Wabash Valley Living November 2015 Edition

#WabashValley

LIVING NOVEMBER 2015

THANKS Z GIVING Non-Profit Organizations Serving Their Neighbors

FEATURING ADAMS • JAY • MERCER • VAN WERT • WELLS COUNTIES

2009 • OBSERVING 6 YEARS IN PRINT • 2015

Adams Memorial Laboratory...Convenience and Excellence Convenience and excellence in providing laboratory services is the trademark of the Laboratory Department of Adams Memorial Hospital.

Our extensive outreach program provides not only in-patient lab services, but its outreach program serves nursing homes, dialysis centers, and outpatient clinics including one in Berne at Swiss Village.

In conjunction with our Corporate Medical

Services, the Laboratory offers numerous health screenings in the community and also promotes wellness through its Direct Access program where clients may receive certain lab tests without a physician’s order.

Call 260-724-2145, ext. 1601 for lab hours and test site locations.

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#WabashValley

LIVING

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

Volume 7 | Number 11 | November 2015

Editor

AMY M. ORR

NOVEMBER 2015

Contributors DEE FISHER JACI GORRELL JIM KIRKWOOD KRISTI SEARLES BETH STEURY

ON THE COVER: Dots in Blue Water Team Haiti

Advertising ED FERGUSON MARY ANN SEAVERS

Photo Courtesy of Dots in Blue Water

www.wabashvalleyliving.com

info@wabashvalleyliving.com

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Priority:LOCAL Publishing

© Priority Local Publishing, LLC 2015 346 U.S. Hwy. 27 North, Berne, IN 46711

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CONTENTS

Locally Owned & Operated Since 2009

Wabash Valley Living is printed by:

5 DOTS IN BLUE WATER

Berne, Indiana | Making a World of Difference

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11 THE PENNSY DEPOT

Decatur, Indiana | Restoration for the People

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS A Perfect Blend

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36 21 20 16 20 31 28 9 12 30 15 25 38 8 16 16 37 19 42 21 14 32 30 31 6

17 JAY CO. HISTORICAL MUSEUM Portland, Indiana | Preservation of the Past

22 Calendar of Events 29 MAIN STREET VAN WERT

Van Wert, Ohio | The Rebirth of Downtown

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33 Search Contest 41 MENNONITE CHORAL SOCIETY Berne, Indiana | Group Marks Musical Milestone

46 Clip & Save Coupons

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

Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

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DOTS IN BLUE WATER:

Making a World of Difference Article by Jaci Gorrell

I

f you ask Michael Baer the origin of a project known as “Dots in Blue Water,” the South Adams science teacher can pinpoint a specific day in his classroom. On that day, one of his students asked a question that changed his life…for the better.

It all began with an email Michael received from a contact in Haiti. “A friend of mine is a school headmaster at Nehemiah Vision Mission, right outside of Port au Prince,” he explains.

After consecutive hurricanes struck Haiti in 2009, the floodwaters in that region rose to nearly nine feet high. The school children and

villagers near the school took shelter on the roof of the school building.

“Even though they were so close to Port au Prince,” Michael says, “after three days, there was still no rescue that came for them. All the kids were really hungry and thirsty and tired.

“A lot of them were HIV orphans who had always felt they were on their own. They just lost hope and started dropping off the roof into the water and were swept away.”

Soberly, Michael adds, “My friend drove around in his pick-up truck after the waters receded and picked up the bodies of all these

November 2015–www.wabashvalleyliving.com

5

elementary kids.” A total of 30 school children were lost that day at Nehemiah Vision Mission.

A s e ve n ye a r - o l d gir l witnessed the mass drowning from the school rooftop. She told her mother the young victims looked like “lots and lots of dots in blue water.” The phrase would later serve as a catalyst for the service project at South Adams.

Recognizing the tragedy of the situation outlined in the email from his friend, Michael took time during classes to relay the story to each of his students. “The kids were clearly moved, and they wanted to know what they could do to help,” he recalls.

Upon learning that the Haitians were in desperate need of clean drinking water, the classes tossed around ideas, such as collecting bottled water to send to Haiti. But, they were unable to find a reasonable solution to the dire situation.

Michael continues, “So, that was when a young lady in the class—a sophomore—raised her hand and said, ‘You make us do all these science experiments. Can’t we figure out a way of creating clean water for these people?’

“I just remember saying, ‘I don’t know the answer to that, but we’re going to find out.’”

Thus, Dots in Blue Water was born. Michael divided his students into committees to work on research, make personal contacts, and find the best way to deliver the clean water the Haitians so desperately needed.

Eventually, Michael says, “We found a patent holder down in southern Indiana who had worked right after hurricane Katrina on how to clean lots of contaminated water very quickly.” The information proved invaluable to Michael and his students.

