Wabash Valley Living March 2014

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ADAMS, JAY & WELLS COUNTIES

& NEIGHBORING OHIO COMMUNITIES

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New and Used Bicycles

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CELEBRATE ATION & RELOC AL TRAVEL REGION

Parts • Repairs • Maintenance Less than ¼ mi. west of Hwy 27 190 W 300 N, Decatur, Indiana

GUIDE

WITH US!

In January, the staff at Wabash Valley Living published the first edition of Landscapes Travel & Relocation Guide, a a brand-new magazine aimed at promoting the communities in Adams, Jay and Wells counties to tourists and industries outside the area. The guide will also introduce our communities to anyone relocating here.

EP Graphics in Berne printed 55,000 copies of Landscapes, and these are presently being distributed across the state of Indiana at all interstate rest areas and in many tourism and visitors' bureaus.

The guides have also been placed at more than 65 traveler-friendly locations in southeastern Michigan and western Ohio.

Locally, we've provided copies of Landscapes to the area chambers of commerce, government offficials, tourism bureaus, tourist attractions, real estate agencies, and economic development professionals.

Extra cheese and toppings may be an additional charge. Delivery charges may apply. Not valid for online ordering. Valid at participating locations. Limited time offer.

CLASSICS PLUS AUTO SALES

In the March edition of Wabash Valley Living, we're celebrating the first edition of Landscapes by featuring several of the guide's advertisers in this month's articles.

Also, we've used the symbol below to indicate Wabash Valley Living advertisers who have partnered with us to produce the first edition of Landscapes.

Autos & Motorcycles 607 W. Franklin Street Berne, Indiana

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Promoting local businesses is our business!

For information about placing an advertisement in the 2015 edition of Landscapes, please contact us at: amyorr@wabashvalleyliving.com or, call us at (260) 849-2187.

WABASH VALLEY

LIVING www.wabashvalleyliving.com

CONTENTS

Editor................................... Amy M. Orr Contributors..............Sylvia Marbach Amy M. Orr

MARCH 2014

Tara Steffen Holly Wuebker Advertising.............. Raelene Hirschy Amy Yates

• COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF TARA STEFFEN FOTOS • Vol. 6, No. 3, March 2014 © Wabash Valley Living, 2014. Published monthly since June 2009.

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

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

5

Working to Help Businesses Thrive

11

Wings, Burgers & More

17

A Unique Blend of Furniture

22

CALENDAR OF AREA EVENTS

27

Helping to Fulfill Others' Dreams

31

Trusted & Reliable Air Charter

37

Quality Automotive Collision Repairs

41

Educating Locals & Tourists

46

FIND FRIEDRICH CONTEST

47

COUPON PAGE

Adams County Economic Development, Decatur IN

Buffalo Wings & Rings, Portland 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 48

Honegger, Ringger & Co 4

Backyard Family Furn

28

Joe’s Lighting

35

Berne Antique Mall

20

Karen’s Treasures

20

Biggs Property Manage 40

Kindred Nursing & Reh 40 M.C. Hilty Construction 8

Bixler Insurance

Berne Chamber of Com 34

Marla Clauser

39

Bluffton Tire

29

Maximum Overdrive

14

Bluhm & Reber

30

Merlin’s Martin Houses 35 6 Mr Planners

7

Brad Alberson Agency 19 Buffalo Wings & Rings 12 Century 21 Advance Chain Reaction Christner’s Pizza King Classics Plus

9 2 25 2

Colllier’s Heating & Air 10 Crafty Corner

14

Crossroads FCU

16

D & H Workshop

21

Decatur Music & More 30 Dynamic Business Solut 32 E & R Seed Earthen Treasures East of Chicago

9 21 2

Edelweiss Floral & Gifts 20 Eichhorn Jewelry

16

Engine House Quilt

33

Family LifeCare

15

Gersh’s Carpet Cleaning 18

Niswonger Performing 43 13 Porter-Takats Rebecca Cochran CPA

29

RK Financial

15 4

Schug House Inn

33

Schwartz Blacksmith

42

Schwartz Manufactur

35

Standard Auto Rental

25

State Farm Steve Rich

39

Sunshine Boutique

13

Swiss Village

19

Swissland Cheese

13

Van Wert CVB

45

Velocity Motors

30

Willow Creek Store

8

Willshire Home Furnish 45 Wilmen’s Country Store 8

7

Ya Ya’s Mid-Century to 39 10 Yager Furniture

Helen Woodard’s Yager 44

Zurcher’s Best-One Auto 38

Habegger Furniture

Oswalt Realty, Bluffton IN

Sonrise Aviation, Portland IN

RMC Collision Services, Ossian IN

Van Wert Area CVB, Van Wert OH

4

River Terrace Schnitz Accounting

Karen's Treasures, Berne IN

BIG

COUPON SAVINGS Page 47!

SCAN THE CODE AND LIKE US ON FACEBOOK! We’ll keep you informed about special offers and discounts each month, and you’ll have quick access to any extra content that wasn’t included in the print edition!

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The goal of HRC has always been to provide proactive services with an emphasis on integrity and genuine concern for clients.

HRC provides professional services in the areas of Accounting, Tax, Business Consulting, and Financial Services. Our QuickBooks ® Certified Pro Advisors are experts in helping small businesses learn, use and customize QuickBooks ®.

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ADAMS COUNTY

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

WORKING TO HELP BUSINESSES THRIVE IN ADAMS COUNTY Article by Tara Steffen

W

hen you look around at your community and think about job creation and retention, how do you feel about the situation? Is your community growing? Are jobs being created and kept?

