Wabash Valley Living June 2017 Edition

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FREE Guide to Adams • Huntington Mercer • Van Wert & Wells Counties!

Volume 9 | Number 6 | June 2017

EDITOR

JUNE 2017

AMY M. ORR CONTRIBUTORS STEPHANIE BROWN JENNY DUBACH DEE FISHER KATHLEEN SCHWARTZ BETH STEURY

ON THE COVER:

PHOTO OF 2016 DISPLAY Provided by Decatur Sculpture Tour– Decatur, IN

LAYOUT JENNE LOGSDON www.wabashvalleyliving.com

info@wabashvalleyliving.com WABASH VALLEY LIVING is owned and published monthly by:

contents

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346 U.S. Hwy. 27 North, Berne, IN 46711

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Wabash Valley Living is printed by:

11 VAN WERT PEONY FESTIVAL

Van Wert, OH | Celebrating Flowers, Art

& Local History

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS A Perfect Blend

40

Graber Insurance

12

Above & Beyond

4

Honegger Ringger & Co

12

Adams Memorial Hospital

2

Jay County Visitor & Tourism 15

2

Jerry Flack & Associates

32

34

Joe's Lighting Products

34

Angel's Bakery

Becky's Village Restaurant 25

Just Because Jewelry & Gifts 34

Berne Chamber of Commerce 32

Karen's Treasures

40

Biggs Property Management 8

Laurie's Naturescapes

40

Bixler Insurance

Old 27 Ice Cream Shop

18

Pizza King of Berne

32

Century 21 Advance Realty 41

Pizza King of Geneva

4

D. L. Schwartz Co.

6

Pleasant Mills Lumber Outlet 32

dasMarit Farmers

16

Buffalo Wings & Rings

8 12

& Artists Market

Decatur, IN | Art Displays to Enjoy Year-Round

10 SEARCH CONTEST

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

Alter Chiropractic Health

DECATUR SCULPTURE TOUR

River Terrace Retirement

38

Schwartz Manufacturing

12

Decatur Sculpture Tour

4

Schwartz Shoe Store

12

Earthen Treasures

2

Steiner Transport

38

East of Chicago

9

Swiss Village Retirement

10

Edelweiss Floral

18

Swissland Cheese Co

35

Eichhorn Jewelry

41

The Hope Clinic

10

Elliott Won't Advertise

38

Van Wert County CVB

16

Eric D. Orr, Attorney

43

Velocity Motors

9

Family Ford of Bluffton

18

Zurcher's Best-One Tire

6

Gersh's Carpet Cleaning

29

17 THE BOATHOUSE AT GRAND LAKE

Celina, OH | The House That Makes Boat Calls

21 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 28 BLUFFTON PARKS & RECREATION

Bluffton, IN | Year-Round Programs for Young & Old

33 SPOKESMEN CYCLING

Roanoke, IN | Spokesmen Cycling

38 A & A MECHANICAL

Van Wert, OH | Ensuring Your Indoor Comfort

& Well-Being

46 CUT & SAVE COUPONS

Material in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without permission.

Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Dealership

Pizza King

QUALITY

OF GENEVA

Detailing

320 S. Main St. Geneva, IN

(260) 368-7878

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PIZZA - PASTA BREADSTICKS SALAD BAR Kids 4 and Under Eat FREE! Open Tues., Weds., Thurs. 4 to 9 p.m.

Friday & Saturday 4 to 10 p.m.

Friday Lunch 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Dine-In, Carry-Out, Local Business Delivery Only GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE

6 P.M. UNVEILING

Friday, June 9

NEW SCULPTURES ON DISPLAY • 4 p.m. Food Vendors, Strolling Musicians • 5 p.m. Wine Tasting, Children’s Chalk Walk, Youth Dance Performance • 6 p.m. Mayor’s Welcome & Unveiling (26 original exhibits) Join us in Downtown Decatur as we launch the 2017 Tour that runs through April 2018.

Questions? artscouncil@hotmail.com

decatursculpturetour.com

ART DISPLAYS TO ENJOY YEAR-ROUND DECATUR SCULPTURE TOUR • KATHY SCHWARTZ PHOTOS PROVIDED BY DST COMMITTEE

M

ost people have a dream.

Very few get to see a dream become reality, and fewer see the realized dream grow.

Greg Mendez grew up in Decatur, Indiana. He is a nationally-known sculptor. While participating in the internationally known Sioux Falls South Dakota Sculpture Tour, he was inspired and said to himself, “I would love to see this happen in Indiana.” Little did he realize it would happen in his hometown.

“I call it the ‘power of small,’” says Trois Hart, Chairman of Communications for the Decatur Sculpture Tour. “A small community can get a mayor in the same room as the executive director of the foundation, the head of the library, the city works department, the art council, and supporters, and make things happen.

“You can look to your left. They nod their head, and they make it happen.” Trois continues, “We got it done in short order that first year.

It has grown every year.”

