After two years, it's time for another Cono Reunion. Please save the dates July 9-10, 2021. We will be watching Covid and will monitor safety with precaution. But if the coast is clear, please plan to join us for another great get-together. More details, with ways to register, will follow. You can correspond at friendsofcono@gmail.com. Enjoy these photos from the last reunion in 2019.
Donate online HERE to keep Cono serving young people.
Designate for Ridge Haven Cono.
Mailing address for checks written out to:
RH Cono, 215 Ridge Haven Road, Brevard, NC 28712
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A reflection by a Cono grad after 50 years
Cono’s Reunion last year made me realize for the first time the great impact Cono had on my adult life. I was blessed to be a part of the Cono family from age 5 in 1956 to my senior year in 1969.
I was deeply impacted by Leroy Gardner from fifth grade into my adult life and I do consider him to be my first personal mentor. His humility, his kindness and care, his desire for us to have fun—being pulled behind his tractor on sleds, playing tag in his barn hay loft, his giving work to Danny Parker and me, as young teens clearing rocks from his plowed field to swimming in his creek. As a young adult, whenever I came through Iowa, he was always the first person to go spend time with, after my family, til the Lord took him home and then that continues on with Dan and Liz to this day.
I remember as a youngster, the Wednesday evenings, sitting in a big circle in the Hearth Room with the fireplace burning, listening to Max Belz lead in songs, prayer, and Bible discussions. I remember the many meals in the Hearth Room, like a big family, and games and round table at the ping pong tables, the hours of ice skating on the lagoon, and coming in for hot chocolate and Mrs. Belz’s delicious sweet rolls.
Interestingly, looking back over 64 years, most of my adult life ministry involvement has been in that very similar setting----a family atmosphere of fellowship, food, deep relational connection in the ‘home church’ type setting from the mid 70’s to the present.
How grateful I am that God set me up to be receptive to, comfortable in, and thrive in that relational setting for the past 40+ years. I know without a doubt God used Cono to set me up for how He would use and involve me with people, especially men, though that probably would not have crossed the minds of the leadership at that time. I am so thankful God cannot be put in a box and is so creative to show His love, live through, and provides “…good plans for our lives, to give us a future and a hope.” (Jer. 29:11)
Later, I will share “Journey With My Sons,” the story of 30 years after my blessed Cono years.
Sincerely,
pete denning
almost class of ‘70
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Our Contact Information
Ridge Haven Cono (www.ridgehaven.org)
215 Ridge Haven Road
Brevard, NC 28712
828-702-9510