Who is helping to make your community a great place to live and raise a family?

The Adams County Economic Development Corporation (ACEDC) is an entity that exists for the sole purpose of building and growing

| Photos Provided

existing companies in Adams County, while at the same time, promoting the area to new companies in hopes of developing new jobs.

During the late 1980s, current ACEDC Executive Director Larry Macklin was serving in a legislative role at the Indiana Statehouse.

While there, Larry helped develop the County Economic Development Income Tax (CEDIT) to assist with economic development across the State of Indiana.

WVL March 2014 / 5

The ACEDC was created in Decatur in 1989 just after the city suffered the loss of the General Electric plant and, with it, hundreds of jobs. This was a severe hit to Adams County.

After the closing, GE, along with the four Adams County communities, invested recovery money into building the ACEDC. All the money invested created a revolving loan fund of about a half-million dollars that could be used to strengthen our remaining local companies.

This money can now be used to expand existing companies that show potential for growth in the area. For example: if an Adams County business approached a bank for a loan but couldn’t raise 100% of the funds through the bank, the ACEDC could loan some of the funds needed to make up the difference.

Larry says the ACEDC staff believes in the communities of Adams County and strives to help area businesses grow. They currently have

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17 revolving loans in place aiding local businesses.

There are also monies available from the Adams County Council and other county boards that grant money annually to support this corporation. ACEDC is a notfor-profit private corporation, but it is also a quasi-government agency because of the money that comes from the community.

ACEDC’s greatest work is in the area of job retention and helping a business grow from within. 80% of new jobs that are created in the county happen from an expansion within an existing company.

The ACEDC saw five extensive expansions in Adams County companies in 2013, and another four expansions expected this year will provide an additional 400 to 500 new jobs.

The other 20% of potential business growth in Adams County results from its two new business parks – one in Monroe, and the other in Decatur. Getting certification for these sites proved a challenge, but Larry spent a number of hours working on obtaining said certification, which is required before a new business park may be established.

These locations in Monroe and Decatur are not only site-ready, meaning they are ready to be built on, but they are also shovel-ready. This means that all the utilities are also in place, making it easier and more cost-effective for an industry to begin construction there.

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With the establishment of two area business parks, the ACEDC also labors to attract new jobs through drawing new industry to the county. This aspect of it proves very difficult for Adams County because there are no existing interstate highways nearby.

The ACEDC is continually updating its web site, appealing to those companies who might be looking to expand to another area. When a business lead comes directly to ACEDC, that lead generally has a list of criteria which the county must meet

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in order for the business to even consider building or moving here. Many times, the lack of a nearby interstate highway is the only deterrent which would disqualify Adams County.

On some occasions, there are very few qualifying buildings available. There is an upside to having few available buildings, though – this is proof that existing companies are still strong and haven’t been lost to a closure or relocation.

When the ACEDC looks at the county’s strengths and its potential for attracting new industry, Larry says, “We have to look at what has worked in the past, what is still in operation, and what has survived all the economic pits over the past 25 years.” Essentially, the ACEDC has asked the question, “What are we good at?”

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The answer, says Larry, is mostly “food processing.” Food processing industries currently thriving in Adams County include: Bunge North America, a soybean processing facility in Decatur; Red Gold, a tomato processing plant in Geneva; Dean Foods, whose Decatur plant produces ice cream and yogurt; Decatur’s Dolco Packaging, the largest foam egg carton manufacturer in the U.S.; and, Prime Trucking, a Decatur transportation line offering refrigerated and tanker hauling.

Another strength of Adams County, according to Larry, is that the county manufactures superior products. And, the local workforce is strong and loyal. Many local companies have very low turnover rates. The best part is that many local corporations are very supportive of their communities, and they strive to make life better for county residents.

After assessing the county’s strengths, the ACEDC staff spent the last year working to obtain certification for a site in Decatur’s business park through the Austin Shovel-Ready for Food Processing

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According to Larry, there will be an announcement in the next 30 days about an industry that was considering a location in a neighboring state but chose Adams County instead. The momentum is beginning to turn in our direction, he says.

The ACEDC is also a member of the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership, which includes ten Indiana counties.

Each member county has signed a code of ethics, pledging it will cooperate with the partnership to increase public awareness about Northeast Indiana and what it has to offer to the business world.

Larry says the ACEDC has learned that both Germany and China have a growing interest in smaller American communities like those in Adams County.

These nations are looking for the strong Midwestern work ethic, as well as the quality of products manufactured here.

Recently, Larry made a trip to China to spark some interest there. He hopes Decatur may become a “sister city” to Jiao Jiang. It’s important to create this kind of relationship in order to build trust.

Thus, trading and commerce can begin, whether the Chinese decide to build and create jobs in Adams County, or they simply choose to purchase products from existing businesses here.

CONTACT INFORMATION: P.O. Box 492 Decatur, IN 46733

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BUFFALO WINGS & RINGS

WINGS, BURGERS AND MORE FOR QUICK LUNCH OR RELAXED DINNER Article & Photos by Holly Wuebker

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uffalo Wings & Rings in Portland, Indiana, is the ultimate go-to restaurant for watching your favorite sports team, relaxing with friends, or just grabbing a quick bite to eat. Their menu consists of a variety of options, from salads and wraps to onion rings and, of course, wings with your favorite barbeque sauce.

Buffalo Wings & Rings is well-known for its ribs, burgers, and tenderloins. The Portland

restaurant’s general manager, Ashley Smith, says her “favorite” is the chicken quesadilla.

