Wabash Valley Living July 2016 Edition

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AMISH SHOPS & OTHER AT-HOME VENTURES

JULY 2016 2009 2016

F E AT U R I N G

ADAMS • JAY • MERCER • VAN WERT • WELLS

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FREE Guide to Adams-Jay-Mercer-Van Wert & Wells Counties!

JULY 2016

Volume 8 | Number 7 | July 2016

Editor

AMY M. ORR Contributors JODI DEAN DEE FISHER JACI GORRELL JIM KIRKWOOD BETH STEURY

ON THE COVER:

Schwartz Building Supply & Country Store Bryant, IN Cover photo courtesy of Jim Kirkwood

Advertising BRENDA WENDEL Layout JENNE LOGSDON www.wabashvalleyliving.com

info@wabashvalleyliving.com

CONTENTS

Wabash Valley Living is owned and published monthly by:

!

Priority:LOCAL

5 SCHWARTZ BUILDING SUPPLY & COUNTRY STORE

Publishing

© Priority Local Publishing, LLC 2016 346 U.S. Hwy. 27 North, Berne, IN 46711

Bryant, IN | Pole Barns to Variety Store

(260)849-2187 Locally Owned & Operated Since 2009

9

Wabash Valley Living is printed by:

Monroe, IN | Harnesses Made to Fit the Horse

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS 10 56 8 53 29 34 33 13 39 8 32 30 10 12 38 44 55 17 41 45 32 2 11 13 43 6 17 21 38 33 38 12 20 20 47 43 51 15 47

Bryant, IN | Small Family Shop with Plans for Growth

14 BLUE CREEK HARNESS

169 S. Jefferson Street, Berne, IN 46711 (877)589-2145 • www.EPGraphics.com

A Perfect Blend Adams Memorial Hospital Amishville USA Campground AN Metal Sales / Construction Becky’s Village Restaurant Berne Chamber of Commerce Berne Ready Mix Biggs Property Management BlackBird Boutique Blackcreek Peddler Blue Creek Bakery Buffalo Wings & Rings Century 21 Advance Realty Chain Reaction Bike Center Classics Plus Auto Sales CMA Truck & Auto Custom Handmade Baskets D & H Workshop D. L. Schwartz Co. dasMarit Farmers & Artists Decatur Self-Storage Earthen Treasures East of Chicago Edelweiss Floral Elegance by Brit Et Cetera Ecke Family LifeCare Ferguson’s Prof. Photography Geels Backhoe Service Gersh’s Carpet Cleaning Graber Insurance Hilty Builders Supply Hilty Cabinet Co Honegger Ringger & Co Humble Bumble Boutique Indiana Technical Install Jerry Flack & Associates Joe’s Lighting Products Just Because Jewelry & Gifts

C E SHOE STORE & REPAIR

Karen’s Treasures Laurie’s Naturescapes Marla Clauser MizLehmanRealtors-Auctioneers MR Planners Nora Gray Old 27 Ice Cream Shop Pizza King of Decatur Pizza King of Geneva Pleasant Mills Lumber Outlet Pleasant View Rustic Furniture R & E Sales River Terrace Retirement River View Variety Store Schug House Inn Schwartz Building Supply Schwartz Manufacturing Schwartz Shoe Store Sharlette’s Fudgery & Candies Shetler’s Housewares Signature HealthCARE Simon’s Manufacturing Spare Time Lanes Steve Rich Insurance Swiss Heritage Village Swiss Village Retirement Swiss Woodworking stamps & sales

47 47 15 50 52 21 15 29 51 45 36 36 39 18 50 4 50 36 53 55 30 44 50 53 20 11 41

Swissland Cheese Co The Hope Clinic Van Wert CVB Velocity Motors Willow Creek Store Willshire Home Furnishings Ya Ya’s Mid-Century & Moderns Yager Furniture Yvonne Marie’s Antique Mall Zurcher’s Best-One Tire

2 36 49 36 50 41 46 7 6 18

19 HILTY CABINET CO.

Berne, IN | Carefully Crafted from Wood

23 Calendar of Events 31 PLEASANT MILLS CANVAS SHOP Decatur, IN | Canvas Repair or Replacement

35 Search Contest 37 LBA BAITS

Willshire, OH | Crafting Lures that Land Fish

42 ELEGANCE BY BRIT

Berne, IN | Cosmetics with a Younique Flair

48 THE GOSPEL BARN OF BLUFFTON Bluffton, IN | Sharing the Good News in Song

54 Clip & Save Coupons Material in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without permission.

Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

40-YEAR

WARRANTY

22 COLORS AVAILABLE

We Offer a Variety of

Pole Barn Packages!

AGRICULTURAL - RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL - INDUSTRIAL

LIVESTOCK BUILDINGS

BARNS & MISCELLANEOUS

4Metal Roofing & Siding 4Pole Barn Packages &

Special Order Metal Delivered in a Week or Less

4Trusses 4Windows 4Walk-In and Sliding Doors

FARM EQUIPMENT STORAGE

INSTALLATION CREWS AVAILABLE

And, Shop Our Country Store-

BOOKS

HOUSEWARES

WAGONS, SCOOTERS

TOOLS

HORSE TACK

TRI-BLEND DENIM SWEDISH KNIT

...Plus much, MUCH MORE! Schwartz Building Supply and Country Store 5870 E 900 N Bryant, IN 47326

Open Mon.-Fri. 6:30am to 5pm, Saturday 8am to Noon, CLOSED Sunday

SB S

S C H WA R T Z B U I L D I N G S U P P LY & COUNTRY STORE

AMISH BUSINESS MAPS • NOW AVAILABLE • 260.849.2187

Pole Barn Business Expands to Include Large Variety Store

S

Article by Jim Kirkwood

chwartz Building Supply & Country Store is located in northern Jay County where an older GPS can’t find it (hint: 900 North is also 1200 South). Joe Schwartz and a helpful assortment of relatives, including sons, daughters, grandchildren and in-laws, pitch in to create a unique blend of building materials and general store merchandise.

In the early 90s, Joe started his business, selling metal and pole barn materials to contractors.

Soon, Joe and his growing family also began building pole barns.

A word about the phrasing used in this article: Schwartz Building Supply & Country Store will be called “Schwartz Building” or “Country Store” and in response to a request for anonymity, individual family members and workers are not identified. Joe Schwartz is the owner and will be referred to simply as “Joe.”

Then, Schwartz Building calculates an estimate. When agreement is reached regarding price and design, Schwartz Building orders all the materials from its suppliers.

Pole barn customers describe the size, shape and likely use for their building. Usually, Joe and the client discuss building layouts, materials and other details.

The materials supplier Joe uses has been in business since 1973.

This manufacturer builds trusses and cuts all the metal parts to exact

JULY 2016 | wabashvalleyliving.com | 5

lengths and shapes. The doors, windows and all accessories are gathered into what can be called a package deal. That company delivers the materials either directly to the building site, or brings them to Schwartz Building Supply.

During the interview for this article, the supplier was unloading a pole barn package—a 24 x 32 garage that will soon be constructed by a contractor. Schwartz Building normally receives two shipments weekly.

A growing part of the business is installing metal roofing, on homes or pole barns, over shingles that aren’t holding up. The new roofing is usually ribbed metal panels or standing seam panels with a snap lock. The newest innovation for metal roofing is a non-glare finish

that that is available in a multitude of colors. These finishes are guaranteed for 40 years of life.

A business as large as Schwartz Building needs lots of weatherproof storage, so in 2003, Joe added the large building where they stock trim and “quick frames.” It would appear that there is a large enough inventory to supply materials for contractors and builders for the next few years.

The Country Store took over a portion of the large building to offer home furnishings and other items.

That part of the business rapidly grew in popularity, so an addition to the large barn was built last year, and soon filled up with a great variety of items, better seen in person or in photographs than as described in words.

EXPLORE 3 FULL FLOORS

Yvonne Marie’s ANTIQUE MALL

Celebrating 27 Years with Pride

Lots of Special Sales!

Open 10-5 Mon. to Fri. 10-1 Sat.

152 S. 2nd Street Decatur, IN 46733

FAIR TRADE | THRIFT SHOP

Open 10-5 Mon.-Sat., 1-5 Sun. / 10-5 First Sun. of the Month

(260) 589-2831

(260) 724-2001

152 W. Main Street Berne, IN 46711

If Experience and Expertise are important to you...We have Both!

We Know Just What To Do...

Downtown Berne, Indiana Mon. & Fri. 9-8 • Tue., Wed., Thurs., Sat. 9-5

However, here is a sample of things Amish and otherwise. Because this large store caters to Amish and English alike, you will find hand-cranked ice cream makers, boots, traditional Amish hats, dolls in Amish clothes made by some of the younger members of the family, aluminum washtubs—single and double, and pedal sewing machines like your grandmother used to use.

As might be expected, there are many hand tools for outdoor work, in testimony to the amount of difficult work on an Amish farm. An amazing variety of long-handled tools, such as large grain shovels that must require a person with strong arms and shoulders to use, pitchforks, rakes, and so on.

