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Mitchell County FairJuly 27-30MC Fairgrounds, Beloit, KS

Tipton PicnicAugust 6Tipton, KS

KiDSLEADAugust 8, 9 & 10Beloit, KS

Beloit Summer Kids CafeM-F 11:30-12:15 - Ends August 12

LMC Class 17 Orientation/Art of LeadershipSeptember 14 & 15Ringneck Ranch, Tipton, KS

LEADERSHIP CALENDAR

Volume 6 • Issue 3 • July - Sept. 2016

Editor: Brandy Goddard, Class XIIPage Design: Danielle Jeardoe, Class VIII Storywriter: Andrew Grabon, Class XIV

Storywriter: Vera Streit, Class XIV

Email: lmcconnection@gmail.com

www.leadershipmitchellcounty.org

On Saturday, April 16th, Leadership Mitchell County celebrated the graduation of the 17 members of Class XVI in Hunter, KS with the theme “Leadership: Then to Now”. The evening began with a social gath-ering at “The Bank” on Main St., which was followed by the rest of the evening’s activities at the Hunter Community Room across the street. The guests were greeted with deco-rations of local antiques and individ-ual displays which focused on Hunter and the local community history. The formal program began with a wel-come to the graduates, class, alumni and guests. This was followed with a presentation by Lucille Heller, mem-bers of the Hunter community, and others of “Leadership: Then to Now.” Each spoke to the growth and devel-opment of towns across Mitchell County, including the history of Hunter and where the community stands today. “Mitchell County History” trivia questions were passed out to individual members at the table to challenge the guests’ memory. The presentation was followed by an invo-

LMC Class 16 Graduates

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cation by Brandan Pounds with dinner after, catered by the Hunter Cafe.

Following the meal, contribu-tors and spon-sors of this year’s LMC were rec-ognized. Shannon Duskie and Zeb Larson, chosen members of Class XVI, then shared reflections on the past year. During this time Shannon and Zeb took a moment to recognize each member of their class with their individual “leadership talents and spe-cialties”. Awards of completion were presented to Class XVI mem-bers, and it was announced that Teri Pollet and Scott Hartman had been elected by their class to be the two newest members of the LMC Board of Directors. The program ended with remarks from the board by Eric Hilt and additional recognition and thanks for the work and preparation of the evening and the year. In particular,

thanks was extended to Lucille Heller, Brandan Pounds, LMC alumni who help with graduation each year, the LMC Board and committee members, as well as the members of the Hunter community who shared their time and history with us.

Congratulations to the members of Class XVI on their graduation and achievements throughout the 2015-2016 session! Welcomed to LMC Alumni are Lindsay Brinker, Shannon Duskie, Colleen Eberle, Kristi Ellenz, Ian Frasier, Scott Hartman, Meagan Housh, Zeb Larson, Caleb Mahin, Lee McMillan, Courtney Murrow, Teri Pollet, Angel Prescott, Rev. Richard Raymer, Grant Sneath, Diane Walters and Scott Walters.

In a short visit with Candi Kusler, it is apparent that she is a passionate woman and very willing to share her story of recent passion-driven endeavors. Also obvious to the lis-tener is the difference the Leadership Mitchell County experience made in her life.

After living in Colorado for ten years Randy and Candi Kusler packed up their belongings and headed for Glen Elder, Kansas, hoping and pray-ing for a more simple way of living, honoring their belief that less is more. Randy began work at a local con-struction company while Candi was a stay at home mom. They bought land south of town and built a house there. Living in the country was Randy’s dream.

The first three years were tough. As much as Candi wanted to go back to Colorado, she knew deep down this is where they were supposed to be. Candi became a member of LMC Class XIII and soon realized there was more they needed to be doing for their community. A purpose began to grow; a plan was forming, and she

HeBrews Cafèbegan to fall in love with North Central Kansas. The desire to move back to Colorado was no longer there. Randy felt the same purpose and calling. H2O church and HeBrews was being birthed in their hearts and minds. Randy’s dad bought a build-ing on the town square prior to their move to Glen Elder, where he had plans to build a house and garage. Soon, this building had a new pur-pose!