The business offers much more than delicious food, though. Many patrons enjoy the atmosphere and the chance to “hang out” with friends and family.

The restaurant opened in 2009, providing another dining option to the residents of Portland. The town is teeming with individuals that are eager for a delicious

WVL March 2014 / 11

For out-of-towners, Buffalo Wings & Rings is ideally situated in its location adjacent to the fairly new Holiday Inn Express. One of the business’ busiest times of the year is

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during the Antique Engine and Tractor Show at the Jay County Fairgrounds, hosted each fall by the Tri-State Gas Engine and Tractor Association, Inc. Another time of year when Wings & Rings must keep its kitchen fully-stocked is when the Boomer Tournaments take place. This children’s basketball program is popular in Jay County and typically runs from January

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meal, so Wings & Rings aims to deliver just that. Its facility offers a meeting location for local business associates or organizations, and the restaurant accepts reservations for parties of any size.

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“Thousands of people, including parents and other family members,” flock to the town to watch the tournaments, and the restaurant is in full swing, preparing meals for the many attendees. Thanks to the cooperation of the thirty-five employees on staff, Wings & Rings is a great place to dine.

For Ashley, there is much more to the job than just filling orders. It’s about the entire experience for the customer, from the moment they walk through the door. For many, that starts with a simple train whistle from the motorized locomotive placed strategically above the entry way. “Everyone loves it,” Ashley says.

The train is especially popular with the younger crowd. Children enjoy watching it roll around the track as they await their meal.

As general manager, Ashley focuses the same priorities she learned from owner Vicky Lochtefeld when she first started.

“Vicky always wanted her employees and her customers to be happy,” Ashley says. That made the business a successful one, even today, and Ashley considers Lochtefeld a great boss.

Ashley has been with Buffalo Wings & Rings since it first opened. She started as a server but progressively made her way up within the organization to where she is today. Ashley “loves her staff” and is proud to say that some of the fellow employees she started with are still there today.

As do many of the restaurant’s employees, Ashley also enjoys interacting with the customers, whether meeting a new one or seeing an old familiar face. Each day is an

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opportunity to serve customers, and Wings & Rings is open every day of the week.

The restaurant has closed on occasion during extreme conditions, like those this past January when Jay County issued a level three travel emergency.

But, Ashley and her employers were more concerned for the safety of their customers and employees than they were about keeping the restaurant open.

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As a recent newlywed, Ashley knows the delicate balancing act required between work and family. She is looking forward to a much-needed vacation.

Lucky for her, Wings & Rings recently added a new assistant manager to help while she is away. Jarod Lochtefeld, son of owners Vicky and Jim Lochtefeld, will assist Ashley in her duties and also share some of her responsibilities. The new position will ensure that a manager is typically present at the location during normal business hours.

Ashley “loved waitressing, and even before the restaurant opened,” she knew she wanted to work there. She has continued to work at Buffalo Wings & Rings because she enjoys it so much. Ashley hasn’t considered doing anything else.

Like many customers, Ashley feels there are always good reasons, including “the food and, especially, the atmosphere,” to keep coming back.

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KAREN’S TREASURES

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Treasures, on Main Street in Berne. She credits much of what she learned about business to her sister-in-law. “She was very, very helpful in that.”

In November 1992, with some guidance from God, Karen established her store, Karen’s

Karen explains that her small store expanded quite a bit in the earlier years. “We rented one side of the building for the first six months or so, and then we added the west side. We knew we needed more space, and after about ten years, we bought the building.”

fter her youngest child began attending kindergarten, Karen Weaver of Berne, Indiana, wanted to start working days so that she and her husband could have the evenings together. “My sister-in-law owned a store in Decatur that sold new and used furniture,” says Karen, “and she kind of put a bug in my ear about starting one here.”

WVL March 2014 / 17

Although Karen’s Treasures started out with just furniture, it developed to include antiques and memorabilia of all sorts, shapes, and sizes.

After opening her own store, Karen’s interest in antiques could not be ignored.

She recalls, “I didn’t know much about antiques growing up, but when I got married, my husband’s family was very much into antiques.

They introduced me to that, and it didn’t take long for it to grow on me.

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“When I first opened the store, I was hitting every auction from here to Timbuktu. I had a whole store to fill up. And, the fact that our inventory isn’t just one or two items but a conglomeration of different things, keeps the store interesting for people.”

Karen explains, “Some may come in because they like the antiques. Some may be shopping for new furniture. Some would like another piece of furniture, but they don’t have the new

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There are all kinds of reasons for people to come in.”

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While Karen welcomes a variety of customers, she says, “I guess my main draw is young couples, newlyweds, the elderly – those that are on more of a limited income.”

Swiss Village Retirement Community now offers short term rehabilitative care in its NEW private rehab suites with all of the comforts of home. Swiss Village’s specialized therapy team offers Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy.

According to Karen, the mission of her shop is “to provide good quality products at affordable prices. She adds, “We’re not fancy – like the upstairs. There’s new furniture up there, but it’s a warehouse look. We don’t have the overhead that a more expensive furniture store would have. So that helps keep our prices low.”

A particularly interesting aspect of Karen’s business is the purchase of small estates. She explains, “When a person that lives in the apartments at Swiss Village needs to transition to nursing care, they need to get rid of some of their furniture, or basically all of their furniture. A lot of times, it’s easier for the family if I just come in and buy everything.

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“I think that’s especially helpful to the families who live out-of-state. The fact that I will pick up the furniture helps them immensely, as well.”