This writer was entertained and sometimes surprised by some of the articles for sale. Sheltered outside were scooter bikes. I was

260.589.3101

www.yagerfurniture.com

told that the Amish did not use pedal bikes. Thus, a visitor to the region will often see these scooter bikes in use by all ages, sometimes pulling a handy trailer, in running errands or visiting neighbors.

Inside the building are lovely oil lamps, lots of aluminum ware—way more than can be found in most box stores, croquet sets, children’s and adult-size tables, children’s games, books, puzzles and many types of children’s toys and knickknacks.

The hats worn by Amish men are surprisingly heavy, as they are double-laminated. These are very useful to those who are out in the sun, and are often purchased by English men for their practicality.

The Country Store is packed with everything from children’s toys to home and farm-related items.

Among the attractive displays of

goods, there is a glass case with wind-up watches and harmonicas, as well as other smaller items.

CAMPGROUND

TOURS - GRILLE - GIFT SHOP Enjoy coffee, sandwiches, appetizers, pizza, ice cream and more at Amishville Grille!

July 1st-4th

ALL AMERICAN WEEKEND

Celebrate the 4th of July with a parade, baseball game, relays–and, fireworks on July 3rd!

July 8th-10th

DECADES & CAR SHOW July 15th-17th

CHRISTMAS IN JULY July 22nd-24th

SWISS DAYS WEEKEND July 29th-31st

WET & WILD WEEKEND Regular Weekend Events:

Barnyard animals, arts & crafts, hayrides and FREE popcorn on Saturdays, plus Chapel on the Hill on Sunday mornings!

844 E 900 S, Geneva, IN 46740

(260) 589-3536

Like us on Facebook & bookmark our site:

www.amishville.com –Formerly at The Gathering House in Berne–

Blackcreek Antiques Peddler Primitives

There are many wooden items, including toys, a beautiful silverware chest, and a cedar chest with a carved top. That carving is possibly hand-made, or perhaps laser-cut.

Many of the items sold in the Country Store are Amishmade, a few coming from the immediate geographical area, but many are from Pennsylvania, Ohio, and other neighboring states.

As this writer was about to leave the pleasant Country Store, a few of the family members were busy with various cleaning, organizing and stocking chores. I heard some Swiss German being spoken between two people, so, in a light-hearted mood, I mentioned in English that I spent about 5 of my young years growing up in a Germanspeaking home.

They needn’t have been concerned, as it was a long time ago, and what I had learned carried a much different accent. Nevertheless, it was pleasant to hear a few familiar words from my youth.

It was a fitting close to my visit.

SCHWARTZ B U I L D I N G S U P P LY & COUNTRY STORE

870 East 900 North Bryant, IN 47326 About a mile southwest of New Corydon (260) 760-5431

400 State St., Willshire, OH d 260.223.8883 Open Thursday & Friday 10-5, Saturday 9-2 8

C E S H O E S T O R E & R E PA I R

AMISH BUSINESS MAPS • NOW AVAILABLE • 260.849.2187

Small Family Shop with Plans for Growth

T

Article by Jim Kirkwood

his writer spent an enjoyable day in Amish country. It gave me a chance to sharpen my sense of history. T.S. Elliot writes of places “where past and future are gathered,” and that is how it seemed to me.

C E Shoe Store & Repair, an unassuming shop located in Bryant, Indiana, will mark its fifth year in business this fall. Christie Schwartz and his wife Elizabeth were very accommodating and most willing to tell about their recent entrance into the business world.

Since C E Shoe Store does not have a telephone, I arrived early one morning, unannounced, seeking an interview. I simply drove

up to the door of the farmhouse, when a youngster near the barn said he’d get his mother.

Elizabeth had been mowing the lawn on the far side of the property, and in a few minutes, greeted me with a smile. Across the yard was a nice outbuilding that housed their retail and shoe repair business.

“My husband is working down in Crawfordsville, Indiana. He leaves very early every morning,” said Elizabeth. “Could you come back this evening when he is home?” I agreed to return later.

On my return this blustery and rainy evening, there were at least a half-dozen horse-drawn buggies on the highway, with umbrellas sheltering the driver and JULY 2016 | wabashvalleyliving.com | 9

passengers. Not an unusual sight on brighter days, but there was a reason for this wet parade.

1225 S. Scott St. • Bluffton

A Perfect Blend Floral

Gifts & Home Decor

(260) 824-2695

Fresh Flowers & Plants Home Décor & Gifts v Wedding, Bereavement & Silk Floral Arrangements www.aperfectblendbluffton.weebly.com www.facebook.com/aperfectblendbluffton

July Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10 to 5, Saturday 10 to 2 Closed Sunday & Monday

Elizabeth met me and asked me to wait for Christie in the store, whose shoe and boot brands include Red Wing, SoftSpots and LaCrosse. It was getting late in the day, and with no electricity in the building, the waning light left me in twilight.

I mentioned seeing the buggies, and Elizabeth said, “You probably saw my daughter. She just left to go to a wedding reception.”

With diminishing daylight, I quickly took photos of the boots, shoes, and knickknacks, but was most fascinated by the ancientappearing machine upon which were many different tools, all driven by a main drive shaft.

Each tool had its own drive shaft, powered from the main shaft by a belt and activated by means of a slip-clutch.

1566 Old Colonial Drive Berne, IN 46711

3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms Full Finished Basement

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ADVANCE REALTY www.Century21AdvanceRealty.com

SMARTER. BOLDER. FASTER.

Wow! I hadn’t seen a machine powered like that since the 1950s!

When I first entered the shop alone, I noticed a nice pair of slightly-used leather dress boots. The sign said $60 or “best offer.” Since nobody was in the store, I tried them on.

They were nice, clean, and fit me perfectly.

When Christie and Elizabeth entered the store, they laughed to see me with one boot on and my normal running shoe on the other foot. I offered

260-589-8474 or 260-728-8474 10

them $40 for the boots, and Christie answered, “Sold.”

The pair had conferred in Swiss German, so I said something in my grandparents’ German, and they laughed again. We were off to a good start!

Christie showed me how the clutch turns the drive on the sole stitcher and demonstrated the complex process of one needle piercing the thick sole, while the other – the sewing needle – supplied the thread from the top. Modern, selfcontained sewing machines use the same process.

While adhering to timehonored Amish culture, which spurns modern amenities such as computers, telephones, and electricity, Christie uses an 8 horsepower Honda engine to power the main drive shaft for his complex machine.

Other fixtures on that 20-footlong machine were grinders, sanders, polishers and other tools, most of which could be operated singly. He told me that his father owned a similar shop between Berne and Monroe with a nearly identical machine.

Thursday, July 28: Fred and Mary Turbo Accordion Band Swiss Village Auditorum • 2:00 p.m.

Friday, July 29: Frances Bond; Gospel Singer Swiss Village Auditorium • 10:00 a.m.

Jay Fox Polka Band Swiss Village Auditorium • 1:00 p.m.

Tour Swiss Village’s Newly Remodeled Independent Living Apartments • 2:00 p.m.

1350 W. Main Street Berne, Indiana 46711 260.589.3173 • www.swissvillage.org

ENJOY OUR BUFFET ANY DAY! Lunch Buffet 11-1:30 | Dinner Buffet 5-8

The complexity of this very long machine seemed a mechanic’s nightmare, but also a tribute to the ingenuity of the machine designer’s expertise, as well as the craftsmanship in manufacturing and the skill of the operator. Christie said his dad had a similar machine.

“I learned a lot from my Dad, but I do many things a bit different,” said Christie.

Lunch Buffet - $6.49 | Dinner Buffet - $7.49 Just $3.99 for children ages 6 to 10 only 50 cents per year of age for children 5 and under

1325 US 27 NORTH, BERNE

(260)589-8891

Dine-In • Dine-In w/Buffet • Delivery • Carry-Out

11

C E Shoe Store & Repair has been in business since November 2011.

Christie and his brother-in-law constructed the building, which houses the repair shop and a buggy shop.

approached Christie to help with an expansion. “She wants to set me up with a shoe company that makes orthopedic shoes,” said Christie. “These would be shoes for diabetic persons.”

Elizabeth and most of their four children keep the store open during the week, while Christie works construction. “My desire is to stay home and work here,” he said. The business is growing more and more, to the point that Christie needs to take time off from construction to catch up on shoe repairs.

Christie would make the mold and help the individual choose from style options. “The shoe company would make the shoes to fit the mold and send them back to me.”

Happily, a new opportunity is opening for C E Shoe Store. A doctor in Marion, Indiana has

190 W 300 N Decatur, IN (260) 692-1400

sales • service • restoration raleigh-sun-schwinn signature-gt-torker-origin 8

The company will also provide various insoles, arch supports, and even air casts to aid him in helping him fit the shoes correctly to their feet. This could provide Christie with enough business to fulfill his dream of working from home.

HBS

Hilty Builder Supply, LLC 476 West 350 South Berne, IN 46711

VM: 260-589-2242

“Quality & Service for over 60 Years”

Mastic Vinyl Siding Steel Entry Doors All Vinyl Windows Metal Roofing

Dimension Lumber Hardwood Lumber Hardwood Flooring Plywood & OSB

HOURS: Mon-Thu 7-5 p.m., Fri 7-4:30 p.m., Sat 7-11:30 a.m.

