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Refrigerators and freezers must be in working condition, and must be between 10 and 30 cubic feet in size, using inside measurements. Wabash Valley Power Association (WVPA) contracts with JACO Environmental, an appliance recycler, to pick up and recycle refrigerators and freezers that are in working condition. This program is funded by WVPA and is available to residential electric customers in Jay County REMC and United REMC territories on a first-come, firstserved basis until funding is expended. Customers must own the unit(s) being recycled. Limit two units per residential address. A check will be mailed to participants within 4-6 weeks after the appliance collection. Some restrictions apply.

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ONTENTS JUNE 2013

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Publication

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

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SCHOOL NOTES – Ossian Elementary

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FEATURE: Portland Farmer’s Market

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FEATURE: dasMärit Farmer’s Market

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FEATURE: Van Wert Market on Main

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FEATURE: Decatur Farmer’s Market

Call (260)849-2187 Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to contact the editor or for information about advertising.

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FEATURE: Bluffton Farmer’s Market

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Vol. 5, No. 6, June 2013 © Wabash Valley Living, 2013. Published monthly. In print, by the grace of God, since June 2009.

Editorial office: 346 U.S. Hwy. 27 North, Berne IN 46711. Material in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without permission.

Wabash Valley Living is printed by:

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A Learning Community United for Success

Rhubarb & Handpainted Art

Fresh Bread & Jewelry Designs

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School Notes Ossian Elementary School— Vision: A LEARNING COMMUNITY UNITED FOR SUCCESS

Ossian Elementary School (OES) is one of the two elementary schools that feed into Norwell Middle and Norwell High School in the Northern Wells Community School District. Approximately 590 Kindergarten through grade five students attend Ossian. The principal, teachers, and support staff work in a partnership to optimize student learning. The OES staff is committed to creating an environment and culture where students enjoy learning, where parents feel confident in the quality of their child’s education, and teachers work with all stakeholders to help their students learn socially, emotionally, and academically.

OES students excel in reading which was demonstrated by 95% of their students passing the 2013 IREAD3 statewide third grade reading assessment. OES is still waiting on the results from this year’s ISTEP+ assessment, but were proud of their 90% passing rate in language arts and 81% passing rate in math from the 20112012 ISTEP+ assessment. OES attributes the success to the dedication, hard work, and partnership between the students, parents and teachers.

Many educational opportunities are offered at OES. Teachers use a balanced literacy approach when teaching language arts. Each day the students participate in a 90 minute reading block, a 60 minute writing block and a word study block.

Teachers structure each block of time so they

can differentiate instruction based on data using small guided group instruction, independent reading and writing time, project-based learning, and conferencing.

Teachers at OES use their data to make informed decisions about instruction. After researching several frameworks for teaching mathematics, teachers concluded that Guided Math, a framework similar to Balanced Literacy, was best for teaching mathematics to their students. In this framework students learn in a numeracy-rich environment filled with teaching where learning is made applicable to the real world. Instruction is differentiated based on student needs using small group guided instruction.

OES and Lancaster Central Elementary received a Barrier Free Learning grant this year for $70,000. This money was used to provide students with IPADs and provide teachers with professional development in using the technology to meet Common Core academic standards and student needs. Every general education classroom is also equipped with SmartBoards to engage students in learning. OES is proud of the advancements already made in using technology and feel better prepared for the 20142015 school year when one-to-one technology will be implemented within all of Northern Wells Community Schools.

Ossian Elementary is truly a great place to learn!

–Susanne Tieman, Principal Ossian Elementary School

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rhubarb & handpainted art

Portland Farmer’s Market Article & photos by Ashley Olson ■ ■ ■ The Portland Farmer’s Market is open downtown near the courthouse from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays through October. A market is also held from 8 a.m. to noon at the Webster Depot in Dunkirk, and Pennville holds its market on Fridays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Highway 1.

Portland Market Contact: (260)726-2565

Rhubarb Hill With over 35 acres of land, a lawn service business, and a full-time job at the Portland Forge, Steve McBride has his hands full.

Even so, he decided to add another project to his busy schedule and give the people what they’ve been asking for: rhubarb.

“People would come up to me and ask me if I was the McBride boy who sold rhubarb,” McBride explains. Steve’s brother, Greg

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started growing rhubarb in his own backyard.

But, he sold the land to Steve and moved out Colorado.

“I’d say ‘no,’ but then it just hit me. I thought, ‘Wake up, Steve! They want rhubarb.’

“I decided, I’m going to grow Rhubarb on my hill and call it Rhubarb Hill.”

Jay County residents are fortunate that Steve went against his father’s wishes as a young man. “After I graduated in ’75 from Portland High School, I went to Vincennes University.

“My dad wanted me to be an architect, but I was finding out about all of the classes I had to take, and it just didn’t seem like something I wanted to do. I always wanted to do agriculture, so I joined the agriculture program instead.”

Since establishing Rhubarb Hill, McBride has seen his fair share of customers. And, these customers turn his rhubarb into a variety of recipes, including cookies, jams, coffee cakes, drinks and more.

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Thanks to all of the different ideas McBride has seen over the years, he’s been inspired to work on a cookbook.

“I’m thinking about putting together a cookbook with 180 recipes.

“People don’t realize how many ways we can fix rhubarb. There is rhubarb ice cream, and that is really good! At first, you think, ‘That can’t be good,’ but it really is good.”

Hearing the 56-year-old talk about rhubarb, you get a real feel for how passionate he is about it. He describes how the leaves are formed, how the stalk has a groove that funnels water down to the roots, and points out how the leaves act as solar panels for the plants.

