CORE Wins Unprecedented 4th Consecutive Championship!

On September 28th, CORE's softball team pulled off the improbable by winning its fourth consecutive championship in Branson's church softball league!

Our team overcame adversity all year, compiling a record of 7 – 5 during the regular season despite suffering injuries at key positions throughout the 2023 campaign.

When slugger Adam Guss went down with a knee injury during the semifinal game, the whole season hanged in the balance. Rather than folding, our team rose to the occasion.

We won our semifinal game, and then we jumped out to an early lead in the championship match over the #1 seed. The opposition tried to mount a comeback, but two things put an end to their shrinking hopes of victory. In the 5th inning, Cade Ulery for CORE smacked a grand slam home run. Then our defense got busy. 

"Our defense came to play," said pitcher Bracy Sams, who also manages the team. In fact, CORE did not allow a single run for the rest of the game. In one really exciting play, catcher Nick Brooks blocked home plate to prevent a runner from scoring. And Bracy, who himself has battled bruised ribs for weeks, pitched two strike outs as part of the defensive effort. Our infield also turned multiple double plays.

We added more runs late in the game, winning 13 - 3. To celebrate, the team went out together at midnight for breakfast.  

Assistant coach Gary Osborn well summed up CORE's 2023 season, saying, "We saved the best for last" – as he ate his grand slam breakfast.

Front Row (L to R): Jackie Hankins, Alex Saebens, Cody Renzelman, Bracy Sams, Nick Brooks, Adam "Big League" Guss, Jeana Knous



Back Row (L to R): Terrence Miller, Jeremy Hampton, Rollen Summers, Jeremy Mikel, Nick Larose, Cade Ulery, David Marti, Charlie Miller

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CORE Holds Final Creek Commencements and Baptisms of the Summer

On the last summer weekend of the year, CORE gathered together along Bull Creek for our final outdoor commencement ceremony and baptisms. The sunny day, green trees, and grassy fields contrasted with temperatures in the 70's and the chilly creek running beside us which hinted at the impending approach of autumn. 

Nestled in picturesque surroundings, the more than 200 in attendance held a celebration for the ages. First there was fun and a barbeque. There were games and activities, music, and socializing. While everybody was mingling, Christos Papanikas and his crew prepared the feast. They grilled burgers and brats, prepared pasta salad, sliced melons, and made other yummy stuff. Everybody eventually settled onto lawn chairs and beach blankets for a delicious meal. When all tummies were full, we did baptisms.

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An Incredible Festival Weekend

CORE is a happening place. Something interesting and fun is always going on at one of our recovery centers or residences. But when so many entertaining activities happen outside of our facilities, in a single weekend, that’s worth writing about! Such happened last month when Hollister and Branson kicked off the fall festival season with competing events. CORE took part in both and had a blast!

State of the Ozarks Fest and MCRSP Recovery Jamboree

In mid-September, the bellwethers of fall were upon us. The evening air became crisp, the pumpkins were ripening, and Friday night football was in full swing. On Saturday, September 16th, the weather was perfect for the State of the Ozarks Fest in Hollister!

This festival lived up to its billing – a one-day celebration bringing community together in a heightened street fair filled to the brim with food, art, craftsmanship, and uproarious fun, all tied to the history and culture of our land.

CORE’s tent was right next to our friends at Queen City Beard & Mustache Federation, who kindly brought us to this event. Our Second Milers handed out literature and talked to interested parties about recovery issues. We also held a free raffle for two beautiful, new bicycles.  

We wish to thank our friends at QCBMF for sponsoring CORE at this festival. The federation's mission is to grow hair and communities, and to support charities. Judging by the public’s response to our tent, all we can say is “Mission Accomplished!”  

A crowd of thousands of people turned out to enjoy the more than 100 vendors and the many activities. One festival highlight was the Queen City Beard & Mustache Competition. While several of our CORE people wanted to enter the competition, they quickly learned that it takes more than facial fluff to be in a mustache competition. The winning peach fuzz has to have style and panache!

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