In|downtown fw april 2018

INSIDE

Serving downtown Fort Wayne

Community Calendar ���������A15 News briefs �����A5

ClubSoda_87716 Front Tab INFW: 3/28/18

INfortwayne.com

In Business Since 1924 Locally Owned & Operated

COMMERCIAL MOVING AVAILABLE From small offices to full plant relocations, Hoover The Mover will handle your move safely, on time and on budget. We have the seasoned crews, the equipment and the expertise required to efficiently relocate your business.

Hoover The Mover provides you with the following: • E-Crates • Pre-move Planning • Pre-move Employee Orientation • On-site Supervisors 4705 Clubview Drive, Fort Wayne

260-459-6926

hoovermover.com See our ad on page A3 HooverMover_88005 1.5x5 Front INFW 3/31/18 #75 Melissa sz 4-COLOR

APRIL 2018

By Rod King

For IN|fort wayne publications

The Fort Wayne Firefighters Museum welcomes local school groups and visitors from almost every state to admire the antique firefighting equipment and to take in the atmosphere of old Station No. 3.

The museum stands watch from the north side of Washington Boulevard, just east of the Allen County Public Library and across Washington from the Grand Wayne Center. Hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Saturday hours are 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

It’s closed Wednesdays.

Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for seniors and students, and children younger than 5 are admitted free.

The station was built in 1893 and retired in 1972. Firefighters began collecting items and pushing for a museum

PHOTO BY ROD KING

Retired Fire Station #3 on Washington Boulevard across from the Grand Wayne Center and next to the Allen County Public Library is the place to see antique engines and equipment from the Fort Wayne Fire Department’s storied history. The station was built in 1893 and retired in 1972.

location. Station No. 6 on Wells Street was the original site for the museum, but the neigh-

dren’s Zoo. “I continue to be impressed with the quality and variety of performers that the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department provides for our community and visitors each year at the Foellinger Theatre,” Henry said.

“Entertainment offerings and quality of life amenities are critical in our ability to retain and attract businesses and jobs, build on our downtown revitalization efforts and strengthen neighborhoods.”

Tickets for the following concerts went on sale at 10 a.m. March 23: • Dogs of Society, Elton John Tribute, June 16 • Little River Band, June 22 • Let’s Hang On!,

Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons Tribute, June 30 • Arrival from Sweden: The Music of ABBA, July 7 • Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, July 11 • Grand Funk Railroad, July 14 • The Beach Boys, July 15 • Stayin’ Alive, Bee Gees Tribute, July 21 • Ted Nugent, July 25 • The Lettermen, July 28 • Jay Leno, Aug. 4 • Herman’s Hermits, Starring Peter Noone, Aug. 11 • Full Moon Fever, Tom Petty Tribute, Aug. 17 • The Guess Who, Aug. 24 • Spend the Night with Alice Cooper, Sept. 1 See BIG, Page A11

3306 Independence Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 46808

INfortwayne Publications

The Foellinger Theatre will host Grand Funk Railroad, the Little River Band, Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo and almost two dozen other concerts in 2018.

Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry joined Parks and Recreation Director Al Moll and corporate and media sponsors on March 20 to announce the summer lineup: “Some Kind of Wonderful!”

The concert season begins Friday, May 4, with an 8 p.m. show by Gene Simmons. Tickets for that show went on sale Feb. 16. Visit fortwayneparks.org for tickets and details.

The Foellinger Theatre is at 3411 Sherman Blvd., near the entrance to the Fort Wayne Chil-

75 Melissa mj 4c

235 E. Superior St., Fort Wayne 260.426.3442 clubsodafortwayne.com

Firetrucks guard past at old Station No. 3

Foellinger bill boasts big names again in ’18 KPC NEWS SERVICE

• Fine Dining • Live Jazz • Lunch & Dinner • Catering

borhood lobbied for it to be torn down to make space for a park. The neighborhood won, so since No. 3 was already

retired, it became the museum and No. 6’s two spring-loaded, swing-out doors were relocated to No. 3. The next

seven years were spent preparing No. 3 to house antique engines, a variety See PAST, Page A10

A2 • INfortwayne.com

Downtown FW • April 2018

Andorfer receives Heather’s Hope Award

By Megan Knowles mknowles@kpcmedia.com

Bishop Luers High School senior Julia Andorfer was awarded the YWCA’s Heather’s Hope Award on March 9 in recognition of her work promoting positive healthy relationships – something Andorfer is passionate about, she said.

At Bishop Luers, Andorfer is involved in teaching students to recognize the signs of an abusive relationship and to have the strength to leave those types of relationships, she explained. She also helps educate students about resources for whom to talk to and what to do when confronted with an unhealthy relationship.

“We’ve done things

like quiz games with candy and giveaways and skits and everything we can to try and reach out to students and give them the message in a way they’ll understand,” Andorfer said. “[Receiving this award] means a lot,” she said. “It really makes me feel good about all the work I’ve been doing and makes me feel inspired to continue it.”

Continuing that work is something Andorfer plans to do as she studies biology at Loyola University and pursues her medical degree.

“Something I’ve always been interested in was, a few years ago I read an article about how many women, in the Middle East especially, and in male-dominant communities are

refused medical treatment because either their doctors are male and they’re not allowed to treat them or their husbands won’t take them to the doctor or fathers or grandparents or anything,” she said.

“I would love to be an outlet for those women who otherwise would not receive medical treatment, all around the world and in the United States as well.”

At Bishop Luers, Andorfer participates in Academic Super Bowl, drama/theater, journalism, student council, World Culture Club, Heather’s Closet, peer tutoring, the Ukulele Society, Knights Stars, Sodalitas, chamber ensemble, freshman mentoring, National Honor Society, year-

PHOTO BY MEGAN KNOWLES

Heather’s Closet founder Joni Kuhn, left, and YWCA Northeast Indiana Director of Empowerment Jennifer Rohlf, right, pose for a picture with Bishop Luers High School senior Julia Andorfer, center, after Andorfer received the Heather’s Hope Award on March 9. Andorfer was surprised with the award after a performance by the Minstrels, a Bishop Luers’ show choir.

book, the leadership board, the Minstrels mixed show choir, cross country and dance. She is also a student ambassador.

The Heather’s Hope Award is awarded annu-

ally to a person 25 or younger who “gives back to their community as well as promotes positive healthy relationships among their peers,” according to a release from the YWCA.

The award is named for Heather Norris, who was murdered by her estranged boyfriend in 2007. It is awarded as part of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.

Correction

In the Feb. 28 edition, the YWCA was misidentified in a story about Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. We regret the error.

COURTESY PHOTO

The Allen County Commissioners selected Trina Riecke (third from right) as County Employee of the Year for 2017. Riecke works with the Health Department. Pictured with her receiving the award are (left to right): David Fiess, Vector Control director; Commissioner Therese Brown; Mindy Waldron, Health Department administrator; Dr. Deborah McMahan, county health commissioner; Commissioner Linda Bloom; and Commissioner Nelson Peters.

County employee honored for lead-poisoning control Contributed The Allen County Commissioners presented the 2017 Employee of the Year award to a Health Department worker who works to ensure positive outcomes for children with symptoms of lead poisoning.

Trina Riecke, who has worked for the county for six years, received the award March 16 during a ceremony at Citizens Square. Her name will be added to a plaque containing the names of all Employee of the Year award winners.