Steve also enjoys listening to the people who buy his rhubarb. “Everybody’s got a story about rhubarb,” he says. “I love to listen to others’ stories. It’s priceless.

I earn a few bucks, and they get what they want.”

Alongside the rhubarb, there is another subject that McBride has become passionate about. Steve has dedicated a section of his land to milkweed for his beloved Monarch butterflies.

“The Monarchs love it. They can’t get enough. And, it’s a real passion of mine

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to create a place for the butterflies.”

Steve has also planted a huge selection of wild flowers for the birds and butterflies to enjoy throughout the year.

McBride has created a sanctuary for the animals around his land. “I’ve had people ask to hunt the quail, and I tell them the only thing they’ll be shooting my quail with is their camera!”

McBride’s goal is to allow the animals to prosper on his land. He even has a huge pond stocked with catfish.

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McBride hosts a number of groups on his property, including Boy Scouts, 4-H, families, and church groups. He wants to encourage others to utilize their own backyards, and to let them know they can have a paradise right outside their own backdoor.

“Something I’ve learned is that you have to diversify,” says McBride. “I learned from Zig Ziglar that you can get anything you want in life, as long as you help others get what they want.

“You’ve got to do something you’re passionate about. I’ve always loved lawn service, and I love coming home after work and just pulling weeds until I feel like quitting.”

For Steve, the best part of owning Rhubarb Hill, establishing the butterfly sanctuary, and having the nature preserve on his own property is seeing and experiencing nature up close. “I get to do something that I love in my own backyard. It’s a rush seeing the quail and hearing the quail. Nature is phenomenal!”

Art by Angela Reinhart Angela Reinhart is an artist living and working out of Bryant, Indiana. She is quickly becoming well-known for her barn quilt boards that she customdesigns and paints by hand. These barn quilts, which are made of wood, not only look nice, but also help families express their heritage.

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Reinhart says, “Barn quilts actually originated in Ohio. It is just a way of expressing heirloom quilts and tying them to the family.”

Interestingly enough, the Bryant native just started working on these quilts last year.

“When I was introduced to the barn quilts, I thought, What a neat way to tie the quilts into my heritage, because my ancestors were quilters!”

Art has been a part of Reinhart’s life for a very long time, and is now a way for her

to give back to the community she loves so much. “My part in this is to just try and provide a casual boost in art around the area.” Reinhart adds, “Especially with the barn quilts, it’s something that people can see as they are driving by.”

Along with barn quilts, Angela also decorates gourds. She’s been practicing this form of art for 15 years and has done pretty well lately. In fact, Reinhart recently sold some of her gourd pieces in New York City art galleries.

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Her connection with her surroundings and nature play a big part in Reinhart’s work both with the barn boards and gourd art. “Most of the time I connect with nature and wildlife, unless somebody wants something different.”

But she credits her faith and close connection to God for her creativity. “I branch everything off my faith because God has guided me through so much.”

Reinhart was happy to find a medium that offered both sculpting and painting. “Sculpting can be pretty expensive, but gourds are pretty reasonable. And it was exciting to be able to work with gourds because it’s kind of a marriage of sculpting and painting coming together.

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“As for the gourds, I’m trying to work those into local art galleries.

Sometimes, I can’t wait to get to a sketchbook when I’ve got all of these ideas and pictures in my head.

Sometimes, I feel like some of the pieces tell you what they want to be.”

One of the pieces that Reinhart is most proud of is a barn quilt that she made for a family in Dunkirk. “I like the one I’ve done in Dunkirk a lot – the lady is Becky Stafford,” says Angela.

“The quilt I did for her, it was so neat because she had heard of the barn quilts and wanted me to do it.

“She wanted elements of her barn tied in like monarch butterflies and flowers.

I tied into her family crest and pictures of mountains and a castle. You can see it just outside of Dunkirk.”

Aside from working on her gourd art and barn quilts, Angela Reinhart will be going to the Maria Stein (Ohio) art show, doing a Community and Family Service fundraiser, the Holiday Show (Portland Arts Place) and the Taste of Jay County. As if this won’t keep her busy enough, Reinhart has also been invited back to teach at the Arts Place this fall. WVL

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dasMärit Farmers & Artists Market Article & photos by Sylvia Marbach ■ ■ ■ The dasMärit Farmers & Artists Market is open at the First Mennonite Church parking lot from 8:00 a.m. to noon on Saturdays through October. The market features fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, jewelry and more.

Contact: (260)589-2936

Fresh Bread by Jennifer Reusser Jennifer Reusser has been baking since she was a girl. “It came from my mom and my grandma.

They were big into baking and cooking and stuff, so I’ve had a love for baking ever since I was young.”

Combining this learned skill with her natural entrepreneurial ability, Jennifer decided to join the dasMärit Farmers and Artists Market, selling her fresh sourdough rolls.

After Jennifer’s first year at market, she added pretzel bread to her booth. She explains, “I started out with sourdough, and then I visited a restaurant in Chicago that had pretzel bread dinner rolls — and I decided I need to figure out how to make that.

“And, that’s what I’ve been selling for the last three years.”

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“Every Friday night and every Saturday morning for six months — that’s a long time. When you’re a baker, you have to do it Friday night, and then you commit to every Saturday morning at market, so it does make for a very long season.”

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The main reason Jennifer participates in the market is because she enjoys seeing regular customers and meeting new people, as well. “I just like to see the smile on their face when they get all excited that I’m there with pretzel bread.”

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Jennifer loves interacting with people.

“It’s definitely something I’ve kind of grown up with. I don’t have a problem with selling or talking to people about why they need something.