Karen says that although she offers consignment services, she usually only does so for bigger items. “I am doing less consignment and more direct purchasing.

I try to limit my consignment to larger pieces of furniture.”

One of Karen’s biggest sellers was added out of necessity. She explains, “When we first started, we had no new furniture at all. We didn’t start with new furniture until we bought the building, and we had a whole upstairs to fill.

“But, when I was selling only used furniture, a lot of times the mattresses were not nice enough to sell. So, I would have a bedroom suite but no mattress.”

When Karen referred her customers to other shops nearby that sold new

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WVL March 2014 / 19

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mattresses, they would comment that mattresses were fairly expensive elsewhere. “I heard that over and over, and I told my husband, We need to find mattresses that aren’t quite as expensive.

So, that’s what we did.”

She mentions an exciting, recent addition to this department. “We just got in the new adjustable beds. They’re very reasonably priced and, with the new memory foam mattress, they’re heaven to sleep on.

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“Adjustable beds are very healthy for you because you can raise your head, and you can raise your feet. You can just get in a very comfortable position, so we’re excited about that.”

Karen’s inventory of new furniture comes from wholesale distributors out of Indianapolis. “And, the used, I have people call me daily. I go to their homes to look and see if I’m interested in purchasing. We still can go to auctions or garage sales, but I don’t have to so much anymore because people come to me.”

Karen hopes that one of her children will keep the store going after she retires.

“I have one daughter that shows some interest, and I’m hoping that will carry through.” She adds, “If it doesn’t, I’m not going to be crushed.”

While her favorite part of the job is interacting with people, Karen also has a passion for the products that come through the door at her shop. “I love antiques, and it gives me the opportunity to buy antiques and decide whether to sell or keep them.”

Karen laughs, admitting, “The tough part is selling them...not keeping all of them.”

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20 / WVL March 2014

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AREA EVENTS CALENDAR

1st Extension Homemakers' Rummage Sale 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Jay County Fairgrounds Portland, Indiana (260) 726-9787

LEGO Club

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

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

The Spinners in Concert 7:30 p.m.

Niswonger Perf. Arts Center Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-6722

2nd Owls: Superheroes of the Night 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Limberlost State Historic Site Geneva, Indiana (260) 368-7428

3rd Cozy Christian Readers Book Discussion 10:15 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.

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

Tax Assistance for Seniors

1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Wells County Public Library Ossian, Indiana (260) 622-4691

Moms Support Group 1:00 p.m.

Adams Memorial Hospital Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2145

Knitting Lessons 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

City Hall Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

Poetry Coterie

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

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

22 / WVL March 2014

Green Eggs & Ham After School Special 3:45 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

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

Hunter Education Class 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

4-H Community Center Bluffton, Indiana www.inhea.com

Read Across America Event 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

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

Musical Monday

6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Wells County Public Library Ossian, Indiana (260) 622-4691

4th

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

AARP Income Tax Prep Continues 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

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

PJ Story Hour

6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

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

5th

Needles, Hooks & Pins 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

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

Crafts & Conversation 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

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

Hunter Education Class 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

4-H Community Center Bluffton, Indiana www.inhea.com

6th

Digital Photo Editing 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

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

LEGO Club

3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

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

LEGO Club

3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

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

Toddler Gold Hunt

Hunter Education Class

Blood Pressure Checks

Knitting Class

Intermediate Internet

Genealogy Workshop

Boys Book Club

Weight Watchers Meeting

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

City Gym Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

Noon - 2:00 p.m.

Muselman Wellness Pavilion Berne, Indiana (260) 589-4496 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Wells County Library Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-1612 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

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

5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

4-H Community Center Bluffton, Indiana www.inhea.com 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Berne Public Library Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2809 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

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

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

Adams Memorial Hospital Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2145

7th Artists in Action 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

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

Fiber Fest & Spin-In 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Jay County Fairgrounds Portland, Indiana (260) 726-3366

Benefit Soup Supper 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Jay County Fairgrounds Portland, Indiana (260) 726-3366

8

th

Spotlight on Decatur Expo 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Bellmont Middle School Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2604

Fiber Fest & Spin-In 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Jay County Fairgrounds Portland, Indiana (260) 726-3366

Movie @ the Branch 10:00 a.m. - Noon Wells County Library Ossian, Indiana (260) 622-4691

Saturday Night at the Village

10th

Tax Assistance for Seniors 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Wells County Public Library Ossian, Indiana (260) 622-4691

Moms Support Group 1:00 p.m.

Adams Memorial Hospital Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2145

PBSKids Go Writers Workshop 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

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

Cookbook Club 6:00 p.m.

Jay County Library Portland, Indiana (260) 726-7890

11

th

Blood Pressure Clinic 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

McDonald’s Restaurant Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2145

Blood Pressure Clinic 10:00 a.m. - 11:0 a.m.

Sack & Save Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2145

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

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

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

Swiss Village Berne, Indiana (260) 589-3173

LEGO Club

9th

Boys Book Club

Ohio Watercolor Exhibit Opens 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Wassenberg Art Center Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-6837

Toledo Symphony Presents Rodgers & Hammerstein 7:30 p.m.

Niswonger Perf. Arts Center Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-6722

2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Jay County Library Portland, Indiana (260) 726-7890 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

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

Cookbook Club

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

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

Cabin Fever Break-Out 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

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

Fibre Artists

6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Arts Commerce Visitors Center Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-5222

12th

Needles, Hooks & Pins 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

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

Daytime Book Club 10:00 a.m.

Jay County Library Portland, Indiana (260) 726-7890

Mid-Day Music

Noon - 12:45 p.m.