Riecke was nominated

by David Fiess, director of Vector Control and Envi-

ronmental Services, for her dedication to resolving “a highly complex case of childhood lead poisoning,” the county said in a statement. “Most of the time, the cases Trina works on involve children who are poisoned from the ingestion of lead dust from deteriorating lead paint found in their homes,” Fiess said. “Lead poisoning is one of the most detrimental issues in causing childhood developmental delays which are often difficult to reverse and may cause lifelong problems.

“In this particular case, Riecke worked diligently with the child’s family and doctors to discover the

source of the lead. After ruling out the standard sources, she advocated for further testing to determine the source of the lead in the child’s body.

This additional testing was successful in identifying the source of the lead which then allowed the child to be successfully treated and begin recovering. Riecke’s continual efforts were key to finding the cause of the poisoning and likely positively impacted the child’s life forever.”

The employee of the year is selected from the list of employees who have been recognized with a Civil Service Award in the calendar year.

INfortwayne.com • A3

Downtown FW • April 2018

Chili bowl meal to help St. Mary’s soup kitchen

By Meghan Schrader For IN|fort wayne publications

Concordia Lutheran High School students and staff are taking to the pottery wheels for a chili-bowl fundraiser for St. Mary’s Soup Kitchen in support of the school’s theme for this year, “United in Service.”

What started as an idea from Concordia art teacher Trevor Campbell has turned into much more in the minds and hearts of the school’s students.

One goal Campbell had for the project was to give students who didn’t take an art class the opportunity to learn to do something artistic and make art on the pottery wheel.

“Then off of that, how they can use their artistic talents to benefit our community and give back,” Campbell said.

This is the school’s first semester hosting the fundraiser. They intend to continue it in the coming years and hopefully expand it with additional pottery wheels.

Around 33 students and staff members are participating in the service project, taking time throughout the semester during lunch and after school to make, trim and glaze five to 10 bowls each. On the day of the event, each participant will bring in a slow cooker of their own homemade chili to serve to patrons who attend.

“This is kind of exciting for us to do and it can help people so much. Just being able to put on a fun event for our parents and friends to come to and just have fun with them and

PHOTOS BY MEGHAN SCHRADER

Concordia Lutheran High School sophomore Cameron Brown (left) and senior Michelle Frerking (right) make pottery for the school’s chili-bowl fundraiser April 19.

eat a bowl of chili, but also have it go toward a good cause. It’s really special,” Michelle Frerking, a senior at Concordia High School, said.

“This is actually doing something that will benefit other people,” senior Baylee Coburn said, adding that her family members and friends intend to come to the event. “They want to support me but really they’re supporting others, which is really cool.”

The event is affecting more than patrons of St. Mary’s Soup Kitchen as the students themselves discover their artistic talents and how they can serve their community.

“I kind of want to brag on Mr. Campbell,” Concordia senior Mitchell Studebaker said. “I’m not a very artistic person, but this guy has almost changed my entire view of arts right

Concordia Lutheran High School senior Mitchell Studebaker starts a new pottery piece for the chili-bowl fundraiser for St. Mary’s Soup Kitchen.

Completed pottery bowls handmade by Concordia Lutheran High School students and staff are ready for the school’s chili-bowl fundraiser for St. Mary’s Soup Kitchen.

now and especially because I would have never seen myself freshman and sophomore year doing this.”

Concordia hopes to make 200 bowls of all shapes and sizes to sell at the event on Thursday, April 19. On that day, beginning at 5 p.m., patrons will pay

$20 at the door and receive a handmade bowl filled with homemade chili. All are welcome to the event, which will take place at Concordia Lutheran High School, 1601 St. Joe River Drive, Fort Wayne. All proceeds will go to St. Mary’s Soup Kitchen.

Teams begin preparing for MDA Muscle Walk

KPC NEWS SERVICE

Registration has begun for the MDA Muscle Walk on Saturday, May 19, at Parkview Field in Fort Wayne. Join a team, start a team or donate at mdamusclewalk.org. Onsite registration begins at 10 a.m. and the walk begins at 11 a.m.

Free food will be available to all participants, who may share in other free activities.

For more information, contact Sonja Cronin at Scronin@mdausa.org.

Each walker who gathers a minimum of $100 in donations will be eligible for a T-shirt, to be awarded after the walk.

As of March 16, local efforts had gathered $21,528 toward the goal of $96,191. Top individual and team efforts are listed at mda.org.

Muscle Walk proceeds fund research, life-enhancing programs, MDA

ALS Care Centers, support groups and equipment assistance. The MDA has 33 active ALS research grants, operates 43 ALS Care Centers and has

invested more than $350 million in ALS research and support services since 1950.

Sponsorship opportunities range from $3,000

to $15,000, and include further recognitions before and during the event.

Presenting sponsors receive a VIP invitation to a local MDA summer camp.

Locally Owned

• We work closely with Realtors to help you sell your home faster. Ask us about our “Clean Out The Clutter” program.

serving Northeast Indiana for over 75 years (260) 459-6926 • hoovermover.com • Experienced moving staff averages over 4-years of industry know-how

• Next to death and divorce, moving is the third most stressful thing a family will experience. Hoover has designed our entire move process around eliminating stress from your relocation.

• Recently awarded the North American Van Lines Pursuit of Excellence Award for 2016.

• We protect your hardwood and ceramic floors, cover main traffic areas, protect doors and banisters • Seasoned, professional packers to handle your most prized possessions

A bowl begins to take shape in a Concordia art class.

REPORTER NEEDED KPC Media Group is seeking a daily reporter to join a team of journalists working on the cutting edge of news coverage in northeast Indiana.

The editorial team is focused on issue-based, investigative journalism that covers topics important to our readers, both online and in print. We pride ourselves in being a local news source providing enterprise reporting for northeast Indiana. Our offices are located in Kendallville, Indiana.

The reporter will focus on feature stories, government and school district coverage. Candidates must be flexible to cover breaking news and local events and must be deadline-driven and detail-oriented.

A degree in the field of journalism, communications, writing or English is preferred.

Candidates should have a technological aptitude and knowledge of social media. Photography and videography experience are beneficial.

Benefits package includes health, dental, vision, retirement, and vacation.

Submit resume, cover letter and at least two writing samples via email to HR@kpcmedia. com with NS Reporter in the Subject line.

4705 Clubview Drive | Fort Wayne, IN 46804 | Proud Agent for

EOE/Drug-free workplace.

A4 • INfortwayne.com

A Division of KPC Media Group

Finding her voice

After almost being unable to sing, Fort Wayne native shines on TV show

By Megan Knowles mknowles@kpcmedia.com

Direct Mailed to almost 21,000 Homes & Businesses In Southwest Allen County & Roanoke

Direct Mailed to over 16,000 Homes & Businesses In North & Northeast Fort Wayne & Allen County

Direct Mailed & Rack Distribution to almost 12,000 Homes & Businesses In New Haven & East Allen County

Direct Mailed & Rack Distribution to over 24,000 Homes & Businesses In East Fort Wayne & Allen County

Direct Mailed Distribution to over 14,000 Homes & Businesses Serving the Downtown Area

Direct Mailed Distribution to over 78,000

In Allen County & Surrounding Area

Our Staff: Randy C. Mitchell Publisher randymitchell@kpcmedia.com

Garth Snow Editor/Feature Writer gsnow@kpcmedia.com

Beth Welty

Fort Wayne Creative bwelty@kpcmedia.com

Dan Tollefson

Vice President of Sales

Bobbi Jenks Sales Manager

Melissa Poore

Marketing Consultant

Sheba Herring Marketing Consultant

Michael Bowerman Marketing Consultant

Jim Shovlin

Marketing Consultant

Those who saw Fort Wayne native Christiana Danielle’s bold rendition of “Hotline Bling” on the 14th season of “the Voice” may have thought she was a natural on the stage. The truth is, it took almost losing her ability to sing for the 22-year-old to find her voice.