After meeting with the corporate pastors the start date was set July 1st, 2013. Candi’s dad donated his four car garage to be used as a church, until the cafè/church on the square could be built. No money, no idea how it was going to happen and yet with lots of faith they knew if God wanted this, it would happen. God began to build it and they began to see things happen, including many people giving their time to the build-ing process. In the fall of 2014 the first church services were held on the cafe side of the building. On December 1, 2015, the cafè opened and church services began on the

bigger side. Another way the cafè and church

are involved in the community include an annual Christmas Tea. Every Christmas for the last five years Candi and her mother-in-law have a Christmas Tea. The first year was held in her mom’s dining room with 25 women. The second year it was held at the American Legion with 40 women. The third year it was held in the “garage church” with 50 women. The fourth year it was held in the cafèside with 62 women. The fifth year it was held in the church side with 102 women. H2O church also gives away hundreds of tie dye t-shirts every year at Glen Elder Fun Day.

When asked about the purpose of HeBrews Cafè and H2O Church, Candi directed this writer to the hallway where the brightly colored panels revealed the purpose of supporting and encouraging the community to come together, supporting and encouraging one another to provide jobs, leadership training, and min-istering to those in need emotionally, physically, spiritually, and financially.

“HeBrews Cafè and H2O Church is a place where everyone is welcome no matter their past or present struggles. What began as a vision or calling, God has brought to reality. Now the rest of the story is being written every day,” Candi said.

Randy and Candi are always dream-ing of new things to be involved and help the community grow and thrive. Candi feels one of their constants is change as God is always doing a new thing. This year, for example, a party on the square for July 4th is planned, and will include a Christian band!

Concluding our visit, Candi’s final message: “If the body is hungry come to HeBrews Cafè and enjoy food from the breakfast and lunch menu, if the soul is thirsty for God, come to H20 Church and be filled spiritually by a powerful worship and life changing message.”

HeBrews Cafè is open Tuesday thru Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Services are held at the H20 Church on Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m. Be sure to check out their Facebook page!

Congratulations to the new LMC Board of Director Officers:Mallory Wittstruck, President; Jennifer Cooper, Vice President; Teri Pollet, Secretary; and Brandan Pounds, Treasurer. Welcome to new board members Scott Hartman and Teri Pollet.

doctors had to amputate his left leg on October 1, 2004. Major Ed’s story of courage and sacrifice has been featured in Time Magazine, PGA Magazine, Fox News, CNN and many national and local Oklahoma City tele - vision stations and print media. He will share his story at KiDSLEAD and it is sure to be one that will make a lasting positive impression on the youth attending camp this year! An attachment with more information on Major Ed Pulido has been provided.

K i DSLEAD Camp, Kids Introduction to Dynamic Skills for Leadership Education and Development, will be held August 8th, 9th and 10th from 8 a.m. to noon. During the three day camp, incoming 5th, 6th and 7th graders will focus on skill devel - opment in the areas of social inter - action, local leadership, diversity and self-identity, time management, con - flict resolution: peer pressure & nego - tiation, and choices: managing self & others. Also included on the agenda for this year is a special speaker,

Major Ed Pulido, sponsored by the LMC Alumni Association. Major Ed has a 19-year military career, being medically discharged on May 16, 2005. He is a major supporter of vet - erans, their spouses, and their chil - dren. He is the Senior Vice President of the Folds of Honor Foundation, a Founding member of Warriors of Freedom Foundation and is the Founder of Warrior Nation. In addi - tion, he is the spokesperson for AROGA Health. Due to extensive injures to his left knee while serving,

The NCK Healthy Living Summit held June 7th in Beloit was a huge success with over 70 attendees. Following feedback gathered from

WELLNESS CORNER: CREATING A CULTURE OF HEALTHY LIVING from Lori May - Class X attendees and analysis of our local environment, Mark Fenton provided Mitchell County with 5 specific priori - ties that would support raising health - ier children and living healthier lives in our communities.

1. Develop a Healthy Community

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Design Team that can provide edu - cated recommendations to the coun - cils and commissioners.

2. Community Vision- Create a vision of what we want North Central Kansas to look like for our children and grandchildren. What do we want the social norms to be? Do we want free range children or Xbox children?

3. Active Transportation Plan- Create a transportation plan that accounts for walkers, bikers, and drivers as a normal progression of replacement of roads.

