Wabash Valley Living Magazine August 2014 Edition

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ABASH VALLE

Y

AUGUST 2014

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& NEIGHBORING OHIO COMMUNITIES

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WABASH VALLEY

LIVING www.wabashvalleyliving.com

Editor................................... Amy M. Orr Contributors...Lee Anne Augsburger Dee Fisher

CONTENTS AUGUST 2014

Lori Linebaugh Sylvia Marbach Holly Wuebker Advertising.............. Raelene Hirschy Vol. 6, No. 8, August 2014 © Wabash Valley Living, 2014. Published monthly since June 2009.

Material in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without permission. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Editorial office: 346 U.S. Hwy. 27 North, Berne IN 46711. Call (260)849-2187 for editorial or advertising.

5

The Next Stage | Real Estate

11

A Fresh Start | Floor Cleaning

17

Aging Like New | Home Furnishings

22

CALENDAR OF AREA EVENTS

27

Family Security | Insurance

31

Four Generations | Hardware

35

Dream Homes | Home Builders

41

The Service Plan | Appliances & More

47

COUPON PAGE FIND FRIEDRICH CONTEST

Century 21 Advance Realty – Berne & Portland, IN

Gersh's Carpet Cleaning – Monroe, IN

Wabash Valley Living is printed by:

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

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Adams Memorial Hosp Amy's Professional Hair Anytime Fitness Backyard Furniture Biggs Property Mgmt Bluhm & Reber Brad Alberson Agency Century 21 Advance Chain Reaction Bike Ctr Classics Plus Auto Sales D & H Workshop D L Schwartz Co das Marit Farmers & Art E & M Blacksmith E & R Seed Earthen Treasures East of Chicago Pizza Edelweiss Floral Engine House Quilt Geels Backhoe Gersh's Carpet Cleaning GM Plants & Produce Helen Woodard's Yager Hilty Cabinet Co Innovative Concepts Joe's Lighting Products Karen's Treasures Liechty Bros Heating & M & M Flowers M.C. Hilty Construction Marquis Builders Masters Heating & Cool

2 16 36 26 39 45 29 6 26 8 10 40 19 20 15 4 7 16 7 20 12 44 40 43 37 16 26 9 14 40 33 34

MR Planners 18 New Look Exteriors 21 Next Page Bookstore 19 Niswonger Peform Arts 48 Outdoor Concepts 28 Pizza King of Decatur 25 Ringger Convenience 8 River Terrace Estates 29 Sam's Engine Clinic 13 Schwartz Manufact 43 Schwartz Shoe Store 16 Sharlette's Fudgery & 43 Signature Healthcare 26 Simon's Manufacturing 21 Something from the Gard 13 Sportsmans Lodge 33 State Farm Steve Rich 39 Swiss City Nutrition 9 Swiss Heritage Village 15 Swiss Village Retiremt 42 Swissland Cheese Co 10 Tattered Treasures 37 Thrivent Financial 45 Town & Country Auction 4 TW Fable Restaurant 30 Van Wert CVB 40 Velocity Motors 38 Villa Lanes/224 Pub & 25 Warnock Painting 32 Willow Creek Store 8 Willshire Home Furnish 38 Wilmen's Country Store 45 Zurcher's Best-One 46

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The Next Stage Rob & Sherry Green Help Home Buyers and Sellers Navigate the Market

Article by

Sylvia Marbach

R

eal estate broker Rob Green has always been interested in his field of work, having passed the state exam to earn his salesperson’s license right after turning 18. Now owner of Century 21 Advance Realty, with offices in Berne and Portland, Indiana, Rob has been helping clients buy and sell real estate since 1998.

His wife, Sherry, joined him as co-broker and coowner soon after they married. While the couple also offer personal property auction and real estate

appraisal services, their primary focus is on real estate sales.

Sherry became settled on real estate when she decided to help her brother-in-law find a home.

Unlike Rob, she says, “It wasn’t a lifelong goal.

I was just trying to learn how to do something for my brother-in-law.” However, after taking the class, she realized this was a job she was capable of and also well-suited to her free-spirited personality.

WVL August 2014 / 5

Century 21 Advance Realty has well-trained and experienced agents. Rob, for instance, attended Vincennes University for banking and finance, and Sherry majored in business at Indiana Wesleyan University. Additionally, Rob has completed Century 21’s management training programs.

Rob encourages continued learning that exceeds minimum requirements. He explains, “We’re

always receiving training. My philosophy is if you stop learning, you’re going to be behind.

I am a big believer in education and lifelong learning. And, it’s important to learn what’s going on in the industry, not just in Adams County, but a broader scale.”

For Sherry, one of the best parts of life as a real estate agent is the flexibility and variation of the job. “Everyday is different,” she says. “Your

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schedule has to be very fluid. You don’t know what your day’s going to look like.”

Sherry explains there are behind-thescenes responsibilities of real estate agents that are normally overlooked by the buyer and seller. “There’s a lot we do that most people don’t realize when we sell a house. You listen, first of all – that’s the most important thing. You have to listen to your client and see what their needs are. You take what they tell you and try to find a good fit for them.

“You help them all the way through the process, and the process has become quite lengthy. So, you help them navigate the channels that are out there for you, including finding financing. Then, once they find financing, you help find the house that fits the financing, advise them on how to write their contract and include everything you can to benefit the client the most.

“And, when both clients are ours (buyer and seller), you’ve got to make everybody happy.

“We’re walking clients all the way through to the point where we get to hand them the keys...making sure everything is done on time and correctly...that surveys are ordered, and appraisals are coming through, and the title work is completed.

We just have lots of stages in a sale that the average person isn’t aware of.”

Sherry says modern technology has helped improve Century 21 Advance Realty’s business. “Marketing is huge.

When we first started, you had a book that had all the listings in it, and they produced this book once a month.

“Today, listings are on your phone.