“I’m not going to let anyone walk past without saying ‘hello’ or ‘good morning,’ or chatting with them while they’re walking by. Then, I offer them a sample.”

Jennifer sets up her booth with her mother, and they work together to make the booth attractive. “At my market table, my mother sells cinnamon rolls,” Jennifer adds. On occasion, she helps her mother make the cinnamon rolls.

Jewelry by AKA Designs 4U Anita Miller, wife to Shawn Miller and mother of five boys, enthusiastically credits her growing success to God. “I’m a firm believer that He has a plan.” She began selling jewelry at the däsMarit Farmers and Artists Market a year ago, but only after a long and trying journey.

Anita was born and raised in Adams County and met her husband in Berne.

After living in Ossian for awhile, they returned to Berne to get help caring for premature twins. Having already earned her bachelor’s degree in marketing, she finished her master’s degree in secondary education while selling real estate.

Anita then took a job as a vocational teacher at Bellmont High School. After learning that vocational classes were to be cut, she received a mass email promoting a jewelry class and signed up, hoping it would help take her mind off the loss of her job.

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“I took the class, and I loved it. I took a couple more classes, and by the end of the summer, I decided, I can do this for friends and family. So, that’s what I did.

“I had just had a new baby, and God allowed me to be at home with him. He was extremely premature, too, and needed a lot of care, so it was just the perfect timing.”

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With a background in computers, Anita’s husband offered to design a website for her. It took Anita some time to overcome her self-doubt, but in March of last year, she says, “I went on Facebook and posted a very long comment making a commitment.

I said, ‘Today’s the day — I set my fears aside, I set my self-doubts aside — today’s the day I’m starting a new business.’”

Anita has been amazed at the growth of her business, AKA designs 4U, and the path that brought her to it. “It’s kind of all just led me right here, because now I teach jewelry classes, now I have my own marketing site, and I market my own product.

“Because I have this background, that just kind of meshed into everything.”

The däsMarit market was great for Anita’s business. She was the only vendor who attended every market day for 22 weeks.

“I was pretty proud of that,” Anita laughs.

“That’s kind of my goal again this year, too, because that was a very successful thing for me.”

Anita’s jewelry is made using only the best materials, and she says that each piece is individual and unique. “I want each girl or lady to feel special. When they’re wearing it, they know that it’s for them, and them only.” She makes all of the pieces on her own, with quality supplies bought from tradeshows in Indianapolis, Columbus, and other nearby cities.

As for the growth of her business so far, Anita says, “I’m happy with where it’s going, and I can only hope that God continues to move it forward.”

She adds, “I’m blessed to be doing something I actually love — that I didn’t know I’d love.” WVL

Also serving Portland, Dunkirk, Pennville, Redkey & Fort Recovery

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Zurcher’s Best-One Tire & Auto Care is an independent dealer and licensee of M&Z, LLP. Best-One is a servicemark of M&Z, LLP.

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From US Hwy 27

West on 300 South, north on 200 West, west on 250 South.

MERVIN & GERTIE HILTY, OWNERS

flowers, food & repurposing

Van Wert Market on Main Article & photos by Ashley Olson ■ ■ ■ Van Wert’s Market on Main is open downtown in front of the courthouse from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Fridays through October, except for the first Friday of the month beginning in July, when the market will be held in the evening during First Friday events. The market is a place where vendors “can sell to their friends, soon-to-be friends, neighbors and acquaintances.”

Contact: Vickie Schulte, (419)238-4002

Something from the Garden In 2002, Juli Hamilton’s farm was hit by a devastating tornado. This natural disaster resulted in the loss of two big barns and dozens of trees. “I try and look at things as a cup halffull, rather than half-empty,” says Juli.

Juli now runs a thriving farm market business in Van Wert, known as Something from the Garden. She sells a variety of items, including fresh-cut flowers, fruits, vegetables, and pantry items, such as jams, jellies, and garden knick-knacks.

“I used to complain that I had too much shade, because I’m a plant lover – now I’m left with a lot of sun.”

Since opening Something from the Garden, one of Juli’s biggest challenges has been

19

juggling her business and her part-time job. “I opened last July, so it’s only been a year,” says Juli. “At that time, I was working full-time, along with it. I work at Orthodontic Associates in Celina.”

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Lately, Hamilton has scaled back to two days a week so that she can be at her business more. She still keeps the parttime job to cover the family insurance.

“It’s something that I’ve wanted to do for a long time. Timing is everything, and this is a spiritual journey. I feel like this is supposed to happen. When I’ve needed things, they’ve just happened.”

Juli grew up on a farm, was in 4-H for years, and attended Colorado State University for their horticulture business program. This is when she really began to appreciate plants and flowers.

“I started to love flowers and worked for several different greenhouses back in Colorado,” recalls Juli. “At the same time, I worked at a computer company out there.

“Eventually, my parents offered me my grandparents’ farm (in Van Wert).”

The combination of Hamilton’s flowergrowing and farm experience has definitely served her well. And, she explains how having flowers and fruits near each other creates healthier plants.

“A lot of fruits and flowers act as companions, and you get benefits for the fruits from the flowers and vice versa.

You kind of learn what grows with what – certain vegetables don’t like to grow with each other.”

Something from the Garden is more than a business to Juli and her family. It’s a part of the Van Wert community, as well.

Juli is hoping to partner with the Marsh Foundation, in order to mentor kids and teach them how to grow their own food.