4. Downtown Development Initiatives- Focus effort into the revi - talization of the livelihood of down - town to keep a strong city core.

5. Safe Routes to School- Focus on making sure it is safe for children to get to and from school.

So what can you do to support cre - ating a culture of health in our com - munity? Provide feedback and sup - port of these recommendations mov - ing forward! If it is something you truly care about, be sure to have a conversation with your local elected officials so they know that the com - munity is truly interested in creating a safer, more active, healthier environ - ment for our kids, grandkids, and our - selves!

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L EADERSHIP V OLUNTEERISM

Mitchell County Food Pantry -Volunteers -Call Beverly James, 738-5164

Bloodmobile (5 events per year) -Assistant to chairperson -Help set up and tear down Contact Vickie Mears at 738-5066

Mitchell County Historical Society Museum -Manual labor, file and office work Contact Kyle Peterson at 738-5355

Meals on Wheels -Delivery drivers to deliver meals, including bad weather Contact the MCHHS at 738-2266

Senior Center Meals -Delivery drivers Contact Judy at 738-5802

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) -Volunteers will receive training to be advocates for abused and neglected children in the court system. Contact Carol Miller at 243-8200 or 877-576-2272, nckcasa@cloudcountyks.org

Road to Recovery -Drive cancer patients to appointments Contact Pat Cashatt at 738-3828, pjcashatt@nckcn.com

Post Rock Humane Society -Adoptive parents or foster parents to animals waiting to be adopted -Volunteers to pick up animals -Dog and cat food needed Contact Trudy Collins at 738-2951

Heart Choices Heartbeat Pregnancy Center -Janitorial Services -Reception/Clerical Work -Donations of baby supplies (diapers, wipes, etc) Contact 738-3433, heartbeat@nckcn.com

K i DSLEAD Camp Hosts Special Speaker at 2016 Camp

Class 17 was selected based on their leadership growth potential and the strength of their personal leadership projects aimed at improving the civic or social good by addressing a problem or need in the community, profession or organization. Class 17 joins the alumni network of 239 individuals. They include individuals representing an array of companies and industries, coming from a variety of sectors including private, public, non-profit, and academia.

LMC Class 17 Participants Announced Congratulations to Class 17

Participants! • Apryl Badger, AGCO • Ingrid McMillian, Solomon Valley

Hospice • Jacqueline Kile, AGCO • Janelle Remus, Farmway Co-op,

Inc. • Keegan Bailey, North Central

Regional Planning Commission

• Rick Horn, Mitchell County • Travis Ray, Guaranty State Bank

and Trust Co. • Kendall Gasper, Farmway Co-op,

Inc.

• Luke Hansen, Hansen Auction and Realty

• Tony Salcido, AGCO • Kim Cheney, Optometrist • Kayla Schwerman, AgMark LLC • Terry Cunningham, Cunningham

Cable & Telephone • Tyler Bailey, City of Beloit • Lindsay Rut, Hays Medical

Center • Drew Cheney, MORE Buick

Chevrolet • Janelle Domoney, Kettle To learn more about Leadership

Mitchell County program, please visit www.leadershipmitchellcounty.org .

In 2014, Mandy and B Fincham began to dream of opening a coffee/ bar/restaurant in Beloit. “We just thought that the community could use something like this. The more we researched it with an open mind thinking we might not open, the more it seemed like a good thing for the community. So we got to the point where we’re going to do it or not, and you only live once, so we decided to try it,” said Mandy, LMC Class 10. In June 2016, that dream now known as Kettle, celebrated its first year anniversary!

When asked how LMC helped prepare her for running Kettle, Mandy said that she had never been a manager before, and the ideas of Manage Self and Conflict Resolution were beneficial. Another strong benefit for her was learning more about the community in Beloit and surrounding areas, as well as the opportunity to network with many other leaders, managers, entrepreneurs, etc. who were willing to share their knowledge and experiences. It also provided encouragement, knowing that others were able to grow new businesses

and succeed in Mitchell County. Mandy added that Leadership Mitchell County has been very supportive.