They’re on the Internet. They’re everywhere. It’s amazing what the Internet and technology has done for our business.”

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computer and show you houses wherever you want to look. It doesn’t matter if it’s in Indiana, or if it’s in California.” This quick availability allows more marketing time and more effective advertisement, in general, for both buyers and sellers.

“We have a wonderful marketing availability with Century 21 Advance Realty. Internet marketing is obviously where most of our dollars go right now because that’s where most people are looking for houses. According the National Association of Realtors, 90% plus of home buyers begin their search on the internet. So, the internet is huge,” Sherry adds.

Rob and Sherry are happy to report growth since they took ownership of Century 21 Advance Realty. “We’ve increased our size considerably. We’ve added more agents in both offices.”

Sherry says their agents assist clients who are at varying stages in life. “We meet young couples or young singles just trying to be out of their parent’s house.

That’s your first-time home buyer group.

First-time home buyers may only be able to afford something small, but they’d prefer not to rent.

“Then you’ve got your move-up buyers who’ve outgrown everything they bought previously. Now, they’ve got a bigger family, and they want a home that’s bigger, or nicer.

“We get a lot of people moving in and out of the area, so job changes facilitate a lot of our business, as well.

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“And then, we get the older group who are looking to downsize. So, they need to sell their house, and they may want a smaller house, or they may be looking to go to a retirement community.”

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For someone looking to buy or sell a home, Sherry advises, “I would say, find a good realtor first. That’s going to help you navigate the process because there are a lot of pitfalls and financing challenges that the realtors know how to get through.

Also, look at several houses. Don’t just look at one.”

Rob and Sherry genuinely enjoy bringing happiness and satisfaction to those in search of the right home. “It’s about finding people just the right thing,” says Sherry. “Making them happy. It’s just great to see the elated look they get on their face. They’re excited. They want to move into the house.”

Rob adds, “That’s my goal, too, in helping people sell their homes. They may need some guidance and direction to make good decisions.”

Sherry concludes, “We’re just helping people move to the next stage, whatever that is. Most often, they’re very excited to do it, although sometimes, it’s bittersweet.”

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A Fresh Start 80% of Customers Call on Gersh’s Carpet Cleaning a Second Time

Article by

Lee Anne Augsburger

G

ersh’s Carpet Cleaning strives for a high level of professionalism and service that their customers appreciate. They have a repeat customer base of over 80-percent.

Twenty years ago, Gersh Salisbury established Gersh’s Carpet Cleaning in Berne, Indiana. He operated the business from his home and the business van.

Three years into the carpet cleaning venture, Gersh started a construction company building new homes. However, he struggled to juggle the responsibilities of owning both the carpet cleaning business and the construction business.

Sandy Hill was an acquaintance who’d worked as an administrative assistant at D J Janitorial Supply before advancing to sales

WVL August 2014 / 11

at the company. She says Gersh’s decision to sell the carpet cleaning business seemed like a “door of opportunity”. Sandy purchased the business and has since become a very knowledgeable professional in the carpet cleaning industry.

chance to start this new chapter in her life.

For several years, Sandy also operated the business from her home. About 9½ years ago, she moved Gersh’s to its current location in Monroe and found it to be a perfect fit for the growing business.

At that time, the 37-year old mother of two lived in Geneva. She was excited for the

From the beginning, Sandy viewed the carpet cleaning business as an opportunity

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for her entire family. “My desire was to give my children options for the future,” she explains. “We work hard and have long days, but it’s all worth it for my family.”

Sandy’s son Brandon began helping out at Gersh’s during his senior year of high school. He was uncertain of his future goals and whether he should pursue education beyond high school. After helping out at Gersh’s for a period of time, he realized that the family business was his passion, and he decided to make it a full-time job.

Sandy’s daughter, on the other hand, chose to attend college following graduation.

Gersh’s offers carpet and area rug cleaning, ceramic tile and grout cleaning, upholstery cleaning, leather upholstery cleaning and conditioning, and 3M Scotchgard® Protection in residential homes, in addition to commercial and industrial office settings. Services also include carpet and upholstery cleaning for automobiles, boats and RVs, stain removal, and water damage restoration.

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Sandy and her team serve customers in Adams, Wells, and Jay County, as well as a few in Allen County upon a referral basis, and Ohio. Gersh’s has been a long-time member of the Jay County Chamber of Commerce and has been focusing on more expansion within the communities of Jay County.

Gersh’s chemicals are environmentallyfriendly. Since she first purchased Gersh’s, Sandy’s goal has been to schedule appointments in such a way that her team isn’t rushing through one job to get to the next. She believes each client is equally important and deserving of quality service.

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WVL August 2014 / 13

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Carpeting is the third largest investment within your home, says Sandy, and Gersh’s values your flooring as much as you do. She strongly recommends that homeowners review carpeting warranties at the time of purchase and make note of suggested maintenance schedules. Many do not realize that failure to follow detailed guidelines pertaining to cleaning by a certified company with certified technicians can result in voided warranties.

Customers are very pleased with Brandon’s work, as well as his caring attitude.

Customers quickly realize, as with other products or services, you get what you pay for. There is a big difference between truck mount steam cleaning and the portable devices you can rent. The portable devices will clean the surface, but they do not clean down to the carpet fibers. Truck cleaning might cost a little more, but when it comes to results, the cost is well worth it!

Administrative and office duties take up much of Sandy’s time today, though she does help with cleaning, as needed. When she is able to go on a job, it is immediately evident where her passion still lies – cleaning and seeing the end result, “which amazes us all, at times,” she adds. Sandy says she especially misses the face-to-face conversations with long-time Gersh’s clients who “feel more like friends.”

About 11 years ago, a client called Gersh’s for assistance. The carpeting in an activity center was heavily soiled and stained, and the client wasn’t sure whether to spend money on cleaning or on purchasing new carpet. Sandy recalls that her team was able to restore the carpet to almost-new condition. The client still has not needed to replace that carpet, and they continue to rely on Gersh’s for its routine care.

