October 2013 Edition

Liv覺ng W

ABASH VALLE

Y

OCTOBER 2013

FREE

LIFE IN ADAMS, JAY & WELLS COUNTIES & NEIGHBORING OHIO COMMUNITIES

no place like

HOME

Local Products & Services for the Home

FRIEDRICH HELP US FIND

: D E T WAN

Friedrich likes to hide.

He appears in a number of hiding places throughout this magazine.

RD REWA ED! OFFER

FRIEDRICH

Hint: He especially enjoys hiding in the advertisements!

See if you can find every hiding spot—then fill out the form below and mail it in for a chance to win!

the Gnome

Win a large pizza from Pizza Hut in Berne!

Congratulations to our September winner!

Emmanuel S. Girod, Berne IN

FIND FRIEDRICH CONTEST ENTRY FORM Your Name

Your Street Address

# of Times Friedrich Appears

City, State & Zip

Send Completed Form To:

Wabash Valley Living Contest 346 US Hwy 27 N, Berne, IN 46711 Entry must be received by 10/15/13.

WABASH VALLEY

LIVING www.wabashvalleyliving.com

CONTENTS

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

OCTOBER 2013

Ashley Olson Tara Steffen Advertising.............. Raelene Hirschy Sharon Roberts

• COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF HELEN WOODARD’S •

Vol. 5, No. 10, October 2013 © Wabash Valley Living, 2013. 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.

2

Find Friedrich

5

Plan for a Dream Home

11

Find a Good Night’s Sleep

17

All Because of a Jingle

22

CALENDAR OF AREA EVENTS

29

The Business of Design

33

A Place for Healing

39

Handmade Décor & More

43

Furniture Creating Jobs

Wabash Valley Living is printed by:

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

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Adams Memorial Amy’s Photography Arm’s Auto Body Backyard Family Berne Antique Mall Blue Creek Sales Bluffton Tire Bluhm & Reber Cardinal Construction Century 21 Advance Chain Reaction Classics Plus Closet Update CR Design Crafty Corner Crossroads FCU/REMC CrownPointe D & H Workshop dasMärit Market Decatur Self-Storage Earthen Treasures East of Chicago Edelweiss Floral Eichhorn Jewelry Engine House Quilt Fabric Store-n-More From the Inside Out Garden Gallery Gersh’s Carpet Helen Woodard’s Indiana Pancake House

48 10 31 9 18 47 20 45 45 32 34 46 21 32 41 9 14 37 19 19 28 8 44 16 35 45 41 25 38 30 18

Insurance Haus J & E Blacksmith Joe’s Lighting Karen’s Treasures Lehman-Bixler Eye Liechty Bros.

M.C. Hilty Construction Meadowvale Mr. Planners Niswonger Performing Outdoor Cooking Pizza King of Decatur Porter-Takats River Terrace Estates Ruben/Becky Schwartz Schwartz Mfg Shaka Shack Sharlette’s Fudgery State Farm Insurance Steele Farms Swiss Village Swissland Cheese Touch of Country Town/Country Auctions TW Fable Restaurant Velocity Motors West Park Villas Willow Creek Store Willshire Home Wilmen’s Country Store Yager-Kirchhofer Zurcher’s Best One Tire

42 40 13 44 31 21 12 40 6 7 38 25 7 20 15 13 42 35 14 10 8 16 36 4 37 34 36 13 4 12 15 28

Monthly Contest

Mr. Planners Making Dream Homes Come True

Matching Customers with the Right Mattress

Familiar Ad Brings Shoppers to Ossian Furniture

Experts at Helen’s Offer Advice on Home Interiors

Hope for Troubled Young Men and their Families

Corner Offers Bigger City Services in a Small Town

Manufacturer Nears 10 Years of Success

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!

W

ILLSHIRE

Home Furnishings

SMALL-TOWN FRIENDLY & EXCEPTIONAL PRICES 318 State Street, Willshire, OH 419.495.2833 Bill & Aleta Weiss, Owners

MOHAWK ANNIVERSARY SALE NOW THRU OCTOBER 28, 2013!

DURA CERAMIC – LAMINATE – HARDWOOD – CERAMIC TILE – CARPET NEW ARRIVALS IN PRIMITIVE HOME DÉCOR PRIMITIVE CABINETS

FOR SALE

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

~ CHRISTMAS ~

OPEN HOUSE NOVEMBER 2, 2013

“FRANZ AUCTION”

Located at: 803 N 3rd St. - Decatur, IN 46733

Or: Corner of St. Mary’s St. & 3rd St. (Between 5th & 3rd)

TWO HUGE SATURDAY AUCTIONS!

Saturday, October 19 - 9:00 am - Personal Property & Antiques Saturday, October 26 - 9:00 am - Shop Items- 12:00 Noon Real Estate

2 Story, 4 Bedroom Home, 2 Bathroom Home with Kitchen with Built in Cupboards, Dining Room, Living Room, & Mud Room, All Natural Woodwork, Full Basement, Gas Forced Air Heat, Detached 2 Car Garage and Detached 1 Car Garage, Large Yard and Just 1 Block from City Pool!

Auction # 1 - Saturday October 19, 2013 - 9:00 am: 1970 Chrysler Newport Custom; 1978 Ford F -250 Custom 4 x 4 w/ 8,000 lb Wench; Large Collection of Antiques Including Antique Furniture; Antique Toys; Gold and Silver Coins; Very Large Collection of Glassware including Hull & Fostoria, Depression and Carnival Glass; Over 15 Quilts; Household Items Including Refrigerator/Freezer; Electric Stove; Chest Freezer; Furniture and Misc Household Items Auction #2 - Saturday, October 26 - 9:00 am: Collectible Small Engines-Parts-Mowers-Shop Items -New Clinton 3 hp Engine Mod. V5310; Several Clinton Engines; Several Briggs Engines; Several Lawson Engines; Lg. Asst. of Briggs & Stratton Parts; Lg. Asst. of Clinton Engine Parts; Asst. Tecumseh Parts; 5-7 New Briggs & Stratton and Tecumseh Engines Real Estate Sells at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, October 26, 2013

Many More Items Too Numerous to Mention!

No Buyer’s Premium!

Visit www.town-countryauction.com for Complete List, Terms and Pictures *Lunch Available*

*TERMS: CASH or GOOD CHECK * *Not Responsible for Accidents*

*Restrooms On Site*

Lois Franz Estate Dave Myers AU01045029

(260) 724-8899 816 W. Monroe St, Decatur, Indiana

plan for a dream home

MR. PLANNERS MAKING DREAM HOMES COME TRUE Article and Photos by Tara Steffen

T

hose who have dreamed of owning a home, complete with flowers in the front yard along a lovely white picket fence, have spent more than a few hours contemplating how their home might look, feel and function. Roger Eisenmann had a vision for a business that would help homeowners make a house into their dream home.

Roger first began to implement this vision in 1975, when he opened Mr. Planners in the small building located on 2nd Street in downtown Decatur. From the start, Mr. Planners sold

appliances, kitchen and bath items, and cabinets – all for the purpose of home improvement.

Today, the business focuses on remodeling and specializes in custom kitchens.

When Roger’s son, John, turned 15, he began working part-time alongside his father in the business. As time went on, John became more involved, taking on more responsibility.