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With lots of help from others—including engineers, chemists and experts in water purification—Dots in Blue Water produced a purifier powered by the electrolysis of salt. The purifier was able to filter and clean over 50 gallons of contaminated water to a potable state in just 60 seconds.

But, the water purifier was no help to those suffering until it could be put to use. In June of 2011, a group of students and teachers delivered and installed the first of these purifiers in Haiti.

Since that summer, Dots in Blue Water teams have made five more trips to Haiti. The group has transitioned from 50-gallon purifiers to 5-gallon familysized purifiers. Teams have also provided sanitation training and laptop computers and school supplies for the Ebenezer Evangelical Mission School.

The growing team of teachers and students that comprise Dots in Blue Water have brought innovation, service, compassion, and faith together to answer a call greater than themselves. Another team plans to travel to Saint Louis du Nord in 2016 to continue the work with water purification and material aid.

“I am so blessed to have been in the position where that young lady raised her hand,” Michael says. “I hope that every student who goes to Haiti takes a little bit of it with them.

“Really, what we do in Haiti is, we take American kids, and we show them that this [America] is not the only way that people in the world live. That’s probably the best thing we do.

“I hope these students realize that they are the intersection between our culture and the Haitian culture, the intersection between our technology and the Haitians’ need for something better.”

Those wishing to support the mission of Dots in Blue Water may offer their applicable business connections, exper tise, financial contributions, prayers, and encouragement. The organization is financed primarily

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For its continuing work, Dots in Blue Water has been commended by the Indiana General Assembly and has been recognized by a number of organizations. #

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THE PENNSY DEPOT:

Restoration for the People Article by Beth Steury

D

etermined to preserve a piece of history in Decatur, Indiana, Sandy Collier, Suzy Fuelling, Cheri Scherry, Karen Baker and Sue Robinson approached their city council in April of 2014. These five ladies were concerned with the city’s plans for the old Penn Central Railroad Depot on South 7th Street.

“We went before council to see if they’d like to turn it over to us to finish,” Sandy explains. The women’s primary goal was to save the building from demolition, as has been the fate of many abandoned depots across the nation.

The council’s wholehearted endorsement officially created the “Committee to Preserve the Pennsy Depot” and set the women to brainstorming the best way to preserve the

building. The volunteers were affectionately dubbed “The Pennsy Girls.” And, that’s fine by them.

“We all have our own niche in the community,” Sandy points out. And, each woman contributes to the overall project in different ways. But, it’s the common bond of community spirit that binds the team together.

The ladies began researching the history surrounding the building and the train service to this area. While unable to establish the exact date the building went up, various factors point to sometime in or near 1892. What is known is that Grand Rapids & Indiana (GR & I) was the original rail company, and the first train passed through Decatur on Christmas Eve of 1871.

November 2015–www.wabashvalleyliving.com

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“The people of the county wanted the train to come through so badly because it meant so much to their e c o n o m y. T h e y r a i s e d $150,000,” Sandy shares. That would be the equivalent of $3 million today.

French Quinn’s account of the first train relays the event “as a day of celebration when farmers hitched up the wagons and brought the whole family into town to witness the wood burning steam engine chugging in with seven flat cars and a caboose in tow—a grand Christmas present to the citizens of Adams County.”

“When the train came, it opened up a much easier way to get to this area,” says Sandy, noting the swampy conditions in the south and the plank throughout the county HAVE COOKroads LIKE YOU DON’T that made traveling difficult.

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“The first line to service the area was ‘The Northern Arrow,’ a connector route coming from Cincy & Richmond that went to up to Mackinaw City.” It was frequented by fishermen and those seeking relief from the heat.

When Penn Central took over the GR & I lines, the depot became known as the Pennsy Depot. The last passenger train came through Decatur on September 5, 1961 in the quiet dark of night—a stark contrast to the celebration that took place on Christmas Day in 1871.

After that, the building remained empty for many years. The city purchased the depot and the surrounding three acres for $34,000 in 1995. After re-tucking the bricks, installing new windows and doors, as well as air conditioning and a new furnace, the city rented the building to a floral shop. The building has been vacant since the floral shop closed some fifteen years ago.

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“We spent the first year assessing the situation, getting estimates, then setting up a budget,” shares Sandy. They learned that most former depots are now used in a private capacity—restaurants, floral shops and other commercial ventures.

As the city had already invested heavily in the property, both the city and the committee hoped that the private sector would step forward to raise funds to complete the restoration, thus forming a public-private partnership.

“Since we are asking the public to finance, we feel it’s only right that the pubic use it. So, our goal is to not rent it out to a business, but to use it for the public—for business meetings, bridal showers, family get-togethers.