For sale near the entrance of C E Shoe Store are a number of unrelated goods, such as honey, Tupperware, Aloe Vera and bee products, homemade noodles, homemade cards, and other items. When asked, Elizabeth provided a long list of baked goods she can produce, as well.

In the two or three hours we spent together, Christie and Elizabeth had become my newest friends. Elizabeth insisted I take home a loaf of her homemade bread and would not allow me pay for it.

The bread was light and sweet.

I hope she’ll have another loaf for me when I go back to pick up my shoes. I plan to pay for this one!

CE SHOE STORE & R E PA I R Christie & Elizabeth Schwartz 168 W. State Road 18 Bryant, IN 47326

THE EDEL WEISS

Floral & Gifts

Open Monday-Friday 9a to 5p & Saturday 9a to 1p

206 W. Main Street Berne, IN 46711

(260)589-2125

Online Orders @ www.edelweissinc.com 13

BLUE CREEK HARNESS

AMISH BUSINESS MAPS • NOW AVAILABLE • 260.849.2187

Harnesses Made to Fit the Horse

I

Article byBeth Steury

f you’re in the market for anything in the line of buggy or road horse accessories, Amos Schwartz’s Blue Creek Harness is the place for you. Don’t let the word “harness” fool you into thinking harnesses are the only items you’ll find at this rural Monroe shop.

Because that is certainly not the case.

Amos recalls what led him to open the business in 1991. “I had an interest in horses and an interest in this kind of business,” he says. So, he sought training from his wife’s uncle, who owned a harness shop east of Geneva.

“Other things, I figured out myself,” Amos adds.

14 | JULY 2016 | wabashvalleyliving.com

At that time, he was working fulltime at All-American homes. Amos spent late afternoons, evenings and Saturdays working in the shop, learning all there was to know about crafting harnesses for horses.

He initially set up shop in a small room in the south end of his barn.

Soon, he realized the need to expand the physical space. Within three years, Amos had built on an addition to the barn – a space that’s dedicated solely to the harness business.

Three years ago, after putting in over 35 years at All-American Homes, Amos retired from the factory. After that, he worked parttime in construction for a while, but

these days, he devotes himself full-time to Blue Creek Harness Shop.

“The shop keeps me busy enough,” Amos confirms. His sons help out at the shop, as well.

“I have a standard harness I make, but it can be dressed up with spots (small metal studs) or additional snaps. Whatever the customer wants. I try to make what they want.”

While Amos has completed harnesses on hand, ready for purchase, he can quickly fashion a customized harness to meet specific requirements.

The majority of the harnesses he crafts are for buggy or road horses.

He also makes a limited number of the larger harnesses required by draft working horses, as well as some smaller versions for ponies.

He explains that the need for the draft horse harnesses has decreased, as “fewer people are farming these days.”

Joe’s

2898 S 000 Rd Monroe, Indiana

Lighting

PRODUCTS

A Large Assortment of Housewares Hitzer Heating Products Wicks for MOST Heaters & More!

ADVANCE REALTY

817 N US 27 Berne, IN 46711 822 W. Monroe Street Decatur, IN 46733 Office: (260)589-8474

www.Century21AdvanceRealty.com Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated

Marla Clauser Associate Broker Cell (260)849-3303

mclauserc21@gmail.com

MLS

MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

Serving You in Berne & Decatur Full-Time!

In the past, says Amos, all harnesses were crafted from leather that had to be dipped in a specially formulated oil and then re-dipped, ideally twice a year, to prevent dry rot and to make the harness last longer.

But a new product, bioplastic, comprised of synthetic webbing that is covered in plastic, has created a lighter, harness without the mess of dipping.

And, bioplastic harnesses cost less, as well. “There’s very little maintenance to the bioplastic harness.”

Ice Cream, Sweet Treats,

Food + Fun! 168 S. 2nd St., Downtown Decatur www.theold27icecreamshop.com

The Journey Begins Here!

15

But not everyone has been quick to make the switch to the handy new harness. Amos smiles. “Some people are leather fans, still.

They have to have their leather harnesses.”

He also makes and/or assembles leads, neck ropes and braided lines in the shop. Special equipment is needed to craft the harnesses, including several types of sewing machines, as well as a dipping tank, and a variety of hand tools.

Because he likes to keep a couple of used harnesses on hand, Amos says, “I sometimes take a tradein of an old harness on a new harness.”

Over the years, the business has grown to include “about anything you need for a horse. We’re always finding new items to carry.” Amos’s inventory includes a full line of accessories related to horses, in general, and buggy horses, in particular.

A variety of products formulated for hoof and wound care, as well as liniment rub and wraps, address various horse health concerns.

16

A supplemental food product designed to top dress the horse’s daily grain is also available.

Row after row of neatly organized accessories line the walls and hang from the ceiling of the shop. Blue Creek Harness offers bits, halters for different-sized horses, and various kinds of snaps, as well as collars, pads for cushioning various places on the horse’s body, horse blankets, whips and whip holders.

Various kinds and sizes of horse boots, both new and used, can also be purchased at the shop. Amos often has a saddle or two on hand, as well.

The shop carries buggy accessories, such as the popular Windbrella—an extralarge umbrella constructed from fiberglass for a lightweight, flexible product. Many of these feature a see-through section that’s especially convenient for traveling during windy, rainy, snowy, or cold weather. You’ll also find canvas blankets and buggy robes for passengers at Amos’ shop.

A few general hardware-type items have found their way into Blue Creek Harness’ inventory, as well,

custom-made

CABINETS FURNITURE and

Trim, Vanities, Fireplace Mantels, Millwork — Anything Wood You name it, and we’ll do it! Tailored to fit your needs.

Come and see us or write to us. Please include a phone number so we may contact you.

D & H WORKSHOP

Home Health Hospice Infusion Therapy Palliative Care Care Management Grief Support Wings of Hope (Children’s Services)

Proudly serving our Nation’s Veterans!

We provide patient-focused care... care that is about each patient and those in their life!

800-355-2817

www.FamilyLifeCareIN.org

such as quality scissors and Dunn E-Z, a concentrated multi-purpose cleaner. Amos also sells a tricycle and trailer set.

Much of Amos’s day-to-day work involves repairing and performing

RIVER VIEW

VARIETY STORE

Birdseed - Birdfeeders - Birdhouses Books and School Supplies Natural Hope Herbals Lawn Furniture (by order)...and More!

We’re Still Adding Inventory!!

routine maintenance on previously purchased harnesses. The volume of business varies throughout the year, but he assures, “There’s always something to do out here.

“I usually get pretty busy in December.” Slower times allow Amos to build his inventory of ready-to-purchase harnesses.

When asked about plans for expansion, Amos is quick to note, “My wife wants us to make blankets, the canvas blankets, but we haven’t started that yet. She’s wanted to for years.”

Blue Creek Harness does not have advertised hours. Rather, says Amos, “When I’m home, I’m open.”

He’s happy to open the shop in the evening to meet the needs of his customers.

If horses are a regular part of your life, you owe it to yourself to check out what Blue Creek Harness has to offer.

Open Friday & Saturday 8a-5p –Mail Order Available–

3010 E 1100 S Geneva, IN 46740

BLUE CREEK HARNESS Amos Schwartz 3804 E 300 S Monroe, IN 46772

Offer valid at this location only. Restrictions apply.

See store for details. Expires 7/31/16.

H I LT Y C A B I N E T C O .

AMISH BUSINESS MAPS • NOW AVAILABLE • 260.849.2187

Carefully Crafted from Wood: Custom Cabinets & More

T

Article by Beth Steury

oday, thanks to the diligence of Hilty Cabinet Co. founder Alvin Hilty in the early 60s, Eldon and Arlene Hilty are the owners of a thriving custom cabinet business. Hilty Cabinet Co. is located just north of Berne on CR 350 South.

“I appreciate what Alvin did in the past,” says Eldon, who was an employee at the time he purchased the business in January, 2009.

“We have a lot of repeat customers because Alvin worked up a good reputation.”

Eldon remembers the recession that brought a decrease in work the later part of 2008, just prior to when he assumed ownership of the business. “But it picked up

by February or March, and we’ve been busy ever since.” Eldon’s father, Jerome, is a minor partner

in the business, which happens to be the only place he has ever been employed.

In November of 2010, Eldon moved Hilty Cabinet Co. to a new facility a quarter of a mile down the road. “We have more room in the cabinet shop, as well as a bigger showroom now,” he notes. The larger facility allowed for greater productivity and has aided in the business’s growth.

After more than 50 years of serving the custom cabinetry needs of the surrounding counties, Hilty Cabinet Co. enjoys a wide customer base.

Eldon estimates 90-percent of their customers are within a 30-mile radius of the business. Much of the remaining 10-percent are within 100 miles. But, that’s not always the case.

JULY 2016 | wabashvalleyliving.com | 19

“We have a job coming up in Washington, D.C. this summer.

We had one in Florida last summer. Usually, situations like these stem from a connection back to this area.”