Eventually, John began to purchase part of the business from his dad, and he recently closed on the business, taking full ownership of it just

5

this year. John now has more than 30 years of experience doing what he loves.

spent a year looking for a new employee only to have him quit that month.

Mr. Planners is still a family-operated business.

John’s wife, Trudy, assists in the office and with sales, while his daughter, Danielle keeps the books in order.

He lost his building license in Allen County – and still had a job to finish there – and no jobs scheduled for January. He hadn’t made any sales all month. Then to top it off, the last Wednesday of December, John came down with Shingles. The day before he left on vacation at the end of that month, three people came in and placed orders for January. John thanks God for those three customers!

Owning and running a business is not always easy, but John credits his ongoing success to God. He recalls a hard month in December where nothing seem to be going right. He had

Est. 1975

MR Planners

Kitchens Windows Baths & Remodeling Up to $1600 appliances with Kitchen!

FREE

258 N. 2nd St. Decatur IN 260-724-4000

John tells people, jokingly, “I’ve done every phase of construction...and, I cook.” These are excellent qualifications for building and designing beautiful and functional kitchens.

It is John’s main goal to do a job well without breaking the budget. He is capable of creating $100,000 kitchens, but his bread and butter is the average family home where the owners are looking to make life in the kitchen more convenient, workable, and beautiful, all at the same time.

John has a scrapbook showing countless projects that, in the end, were cheaper than the big box stores. These projects also had better designs with more functionality and higher quality products.

John tries to be mindful of a client’s budget, while still giving them options.

He is not one to give out “short-cut” bids, where some items are left out or omitted until that final bill comes in the mail – informing homeowners that the project went way over budget.

Customers often stop by to compare products and, sometimes, even bring in quotes and plans from another contractor. John is happy to examine plans and explain why a design might not be exactly what the customer is looking for or really wanting.

He can even help discover hidden costs that might not have been discussed in a previous bid, and the customer learns that their previous plans were actually going to cost them more.

John compares planning a kitchen with planning a vacation. One wouldn’t want to spend a week away without first having made some plans about what to do and where to go. Remodeling is a significant investment. As John points out, most ladies will get some kind of new kitchen, at least once in their lifetime.

The high-quality cabinets installed by Mr. Planners comes straight from an Adams

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County company called Bell Cabinetry.

Every cabinet is manufactured locally and can be custom-built for any need.

These are made with dove-tailed wood drawers and wood-finished ends.

Half of Mr. Planners’ business is installing windows and doors. They have three lines of windows – Pella, Atrium, and Polaris. Atrium is the largest manufacturer of vinyl windows in the nation.

There are over 30,000 window companies in the United States, but many of these assemble products that are low in quality. Mr. Planners only uses top grade-windows for remodeling installations.

1350 W. Main Street Berne, Indiana 46711 Independent Living Apartments • One & Two Bedrooms • Attached Garage • Full Size Kitchen w/ New Kitchen Cabinets • Living / Dining Room w/ New Indirect Lighting • New Bathroom Fixtures • New Flooring & Window Treatments T • Private Patio w/ New Patio Door & Built In Blinds • Lawn Care & Snow Removal Service • Discounted Bundled Services: Including Housekeeping, Meals, & Garage • Free Membership to Wellness Pavilion

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Mr. Planners has the ability to “fit” new windows into old openings, and the results are impressive. One would hardly know the window had been replaced.

The custom-made window is so close to the original, that there is very little mess.

It’s this kind of quality work that keeps customers coming back to Mr. Planners.

Quality is very important to John. His method of window installation takes a bit more time than, say, a “quick-install” company can promise, but John uses additional wrap to protect against water damage, thus giving his customer a longer lasting window, free from mold and mildew growth, as well as rot.

John’s slogan goes something like this: “Sometimes it costs you less to do it the cheapest way, but it always costs you more to do it the wrong way.

“So plan ahead. Plan to plan with Mr. Planners.” WVL

CONTACT INFORMATION: 258 N. 2nd Street Decatur, IN 46733 (260) 724-4000 www.mrplanners.com

8 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.

in the Game!

Get in the Ga fs!

We’re in the Payof

COOPERATIVES Making a Difference!

Purchase a

Join REMC or CrossRoads NEW at one of these events:

to Loan Special fs!

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APR Credit Union Day Celebration” Oct.17th - All Day Event at CrossRoads “International Oct.24th - 5:30 pm Light Dinner, 6 pm Program “Home Energy Efficiency Seminar” Jay County REMC / RSVP (800) 835-7362 or denneyc@jayremc.com

REE basketball with a $10,000 loan ** Payoff the Competition!

pplies to 2007 andOct.26 newer vehicle and above, based on credit score following guidelines. th - 9loans am$7,500 to Noon “Make a Difference Day underwriting Bucket Drop” ance from another bank only. Limited time offer. Equal opportunity lender. ** For loans over 10,000

Auto Loan Spec Rates as low as 2.9%

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Offer good for vehicle loans granted March 1 - April 8. *One entry per loan at time of closing. **For loans over $10,000 while supplies last.

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* Annual Percentage Rate. Rate applies to 2007 and newer vehicle loans $7,500 and above, based on credit score following und People Finances Meet Purchase new or refinanceWhere from another bank only.and Limited time offer. Equal opportunity lender. ** For loans ove

You win with our team!

SR 67 & Tyson Road 1102 W. Votaw Street – (260)726-2142 (260)729-5100 | DUNKIRK – (765)768-6554

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www.crossroadsfcu.org Portland, IN 47371 WINCHESTER – (765)584-7200 260.726.2141 905 N. Meridian St. - Dunkirk Portland - Winchester 18919 N St. Rd 167 www.crossroadsfcu.org Portland

Dunkirk (765) 768-6554

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Portland, IN 47371 www.crossroadsfcu.org 260.726.7121 151 N. Middle School Rd. 800.835.7362 www.powermoves.com Winchester

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You win withSALE* our team! *OCTOBER BARN www.crossroadsfcu.org

50-Year Warranty Smart Siding

1102 W. Votaw St.Warranty Paint 905 N. Meridian St. 15-Year Portland 30-Year Warranty Portland Dimensional Fiberglass Shingles (260) 726-2142 (260) 729-5100 5-Year Warranty New England Series

18919 N St. Rd 167 Dunkirk (765) 768-6554

20-Year Warranty Signature Series OUR PRICES INCLUDE DELIVERY WE CUSTOM BUILD

Backyard FAMILY Corner of U.S. 27 & 300 S - Berne, Indiana FURNITURE (260)849-0700

15

NEED ADVICE? NEED ADVICE?

CALL TO SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION.

—Bankruptcy— CALL TO SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION.