“We’d also like to see it used as an educational site. It will be turned over to the Parks & Recreation Department to operate once it’s completed.”

With plans and estimates in hand, the committee established a budget of $80,000 to restore the building to a state as close to the original design as possible. There are no interior pictures of the Pennsy Depot to use in the planning.

However, research on depots of that era and a study of the lay-out have given the committee a good general idea of how the facility once looked. The original space most likely included a general waiting room, a men’s waiting room, two ticket windows, two small restrooms, and a freight room.

But, the first hurdle the committee tackled was getting the property placed on the National Registry of Historic Sites.

The property qualifies for this distinction, and once the official paperwork is completed in early 2016, the committee can apply for various grants to assist in financing the project.

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A full slate of fundraising events kicked off in May, with the first being a very successful high tea. The committee operated a lemon shake-up stand at three community events this summer, as well as hosting a garage sale and an auction. A 2015 historic calendar featuring old photos has been on sale

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A farmer’s market hosted on the depot property served to raise funds, as well as awareness, as market vendors and shoppers were offered a sneak peek inside at the work-in-progress. On October 30, a Sock Hop, in conjunction with Calithumpian festivities, was held at the Riverside Center.

The committee plans to enter the decorated property in the Adams County Historical Society Christmas walk, offering a photo opportunity with Santa Claus and refreshments.

The Decatur City Council approves all plans and expenditures for the project.

“They’ve been very supportive of us,” reports Sandy.

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The Pennsy Girls are quite pleased with the outpouring of support and interest from the community. As of mid-September, before adding calendar or Sock Hop receipts, the funds raised topped $41,000.

When asked about the restoration timeline, Sandy admits that, while they are anxious to see the restored treasure available to the community, they have not determined a finish date. “We are in for the long haul,” assures Sandy.

“However long it takes.”

Tax-deductible donations may be made through the Adams County Community Foundation. Stay up-to-date on the restoration progress and fundraising efforts via the The Pennsy Depot Facebook page. #

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JAY COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM:

Preservation of the Past Article and Photos by Jim Lockwood

T

ruly, anything you want to know about Jay County history can be found in the large Jay County Historical Museum at the end of East Main Street in Portland, Indiana. Evoking past decades, a rustic-appearing porch at the front door masks a large and well-organized collection of artifacts and memorabilia from the earliest days of the county and beyond.

The theme of that festival, “Cruise to the Past— Auto Dealerships of Jay County,” featured the fifteen new car dealerships that existed from the days of the Model T to the early 1960s.

Fifteen new car dealerships in Jay County!

That’s in contrast to the present time, with only one new car dealer in the county—Fuqua Chrysler in Dunkirk.

Kay Locker, Co-President of the Jay County Historical Society and Jane Spencer, Jay County Historian took this writer on a tour, while the staff of volunteers was busily preparing displays for the 13th Annual Jay County Heritage Festival to be held in October.

The Jay County Historical Society began life in 1967 as a continuation of the Indiana Sesquicentennial Committee for Jay County.

In 1972, the committee was given one room of the John and Nancy Hawkins building, which, Kay noted, “was originally used for publishing

November 2015–www.wabashvalleyliving.com

17

a newspaper.” Gradually, the historical society gained more and more rooms and spaces in which to house their ever-increasing collection of artifacts.

I n 19 8 4 , t h e H a w k i n s Communit y Trust Board of Managers deeded the building to the Jay County Historical Society. Within the next 14 years, the museum had accumulate d more than 2,000 item, including a collection from the Daughters of the American Revolution that was relocated from the Jay County Courthouse.

In the following decades, D. L. Schwartz Co. the Jay County Historical 188 S.Museum US was Hwy. 27 modernized and opened to public viewing on Berne,a regular IN schedule.

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Parmak fencers ▪ and much museum was set up to display like artifacts more…..

“Various rooms were devoted to the Civil War, later wars, domestic arts, Indian artifacts, former county schools, the Jay Garment Company, the Hawkins family, agricultural items, medical equipment and so on.”

Jane and Kay spoke about “their” museum during a fascinating tour of the building. “We have displays of medical things,” including an iron lung used during the intense polio epidemic that overtook Portland and Jay County in the 1940s and 1950s. It was a rare gift to the museum and

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Some rooms are re-creations, such as a room dedicated to local physician, Dr. Gillum, and his wife Jane, with items they actually used. Another is a bedroom belonging to the Hawkins family. There is also a dentist’s office, an old general store, and an old-fashioned kitchen.

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Alumni of schools throughout Jay County can relive those days by viewing elementary school and high school yearbooks. And, dozens of composite class photos decorate at least one long hallway. “At one time,” said Kay, “Jay County had eight high schools; now there is just one. We have all their letter jackets here, including two from Pennville, since they changed their colors.”