While Danielle participated in the choirs at New Zion Tabernacle and Snider High School, anyone outside those circles didn’t know she sang.

“It’s like a little secret I tried to keep,” Danielle said.

Then in October of 2012, Danielle caught an unknown virus that caused her tonsils and adenoids to swell to dangerous levels. “[At one point] my throat completely closed and they had to hurry and get me into surgery,” she said.

“When I woke up from the surgery … [the doctors told my parents], ‘There’s going to be a lot of scar tissue, there’s an infection in there, so she’s going to have permanent hoarseness in her speaking voice and more than likely she’s not going to be able to sing because her voice is going to change.’ When I heard that I just rolled over.”

Danielle said at that moment she began to flash back to times in her youth when she refused to sing during her father’s

Claudia Johnson Marketing Manager

George O. Witwer Publisher Emeritus

Terry G. Housholder President

Randy C. Mitchell

Chief Executive Officer

S. Rick Mitchell Chief Financial Officer

INfortwayne publications are publications of KPC Media Group, Inc. ©2017 All rights reserved

Contact Us At: 3306 Independence Dr. Fort Wayne, In 46808 Phone: (260) 426-2640 Fax: (260) 426-2503 INfortwayne.com

The Fort Wayne native said she always starts singing with her eyes closed so she can “start off in the zone.”

“I heard people screaming so I opened my eyes and was like, OK Christiana, don’t mess up,” she said.

Looking at her was Maroon 5 frontman and “the Voice” judge Adam Levine, his turned around chair indicating he wanted her to join his team.

As her song progressed, coaches Kelly Clarkson and Alicia Keys followed suit.

“It was crazy. I kept telling myself, this is going to be on YouTube, finish. That’s what got me through,” Danielle said.

After finishing, Danielle decided to be on Keys’ team.

Agen, Danielle just ‘two of thousands’ of talented performers here mknowles@kpcmedia.com

Creative Manager

oping singing talents. In October she got an email that said the last open call for “the Voice” would be taking place in St. Louis. “[My dad] was like, alright, let’s go. So that weekend we were on the road,” she said. “[The tryouts were] kind of nerve-wracking.

Everybody’s testing out their voice and doing all these extra things, and I was just sitting there,” Danielle said.

After trying out in front of a producer, Danielle was singled out by the staff to stay for extra auditions.

“Everything’s a huge surprise every single time,” she said.

When it was time for the blind auditions, Danielle was calm — “not like me at all,” she added.

For someone who confesses to be shy, Danielle’s soulful twist on “Hotline Bling” might seem a bold choice.

“I just want to show my artistry. … I think I just wanted to go out as bold as possible; it’s going to be a swing and a miss or a home run,” she said.

Danielle’s journey on “the Voice” continues, as she won her battle round and advanced to the knockout stages. “the Voice” airs on NBC Mondays and Tuesdays at 8 p.m.

While getting to this point has been a whirlwind journey, Danielle said she’s ready to see where it takes her in the future. “‘The Voice’ was the biggest step I’ve ever taken. I haven’t done shows, I haven’t posted videos out there,” she said. “I would love to go out and pursue music full on … but I have no idea what that looks like.”

“I always say that music is the ultimate empathizer, because no matter what you’re feeling you can always find a song that comforts you or assures you, yeah, you can feel like that,” she said. “I [feel] like I’m so bare when I’m singing for other people, so it’s a very vulnerable moment for me. … I always limited it because in a way I felt like I’d be exploiting the most inner personal part of myself.

“But you can’t do that, you’ve got to try to share it.”

Musical talent abounds in Fort Wayne

By Megan Knowles

Ann Saggars

PHOTO COURTESY OF NBC

Fort Wayne native and Snider High School graduate Christiana Danielle performs during the blind audtions on “the Voice,” which aired March 5.

hospital ministries. “[I felt God say] you know what, you weren’t using your gift. I gave it to you and I can take it away,” she recalled.

After several weeks of being unable to speak, she was able to whisper, then hum, then finally sing.

“I felt like a new singer. … Not only did I feel [my voice] kind of changed for the better but it pushed me to find out what I wanted,” she said of the surgery. “It kind of catapulted me into the actual artist that I was.

And I’m still discovering these new things that my voice can do.”

After graduating from Huntington University last year, Danielle decided to take a year off to see what she could do with her devel-

Downtown FW • April 2018

With a second Fort Wayne native appearing on “the Voice” recently, one thing’s for certain — the Summit City has a lot of talent.

“They’re just two of thousands of a very deep talent pool, in my opinion,” Fort Wayne Children’s Choir Managing Director Amber Bouthot said.

Brian Sparr, pastor of Come2Go Ministries, has seen it too. He works in partnership with C2G Music Hall, which hosts an open mic night the first Monday of the month.

“There’s just been a ton of talent that’s been part of this community,” he said.

C2G has seen a fair share of this talent on its open mic stage — Addison Agen has been

performing at the church since she was 6, Sparr said, and this season’s “Voice” contestant, Christiana Danielle, actually performed on the stage last year.

In addition, Sparr mentioned other local talent like Sunny Taylor, Rainee Perdue and Jensen Snyder, among others.

“I’m always amazed, and I guess I should stop being surprised, but I’m always amazed by how good people actually are, even just people who are hobbyists or just new to things. We see a lot of young people just cutting their teeth and doing really great things,” he said.

Bouthot said the choir has also seen its share of talent, as it currently has about 315 members and boasts more than 5,000 alumni. She also said the choir is seeing interest

for younger and younger children, prompting the choir to start its First Steps in Music program for children ages birth through age 4.

Fort Wayne Children’s Choir Executive Artistic Director Jonathan Busarow also credited the wide range of musical opportunities in Fort Wayne to sparking the public’s interest in music.

“To have a full-time orchestra, a full-time ballet, a substantial children’s choir in the community, the youth orchestra, the list can go on and on, of all the different things that we have that any other community our size would be jealous of,” he said.

“I think that Fort Wayne is making it onto the national stage because the kids here, if they want to, can receive

such a solid foundation of not only music education but also support and encouragement and Fort Wayne is such a community that rallies, as we saw with Addison,” Bouthot said. “When there is talent people want to see it nurtured and grown.”

That nurturing spirit is something the community needs to continue and grow in order to keep this breadth of talent alive.

“I think encouraging participation of anybody that has a love of art to find that avenue that they can do that. … We want everybody to know the arts are for everybody to participate in and enjoy,” Busarow said. “So they have to be aware that these things exist to know that they can do them and then they have to be able to fund them.”

Sparr hopes to see

more and more venues that are available for local musicians to show their talents.

“When there’s opportunities to go out and hear local music, whether it’s in a coffee shop or bar or open mic, just take advantage of that opportunity because there is so much talent,” he said. “Addison is such a good example. She was playing gigs at places like the Friendly Fox for 10, 15 people sitting around, and then she sold out two shows at the Embassy.

“There’s the mentality I think that people need to break out of, that there’s nothing to do in this town. There’s always something to do in this town. Especially if you’re a music lover there’s a lot of great opportunities to come and listen.”