Hilty Cabinet Co. LLC Showroom Hours: 7a-4:30p Monday thru Friday –Closed Saturday & Sunday–

701 W 350 S BERNE, IN 46711

HONEGGER, RINGGER & CO. ving with Integrity Ser

HRC Since 1969

Certified Public Accountants Business Services

Front: Trent Bucher | Mark Gerber | Ken Honegger | Steve Ringger Bruce Miller; Back: Karla Lipscomb | Mark Klopfenstein | Jennifer Rumple

Hilty Cabinet Co.’s workforce consists of 14 employees.

Several are family members, including Eldon’s brother Alvin, his father, and father-in-law, as well as two brothers-in law.

“A lot of our employees have 20 or 30 years of experience.

We have a lot of good, experienced help. I rely on them a lot.”

So, what does “custom” truly mean, and what advantage is there to purchasing cabinetry from Hilty Cabinet Co.? According to Eldon, the answers to those two questions go hand-in-hand.

“The number one advantage is quality.

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(260) 589-8007

1200 Swiss Way, Berne IN

Swiss Days Highlights: Antique Tractor & Engine Show Weaving, Cheese Making & Saw Mill Demonstrations Apple Dumplings Available in Downtown Tent –––––––––SATURDAY ONLY––––––––– Car & Bike Show Mini & Heavyweight Horse Pulls Antique Bike Display Garden Tractor Pulls

www.swissheritage.org

“Number two, you get 100% cabinet. We build cabinets to the 1/16th of an inch. We don’t pull units off of a shelf.”

At big box stores, cabinetry is available in three inch intervals that sometimes require the use of fillers. Not so with Hilty Cabinet Co. “If you have a 34inch space, we will fill it with a 34-inch cabinet. We don’t have a standard unit size.”

Eldon offers another incentive.

“I don’t have to change my prices to be competitivelypriced with a box store – because we are competitivelypriced.”

The crew is busy with installations at least three days 20

a week. Otherwise, those same men work in the cabinet shop, filling orders for a vast array of custom cabinetry.

From the complete cabinetry needs for a new home, to the remodeling requirements in virtually any room of the home, these talented craftsmen can build anything. Requests for cabinetry in laundry rooms and offices are common, as is the need for individual pieces, such as entertainment centers, built-ins around fireplaces, locker units for mud rooms, and framed mirrors.

Hilty Cabinet Co. can add onto existing cabinetry. But, the crew does refinish existing surfaces.

While the shop occasionally builds custom dining room tables and chairs, more often, they receive those items unfinished from a supplier in northern Indiana and finish the product in-house. Doors and trim are also available from Hilty Cabinet Co. Currently, work is split about 50-50 between new construction and remodeling jobs. The shop maintains blueprints for every order filled, which allows them to “pull up records within minutes,” should a customer want to improve upon a past project.

“We enjoy helping customers figure out what they want,” Eldon adds. Customers often come in with only the most basic decisions made, looking for ideas. “We are happy to help them with the design.”

Customers are led through a process whereby they

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Located Downtown at 156 W Main St. Extended Swiss Days Hours July 28th 10am-8pm July 29th 9am-9pm July 30th 9am-8pm 21

determine the following, generally in this order: 1. Layout 2. Wood species 3. Style 4. Stain color 5. Countertops 6. Hardware Showroom displays featuring dozens of hardware choices, 18 door and drawer-front styles, more than 50 standard wood finish options, and a myriad of pull-out options help customers make the necessary decisions.

An unlimited number of custom finish colors can be created to match to existing cabinetry, as well.

“Pull-outs have been a big deal in the last five years,” Eldon shares. Options include cookie tray and pots-and-pans pull-outs, adjustable utensil and lid inserts, adjustable roll-out shelves, sink caddies, and mixer lift-outs, to name but a few.

“Lately, the trend is toward rustic items, such as knotty hickory.

We probably sell as much rustic as anything.” Cherry is very popular, as well, especially the darker options. Painted finishes have become quite popular, with some customers choosing to mix finishes—painted and stained— within a kitchen design.

“Soft-close drawers have become standard for us. They are very trouble-free.” Hilty Cabinet Co. installs mostly softclose doors, as well.

“We see a lot of retirees come in. The kids are gone – they’ve always dreamed of updating the kitchen or bathroom, and decide now is the time.”

While Hilty’s crew builds wood countertops themselves, they install laminate, marble, granite, or quartz countertops, manufactured from several suppliers. “These days, thirty to forty-percent are granite and quartz,” notes Eldon. He encourages customers to visit the manufacturer to examine the actual piece the countertop will be cut from.

It’s easy to see why Hilty Cabinet Co. has gained such a favorable reputation. Stop by the showroom Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to see these quality products for yourself.

HILTY CABINET CO. Eldon & Arlene Hilty 701 W 350 S Berne, IN 46711

01

Movie @ Kehoe:

Artists in Action Every Friday 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Ballentine Gallery Bluffton (260) 824-5222 Knit Along!

Every Friday in July 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Adams Public Library Geneva (260) 368-7270

St. Henry Community Picnic Thru July 3rd Town Square St. Henry (419) 678-4030

Old Fashioned Farmers’ Days

Thru July 3rd Van Wert County Fairgrounds Van Wert (419) 238-9270

Preschool Water, Water, Water 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Jay County Library Portland (260) 726-7890

Craft: TP Roll Ninjas 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Jay County Library Portland (260) 726-7890

Fountain Park Concert:

Lima Symphony Pops Orchestra 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Fountain Park Van Wert (419) 238-9121

Dunkirk 4th of July Celebration

Minions 8:45 PM Kehoe Park Bluffton (260) 824-6069

8:00 AM City Park Dunkirk (765) 768-6877

Firecracker 5K Circuit

02

8:00 AM Jay County Fairgrounds Portland (260) 726-8079

Kiwanis Club 4th of July Celebration

July 4th Patriotic Parade 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Downtown Van Wert (419) 238-4192

6:00 PM - 11:00 PM Stadium Park Delphos (419) 238-9378

4th of July Parade

03

11:00 AM Downtown Portland (260) 726-9548

$5 per Person 1:00 PM Adams Historical Museum Decatur adamscountinhistoricalmuseum.com

Bald Eagle Program

Fireworks Display

8:00 PM - 9:50 PM Bluffton High School Bluffton (260) 824-6069

Historic Decatur Walking Tour

Dusk Amishville Campground Geneva (260) 849-3622

04

7:30 AM - 11:00 AM Jubilee Park Van Wert www.vanwert.com/museum

4th of July Concert

Fireworks Display 10:00 PM Bluffton High School Bluffton (260) 824-6069

Firecracker Bike Tour

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Limberlost Visitor Center Geneva (260) 368-7428

4th of July Fireworks Dusk Jay County Fairgrounds Portland (260) 726-9548

23

05 LEGO Club

Every Tuesday in July 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM Adams Public Library Geneva (260) 368-7270

07

Moms’ Morning Out Every Thursday 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM YMCA Bluffton (260) 565-9622

Exercise/Healthy Living Class

10:30 AM Muselman Wellness Pavilion Berne (260) 589-4496

Rock on the Patio

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Muselman Wellness Pavilion Berne (260) 589-4496

Knitting & Crochet Club

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Arts Commerce Visitors Centre Bluffton (260) 824-5222

06

LEGO Club

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Ohio City Memorial Park Ohio City (419) 953-9511

Blood Pressure Checks

Tai Chi in the Park Every Wednesday in July 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM Storybook Park Decatur (260) 724-2605 Adams Co. Needles, Hooks & Pins Every Wednesday in July 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM Adams Public Library Decatur (260) 724-2605

Wet & Wacky Swim

Every Wednesday in July 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM Wells Community Pool Bluffton (260) 824-6069

Ronald McDonald 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Wells County Library Ossian (260) 622-4691

iPad Basics

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Wells County Library Bluffton (260) 824-1612

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9:00 AM - 11:00 AM South Adams Senior Center Berne (260) 589-8877 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM Adams Public Library Decatur (260) 724-2605

iPad Fair

4:00 PM - 8:00 PM Wells County Library Bluffton (260) 824-1612

Weight Watchers Meeting 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Every Thursday Adams Memorial Hospital Decatur (260) 724-2145

Yoga

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Adams Public Library Geneva (260) 368-7270

Stars in the Park 6:30 PM Hudson Family Park Portland (260) 726-4481

08

Life-Size Games for Teens Register by July 6th 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Wells County Library Bluffton (260) 824-1612

Arts in the Park: TBA

Freedom Amphitheater Series:

The GeezeCats 7:30 PM Freedom Amphitheater St. Henry www.vil.saint-henry.oh.us

Movie @ Kehoe:

Hotel Transylvania 2 8:45 PM Kehoe Park Bluffton (260) 824-6069

09

Make It or Break It Grades K-6 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM Wells County Library Bluffton (260) 824-1612

Railroad Heritage Weekend 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Van Wert County Fairgrounds Van Wert (260) 760-1666

Town Creek Live

4:00 PM - 10:00 PM Central Avenue Van Wert (419) 238-6911

The Kingsmen Quartet 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Gospel Barn Bluffton (651) 269-2120

