After 13 years as an educator, Linda Wells McHenry transitioned to the world of small business ownership. She is the owner of Arcadia Valley’s newest bed and breakfast establishment located on the side of Taum Sauk Mountain, Missouri’s highest point.

“My current career as owner and innkeeper of The DragonFly-In Bed & Breakfast in the beautiful Arcadia Valley is keeping me far busier than I ever dreamed,” says Linda, the energetic 1970s alum. “For the past two years, my business partner and fiancée, Steve Godfrey, and I have renovated and remodeled my lake side property as a bed and breakfast. In January, our DragonFly-In Bed & Breakfast finally became a reality.”

Relaxation is priority at the inn. “We focus on the natural beauty of our forested, lakeside ecosystem,” explains Linda. “DragonFly guests can remove themselves from the everyday hectic lifestyle and unwind. Guests can explore the secluded 86 acres via the two miles of hiking and biking trails. The private six-acre lake offers swimming, boating and fishing. Guests can kick-back on the beautiful lakeside patio or luxuriate the outdoor hot tub while enjoying to the sounds of the country night.”

In her role as the chief cook and bottle washer, Linda says, “While still in the renovation mode for part of the property, I manage the day-to-day details including meal plans, special romance arrangements, guest accommodations, and a myriad of other tasks.” The innkeeper indicated that outdoor weddings, retreats and girls night/days-out are quickly becoming popular guest packages. “I love greeting, hosting and getting to know our guests,” smiles Linda. “It seems they come in as strangers but leave as new friends … So far guests have been complimentary of what we offer and are quite impressed to find this hidden treasure in the hills of the St. Francis Mountain Range.”

DragonFly-In guests include the “outdoors-y type” who enjoy the area’s crystal clear streams, kayaking adventures, nature and hiking. Some have come to enjoy area music events or family visits. Other travelers seek the out-of-the-way bed and breakfast locations as a vacation destination. Many St. Louis guests adjourn to Arcadia for privacy and serenity. DragonFly information can be accessed at one of these websites: www.dragonflyinnbb.com or www.Missouri-vacations.com.

Linda’s B&B is a certified member of Bed & Breakfast Inns of Missouri (BBIM) and is listed at www.bbim.org.

With a chuckle, the MAC alumna says, “Now, just how did I get where I am today? I believe we are the sum of all our life experiences which make each of us uniquely who we are. I must say Mineral Area College has played a special role in my life and provided the opportunities to be where I am today. Yes, this small but mighty campus has impacted me.”

“I first attended in the early 1970s. As a Farmington High School senior, I opted not to spend another entire year in high school when I needed just 1/4th a PE credit to graduate,” reflects Linda. “So, I presented myself to the fairly new Mineral Area College and was immediately accepted as a freshman. College life in the early ’70s was a very unique time in our country’s history. I was, and still am, pleased to have been a part of MAC. I was one of Jerry Walters’ art majors when Jerry was the art department! He was without a doubt a fantastic artist and an even more wonderful instructor. During my first semester, I knew MAC’s instructors took an interest and got to know their students and encouraged them and nurtured their dreams. I will never forget being in Mr. Jay Summer’s theatre production of ‘Summer Tree.’”

“Then, I wandered to the University of Kansas City, then into marriage and a family, and teaching. I have spent the majority of my life here in the Arcadia Valley. When my second child was four, I needed Mineral Area College in my life again and enrolled for my prerequisites to become an elementary school teacher.  MAC was even better the second time around. At the time, MAC’s preschool facility was operational and cared for my son while I attended to my coursework. Then, we’d have lunch together between classes which was very important to most mothers who balanced family and school. MAC’s teachers were personally involved with each and every student, taking the time to get to know us and our individual goals, helping all of us along the way to achieve our goals. I especially remember how nervous I was about taking Zoology. It had been along time since I had had any science course work. But Jenny Gunn made the course absolutely fascinating with her pet snakes and her pure joy of teaching. We became friends and every once in a while we reconnect. And, who could help but learn in Dr. Chamber’s econ class. He practically convinced you to change your major to economics if you let him. All who knew him greatly benefited. I will always remember him as one of my all-time greatest instructors!”

“MAC’s been a home to learning and community involvement not only for me but for many of my friends and family as well,” continues the innkeeper. “My brother, Alan Wells, has been a MAC firearms instructor for most of our communities’ police officers in the safe use of firearms to protect and serve all of us. One of my 1970s friends, Nancy Rouggly, also became an elementary instructor in Farmington. There are far too many of my friends and professional acquaintances to list; but, I credit MAC as being instrumental in the professional and personal growth of all of us.  I know I’m a lifelong learner and see myself returning to campus for a computer class or two.”

“In the 1970s, MAC’s main goal was to educate our youth for future careers,” states Linda. “It’s evolved and serves not only as a well-founded educational institution; but, also as a vehicle for the citizens to become immersed in business leadership opportunities, the cultural arts, fund raising for community betterment, and individual aspirations for the pursuit of health, wealth and happiness. I remain connected with my MAC alma mater. Now, it’s as much for cultural and social events as it is educational ones. We enjoy the annual August Baby Boomers Concert at the Centene Center in Farmington under the leadership of MAC’s Dr. Kevin White. It’s such a good time we have introduced several of our St. Louis friends to the event. So, I guess in summary: Yes, Mineral Area College has been a very big part of who I was, who I now am, and of who I am yet become! I can’t explain fully all the ways our small, but mighty MAC has impacted me and all our communities. Yeah! MAC!”

Linda invites her MAC friends and new guests to visit The DragonFly-In Bed & Breakfast located approximately three miles south of Ironton on Hwy. 21. Potential customers can call for rates for single nights, weekends or multi-day stays or to discuss custom-designed packages. Contact Linda toll-free at 1-888-840-3657 or at (573) 631-6401.

For more information about Mineral Area College or Mineral Area College Foundation, visit www.MineralArea.edu. $$

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