INfortwayne.com • A5

Downtown FW • April 2018

News briefs: Make plans and sign up if necessary ZOO TO OPEN FOR 53RD YEAR

The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, 3411 Sherman Blvd., will open its gates for its 53rd season at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 21. Zoo hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, with the last admission at 5 p.m.

Admission is $14 for adults, $12 for those ages 62 and older, $10 for ages 2-18 and free for those younger than 2. Visit kidszoo.org to save money on a variety of individual and family memberships, and to read about the zoo’s varied population.

Visitors will get their first look at Thabisa, a female giraffe born over the winter. Guests also will get a closer look at Kita, who was born Aug. 6. The reticulated giraffe herd also includes six adults.

Other babies that will make their debut inclues wrinkled hornbill, Prevost’s squirrels and Sitatunga — or marsh buck.

The zoo, which attracts more than 600,000 visitors each year, is supported entirely by earned revenue and donations.

The 2018 zoo season ends Oct. 7.

EARTH DAY AT EAGLE MARSH

Eagle Marsh Nature Preserve will host an Earth Day celebration from 1-5 p.m. Sunday, April 22. Little River Wetlands Project manages the 756-acre wetlands, with the main gate at 6801 Engle Road, Fort Wayne.

The celebration will include food trucks, a farmer’s market and educational activities.

DIOCESE SEEKS SCHOOLS STAFF

The Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend Catholic Schools Office will conduct a teacher recruitment fair from 5-8 p.m.

Tuesday, April 17, at the Archbishop Noll Catholic Center, 915 S. Clinton St., Fort Wayne.

The diocese operates 39 elementary schools and four high schools.

The schools are looking for licensed teachers for numerous positions. The diocese will be hiring for school administrators, Pre-K, elementary, middle school and high school teachers, including specials teachers such as music, Spanish and physical education. Applicants will also be sought for open support staff positions including special education and gifted/ talented teachers.

Interviews will be conducted on-site.

Applicants are encouraged to sign up at www. diocesefwsb.org/teacher-recruitment-fairs for 20-minute interviews with particular school or schools of their choice.

Applicants are also requested to bring copies of their resume to each interview. Walk-ins will be limited.

LHN SHOWCASES HEALTH CAREERS

Lutheran Health Network will conduct a career showcase from 4-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 11, in the south lobby of Medical Office Building 2, 7910 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne. Free parking is available in the south parking garage. Enter through Door 1L. Attendees can visit specialty booths to network one-on-one with LHN team members, share resumes, discuss job opportunities and, in some cases, conduct initial job interviews.

Appetizers and refreshments will be served.

To avoid registration lines, applicants are encouraged to register online by April 10. Visit LutheranHealth.net/showcase to register and for a list of opportunities.

CARROLL BANDS 5K SET FOR APRIL 22

Members of the Carroll High School bands will perform music at posts along a 3.1-mile course for the Move it for Music 5K Run/Walk on Sunday, April 22. Registration is now open.

Proceeds from the event will benefit all of Carroll High School’s music programs.

The event will begin at 2 p.m. Registration can be completed at runsignup.com/move_it_ for_music_5k. The cost is $30 per person for those registering now through April 20. The fee includes a race T-shirt and medals.

The course will begin and end at Carroll High School near the cafeteria and sports fields, winding through the school’s campus and into the Preserves and Carroll Creek subdivisions. The race will be chip timed and medals will be awarded for various age groups.

Strollers are welcome, but no pets are allowed.

Indoor warmup and cool-down stations will be provided, along with music and awards after the race.

PUBLIC INVITED TO FIVE SHOWS Homestead High

School performing groups will entertain local audiences in a series of free concerts and shows this spring. Admission is free.

Homestead H.S. is at 4310 Homestead Road, Fort Wayne.

• Tuesday April 17, 7 p.m.: The latest addition to the school music program — the handbell choir — will perform in the auditorium. The orchestra also will perform.

• Thursday April 19, 7 p.m.: The Homestead Spring Band Concert in the auditorium and main gym will feature Jazz Band II, Jazz Band I, concert band, symphonic band, wind ensemble and the winter guard.

• Tuesday, May 8, 7:30 p.m.: The Homestead Jazz Concert will feature special guest Larry McWilliams, Ball State University instructor emeritus, trumpet.

• Thursday, May 10, 7 p.m.: The Elite girls show choir will perform in the auditorium.

• Friday, May 11, 7 p.m.: The Class Royale mixed show choir will perform in the auditorium.

ARCOLA READY TO BLESS BIKES

Motorcycle riders are welcome to the 29th annual Blessing of the Bikes at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 7, at St. Patrick’s Church, 12505 Arcola Road, Arcola.

The Rev. Thadeus Balinda — “Father Tad” to many — will bless the motorcycles.

There is no charge to take part, and advance notice is not required.

The event will take place rain or shine.

The St. Patrick’s youth group will have coffee, pop and some food available for a small charge.

“There’s no need to sign up. Just show up about 9:30 or 10. It’s been going on for years, and most people know about it,” organizer Jerry Gordon said. “We do the blessing. There’s nothing official, it’s just a blessing, just for the camaraderie of getting ready for the springtime rides.”

Motorcyclists then disperse and usually regroup at several locations, but those gatherings are not part of the blessing, Gordon said.

JROTC RUN MARKS 100TH

Concordia Lutheran High School Junior ROTC is hosting the A.J. Arnett 5K Honor Run on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 19. The event also commemorates the 100th anniversary of

the JROTC. The race begins at 8:30 a.m., starting and finishing at CLHS, 1601 St. Joe River Drive, Fort Wayne. The race will start with a cannon blast.

SPC Arnett is a 2004 Concordia graduate and JROTC member. He deployed to Iraq with the U.S. Army in January 2005 and was seriously wounded in July.

The run will benefit Honor Flight of Northeast Indiana and Shepherd’s House Fort Wayne.

Early-bird registration is underway. Registration is $23 through 11:59 p.m.

March 31; register and get more information at ajarnetthonorrun.com.

Students in K-8 run for free, but must register at the high school.

COMEDY FEST SET APRIL 20

The third annual Concordia Comedy Festival will take place at 7 p.m. Friday, April 20, at Cinema Center, 437 E. Berry St., Fort Wayne.

Tickets are free and the public is welcome.

Tickets can be picked up at the high school, 1601 St. Joe River Drive, Fort Wayne, beginning April 10.

Students from area middle schools and high schools submitted their films for judging in February. Finalists will be announced April 10.

Sponsors predicted the movies will “make the audience chuckle, belly laugh or all out roll on the floor in laughter.”

Students were invited to submit up to four movies each, with each movie no more than 3 minutes in length, including optional credits. The competition was open to students in

K-12 in Allen, Adams, DeKalb, Huntington, Noble, Wells and Whitley counties. All finalists’ films will be shown on the big screen when the top winners will be announced. First-prize entries in both the high school and middle school categories will receive a GoPro.

THREE DAYS OF COMEDY

The second annual Maumee Mary and Joseph Comedy Festival April 12-14 in downtown Fort Wayne will feature standup comedy, improv, sketch comedy, a comedy battle and podcasts.

Events will range from all-ages to 21-plus.

Tickets can be purchased through links on mmjcomedyfestival. com, with single-day tickets $10-$15 or a three-day pass for $30.

Other passes are available on the website. Also check the website for further details.

There will also be free events at the downtown Allen County Public Library from noon-4 p.m.