10

Community CPR/AED Class Call to register 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM Adams Memorial Hospital Decatur (260) 724-2145

Bow Shoot

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM Ohio Progressive Sportman Club Fort Recovery (419) 375-9067

Jay County Fair

Railroad Heritage Weekend 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Van Wert County Fairgrounds Van Wert (260) 760-1666

Music in the Park 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Storybook Park Decatur (260) 724-2605

Rotary Concert Series: Rat Pack & More 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Stadium Park Delphos (419) 695-5712

Kehoe Concert Series 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Kehoe Park Bluffton (260) 824-6069

Thru July 16th Jay County Fairgrounds Portland (888) 282-2728

12

Coffee & Canvas with Heidi Lehman

$15 per Person 9:30 AM South Adams Senior Center Berne (260) 589-8877

Stuffed Animal Sleepover

11

Cozy Christian Readers Book Discussion

10:15 AM - 11:30 AM Adams Public Library Decatur (260) 724-2605

Mom’s Support Group 1:00 PM Every Monday Adams Memorial Hospital Decatur (260) 724-2145

Grades K-6 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Wells County Library Ossian (260) 622-4691

Teen Dodgeball Tournament Register by July 7th 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM YMCA Bluffton (260) 565-9622

Blood Pressure Clinic 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM McDonald’s Decatur (260) 724-2145

Blood Pressure Clinic 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Richard’s Restaurant Decatur (260) 724-2145

Summer Concert Series: Junkyard Band 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Van Trees Park Fort Recovery (419) 375-2530

FARMERS MARKETS

BERNE däsMarit Farmers & Artists Market Every Saturday 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM US Hwy 27 & SR 218 Berne (260) 589-2986

BLUFFTON

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DUNKIRK Saturdays 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Webster Depot Dunkirk (765) 768-6877

PORTLAND

Wednesdays 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM Dutch Mill Plaza Bluffton (260) 824-6412

Saturdays 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM Dutch Mill Plaza Bluffton (260) 824-6412

Thursdays 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM 1st & Madison St Decatur (260) 223-7828

Fridays 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Highway 1 Pennville (260) 251-9416

Saturdays 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Courthouse Portland (260) 703-0446 21

Blood Pressure Checks

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Muselman Wellness Pavilion Berne (260) 589-4496

Computer Club

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Wells County Library Bluffton (260) 824-1612

Card Playing Club

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Fort Recovery Public Library Fort Recovery (419) 375-2869

iPad Club

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Wells County Library Bluffton (260) 824-1612

Cookbook Club

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Wells County Library Bluffton (260) 824-1612

Fiber Arts Group

6:30 PM Arts Commerce Visitors Centre Bluffton (260) 824-5222

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Adams Public Library Geneva (260) 368-7270

Who Picked This Book, Anyway?

Book Club 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM Wells County Library Bluffton (260) 824-1612

Family Day at the Y 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM YMCA Bluffton (260) 565-9622

Night at the Museum:

Miniature Barn Quilts 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM Van Wert Historical Museum Van Wert (419) 771-9851

Fun & Fitness

1:00 PM Fort Recovery Public Library Fort Recovery (419) 375-2869

Fountain Park Concert:

Natural Wonder Stevie Wonder Tribute 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Fountain Park Van Wert (419) 238-9121

Lambert Days

Healthy & Easy Cooking Class $2 Donation 10:30 AM South Adams Senior Center Berne (260) 589-8877

26

Book Club

15

13 14

Senior Outing:

Ivanhoe’s Luncheon Register by July 7th 11:00 AM Muselman Wellness Pavilion Berne (260) 589-4496

Thru July 17th Fireman’s Park Ohio City www.lambertdays.com

Freedom Amphitheater Series:

The Black Horse Band 7:30 PM Freedom Amphitheater St. Henry www.vil.saint-henry.oh.us

Movie @ Kehoe: Inside Out 8:45 PM Kehoe Park Bluffton (260) 824-6069

16

Childbirth Education Class Call to register 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Adams Memorial Hospital Decatur (260) 724-2145

Sired Fair Circuit Harness Races 10:00 AM Jay County Fairgrounds Portland (260) 726-4331

Kid-O-Rama

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Muensterberg Plaza Berne http://www.berneclocktower.org/

Buyer & Cellar

7:30 PM - 10:30 PM Arts Commerce Visitors Centre Bluffton (260) 824-5222

17

Hamfest Amateur Radio Operator Event 6:00 AM - 3:00 PM Van Wert County Fairgrounds Van Wert (419) 238-9378 Adams County 4-H Fair

Thru July 23rd Adams County 4-H Fairgrounds Monroe (260) 724-5322

Sunday Speaker Series: William Iseminger 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Fort Recovery State Museum Fort Recovery (419) 375-4649

Summer Concert Series: Island Vibe 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Van Trees Park Fort Recovery (419) 375-2530

18 Free BINGO

Prizes & Refreshments 1:00 PM South Adams Senior Center Berne (260) 589-8877

Blood Pressure Check

12:30 PM South Adams Senior Center Berne (260) 589-8877

ABC Book Discussion 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM Adams Public Library Decatur (260) 724-2605

Book Club

7:00 PM Jay County Library Portland (260) 726-7890

19

Blood Pressure Checks 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Muselman Wellness Pavilion Berne (260) 589-4496

Travelogue: Spain 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Wells County Library Bluffton (260) 824-1612

20

William Wells Presentation

The Science of Sports 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Wells County Library Bluffton (260) 824-1612

21

Children’s Garden Summer Program

Call to register 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Smiley Park Van Wert (419) 238-9121

The Science of Sports Grades K-6 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Wells County Library Ossian (260) 622-4691

Vintage Motor Bike Show Thru July 24th Jay County Fairgrounds Portland (419) 605-5336

LEGO Club

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM Adams Public Library Decatur (260) 724-2605

Stars in the Park 6:30 PM Hudson Family Park Portland (260) 726-4481

22

World Baseball Congress & Border Wars Championship Thru July 24th Runkle-Miller Field Portland (260) 703-2003

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Wells County Library Bluffton (260) 824-1612

Fountain Park Concert:

Chris Higbee 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Fountain Park Van Wert (419) 238-9121

Freedom Amphitheater Series:

Jay Hendren w/Patsy B 7:30 PM Freedom Amphitheater St. Henry www.vil.saint-henry.oh.us

Movie @ Kehoe: Cinderella 8:45 PM Kehoe Park Bluffton (260) 824-6069

23

Iron Kids Triathlon Register by July 15th 8:00 AM Wells Community Pool Bluffton (260) 824-6069

Home Movies from Yesteryear

1:30 PM Adams Historical Museum Decatur adamscountinhistoricalmuseum.com

Hoosier Harmony & The Shane Brothers 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Gospel Barn Bluffton (651) 269-2120

The Bulldogs

7:00 PM Muensterberg Plaza Berne www.berneclocktower.org

27

24

Home Movies from Yesteryear

1:30 PM Adams Historical Museum Decatur adamscountinhistoricalmuseum.com

Music in the Park 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Storybook Park Decatur (260) 724-2605

Rotary Concert Series: Boogie Fever 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Stadium Park Delphos (419) 695-5712

Kehoe Concert Series 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Kehoe Park Bluffton (260) 824-6069

Blood Pressure Clinic

Warehouse Sale

Blood Pressure Clinic

Stars in the Park

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM McDonald’s Decatur (260) 724-2145

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Richard’s Restaurant Decatur (260) 724-2145

Blood Pressure Checks

8:30 AM - 3:30 PM Van Wert Senior Center Van Wert (419) 238-5011 6:30 PM Hudson Family Park Portland (260) 726-4481

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Muselman Wellness Pavilion Berne (260) 589-4496

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Card Playing Club

8:00 AM - 8:30 PM Sportsmen’s Club Willshire (419) 238-9378

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Fort Recovery Public Library Fort Recovery (419) 375-2869

Trade Days & Flea Market

Antique Tractor & Engine Show

27

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Swiss Heritage Village Berne (260) 589-8007

Acoustic Night 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Van Trees Park Fort Recovery (419) 375-2530

$7 per Person 12:00 PM South Adams Senior Center Berne (260) 589-8877

25

Intermediate iPad

Feller & Hill and the Bluegrass Buckaroos 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Fountain Park Van Wert (419) 238-9121

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Wells County Library Bluffton (260) 824-1612

Homemade Card Class

Summer Concert Series:

Intermediate iPad

26

Teen Iron Chef

Register by July 22nd 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM Wells County Library Bluffton (260) 824-1612

28

Community Luncheon

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Wells County Library Bluffton (260) 824-1612 Call to register 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM City Hall Bluffton (260) 824-6069

28

Swiss Days Festival Opens Thru July 30th 5:00 PM Berne Public Library Berne (260) 589-2809

Fountain Park Concert:

Solo Evening with Stacy Mitchhart 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM Key Palace Theater Redkey (260) 703-0651

NTPA Grand Nationals 7:00 PM Ambassador Park Fort Recovery info@fortpull.com

Freedom Aphitheater Series: Fiddle Me This 7:30 PM Freedom Amphitheater St. Henry www.vil.saint-henry.oh.us

Movie @ Kehoe: The Good Dinosaur 8:45 PM Kehoe Park Bluffton (260) 824-6069

30

Scrapbooking Workshop

$5 per Person 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Adams Historical Museum Decatur adamscountinhistoricalmuseum.com

(260)728-2151 310 E. Monroe Decatur, IN

NCGLNAC Cultural Arts Classes Thru July 31st Jay County Fairgrounds Portland (765) 426-3022

Jay County Patriot Youth Triathlon

8:00 AM Hudson Park/Portland Pool Portland (260) 729-1281

Antique Tractor & Engine Show 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Swiss Heritage Village Berne (260) 589-8007

Car & Bike Show

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Swiss Heritage Village Berne (260) 589-8007

NTPA Grand Nationals 7:00 PM Ambassador Park Fort Recovery info@fortpull.com

SMORGASBORD LUNCH: Mon. thru Fri. 11a.m. - 1p.m.