JUNE 2017 | wabashvalleyliving.com | 5

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Decatur Sculpture Tour began in 2011 when a group of people met and banded together to work towards a goal to get artists from around the country to bring their creations to Decatur, Indiana.

“We have a natural connection to sculpture” Trois says. “David Smith, preeminent industrial sculptor, was born in Decatur. Dave is the guy you study in art school. He created the sculpture that says LOVE.” Trois adds, “The Decatur Porter family has a relative, Ralph Hurst, who is also a very prolific sculptor.”

On June 8, the sculptures for the 2017-2018 display will be put in place, and on June 9, they will be unveiled at the opening ceremonies of the sixth Decatur Sculpture Tour. The sculptures remain in place until the end of April 2018.

This year’s tour includes 24 sculptures--19 outside and 5 indoor. Twenty-two artists, (two entries are collaborations by two artists) from 8 different states will participate.

Ralph Hurst has two pieces displayed in Decatur presently, one at the library and one at the historical museum. Current local artists include Greg Mendez and Taylor Andrews. All of these are natives of Decatur. So, Decatur is a natural to have a tour.

Artists compete for a spot on the tour. “The jurying process has evolved over the years. From the beginning, the purpose has been to find something for everyone,” explains Trois. “You can’t meet everyone’s taste, certainly, but we have mixed traditional with abstract and fantasy.

“The tour has created a wonderful conversation in our community about art,” says Trois. “We’ve had so many businesses support us, and they took a chance on us the first year.”

“We get more and more interest each year. We have wanted to expand, but we are getting to the point where we want to make sure we don’t sacrifice quality for quantity.

OPENING IN 2017

“When you have an outdoor sculpture event, you can participate in art in public forum. It is completely accessible. It does not have four walls around it. Anybody and everybody can walk up and engage in art and the message that particular sculptor is intending to send, but certainly each of us receive it in our own unique way.”

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“That’s a dance because we have to make sure that number one, they don’t interfere with the roadway,” Trois says with a smile. “There are at least 10 considerations that go into where the sculptures are placed. It’s a story when you take the tour. It has to make for an interesting story.”

Funding comes from sponsors.

“We go out to get sponsors for individual sculptures. We also get money from the Adams County Community Foundation, Arts Council of Indiana, Arts United, and a tourism grant.

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“We are to a point of maximum capacity,” worries Trois, “unless there is some major sponsor that will want to come in and for a long period of time would annually guarantee the financial commitment--because to go much larger, we will need to hire someone to manage the process. We’re maxed out on a volunteer capacity.”

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The people involved are strictly volunteers fueled by a passion for art and community service. “It’s just tremendous the amount of work that they put in,” marvels Trois.

The committee also provides an avenue for the sale of the sculptors’ creations. “One of our goals is to not just create sculptures for here, but to help them to sell their pieces so that they will want to come back. It will strengthen the tour.”

The committee has seen this happen. They also try to purchase one sculpture per year for the city of Decatur. Art aficionados can view prices on the tour’s website.

According to Trois the future holds exciting possibilities for Decatur Sculpture Tour. The committee is exploring the use of apps that will give tour participants access to comments by the artist as the piece is being viewed. It is hoped that the annual unveiling will expand from a one-day event to two days.

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Also, there is hope that a special section for youth contributions would be established.

“We have laid a really rock-solid foundation. We need people coming together to help. It is the community infrastructure that enables or prevents something like this.”

To learn more about the Decatur Sculpture Tour unveiling activities planned for June 9, or to read about individual artists and their sculptures, visit the tour’s website.

Come and enjoy the Decatur Sculpture Tour. Some dreams do come true.

Decatur Sculpture Tour Downtown Decatur, IN www.decatursculpturetour.com

ENJOY OUR BUFFET ANY DAY! LUNCH: $6.99 DINNER: $7.99 $3.99 for Children Ages 6-10; 50¢/Year of Age for 5 and Under!

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CELEBRATING FLOWERS, ART & LOCAL HISTORY VAN WERT PEONY FESTIVAL • DEE FISHER

I

t's nearly summer again, and with summer comes the annual round of festivals throughout the Midwest! Nearly every weekend brings another celebration of local products and history, bringing visitors from miles around.

The Peony Festival was first held in 1932 to celebrate Van Wert's reputation as "The Peony City." Charles Wassenburg, a dry goods merchant in the city, had established a nursery for several varieties of flowers, including the peony.

One of the first area festivals is in Van Wert--the annual Peony Festival. Traditionally held the first weekend of June, the festival includes two days of downtown fun and food, along with a Grand Parade on Saturday evening.

Sarah Pleas of Spiceland, Indiana had cultivated extensive gardens of many blossoms, including the peony. She and Clara Anderson of Van Wert had begun corresponding several years before, drawn together by

JUNE 2017 | wabashvalleyliving.com | 11

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their love of flowers. Around the year 1905, Miss Anderson asked another Van Wert flower lover, L. J. Germann, to make the 100-mile trip to Spiceland to purchase some flower samples for her garden in Van Wert.

