemo at this time. Expenses are high. If you feel led to help, send funds to: Rosanna Lapp Fund, Jersey Shore State Bank, 2842 Earlystown Rd, Centre Hall, PA 16828. Thank you for your prayers.

IRENE KAUFMAN FUND A fund has been set up for Irene Kaufman, age 57, who was recently in the hospital with pneumonia, blood clots, A-fib, and on oxygen. She is still dealing with the blood clots and A-fib and has ongoing tests to keep watch on these conditions. As a result, there will continue to be bills to pay and they would appreciate any help. Irene still needs to take care and rest. Thank you for your kindness in sharing. Make checks payable to Irene Kaufman Fund.

Send to: The National Bank, PO Box 368, West Union, OH 45693.

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DECEMBER 2021

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