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

Crafts & Conversation 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

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

13th

Knitting Class

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

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

Weight Watchers Meeting 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Adams Memorial Hospital Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2145

Who Picked This Book, Anyway?

6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Bailey’s Coffee Shop Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-1612

14th

Artists in Action

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

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

15th

LEGO Club

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

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

WVL March 2014 / 23

Saturday Afternoon at the Movies 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

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

Full Set in Concert 7:30 p.m.

Arts Place Portland, Indiana (260) 726-4809

Dinosaur Train Live

7:30 p.m.

Niswonger Perf. Arts Center Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-6722

17th Blood Pressure Checks 12:30 p.m.

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

Tax Assistance for Seniors 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Wells County Public Library Ossian, Indiana (260) 622-4691

Free Senior BINGO

1:00 p.m.

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

Moms Support Group 1:00 p.m.

Adams Memorial Hospital Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2145

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

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

Kids Club

6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

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

Evening Book Club 7:00 p.m.

Jay County Library Portland, Indiana (260) 726-7890

24 / WVL March 2014

18th

19th

Ag Day Breakfast

Needles, Hooks & Pins

5:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Jay County Fairgrounds Portland, Indiana (260) 726-3366

Senior BINGO 8:30 a.m.

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

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

LEGO Club 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Jay County Library Portland, Indiana (260) 726-7890

Boys Book Club 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

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

Against the Wind 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

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

Kids’ Club 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

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

Fort Recovery Historical Society Meeting 7:30 p.m.

Fort Recovery State Museum Fort Recovery, Ohio (419) 375-4649

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

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

Diversity in the Workplace Seminar 1:30 p.m.

Niswonger Perf. Arts Center Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-6722

Crafts & Conversation 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

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

20th Seniors Theater Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

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

March Madness Games & Snacks 12:30 p.m.

Muselman Wellness Pavilion Berne, Indiana (260) 589-3173

LEGO Club

3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

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

Poetry Jam

4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

The Java Bean Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

LEGO Club

4:15 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Wells County Library Ossian, Indiana (260) 622-4691

Knitting Class

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

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

Weight Watchers Meeting 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Adams Memorial Hospital Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2145

LEGO Club

6:30 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.

Wells County Library Ossian, Indiana (260) 622-4691

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

21st

Artists in Action

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Arts Commerce Visitors Ctr Bluffton, Indiana

Free Senior BINGO

12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

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

23rd

Church Basement Ladies 3:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Niswonger Perf. Arts Center Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-6722

24th

Sidewalk Art

1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

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

Moms Support Group 1:00 p.m.

Adams Memorial Hospital Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2145

Tax Assistance for Seniors 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Wells County Library Ossian, Indiana (260) 622-4691

Kids Movie

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

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

K123 Club for ALL Ages 3:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.

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

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25th

Blood Pressure Clinic 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

McDonald’s Restaurant Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2145

WVL March 2014 / 25

Blood Pressure Clinic 10:00 a.m. - 11:0 a.m.

Sack & Save Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2145

LEGO Robots

3:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.

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

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

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

Networking Luncheon Noon Jay County Hospital Portland, Indiana (260) 726-4481

Plant a Mini Garden 1:15 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.

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

Children's Board Games 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

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

Crochet Club

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Jay County Library Portland, Indiana (260) 726-7890

26th Needles, Hooks & Pins 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

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

AARP Income Tax Prep Assistance 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

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

Paper Airplane Target Flight 10:30 a.m. - Noon Adams Public Library Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

26 / WVL March 2014

Spring Break LEGO Challenge 1:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.

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

Kids' Movie

Nana's Naughty Knickers Opens 6:30 p.m.

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

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

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

29th

Crafts & Conversation

9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Jay County Fairgrounds Portland, Indiana (765) 426-3022

4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

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

27th

Crafts with Books 1:15 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.

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

JL Trekkers for ALL Ages 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

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

Knitting Class

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

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

Weight Watchers Meeting 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Adams Memorial Hospital Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2145

28th

Artists in Action

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

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

Movie & Popcorn 1:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.

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

Hopscotch, Jacks & Pennies 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

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

NCGLNAC Cultural Arts Classes

Shawnee People in PreRevolutionary America 7:00 p.m.

Jay County Fairgrounds Portland, Indiana (765) 289-2692

HMS Pinafore

7:30 p.m.

Niswonger Perf. Arts Center Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-6722

30th

NCGLNAC Cultural Arts Classes 9:00 a.m. - Noon Jay County Fairgrounds Portland, Indiana (765) 426-3022

31st

Moms Support Group 1:00 p.m.

Adams Memorial Hospital Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2145

Tax Assistance for Seniors 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Wells County Library Ossian, Indiana (260) 622-4691

SLR Camera Workshop 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

City Hall Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

Teen Book Club

6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

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

BLUFFTON’S OSWALT REALTY

HELPING TO FULFILL OTHERS’ DREAMS OF HOME OWNERSHIP Article & Photos by Tara Steffen

T

he real estate industry has seen its ups and downs over the years. More than once, the market has proven unpredictable and insecure. To become a realtor in this economy does not come without risk or uncertainty.

But, to Jim and Judy Oswalt, it was all part of God’s plan for their lives.

Jim and Judy were high school sweethearts and married immediately after graduating.

After high school, Jim joined the Indiana National Guard and spent six years on inactive status. Since he was raised on a working farm and was accustomed to operating large machinery, Jim was put in charge of the tanks.

He felt right at home with this responsibility.

