A 160 acre plot of ground located north of Metz is the location for the McGennis Agricultural Park and Youth Center. The farm was given by Mary A. McGennis approximately 27 years ago for the youth in the area. The Mary McGennis Agricultural Park and Youth Center board was formed to develop, maintain and operate the center.

The board has had good quality people on the board, dedicated to the center's purpose. The quality and dedication continues.

There are many in the area who are not aware of the center. Several people have heard about it, not knowing what it is and have never seen it. Many have not been there for a long period of time. This is a facility that has meant much too many of us. It is one of the most beautiful and inspirational places that you will find in the area. For those going for the first time or going for the first time for a period of years you will be pleasantly surprised at the lovely site and the facilities that have been developed.

The open space that is found in that location becomes more important each year as the population grows in our country. It was the foresight and the generosity of Miss Mary that made it possible for the enjoyment that takes place at the center each year.

The McGennis board recently held their annual meeting at the Flaming Lantern in Butler with Virginia Habjan, president, presiding. The annual report was presented. On the cover is a picture of the cabin row with trees. It does not seem possible to have trees near the cabins that large, but time goes by.

It is tempting to share the entire report for 2005 with you, instead of only portions. That way you would be better informed. It is difficult to know where to begin and what to include -- the entire report is important to the accomplishments at the center.

The use of the center is free of charge to all patrons. A request is made for a $1 fee for those swimming for the use of the swimming area. Offering the swimming program is one of the major expenses for the center. The center is a not-for-profit organization and any contributions are greatly appreciated. It is a great gesture for those using the center to make donations.

Scott and Tina Sudkamp have taken over the supervisory positions at the center during 2005. They are parents of two sons, Luke and Ben, ages 4 and 6. Scott works for the Missouri Department of Conservation as a Private Lands Biologist, helping landowners create and enhance fish and wildlife habitats and natural communities on their land. Tina teaches at Nevada High School. Her background is in math, this year she is the gifted program instructor for the high school.

In the report Scott said, "Our first summer here was a busy one. After moving in, we made several minor repairs on the house and a few on the grounds. Overseeing the swimming and supervising the lifeguards kept Tina busy throughout the season. We had almost 900 swimmers last summer with an average of 14 swimmers per day. The two of us shared mowing duties, which requires a lot of seat time on a tractor (many thanks to Deems John Deere for use of the tractor and mower!) . . .

"Between campers, 4-H, family reunions and various other groups, we scheduled dates in the calendar of events and did our best to keep the grounds clean and tidy. We also worked to control weeds in the swim area, coordinated with a fisheries biologist to assess the lake's fish populations, and did whatever we could to help with the August Barbecue. The work was busy, but we sure enjoyed it."

An annual event each year that takes place on the first Sunday in August is the annual barbecue with the annual auction held in conjunction with the barbecue. There were approximately 150 in attendance for the barbecue. The auction made over $4,000 for the center. This is the largest clear profit project each year for those involved with the center. Larry Hacker was again the auctioneer. There were several different people making the auction a great success.

Collectables, plants, antiques, handmade wooden items, baked goods, home canned items, artwork, jewelry, gift baskets, quilts and hand sewn items are only a few of the quality and unique items that were offered for sale at the auction. All of the items were donated and 100 percent of the proceeds went to MYC.

The auction is something that was thought up by Schlyer and he has chaired the event and been the backbone of the auction for 23 or 24 years. He has put a lot of effort, work, and money into the event each year. Each year he donates several items for the auction, including jewelry he made. He also joined in the auction to bid and buy items -- helping the success in this manner.

Charlie Ensor was the first auctioneer for the event and continued until poor health would not allow him to do it anymore. Among those profoundly instrumental in helping with the success were Mary McGennis, and Marjorie McGennis. Bob thanked all those who have helped to make his dream, his idea come true.

After a person has been in a position for a long period of time, it becomes a time to step down. Bob has done a tremendous job as chairman of the auction and in a large number of other ways for the center. In the report he said." The 2005 Auction was my last auction as chairman of the event. I have decided to turn it over to a new fresh 'voice' with the hopes that the event will continue and get better from new ideas and fresh inspiration. I have no idea how much money was raised over the past 20 some years in the auction … but, I am sure the youth center will continue to benefit from future auctions for years to come."

It is hard to believe that when the auction is held, Bob will not be serving as chairman. Still, we know that his dream and idea will continue. He thanked others for their support of the auction. A great amount of thanks and appreciation goes to Bob. He deserves a bouquet of four-leaf clovers.

There is a rumor that there will be a play in 2006 at the Old Barn Theater. When this becomes a reality, it will be something that will be great to attend. Plans are also being made to renovate the pond and swimming area, including a new dock for swimmers. This is a good time for such a project to be accomplished with the low water level from the draught. The officers also were re-elected, at the annual meeting: Virginia Habjan, president; Debbie Balk, vice president; Carl Steiger, treasurer; and Robert Willis, secretary.

The Mary A McGennis Agricultural Park and Youth Center depends on financial support from private sources. Your contributions are appreciated, regardless if it is time, talents or dollars, which keeps the center in operation. Financial contributions may be sent to Carl Steiger, treasurer, P.O. Box 7. Rich Hill, Mo. 64779.