Many clients request Brandon for their cleaning, as he is a perfectionist, and it shows in his work. He never ends a job without a final inspection to confirm all areas are the cleanest possible, and he is careful to return furnishings to their original positions.

A number of area businesses and homeowners schedule regular cleanings with Gersh’s to keep floor coverings their cleanest and to avoid premature replacement costs. Sandy says Gersh’s priority is

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customer satisfaction, and her team will return to correct a concern. Sandy and Brandon both aim to please their customers, and they enjoy the variety of cleaning challenges they face on the job from day to day.

After periods of heavy rainfall, Gersh’s is often called upon to help with the clean-up as flood waters recede.

Sometimes, the team works into the night in these emergency situations.

And, they are right back to work the next morning.

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For emergency flood work, Gersh’s is available 24-hours, seven days a week.

For regularly scheduled cleaning of a residential property, Gersh’s hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Gersh’s schedules commercial and industrial jobs in accordance with their client’s hours.

Sandy says, “Purchasing a business is a rewarding challenge, but working with family is the ultimate blessing. We have been fortunate and blessed with the opportunity to serve those whom we consider our family and friends.

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WVL August 2014 / 15

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Aging Like New Rehab Fab Restoring Usefulness to Outdated Items in Van Wert

Article and photos by

Dee Fisher

W

landfill or garbage dump. Sometimes, the items aren’t even broken or scuffed—they’re simply old and out-of-date. We all seem to want the newest thing coming down the road.

It’s nothing to purchase furniture or appliances, use them for a few years, and then simply toss them away into the nearest

However, in some spheres, this attitude is seen as nearly blasphemous! With TV shows like “American Pickers,” “American Restoration,” and “Pawn Stars,” the U.S. is seeing a surge of repurposing, restoring, and recreating.

Here in Van Wert, there are several small

e live in a throwaway society.

My father used to call it “planned obsolescence.” When consumer goods are manufactured nowadays, there seems to be an expiration date built into them, so that we’re forever throwing away the old and buying new.

WVL August 2014 / 17

businesses dedicated to bringing back the discarded items of our culture and giving them new life.

Dawn and Jeff Cooper moved to Van Wert —“a great place to raise our kids,” Dawn remarks—about thirty years ago. They made a living for years “flipping” houses—buying

Est. 1975

old homes, remodeling them, and reselling them. Then, the great real estate bubble popped in the first decade of this century, and the Coopers had to rethink their way of making a living.

Throughout their lives, Dawn and Jeff loved to build and create unusual pieces, using

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“found” items from people and places around them. In fact, after a time, they ran out of space in their home and their kids’ homes for housing all these creations! “Let’s start a store,” Dawn suggested, so the hunt was on to find a location.

After looking at many possible destinations, including Savannah, Georgia, Dawn’s daughter told them about a blog written by a friend from the Van Wert area who was creating new furniture from old pieces—what some would call “junk.” As Dawn talked with her and other local artists, it seemed obvious that the Coopers’ place was here in Van Wert County.

The Coopers’ shop, Rehab Fab, is located in an old storefront on West Main Street in Van Wert. “It was a sad little building that needed fixing up,” Dawn says. “It was perfect for us!” Together, they set up not only a retail business, but also a workshop for recycled and repurposed items. “It’s like a love affair for us. To us, furniture isn’t serious—it’s fun!”

And, “fun” is a great way to describe their shop. Rehab Fab specializes in unique, one-of-a-kind objects that come to them in several ways. First of all, the Coopers receive donations and purchase old furniture from local people and estates. They work creatively to redo the piece in such a way that it can be used again.

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Dawn relates a story about a family that brought a bed to her. It had been handed down through several generations, but it was just too large for the current generation to find any use for it. Dawn and her husband disassembled it, cut down the headboard and frame, and reassembled it as a bench with storage.

It was returned to the family, who could

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now use it, as well as relate its history to coming generations. The family history wasn’t thrown away; it was remade into something useful for the current generation.

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Sometimes, a family doesn’t want a piece back. In those cases, Dawn will often stay in touch with the donor/ sellers and let them know how and where their family’s piece of furniture has been reincarnated.

Strangely, she has noticed that pieces often migrate back to their place of origin. “It’s nothing to see a piece come in from a particular county and then, after it’s been redone, be bought by someone else from that same county.

It’s as though the piece was meant to be where it started.”

The second focus of business for Rehab Fab is as a consignment/gathering place for local artisans. “The Van Wert area is filled with very talented people who are creating all the time,” Dawn explains. She and her husband decided to help these local artists establish their own small businesses, rather than just working on a hobby in their spare time.

“The first things I ask are, ‘Do you have a website? Do you have business cards?’ We’d like to help them take their art from being just a hobby to being something that makes a living for them.

“We’ve helped over sixty local artists in the three years we’ve been open,” Dawn confides. She has invited small businesses from inside and outside Van Wert County without a physical site of their own to bring their wares to their store on a consignment basis. Some

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of them have also been able to present classes about their art to the public.

A believer in downtown renovation, Dawn plans to continue to work with other business people in Van Wert to help bring in more retail traffic and new businesses. She also counts some of the local businesses as her customers! There is a wonderful bar in their performance area of our local art center --this lovely bar was formerly old shelving and worn out stools until Dawn and her husband transformed them.

One of our local confectioners has a sweet little bench in his store that the Coopers made from some old kitchen chairs. Just recently, Dawn refinished bookcases from the attic of the Van Wert County Courthouse, and she will be recovering chairs for use in the Van Wert Municipal Court Building.

Dawn would like to see local artists actually creating pieces of their art in her shop, as well as selling their creations. “So many hand crafts are becoming lost arts. Watching artists at work is how the next generation best learns the arts and keeps them going.”