“If I can even find two kids out of all of them that have an interest in working the land or selling flowers, maybe it will turn into something bigger for them. ”

20

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Something from the Garden just recently opened for the season. Their store hours are from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Entrance to the business is on Stripe Road off 224, east of Van Wert. If you go past the blinking light where 127 turns north, Juli is the first house on the right, about a half mile down the road. Just turn onto Stripe Road and you’ll see the drive!

Willshire, OH 419.495.2833 Home Furnishings 318 State Street, Bill & Aleta Weiss, Owners Specializing in...

Juli also teaches kids at St. Marks church in Van Wert, “I’m always bringing in these crazy projects for kids to try. They love to see a big bucket of dirt coming into the class.”

W

Juli is also a Market on Main vendor, where she sells produce, along with Walnut Creek products that come from Amish in Holmes County, Ohio. “I don’t grow everything in my booth. But, I partner with farmers who are local and sell some of their things, too. I’ve got somebody who wants to sell honey and noodles. So many people who want to grow and sell things, but aren’t sure if it’s a possibility. They need an outlet for their things too.”

SMALL-TOWN FRIENDLY & EXCEPTIONAL PRICES

The passion for growing her own food has become her life’s work. Juli is excited to help others realize the potential of their own backyards. “There are so many kids that have no clue that they could grow this stuff in their backyard. It’s all about re-educating the community and youth and getting them in programs.”

ILLSHIRE

Juli also enjoys seeing her two sons benefitting from the garden. “There is nothing like going out and picking your dinner. It’s very rewarding to see my kids try new things and vegetables that they wouldn’t normally try.”

Rejuvenation SPA AND SALON

115 South 2nd Street Decatur, Indiana

260.724.3100

Once I Was Once, Dennis and Vickie Schulte were young teenagers in love, looking forward to getting married. Now, over 36 years later, the married couple is looking forward to opening a business (cont. p. 29)

Come in and Meet our Staff!

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AREA EVENTS CALENDAR

1st

3rd

8:00 a.m.

City Park Shelter Dunkirk, Indiana (765) 717-4118

10:00 a.m. - 10:20 a.m.

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

Glass Days 5K Fun Run

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

LEGO Club

10:30 a.m.

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

Jubilee Flower Show 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

VW County Fairgrounds Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-1214

Southern Sound Quartet 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Gospel Barn Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

2nd

Jubilee Flower Show 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

VW County Fairgrounds Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-1214

Everything Bees 2:00 p.m.

YMCA Camp Clay Van Wert, Ohio (419) 203-4232

Wigwam Exhibit Opening 2:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

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

Lapsit

Christian Fiction

Book Discussion 10:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

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

Food & Fun Cooking 10:30 a.m. - Noon Adams Public Library Geneva, Indiana (260) 368-7270

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

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

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

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

6th LEGO Adventures 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

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

Mom’s Support Group

LEGO Club

Poetry Coterie

Farmers Market

Father’s Day Craft

Genealogy Workshop

4th

Chicks Run Fun 5K

1:00 p.m.

Adams Memorial Hospital Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2145 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Adams Public Library Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

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

Homeschool

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

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

Tuesday Reading Club 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

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

PJ Story Hour

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

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

5

th

Farmer’s Market 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

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

1

Summer Reading Kickoff

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

Adams Public Library Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605 3:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

1st Street Parking Lot Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2604 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Wells County Library Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-1612 7:00 p.m.

River Greenway Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

7th

Artist in Action

9:00 a.m. - Noon Arts, Commerce Centre Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-5222

Market on Main

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

Downtown Main Street Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-4002

ArtRageous on Main Peony Festival 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

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

SPECIAL SECTION - AREA COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR

Art in the Park Noon - 1:30 p.m.

Washington Park Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

Golf Extravaganza

Chamber of Commerce Noon - 5:00 p.m.

Cross Creek Golf Club Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2604

Car Show

Peony Festival 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Downtown Main Street Van Wert, Ohio (419) 203-0143

Phil Dirt & the Dozers 7:00 p.m.

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

Old Crown Brass Band 7:30 p.m.

Clock Tower Plaza Berne, Indiana (260) 589-3139

8th

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

Kids’ Fishing Derby Peony Festival 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

YMCA Camp Clay Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-9378

Orphan Walk 2013 10:00 a.m.

Hudson Family Park Portland, Indiana (260) 251-1801

Great Lakes Nations

Annual Gathering 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Tri-State Gas Engine Grounds Portland, Indiana (765) 426-3022

Pet Show

Peony Festival 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Fountain Park Van Wert, Ohio www.vanwertpeony.com

ArtRageous on Main Peony Festival 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

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

Children’s Chalk Walk 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Downtown Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2604

Sculpture Tour Unveiling 1:00 p.m.

Downtown Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2604

Saturday Nite @ the Village 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Swiss Village Berne, Indiana (260) 589-3173

Down East Boys Quartet 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Gospel Barn Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

9

th

Great Lakes Nations

Annual Gathering 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Tri-State Gas Engine Grounds Portland, Indiana (765) 426-3022

Grandpa & Me

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

Kehoe Park Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

10th

Snakehead Ed

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

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

Food & Fun Cooking 10:30 a.m. - Noon Adams Public Library Geneva, Indiana (260) 368-7270

Stevens Puppets - Aladdin!

11:00 a.m. - Noon Adams Public Library Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

Mom’s Support Group 1:00 p.m.

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

Clay Creations

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

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

Snakehead Ed

6:00 p.m.

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

Stevens Puppets - Aladdin!

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

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

11th Tuesday Reading Club 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

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

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

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

All Wrapped Up 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

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

Lapsit

10:00 a.m. - 10:20 a.m.