Among those samples was the Jubilee peony, a variety that first bloomed in 1904. It was noted that this blossom was "a gorgeous white flower, and one of the most striking blooms when properly displayed." Lee J. Bonnewitz, a Van Wert merchant, entered a Jubilee peony in the American Peony Society's New York show in 1916, and left there with second place in the Amateur Class for Jubilee Peonies. Mr. Bonnewitz went on to be president of the Society and a noted commercial flower grower.

With all the local emphasis on growing peonies, it is not surprising that the community initiated a Peony Festival. Nor was it a difficult thing to choose to call the festival queen by the name of Queen Jubilee!

The festival was suspended during World War II (starting in 1942) and was not restarted until 1955. Unfortunately, it was again suspended after 1960 due to lack of leadership. It was not until 1992 that the festival was once again a going concern.

Since then, the festival has continued to grow, incorporating both traditional events and some new ones. Most events are held downtown in or around Fountain Park, with the exception of the Saturday morning free Fishing Derby at the YMCA's Camp Clay east of Van Wert, and the Garden Tours, held at various private locations throughout the town and surrounding countryside.

The festivities begin at Fountain Park on Friday at 10 o’clock in the morning with the Optimist Youth Art Show. The ever-popular Craft Show begins at 11 o’clock and continues through the day and into the evening. Carnival rides are available for the younger set in the Jefferson Street parking lot just off Fountain Park. Later in the day,

there is a car show on East Main Street, open to classic cars and street rods of all kinds.

local crowd pleaser that plays a mix of 50s, 60s, and 70s rock, as well as country dance music.

Food is available from several food vendors that line Jefferson Street from noon throughout the afternoon and evening. The day ends with a concert in the park featuring Groove Essential, a Indianapolis-area band that performs everything from classic rock and 80s hits to big band and jazz standards.

Sunday features the final day of the Garden Tours, and local youth groups help with clean up in the park. It's also the first day of rest for festival volunteers! "The Peony Festival committee works very hard during the festival itself, so we need that time off," says Zoe Longstreth, president of the committee. "However, our job begins again in August, when we start work for next year's festival."

Saturday's park activities get underway at 10 o’clock with the second day of the Craft Show.

Throughout the afternoon in the park, there will be strolling performers, including a magician and a caricature artist, children's activities, and inflatables to play in. For adults (and kids!), the local YMCA and DeMolay are holding a Color 5K Run/Walk. The kids have a free fun run at 10:30.

Saturday evening concludes with the Grand Parade at 5 o’clock, followed by a Saturday night concert featuring Section Ate, a

The festival is completely funded by donations from the public, from local businesses and foundations, and through fundraising activities run by the festival committee.

Although these activities can vary from year to year, some are annual staples of the community.

These include a quarter auction, a "give-back" of 10% of receipts from the Orchard Tree (a local restaurant), a coupon activity at the Marsh Supermarket that gives a percentage of sales back to the committee, and a spaghetti supper.

We’ve Got Fun for the Whole Family: Great Lakes Nations POW WOW

Jonsey's Strickley BLUEGRASS FEST

Enjoy Native drums, singers, dancers, vendors, food & more!

Three days of Bluegrass, just in time for Father’s Day!

June 10-11, 2017 Jay County Fairgrounds

June 16-18, 2017 Jay County Fairgrounds

Pennville LIONS FAIR

Jay County STARS IN THE PARK

Free entertainment and animal shows. Parade Saturday @ 3!

Cheer on your favorites in this local talent competition!

June 20-24, 2017 Pennville Park

June 29, 2017 Hudson Family Park

Visit the Only “Jay” in the USA! For more information: (260) 726-3366 or VisitJayCounty.com

"The cost of the festival is more than most people think. We work very hard to keep events free or nearly free and, of course, familyfriendly," Zoe explains. "Most of my volunteers believe that the fundraising activities throughout the year are possibly more work than arranging the festival itself!"

This year will see two new events added to the festival: a teen dance (grades 7-9) and an adult beverages (beer) tent, just recently okayed by the town council. "We are starting a push to get more 15 to 25-year-olds attending the festival," Zoe says.

"Right now, we are mostly reaching younger children and their parents or grandparents. We're working on more activities for the single set and young couples without children."

das Märit Farmers & Artists Market

One other new feature at the festival is the addition of handicapped parking. "Van Wert Carts and More is providing golf carts for our volunteers to ferry our less-abled patrons from an area close to Fountain Park to where the action is," Zoe explains.

The Van Wert Peony Festival is the first weekend of June every year. Check out their website or Facebook page for more details. Zoe welcomes any and all suggestions and ideas and, of course, new volunteers!

Van Wert Peony Festival www.vwpeonyfestival.com

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THE HOUSE THAT MAKES BOAT CALLS THE BOATHOUSE AT GRAND LAKE • STEPHANIE BROWN

F

ew of us can say that our daily job is not only making dreams come true, but bringing families together in the process. Kevin, Sandy, and AJ Mast, however, can say that with pride, as it is a big part of the foundation that their familyowned and operated business, The Boathouse at Grand Lake, was built upon in Celina, Ohio.