Mandy and B have learned a lot during their first year in business. Resource allocation has been one important area as Kettle only has a small kitchen, but food has taken off stronger than anticipated. “Originally, we envisioned a coffee shop with some food options, a selection of beers and good wines,” said B. “The restaurant part has definitely taken off on us. Now, we’re more of a restaurant, with great coffee, beer and wine options.” Separating home and business has also been part of their learning curve and rules have needed to be put in place. Kettle dominated some early time at home, but now Mandy says, “The rule is 30 minutes of Kettle and we’re done.” B also

commented on the need to remember that “being your own boss is great, but you are also your own employee.” That is something that not everyone thinks about when starting up a business.

Kettle’s one year anniversary celebration was a way for Mandy and B to say thank you and give back to Beloit and Mitchell County. “We appreciate the community support we’ve gotten a lot,” B said. “Beloit is an incredible community for that, it’s awesome.” Mandy agreed, “Just to know people have stuck with us is great. Neither one of us is from Beloit, but we really do love Beloit. We’re super excited to contribute something to the Beloit community.”

Congratulations to Mandy & B! Here’s to many more Kettle anniversary celebrations!

K ettle – Mandy & B Fincham’s Dream

Major Ed Pulido, U.S. Army (Ret.) is the Sr. VP of the Folds of Honor Foundation a Veteran’s charity which provides the spouses and children of the fallen and wounded educational scholarships. Additionally, he is a Founding member of Warriors for Freedom Foundation a leadership institute focused on the mental, physical and wellness support of our wounded Veterans and their families. He is the spokesperson for AROGA Health. Finally, Major Ed is the Founder of Warrior Nation, a movement focused on the rights of liberty, freedom and patriotism with an autobiography entitled Warrior for Freedom: Challenge, Triumph and Change, the Major Ed Pulido Story. Major Pulido has a degree in Military Science, Marketing, and Criminal Justice and a Master’s Degree in Logistics Management/Human Relations. He attained the Rank of Major in his 19-year military career and on May 16, 2005, he was medically retired from the United States Army. On the 17th of August, 2004, Major Pulido hit an Improvised Explosive Device (I.E.D) or roadside bomb while serving with the Coalition Military Assistance Training Team under the command of General David Petraeus. Due to the extensive injuries to his left knee, doctors had to amputate his left leg on October 1, 2004. For his heroism and valor on that August day, the President of the United States along with General David Petraeus awarded him the Bronze Star with Valor, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, and Joint Service Commendation and Achievement Medals. Major Pulido’s story of courage and sacrifice has been featured in Time Magazine, PGA Magazine, Fox News, CNN and many national and local Oklahoma City television stations and print media. Since, his amputation, Major Pulido has been a staunch advocate for veterans with disabilities, specifically focusing on advocacy efforts to promote prosthetic technologies, peer visiting with fellow amputees at Brooke and Walter Reed Medical Centers, and raising awareness on the needs of veterans with PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injuries (T.B.I) on behalf of the DOD and VA Real Warriors National Campaign. He has received countless awards including the prestigious Disabled American Veteran of the Year Award, HeartLine Festival of Hope Award for Suicide Prevention, the Hero’s award from the American Red Cross, the Reaching our City Award, OKC Thunder/Devon Energy Community Hero Award, and the Daughters of the American Revolution Veteran Patient Award. Additionally, he has received the Valley Forge Freedom Foundation Award for national and state level service and the Tuskahoma Brown Miller Award for outstanding leadership.

Major Ed Pulido, u.S. arMy (rEt.)

Sr. Vice President, Folds of Honor FoundationFounder, Warriors for FreedomSpokesperson, AROGA Health

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On a personal note, Major Pulido during his time in the hospital experienced the inner darkness of depression, PTSD, and suicidal ideation that would cripple his positive spirit. This inner darkness he describes as a “deep wounding of a soldiers spirit”. It was at that time that he understood that as a Warrior he could not walk alone in this journey. In that moment, he asked for help from his God, Country, his family and the American people. The result of this intervention would put his life on the road to recovery. It would also be the building block for his understanding the inner wounds of war and making sure that mental health is a focus of the Department of Defense and the VA. Major Pulido is a national and global spokesperson for Acadia HealthCare, Department of Defense and VA Real Warriors National Campaign and he is on the State Board of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services with a mission to address the mental health needs of returning service members, Veterans and their families. Ed Pulido has been married to Karen Pulido for 24 years. He has a daughter Kaitlin and a daughter Kinsley. He and his family reside in Edmond, Oklahoma.

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