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

SPECIAL SECTION - AREA COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR

2

23

Farmers Market

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

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

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Wet & Wacky Swim

1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

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

All Wrapped Up 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

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

Farmer’s Market 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

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

24

3

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

Bailey’s Coffee Shop Bluffton, Indiana

Artist in Action

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

Dig into Science

“Who Picked This Book?”

14th

• Established in 1962 • Each unit rigorously tested • Minimal maintenance • Warranty on all machines

12th

Cruise-In 4:00 p..m. - 8:00 p.m.

Buffalo Wings & Rings Portland, Indiana (419) 763-1260

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

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

13th

How Does Your Garden Grow?

10:00 a.m.

Smiley Park Children’s Garden Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-9121

LEGO Adventures 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

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

9:00 a.m. - Noon Arts, Commerce Centre Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-5222

Market on Main

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

Downtown Main Street Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-4002

Art in the Park Noon - 1:30 p.m.

Washington Park Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

Kustoms of America

Cruise to Bearcreek Farms 6:00 p.m.

Jay Co. Fairgrounds Portland, Indiana (419) 763-1260

15th

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

SPECIAL SECTION - AREA COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR

Children’s Garage Sale 9:00 a.m. - Noon City Gym Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

CHRISTNER’S (260)728-2151

Touch a Truck

9:00 a.m. - Noon Main Street Commons Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

Dig Into Dirt

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

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

National Superman Day 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

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

LEGO Club

10:30 a.m.

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

Wrenstock

Noon - 9:00 p.m.

Wrenway Park Wren, Ohio (419) 495-2752

SMORGASBORD Lunch: Monday thru Friday 11a.m. - 1p.m.

310 E. Monroe Street Decatur, IN

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

www.pizzakingofdecatur.com HOURS:

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

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The Whisnants

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

Gospel Barn Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

17

th

Lapsit

10:00 a.m. - 10:20 a.m.

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

Food & Fun Cooking 10:30 a.m. - Noon Adams Public Library Geneva, Indiana (260) 368-7270

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

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SPECIAL SECTION - AREA COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR

4

AREA EVENTS CALENDAR 26

Layers Cooking

LEGO Club

Farmers Market

Craft It

Farmers Market

Chelsea House Orchestra

18th

21st

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

Wells County Library Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-1612 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

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

Snakehead Ed

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

Adams Public Library Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605 3:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

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

Artist in Action

11:00 a.m. - Noon Adams Public Library Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

9:00 a.m. - Noon Arts, Commerce Centre Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-5222

Tuesday Reading Club

Market on Main

1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

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

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

Downtown Main Street Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-4002

Sock It to Me, Jesus

Art in the Park

Author Janet Amundson 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

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

19

th

Roots & Taters

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

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

Farmer’s Market 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

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

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

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

20

th

Jewels of Summer

10:00 a.m.

Smiley Park Children’s Garden Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-9121

LEGO Adventures 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

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

5

Noon - 1:30 p.m.

Washington Park Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

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

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

Arts, Commerce Centre Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-5222

The Kingsmen Quartet 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Gospel Barn Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

Walk Against Cancer 8:30 p.m.

Jay Co. HS Track Portland, Indiana (260) 726-8110

24th

Lapsit

10:00 a.m. - 10:20 a.m.

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

Motor Sports Festival

Food & Fun Cooking

BOSTYX

Mom’s Support Group

Strawberries & Jazz

25th

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

Downtown Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2604 7:00 p.m.

Fountain Park Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-9378 8:00 p.m.

Clock Tower Plaza Berne, Indiana (260) 589-3139

22nd

Flat 50+ Bicycle Tour

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

Bellmont High School Decatur, Indiana info@decaturblazingsaddles.com

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

10:30 a.m. - Noon Adams Public Library Geneva, Indiana (260) 368-7270

1:00 p.m.

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

Tuesday Reading Club 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

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

Preserving Nature’s Bounty 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

City Hall Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

26th

Community Picnic

Lincoln Highway Centennial 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

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

SPECIAL SECTION - AREA COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR

Story Time - Gr. 1-3

Market on Main

Tie Dye Day

Art in the Park

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

Adams Public Library Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Washington Park Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

Farmer’s Market 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

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

Evening at the Quarry 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

IMI Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-1612

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

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

27th

LEGO Adventures 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

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

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

Downtown Main Street Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-4002 Noon - 1:30 p.m.

Washington Park Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

Classic Car Show

Lincoln Highway Centennial 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

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

Toledo Jazz Orchestra 7:00 p.m.

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

Alicia Pyle Quartet 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Arts, Commerce Centre Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-5222

Star Gazing Event 8:45 p.m.

Lancaster Park Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

Farmers Market

29th

Caving in the U.S.

8:00 a.m.

Loblolly Marsh Bryant, Indiana (260) 368-7428

Patriotic Pops

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

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

1st Street Parking Lot Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2604 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

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

Limberlost Trailblazer 5K

dasMärit Farmers Market

Ft. Wayne Philharmonic 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Ouabache State Park Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-0926

Farmers Market

28th

Farmers Market

Artist in Action

9:00 a.m. - Noon Arts, Commerce Centre Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-5222

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

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

Kids’ Soggy Jog

9:00 a.m.

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

Christmas in July Motorcycle Ride Noon Walmart Parking Lot Decatur, Indiana (260) 301-6340

The Conquerers Quartet 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Gospel Barn Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

Half Marathon

Lincoln Highway Centennial 8:00 a.m.

Courthouse Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-9378

Jason Goss Concert 9:00 p.m.

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

30th

Annual Ice Cream Social 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Wells Co. Historical Museum Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-9956

To include your upcoming event on this calendar... **** Please send details about the event to the address below no later than the 15th of the month PRIOR to the event. **** Send to: calendar@ wabashvalleyliving.com OR Call us at (260) 849-2187.