—Wills & Estates— —Bankruptcy— FAMILY FUN ON THE FARM! —Criminal Law— www.visitsteelefarms.com —Wills & Estates—

—Litigation— —Criminal Law—

Corn Maze Scavenger Hunt

U-Pick Pumpkin Patch

Hayrides

Farm Animals

Barrel Train Rides for Kids

Straw Mountain Climbing

Farm Market w/Fall Decor

—Litigation—

ERIC D. ORR ERIC D. ORR ATTORNEY AT LAW ATTORNEY AT LAW

346 US Hwy 346 US Hwy 27 N27 N Berne, Indiana Berne, Indiana

260.589.2345

260.589.2345 www.bernelegal.com

www.bernelegal.com

SCHEDULE AN IN-OFFICE CONSULTATION AND GET SOME ANSWERS TO YOUR LEGAL QUESTIONS

BANKRUPTCY - WILLS & ESTATES CRIMINAL LAW - LITIGATION

find a good night’s sleep

MATCHING CUSTOMERS WITH THE RIGHT MATTRESS Article and Photos by Ashley Olson

R

andy Thompson’s first years in the retail industry were with a mattress store in Celina, Ohio. He wasn’t planning on making a career out of the job, but he found that he was successful and enjoyed the task of providing restless sleepers with a good night’s sleep.

The business has moved a total of three times, landing in its current location on Ervin Road just over a decade ago. “We started in our first location on Main Street in 1983. We then moved again in 1988 to Highway 127,” Thompson recalls.

Within a short amount of time, Randy decided to open up his own store in Van Wert and has continued his success in the specialty store ever since. “We opened 30 years ago this September,” he says.

“Finally, in 2001, we moved to this location. Each time we relocated, it was for more visibility or space. This place had a loading dock, and I didn’t want to keep moving items through the front with manpower, so we’ve liked the loading dock.”

11

In the early days of Van Wert Bedrooms, they focused on selling waterbeds, an eighties fad that lasted into the beginning of the nineties.

After adding mattresses, they expanded in 2001 and added furniture. “We started selling sofas, tables, and dinettes. Three to four years ago, I just decided we were carrying too much stuff because it was getting to be too distracting.”

With that decision, Van Wert Bedrooms became the specialty store it is today. “Our main focus is on bedding and sleep,” Thompson explains. “We downsized and went back to specialty bedding,

WILMEN’S COUNTRY STORE 421 E 100 S, Monroe, Indiana 1 Mile South & ½ Mile East of Monroe

Stainless Steel Cookware Mixing Bowls - China Dinnerware Fabrics - Large Supply of Quilts

and we’re able to put all of our attention into giving people a good night’s sleep.”

When Thompson was a college student, he had no idea it would lead to him owning his own store. “Initially, I just wanted to learn how to sell because I thought any company would hire me if I learned this skill. Then I opened my own place, and we started getting bigger and bigger.”

Having a successful and growing business isn’t always easy, and the job definitely has its challenges. From managing employees to giving

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Willow Creek Store quality customer service, Thompson has his plate full.

“When people buy a mattress, of course, they expect that they’re going to sleep well.

That doesn’t always happen, and when this is the case, they might think you did something wrong.

“With a mattress, you need the right support so you’re not going to toss and turn. We can figure out what works for one person, but that might not work for another person.”

Thompson’s goal is to match you with the right mattress. He takes pride in giving the customer one-on-one care and really hearing what the problem is so he can help find a solution. “When you understand what mattresses can do, then you understand how to get people sleeping better.

“The number one problem is back pain, and it’s also one of the easiest problems to solve.”

He goes on to explain how many problems can be eliminated or reduced by taking the time to shop for the right mattress.

“Problems like congestion or bulging discs, sciatic nerves, and other back problems can be aided by the adjustable bed, and it’s by far the biggest breakthrough in sleep that I’ve had.

“There are ten to twelve issues that can be fixed with the right mattress – like lower back pain, bulging disc, herniated disc, restless leg syndrome, apnea, acid reflux, breathing problems, snoring, congestion – those are all bed-related issues.”

To hear Thompson talk, you really get the idea that he understands bedding and the industry, in general. And, part of this is thanks to the work he’s put into understanding the different products out there over the years.

“I actually used to do quite a few conventions when we were getting going and still kind of trying to figure out what would make the difference in business.

But, once I figured out differences between products, and knowing that the product is what makes all of the difference, I slowed down. In the last five years I haven’t been to many conventions.

5160 W 400 S

Berne, IN 46711

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MEATS – CHEESES BULK FOODS – SPICES Open Mon to Fri 8-5, Thurs 8-8, & Sat 8-2

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Large Assortment of Housewares Hitzer Heating Products Wicks for ANY Heater!

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Joe’s

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13

Schwartz Mfg. 1261 W 200 S – Berne, IN 46711

Relax — There’s a Good Neighbor close to you.

AUTO • HOME • LIFE • HEALTH

INSURANCE Steve Rich, Agent

230 S. 2nd Street, Decatur IN

260.728.2933

“We stick with the best brands available, like Serta and the air beds...Sleep Number®.

We’ve done very well with air beds and Tempur-Pedic®.

“The big thing now is adjustable beds – the adjustable head and foot of the bed.”

Besides being heavily dedicated to finding a sleeping solution for all of his customers, Randy Thompson is also a flight instructor in the Van Wert area. He is active with his church, too, and is part of a couple of different civic groups. “I’ve been a flight instructor for the last three years. I’ve promoted and advertised it, and I’ve taught people how to fly which is pretty fun, and different.”

Thompson adds, “I volunteer at church, and I’m on the airport board – and I’m a rotary member. Having a business that allows me to do things and support different causes makes a difference.

“Helping people sleep...that’s just what the job is. Outside, it’s the other things that help make a difference.”

ASSISTED LIVING Our Amenities Include: •• 24-hour 24-hour on-site on-site staff staff •• Medication Medication reminders reminders by by hostess hostess •• On-site beauty salon On-site beauty salon •• Pharmacy Pharmacy delivery delivery •• Planned Planned activities activities •• Weekly Weekly housekeeping/laundry housekeeping/laundry

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Randy’s specialty store boosts the likelihood of you finding exactly what you need in order to get a good night’s rest. “You can get a mattress and box springs anywhere.

But, when you have trouble sleeping, when you wake up feeling not rested, tired, sore – those are the people who I spend a lot of time helping.

“People who don’t sleep well don’t just want to get another mattress. They want to spend time learning about what will make them sleep better.”

Randy suggests switching out mattresses every five or six years if you become less comfortable. But, most people can squeeze eight to ten years out of one mattress before kicking it to the curb. WVL

CONTACT INFORMATION: 706 W. Ervin Road Van Wert, OH (419) 238-3399 www.vanwertbedrooms.com

Sheri Arbuckle, RN - Executive Director sarbuckle@cpcommunities.com

(260)726-3577 745 Patriot Drive • Portland, Indiana

14

Serving All Faiths

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For more information, call 260-301-6180

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130 N. Second St. Decatur, IN 46733 130 130 N. N. Second Second St. St. Decatur, Decatur, IN IN 46733 46733 1-800-589-2621 eichhornjewelry.com 1-800-589-2621 1-800-589-2621 eichhornjewelry.com eichhornjewelry.com Mon Fri: 9am 6pm, Sat: 9am 5pm Mon Mon --- Fri: Fri: 9am 9am --- 6pm, 6pm, Sat: Sat: 9am 9am --- 5pm 5pm

*One registration per person. Must register in person. $500 value. One lucky winner. *One registration per person.

Must register in person. $500 value.

One lucky winner. *One *One registration per perfor person. person.

Must Must register register inperson. person.necessary. $500 $500value. value.

One Onebe lucky lucky winner. winner.

Needregistration not be present drawing to win.