Saturday, April 14.

The schedule: • Thursday, April 12 — The History Center, O’Reilly’s and Pint & Slice; • Friday, April 13 — The History Center, O’Reilly’s, The Phoenix and Pint & Slice; • Saturday, April 14 — Allen County Public Library, Cinema Center, First Presbyterian Church, The History Center, O’Reilly’s, The Phoenix and Pint & Slice.

‘PIGLYS’ AUTHOR AT FREE EVENT

Yahweh Sisterhood Book Club will present

author and illustrator Mary Coons from 6:308:30 p.m. Thursday, April 5, at The Chapel, 2505 W. Hamilton Road, Fort Wayne. Guests should enter through Door 2.

The group meets in Room 102. The event is free.

Coons will share her love of journaling and artwork as she uses her book “The Piglys and the HundredYear Mystery.” Coons will bring some of her journals from 30 to 40 years ago.

The club presents Christian authors the first Thursday of each month.

The schedule includes: May 3, “The Widow Wore Pink,” by Robyn Dykstra; June 7, “A Case for Kindness,” by Lisa Barrickman; and July 5, “Slightly Bad Girls of the Bible,” by Liz Curtis Higgs. Follow the club at yahwehsisterhoodbookclub.com.

This is a free event.

“Books from upcoming authors will be available,” the club said in a statement. “We read the book prior to the author speaking, but if you haven’t read the book, don’t let that stop you from coming.”

VERA BRADLEY SALE IN APRIL

An outlet sale that began in a tent in 1983 has grown to attract shoppers from across the United States each year.

The Vera Bradley annual outlet sale will be Wednesday-Sunday, April 11-15, at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne.

Tickets for 2.5-hour time slots on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are See NEWS, Page A6

• Quality • Integrity • Community

260-747-8145

2135 Sandpoint Rd., Fort Wayne, IN 46809

A6 • INfortwayne.com

NEWS from Page A5 $5 and are for sale at verabradley.com. Admission is free on Saturday and Sunday. Hours are 7:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.

Wednesday-Friday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.

Assorted discounts and promotions are explained online. Coliseum parking is $5.

Thousands of items will be available for purchase.

Vintage Floral, a factory-exclusive pattern, will make its debut during the outlet sale.

ADOPT OR SHOP AT PET EXPO

The Allen County SPCA will present the Northern Indiana Pet Expo on Saturday and Sunday, April 21 and 22, at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne.

Hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. each day. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for those ages 60 and older, $3 for those ages 6-12, and free to those ages 5 and younger. Coliseum parking is $5. Get details at northernindianapetexpo.org.

The show features information sessions, entertainment, visits with groomers and vendors, and a chance to adopt pets. Children may visit the Kid’s Activity Zone to adopt a balloon animal.

Healthy leashed cats and dogs over the age of 1 will be admitted for $1.

The pets must be spayed or neutered. Owners sign a general release and waiver agreement.

Proceeds benefit homeless dogs and cats and Allen County SPCA, which operates an animal shelter at 4914 S. Hanna St., Fort Wayne. Get details, see photos of pets available for adoption, or donate at acspca.org.

See photos of last year’s Pet Expo at infortwayne.com.

SEE NATIONAL PRINT SHOW

The 38th National Print Exhibition continues through May 11 at Artlink Contemporary Gallery, 300 E. Main St., Fort Wayne. Hours are noon-7 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and noon-4 p.m.

Sunday.

The exhibition was juried by Liz Maugans, printmaker and arts advocate. “I often look for a-ha moments, trickery, mastery and magic when curating work for an exhibition or collection,” Maugans said of her selections. “I want people who see the work to experience that as well.”

This exhibition is sponsored by Lincoln Financial Group, with additional support from the Designer/Craftsman

Guild.

Visit artlinkfw.com for more information.

PRE-K TAKING APPLICATIONS

Low-income families in Allen and DeKalb counties may submit applications for On My Way Pre-K, the Indiana state-funded prekindergarten program. To be eligible, the child must be 4 by Aug. 1. Other requirements apply.

Families can apply at onmywayprek.org or by calling 211.

“We encourage eligible families to enroll their children in this tremendously successful program,” said David Nicole, president and CEO of United Way of Allen County.

SYCAMORE SWIM AND DIVE TEAM

Sycamore Hills summer swim and dive team will register for the 2018 season from 4-6 p.m. Sunday, April 22.

Sign-up takes place at the Sycamore Hills Swim and Racquet Clubhouse, 1511 Sycamore Hills Drive, Fort Wayne.

The 8-week season runs June 4-Aug. 5.

Sponsors promise “a climate of friendly competition where swimmers and divers can develop a love for the sport, improve their skills and achieve success at his or her level of ability.”

Training groups are available for ages 5-18. For more information, visit www.sycamoreswim. wordpress.com or contact Amie Lindsay at (260) 312-6339 or alindsay@ delineationarch.com.

BRAINS FOR HOPE PLANS 2ND GALA The Brains for Hope Foundation will host its second annual gala Friday, June 1, at Parkview Mirro Center, 10622 Parkview Plaza Drive, Fort Wayne.

Dinner begins at 6 p.m., to be followed by silent and live auctions, an inspirational program, dancing and live entertainment by Good Night Gracie.

Tickets are $125 and can be purchased by visiting https:// brains2018.auction-bid. org/microsite/.

Maggie and Andrew Saal started Brains for Hope in honor of their daughter, a brain cancer survivor, to raise money for pediatric cancer research. Last year’s inaugural event raised $75,000.

TICKETS READY FOR ‘CAFE NOIR’

Wells Community Theater will present “Murder at Café Noir” April 6-8 at 211 Water

St., Bluffton. “Murder at Café Noir” is a 1940s detective story come to life that features Rick Archer, private investigator.

Performances on Friday, April 6, and Saturday, April 7, begin at 6:30 p.m. with a dinner buffet. Tickets for the Friday and Saturday shows are $30, which includes a meal and drink. Bar service will be available at each night of the dinner theater. The 4 p.m. Sunday, April 8, show does not feature a meal. Tickets for Sunday’s show are $15.

Tickets are on sale at the Creative Arts office. Tickets also can be purchased and reserved by calling (260) 824-5222. Tickets can be purchased at wellscocreativearts.com.

3-DAY SALE AT TAYLOR CHAPEL

The United Methodist Women of Taylor Chapel United Methodist Church will conduct a rummage sale and bake sale April 12-14. The women’s group supports many local missions.

Hours are 5-7 p.m.

April 12, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

April 13 and 9-11 a.m.

April 14. Taylor Chapel U.M.C. is at 10145 Maysville Road, Fort Wayne. Direct questions to (260) 749-8597.

USF ART SHOW APRIL 7-MAY 2

The University of Saint Francis will host its 42nd annual School of Creative Arts Student Exhibition, with an opening reception from 5-7 p.m. Saturday, April 7.

This event will take place at the Rolland Center for Art and Visual Communication, which is off Leesburg Road on the southeast corner of the Fort Wayne campus.

An awards ceremony will follow at 7:30 p.m. at the USF Robert Goldstine Performing Arts Center, 431 W. Berry St. The SOCA exhibition, which runs through May 2, will feature art, dance, music and performance-based works by students enrolled at SOCA. The exhibition is free and open to the public. The Weatherhead Gallery is in the Rolland Center. Hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from 1-5 p.m.

For more information, visit art.sf.edu or call (260) 399-8064.