SPECIAL SECTION - AREA COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR

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(cont. from p. 21) together. Their store is called Once I Was, and it’s located at 121 Washington Street (Hwy 127) in Van Wert. Once I Was features repurposed furniture, home accessories, and jewelry made by Vickie and Dennis.

But, Once I Was is about more than just the Schultes’ creations. “I like the part of creating my own space, but also giving other little businesses a place to find their dreams,” says Vickie.

“Just to make them the space where they can share what they do – I like that. People can grow their businesses, share ideas and have a good time. We now have over 15 people renting space from us.”

Vickie stresses the part about how her store is a place for sharing ideas and having fun.

“They (visitors) can expect, first of all, a lot of fun. Somebody said, ‘I feel like this store is going to be like Pinterest, come to life.’ It’s definitely an ideas-sharing place.”

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The Schultes have been working together for quite a while, too. The couple’s first project together was building the house they live in today.

“We were kids. We bought a piece of property to build a house on,” says Vickie.

“I was 18, he was 19, and we waited three-and-a-half years for kids. We started with a pile of sticks. When he would go to work, I would stay home with the baby. Then, my dad and I would go out and mix up the cement.”

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“In the beginning, we could only afford a twenty-six by thirty-four house. We had a front room, a bathroom and eatin kitchen. Since then, we’ve added on a couple of times by building a huge family room, master suite and a fourand-a-half-car garage.

“We also bought a piece of land next to us, and Dennis turned a dead apple orchard into a pond.”

In a roundabout way, working on houses is what got the Schultes into repurposing furniture and creating jewelry. Vickie explains, “Shortly after being married, we bought a piece of land. I started repurposing furnishings for our house because we didn’t have money. Later, I got into making other things, too.”

When Vickie decided to quit her job to start a business, her family was supportive. “My favorite part of all this is being able to give Vickie her dream,” says Dennis. “She didn’t like what she was doing, and she’s had this dream for a long time.”

Aside from running Once I Was, Vickie will also be heavily involved in Van Wert’s Market on Main, and she plans to set up at craft shows on the side.

“We’re going to work it (Market on Main) around the store schedule. In the fall, I have one market-type show that I’m definitely going to do in Paulding.

I’ll try to go to one craft vendors show a month.” WVL

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Unveiling, 1 p.m.

Saturday, June 8

New Sculptures on Display • 1 p.m. Sculpture unveiling, music and tours • 11-3 p.m. Children’s Chalk Walk, food vendors, outdoor art gallery and more • 7-9 p.m. Outdoor music concert – Riverside Center • 9:27 p.m. Old 27 Film Festival at the Old 27 Ice Cream Shop

Join us Downtown Saturday, June 8 as we launch the 2013 tour with 15 new sculptures. Take time to appreciate our country’s first Peace Monument located on the Adams County Courthouse grounds, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.

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Decatur Farmer’s Market Article & photos by Tara Steffen ■ ■ ■ The Decatur Farmer’s Market is open at the 1st Street parking lot from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays through October 24th. The market features flowers, bedding plants, fruits and vegetables, baked goods, fresh honey, hand-made jewelry and more.

Contact: Decatur Chamber of Commerce, (260)724-2604

Garden Gallery Greenhouse I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Garden Gallery Greenhouse, a site of floral splendor nestled along State Road 101 in rural Decatur. Owners Chad and Sandy Hunter are top-notch horticulturalists with a wide array of garden plants and herbs, as well as two gift shops, educational classrooms, and landscaping services.

After Sandy visited an herb farm in Maryland, she fell in love with herbs and was determined to start her own business raising them. Sandy now has a large variety of herb plants — oregano, cilantro, and rosemary, just to name a few — in her newly-built greenhouse.

33

Decatur Vision Center NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS!

The Hunters were forced to rebuild after a fire took their first greenhouse.

Then, a storm in June 2012 destroyed the Hunters’ two greenhouses. The new buildings are well-constructed using large beams and Polycarbonate sheeting which allows light to filter into the structure.

Chad and Sandy also have an enormous garden in which they grow a large assortment of vegetables. A nice selection of these are brought to market every Thursday, along with many herbs and perennials.

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Apart from the greenhouse and farmers market, Chad was looking for a way to expand sales. He approached several local restaurants, offering to provide them with fresh vegetables.

Many of these are now purchasing homegrown vegetables from the Hunters. Restaurant owners appreciate the fresh alternative — rather than buying loads of vegetables that must be shipped in and are loaded with preservatives for a longer shelf life.

Along with herbs and vegetables, Chad and Sandy also sell perennials and annuals, as well as water garden plants. They have small wooden fences with potting boxes for sale, too.

In his own garden, Chad has another passion — daylilies. He was first introduced to raising daylilies several years ago. In that first year, Chad began growing over 250 varieties. Today, he boasts over 1000 varieties at Garden Gallery. The first week of July, the Hunters host a Lily Walk, where you can come and enjoy all the spectacular blooms that have been added over the years.

Sandy also has a floral shop, in which she creates a profusion of beautiful arrangements. Sandy makes them for any occasion, and these arrangements are well-done with attractive color combinations and foliage. Sandy uses mostly silk flowers, but she

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includes some dried flowers in the arrangements, as well.

The shop smells of freshly-dried herbs and spices, too, since Sandy also makes potpourri.

In a large building on the property, Sandy holds classes, and she frequently invites guest speakers.

Following each class, Sandy prepares a special meal, using the foods discussed during the class.

Did you know that you can eat lily blossoms? They are quite good filled with cream cheese!