That’s what the Coopers are all about: making new creations from joining the old and the new here in Van Wert.

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7315 US Hwy 27 S - Just south of Berne

(260)589-3223

AREA EVENTS CALENDAR

1st

Comp Camp

1:30 p.m.

Adams Public Library Geneva, Indiana (260) 368-7270

First Fridays

3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Downtown Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-6911

Farmers Market - Every Friday

dasMärit Farmers & Artists Market - Every Saturday

4th

Ouabache Olympiad

Cozy Christian Readers Book Discussion

8:00 a.m. - Noon US Hwy 27 & State Road 218 Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2936 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Ouabache State Park Bluffton, Indiana (260) 468-2127

LEGO Club

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Hwy 1 Pennville, Indiana (260) 731-2244

10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Berne Public Library Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2809

7:00 p.m.

Fountain Park Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-1743

1:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Various Fields Portland, Indiana (260) 368-7311

7:30 p.m.

Freedom Amphitheater St. Henry, Ohio www.vil.saint-henry.oh.us

6:00 p.m.

Gospel Barn of Bluffton Bluffton, Indiana (651) 269-2120

Never Stop Believin' Journey Tribute

World Baseball Congress Championships

The Music Man in Concert

The Penny Loafers Quartet

Free Movie: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 8:45 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Kehoe Park Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

2nd

Memorial Antique Tractor Tour

7:30 a.m.

Kennedy-Kuhn Equipment Van Wert, Ohio (419) 203-5779

Farmers Market - Every Saturday 8:00 a.m. - Noon Dutch Mill Plaza Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6412

Farmers Market - Every Saturday 8:00 a.m. - Noon Webster Depot Park Dunkirk, Indiana (765) 768-6877

Farmers Market - Every Saturday 8:00 a.m. - Noon Jay County Courthouse Portland, Indiana (260) 726-2565

22 / WVL August 2014

Jerry Jones in Concert 7:00 p.m.

Webster Depot Park Dunkirk, Indiana (765) 768-6877

NCGLNAC Cultural Arts Classes Jay County Fairgrounds Portland, Indiana (765) 426-3022

3

rd

Decatur Flea Market 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Riverside Center Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2341

Music in the Park 2:00 p.m.

Storybook Park Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

Abbey Road Beatles Tribute

Tai Chi in the Park 11:00 a.m.

Storybook Park Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

10:15 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.

Adams Public Library Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

Poetry Coterie

3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Adams Public Library Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

Family Game Night 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Adams Public Library Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

5th

Blood Pressure Checks 8:15 a.m.

McDonald’s Restaurant Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2327

Senior BINGO

8:30 a.m.

McDonald’s Restaurant Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2327

Get Jazzed Up with Jamie (by appointment) 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

South Adams Senior Center Berne, Indiana (260) 589-8877

Blood Pressure Checks Noon - 2:00 p.m.

Muselman Wellness Pavilion Berne, Indiana (260) 589-4496

LEGO Movie

2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Berne Public Library Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2809

7:00 p.m.

Kehoe Park Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

6th

8:00 p.m.

Van Trees Park Fort Recovery, Ohio (419) 375-2530

9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Adams Public Library Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

Community Talent Night

Needles, Hooks & Pins Every Wednesday

Weaving Demonstration 11:30 a.m.

Adams Public Library Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

Ronald McDonald Visit 1:30 p.m.

Adams Public Library Geneva, Indiana (260) 368-7270

Game Day

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Berne Public Library Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2809

Singles & Separates Support Group

2:00 p.m.

Muselman Wellness Pavilion Berne, Indiana (260) 589-4496

Farmers Market - Every Wednesday in June 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Dutch Mill Plaza Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6412

Wet & Wacky Wednesday 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Wells Community Pool Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

Van Wert Rib Fest Opens 5:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.

Van Wert County Fairgrounds Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-9378

Jazz on the Patio

7:00 p.m.

Arts Commerce Visitors Ctr Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-0510

Junk Yard Band

7:30 p.m.

Freedom Amphitheater St. Henry, Ohio www.vil.saint-henry.oh.us

Free Movie: The Nut Job 8:45 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Kehoe Park Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

Wheels of Yesteryear Opens Wells County 4-H Park Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6412

9

th

Women's Self-Defense Class

10th

Music in the Park 2:00 p.m.

Storybook Park Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

Old Crown Brass 7:00 p.m.

Kehoe Park Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

Geezie Cats in Concert 8:00 p.m.

Van Trees Park Fort Recovery, Ohio (419) 375-2530

11th

Tai Chi in the Park 11:00 a.m.

Storybook Park Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

Brown Bag Book Club 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Wells County Library Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-1612

Genealogy Topics

9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

City Gym Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

6:30 p.m.

Adams Public Library Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

Sired Fair Circuit Harness Races

12th

3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

1st Street Parking Lot Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2604

Duck Race on the Wabash

8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

McDonald's Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2145

6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Wells County Library Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-1612

Southern Sound Quartet

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Richard's Restaurant Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2145

8th

Market on Main - Fridays

Saturday Night at the Village

Healthy Cooking Class

Memory Lane in Concert

7th

Highway 127 & Lincoln Highway Yard Sales Open Along US 127 & Lincoln Hwy Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-9378

Farmers Market - Every Thursday

Genealogy Workshop

10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Downtown Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-6911

10:00 a.m. - Noon South Adams Senior Center Berne, Indiana (260) 589-8877

10:00 a.m.

Jay County Fairgrounds Portland, Indiana (260) 726-4331 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Kehoe Park Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

6:00 p.m.

Gospel Barn of Bluffton Bluffton, Indiana (651) 269-2120

7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Swiss Village Auditorium Berne, Indiana (260) 589-3173 7:00 p.m.

Webster Depot Park Dunkirk, Indiana (765) 768-6877

Blood Pressure Clinic

Blood Pressure Clinic

Blood Pressure Checks Noon - 2:00 p.m.