Pointing to a photo of a large building, Jane said, “This is the very first Portland High School. The high school was on the third floor, and there were just two students!”

Visitors can see artifacts of some famous Jay County residents, including: dancer, choreographer and author Twyla Tharp, who was born in Portland and raised in Dunkirk; Jack Imel of Portland, a regular musician on the Lawrence Welk Show (his large marimba is on display); American venture capitalist Mary Grace Meeker, born in Portland in 1958, listed as the 77th most powerful woman in the world

by Forbes magazine in 2014; and Elwood Haynes, also born in Portland, credited with being the first, in 1894, to produce cars commercially.

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The historical society offers many references to browse, such as census, directory and land books, cemetery books, and church records. The Museum bookstore also sells books for children and adults. Educational packets are provided to schools nationwide upon request.

In 2010, the Jay County Genealogy Society merged with the Jay County Historical Society. Displays and library

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materials, in Kay’s words, “were moved and crunched together” to house this rich collection in the museum.

Open Tues. & Thurs. 10-5 / Weds. & Fri. 4-8 / Sat. 9-2

Jane added, “Now, we have an extensive collection of genealogy materials. Janice Stucky is our main genealogy person.

We have probably one of the largest genealogy collections in the area.”

109 E. High Street Montpelier, IN 47359

Although the materials are presently crowded into one room, the collection draws many visitors. “We usually have people here every day,” said Jane. “They come from all over the country.”

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JAY COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM 903 E. Main Street Portland, IN 47371 (260) 726-7168 www.jaycountyhistory.org

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NOVEMBER CALENDAR

–1–

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

Riverside Center Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2341

Annie's Craft Festival 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Grand Wayne Center Fort Wayne, Indiana AnniesCraftFestival.com

Ethan Bortnick in Concert 3:00 p.m.

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

–2–

Knit-Along

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

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

Cozy Christian Readers 10:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

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

Mom's Support Group 1:00 p.m.

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

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

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

LEGO Club

Unwind Wednesdays 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

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

–5–

Fall Pool Tournament (Call to Register) 8:30 a.m.

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

Moms' Morning Out 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

YMCA Bluffton, Indiana (260) 565-9622

LEGO Club

Blood Pressure Checks

LEGO Club

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

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

PJ Story Hour

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

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

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

Adams Public Library Geneva, Indiana (260) 368-7270 6:30 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.

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

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

Ballentine Gallery Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-5222

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

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

Needles, Hooks & Pins

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

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

12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

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

Artists in Action

Thanksgiving Carry-In and BINGO

Toddler Post Office Visit 11:00 a.m.

City Gym Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

–6–

–4–

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

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

–3–

22

1-2-3 Book Club

LEGO Club

Weight Watchers Meeting

Yoga

11:00 a.m.

Muselman Wellness Pavilion Berne, Indiana (260) 589-3173 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

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

–7–

Gingerbread Junction 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Van Wert YMCA Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-0443

37th Annual Holiday Bazaar 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

South Adams High School Berne, Indiana (260) 589-8007

Childbirth Education 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

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

Movie at the Branch: Inside Out 10:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

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

Marsh After Dark 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Loblolly Marsh Bryant, Indiana (260) 368-7428

Paula Monsalve in Concert 7:30 p.m.

Arts Place Portland, Indiana (260) 726-4809

–8–

U.S. Marine Corps Birthday Celebration 2:00 p.m.

Museum of the Soldier Portland, Indiana (260) 726-2967

Story of the Van Wert Masonic Lodge 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Van Wert Historical Museum Van Wert, Ohio (419) 771-9851

Art Auction, Hors d'Oeuvres and Wine 3:00 p.m.

Museum of Postal History Delphos, Ohio (419) 303-5482

–9–

Knit-Along

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

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

Mom's Support Group 1:00 p.m.

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

Brown Bag Book Club 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

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

Cooking Class

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

City Hall Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

Computer Basics 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

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

PJ Story Hour

6:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

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

–10–

Blood Pressure Clinic 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

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

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

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

Blood Pressure Checks 12:00 p.m. - 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

After School Crafts 3:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

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

LEGO Club

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

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

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

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

Fiber Arts Group 6:30 p.m.

Creative Arts Center Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-5222

No Boys Allowed! Club 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

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

No Girls Allowed! Club 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

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

Veggie Tales Live

7:00 p.m.