Although Jim was never deployed, there were many times when his unit was packed and ready to mobilize. Jim remembers a time in

WVL March 2014 / 27

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Jim also attended Indiana University, taking courses in real estate and real estate law. But when he finished college, he didn’t get into real estate right away. Jobs were hard to find at that time.

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Jim began his realtor career working for Nick Stinaff, a Fort Wayne real estate broker who also operated a second office in Bluffton.

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After working for another broker for awhile, Jim joined the Ellenburger Brothers team in Bluffton. When he and Judy made the decision to stop farming after about 20 years, Judy began her realtor career, as well. There was no position for her at Jim’s office, so she got her start in the field working for Bill McBride, another Bluffton real estate broker.

Finally, in 1996, Jim and Judy decided to open their own real estate brokerage. Both quit their jobs on the Friday after Thanksgiving, and they immediately went to the Indiana Real Estate commission and begged them to consider their brokerage application right away because they were now both unemployed.

The Oswalts could not open for business without a license from the State of Indiana. Fortunately, the commission granted the license right away, and the couple came home from Indianapolis with the license that very day.

Jim and Judy began operating Oswalt Realty out of their house. The Monday following Thanksgiving, they put a business sign in the front yard.

WVL March 2014 / 29

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When Jim and Judy felt that it was time to move their business into town, this process took more than a year to complete. After their new office was finally completed on the north side of Bluffton in 1999, the Oswalts and their agents moved into the building. Judy feels that God always puts you where you need to be. She believes that if they weren’t supposed to be there, they never would have been able to move the business into town.

EXPECTING A TAX REFUND?

9

Judy laughs, remembering that when the couple listed their first home, they didn’t have any “for sale” signs yet, so they painted one. Within two short years, Jim and Judy had employed ten more agents to work for them. Judy says the business took over the house, and they had to add on so they’d still have a place to live.

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Jim and Judy have noticed a number of changes in the housing market over the years. After the market collapse in 1990 and 2008, they are still seeing homeowners struggling with bad loans – some who owe more on a loan than they originally paid for the home because of the loss in home values.

Judy feels that the realtors have gotten a bad rap for selling consumers homes they could not afford, but she says this couldn’t be further from the truth. It is ultimately the lender who determines if the buyer can afford a home.

When the debt-to-income ratio guideline was lowered for home mortgage loans, that’s when the trouble began, says Judy. The government is the major loan provider for people these days, and it has become more common for loans to be made with only small down payments to lendees who simply do not make enough money to justify the sizeable purchase.

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Judy hopes the lenders avoid going down the same road again in the future.

It’s difficult for her to see families lose their homes. Reselling foreclosed homes is a challenge, as well. It’s a losing situation for all involved.

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Oswalt Realty was the first business to locate in this area of town, even before Walmart and Lowe’s. People asked them why they were out in the middle of nowhere. Eventually, a new road went in, and development began in the area.

Lots were sold, and more businesses were added.

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30 / WVL March 2014

SONRISE AVIATION

PORTLAND’S TRUSTED AND RELIABLE AIR CHARTER SERVICES Article & Photos by Holly Wuebker

W

hen it comes to traveling, one of the quickest and most preferred means is by air. A flight from Celina, Ohio, to Nashville, Tennessee, is approximately an hourand-a-half – much quicker than driving. To customize one’s flight experience, individuals can book personalized flights with Sonrise Aviation in Portland, Indiana. A charter flight can decrease airport time and maximize the travel experience.

Sonrise Aviation owner Harold Stan Tavzel II, or Hal, as some like to call him, knows firsthand what it is like to run a company providing exceptional service in flights. Born in Louisiana, he moved from his former home in Washington, D.C., to Portland to launch his business, with the help of a friend. Hal had previously worked for another charter company before deciding was time to become an entrepreneur in his own new business venture.

WVL March 2014 / 31

After all the “red tape” – the flight restrictions and strict regulations required when opening such a business – was finally cut, Sonrise Aviation officially began operating in April 2013. There are many obstacles to opening a flight business, including providing written manuals, aircraft certifications, and regulations from the Federal Aviation Administration.

A close friend, Dr. John Thomas of Lubbock, Texas, partnered with Hal to establish Sonrise

Aviation. Thomas, a surgeon, also enjoys flying.

In the late 90s, the doctor brought a Bolivian boy to the United States for surgery, but when it was determined that the boy would not survive the procedure, Thomas instead granted the boy’s final wish – a visit to Disney World.

Following this experience, Dr. Thomas created a non-profit organization known as Operation HOPE, which endeavors to “empower, enhance, and enable people from all walks of life.”

Operation HOPE sponsors many medical missions trips. The purchase of Sonrise Aviation’s primary aircraft was made possible through Thomas’ organization.

In 2010, Thomas was one of seven to receive the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, an award presented to American citizens “who have distinguished themselves within their own ethnic groups while exemplifying the values of the American way of life.” Past medalists include former U.S. presidents, as well as Nobel Prize winners.

Hal persevered through regulatory “hoops,” and after much time was invested, it all paid off. He says a “weight was lifted off his shoulders” after everything was finalized. It had taken a year-and-a-half to get the plane, a Cessna 310, on charter and ready to go. This past June, Sonrise made its first “official” flight, and the business has been growing ever since.

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The Cessna 310 owned by Sonrise Aviation, which serves as the company’s primary plane, holds six people, including the pilot. There are situations where a larger plane is needed, so at that time, the business brokers out a larger plane that can hold up to eight passengers.

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On occasion, the plane is rented out by other pilots, but typically, flights are booked in-house by Hal and his staff of pilots. “Most pilots are fascinated with the outdoors, the freedom and the flexibility and travel,” says Hal, and those are just a few reasons he started flying.