No in purchase Must 16 or older.

Need not be present for drawing to win.

No purchase necessary.

Must be 16 or older.

Need Neednot notbe bepresent presentfor fordrawing drawingto towin. win.

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2013.

4310 S US Hwy 27

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all because of a jingle

FAMILIAR AD BRINGS SHOPPERS TO OSSIAN FURNITURE Article and Photos by Tara Steffen

I

n the heart of Northeast Indiana, there is a retail furniture business going on 50 years’ strong. The familiar jingle of Ossian Furniture Design brings customers from some distance to shop for home furnishings in the small community north of Bluffton, Indiana.

Ossian Furniture Design owner Kevin Smith was not always a professional in home furnishings. Kevin actually began his career in Fort Wayne in the maintenance supply business – a job he held for 20 years. Kevin enjoyed his work, but due to circumstances beyond

his control, he found it necessary to hedge a business of his own.

So, Kevin entered the textile rental business, loaning out floor mats and rugs to area business, as well as table linens used in reception halls and restaurants. Kevin established this company out of his garage with a meager budget of about $400. He put in loads of hours, working nights and weekends.

Kevin laughs as he recalls a time when his parents helped him on one of the routes. His dad

17

asked Kevin, “Do you care how long it takes (to run the route)?”

Kevin responded, “No, Dad, I really don’t care how long it takes. Why?” His dad explained, “Well, your mom and I were talking, and we both need something to do, and if you don’t care how long it takes, we’ll be happy to help.”

Indiana Pancake House & Restaurant

919 N. Main St., Bluffton, IN • (260)353-1414

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Buy One Meal & 2 Beverages at Regular Price & Receive 2nd Meal of equal or lesser value 50% OFF! Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner • Mon.-Fri. Only Not valid with any other specials or discounts. Discount cannot be taken on $4.00 specials or steak entrees.

Sat. - Mon. 6am to 3pm \ Tues.-Fri. 6am to 8pm

So, Kevin’s mom drove the van, and Kevin’s dad carried the rugs in and out of businesses along the route.

Over the years, as the company grew, they leased a much larger building. Later, with some uncertainty about the lease renewal of their current building, Kevin began to search for a location to possibly purchase.

TREASURES

from the past!

Berne

Antique Mall

105 W. Water, Berne 260.589.8050 10-5 Mon. thru Sat.

Need More Space?

Both Kevin and his wife drove by Ossian Furniture on a daily basis. While Kevin was searching for a new space, Ossian Furniture was sold to new owners. Due to the struggling economy and loss of sales, the new owners were hit hard and lost the store. The previous owners regained possession of the property.

While the retail building sat empty and unused, Kevin and his wife purchased it for their textile rental business and situated their company in the very back of the store. Almost immediately, the former owners approached Kevin with the possibility of reopening the furniture store.

Kevin had some reserves about reestablishing a failed furniture store and really had no former experience in such a business. Kevin wanted to see the numbers – not just from profitable years, but from the bad years, as well.

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After much consideration, Kevin realized that his textile company was already paying for use of the new building. So, Kevin decided to pursue the furniture business – under two conditions.

Office located at 1221 Guy Brown Drive

First, he required one of the former owners to work at the store and teach Kevin about operating a furniture store.

The store was formerly operated by two brothers, one of whom announced that he was “done with the business, period.”

dasMärit

Farmers & Artists Market

The other brother, Norm Lip, agreed to come and work for Kevin, so long as he wasn’t an owner of the business. Norm worked at Ossian furniture for another two years, and showed Kevin the ropes.

Kevin’s second condition: he would have all rights to the store’s popular jingle. This jingle had been used in commercials around the area on TV and radio for several years and is easily the most recognizable jingle in the regional furniture market.

In fact, shortly after reopening, Ossian Furniture welcomed a customer from the other side of Huntington – about 45

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19

(260)589-2936

minutes away. Kevin asked this customer why he had driven to shop in Ossian.

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The customer explained that he had done some checking online for Palliser Furniture and saw that Ossian Furniture was a dealer. He liked the inventory and wanted to purchase from someone that he knew would give him great service – as opposed to some “big box” store.

But, what was most persuasive to this customer was the Ossian Furniture jingle from a commercial replaying in his head the entire drive from Huntington to Ossian. So, Kevin understood there was great importance in using the old jingle as he reestablished the store.

On November 1, Ossian Furniture experienced an unexpected loss. After installation of the new LED sign in the store front, faulty wiring caused a fire in the roof. At first, it was only a smoldering fire. Then, firefighters poked a hole in the roof to gain access to it.

This allowed fresh oxygen to penetrate and ignite an actual flame. Fortunately, it was extinguished immediately. But downstairs, the firefighters then poked a second hole in the ceiling to make sure the fire was out, and this let smoke into the building.

Days later, the insurance company declared that all the furniture was damaged and could no longer be sold as new. Even though the fire never really touched the interior of the building, the furniture was deemed lost.

The insurance company wrote Kevin a check and made plans to sell the furniture to a salvage company located in Cincinnati. Disappointed, Kevin told the insurer, “Look, this community has backed this store for all these 50 years, and I can’t see why the people in Cincinnati should benefit from our loss.”

20

SINCE 1919

So, Kevin bought back all the furniture for the price that the salvage company would have gotten and arranged an auction at the store. On December 28th, 2012, all the furniture sold in just two hours.

Kevin wanted to reopen the store by January 1st, only three days after the auction. After a lot of overtime, Kevin’s team loaded, unpacked, assembled and reset the entire store for the reopening on New Year’s Day. Not surprisingly, Kevin says that he works with a great group of people. After Norm Lip came to work for them, they also acquired Cindy Miller, the former owner of Kingsland Furniture. Her family owned and operated that company for 50 years, as well, so Cindy is well-educated in furniture.

Josiah Floro came to work at Ossian Furniture from Ohio and has spent almost his entire career in the furniture business.

Kevin feels very blessed to have these experts helping to run and manage the store.

Kevin’s wife was formerly in the insurance industry. She is now a partner with Kevin in their furniture business.

Currently, Kevin’s son works in the textile rental portion of the family business, while Kevin’s daughter works with him in the furniture store. Kevin’s grandson works in both businesses through a vocational program at school.

Kevin says that he’s fortunate to have the opportunity to work alongside his family. WVL

CONTACT INFORMATION: 10018 N. State Road 1 Ossian, IN 46777 (260) 622-7300 www.ossianfurnituredesign.com

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AREA EVENTS CALENDAR

1st

Business Before Hours: Salute to Non-Profits 7:30 a.m.

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

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

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

Fall Mums & Pumpkin Festival Begins 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Lincoln Ridge Farm Convoy, Ohio (419) 749-4224

Homeschool Computer Club 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

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

LEGO Club

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

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

5th

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

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

8:00 a.m. - Noon First Mennonite Church Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2936

LEGO Club

LEGO Club

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

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

Farmers Market

3:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

1st & Madison Streets Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2604

4th

Market on Main / First Fridays 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Downtown Main Street Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-6911

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

Highway 1 Pennville, Indiana (260) 731-2244

Corn Maze Continues

2

nd

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

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

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

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

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

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

Crafts & Conversation 4:00 p.m.