COMEDY CLUB BOOKS APRIL

Fort Wayne Comedy Club, 2104 S. Calhoun St., will offer shows each Saturday in April. Tickets are $15 in advance at

fortwaynecomedyclub. com or $20 the day of the show. For details call (260) 426-6339.

The schedule: • April 7, 7:15 p.m. Stu McCallister, headliner.

• April 14, 7:15 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. Tim Kidd, headliner.

• April 21, 7:15 p.m.

Dave Landau, headliner, and featuring Brad Scott.

• April 28, 7:15 p.m.

Mike Jones, headliner.

APR BANQUET SIGN-UPS DUE

The A. Philip Randolph Institute Fort Wayne Chapter will celebrate its annual scholarship banquet at 6 p.m.

Saturday, April 14, at Link’s Wonderland, 1711 E. Creighton Ave., Fort Wayne. Tickets are $35.

Reservations are due by Monday, April 2. Contact LaDonna Sims at (260) 403-1362 or ladonnasims@frontier.com for tickets. Tables of eight are available for $280.

Joe Jordan, president and CEO of the Fort Wayne Boys & Girls Club, will be the keynote speaker at this fundraiser for high school scholarships. Scholarship recipients receive their award at this banquet.

Scholarship applications were due March 14.

The scholarship was created in honor of A. Philip Randolph and Charles Redd, activists who struggled for social and economic justice.

“Redd and Randolph shared a common vision for equality, and political and community activism and serve as true inspirations for young people today,” the organization said in a statement.

CITY UTILITIES OFFERS TOURS

The public is invited to free, guided tours of two of Fort Wayne City Utilities essential properties.

The next tour is 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 14, at the Water Pollution Control Plant, 2601 Dwenger Ave. Visitors will learn how the plant operates, visit the award-winning lab and view its high-power microscope, and learn about the importance the plant plays in area residents’ daily lives. The tour will involve walking on several surfaces, including gravel, and attendees should not wear open-toe shoes or flip-flops. Another tour is available from 10 a.m.noon Saturday, May 12.

Named the P.L. Brunner Water Pollution Control Plant, the Fort Wayne facility provides sewage treatment for more than 315,000 residents in Fort Wayne, New Haven, Leo-Cedarville, Maysville, Grabill, Zanesville and Arcola and many homes and businesses in unincorporated areas of Allen County.

Currently, the plant has the capacity to treat 100 million gallons of sewage per day. Last year, the plant treated nearly 17 billion gallons of sewage for the year. The plant has been serving the community since 1940.

On Saturday, April 21, thee Three Rivers Water Filtration Plant, 415 Baltes Ave., will offer a free guided tour from 10 a.m.-noon. The plant opened in 1933 and after several expansions is now able to filter 72

Downtown FW • April 2018

million gallons of water per day. The tour will give visitors an opportunity to see the plant in operation, to interact with staff members, and to view the architecture of the Collegiate Gothic style building. Another tour will be offered from 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, May 19.

POLICE RECRUIT DEADLINE NEAR

The Fort Wayne Police Department’s online application current session will close Monday, April 2, at 8 a.m. Visit fwpd. org/careers to apply. This process is for anyone interested in becoming a full-time commissioned police officer.

An applicant must be a U.S. citizen, age 21-35. An applicant must complete a pre-employment physical fitness test.

A high school diploma or equivalent or a G.E.D. is required; education beyond high school is preferred. Other requirements apply.

KNIGHTS TO RUN AT FOSTER PARK

Bishop Luers High School will host Run With the Knights at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 12, at Foster Park. The 10K/5K run, walk is sponsored by the Alumni Department.

The cost is $20 per person. Sign up at bishopluers.org by clicking on “Run With the Knights” in the “Alumni” tab. Register

by May 2 to be guaranteed a T-shirt. For more information, contact Tess Steffen at (260) 456-1261, ext. 3039.

— Compiled by Garth Snow gsnow@kpcmedia.com

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUPS ADDED

Visiting Nurse this month expanded grief support groups to two local hospitals. The staff of the Peggy F. Murphy Community Grief Center facilitates the support groups.

A Parkview Regional Medical Center grief support group will meet from 5:30-7 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month, in the Chaplain’s Office. The Lutheran Hospital grief support group will meet from 5:30-7 p.m. the last Thursday of each month in the Kachmann Mind/ Body Institute, first floor, next to the gift shop.

These new groups are open to any adult in the community who has suffered a loss due to death. Visiting Nurse also hosts a variety of other grief support groups at other locations in Allen and DeKalb counties.

For more information, call the Peggy F. Murphy Community Grief Center at (260) 435-3261 or visit vnfw.org.

FREELANCE REPORTERS KPC Media Group is seeking freelance reporters to join its team of journalists covering northeast Indiana. KPC Media Group is a growing, successful, family-owned publisher of 18 award-winning daily, weekly and monthly newspapers focused on hyper-local coverage. Freelance reporters may cover local news, sports and/or feature stories.

Send resume, cover letter and at least two writing samples to HR@kpcmedia.com.

INfortwayne.com • A7

Downtown FW • April 2018

Robot’s handlers find human experience in setback

By Garth Snow

gsnow@kpcmedia.com

The Homestead High School robotics team picked up valuable experience but no awards in its first contest this year.

Faculty team leader Robert Steverson said the group will shape that experience into teamwork in remaining challenges.

Homestead is the only Fort Wayne school entered in First Robotics.

The class finished six weeks of design and building the evening of Feb. 20, and then sealed the 2018 robot for the First Power Up Challenge March 10 and 11 at Mishawaka Penn High School.

Homestead also was scheduled to compete March 24 and 25 at Plainfield High School. Points from regional competitions will be combined, and the 32 top teams from Indiana will advance to the state round. Eight teams from Indiana will advance to the First Power Up world championships in Detroit in late April. More than 91,000 high school students worldwide are competing in the arcade-themed robotics challenge.

The teams learned their challenges and picked up some basic parts early in January.

Team captain Logan Roser and co-captain Hannah Parks are among the six seniors on the Homestead team.

“We had six weeks to design and build a robot,” Roser said. The first two weeks was dedicated to design. “From there we actually started building chassis parts,” he said.

Three schools form alliances for the first challenge, and those alliances change over the 12 challenges throughout the day.

Secrets thus pass from ally to rival. It boils down to basic professionalism and communication, the leaders agreed.

“They will know your strategies,” Parks said. “So it’s important to make the most robust robot.”

Parks likened the challenge to a video game.

“Essentially the field is one giant scale in the middle.

It’s 7 feet tall and there are two switches on either side,” she said. The robot has to reach to the top and grab a 13-inch bar. As with a video game, there are opportunities to add points.

The first 15 seconds of the competition is fully programmed. The balance of the 2-minute challenge is up to the remote driver and an operator to direct the arms and to lift.

“They’re desperately trying to get everything done,” Steverson said on the final construction evening. “The weight limit is 120 [pounds] and they weighed the robot and it was 119, so they’re actually

PHOTOS BY GARTH SNOW

Homestead robotics team leader Robert Steverson (center) discusses the project with team captain Logan Roser (from left), co-captain Hannah Parks, Sukhpreet Singh and Jashandeep Bola.

Freshman Brooke Clements makes adjustments to the Homestead High School robotics team project.

Seniors Megan Moriarty (from left), Heather Craker, Logan Roser, Hannah Parks, Duhan Eroglu and Isaac Tebben work on their final season with the Homestead High School robotics team.