Sun. 11a.m. - 1:30p.m.

SMORGASBORD DINNER: Tues., Thurs., & Sat. 5p.m. - 9p.m.

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Kehoe Concert Series 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Kehoe Park Bluffton (260) 824-6069

Summer Concert Series: Matt Snow 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Van Trees Park Fort Recovery (419) 375-2530

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MEXICAN NIGHT

Thursdays 4pm to 9pm

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Offering Repairs or Replacement of Any Canvas Item

W

Article by Beth Steury

hen it comes to canvas, if you can imagine it, Mark J. Schwartz can fashion it.

As a boy helping in his uncle’s canvas shop, the seed was planted in both the heart and mind for the younger Schwartz to someday have his own canvas shop. Years passed, and his uncle sold the business.

Schwartz pursued other interests, married and started a family. But the canvas shop idea remained in the back of his mind.

In 2008, when he and his wife Francis built a home in the Pleasant Mills area of rural Decatur, Indiana, Schwartz had no immediate plans for the large pole

building he erected behind the house.

But in 2009, he finally took the plunge, and the building adjacent to the house proved to be the perfect place from which to launch his business. Schwartz settled on the name Pleasant Mills Canvas Shop.

“I thought about it for five years before I had the nerve to do it,” he admits. “I started in slow and learned what I needed to know,” he remembers.

At the time, Schwartz worked construction full-time for the familyowned business, JB & Sons, and has continued to do so. Schwartz’s goal is to someday have enough business in the canvas shop that JULY 2016 | wabashvalleyliving.com | 31

MOVING DECLUTTERING OR JUST NEED

MORE SPACE?

he can leave the construction job and devote himself full-time to the shop.

Each year, the business sees more orders from a myriad of customers with a vast array of canvas needs. “I never do the same thing for too long,” he says, due to the variety of items requested by customers.

“I’ll try anything someone brings to me, and so far, I’ve been able to make everything.

This summer, I have an order for the entire canvas, windows, and screens for a pop-up camper.”

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Schwartz is excited about this project, the first pop-up camper he’s refurbished. Another possibility he’s looking into is the opportunity to create a top, as well as a full, clear enclosure, for a wagon that transports passengers.

He welcomes the challenge of working on something he’s never tackled before. One would expect the list of “never before” projects to shrink as the list of items Schwartz has crafted from canvas grows.

But considering how many items are or can be made from canvas, there may be no end to the prospective assignments.

“Anything new that someone brings to me, I’m glad to make it.”

Schwartz is serious about growing his business. “I’d really like to get affiliated with some companies – a marina, for instance – that would provide a steady number of orders for boat covers and boat lift tops.

Just a few miles north of Berne

2198 S US 27 Berne, IN 46711 Weds. 11-4, Thur. & Fri. 7-4, Sat. 8-noon

32

Cattle Feed Bunks • Silage Bunkers Hog and Cattle Slats Concrete Blocks • Masonry Drainage Products Barnyards • Driveways • Sidewalks Custom Precast Concrete Products

Or, any type of business that could send regular clients my way. Then, I could make a living by working at home.”

In the meantime, he welcomes large and small jobs alike. In the winter, horse blankets are a common request, with one local buyer ordering 25 to 30 every year. In cold weather, buggy blankets made with canvas on one side and fur on the other side are an easy sell.

Other items are more frequently requested in the spring and summer, such as patio swing seats and umbrellas, boat covers, boat lift tops, stand-alone canopies, grill and air conditioner unit covers, and lawn chairs. Schwartz sees many swing seats in very poor condition, like the one pictured in this article. When he’s finished crafting and installing the new canvas, the seat will look brand-new.

Year-round orders come in for awnings, motor covers, tractor cabs, dust collector machine tops, and a plethora of other miscellaneous items. He also makes buggy cushions in both canvas and vinyl styles, and can repair most anything fashioned from canvas.

Schwartz currently works from a huge 16-foot by 8-foot cutting and sewing table, mounted with a gasoline-powered industrial sewing machine. He’d like to expand the table to 22-feet by 10-feet, for ease in handling the bigger projects.

155 E. Buckeye, Berne IN 46711 (260)589-2880 www.bernereadymix.com

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www.gershscarpetcleaning.com

While he stocks several types of canvas in a number of basic colors, many other color possibilities and canvas varieties, including both water resistant and water repellant selections, can be ordered. “There are so many options, too many to stock,” Schwartz shares.

But, that is good news to the customer trying to match a new canvas product.

Schwartz uses a pattern to create horse blankets and buggy blankets.

For anything else, he requests the object to be covered be brought to his shop so he can measure for a proper fit. When possible, he or the customer removes the damaged or worn-out canvas so that he can fashion a replacement using the older piece.

about any canvas project you have in mind. Or, you may leave a voice message at (937) 546-8832 to receive a return call.

PLEASANT MILLS CANVAS SHOP Mark J. Schwartz 4007 E 200 N Decatur, IN 46733

Francis lends a hand from time-totime, and Schwartz hopes to teach his children the finer points of the trade as they get older. Mark and Francis also breed and raise Golden Retrievers for a pet shop in Chicago.

Do take advantage of Schwartz’s experience in and enthusiasm for all things canvas. Stop by Pleasant Mills Canvas Shop in the evening or on a Saturday to chat with Mark J. Schwartz

+ Berne Swiss Days + July 28-30, 2016 - Berne, Indiana

Fun Activities, Contests

Family-Friendly Entertainment

Food, Arts, Crafts Quilt Show

Recliner Race Conteset Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest Stein Toss • Bike Tour Horse & Tractor Pulls Amusement Rides

Variety of Vendors Downtown Farmers & Artists Market Antique Tractor Show Tours & Demonstrations

...and much, much Make Plans to Visit Berne,more!

Indiana!

www.bernein.com

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This I know of nothing that can happen badly, when a man goes fishing with a wee laddie.The poles they carry along with the bait, says, ‘Gone fishing early and staying late.’

T

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hat was the story of BJ Baxter as a young boy.

Growing up along the Auglaize River by Delphos, Ohio, he often went fishing for catfish with his father and grandfather. He spent many an hour learning the ins and outs of fishing, everything from what rods and reels to use, to the best places to find the fish, to what bait to use for different kinds of fish.

As BJ grew up, fishing became much more competitive for him.

His father owned the largest team tournament in Ohio, and it was a natural thing for BJ to eventually become a competition tournament fisherman.

“I’ve been creating my own baits for about 9 years,” BJ confides.

“Hand-pouring soft plastic baits is truly an art, one that I love. In the summer of 2015, I decided to start my own bait company.

“I had been using and, in fact, was sponsored by Poor Boy’s Baits made by Lurecraft industries of Orland, Indiana. When the company sold out, I decided to try making my own with some molds I purchased.

JULY 2016 | wabashvalleyliving.com | 37

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“Most of what I know about pouring soft plastic baits is self-taught, things I’ve read, studied, and watched online in videos and websites. My good fishing buddies would come hang out in my ‘man cave,’ suggesting colors and crazy names for the baits I poured.

“They really liked them, and soon I began selling the lures.

Amazingly, they sold like crazy!”

That same summer, the lures he created won approximately $30,000 for various anglers in tournament circuits. Over the last year, that figure has climbed to around $50,000 in prize money. “The last two big tournaments at Grand Lake in St. Marys were won on my baits, something I’m very proud of,” BJ shares.

The plastic BJ uses to pour his baits is called “plastisol.”

It’s simply liquid plastic, and it is milk-colored when he purchases it.

“When you heat the plastic up before pouring it in the molds, it turns clear because of a chemical reaction. Then, I put the color, glitter, and so on, in it,” says BJ. And that’s when the art of creating unique lures enters the picture. There are not thousands of colors to choose from when you create the plastic to pour into the mold.

Various colors are created by mixing basic colors together in various combinations.

“All my recipes [for colors] have been created by trial and error.

A little of this, a little of that, and I just keep adjusting until 38

the plastic becomes the color I want,” he explains.

The concept of soft plastic baits started in the late 1950s and early 1960s, when small worms and grubs were created from hard rubber. These basic shapes were stiff and didn’t allow for natural movement in the water, like the more flexible soft plastics can.