Muselman Wellness Pavilion Berne, Indiana (260) 589-4496

Computer Club

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Wells County Library Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-1612

iPad Club

2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Wells County Library Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-1612

WVL August 2014 / 23

Cookbook Club

6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Wells County Library Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-1612

14th

Homecoming Days Opens

17th

Bluegrass Jamboree 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Limberlost Cabin Geneva, Indiana (260) 368-7428

Farmland Jazz Band

Various Wren, Ohio (419) 238-9378

7:00 p.m.

Kehoe Park Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Arby's Restaurant Portland, Indiana (260) 726-8006

Shelby County Line in Concert

Thursday Night Cruise-In

Ladies' Night Out

6:00 p.m.

South Adams Senior Center Berne, Indiana (260) 589-8877

15th

Geneva's Geneva

6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Limberlost Visitors Center Geneva, Indiana (260) 368-7428

Swing Era Band

7:30 p.m.

Freedom Amphitheater St. Henry, Ohio www.vil.saint-henry.oh.us

Wiffleball Tournament Opens Wrenway Park Wren, Ohio (419) 238-9378

16th

LEGO Club

10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Berne Public Library Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2809

Jeff & Sheri Easter in Concert 6:00 p.m.

Gospel Barn of Bluffton Bluffton, Indiana (651) 269-2120

Monroe Lions Club Truck & Tractor Pull 6:00 p.m.

Swiss Heritage Village Berne, Indiana (260) 589-8007

Spittin' Image in Concert 7:00 p.m.

Webster Depot Park Dunkirk, Indiana (765) 768-6877

24 / WVL August 2014

8:00 p.m.

Van Trees Park Fort Recovery, Ohio (419) 375-2530

18th

Tai Chi in the Park 11:00 a.m.

Storybook Park Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

Blood Pressure Checks 12:30 p.m.

South Adams Senior Center Berne, Indiana (260) 589-8877

Free Senior BINGO

1:00 p.m.

South Adams Senior Center Berne, Indiana (260) 589-8877

All Books Considered Book Discussion 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Adams Public Library Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

Family Game Night 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Adams Public Library Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

19th

Senior BINGO

8:30 a.m.

McDonald’s Restaurant Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2327

Pedicures with Jamie (by appointment) 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

South Adams Senior Center Berne, Indiana (260) 589-8877

Jay County Tractor Ride 9:15 a.m.

Jay County Fairgrounds Portland, Indiana (260) 726-4331

Blood Pressure Checks Noon - 2:00 p.m.

Muselman Wellness Pavilion Berne, Indiana (260) 589-4496

20th

Antique Gas Engine & Tractor Show Opens Jay County Fairgrounds Portland, Indiana (260) 726-4036

Old Fashioned Praise & Worship Service 7:00 p.m.

Riverside Center Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2604

21st

Seniors Theater Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Wells County Library Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-1612

Taste of Decatur 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Riverside Center Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2604

Card Making Class 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

City Hall Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

22nd

Karma's Pawn Band

7:30 p.m.

Freedom Amphitheater St. Henry, Ohio www.vil.saint-henry.oh.us

23rd

Kekionga Festival 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Riverside Park Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2604

Todd Allen Family in Concert 6:00 p.m.

Gospel Barn of Bluffton Bluffton, Indiana (651) 269-2120

24th

(260)728-2151

Music in the Park 2:00 p.m.

Storybook Park Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

310 E. Monroe Decatur, IN

Gospel Concert 7:00 p.m.

Kehoe Park Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

25th

Tai Chi in the Park 11:00 a.m.

Storybook Park Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

26th

Blood Pressure Checks

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27th

15% OFF TOTAL BILL –when you present the coupon on page 47–

Senior Luncheon

Noon South Adams Senior Center Berne, Indiana (260) 589-8877

28th

Van Wert County Fair Opens

31st

Music in the Park

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Storybook Park Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

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Gospel Barn of Bluffton Bluffton, Indiana (651) 269-2120

All-New Remodeled Brunswick Lanes!

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The Taylors in Concert

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WVL August 2014 / 25

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Family Security Protection is the Goal for American Family Agent Brad Alberson

Article by

Lee Anne Augsburger

S

ince 1927, the trusted agents of American Family Insurance have been pointing consumers toward solutions for their specific insurance needs.

Brad Alberson is a local American Family Insurance Agent serving clients in both Adams and Wells counties in Indiana.

Brad graduated from Bellmont High School in 1992. Following graduation, he joined the navy for four years, serving as a ship

serviceman and a firefighter. Brad was also a team leader and received a medal for his service.

After the navy, he started at Fort Wayne Foundry and became a quality engineer, traveling around the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Brad was promoted to the position of quality manager, but unfortunately, the plant was eliminated and employees were suddenly without jobs.

WVL August 2014 / 27

At this point, Brad was ready for a new career.

He made a decision to interview with a few different insurance agencies, but American Family Insurance really stuck out to him because of its emphasis on families. As a husband and father, Brad he felt this company fit well with his own priorities in life.

Brad says Jamie, his wife of ten years, and their three children “mean the world to him,” and he

wants to protect them from all possible harm.

He has the same desire to protect his customers.

There are different levels of property insurance coverage, but Brad is one of the many American Family agents ready to help clients find the best fit within budget. Brad’s past leadership roles are a definite advantage as he assists clients in securing coverage for their homes and other valuable possessions. And, he likes to develop

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a good relationship with his customers to better understand their wants and needs.

Brad says, “I believe there’s more to insurance than the policy itself. It’s about providing dependable protection and service. That’s why earning your trust is my policy.”

For homeowners, American Family Insurance offers a Gold Star policy with a higher level of coverage “customized to fit you and your home.” The Gold Star coverage insures the home and personal property, as well as other structures on the property, against damage caused by nature, including: wildfire, lightning, windstorm, hail, weight of snow, ice or sleet, and more. With the sometimes frigid winter temperatures in northern Indiana and Ohio, Gold Star coverage for damage caused by frozen interior plumbing may prove quite helpful.