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

Author Visit w/ Tess Gerritsen

7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

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

1

3rd

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

Steele Farms Decatur, Indiana www.visitsteelefarms.com

Jay Co. High School Homecoming Parade 5:00 p.m.

Downtown Portland, Indiana (260) 726-9306

Honeymoon @ Graveside Manor Dinner Theater 6:30 p.m.

Van Wert Senior Center Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-3879

Corn Maze Continues 7:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.

Kernel Cooper’s Van Wert, Ohio www.kernelcoopers.com

Hiestands Haunted Woods Opening 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Hospital Drive Van Wert, Ohio (419) 605-5839

dasMärit Farmers Market

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

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

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

1st Annual Harvest Ride 5K Bike Tour 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Berne Public Pool Grounds Berne, Indiana (260) 849-2187

Main Street U.S.A. 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

West Jay Middle School Dunkirk, Indiana (765) 768-6193

Bug Out Emergency Preparedness Weekend 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

YMCA Camp Clay Van Wert, Ohio (419) 605-4232

4th Annual Lehman Park Harvest Festival 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Lehman Park Berne, Indiana (260) 849-2187

Jay County Heritage Festival

11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Historical Society Grounds Portland, Indiana (260) 726-7168

Chicken BBQ & Fall Festival 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Historical Museum Van Wert, Ohio (419) 203-5779

SPECIAL SECTION - AREA COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR

Honeymoon @ Graveside Manor Dinner Theater 6:30 p.m.

Van Wert Senior Center Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-3879

The Crist Family

7th

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

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

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

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

Crafts & Conversation 4:00 p.m.

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

w/The Master’s Own 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Gospel Barn Bluffton, Indiana (651) 269-2120

Mom’s Support Group

Annual Photography Exhibit Opening

Poetry Coterie

JL Trekkers

Girls Book Club

Farmers Market

4:00 p.m.

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

3:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

1st & Madison Streets Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2604

8

Community United Way BINGO Night

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

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

Who Picked This Book?

7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

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

Michael W. Smith Concert

7:30 p.m.

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

6

th

Loblolly Bird Hike 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Loblolly Marsh Bryant, Indiana (260) 368-7428

Limberlost Antique Tractor & Engine Show 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Downtown Geneva, Indiana (260) 368-7251

Jay County Heritage Festival

11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Historical Society Grounds Portland, Indiana (260) 726-7168

Warm Blessings Quilt Show Opens 2:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Historical Museum Van Wert, Ohio (419) 203-5779

Honeymoon @ Graveside Manor Dinner Theater 6:30 p.m.

Van Wert Senior Center Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-3879

1:00 p.m.

Adams Memorial Hospital Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2145 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

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

th

Blood Pressure Checks

Boys Book Club

4:00 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

9

th

Networking Breakfast 7:30 a.m.

Elks Lodge Dunkirk, Indiana (260) 726-4481

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

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

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

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

10th

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

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

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

Wells County 4-H Park Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-5589 Book Discussion 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

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

DIY Room Air Fresheners 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

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

11th

Healthy & Easy Cooking 10:00 a.m.

SA Senior Center Berne, Indiana (260) 589-8877

Market on Main

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

Downtown Main Street Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-6911

Euchre Tournament

2:00 p.m.

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

SPECIAL SECTION - AREA COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR

2

23

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Honeymoon @ Graveside Manor Dinner Theater 6:30 p.m.

Van Wert Senior Center Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-3879

The Browders

w/The Christianaires Quartet 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Gospel Barn Bluffton, Indiana (651) 269-2120

Great Pumpkin Hunt & Hayride 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Lancaster Park Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

Amy Regan Concert 9:00 p.m.

Black Swamp Bistro Van Wert, Ohio (567) 259-3064

14th

Mom’s Support Group 1:00 p.m.

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

Girls Book Club 4:00 p.m.

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

Glowing in the Dark 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

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

Farmers Market

Farmers Market

After Hours Party

Farmers Market

15th

Farmers Market

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

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

Citywide Clean Up

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

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

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

Highway 1 Pennville, Indiana (260) 731-2244

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

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

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

Honeymoon @ Graveside Manor Dinner Theater 6:30 p.m.

Van Wert Senior Center Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-3879

12th

dasMärit Farmers Market 8:00 a.m. - Noon First Mennonite Church Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2936

24

3

8:00 a.m. - Noon Courthouse Portland, Indiana (260) 726-2565 8:00 a.m. - Noon Webster Depot Dunkirk, Indiana (765) 768-6877

8:00 a.m. - Noon Various Bluffton, Indiana mayorsoffice@ci.bluffton.in.us

Blood Pressure Checks

LEGO Club

Boys Book Club

4:00 p.m.

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

SPECIAL SECTION - AREA COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR

Teen Read Week Book Washing 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

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

CHRISTNER’S (260)728-2151

Craft It

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

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

16th

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Sunday thru Thursday 10:30a.m. - 9p.m.

Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday 5p.m. - 9p.m.

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Crafts & Conversation 4:00 p.m.

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

17th

LEGO Club

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

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

Farmers Market

3:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

1st & Madison Streets Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2604

Poetry Jam

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

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

All of your Fall Decor Needs: Fresh and Dried Spices Pumpkins, Squash, Gouards, Indian Corn, Mums, and Asters Jams Jellies Maple Syrups and Honey

Seeking the Unknown Scavenger Hunt 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

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

SPECIAL SECTION - AREA COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR

4

AREA EVENTS CALENDAR 26

18th

Saturday at the Movies

9:00 a.m.

SA Senior Center Berne, Indiana (260) 589-8877

Spooktacular Nature

Jewelry Class w/Anita Miller

Market on Main

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

Downtown Main Street Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-6911

Van Wert Apple Festival 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Van Wert Co. Fairgrounds Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-9378

Murder Mystery Evening 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

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

19th

Firemen’s Pancake & Sausage Breakfast 6:00 a.m. - Noon Fire Department Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6050

dasMärit Farmers Market 8:00 a.m. - Noon First Mennonite Church Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2936

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

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

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

Van Wert Apple Festival 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Van Wert Co. Fairgrounds Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-9378

Spookfest 2013

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

Hospital Drive Van Wert, Ohio (419) 605-5839

5

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

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

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

Mark Trammell Quartet w/Ryan Hirschy 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Gospel Barn Bluffton, Indiana (651) 269-2120

20th

Debbie Boone Concert

3:00 p.m.

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

One-of-a-Kind Auction 5:00 p.m.

Royal Theatre Auditeria Fort Recovery, Ohio (419) 375-4384

21st

Blood Pressure Checks 12:30 p.m.

SA Senior Center Berne, Indiana (260) 589-8877

Free Senior BINGO 1:00 p.m.

SA Senior Center Berne, Indiana (260) 589-8877

Mom’s 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

22nd

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

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

Boys Book Club

4:00 p.m.

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

23rd

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

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

Senior Luncheon Noon SA Senior Center Berne, Indiana (260) 589-8877

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

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

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

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

Crafts & Conversation 4:00 p.m.

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

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

Bluffton Middle School Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

24th

Fall Break Movie Afternoon

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

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

Farmers Market

3:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

1st & Madison Streets Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2604

Business After Hours

5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Ya Ya’s Mid-Century & Modern Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-0510

SPECIAL SECTION - AREA COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR

25th

Market on Main

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

Downtown Main Street Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-6911

Soft Shoulders 10:30 a.m.