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

–11–

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

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

Buffet Lunch for Veterans 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Jay County Hospital Portland, Indiana (260) 726-1811

Veteran's Day Event 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Museum of the Soldier Portland, Indiana (260) 726-2967

Unwind Wednesdays 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

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

Internet Basics

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

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

–12–

Moms' Morning Out 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

YMCA Bluffton, Indiana (260) 565-9622

Healthy Cooking Class (Call to Register) 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

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

JL Trekkers

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

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

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

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

23

Book Club

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

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

Who Picked This Book, Anyway? Book Club 6:30 p.m.

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

Night at the Museum: Christmas Ornaments 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Van Wert Historical Museum Van Wert, Ohio (419) 771-9851

–13–

Artists in Action

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

Ballentine Gallery Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-5222

Holiday Bazaar and Book Fair 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Swiss Village Auditorium Berne, Indiana (260) 589-3173

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

City Hall Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

–14–

Delts Holiday Arts & Crafts Show 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Jay County High School Portland, Indiana (260) 726-4091

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

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

Postcard Program 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Wells County Library Bluffton, Indiana

24

Fish Fry

Hunger Games Viewing Party

Saturday Night at The Village

Intermediate Internet

(260) 824-1612 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Jay County Conservation Club Portland, Indiana (260) 726-8966 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Swiss Village Auditorium Berne, Indiana (260) 589-3173

Into the Woods, Jr. 7:30 p.m.

Norwell High School Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-5222

The Midtown Men

7:30 p.m.

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

5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Wells County Library Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-1612 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

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

–17–

Blood Pressure Checks 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

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

LEGO Club

–15–

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

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

2:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Norwell High School Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-5222

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

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

Into the Woods, Jr.

–16–

Knit-Along

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

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

Blood Pressure Check 12:30 p.m.

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

Mom's Support Group 1:00 p.m.

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

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

Kids Club

JL Crew: Top Secret!

6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

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

Annual Dinner Meeting 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Jay County Historical Museum Portland, Indiana (260) 726-7168

South Adams Prayer Support Team Meeting 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

West Missionary Church Berne, Indiana saps.team@yahoo.com

–18–

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

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

Senior Luncheon: Singing Auctioneer Noon South Adams Senior Center Berne, Indiana (260) 589-8877

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

Unwind Wednesdays 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

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

Intro to Microsoft Word 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

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

–19–

Moms' Morning Out 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

YMCA Bluffton, Indiana (260) 565-9622

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

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

SMORGASBORD LUNCH: Mon. thru Fri. 11a.m. - 1p.m. | Sun. 11a.m. - 1:30p.m.

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

15% OFF TOTAL BILL –when you present the coupon on page 46–

eReader/iPad Fair 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 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

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. - 7:30 p.m.

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

–20–

Artists in Action

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

Ballentine Gallery Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-5222

Phone: (419) 495-2013

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25

Cards with Carol

(Call to Register) 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

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

LEGO Club

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

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

Holiday Benefit Auction 6:00 p.m.

Arts Place Portland, Indiana (260) 726-4809

–21–

Games Day

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

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

Winterfest Holiday Home Tours 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

City Wide Portland, Indiana (260) 726-4481

Winterfest Parade of Lights 6:00 p.m.

Downtown Portland, Indiana (260) 726-4481

–23–

Mom's Support Group 1:00 p.m.

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

K123 Club: Make It - Take It 3:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.

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

–24–

Blood Pressure Clinic 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

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

26

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

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

–27–

Artists in Action

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

Ballentine Gallery Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-5222

Blood Pressure Checks

Weihnachtsfest

LEGO Club

Wonderland of Lights

12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Muselman Wellness Pavilion Berne, Indiana (260) 589-4496 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

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

LEGO Club

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

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

Mamma Mia!

7:30 p.m.

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

–25–

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

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

Unwind Wednesdays 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

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

Lighting of the Christmas Garden 6:30 p.m.

Smiley Park Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-9378

Mamma Mia!

7:30 p.m.

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

–26–

Wonderland of Lights 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

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

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

Downtown Berne, Indiana (260) 589-8080 (Weekends through Dec. 24th)

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

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

Holiday Lights at the Fair (Weekends through Dec. 25th)

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

Van Wert County Fairgrounds Van Wert, Ohio (419) 203-2234

–28–

Rainbow Lake 5K 10:00 a.m.

Limberlost Cabin Geneva, Indiana (260) 589-2101

Christmas at the Museum 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Jay County Historical Museum Portland, Indiana (260) 726-7168

Christmas Tree Festival 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Canal Museum Delphos, Ohio (419) 238-9378

Christmas Open House 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Downtown Geneva, Indiana (260) 368-7251

–29–

Community Tree Lighting 6:00 p.m.

Downtown Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2604

–30–

Mom's Support Group 1:00 p.m.

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

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Priority:LOCAL Publishing

MAIN STREET VAN WERT:

The Rebirth of Downtown Article by Dee Fisher

T

he Millennial generation, instead of looking for the big paycheck in the city, is looking for the quality of life that is not always offered in larger communities.