The policy also offers protection from losses caused by fire, smoke, vandalism, theft, damage by vehicles, power surges, plumbing leaks, and falling objects, to name a few.

American Family Insurance provides a full range of insurance products, including auto, life, umbrella, business, health, and farm and ranch insurance. The company aims to make insurance coverage “easy and convenient” by furnishing “all your protection under one roof.”

Premium rates are determined by a variety of factors, such as how long a client has been insured by American Family, the client’s claims history, credit information, deductible amount, applicable discounts, and more. Knowing that household budgets can be tight, Brad works hard to ensure his clients receive all the discounts for which they are eligible.

He is also careful to explain to clients what protections are available, as well as

WVL August 2014 / 29

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what is covered. For example, regarding auto insurance, Brad says, “Although you’re buying a single insurance policy covering a specific vehicle, a number of components make up the final cost.”

These components include: “property damage liability,” covering claims for property damage caused by your automobile; “bodily injury liability,” which “covers injury and death claims against you,” as well as legal costs, should your automobile “injure or kill” a person; “medical payments” to cover injuries sustained by you and other occupants of your car in an accident; “uninsured motorist protection,” which covers injuries “caused to you or to the occupants of your car by uninsured or hit-and-run drivers; “collision coverage” to cover damage to your car “up to its book value;” and, “comprehensive coverage,” which protects against damage to your vehicle because of “theft, vandalism, fire, wind, flood, and other non-accident causes.”

With this sort of attention to detail, Brad ensures his clients understand the products they are purchasing and that they are paying for the coverage that is right for them. Contact Brad or his assistant Heather to discuss the American

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Four Generations Wangler Family Hardware Business has Served Fort Recovery for 98 Years

Article by

Holly Wuebker

O

nly a handful of hometown businesses ever reach their onehundredth anniversary. Wangler Ace Hardware, located in Fort Recovery, Ohio, is just a couple years away from this momentous milestone.

Like fingerprints, no two hardware stores are the same. Each one specializes in its own variety of tools or merchandise. Wangler Ace Hardware

is not only unique, but it has been in the same family for generations – four generations, to be exact.

This family business began in 1916 with the original owner, Erhart Wangler, and featured items that are a world apart from those displayed today. Back then, Erhart’s main focus was on washboards, blacksmith tools, plow supplies, wooden wheels, and goods needed

WVL August 2014 / 31

for any horse and buggy. Jump ahead nearly 98 years, and there is a much wider range of products available, from paint and power tools, to electrical and plumbing supplies and more.

third generation, in 1963, and ownership changed again when Bill passed it along to his daughter and son-in-law, PJ and Mike Minor, in 1977.

Over the years, the Wangler family hardware was passed down from one generation to the next. Erhart handed the business over to the second generation in 1944. That generation turned the store over to Bill Wangler, of the

PJ and Mike met in Columbus during their college years and will soon celebrate 38 years of marriage. While PJ is from Fort Recovery, Mike moved from Solon, Ohio so the two could take over the family business. PJ and Mike

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were able to involve their children in the business, too, while the three still lived at home. Today, Megan, Matt and Marisa, who range in age from 26 to 34, reside in Cincinnati and northern Kentucky.

For the first time in company history, in 1978, Wangler Hardware hired an employee who was not a member of the family. Shortly after that, PJ and Mike hired Steve Schmitz, who started as a part-time employee at the age of 15. Steve became a co-owner with the Minors in 1993 and has been very involved in company decisions made over the past few decades.

For example, the current owners established their franchise with Ace Hardware in 1999. This partnership has helped them greatly with the increased buying power and national advertising program.

Along with the changes in inventory and staff over the years, there was also the occasional need for operational improvements. One of the first such improvements after PJ and Mike took over the business was “purchasing a phone and a cash register.” Some of the smallest modern conveniences can help to make a vast difference in business efficiency. The Minors continue to make improvements here and there today, and they regularly update displays and add new products to their inventory.

According to PJ and Mike, they try to “stock what they think local individuals will need.” They accomplish this by getting to know Wangler Ace Hardware’s customers. The Minors offer custom ordering, and since Ace provides them with greater buying power, they are able to have custom orders shipped to the store for free, rather than keeping specialty items in stock. This provides a plethora of merchandise – 15 times more than shown on the company website, in fact – readily available for a variety of industries and projects.

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Recently, Wangler Ace Hardware added an entire selection of Valspar paint to its line of products. While the addition meets a need for the store’s customers, PJ and Mike actually discovered the need as they painted and decorated their own home. So, they added a paint and framing department at the store, eventually expanding to the new paint line, which also includes auto tints.

Along with its wide range of products, Wanger Ace Hardware offers a variety of services, including: some small tool repairs, blade sharpening, pipe threading, shipping services, window and screen repairs, lock servicing, layaway, picture framing, key cutting, pipe cutting, glass cutting, inflatable rentals, and rental delivery.

It’s amazing, though, how some things never change, like the importance of focusing on customers’ needs and being involved in the community. Wangler’s motto is “service, selection and tradition,” and it has been that way for many years.

PJ and Mike say they enjoy seeing “the different generations come through the door” and helping each individual with exactly what

they might need. They enjoy “becoming friends with clients, since it’s a great group of people.”

PJ adds, “That’s what makes you want to come to work.”

Focusing on the community is also an important part of hometown business, and the Minors are active in giving back and helping children in the Fort Recovery area. PJ and Mike are devoted supporters of the Future Farmers of America program at Fort Recovery High School, and they try to help with many FFA projects, as well as other community events.

Wangler Ace Hardware, which will celebrate 100 years in business in 2016, has seen a variety of transitions over the years. One thing remains constant, though – the company’s dedication to quality and service.