Heather Craker programs components for the Homestead robot. Arcade-like joy sticks set the robot’s movements.

trying to lose some weight.”

The student leaders said aesthetics are important, too.

That means the right colors, attractive pneumatic tubing, and the right layout, Parks said. “There are actually a couple of us who look at this.”

The team has flipped the color pattern on their T-shirts this year, and on the banner across the NASCAR-like parts and repair pit that they set up at each competition.

The T-shirts still have the Homestead colors, but this year the team is going with yellow shirts with blue letters.

Roser said the program is a lesson in robotics, but also a lesson in business.

“We have our own fundraising, our community outreach, our mechanical and electrical program,” he said. “I was able to hone a lot of machining skills so I can roll out parts all day long. And then going and talking with companies is big. We get more comfortable with it, asking for donations of money or parts.”

The class asked for community support the evening of Feb. 21, when Buffalo Wild Wings on Coventry Lane donated 10 percent of the evening’s food tab to Olympus Robotics. “We received excellent support at the wings night fundraiser,” Steverson said. “It was a relaxing environment

where team members, their families and mentors were able to relax, reflect on the season, and generate some funds to help with team expenses.”

Matt Elder also instructs Homestead High School Robotics Team No. 4982.

“Our competition in Mishawaka was … challenging,” Steverson said in an email. “For most of the competition it seemed like, if it could possibly go wrong then it did. The team had to deal with multiple mechanical failures throughout the event and was often just working to field a functional robot.

On the bright side, this created an environment that stimulated a lot of learning for our team members.

The challenges of dealing with adversity while still maintaining a positive outlook were excellent learning events for our team members. I am also glad to say that our students rose to the challenge. They focused on how to improve going forward and celebrated their small victories, instead of focusing on how everything seemed to work against them. It would have been easy for them to simply give up but instead they worked through the event to make the best showing possible. While they finished near the bottom of the rankings and did not win any awards, they did come out of the event with a plan for moving forward and came to realize

that sometimes you don’t always succeed. Many of the students felt that this was an ‘off year’ where we were not really competitive but did learn some new skills. Now the students are focused on possible improvements to make for the next event. While they all realize that winning our next event is highly unlikely, they universally feel that they can and need to show improvement from our last event.”

Steverson said Homestead’s robotics program is in its fifth year. Also from northeast Indiana, Huntington County 4-H

Robotics sponsors Team Thrust. Team 1501 was a finalist at Mishawaka Penn, finishing fourth with 54 points. The Comets of Grand Rapids, Mich., finished first, with 73 points.

“We’d like to see more in Fort Wayne,” Steverson said. “Kokomo has four teams, Indy has almost 22.

We’re trying to get people aware and get them to see what’s involved and trying to help grow the program.”

As of the final construction evening, the 2018 robot had not been named.

Earlier names have included Exploding Fruit

Salad and Exploding Fruit Salad 2.0. Roser and Parks said the 2018 name might follow that theme. The robots are all cousins, Parks said. They have the same electrical components, Roser said.

Both Roser and Parks plan to enroll in the Purdue University Polytechnic Institute in the fall. Roser will major in aeronautical engineering technology.

Parks will study robotics engineering technology.

First Power Up is organized by First Robotics Competition. Get program details at www.firstinspires. org.

Increase your revenue with professional low-cost videos!

Increase your website’s Google search traffic.

Use video to introduce your company or products, provide video FAQs, news updates and training.

Post videos on your website and social media.

A8 • INfortwayne.com

Downtown FW • April 2018

Giving Back matches volunteers with needs

By Louisa Danielson

For IN|Fort Wayne publications

The Giving Back Fort Wayne Volunteer Fair will allow visitors to explore the many ways of serving in the Fort Wayne area.

The Leadership Fort Wayne Class of 2018 will host the fair from 3-7 p.m. Thursday, April 12, at Turnstone Center for Children and Adults with Disabilities’ Plassman Athletic Center, 3320 N. Clinton St. “This type of fair [lets you] explore your options,” said Jennifer Bermejo. The manager of Production and Sourcing at Matilda Jane Clothing, Bermejo is a member of the Leadership Fort Wayne class. “I’m very, very passionate about giving back to the community,” she said.

This will be her first time helping with the volunteer fair, but not her first work on behalf of community causes.

As chair of the Giving Committee at Matilda

Jane Clothing, Bermejo has worked to support the Allen County Bermejo SPCA and has participated in the Women Build program with Habitat for Humanity.

Now in its fourth year, the Volunteer Fair is what Bermejo called a “heritage project,” meaning that a new team of volunteers from the Leadership Fort Wayne class organizes it each year. Planning for this year’s fair began in October, and Bermejo said that they meet once a month to continue the process. The many e-mails and phone calls between meetings ensure that everyone is on the same page.

The Volunteer Fair is open to anyone in the northeast Indiana region, or beyond. Interested visitors will find representatives and plenty

IN BRIEF

Giving Back Fort Wayne Volunteer Fair Thursday, April 12, 3-7 p.m.

Turnstone - Plassman Athletic Center, 3320 N. Clinton St., Fort Wayne

COURTESY PHOTO

Potential volunteers research service opportunities at a Giving Back Fort Wayne Volunteer Fair.

of information from the various nonprofit organizations ready to add volunteers to their programs. Opportunities can range from working in the arts to working with animals and much more.

“It was news to me

that [the Three Rivers Festival] is a non-profit organization,” she said.

As a nonprofit, the Three Rivers Festival needs volunteers to help with all aspects of the event, from setting up to taking down and everything in between.

The Embassy Theatre also will be represented at the Volunteer Fair, looking for Embassadors.

Bermejo said that being an Embassador might just sound like an ushering job — but these volunteers get to see a free show, too.

The Soarin’ Hawk Raptor Rehabilitation program also is looking for volunteers. This program helps to rehabilitate orphaned or injured birds of prey, such as hawks, eagles and owls.

According to the Soarin’ Hawk website, volunteers do everything from avian care to facility maintenance and donor development.

The Volunteer Fair offers opportunities to people of all ages. “Some families like to do group stuff at the holidays, so they sign up for when everyone can be there,” Bermejo said. Attendees cover many age groups.

“Kids, teenagers, the elderly… everybody [is] welcome,” Bermejo said.

City Utilities offers free rain garden workshops KPC NEWS SERVICE Residents from Fort Wayne and surrounding areas have three opportunities to take advantage of free rain garden workshops in April. Native plants best suited to those rain gardens will be available at a plant sale

in late May. Residents attending the workshops can bring photos of storm water’s impact on their yard and learn how to build a rain garden that might reduce standing water on their property. Each session is taught by a city landscape architect.

BUSINESS SERVICES DIRECTORY

Rain gardens are landscaped areas that help manage and control rain water runoff by containing it where it falls and giving the water an opportunity to soak into the ground, rather than enter a sewer. Native plants are recommended for rain garden planting

WE CAN PRINT ANYTHING! INVITATIONS - BUSINESS CARDS & FORMS BROCHURES - POSTERS - BANNERS - MENUS SIGNS - CANVAS PRINTS - AND MORE!

KPC Print & Design marketing@kpcmedia.com 260-347-0400 x 1170

Call 877-791-7877 to advertise.

YOUR DIRECT MAIL EXPERTS.

Address, pre-sort, delivery, targeted mailing lists. Save time & money.

marketing@kpcmedia.com 260-347-0400 x 1170

because they have robust root systems that break up soil, allowing more water to soak in.