As a child, he had always envisioned becoming a pilot, and Hal started really looking into it as a full-time career at the young age of 17. Hal’s career aspirations began as a “childhood dream,” and his favorite part about flying is that he has always enjoyed it.

Another great aspect of Hal’s career choice is that it provides him with opportunities to fly anywhere from the East coast to the Rocky Mountains, with a wide array of locations in-between.

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“TEAM BERNE” What is all the talk about? At the Chamber, our new motto is “Team Berne.”

The Chamber is here to promote, encourage and support our community through partnering with our local businesses and individuals. All working together as a “Team.”

“Turn the lights on at the Chamber” by purchasing a “Team Berne” T-Shirt for $14. Be sure to wear it on June 26, 2014 to our “Team Berne Day” at the Muensterberg Clock Tower event.

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when they want to travel, and they can get a quote for the entire trip. Even though it closely compares to the price of a typical commercial airline ticket, there are no comparisons to the ease and convenience personalized flights offer.

A few of the many perks include: no baggage fees, opportunities for travelers to leave anytime they want from whichever airport they choose, and of course, no waiting in lines. A customer simply drives to the nearest airport and boards the plane, so it saves quite a bit of time, especially since the plane will likely arrive at its destination location in less time than it would take to drive to the major airport in Indianapolis or Dayton.

Sonrise Aviation is just a phone call away, and with very little notice, its pilots can fly across the country. Business owners and travelers have the opportunity to itemize the expense for business purposes, and they can trade an hour-long drive for a flight of only about 15 minutes.

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For Hal, running a private airline is somewhat of a juggling act. It takes the help of other associates to maintain the company while he is away traveling, and when he gets back, he spends some of his time catching up on various details of the business.

What is Hal’s next goal for the organization? To purchase another sixpassenger plane and provide more flight opportunities for his pilots. Hal employs two pilots currently and is looking for another full-time pilot. Qualified applicants can contact him directly regarding the position and to learn more about his company.

Contact Sonrise Aviation to charter your next trip.

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CONTACT INFORMATION:

Raelene Hirschy, Ad Sales

(260) 729-1577

Adams & Wells County (260) 820-0516 raelene@wabashvalleyliving.com

59 W. Golf Brook Drive Portland, IN 47371

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Jay County & Ohio (260) 849-3265 amyyates@wabashvalleyliving.com

34 / WVL March 2014

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RMC COLLISION SERVICES

SPECIALIZING IN HIGH QUALITY AUTOMOTIVE COLLISION REPAIRS Article & Photos by Tara Steffen

A

s a teenager, Randy McClain found himself spending a lot of time working on cars after school.

He wasn’t really into sports or other extracurricular events – just cars. He started working part-time restoring vintage cars for a business in Bluffton. Bringing the experience home with him, he continued to work into the evening, restoring his own vehicles.

But, in looking into restoration as a career, Randy found that the market for that kind of work was not supported locally. So at that point, he decided that collision work was a more profitable option for him.

Randy’s first garage, opened in 1987, was in a small building in Bluffton. Starting a business was very risky at the time, but Randy

WVL March 2014 / 37

soon found a few insurance companies who invested in direct repair. These companies liked that Randy used computer estimating, which was an extremely new concept for the 90s.

Randy was keeping up with the new technology, so the insurance companies preferred his services. Three years later, Randy bought the property south of Ossian that now houses the business. He

contracts with companies like State Farm and Progressive, who contact him to make estimates or to fix collision vehicles that are part of a direct repair program.

Randy’s shop is equipped with lifts and racks to handle even large trucks and vehicles.

The shop deals with any repair resulting from a collision. This might include wheel alignment, body repair, suspension, window replacement, or interior replacement.

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Out in the shop, Randy has what is called a “spray-bake” booth. Once a vehicle has been repaired, it is placed in the “oven” and then prepped for paint.

After the vehicle is spray painted and topped with a clear coat, it’s “baked” at 180 degrees for one hour to harden the finish.

Randy never went to school to study collision repair. Everything he knows, he has taught himself. This is almost unheard of today, especially since the price of a gallon of automotive paint is more than $500 a can.

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These days, you can’t afford to “get it wrong.” When Randy started out doing body work as a hobby, if he made a mistake, he learned from it and just fixed it. Obviously, automotive paint was not nearly as expensive as it is now.

Today, Randy’s technicians attend technical schools that cost upwards of $30,000 in tuition. He says these kids also come out of school with very little experience. So, when Randy finds a good employee, he does everything he can to keep them. They are difficult to find.

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Randy especially enjoys the technical side of the business – anything from electronic frame equipment work to parts ordering and using the estimating software – as well as overseeing the shop. All of Randy’s employees are up-to-date on all the latest software, as well.

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Randy views himself as a quiet man – someone who never seeks the spotlight.

He works hard and believes in doing a job well.

When you’re not out in public a lot, Randy admits, it can be a deterrent to the business. Since he prefers to spend free time with his family, Randy resolves to do the best job he can and to be the best at what he does. Quality service rendered is his preferred mode of advertising.

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Randy and his wife have three grown children. In high school, the McClain girls were both swimmers, and Randy spent a lot of time driving them to swim meets. When his son played baseball, Randy helped to coach the team.

These kinds of activities are what Randy and his wife enjoy most. Randy appreciates that he had time to spend with his kids as they were growing up.