The Boathouse at Grand Lake carries new boats by Lowe, Avalon Luxury Pontoons, and Mercury Outboard, as well as a selection of boating accessories. The Masts are also proud to be authorized dealers of Piranha Propellers and Interstate batteries.

Kevin, who retired after 26 years of service in the Celina school district, speaks highly of his son AJ, referring to him as the “meat and potatoes” of the family business.

“AJ spent a year at Marine Mechanics Institute in Orlando, learning the techniques required to become a certified Mercury technician.

“Although we do sell new boats and store boats for the winter months, as well as shrink-wrap them in preparation for the colder season, our livelihood comes primarily through repairs. AJ is the backbone of this business, and Sandy and I are just helping out,” he adds, with a smile.

JUNE 2017 | wabashvalleyliving.com | 17

THE

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Phone Orders: (260)589-2125

206 W. Main Street Berne, IN 46711 Open Mon.-Fri. 9a to 5p & Sat. 9a to 1p Online Orders @ www.edelweissinc.com

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260-223-8201

borme00@gmail.com Look for CAR WASH SAVINGS in the Coupon Section!

AJ continues to take yearly classes hosted by Mercury that keep him up to date with any changing features in the Mercury motors or any product updates, ensuring that any work he does is covered by a warranty.

Classes are held in Georgia and Wisconsin, and AJ jokes that if you like the snow, you could head up north, but he prefers the warmer weather, and always heads south.

Sandy, who Kevin lovingly refers to as the “financial wizard” of The Boathouse, explains, “Each one of us have our niche, and together, we make it all work.

It takes a very special person to be in a family business, and after thirty years of working with my brother, I have had plenty of practice!

“We have always joked that if you have never been in a family business, then don’t,” Sandy says with a giggle. “You have to be able to put aside all of the work stuff when you walk out of work, because you are going home with your co-workers, and there very well could be a family dinner.

“You have to be able to get over things quickly, and you can’t let the little disagreements at work carry over to home. It takes a special kind of relationship to make any family business work.”

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When asked what it is that sets their business apart from the rest, the three all seem to agree that it is primarily the core values brought over from their family life. “We are very concerned with things being done right and with our customers being

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The Journey Begins Here!

18

satisfied with our service. We treat everyone who walks through the door as if they were family, and we realize how important it is to get their boat in quickly, get it fixed right the first time, and get them back on the water,” says AJ. He jokes, “No one wants to see their boat mechanic more than twice a year; once to put their boat in the water, and once to take it out!”

It seems almost too obvious that one of the most rewarding parts of their job is being able help a family find the right boat. Sandy recalls an instance where it had taken a while to find the perfect boat for a family with four small children and another on the way, but when they did, one of those children came right up to hug Kevin, who stands well over six feet tall, out of sheer excitement.

“Boating brings families together.

It’s a pastime well worth sharing and handing down to future generations,” Sandy adds.

The Boathouse at Grand Lake showcases what it is really like to care for your customers as if they were family. With knowledgeable staff, who stay up to date with the latest Mercury marine motor upgrades, and who also takes pride in maintaining reliable and friendly service, you’re guaranteed a recipe for success. Being greeted at the door with a smile promised to make anyone feel welcomed, the Masts have made going to the boat mechanic seem almost enjoyable.

With a family name like Mast, along with the fact that they have spent over the last thirty years on a boat, one could say that boating runs deep in their genes by now.

They all share a love for the peace and serenity they have found in boating as a family, and they enjoy being able to share that love with other people.

So, if you’re looking for a new boat, a reliable boat mechanic, a place to store your boat through the winter months—or you just want to meet some good people, stop by and check out The Boathouse at Grand Lake…

The house that makes boat calls.

The Boathouse at Grand Lake

1112 S. Main Street Celina, OH 45822 (419) 586-6657 www.theboathouseatgrandlake.com

Farmer's Markets

Berne

dasMarit Farmers & Artists Market Saturdays 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Corner of US Hwy 27 & SR 218 (260) 589-2936

Celina

Farmers' Market Saturdays 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Courthouse Square (419) 586-2219

Bluffton Decatur Farmer's & Artisan's Market Saturdays 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Dutch Mill Plaza (260) 824-0510

Farmers' Market Thursdays 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM Downtown Madison St (260) 701-3047

Huntington

Downtown Farmers' Market Wednesdays 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM City Parking Lot downtownfarmersmarket5@gmail.com

Van Wert

Van Wert Farm & Art Market Saturdays 10:00 AM 2:00 PM Wassenberg Art Center (419) 238-6837

21

JUNE

01

Knitting & Crochet Club 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM South Adams Senior Center Berne (260) 589-8877

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

Take a Tromp through the Swamp 11:00 AM Coldwater Public Library Coldwater (419) 678-2431