Oh, they’d like the paycheck, too, but their choice of lifestyle trumps their choice of job.

Downtowns are seeing a rebirth, a renewal like never before. And, it’s organizations like Main Street Van Wert that are on the cutting edge of that trend.

Not too many years ago, the downtown area of Van Wert (like many other cities and towns) was vanishing. The buildings were still there, but the majority of the businesses had left. Some closed, while others moved to

the outskirts of town, relocating close to bigbox stores that could furnish the customer traffic they had lost. Empty buildings with “For Rent” or “For Sale” signs dominated the downtown landscape.

In 1977, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, a privately funded non-profit organization, began a study to pinpoint why the downtowns of large and small communities were dying, and how this could be prevented or reversed. The trust discovered that the preservation of America’s historic buildings and structures was directly linked to the economic revitalization and rebuilding of America’s downtowns. The study revealed that communities will

November 2015–www.wabashvalleyliving.com

29

remain vital, sustainable, and growing, only as long their cores remain healthy.

In 1980, the National Trust for Historic Preservation foun de d th e National Main Street Center to lead the way in preserving historic downtowns and suppor ting local assets to help create vibrant, sustainable communities.

Since its founding 35 years ago, NMSC has overseen the establishment of 46 groups based in states and larger cities across America.

The NMSC created the Main Street Four-Point Approach, a unique preservation-based organizing framework that helps revitalize downtowns by leveraging local assets-from local historic, cultural and architectural resources, to local businesses and community pride. The four points are: Organization—the creation of a network of volunteers and committees headed by a paid program manager that coordinates their efforts Promotion—the creation of a positive image that brings back community pride and tells the town’s Main Street story to the surrounding region

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Recently, Van Wert was one of 34 winning applicants for state grant funds, a total of $270,000. “It’s a building improvement grant,” Adam explains. “It’s meant to tackle those projects that maybe the owners have put off because they’re awfully expensive.

“This is meant to be an incentive to take on those projects which either preserve the history of the building or keep the building in use as a business space.”

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“Twenty years ago, there was a 40-percent rate of vacanc y in downtown Van Wert. Currently, that rate is down to 9-percent,” Adam reports. “Only two buildings are currently uninhabitable. Since 2012, we have seen 16 new businesses open and 47 buildings and properties improved through $4.2 million reinvested in private property improvements.”

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Adam Ries, a native of the Van Wert area, became the Main Street Van Wert’s project manager in 2011. Since then, he has been working to build a network of support for the downtown businesses so they can improve their environs and customer bases.

W

Van Wert became a Main Street member in 2004, earning the title “Main Street Van Wert” for its revitalization program here. It has been able to renew that title every year since then, demonstrating consistent progress in maintaining and renovating its downtown buildings and partnering with the businesses to find funding for projects and connect with new customers.

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Adam is a 2010 graduate of Kent State University, majoring in building design, especially commercial spaces. “All the physical renovation and redesign is meant to help draw visitors and new businesses to what is obviously a growing community,” he says.

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Besides building renovations, Adam and his army of volunteers have spearheaded several recent events in the downtown, including Eats on the Streets and Art from the Fort in July, the Hidden Spaces Tour of downtown Van Wert in August, and the annual Harvest Moon Festival in October.

“Activity breeds activity, and synergy breeds energy.

“By promoting downtown events, we hope to engender excitement for what Van Wert has to offer and create more positive energy among the downtown businesses. As we get more businesses and individuals excited about downtown Van Wert, we hope to create an avalanche of visitors and customers who are looking for things to do and unique products to purchase.”

Smiling, Adams adds, “This is the age of downtowns! Main Street Van Wert is trying to end the cycle of disinvestment and stimulate more investment in businesses and commerce.

“We’re recreating the downtown, not only for today’s customers, but for their children, too.” #

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HELPING HANDS PREGNANCY RESOURCE CENTER:

Staff & Clients “Do Life” Together Article and Photos by Kristi Searles

E

ducator Brandy Aschliman had a burning desire to do more with her teaching abilities. She wanted to use her talents in a way that would have a lasting impact on people.

orphaned children, but little did she know, he was instead laying the foundation for her to open a pregnancy resource center in Wells County. Brandy prayed for direction over the next two years.

Brandy has always had a tender heart for orphaned children, and it shows—she’s spent an extraordinary amount of time volunteering with organizations to aid orphaned children.

What’s more, Brandy and her husband Ryan felt the tug to help one of those children more directly, so they adopted a daughter from Africa.

During that time, her sister became a missionary in Africa. This move was extremely difficult for Brandy, who couldn’t understand why God wouldn’t send her!