Swiss Village Berne, Indiana (260) 589-3173

LEGO Challenge

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

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

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

Highway 1 Pennville, Indiana (260) 731-2244

Creepy Creature Campfire 8:30 p.m.

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

26th

dasMärit Farmers Market 8:00 a.m. - Noon First Mennonite Church Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2936

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

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

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

Harvest Moon Festival 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Downtown Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-6911

Fall Fright Fest

11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Van Wert Co. Fairgrounds Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-9378

Ouabache Fall Festival

Red Cross Bloodmobile

Ball Bros. Quartet

Singles & Separates Support Group

2:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Ouabache State Park Bluffton, Indiana (260) 468-2127 w/Witness Quartet 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Gospel Barn Bluffton, Indiana (651) 269-2120

Noon - 6:00 p.m.

SA Senior Center Berne, Indiana (260) 589-8877

2:00 p.m.

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

Halloween Parade

Boys Book Club

27th

30th

7:00 p.m.

Downtown Geneva, Indiana (260) 368-7251

Fiber & Natural Dyeing 2:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Historical Museum Van Wert, Ohio (419) 203-5779

Callithumpian Canter 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run 2:00 p.m.

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

28th

Mom’s Support Group 1:00 p.m.

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

K123 Club

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

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

Girls Book Club 4:00 p.m.

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

Callithumpian Parade 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Downtown Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2604

29th

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

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

4:00 p.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Crafts & Conversation 4:00 p.m.

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

31st

Boo in Bluffton

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

Various Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-1520

Trick or Treat

5:00 p.m.

Downtown Portland, Indiana (260) 726-4481

Trick or Treat

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

Downtown Geneva, Indiana (260) 368-7251

Treats at the Tower 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Muensterberg Plaza Berne, Indiana (260) 589-3139

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EXPERTS AT HELEN’S OFFER ADVICE ON HOME INTERIORS Article by Sylvia Marbach Photos provided

N

ewly-engaged Nicole Reynolds grew up in Berne and graduated from South Adams. Following high school she began studying finance at IPFW, but when she found the classes uninteresting, she switched to interior design. “I just thought it sounded like fun,” she says. “I tried it – I loved it!”

In 1997, while still in school, Nicole secured a job at Helen Woodard’s Yager Interiors in Berne, Indiana. A fellow student had suggested she interview with Helen. Nicole reports, “She hired me that same day.”

Nicole briefly describes the company history.

“Helen incorporated as Helen Woodard’s Yager Interiors around 1990. Previously, she worked at Yager Furniture and had a little interior design business within the company.

“Before that, Helen had worked at a couple places over in Bluffton, but she’s always been in interior design.

“When I started with Helen, we were not in this building here on Main Street. We were over on North Jefferson in a little building that’s now

29

our warehouse, and she only did interior design.

Just the floor covering, window treatments, wallpaper...that kind of thing.

than reading it from a book, or having someone lecture to you.

“When she hired me, she was in the process of redoing this building, and she added the home accessories after that.”

“In this industry, you really need to work in it to know what you read about in a class. So, I was lucky that while I was going to school, I could work here so it made more sense with all of my projects and stuff.”

Nicole is very thankful for the experience she gained from the store early on, and how it helped her in school. “They’ve taught me so much more than you learn in school – more

Nicole continues, “We are an interior design store. We do residential and a little commercial work. We also offer a lot of services many people don’t know about.”

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LEHMAN Helen’s specializes in floor covering, window treatments, paint coordination, arranging, accessorizing, and furniture selection. Helen’s also offers a myriad of custom products, although custom doesn’t necessarily translate to expensive.

“A lot of people have a budget, and we try to stay under that budget for you,” Nicole assures.

Sometimes, the interior designers are called upon to help outside the home, as well. Nicole explains, “A few customers have built new homes, and we’ve helped them pick out their brick and their shingles and their siding.

“We don’t sell any of that, but they feel comfortable enough and trust us enough to help them select these things. It’s pretty overwhelming – there are too many options out there for a homeowner today.

Sometimes, the customer knows what they want, but they need reassurance, so they come and see us.”

Helen’s purchases its products from a variety of vendors. “We just pick and choose what we think could be affordable to purchase in this area,” Nicole explains.

“We don’t let our salesmen bring in just anything. We go through, and we look at it. And you can kind of tell, by feeling and touching if it’s going to perform or not.

“We hand-pick pretty much every sample that’s brought in here. The life of a sample is maybe three to five years. And then, you’ve got to buy new ones again because the industry’s changing, and colors have changed.”

Doing business in a small town has its advantages, says Nicole, including “more one-on-one service.” She continues, “I think you probably get more attention, as we can spend more time with you and working on your projects...which, in the long run, is very beneficial to the customer. They get what they really want.”

The interior design business is constantly shifting; prices, colors, styles, and seasons are always changing, but Nicole

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doesn’t anticipate that kind of change in her own life. “I’d like to keep doing this. I like this area, and I like the people I work with.

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“If this wasn’t here anymore...if Helen closed the store, I would try and do something in it. One of the things I like about the interior design business is you get to meet so many different types of people, and you develop friendships with a lot of them.

“You’re going to spend a lot of time with them, and you get to know them and learn about their families and their interests.”

Laughing, Nicole says, “I don’t know what you would call my title – I do a little bit of everything. I’m an interior designer.

I also do all the book-keeping and pretty much all the ordering.

“I schedule installations. I’m also a buyer. And, I run the store – Helen is out a lot – though we do have one part-time employee, Harriet Kunce.”

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Nicole’s career choice is well-suited to her. “I like being creative,” she says. “I like to do crafty things. I like scrapbooking. I love to garden and tend to my flowers, and I think that goes back to working with color and texture and that kind of thing.”

“I love working with the fabrics and colors, and the challenge of creating something that the customer wants. I’m very lucky that God has given me this gift to be creative, because some people can do this sort of work, and some people can’t.

“Helen and Harriett have both helped me to develop that creativity, which has allowed me to better myself in the business, so to speak. I have to thank them both. They’ve really taught me a lot.” WVL

CONTACT INFORMATION: 113 W. Main Street Berne, IN 46711 (260) 589-3671

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a place for healing

HOPE FOR TROUBLED YOUNG MEN AND THEIR FAMILIES Article and Photos by Tara Steffen

H

ope is an amazing and mysterious thing. It is tough to extinguish, present in the most troubling of circumstances, and a light in the midst of dark times.

Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This is exactly what young men find at House of Hope Northeast Indiana.

Tom Felger and his wife Patrice are the founders of this home in Wells County for troubled teenage boys. Tom began a mentoring program in 2004,

working with teens. He soon found that there was a real need in the region for creating a positive, constructive living environment to help refocus troubled teen age boys in crisis, and also to help equip moms and dads for the challenges of parenting.

House of Hope accepts boys between the ages of 13-17 with mild to moderate emotional or behavioral problems. They must have a minimum IQ of at least 70 with no alcohol or drug dependency. They also must not have any active suicidal or homicidal threats and no history of sexual offenses. House of Hope is a Christ-

33

centered home, but no one is forced to become religious.

The home is located on a farm just outside Bluffton, Indiana, which makes it a centralized location between Fort Wayne and Indianapolis.