Glass Days Festival Thru June 3rd 11:00 AM Downtown Dunkirk (765) 578-0229

Puzzle Tournament

All ages; $3/Person 12:00 PM 1:00 PM Mercer County Senior Center Celina (419) 586-1644

Blood Pressure Checks

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

Knitting Class

Every Thursday 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Adams Memorial Hospital Decatur (260) 724-2145

Coloring for Grown-Ups Every Thursday 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM Huntington City-Twp Library Huntington (260) 356-0824

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

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

Summer Concert Series 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Madison Street Decatur (260) 724-2604

Build a Better Bubble 6:30 PM 8:00 PM Wells County Library Bluffton (260) 824-1612

Based on the Book Discussion Group

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Mercer County District Library Celina (419) 586-4442

Thursday Night Concert Series

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02

Artists in Action

Every Friday 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Ballentine Gallery Bluffton (260) 824-5222

Van Wert Peony Festival Thru June 4th 10:00 AM Downtown Van Wert www.vwpeonyfestival.com

LEGO Fun 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM Berne Public Library Berne (260) 589-2809

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Every Friday 4:00 PM Berne Public Library Berne (260) 589-2809

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03

Monroe Lions Club 5K 8:15 AM Adams Central Schools Monroe (260) 692-6610

Weekend Childbirth Education Class

05

Adams County Senior Citizens

8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Potluck, Program & BINGO Mercer County Community Hospital 11:30 AM Free Craft Club Celina Riverside Center Mondays thru July 10th (419) 678-5670 Decatur 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM (260) 724-4452 Adult Chess Club Roush Park 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM Line Dancing Bluffton Huntington City-Twp Library Repeats every Tuesday (260) 824-6069 Huntington 12:45 PM - 2:30 PM Cozy Christian Readers (260) 356-0824 Mercer County Senior Center Book Discussion Celina Wildflower Safari 10:15 AM - 11:30 AM (419) 586-1644 $4/Person Adams Public Library 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM LEGO Club Decatur Loblolly Marsh Pavilion Every Tuesday (260) 724-2605 Bryant 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM Mom's Support Group (260) 368-7428 Adams Public Library Every Monday Geneva Charles Dugan Mansion 1:00 PM (260) 368-7270 Opening Weekend Adams Memorial Hospital Build a Better Pizza Open Sat. & Sun. thru August Decatur Teens 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM (260) 724-2145 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM Historical Society Museum M-Club Wells County Library Decatur Bluffton adamscountyinhistoricalmuseum.com Every Monday 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (260) 824-1612 Gaming Club Adams Public Library 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Geneva Huntington City-Twp Library (260) 368-7270 Huntington Minecraft Monday (260) 356-0824 Teens Jubilee Flower Show 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Tai Chi in the Park Thru June 4th Huntington City-Twp Library 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Huntington Storybook Park Wassenberg Art Center (260) 356-0824 Decatur Van Wert (260) 724-2605 Pins & Needles (419) 238-6837 Needlework Club Adams Co. Needles, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Huntington City-Twp Library Hooks & Pins Huntington Every Wednesday (260) 356-0824 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Adams Public Library Decatur Flea Market

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09

Sculpture Activity

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10

Pro-Am Flat Track Motorcycle Races

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23

11

Haystack Luncheon

Historic Sweitzer Barn 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Swiss Heritage Village & Museum Berne (260) 589-8007

ABATE Motorcycle Ride 11:00 AM Downtown Decatur (260) 724-7171

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

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Stevens Puppets:

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11:00 AM Adams Public Library Decatur (260) 724-2605

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Writer's Guild 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM Adams Public Library Decatur (260) 724-2605 24

Fiber Arts Group

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

14

Summer Reading: Purdue Block Party 18 mos.-8 years registration required 1:00 PM Berne Public Library Berne (260) 589-2809

Foam Party 1:00 PM Splash Pad Bluffton (260) 824-6069

Huntington Heritage Days

Thru June 18th 5:00 PM Various Huntington http://huntingtonheritagedays.com

Todd Reigelsperger Visit 6:00 PM Coldwater Public Library Coldwater (419) 678-2431

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Bluffton Regional Medical Center Bluffton, IN (800) 355-2817

Miss Heritage Days Pageant 7:00 PM Crestview Elementary School Huntington (260) 356-5300

15

Seniors Theater

Thursday 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM Wells County Library Bluffton (260) 824-1612

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

Homemade Card Class Call to register 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM City Hall Bluffton (260) 824-6069

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16

City Wide Garage Sales 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM City Wide Decatur (260) 724-2604

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Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show $10 entry fee 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM Downtown Huntington (260) 356-5300

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Pennville Lions Fair Thru June 24th 8:00 AM Pennville Park Pennville (260) 731-3221

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$15 General Admission 6:00 PM Kehoe Park Bluffton (260) 824-6069

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Summer Reading: Mark's Art 1:00 PM Berne Public Library Berne (260) 589-2809

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

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Jr. Escape Room

Ages 8-10 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM Wells County Library Bluffton (260) 824-1612

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Adult Coloring & Craft Time 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Roanoke Public Library Roanoke (260) 672-2989

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Willshire Days Thru June 25th 8:00 AM Willshire Park Willshire (419) 238-9378

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

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Annual Ice Cream Social

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Music in the Park

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Old Fashioned Farmer Days Thru July 2nd 9:00 AM Van Wert County Fairgrounds Van Wert (419) 238-9378

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Lima Symphony Pops Orchestra 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Fountain Park Van Wert (419) 238-9378

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YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS FOR YOUNG & OLD BLUFFTON PARKS & RECREATION

W

hat an amazing role this

organization plays within its community! Residents of the City of Bluffton, Indiana benefit yearround from the planning and hard work done by the city’s parks and recreation staff.