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Dream Homes Ideal Suburban Homes is One of Indiana’s Leading Home Builders

Article by

Lee Anne Augsburger

I

deal Suburban Homes of Decatur, Indiana aims to make each home buyer’s dreams a reality. As the company remains faithful to its mission statement – to “build trust and quality in every home” – customers express their satisfaction and recommend Ideal to friends and family.

More than half a century ago, Ideal Suburban Homes was founded in Decatur by Clark Smith.

Smith passed the company on to his son-in-law,

Ralph Biggs, who devoted much of his life to building the family business. In 1965, Ralph also created a local real estate brokerage, Ideal Realtors, which, to this day, continues to serve property buyers and sellers in Adams County.

Ralph’s son Kevan has been “intimately involved in all aspects of the business” since his graduation from college in 1996. Kevan worked alongside his father on a daily basis to learn the ins and outs of the business. In 2004,

WVL August 2014 / 35

he was named CEO of Ideal and took over full management of the company.

conventional housing, Rural Development, HUD, Tax Credit and Section 8 communities.

Kevan operates the company with the same strong values his father and grandfather possessed.

He also serves as President of Biggs Property Management, a sister company to Ideal Suburban Homes. Biggs specializes in rental property management of specialized housing including

A husband, and father of three, Kevan also serves on the board of the Boys & Girls Club of Adams County. He is very passionate about this organization, which provides a “safe, positive place� for area youth with locations in Decatur and Berne.

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Ideal has established itself as a leader in the homebuilding business in Northeast Indiana. From Muncie to the Michigan line, Ideal has been delivering the American dream to thousands of Hoosier families since it first began operations in 1959. Kevan and his employees feel very strongly about providing expert craftsmanship, and they believe that Ideal delivers the best value with the highest quality materials, as well as eye-catching detail.

According to Kim Davis, Director of Sales for Ideal Suburban Homes, the builder offers more than 40 single-family housing plans, ranging from 1,1000 to 2,400 square feet. Ideal is pleased to work with first-time home buyers, whose starter homes comprise 56% of the company’s sales.

Kim has worked in sales for over 20 years, and she joined Ideal Suburban Homes in 2005. She works closely with the construction department, lenders, and title companies to make sure every transaction goes smoothly.

Ideal Suburban Homes is affiliated with a number of real estate professionals in Adams, Allen, Blackford, Dekalb, Delaware, Huntington, Jay, Kosciusko, Noble, Steuben, Wells and Whitley counties in Indiana, as well as Van Wert County, Ohio. Kim works closely with the realtors to help prospective clients achieve their dream of building a new home.

According to Kim, Ideal allows homeowners some customization of their new home so each has the opportunity to “make the home their own.” Selection Centers, stocked with samples of carpet, siding, brick, roofing, cabinets, countertops and much more to help in the selection process, are located in Decatur and Warsaw, Indiana. Ideal is committed to customer satisfaction, offering a 10year builders’ warranty with each new home.

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Log onto Ideal Suburban Homes’ website at www.ideal-builders.com to see what past customers have to say about their experience with the company. For example, Glenn and Helga built a villa at Tiger’s Retreat, an Ideal community in Warsaw, Indiana. While they liked the existing villas in the community, they wanted to make “a lot of little changes” so the home would be “more convenient” to their lifestyle.

Glenn says, “My wife and I had never built a home before. We had no experience, and we were unsure what to do. But, Kim got involved and stayed involved with us and made our process probably one of the most fun things my wife and I have ever attempted together. We can’t say enough about how much she helped us and made our experience a pleasant one.

“On that last day, our sales rep met us and handed us the keys to our home, and we walked through it. We had a beautiful home, and all our ideas had become reality. It was a fun and exciting experience. Everyone pitched in to make our home beautiful.”

Ideal’s reputation for quality and affordability has allowed the company to grow into other segments of the housing market over the past decade – namely, more apartment homes and villas. In addition to single-family housing, the company has constructed 35 apartment

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38 / WVL August 2014

projects consisting of more than 3,000 apartment units throughout Indiana and Michigan.

At present, Ideal is working on several community expansions and additions.

A few of these include: Bell Farm Estates, a new single-family and villa community in Decatur; expansion of the villa section at Cross Creek in Decatur; expansion of the Crown Hill Farm and Stonybrook communities in Huntington; development of the Villas of Kilsoquah and Claybrooke, new communities in Roanoke; expansion of the Lincoln Pointe and Eagle Glen communities in Columbia City; and, development of Mitchell’s Reserve, a new community in Warsaw.

Recently, Ideal completed construction of The Courtyard in Fort Wayne. The Courtyard features a 36-unit apartment complex for youths aging out of foster care. The residents have access to a number of services, as well, including job training. The Courtyard offers these young people a strong foundation of skills to assist them as they start the next chapter in their lives.

Ideal Suburban Homes uses a combination of good business practices to maintain its longtime reputation as one of Indiana’s leading home builders. The staff at Ideal would love to help you build the home of your dreams today.

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The Service Plan Three Generations Committed to Community Service at JaMar in Portland

Article and photos by

Lori Linebaugh

W

Shauna’s grandparents, Jack and Marianna Payne, opened JaMar TV & Appliance in 1970.

The business name came from the first few letters of their first names.

JaMar owner Shauna Runkle, a Portland native, is very active within the community. She is also a wife and a mother of three.

While JaMar was first located in downtown Portland, a fire destroyed the store in 1972.

With a good deal of smoke and water damage, the structure could not be salvaged. JaMar relocated near True Value until 1980, when it was moved to the current location on West Votaw Street.

ith so many chain stores popping up, it is hard to find a locally-owned business that is invested deeply in the community. JaMar TV, Appliances & Bedding, located in Portland, is an excellent example of a business that is invested not only in the customers, but also the surrounding community.

WVL August 2014 / 41

In the 80s, Shauna’s grandparents handed the store over to her parents, Troy and Kris Rose.