To qualify for the program, parents of participants must reside within 100 miles of House of Hope.

House of Hope founders wish to provide a temporary home for boys, so there is nothing clinical about the building itself. It feels like a home – the living room is lined with comfortable couches and a TV.

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House of Hope does not aim to serve as a lockdown facility. The goal to provide healing and restoration to the boys and their families. The setting is a peaceful home where the boys can begin to work through their choices and why their behaviors have caused crises.

House of Hope Executive Director Alicia Hill says, “For the boys, it is so important for them to start to work through their emotional pains. What I love about teenagers is their raw honesty and their ability to express who they are.

“It takes a lot of courage to do this. It’s hard.”

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A resident once told Alicia, “It’s easier for me to be on drugs and be numb than to deal with this pain.’”

She responded, “We know, but we don’t want you to live like that. We want you to live and have life – and have it abundantly.”

House of Hope is not a detox center, but the staff still deals with all kinds of substance addictions. Even in local communities today, there is a real issue with drugs and the availability kids have to them.

The young men stay anywhere from 12 to 18 months. It takes about six months before any sign of improvement is present. The boys are supervised day and night by house parents who live with them.

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Joe and Brenda Coe are currently the primary house parents. They have been involved in missions for several years, serving as dorm parents at boarding schools. Joe was a youth pastor for two years. He and Brenda have a foster son who lives with them, as well.

Joe and Brenda say, “House of Hope drew us in from the start. We really love that the parents are involved. It’s a total restoration of the family. The parents may not be living at House of Hope, but they’re just as involved as we are.

“We’ve learned from past experiences that if there’s not teaching and change in the family, it doesn’t work. We are thrilled to be at House of Hope and excited to see how God uses us.”

Residents get one-on-one emotional counseling. They are counseled within a group setting, and again, with their families.

Every other Sunday night, the boys sit down to dinner with their family, and the meal is followed by a parenting class.

House of Hope restricts the use of social media so that parents and their sons learn to share real, quality time together.

While living at House of Hope, the boys are also responsible for performing daily chores and serving during meals. On the farm, the boys are assigned an assortment of chores, such as watering the cattle or moving pasture fences.

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At House of Hope, residents are expected to adhere to a regular schedule. The boys are instructed to rise by a certain time in the morning, make their beds, and keep their clothes organized and washed. Personal hygiene is expected, as well. It’s all part of keeping within a structured environment.

In one instance, the boys currently in residence decided that they didn’t want to get up at the required time. That night, the boys had to complete an extra hour of chores outside with the calves. Getting up is no longer an issue.

During their stay, the boys are allowed very few articles of clothing, and house rules even dictate the boys’ style of dress.

This rule was instituted for good reason – House of Hope wants to deal with what’s on the inside of the boys, not what’s on the outside. They even wear matching socks, just to keep uniformity and to ensure a boy has no reason to envy another.

House of Hope participants attend a private, state-accredited school in Bluffton.

Some of the boys have fallen behind in their studies. The boys attend school from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. all year long. The year-round schooling provides them the opportunity to catch up to others in their grade level.

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All the cattle raised on the farm is butchered and sold out of a little white building, called Brickhouse Farm Store, located directly on the farm. Through sales at the store, the boys are taught the fundamentals of business, and how they contribute to the bottom line.

The meat is stockpiled in upright freezers and includes fresh beef, pork, chicken, and eggs. The store is not attended, but operates on a self-serve basis, and envelopes are provided for payment.

Proceeds from Brickhouse Farm store help to support the ongoing ministry at House of Hope. All the cattle are grain-fed and free of any antibiotics or hormones. All are welcome to shop here. WVL

CONTACT INFORMATION: P.O. Box 311 Bluffton, IN 46714 (260) 824-4774 www.houseofhopenei.org

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CORNER OFFERS BIGGER CITY SERVICES IN A SMALL TOWN Article and Photos by Ashley Olson

F

ort Recovery, Ohio, is a fairly small town with a population of less than 1,500 – which means people often have to travel to get many items. But Lisa Roessner hopes to save some of these people a trip with her store, The Crafty Corner.

“I hope The Crafty Corner provides for a need, so if Fort Recovery residents are looking for a gift or something...I automatically think of the baby stuff because there’s nothing close to it in the area...” says Lisa. “They can just run uptown and get something without having to

spend money on gas and a gift. They can just purchase their gift.”

Since opening in April of 2012, The Crafty Corner has been selling a variety of items to Fort Recovery and surrounding communities.

Baby items and clothing, baked goods, jewelry and home decor are her main products. Almost everything in the store is handmade, except for the clothing. Lisa also offers items that local residents make and wish to sell in stores.

39

She’s always looking to add things to the store’s inventory, too, by asking herself the question, “What do people need in Fort Recovery that they must go far away to get?”

So far, the baby clothes have been an obvious answer to her question again and again. Her clothing ranges from infant to size 6 and, as Lisa puts it, is something you have to go to Greenville or Muncie to find.

The Crafty Corner’s alterations and mending services have also gone over quite well in the community. This store provides prom, wedding and homecoming dress alterations, as well as hemming, patches and repairs.

Before opening her store, Lisa was busy raising eight children (now aged 13 to 25) and helping her husband on the family farm.

Lisa still does work on the farm, which is why

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she’s had to recruit some help with the Crafty Corner.

“Originally I was in here (the store) every day, but it was getting to be too tough to get everything done here and at the farm,” she recalls. “So, my two daughters and my mom now help out with the store, and we each take a day.

“It’s become a family business. Having enough time for everything is a big challenge, but we have a better balance with everybody helping.

“I always want to try and have what people need and want in here. And that’s been fun – learning what to bring in, and what people want. Somebody will ask for something, and that’ll give me an idea about adding a new product.”

Now that Lisa has some help running her store, it makes everything much more enjoyable – especially chatting with the customers. “I like the customers that come in, it always makes me feel good when I can help them out,” she says. “I guess making them happy is what I like about it the most.

“I really enjoy it, it makes me happy. It’s also helped me keep in touch with my girls more because they’re helping out, so I see them more. I also really enjoy the decorating and that kind of thing.”

As for how Lisa came up with the idea to start The Crafty Corner, it began as soon as the perfect storefront opened up. She’d always dreamed of owning a store and was just waiting for the perfect opportunity.

“This building was open, and I was like, ‘I think we could pull it off in there.’

“My mother-in-law paints and crochets.

I’ve always been crafty, and my daughters are all crafty, as well. I sew and hope to offer more mending and alteration services soon.”

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With her store now well-established, Lisa is preparing for the upcoming holidays, which is easily her busiest time of year. And, this means getting more holiday-themed crafts and products out in the store.

Lisa also knows that she’ll need plenty of food on hand to satisfy the rush that comes this time of year. “The food is always big for the holidays,” she says.

“If people need things for parties and get-togethers, they stop here to get it, sometimes.

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“We’ve also been doing plenty of alterations and mending – people have brought in some homecoming and bridesmaids dresses to get shortened.”

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Once The Crafty Corner’s busy season ends following Christmas, Lisa will be preparing for the spring time, which is another point when people shop heavily in her store. She explains that spring is a big season for The Crafty Corner because of special occasions like first communions and rosaries.