Bluffton first established a Parks and Recreation Board in 1945, which operated in accordance with state statutes in place at that time. In 1965, the city created the Department of Parks & Recreation to carry out policies and procedures enacted by the board.

28 | JUNE 2017 | wabashvalleyliving.com

•

JENNY DUBACH

Twenty years ago, the main job of Bluffton Parks & Recreation was to maintain the swimming pool and city parks. Summer programs consisted of tennis, swimming and gymnastics lessons. Those working in the department began attending state and national conferences to learn about new and exciting programming.

Today, Bluffton Parks & Recreation oversees 12 parks (including a dog park), 8 ball diamonds, the city’s gym and weights room, the Wells Community Pool, River Greenway, a sledding hill, and much more. The department offers more than 100 summer programs for residents of all ages

to enjoy. The staff credits their success to a partnership that includes local businesses and other organizations, as well as a network of volunteers.

Pam Vanderkolk has served as Superintendent of the department since 1998. In 2002, Brandy Fiechter was hired as Assistant Superintendent to help plan year-round parks programming.

Laurie Baumgartner was added as Sports Coordinator the same year, focusing particularly on health and wellness through running events and other sports activitites.

messages and notes we receive after events like these,” she says.

One such note reads, “I think this is awesome that you do what you do. People like you remind the rest of us that the world still has good, caring people in it. I’m a single, full-time father, and good family fun has to be searched for. It’s awesome to be able to find it right here in town.

“So, thank you for giving us the opportunity. The kids and I had a great time, and we look forward to next year’s hunt.”

In high school, Brandy helped coach gymnastics for the Bluffton parks department and found she loved working with children. When the position for program planning became available, Brandy felt it was a perfect fit.

Another happy resident wrote, “We moved here a few months ago. We chose Bluffton, after researching all of the surrounding areas, solely because there are so many free or low cost events going on all throughout the year.

“I really like the freedom to try new, crazy events, such as the giant slip and slide, cardboard boat races, shaving cream fight, Pumpkin Dunken—or at night time, the Halloween egg hunt. What really keeps me motivated are the

“I know how much work and planning must go into making these events run smoothly. I just wanted to let you know that our family thinks that YOU GUYS ROCK!!!!! Keep up the great work!”

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Some of Bluffton Parks & Recreation’s most popular events include the annual DaddyDaughter Dance, Princess Tea Party, and the concerts and movies held at Kehoe Park throughout the summer months.

On June 14th, many children will enjoy the Foam Party at Bluffton’s Splash Pad. And, all ages are welcome to participate in “The City Challenge Race: Do’s, Clues, & Running Shoes” on June 24th.

City Challenge is part run and part “Amazing Race,” combining puzzles, obstacles and other activities with the excitement of a foot race. Participants may compete individually or as teams of two to four people.

Other fun and important programming from Bluffton’s Parks & Recreation department include photo contests, a women’s selfdefense class, Theater Thursday for seniors, card-making classes, Yoga in the Park, star gazing, Independence Day concert and fireworks display…and much, much more! For a full listing of all upcoming parks activities, check the City of Bluffton’s website, or

“like” Bluffton Parks on Facebook to keep track of current program offerings.

Since 2002, the parks department has received 28 awards—about half from the Indiana Park & Recreation Association, and the other half from an annual National Parks & Recreation Association conference.

“Parks are vitally important to establishing and maintaining the quality of life in a community, ensuring the health of families and youth, and contributing to the economic and environmental wellbeing of a community,” explains Brandy. “Our events help improve the local economy by attracting tourism and shoppers who will purchase other goods and services while visiting the area.

“Our goal is to host quality, affordable, accessible events and programs that bring our community together. The department is constantly changing and evolving to offer a variety of different events as the interests of our participants change.

“What I love about this job is that we try our best to do new

things and are always looking for passionate people who are willing to share their interests with others. We have made a lot of great connections with some very talented people.”

In the next five years, Bluffton’s Parks & Recreation department hopes to update the community pool, expand the Interurban Trail on the north side of the city, and renovate all of the city’s basketball courts. Brandy says they also wish to resurface paths and replace the restrooms at Washington Park—and, of course, continue to offer great events and activities to Bluffton’s residents!

When Brandy isn’t working, she enjoys road trips across the country with her husband Todd, who works at Neoti and also performs on drums with the Staci Stork Band.