A few years ago, Brandy thought God was preparing her to work overseas with

Shortly before the new school year began in 2011, Brandy dropped off baby items at a local pregnancy resource center in Decatur.

She recalls, “I really didn’t know what the organization was about. I was just giving my stuff away.”

November 2015–www.wabashvalleyliving.com

35

Brandy had heard about a Wells County woman who had chosen abortion. She began talking with the administrator, Becky, about the need to open one of these pregnancy resource centers in Wells County.

“Becky looked right at me and said that they had been praying for someone to do just that. It was like she had slapped me in the face. I felt I had taken on this huge weight.”

Af ter discussing the unsettling experience with her sister, Brandy decided to put it out of her mind.

She remembers thinking, “I don’t even know how to do something like that. It isn’t possible. I am a great teacher, I make good money, and I know what I am doing.”

The start of the school year was difficult for Brandy. Six weeks in, she knew her teaching career would soon come to an end. She began researching how to start a pregnancy resource center, and by October of 2011, Brandy had formed a steering committee to aid in making decisions.

In January 2012, Brandy presented her ideas to the pastors of Wells County. “After that presentation,” she says, “a church provided me with the seed money needed to get Helping Hands up and going. By April, we had formed a board of directors, and in June, we had our building! God was opening doors left and right.”

With help from many volunteers, Helping Hands Pregnancy Resource Center (PRC) was ready to open in January of 2013. Not quite three years later, the growing organization has already touched the lives of 185 women and families in the community.

Helping Hands PRC of fers free pregnancy testing, prenatal guidance, childbirth education, and some material assistance. However, this particular ministry looks different than other nonprofit organizations in the area.

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“We are not a social service,” Brandy explains. “It is more of a relational and transformational relationship that we are looking to build with our clients.

“I don’t want our clients’ children coming to us. I want to end the cycle of families without fathers and situational prostitution. I want generational poverty in our community to end!”

Brandy believed it was imperative to secure an ultrasound machine for Helping Hands PRC early on. “My research indicated that Wells County and the surrounding areas had very few pregnancy resource centers, and only one of them had an ultrasound machine.

I knew that it was a way to draw people in—and a way to affirm life.”

Helping Hands received an ultrasound machine last summer from a medical professional Brandy met at one of her conferences. Helping Hands has a nurse on staff who is trained to perform ultrasounds. An overseeing physician, Dr. Loren Wanner, signs off on all the ultrasounds.

“Every time our doors are open, our nurse is here. Most of our clients are vulnerable to abortion, and to be able to have the technology to show them the life forming inside is extremely valuable.”

Helping Hands PRC goes beyond pregnancy to address family issues. The staff uses a program called Birth of a Family and hosts a weekly discussion group. The purpose is to help couples learn to build stronger families.

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Women coming to Helping Hands PRC generally don’t know what to do, are confused, and need help. Many of these women don’t have a place to live or are living in a hotel. “We step in and do life together,” Brandy says. “It is messy and tailored to each client.”

Volunteers at Helping Hands receive training thr ough mater ial and information developed by author, speaker, and educator, Dr. Ruby Payne.

“They are educated in what poverty looks like,” Brandy adds, “and trained to understand who we are serving.

“The pregnancy resource center even has a male on staff to work directly with men. Nearly two dozen women and men volunteer their time at Helping Hands as advocates for its clients.”

For those interested in learning more about Helping Hands PRC, Brandy recommends a tour. “Most of the people who tour our facility have a very limited idea of who we are and what we do,” she explains.

“Most in our community are not even aware that we exist. The more people become informed about us, the more we can help those in need.”

Helping Hands accepts donations, as well, including new or gently-used maternity clothing and baby items— especially diapers in sizes 3, 4, and 5—and $5 gift cards for fast food and gasoline.

Brandy expects continued growth in the years ahead. She also hopes to open similar resource centers in Huntington and Blackford counties. #

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CONTEST IS OPEN TO ANY ENTREPRENEUR WHO HAS ESTABLISHED A NEW BUSINESS IN ADAMS, JAY, MERCER, VAN WERT OR WELLS COUNTY WITHIN THE PAST TWO YEARS

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THE MENNONITE CHORAL SOCIETY:

Group Marks Musical Milestone Article by Beth Steury

First Mennonite Church Centennial Presentation - September 25, 1938

I

n 1874, at the young age of 18, D.C. Neuenschwander was assigned the task of conducting the 16-voice choir at First Mennonite Church in Berne, Indiana. The choir had been established just a few years earlier by the church’s founder, Rev. S.F. Sprunger.

The pastor, known for his ardent love of music, had discovered the talents of young Neuenschwander, who was recognized as the best tenor soloist in the community.