Walking through the gift shops is a delight — Chad and Sandy have the largest collection of RRP Roseville pottery in the area. All the furniture in the shops, including tables and hutches, has been repurposed and refinished with a vintage feel. Chad refinishes all the furniture himself, with a “stressed finish” to give it that old country feel.

Sandy and Chad not only visit the Decatur’s Farmer’s Market, but they set up in Berne and Bluffton, as well.

They have also been invited to Market on Main in Van Wert. The pair really enjoy getting out and meeting people at the area markets.

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Goldie’s Goodies Those of us who were lucky enough to have spent time with our grandmothers know about the sweet joy of yummy memories made while in Grandma’s kitchen. Remember the smell of freshly baked cookies? Or my favorite, old-fashioned cream pie.

I was one of those fortunate souls who learned how to make a variety of special treats in my own grandmother’s kitchen.

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away in the many recipes now used by her granddaughter, Tricia (Thatcher) King.

Although Tricia wasn’t able to spend a lot of time with her grandmother, Goldie left behind a legacy for her family.

Tricia recalls that Grandma had two great

loves — prayer and baking. Tricia has done Outdoor Fire-Pits Outdoor Fire-Pits well in keeping her grandmother’s legacy alive by incorporating her life, and of

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In fact, the shop includes a special room they refer to as Grandmother’s prayer room, a place where anyone can come to pray. Grandma Goldie’s Bible is carefully displayed on a table. Pictures of Tricia’s grandparents line the walls of this hallowed room in reverence for the dear people who have inspired her and her family.

Down the hall lies the coffee shop where there is a full menu of scrumptious desserts, as well as coffees, teas, and ciders. The

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cookies and the assortment of desserts are in generously large portions.

Goldie’s offers a variety of choices, including: Snicker Doodles, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies, Sprinkled Amish Sugar Cookies, apple dumplings, and cinnamon rolls, just to name a few.

Candy is also on display under glass in a wide array of flavors.

Most of the recipes used at Goldie’s Goodies came from Grandma Goldie, but several others came from Tricia’s aunts and other family members, creating a wide selection of family recipes.

When Tricia “goes on the road,” so to speak, she hauls their bakery trailer to the Decatur Farmer’s Market and also sets up at the Kekionga and Swiss Days festivals. Goldie’s Goodies participates in Spotlight on Decatur and at various craft shows in the area, as well.

At markets, shows and festivals, they mostly sell freshly-baked homemade cookies. This has become quite popular at the craft show, since many have little time for baking at home, these days.

Goldie’s Goodies is also a full-service bakery, making cakes for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, or any other special occasion. Everything at Goldie’s Goodies is made from scratch — “nothing from a box,” says Tricia.

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Jen Stump is the master baker at Goldie’s. Jen studied at Baker College’s Culinary Institute of Michigan and earned her culinary degree from Ivy Tech. These days, she’s very busy baking in Goldie’s kitchen.

Goldie’s Goodies also sells boxed lunches, which include (AprilSeptember): Ham or Turkey Wrap, Chips, and Dessert. In the winter months, soup is served with the sandwich. Theses lunches are available to walk-in customers between the hours of 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. daily. Callahead orders are appreciated. WVL

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Bluffton Farmer’s Market Article & photos by Tara Steffen ■ ■ ■ The Bluffton Farmer’s Market is open at the Dutch Mill Plaza from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays and from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays through mid-October. The market features flowers, bedding plants, fruits and vegetables, baked goods, birdhouses, local crafts and more.

Contact: Bill Horan, Purdue Extension - Wells County, (260)824-6412

Wood Crafts by Jim Mortemore After I contacted the Bluffton Farmer’s Market, seeking vendors to interview, Jim was one of the first of those vendors to give me a call. He told me that he “worked with wood” and “made crafts and decorative items from wood.” I had no idea that when I arrived at Jim’s home, I would find such a wonderful artist!

Jim first started working with wood when he participated in 4-H as a child. His father worked at a lumber company and would bring home scrap pieces of wood. Jim recalls the garage being “full” of wood, even after his father passed away. Jim jokes that his wife thinks he might have “too much” wood sometimes.

39

Woodworking is a full-time hobby for Jim these days. Years ago, he was called into ministry but decided that ministry would be better served in a public school. Jim was a custodian for 25 years, reaching out to kids there, where he felt his ministry was muchneeded.

After Jim retired, his wife suggested that he make a few things and sell them at the Bluffton Farmer’s Market.

He admits that the market has been beneficial in helping him “use up” some of that extra wood.

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After some research, Jim found a design called the “peek-a-boo” birdhouse. In this birdhouse design, one of the side walls is made out of Plexiglas to allow outside observers to view the birds inside.

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Jim makes all his own designs. He loves talking with people about new ideas they might have about a planter — or even a birdhouse, as Jim makes many of these. A man once asked Jim if he could design a birdhouse that was open on one side, so the man’s daughter could see the baby birds hatching.

SE

The birdhouse that Jim sells the most is his bluebird house.

In his home, the first wood craft Jim showed me was his silhouette cut-out picture. I had honestly never anything like it before. The detailing and care that went into this particular picture was outstanding — all of it made completely of wood. The nature scene was 3-dimensional, with detailed animals carefully cut out and etched in great detail.

As we sat at the table, I noticed the animal farm scene sitting neatly on a nearby table. This was no ordinary wood cut-out farm. It was a real puzzle!

All the animals were cut into puzzle pieces, ready to be disassembled,

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then put back together. Again, Jim had taken great care to preserve every detail of these animal pieces.

Because Jim is so very creative, when people see something they like, they often ask Jim if he can make the same item. He always enjoys this challenge.