It is the Fiechters’ goal to visit every U.S. state, but they’ve also been overseas several times to visit former foreign exchange students who once lived their home. Brandy loves learning about different cultures, trying new foods, and spending time with the locals.

If you’d like to volunteer with the Bluffton Parks & Recreation department, or if you have programming ideas, contact the staff by phone or email.

Bluffton Parks & Recreation parks@ci.bluffton.in.us https://blufftonindiana.net

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f you love what you are doing, you never work a day in your life. If you are lucky, you are not only living your passion, but you are sharing it with others. Case in point: Larry Buzzard of Spokesmen Cycling in downtown Roanoke, Indiana.

“My buddies and I all rode, and you couldn’t buy a tire or a tube for a bike in Huntington. After we rode, we would sit around and talk about opening a bike shop.

It was just a summer discussion,” remembers Larry. “The only option we had was to go to Fort Wayne, which was a 45-minute drive.”

Than fate stepped in. In 2011, Larry ran for mayor of the City of Huntington but came in second.

His friends wondered what he was doing next. Was he going to open a bike shop?

He smiles. “So, I said, ‘Sure!’”

By April 2012, Larry opened the doors of his shop, Spokesmen Cycling, in Huntington.

“The theory was we wanted to keep everybody riding. We had parts, tires, and tubes, so when the guy’s bike broke, he wouldn’t have to run it to Fort Wayne,” explains Larry, “and if we made some money, even better.”

JUNE 2017 | wabashvalleyliving.com | 33

Business was slow. Larry and his wife began discussing the possibility of moving to Roanoke just a couple years after opening.

“Roanoke is a happening little town,” he says. “Their downtown is vibrant. They do a lot of events. The foot traffic is good.”

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By the fall of 2016, the owner of a building in Roanoke had just lost his tenants. Larry recalls, “So I came in, took one look at it, and I said, ‘Yes this will work. This could be really cool.’”

Larry worked over the winter to make the space his own. At its new location in Roanoke, Spokesmen Cycling offers three lines of bikes--Jamis, Litespeed, and Masi—each offering a variety of styles. The shop carries kids’ bikes, along with comfort, cruiser, hybrids, road and mountain bikes.

When customers come into the shop Larry asks specific questions. “Where do you want to ride? How far do you want to ride? How fast do you want to ride? How much effort do you want to put in? How much is your budget?”

He explains, “Their answers determine what type of bike they need.”

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People often come in later and want to trade up. “I want you to get on the bike. I want it to be fun for you. If you get the bug, bring it back in and trade it off. Anything I sell I’ll trade back in--and make a deal on the next bike.”

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Spokesmen Cycling offers more than bikes. The shop features a full line of cycling attire and equipment. “If it has to do with cycling, we have it,” Larry assures. “If we don’t have it, we can get it.” Larry also keeps three part-time mechanics on hand to repair bikes.

Larry promotes cycling as a sport by sponsoring a racing team. He’s also involved with a group ride out of Roanoke on Mondays and Saturdays.

On June 17, there is a group ride beginning at Spokesmen Cycling, and Larry has plans to partner with a winery. “It’s a great way to finish,” he says with a smile.

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There’s a great social benefit from cycling--a lot of camaraderie, a sort of brotherhood. The brotherhood is what drew Larry to start his business. This is one aspect of the business that Larry didn’t expect.

“Memorial Day to July 4th, I see a dozen to twenty people that are riding coast to coast,” explains Larry. “They stop in to find out about a place to stay or eat. Sometimes, my wife and I offer our spare bedroom. We feed them a meal and have a great night. Their stories are fantastic.”

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Larry remembers hearing one tale about a ride through the Nebraska plains. “They were on a deserted road. In the distance, there is something across the road, it looked like a log or a semi tire.

“As they got closer, it stood up.

It was a cat, a mountain lion. He had been sunning himself on the pavement. Who’s going to win this race? The cat looked at them, and they rode by REAL slow. Scary!”

Larry remembers another story about a bear cub and its very protective mother. The cyclist grabbed the side of a passing car to get past the pair on a mountain road. Fantastic stories, indeed.

After opening his shop, Larry says he was also caught off guard by the better health biking can bring.

“First summer I was in business, I sold a bike to a guy,” he recalls.

“Fast forward to the next summer.

The same guy walks in the front door, and he says, ‘Look at me. My blood pressure is down, and I’m off blood pressure medication. “’My sugar is neutralized, and it’s all because of that bike you sold me. It changed my life. It saved my life.’ And then he hugged me.”

Larry says with a catch in his voice, “That was not on my radar. I did not expect that when I opened the shop.”

As for the future, Larry is looking towards his biking brotherhood for answers. “I would like to see the shop stay and pass it on to another rider, someone who has the passion, who loves the sport.”

He adds, “There’s never a bad day in a bike shop.”

Spokesmen Cycling

247 N. Main Street Roanoke, IN 46783 (260) 673-9110 www.spokesmen-cycling.com

Ride on, Larry. Ride on.