A silicone-based plastic was used to create lures in the early 1970s. These lures proved to have more lifelike action and vastly improved the effectiveness of catching fish.

Nowadays, soft plastic can not only create a more lifelike lure, it can also have many other pieces and decorative items added to it, such as glitter, beads, and scents, as well as metal hooks, spinners, and jigs. “I use lots of color and paint, as well as glitter and such, but I don’t use as many metal pieces. It’s just how I create lures.

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“Mostly, I make the lures in injected molds and in handpoured molds. I do also make some slim jigs, the type of lures with hooks in them.”

Family is very important to BJ. “My wife, Ashley, and I named our company after our three children: Lola (2), Boone (8), and Alecta (6),” he says, smiling.

“Ashley makes all the labels for the products, and the children take as big a part in this business as they’re able. I would like them to enjoy fishing and the outdoors like I do, and this business is all about being outdoor!”

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BJ and his wife are even using the business to teach his children a work ethic that includes dreaming big. “We want our children to know that hard work pays off, and that they shouldn’t be afraid reach for their dreams.”

“My son, Boone, has been talking about starting his own little bait line in the future. I always encourage them to come up with different ideas for the lures.”

BJ has even named some of the products after family. Lola’s nickname, Ding Ding, became the name of a particular lure. His nickname for his wife, Gibblet, is the name of five different-colored varieties of soft bait.

“Boone named one of our bait pieces Breadstick because he thought it looked like one!” BJ laughs.

Currently, available colors range from shades of purple and green to gray and brown and even black and white. Their names reflect both his family’s and his friends’ collaboration with molding the baits: Bass Splash, Boone Bug,

Green Acres, Rock, Nutter, Purple Passion, Matt’s Magic, Sandbar Party, TT Green, Smoke Purple, Tennessee Whiskey, Black and Blue Fleck, Blue Green Algae, Grape Bomb, Neon Black, June Bug, Hillbilly Deluxe, and Backwater Blue.

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“I’m very fortunate to be able to use what started as a hobby as a way of supporting my fishing,” BJ says.

“I use only my own bait when I fish in a tournament.

“As the other fishermen see me catching with my bait, they want to know more about it.” And when they come to know more about LBA Baits, they usually become satisfied customers!

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wouldn’t cover it. And, they’d come off right away because I have oily skin.

“I’m allergic to most things – even foods – and I couldn’t wear makeup before I found Younique,” she says. “My mother-in-law was invited to an online party, and she purchased some makeup for me and gave it to me for my birthday. It didn’t faze me whatsoever!

Her discovery and love for the Younique products pushed Brittney to begin selling them in August of 2015 under the business name ‘Elegance by Brit.’

“I have tried so many makeups, and I’m always allergic to the products. I have rosacea around my mouth and nose, and they

42 | JULY 2016 | wabashvalleyliving.com

“Younique’s amazing. It lasts a really long time compared to stuff you could buy at pharmacies.

That’s what I really liked about it.”

Brittney recalls.

Brittney says there’s been a visible – and, unexpected – change since she first began wearing the Younique makeup products. “I showed a friend a mine a picture and told her, ‘Before, I couldn’t wear makeup, but now I can.’

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Aside from the fact that the products don’t aggravate her allergies, there are several features that Brittney appreciates about the Younique line.

“Most of their products are all natural,” she explains. “Their mascara is all natural and organic. It was a big thing for me.

“They also don’t test on animals, so that was huge thing, as well.”

In truth, the Younique makeup is held to a high standard, something that is not necessarily common in the United States. “The FDA doesn’t really regulate makeup,” Brittney says, “but Europe does.

“They are very strict and actually don’t allow most of our makeup over there. We only have about twelve regulations for makeup, which is pretty scary. Europe has over a thousand.”

The Younique line offers everything from mascara, to lip stains, 3D eyebrow pencils, eyelash curlers, moisturizers, spray tan products, makeup remover wipes, their famous foundation dubbed ‘Photoshop in a Bottle,’ and more.

One look at a Younique Touch Mineral Liquid Foundation demonstration video will 44

persuade a skeptical customer that the product truly lives up to its nickname. A YouTube search will bring up a number of videos where Younique presenters haphazardly decorate their own face with a permanent Sharpie marker.

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These ladies are able to flawlessly mask the marker using the Younique foundation and concealer, and then remove both the makeup and the marker in a couple swipes with Younique’s makeup remover wipes.

As far as her favorite products, Brittney raves, “I love, love, love, the foundation! That’s what sets us apart. They came out with it last September.”

Younique offers foundation for a range of skin types. For those with oily skin, Touch Mineral Liquid Foundation (Photoshop in a bottle) is a good fit. It starts as a liquid and then transforms into a powder to last longer throughout the day.

For those with drier skin, Younique offers BB Flawless Complexion Enhancer that serves as a 2-in-1 foundation and moisturizer.

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Brittney also recommends the makeup remover wipes.

“We make remover wipes that are all natural; they are really different.

“The cloths are not super wet, but it’s actually the cloth that takes off your makeup. They are made of a special material, and if you looked at it through a microscope, you would see all the grooves. That’s what takes off your makeup.”

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Brittney also offers an inside tip about the Younique makeup remover cloths, saying, “I also use the cloths to take off nail polish. It comes off almost instantly.”

Another unique feature of this cosmetic line is that its presenters have online parties.

“Younique is known for online parties. We just create an event or a group—whatever the hostess wants—and then go from there. If they want the party to focus on the foundation, then that’s what we will do. We try to stay clear of bringing all the products, because there are just so many.” Brittney explains.

According to Brittney, there are many benefits for those that wish to sell Younique products.

“We have presenter kits that can be purchased for $99, and they get all the benefits I have, including their own Younique website. You start out earning around 12% commission on what you sell, and then it goes up the higher you get in the company. There are so many incentives, it’s crazy!”

Her favorite part about being a Younique presenter?

If you are interested in purchasing some of the Younique products or getting involved with the company, you can email Brittney. You can also message her on Facebook via her page, Younique by Brittney Landis.

Aside from presenting Younique products, Brittney works at the Common Ground Church in Decatur with her husband, Justin, who is the youth pastor. In her free time, she enjoys working out at Zumba class and lifting weights.

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“I enjoy that I can do it whenever I want—from my phone or computer—and that I’m helping women with their selfconsciousness. For years, I had rosacea and I couldn’t get rid of it.

“Even with store-bought makeup or stuff from other companies, it just didn’t cover what issues I had. I’m so thankful that I can help women,” Brittney explains.

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Sharing the Good News in Song

A

Article by Jodi Dean

s apple is to pie, Gospel music is to Christianity. Gospel, or “good news,” is a variety of music sung in four typical settings: quartet style, traditional Gospel, contemporary Gospel, praise and worship.

According to Jim Loving, a member of The Shane Brothers Quartet, “The people who craft and listen to (Gospel) music - for the most part - love intricate harmonies. Most songs are written and recorded in four-part harmony.

“Often, the arrangements feature ‘sixth’ or ‘seventh’ notes (sometimes called “modern” harmony), and artists must have vocal talent to accomplish these vocal movements.”

48 | JULY 2016 | wabashvalleyliving.com

For Loving, a retired university professor and administrator, Gospel music has been a part of his life for more than 60 years.

Even in his golden years, Loving is strongly committed to the “good news” music as one of the overseers of The Gospel Barn of Bluffton.

The aim of this not-for-profit organization, started by Mike and Karen Todd of Bluffton, Indiana, in 2004, was “to provide ministry through Southern Gospel, in a wholesome way, to families and individuals who attend.” In 2013, when the Todds moved on to other opportunities, the Shane Brothers Quartet (Mike, Rick, and Jeff Shane, along with Jim Loving) became directors.

The Shane men are natives of Bluffton, and Loving is a recent arrival from Minnesota. The four men are committed to a bright future for The Gospel Barn of Bluffton; the group shares a vision to expand the ministry and attract more people from the tri-state area to this concert venue.

According to Loving, who grew up singing Gospel music in church and at home, “Gospel music draws the old and young alike. Its clean music lyrics are family-friendly.”

He continues, “What draws artists and fans to the music is, first, the message. The music features not only great old hymns, but also more contemporary music. The lyrics endear people to the essence of Christian living.

“Often, people are comforted and inspired by the messages.

I think people are drawn to the camaraderie of like-minded Christians and fellow music lovers.”

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Musicians come from across the nation to sing and minister at the concert venue south of Bluffton’s city limits. Acts inspired by the likes of Bill and Gloria Gaither, the Gospel duet from central Indiana, are booked throughout the summer to please listeners’ ears.

The Taylors, a brother-sister quartet “from the heart of North Carolina,” is a popular act.

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According to the band’s website, the foursome – Jonathan, Suzanne, Christopher, and Leslie – are “dedicated to the stirring up the faith of the Christian community, as well as reaching others with the good news of Jesus Christ through Gospel music.”

Another crowd-pleasing favorite is The Allen Family, a gospel family who was the focal point of TLC’s “Home Sweet Bus” in 2014. Their travel ministry is aimed at sharing the good news via Gospel songs.