Customers soon learned that Kris was fond of monkeys, and many began to bring her monkey dolls and figures for her collection.

at Ball State University. Following college, she moved to Indianapolis with her husband and began working for RCA, a manufacturer of manufacturer of TVs, stereos, and other electronics.

After graduating from Jay County High School in 1987, Shauna went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in marketing and finance

While Shauna liked her job well enough, she felt something was missing. She worked for a large company, but had very little involvement

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within the community. Her parents and grandparents were all very active members of the community in Portland, and Shauna desired the same type of involvement. The Runkles decided to move back to Portland, and a short time later, Shauna went to work for the family business.

In early 2000, Shauna started working part-time at JaMar. In March, she became a partner in the business with her father Troy after her mother unexpectedly passed away. Kris’ monkey collection is still on display in Shauna’s office. Young children in the store love seeing and playing with all the monkeys.

In 2001, Shauna and Troy re-evaluated their product line and decided an addition was needed. They began carrying Simmons mattresses and box springs, along with the appliances and electronics.

When Troy decided to retire in 2007, Shauna and her husband Jim took over the business. Today, the Runkles’ daughters are helping out at JaMar as they have time.

JaMar TV, Appliances & Bedding carries Whirlpool, Maytag, KithenAid, Amana, Frigidaire, Fisher & Paykel, and LG appliances. Even as a small operation, JaMar can offer competitive pricing because of its affiliation with BrandSource, a national buying group that benefits smaller businesses by giving them the same buying power as the larger chain stores.

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to purchase the most expensive model. The employees at JaMar are invested in the customers and will ask plenty of questions to make sure one ends up with the appliance that best suits their needs.

According to Shauna, some helpful information to have with you when shopping for appliances are the dimensions and available space for the appliance. Also, be sure to explain what you want to do with the appliance. Are you planning to can vegetables on your new stove, for instance?

Do you often wash greasy and oily clothing?

Do you want your appliance in a certain color? Details like these affect the type of appliance that is best suited for you.

JaMar is also a self-servicing dealer, which means they include a department for servicing all of their own appliances, unlike larger stores, where one may have a hard time finding a qualified service professional.

While JaMar cannot do warranty work on appliances purchased at other stores, their staff can repair appliances that are out of warranty.

For Shauna, one of the best parts of owning a small business is being able to greet customers by their first name when they walk in the door. From Shauna's perspective, she is helping people, not just selling them appliances. And, she enjoys hearing stories about her mother from customers who remember her mother working in the store.

Shauna is gratified to know that as a locally-owned business, they support the community by employing local people. This not only helps JaMar’s employees, but it also adds to the local economy. JaMar donates to local charities and events, as well.

Shauna appreciates the flexibility of owning a small town store. She is able to attend her children’s sporting events, as well as meetings for any of the community groups she volunteers for.

Currently, Shauna is a member of the Portland Park Board, where she is working with others toward construction of a new pool for the community. She is also active in the Portland Economic Development Corporation and serves on the Jay Community Center board.

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Shauna is treasurer and secretary of the Portland Elks, as well.

With the same flexibility, Shauna is also better able to serve customers. If the regular hours of operation don’t fit with a customer’s schedule, she will happily schedule a special appointment outside of normal business hours.

JaMar’s employees are committed to serving the customers by making their experience as positive as possible. In an emergency, Shauna and her staff are ready to help remedy the situation as quickly as possible, while striving for complete customer satisfaction.

Nearing 45 years in business, JaMar’s owners continue operating the store with the same commitment to community upon which the company was originally founded. Because of his community involvement, Jack Payne eventually was awarded a lifetime achievement award from the Jay County Chamber of Commerce.

Jack’s daughter Kris was an active and valued member of the chamber, as well, and supported a variety of organizations and events in Portland while managing JaMar with her husband Troy. That concern for the community is still evident today at JaMar, as the third and fourth generations carry on family traditions, as well as the family business.

CONTACT INFORMATION: 1250 W. Votaw Street Portland, IN 47371

(260) 726-7809

WVL August 2014 / 45

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Entertainment for EVERYone in the family.

NISWONGER SEASON OVERVIEW

7:30 PM THE ANNIE MOSES BAND 7:30 PM PETER YARROW & MUSTARD’S RETREAT 7:30 PM HABANEROS from Cuba 7:30 PM INSPIRATION OF BROADWAY 3:00 PM THE OLATE DOGS 7:30 PM DALLAS BRASS with Bryan Anthony 7:30 PM JOSH TURNER 2 & 7:30 PM THE NUTCRACKER BALLET 7:30 PM PETER WHITE CHRISTMAS 7:30 PM KENNY ROGERS 7:30 PM HOLIDAY ICE SPECTACULAR 7:30 PM SOLID GOLD CHRISTMAS Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr. 3:00 PM PAUL NICKLEN National Geographic 7:30 PM HOME FREE 7:30 PM SINBAD $ 3:00 PM ANYTHING GOES Broadway VE A S 7:30 PM BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY & 3:00 PM LOVE LETTERS Barbara Eden & Hal Linden 7:30 PM NEWSBOYS 3:00 PM LEON BATES 7:30 PM MEMPHIS Broadway 3:00 PM MEMPHIS Broadway 3:00 PM THE BERENSTAIN BEARS 7:30 PM THE STEPCREW 2 & 7:30 PM CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES 7:30 PM THE TEMPTATIONS EV EN TS

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OCT 4 OCT 9 OCT 13 OCT 18 NOV 1 NOV 7 NOV 15 DEC 6 DEC 9 DEC 12 DEC 15 DEC 19 JAN 25 JAN 31 FEB 7 FEB 15 FEB 21 MAR 8 MAR 14 MAR 22 MAR 28 MAR 29 APR 12 APR 14 APR 19 APR 25

NISWONGER I TICKETS: 419-238-6722 NPACVW.ORG A SHORT DRIVE & EASY PARKING 10700 SR 118 S. VAN WERT, OH