Spokesmen Cycling is open Tuesday thru Saturday from March thru December.

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ENSURING YOUR INDOOR COMFORT & WELL-BEING A & A MECHANICAL • DEE FISHER

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top for a moment and think about how people lived 125 years ago. In rural areas like ours, homesteads had no electrical power, and heating was largely a matter of how much wood you had prepared for the cold weather.

Air conditioning? Forget about it!

Just open more windows. And any plumbing was probably outdoors and rather uncomfortable and aromatic during temperature extremes.

In today's world, electricity and related utilities, like heating, cooling, and indoor plumbing, are part of daily life. Not only are we less comfortable physically during very hot or very cold weather when

equipment is down or power is lost, we also run the risk of creating serious health hazards like spoiled food from lack of refrigeration and unsecured human waste from inadequate plumbing.

The real job today is in finding technicians who are not only well trained, but also reasonably priced. Having the right plumbing and heating company on your contact list is like having a doctor who understands your medical history--priceless!

A & A Mechanical is a Van Wertbased business that strives to be the right plumbing and heating company for those who need its services. " 'A & A' stands for 'affordable and accurate'," says Ty Holdgreve, owner and president

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of the company. "Those are the bars we set for our service-both faultless assessment, as well as repair of problems, all within the financial means of the customer."

Ty came into the business in a roundabout way. After graduating from Lincolnview/ Vantage Vocational in 1999, Ty farmed for a bit on family land until he decided he wanted to do something else with his life. He joined the Army National Guard, which paid for his college degree in diesel mechanics after he spent a year on active duty following 9/11.

Ty joined a company owned by his father-in-law, which dealt with heating and air conditioning, and it was then that he found his real calling.

"Overall, I love my job!" Ty exclaims. "No two projects are the same, even if the circumstances are identical.

Best of all, I'm not sitting behind a desk all day long. No matter the weather, I prefer to work out-of-doors, free of walls and indoor lighting."

He started his own company in 2009 in his garage, purchasing necessary equipment at auctions. "Our first company vehicle was a used ambulance," Ty shares.

"It was great because of all the shelving and cabinets already built into the back of the van."

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The business has grown since then and now operates from its own location on Crawford Street in Van Wert--with much newer service vehicles and seven full-time employees, including office staff. Fully licensed in both Ohio and Indiana, Ty and his technicians attend classes and workshops annually to keep their licenses renewed and current.

"I can't emphasize enough how important it is to use technicians who have current licenses," Ty explains. "A legitimate plumbing and heating service will have both licensed technicians and a state license for their business. “This reduces the number of 'fly by night' outfits that create more problems and take money under false pretenses.

And, an important part of a technician's license must be in residential plumbing, heating, and cooling."

A & A Mechanical will install, repair, and maintain any residential heating, cooling, or plumbing systems. Along with this, they will repair and maintain generators, clean duct work, and improve water and air quality in a home with stateof-the-art products that cleanse and purify these most basic needs of a family.

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"New building standards make checking air quality a priority for the homeowner," Ty says.

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"New homes are built today with fewer windows and less regard for cross-ventilation because they are constructed specifically with air conditioning in mind. There are fewer chances to ‘air out’ a house, letting harmful antigens, viruses, and bacteria out."

Even such "harmless" problems as dry air can be annoying and less than healthy, causing static electricity charges, as well as itchy skin and sore throats. Floors and walls can also be damaged from extremely dry air, and black mold particles can lead to possibly fatal results for a family.

is enhanced, and the unit's ability to filter particles from the air is more easily maintained through changing filters in each unit; professional cleaning is not an annual requirement, as it is with ducted systems.

"We installed these units in our office and warehouse, and they have been wonderful for our comfort here in the building, as well as helping us save real money on our own heating and cooling," says Ty. "We highly recommend them for homes!"

One fairly new product for home air quality control is the new ductless air system. These are smaller, more energy-efficient units that can be used to control temperature room by room, or in zones around the house.

"In order to serve our customers more efficiently, planning for future maintenance and needed repairs, we offer annual service agreements," Ty adds. "There are two levels of agreements, both affordable, that help us keep our customers from sudden surprises with their home systems."

As the name suggests, these do not rely on ducts to force air through a building. Each unit is an independent system, cooling or heating a specific area. Air quality

Every six months or so, A & A makes appointments with home owners to check their heating and cooling systems. The technician then makes recommendations

for needed repairs and/or maintenance on the system for the comfort and health of the home's inhabitants. Many problems are warded off this way, and there is also a 5- to 10-percent discount given to agreement owners on labor and materials.

The type of service A & A Mechanical supplies is a going concern in our modern world. "As more technicians retire, there are many opportunities opening up for young workers," Ty says. “This

business is challenging, both to the body and the mind, but it's also very rewarding to both mind and spirit. I highly recommend it!"

A&A Mechanical LLC 717 E. Crawford Street Van Wert, OH 45891 (419) 238-4994 www.aamech1.com

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