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Of course, many people love the hometown favorite, the Shane Brothers Quartet. In their youth, Mike, Rick and Jeff sang along daily as their home stereo blared quartet music.

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Combined with the fact they spent their youth attending church events, the four decided to form a vocal group. Since a four-part harmony is needed, they invited their friend Jim Loving, and they now encourage Christians through song.

In addition, The Gospel Barn has several more acts planned for the remainder of the season.

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The Collingsworth Family, Mark Trammel Quartet, Greater Vision, Second Half Quartet with Pat Barker, Tribute, The Perrys, and The Hoppers will perform at this year at our venue,” says Loving.

Of course, The Gospel Barn serves more than music. “Many people come here for the food,” writes Jim in an e-mail. “People come to the Barn for the great music, the good food and the fellowship.”

Before the concerts begin, dinner is served. “Good food,” assures Jim. “Pulled pork, steak burgers and grilled chicken are served up with traditional fixings.”

Upcoming general admissions shows will be held on selected Saturdays during the next six months. General admission tickets are $10, while premier concerts (those shows with reserved seating) cost $20 in advance.

Children ages 12 and younger are free. General admission tickets can be purchased at the door.

You may purchase tickets online via PayPal, $20 per ticket, plus $1.50 fee per ticket. Or, order advance tickets by mail; send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to The Gospel of Bluffton, 309 West Summit, Delphi, IN 46923.

Friends, fans and musicians rave about the spirit of The Gospel group recently wroteTO the COOK Barn.

LIKEOne YOU DON’T HAVE venue’s Facebook page: “Wow, what a weekend! They guys did an awesome job lifting up Jesus in quartet harmony! They had a total blast working with Jim and the (other members). We can’t wait to go back.”

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VARIETY - QUALITY - CRAFTSMANSHIP

What are the Advantages of a Metal Roof from AN Construction?

MORE ECONOMICAL

We form our own metal roofing & pass the savings on to you!

MUCH MORE DURABLE

Metal roofing and siding are much more durable than asphalt shingles–lasting for decades without needing replacement!

AN Metal Sales & AN Construction Noah A. Schwartz 5316 S 500 W, Berne, Indiana 46711

–AMISH CRAFTSMANSHIP– (260) 227-2558 (Call Adam)

CUT & SAVE 10% OFF Your Entire Purchase (excludes sale items & gift certificates) Exp. 07/30/16

TOTAL BILL

260-728-2151

A Perfect Blend

310 E. Monroe Decatur, IN

Gifts & Home Decor

(260) 824-2695

Your Purchase of $25 or More at Joe’s Lighting (Excludes Fuel Purchases)

EXPIRES 7/30/16

Joe’s

Lighting

PRODUCTS

2898 S 000 Rd Monroe, Indiana

10% OFF Entire Purchase @

BlackBird Boutique 222 N. 2nd St. Decatur, IN Expires 7/30/16

5% OFF Co

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SB S

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Clearance Items Schwartz Building Supply & Country Store

Expires 7/30/16

5870 E 900 N Bryant, IN 47326

Contact Us for a

FREE QUOTE on Your Wood Project!

Exp. 07/30/16

D&H WORKSHOP 1343 East 1000 South Geneva, IN 46740

$

260-824-1618 or 260-820-0896 COOK LIKE YOU DON’T HAVE TO

CLEAN FREE

1 OFF

ONE

CAPPUCCINO

MINIATURE GOLF

at Our Bistro

with any other purchase at

Open 11 to 1 Mon.-Fri.

Exp. 7/29/16

River Terrace

The Old 27 Ice Cream Shop

®

RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

Exp. 7/31/16

400 Caylor Blvd. Bluffton, IN 46714

168 S. 2nd St., Downtown Decatur ®/™ ©2014 KitchenAid. All rights reserved.

5 OFF

Buildin g tz

JERRY FLACK

DINE-IN, CARRY OUT, DELIVERY

$

• Enrolling in Medicare A+B/Medicaid • ABCD’s of the A-B-C-D Programs • Long Term Care Insurance Planning • Life Insurance Ideas • Investment Planning

Not valid with any other coupon, discount or daily special - EXPIRES 7/31/16

1225 S. Scott St. • Bluffton

Floral

FREE 1 Hour Consultation!

15% OFF

$

1.00 OFF

$

PURCHASE

SIDING

THE NEW KITCHENAID® DISHWASHER ELIMINATES THE NEED TO SOAK AND PRE-SCRUB.

Valued at $10 or More

® With thethe ProScrub Trio Option, you have 60 targeted spray jets to jets blasttoaway With ProScrub® Trio Option, you have 60 targeted spray blastany away any sticky, baked-on mess.

Go to mrplanners.com for for more more information. information. sticky, baked-on mess. Go to kitchenaid.com/dishwashers

Expires 07/30/16

Blue Creek

600 OFF

REGIONAL CONTACTS

BAKERY

2198 S US 27 Berne, IN 46711

Plus FREE Extras!

See Store for Details.

See special offers at kitchenaid.com/p

Kitchen 258 N 2nd St. Decatur IN Windo (260) 724-4000 Baths & (260) 724-4000 mrplanners.com mrplanners.com Remod Mr Planners

258 N Second St Decatur, IN 46733 258 N 2nd St. Decatur, IN 260.724.4000

FREE 10% OFF RECLINER CLEANING

Any Single JB Item at

with Any $150 Service!

Gersh’s NING, INC. CARPET CLEA

Expires 07/30/16

Give Us a Call to Schedule–

(260) 692-6366

Take $10 off your purchase of $100 or more!

127 N. 2nd Street, Decatur IN Tues. - Fri. 10 to 6, Sat. 10 to 4 Expires July 30, 2016

10% OFF

YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE

Restrictions apply. Available at this location only.

See store for details. Offer expires 12/31/16.

www.zurchersbestone.com www.facebook.com/zurchersbestone | (800) 589-6172

Zurcher’s Best-One Tire & Auto Care is an independent dealer and licensee of M&Z, LLP. Best-One is a servicemark of M&Z, LLP.

EXPIRES 07/30/16

319 STATE ST. - WILLSHIRE, OH

10% Off

5 OFF

$

Your Shoe Purchase of $75 or More

Entire Purchase

expires 7/31/16

10% OFF YOUR PURCHASE AT

Laurie’s Naturescapes

EXPIRES 7/30/16

Schwartz Shoe Store

12368 SR 118 South Van Wert, OH 45891 (419) 238-1595

555 E 300 S, Monroe IN

SWISS DAYS

BOWL 1 GAME GET THE 2ND FOR

TUPPERWARE SALE

ONLY $1

July 28-30, 2016

EXPIRES 7/30/16

444 E. MAIN - BERNE, IN

BUY 1lb. FUDGE, GET ½lb.

FREE

Hours Extended during Bike Show Exp. 07/31/16

1306 US 27 N | Berne, IN

401 W 500 S Berne, IN 46711

112 S. Meridian Street, Portland

10% OFF 5% OFF YOUR ORDER at

PIZZA KING OF GENEVA

(260) 368-7878

Carry-Out or Delivery Only - Expires 07/31/16

$1 OFF

GENERAL ADMISSION

E

HERITAGE VILLAG WISS

S

320 S. Main St. Geneva, IN 46740

$5 OFF A CHEESE TRAY PURCHASE

YOUR PURCHASE Exp. 07/30/16

Willow

Creek STORE 5160 W 400 S Berne, IN 46711

$5 OFF PURCHASE

Valued at $25 or More Expires 07/31/16

Exp. 07/30/16

–AN D MUSEUM–

1200 Swiss Way, Berne IN 46711

(260) 589-8007 Expires 10.31.16

Stop in for a Tour–Mention This Ad and Receive a

COMPLIMENTARY TOUR GIFT

GREAT FOOD ...NO BULL.

US Hwy 27

1204 W. Votaw Portland, IN

Just north of Berne, IN

Custom Handmade Baskets AVAILABLE IN 6 COLORS! • • • • • •

of Bluffton 1529 W. Lancaster St. Bluffton, IN

BLACK BURGUNDY PURPLE GREEN ROYAL BLUE NAVY BLUE

CUSTOM STAIN AVAILABLE 8757 S 300 W Geneva, IN 46740 Phillip & Verena Eicher

WILL SHIP ANYWHERE!

ORTHOPAEDIC CARE CLOSE TO HOME WITH DR. DAVID COATS Our orthopaedic team works with patients and coordinates their care from the very first visit through their physical rehabilitation process. Orthopaedic Care, Surgery, and Rehabilitation services all under one roof!

We provide a full range of services to help patients of all ages live a healthier and more productive life!

To schedule an appointment with Dr. David Coats call 260-728-3900.

Services provided include: • • • •

Broken Bones Dislocations Sprains & Strains Sports Injuries

• • • •

Joint and Tendon Pain Arthritis Arthroscopic Surgery Joint Replacement Surgery

• • • •

Bone and Joint Surgery Trauma Surgery Work-Related Injuries Hand Problems

ORTHOPAEDIC WE REALIGN. SERVICES WE RENEW. Healthy In Every Way adamshospital.org

260-724-2145

1100 Mercer Avenue

Decatur, IN 46733