In 1890, the First Mennonite choir elected to perform its first oratorio (an opera for church, based around a biblical character or event). A general manager was appointed to canvass

the Mennonite community, house-to-house, in an attempt to secure new members. His efforts proved fruitful as 48 choir members committed to the challenge of participating in that first major production, thus forming the Mennonite Choral Society.

On January 1, 1891, the choir performed The Creation, an oratorio by Joseph Haydn. In the fall of that same year, the choir presented their second oratorio, George Frideric Handel’s Messiah.

Both presentations, performed entirely in German, were accompanied by borrowed

November 2015–www.wabashvalleyliving.com

41

instruments—a reed organ and a baby grand piano.

Prior to this, no musical instruments were used in the church.

Af ter these t wo initial per formances, the choir returned to simpler musical selections, due to both the difficulty of the music and the reluctance of the community to accept this form of sacred music. However, the Mennonite Choral Society soon added the oratorio back to its repertoire, despite public sentiment.

While the installation of a pedal organ in the early 19 0 0 s e ncoura ge d the work of the choir, the pipes were not installed due to the objections of many conservative congregation members. A manual organ with 1359 pipes was later installed in the present-day sanctuary following its dedication in 1912.

Mennonite Choral Society founder, D.C. Neuenschwander

In 1913, the membership of the choir reached a high of 218 and remained consistently high for many years. By this time, the choral society was performing two or three cantatas or oratorios each year. The Messiah returned in 1915, and during the 1920s, the presentation of this popular oratorio marked the unofficial opening of the Christmas season.

In 1933, singers from outside the congregation were invited to participate in the Mennonite Choral Society’s performances. Since then, the choir has welcomed members from other churches.

In recent decades, the society has presented two programs each year—the Messiah, performed in December, and a second oratorio or compilation of sacred works, offered in May. This fall marks the 125th anniversary of the Mennonite Choral Society.

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From 1946 until his death in January 1999, Dr. Freeman Burkhalter served continuously as the choral society’s conductor. “I sang in the Messiah in 1996 under Dr. Burkhalter,” recalls Brent Hyman, current director of the Mennonite Choral Society.

“He had just finished his 100th rendition of the Messiah in December 1998 when he passed away prior to the beginning of rehearsals for the spring oratorio.”

Society members chose to honor Burkhalter by continuing with the plans for the spring oratorio. Hyman stepped in to conduct and has continued in that role ever since.

“It’s interesting how far word has reached,” adds Brent, who recalls hearing about the annual Messiah performance and Dr. Burkhalter, even before he knew anything about Berne. “It’s fairly special that a community our size does a production of this difficulty on a yearly basis.

“We currently average around 100 participants for the Messiah, and fewer— probably 40 to 60 —for the spring oratorios,” Brent says. “Currently, only 25 to 30 percent of the members are from First Mennonite Church.

“Conservatives, quite a few from the Grabill Church, and home schoolers have become a big part of the chorus.

The last several years, we’ve had people come from Coldwater, Michigan to sing with us.”

Members range in age from Hyman’s two young sons, ages eight and ten at last year’s Messiah performance, to some with more than 50 years of involvement.

“Julia Liechty started singing when she was 13, only missing a year or two in the 75-plus years since then.

“We practice on Tuesday nights, beginning with the first Tuesday in October. The performances are always the first full weekend of December, this year December 5th and 6th.”

The two-hour Saturday performance begins at 7 p.m., while a shorter version is offered on Sunday 3 p.m. Typically,

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four to five hundred people attend each performance.

Mennonite Choral Society President Ernie Steiner secures the soloists for the yearly performances several months in advance. This year’s talent includes: Craig Priebe, bass; Brian Pfaltzgraff, tenor; Karen Lykes, alto; and Gwen Detwiler, soprano.

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“We normally have harpsichord, organ, trumpet, timpani, and cello,” says Brent.

“This year, we’ll have a half orchestra for the Saturday performance only.”

November 27 Activities:

The orchestra will feature musicians from all over north central Indiana. “I think we’ll have a bigger choir than normal this year with the excitement about the orchestra. It’s my hope that we can have an orchestra every ten years.”

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Such a venture is dependent on having sufficient funds. “There’s no admission fee, but we do take an offering at each performance. It has been near and dear enough to hearts, of especially the older generations, that some people will leave money to the society upon their death.”

Referring again to the Messiah, Brent affirms, “We really hope that it’s not just a musical performance, but a real spiritual performance. The Messiah was written to try to convince the Jews of the Lordship of who Jesus was.

“One misconception is that the Messiah is a Christmas oratorio. It’s not. It’s about the entire life of Jesus.

“The Christmas section is actually a small portion. It was meant to point, using Old Testament scriptures, to who and what Jesus really was.” #

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