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Of course, that’s off in the future, and Lisa is more focused on getting through the holiday season first. Those visiting The Crafty Corner during this time will find a wide array of baby clothing, food, baked goods, and crafts. As for the latter, Lisa offers a great selection of Halloween and fall-inspired items.

So, if you live in the Fort Recovery area and are looking for some great items – without having to drive over a half an hour – The Crafty Corner is definitely a good place to stop. And, even if you don’t live in town, Crafty Corner is still a shorter drive for many when shopping for baby clothing and handmade gifts and crafts. WVL

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furniture creating jobs

MANUFACTURER NEARS 10 YEARS OF SUCCESS Article and Photos by Ashley Olson

H

aving started out in the car industry with big companies like GM and GE, Jeff Day never dreamed that he’d one day be in the furniture business. Now he owns TLS (Total Life Style) by Design, which provides affordable high-end furniture to the business and commercial residential markets.

The story of how Jeff went from working for companies that assemble car air conditioning components to one that manufactures customer furniture is a very interesting one. And, much of it starts with the other business that he owns, International Leverage.

“I have a second business that helps U.S. companies do business in China,” he says. “I have an office in Shanghai, and my colleagues from that office wanted me to get into furniture.”

By 2004, Jeff and his wife, Elizabeth Updike, founded TLS by Design and strictly focused on wood furniture, in the beginning. Their original products featured case goods that were made in China, using wood from Indiana, such as ash, cherry, maple and walnut. TLS also held offices and a case goods warehouse in Anderson, Indiana.

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In 2008, Day’s company partnered up with Berne Furniture Co. to produce their firstever upholstered furniture line. Unfortunately, Berne Furniture went out of business just a short time later, leaving Day scrambling to find another upholstery company.

This search led him to a small pole barn out in the Portland countryside. Day then hired some of the displaced workers from Berne Furniture and sent them to this new upholstery workshop.

Only six months had passed when Day realized that the operation had outgrown the pole barn,

and a bigger space was needed. He soon found a location at 415 West Water Street in Portland.

Now, five years later, TLS by Design’s upholstery factory will be moving yet again to a location just two blocks away from the Water Street building. During the latest move, which is still ongoing, Jeff praises Portland Mayor Randy Geesaman, who has offered city support through tasks such as moving power lines.

Judging from the rapid growth, this company is obviously doing something right. Day explains

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“We guarantee our frames and foam for life. There are people who sometimes buy a sofa, and the cushion goes to mush, but we have a high quality, high design product. We get people what they want.”

Thanks to the company’s reputation for producing stellar furniture, their loyal customers include notable establishments, such as Fort Wayne’s Ivy Tech and Nashville, Tennessee’s Vanderbilt University. And, TLS by Design’s quality work has even drawn interest from companies as far away as Saudi Arabia.

As for the process, it all starts with a picture. “People send us sketches and/or pictures to let us know what they want, and how they want it changed,” Days explains.

“We typically make big, deep, long pieces, like 10 to 14-foot couches. And, a popular feature we’re doing repeatedly is tufting (pulling, folding or sewing special contoured patterns).”

Some of TLS by Design’s most interesting products include an ottoman that turns into a sleeper, a clover-shaped ottoman, and tables that were used in a Versace display room.

While making these furniture pieces and others, TLS tries to be as environmentally responsible as possible. This means using recycled materials whenever they can and using water-based finishes on their wood furnishings. TLS also found a company to buy their scrap leather so they don’t have to throw it away, and, a local farmer picks up leftover sawdust for his horses.

Thanks to their environmental awareness, TLS by Design became the youngest and smallest company to be nominated for the

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This company is also very focused on creating jobs in Jay County. Day regularly participates in entrepreneurship classes within the community. “Four companies started in Jay Country in the last year because of this entrepreneurship program,” he says. “One company takes infrared satellite imaging of fields in order to get information for farms on how they can improve their fields.”

Like any other business, TLS faces a number of challenges, beginning with finding enough skilled upholsterers in Portland. “The skill set of sewing and upholstery was once so strong here in this region, but now it’s fading away.

We’ve talked to Ivy Tech about starting an upholstery apprentice program, and they’re thinking about it, but these things just take time to get started.”

Beyond upholsterers, there are also other positions that can be hard to fill within TLS. Day said that he truly values any employee who’s able to provide more than one skill, such as sewing and cutting, too.

Anybody who can combine one or both of these with upholstery has a pretty secure job at TLS. TLS has nearly doubled in size every year since opening in 2004 and is doing some very large volume orders. In fact, one business asked the company to produce 60 sleeper sofas and 60 chairs in a single month. WVL

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BLUE CREEK SALES

Martin Schwartz

1510 S. 200 W. Monroe, Indiana 46772

CUSTOM BUILT VINYL WINDOWS

THERMA-TRU® ENTRY DOORS Fiberglass Door with Composite Jamb

New Construction – In Stock

Steel Door with Wood Jamb

Replacement – By Order

lete Comp l Sets l FARRIER CARTS – NO SPILL HORSE FEEDERS Volleyba able!

Avail TRIM COIL (Black/White) – CORN HOLE GAMES CUSTOM PLASTIC PRODUCTS Like Twin Tubs

BIG COUPON SAVINGS FREE COUPON SPACE

10% OFF Any Purchase

Expires 10/31/13

25% OFF STOREWIDE Expires 10/31/13

Ask Us How!

260.849.2187

$1 OFF REGULAR MAZE ADMISSION

Limit 4 Expires 10/27/13 www.visitsteelefarms.com

204 W. Votaw Street Portland

15% OFF TOTAL BILL

Not valid with any other coupon, discount or daily special EXPIRES OCT. 30, 2013

310 E. Monroe Street Decatur, IN

(260)728-2151

ENGINE HOUSE

10% OFF

164 W. Main Street, Berne

with coupon

QUILT SHOP

FREE Fat Quarter with any $20 purchase when you present this coupon.

EXPIRES 10/31/13

Your Total Bill

Oct 7th – Oct. 19th

FABRIC

Store-N-More 1327 US Hwy 27 N, Berne, IN Next to East of Chicago Pizza

112 S. Meridian Street , Portland

10% OFF any purchase expires 10/31/13

Karen’s Treasures 444 E. Main Street, Berne

(260)589-2002

$1.00 OFF Any Short or Long Fall Specialty Drink 1 coupon per visit Expires 10/31/13

143 E. Jackson Monroe, IN

I N T R O D U C I N G

Dr. Lindsay

Hardley Coming Soon to a Surgical Suite Near You!

Adams Memorial Hospital is pleased to announce a second surgeon has been successfully recruited to join Dr. Anthony Nigliazzo in the practice of general surgery.

Dr. Lindsay Hardley graduated from Manchester College in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and chemistry. She graduated from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Bradenton, Florida, in 2008. Dr. Hardley is completing her residency from Doctor’s Hospital in Ohio and will begin seeing patients at our hospital in September 2013.

Dr. Hardley received the “Resident of the Year” award in 2010-11 from the Department of Pediatric Surgery at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus. Her office will be located in the Adams Medical Complex located adjacent to the hospital. To schedule an appointment call 260-728-3982.

Exceptional Care! Close To You! 1100 Mercer Avenue Decatur, IN 260-724-2145 www.adamshospital.com