He loves to talk to people at the market because they can bring him fresh new ideas for his projects. He has gotten many new ideas this way.

Jim uses all varieties of wood when working on his projects. He showed me some cedar birdhouses that he had made, along with a beautiful trellis with a decorative bird house placed in the middle. He uses maple, walnut, pecan, and oak for most of his projects.

Jim has a shop in the garage of his home, but when winter comes, he moves to the basement where he keeps his scroll saw and lathe. During the cold months, he works on the more intricate details of his beautiful pictures and puzzles.

Jim jokes that he has made a deal with his wife — as long as she can get her car in the garage, he can keep his shop out there, too.

Greeting Cars by Barb Dickson Approaching Barb’s home for our interview, I knew I already liked her.

Her home was so inviting, even as I was just walking up to knock on her front door. The front porch furnishings and decor beckoned visitors to sit for awhile and watch the rest of the world pass by.

As I entered her home. I was not the least bit disappointed. Barb has an extraordinary knack for decorating that just draws your eyes to all the right places. I knew from the moment I entered...this was going to be a wonderful chat.

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41

Sat. - Mon. 6am to 3pm / Tues.-Fri. 6am to 8pm Montpelier location closes at 3pm on Tues.

Barb Dickson creates custom-designed cards. But, these are not just any cards — they are meticulously intricate with beautiful pictures, embossing, and every type of saying or greeting on them.

Barb has also been a vendor at the Swiss Heritage Holiday Bazaar held at South Adams High School in November. She has been considering launching an online store for her business, as well.

Barb has been making cards for about seven years but has only been selling them at the Bluffton Farmer’s Market for about four years. She keeps about two of each card on hand at her booth when she attends the market.

I asked Barb how she got started making cards. “Oh,” she says, “I started making them just to send to my friends and family.”

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Barb uses rubber stamps but has incorporated her computer in the card-making process, as well, to help fill the volume of cards that she creates. She hand-paints or colors each card herself, using water colors or pencils. Barb has a Cricut Cuttlebug® to apply the embossing on the cards.

Barb designs a wide variety of cards.

She even takes special requests for cards — customers sometimes have a strange or unusual event in their life and ask for a card made just to fit that occasion.

Barb once received a request for a “humorous” funeral card. She laughs, recalling what a challenge that was!

She was also asked to design a card for a girls’ rowing team. Barb does her very best to be creative and clever when someone makes a special request.

Where does Barb find greetings and verses for her card designs?

She answers, “ Bumper stickers, sweatshirts, and, of course Pinterest — basically, anywhere that has a great saying.”

Barb showed me her office and admitted, smiling, that she has a tendency toward OCD — ObsessiveCompulsive Disorder. She is highlyorganized, and I was impressed with how neatly she keeps everything labeled and shelved.

She’s what I would call a “get-rdone” sort of person — a type A, if you will — but I just loved visiting with her because she’s the kind of person who makes you smile. WVL

43

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FRIEDRICH HELP US FIND

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ED T N A W

Friedrich likes to hide.

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

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Hint: He especially enjoys hiding in the advertisements!

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the Gnome

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FIND FRIEDRICH CONTEST ENTRY FORM Your Name

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# of Times Friedrich Appears

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Send Completed Form To:

Wabash Valley Living Contest 346 US Hwy 27 N, Berne, IN 46711 Entry must be received by 06/15/13.

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BERNE, IN www.richardsjewelryonline.com

109 West Main Street, Downtown Berne, Indiana • 260.589.3313

BIG COUPON SAVINGS SEAMLESS GUTTERS

ROOFING - SIDING WINDOWS - DOORS & MORE

10% DISCOUNT

10% OFF any purchase

@ Karen’s Treasures

on Gutters & Covers

expires 06/30/13

444 E. Main Street, Berne

Call Matt (260) 589-9044

UNLIMITED TANNING Matt Stoll, Proprietor

FOR 1 MONTH $

ONLY 18

Serving Adams, Allen, Wells, and Jay County and nearby communities in northern Indiana and northwest Ohio.

5” & 6” Seamless Gutters & Covers

W/COUPON RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL expires 07/01/13 OVER Offer 36 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE

260-589-9044 Rejuvenation www.newlookexteriorsinc.com SPA AND SALON

115 S. 2nd Street, Decatur

260.724.3100

15% OFF TOTAL BILL

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

310 E. Monroe Street Decatur, IN

(260)728-2151

ENGINE HOUSE QUILT SHOP

164 W. Main Street, Berne

FREE Fat Quarter when you present this coupon.

10% OFF ANY PURCHASE

J &N

Bargain Shop Expires 06/30/13

277 W 500 N

EXPIRES 06/30/13

Bryant, Indiana

Try a

$2 OFF

BODY APPLICATOR for $25.00! $5 OFF w/coupon. Reg. $30.

-Expires 07.01.13CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT.

the price of ONE adult admission with this coupon.

Expires 06/30/13

Kimberly Hough

SWISS HERITAGE VILLAGE

260-849-0409

www.swissheritage.org

Independent Distributor

Berne, Indiana

47

Gift Shop Spring Specials!

DISCOVER THE BEST WAY TO BUY GIFTS LOCALLY

Purses, Jewelry and Scarves • Special Greeting Cards • Beautiful Home Decor • Willow Tree Statues • Adorable Stuffed Animals • Organic Lotions • Baptism Gifts • Unique Toys

Hours

Monday 9a-5p Tuesday-Friday 9a-4p Saturday 11a-3p Sunday 11:30a-3:30p

45 1 2 4 2 7 260- pital.com os adamsh