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40 / WVL March 2014

VAN WERT’S CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

EDUCATING LOCALS & VISITORS ON AREA EVENTS & ATTRACTIONS Article by Amy M. Orr

W

hen Van Wert, Ohio, native Larry Lee retired from Coldwater Exempted Village Schools after 37 years of teaching, he realized he wouldn’t be content with a life of leisure. He’d adhered to a regular work schedule for nearly four decades, and it wasn’t a habit he was ready to break.

| Photos Provided

So, when Larry saw an advertisement for the brand-new position of executive director at the Van Wert Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, he applied for the job immediately.

Up to that point, the Van Wert CVB had been operated by a group of community volunteers “who informally selected its leaders.”

WVL March 2014 / 41

But, as tourism increased within the Van Wert area, it became evident that the organization needed a part-time director. And, in June 2006, Larry was hired as the first official director of the Van Wert CVB. According to Larry, the CVB had primarily worked with visiting groups and had helped fund some of the area’s festivals. But, over the past seven years, he’s assisted in redefining the CVB’s role in Van Wert.

“The bureau has become very much proactive,” he explains. “Rather than focusing on working with visitors after they’re here, we now spend considerable time and money promoting our area regionally, statewide and nationally to encourage people to visit us.”

As the bureau’s first executive director, Larry has also defined his own role at the CVB. “There were very general guidelines for my position, but I’ve been able to mold the job to my skills.

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A lot of what I do is educating the public about the interesting places to visit and things to do in the Van Wert area, and I think my background as a teacher as allowed me to successfully do this job.”

To promote the Van Wert area to outside travelers, Larry creates and distributes an annual visitors guide. He also prepares “brochures listing restaurants, shopping venues, area attractions, and catering and banquet facilities. These are available to help both local and out-of-town people with planning their stay in Van Wert.”

One of the bureau’s missions is to educate local residents about what is available in their own community. Larry explains, “When you’ve grown up and spent your whole life in the same place, you often don’t realize all the things you have in your ‘backyard.’

“We often hear people say there is nothing of interest here, but in reality, we have almost 40 unique retail shops, over 40 eateries, 22 distinctive attractions, and over 30 annual festivals and events.”

And, Larry adds, “We have some really amazing museums in the Van Wert area.” The Central Mutual Insurance Antique Fire Equipment Museum houses of the finest privately-held collections in the United States, including antique fire fighting equipment, fire engines dating back to 1871, antique fire toys, antique firemen helmets and uniforms, and more.

The Delphos Postal History Museum is one of only three such museum in the United States, displaying more than a quarter of a million stamps, antique postal vehicles, unique mailboxes and historic postal media. Many of its displays are on loan from the Smithsonian Museum.

Following a recent expansion, the Delphos Canal Museum features displays on the histories of the Miami Canal, the Erie Canal, and the city of Delphos. There are canal-related artifacts, from a tin bathtub used on a canal boat to actual parts from the canal boat “Marguerite,” which were pulled from the Miami-Erie Canal in 1989.

Admission to the Canal Museum is free.

Originally built in 1896, the House of Seven Oaks has been maintained as a Victorian home and now serves as the Van Wert County Historical Museum. It houses local memorabilia and artifacts. Also on display are a 1951 Pennsylvania Railroad caboose, a oneroom school, an 1860 log house and a big red barn an agricultural display.

Among the Van Wert area’s many annual events, there are a few in particular that Larry says locals and visitors “just can’t miss” this year.

The 39th annual Peony Festival, planned for June 6th through 8th, grew from an early 1900s Van Wert tradition known as “Peony Sunday.”

Crowds gathered in the city one Sunday each spring to see the first peony blooms of the season. The modern festival features a garden

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showcase, downtown art exhibits, parade, food vendors and much more.

The 27th Annual Highway 127 Yard Sale, also known as the “World’s Longest Yard Sale,” will take place August 7th through 10th. This sale is 690 miles long, stretching from Gadsden, Alabama to Hudson, Michigan and passing north and south through Van Wert. The 10th Annual Lincoln Highway BuyWay Sale is

scheduled for the same weekend this year. The Lincoln Highway was the nation’s first coast-tocoast highway, built in 1913. It reaches to San Francisco on the West Coast and New York City on the East Coast, and it passes through Fort Wayne, Indiana, as well as Van Wert and Lima in Ohio.

Van Wert CVB’s popular fundraising event, the 8th Annual Van Wert Rib Fest, will be

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In his position, Larry enjoys “meeting a great variety of people from all over the country – and, even the world” – who want to know more about his hometown.

He also likes helping to plan and organize some of the area’s annual events.

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Toll-Free 877-989-2282 info@visitvanwert.org WVL March 2014 / 45

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As with any not-for-profit organization, as executive director, Larry answers to a governing board of directors. The CVB board has 17 members, he says, and includes “city and county officials, owners and operators of some of our tourist related businesses, representatives of our historical attractions, and a couple of retired community volunteers.”

W

Being the bureau’s only paid employee, Larry says, “If it’s CVB-related, I do it.” His duties range from clerical work, paying bills, and answering the phone to planning marketing strategies and attending area, regional and statewide conferences.

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On weekends in October, Larry recommends the Fall Mum & Pumpkin Festival at Lincoln Ridge Farms northeast of Convoy. Fun family activities include: hay wagon rides to the pumpkin patch, a corn maze, straw nountain with a tunnel slide and zip-line, candle dipping, barnyard petting zoo, concessions, and lots more.

ILLSHIRE

held August 8th and 9th at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds. The two-day festival features great rib vendors, pig races, outstanding entertainment, and a youth wiffleball tournament.

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