Remaining workshop dates are: • Saturday, April 7, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Manchester University School of Pharmacy — Room 105, 10627 Diebold Road, Fort Wayne.

• Thursday, April 19, 6-9:30 p.m., Citizens Square – Omni Room, 200 E. Berry St., Fort Wayne.

• Saturday, April 28, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Aboite Branch Library, 5630 Coventry Lane, Fort Wayne.

To register for a workshop or for more information, call 311.

More information about rain gardens is available at City Utilities’ rain garden website at www.

CatchingRainFW.org.

Residents who own property in the city of Fort Wayne are eligible to apply for a cash incentive to help offset some

of the costs of installing a rain garden when they attend a rain garden workshop.

“True native plants can be difficult to find,” City Utilities said in a statement. “An abundance of these native perennial plants will be available at our native plant sale …” That plant sale will be from 9 a.m.noon Saturday, May 26, at Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Road, Fort Wayne.

RIDING THE SCALE MODEL RAILS

ATTRACT ATTENTION! Customized Apparel • Bags • Cups Novelties • Pens • Calendars Magnets • etc.

PROMOTIONS

PROMOTIONS

PROMOTIONS PROMOTIONS

PROMOTIONS marketing@kpcmedia.com 260-426-2640 x 3313

Websites • Online Marketing Social Media Advertising Video Production & Photography

Your advertising can reach a larger audience for less!

KPC Marketing Solutions marketing@kpcmedia.com 260-426-2640 x 3324

260-426-2640 x 3324 marketing@kpcmedia.com

MARKETING

SOLUTIONS

PHOTO BY GARTH SNOW

Layla Hamblin of Fort Wayne helps pack up the kids’ model trains after the Maumee Valley Railroad Club Model Show and Swap on March 3 at Coliseum Bingo in Fort Wayne. The railroaders return to Coliseum Bingo on Nov. 17. See more photos at INfortwayne.com. Visit http://maumeevalleyrailroad.com to follow the club’s shows throughout the year.

INfortwayne.com • A9

Downtown FW • April 2018

From township to Senate, it’s on May ballot KPC NEWS SERVICE Allen County voters will cast primary ballots for township, county, U.S. Senate and Congress, and state legislative and other state offices this spring.

Several school board races also will be decided on Tuesday, May 8. Political parties also will select precinct leaders and state

convention delegates.

Polls will be open 6 a.m.-6 p.m. on Primary Election Day. Verify registration or find voting places by precinct or by address at allencounty.us/ election-board. A list of candidates is available at that site. Sample ballots — referenced by address — also will be posted online.

Early voting will be available at the Rousseau Centre, 1 E. Main St., Fort Wayne: Monday-Friday, April 10-May 1, 8 a.m.4:30 p.m.; Saturday, April 28, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.; and Monday, May 7, 8 a.m.noon.

Early voting also will be available at five sites during extended hours: Indiana Wesleyan University, 8211

W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne; Ivy Tech Northeast, 3800 N. Anthony Blvd., Fort Wayne; Manchester University, 10627 Diebold Road, Fort Wayne; Public Safety Academy, 7602 Patriot Crossing, Fort Wayne; and the Rousseau Center, 1 E. Main St., Fort Wayne. Hours are Wednesday-Friday, May 2-4, from 8 a.m.-8 p.m., and Saturday,

May 5, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Voter registration ends at noon April 9. The voter registration office is at the Rousseau Centre, 1 E. Main St., Fort Wayne, in Suite 176. Hours are 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays. Visit allencounty.us/voter-registration for details or to register online.

East Allen County Schools will fill three

school board seats, Fort Wayne Community Schools will fill three school board seats, the Northwest Allen County Schools will fill two school board seats, and the Southwest Allen County Schools will fill two seats.

Grabill, Huntertown and Leo-Cedarville also will nominate for town council seats.

Homicide victims’ families can get Meals 4 Healing KPC NEWS SERVICE Families of homicide victims will be offered meals and other support, through Meals 4 Healing.

Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry and Fort Wayne United announced the initiative.

Families of victims will be contacted by a case-

worker from the Victim Assistance team within the Fort Wayne Police Department. If the family accepts the offer, hot meals will be delivered to their homes by a church for seven days.

Churches will provide the family with church contact information, free services, support groups and victim assistance information for

follow-up help, if needed.

Parkview Health is also a partner in the Meals 4 Healing effort. Participating churches are Blackhawk Ministries, Hope Community Church, King’s Community Outreach, New Covenant Worship Center, Pathway Community Church, The Chapel, Trinity English Lutheran

Church and Wallen Baptist Church. The project was developed through the Fort Wayne United clergy subcommittee.

“We’re fortunate to be part of a caring and giving community,” Mayor Henry said. “We want residents to know we have resources available to make a meaningful difference. Fort

Wayne United, the Fort Wayne Police Department, Victim Assistance, partner churches, and Parkview are demonstrating a commitment and willingness to help and impact lives in a positive way during difficult times.”

Fort Wayne United is a mayoral initiative started

by Mayor Henry in 2016.

Under the direction of Iric Headley and a steering committee of volunteers, it places two national efforts, Cities United and My Brother’s Keeper, into one program to provide positive opportunities and hope for black men and boys. For more information, visit www.FortWayneUnited. org.

A HOST OF HANDBELLS

BATTER UP!

PHOTO BY GARTH SNOW

Fort Wayne TinCaps fan Jonathan Stemen, 2, shows off his his baseball cap as 2018 single-game tickets go on sale Feb. 21. The son of Rebecca and Michael Stemen of Fort Wayne will be 3 in June. The TinCaps begin their 2018 home season vs. the Lake County Captains at 7:05 p.m. Saturday, April 7. See more photos and details at INfortwayne.com. Buy single-game tickets or season tickets at Parkview Field or at TinCapsTickets.com.

PHOTO BY GARTH SNOW

Composer and educator Tim Waugh conducts handbell ringers from five area churches in a concert March 3 at Trinity English Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne.

Participating musicians came from: Emmanuel Lutheran Church, New Haven; First Mennonite Church, Berne; and First Wayne Street United Methodist Church, Plymouth Congregational Church and Trinity ELC in Fort Wayne. See more photos at INfortwayne.com.

LOVE WHAT YOU DO

JOIN OUR TEAM

Land a CAREER in media sales.

Learn and work with professionals.

Send resume and cover letter to: HR@kpcmedia.com A division of

EOE/Drug-Free Workplace

A10 • INfortwayne.com

Downtown FW • April 2018

PAST from Page A1 of firefighting paraphernalia, historic photos and thousands of other memorabilia.

Recent guest registers shows visitors from Ontario, Alaska, Tennessee, North Carolina, Ohio, Wyoming, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, and from all across Indiana.

If you’re fortunate to be there when 29-year veteran firefighter and vice president of the museum board, Capt.

Dennis Giere, is in the house, you’re in for a treat. Giere will outline the history of Fort Wayne’s Fire Department from a volunteer unit in 1839 until it became a full-time, paid job in 1882. Station No. 3 was first on the scene at the “all-hands” Wolf & Dessauer fire in November 1962. Giere also will point to photos of the city’s worst fire disaster, the Aveline Hotel fire that killed 11 people in 1908.

Among the first exhibits he’ll point out are the museum’s pride and joy: the 1893 horsedrawn steamer and the 1942 International firetruck. Though the Amoskeog Extra First Class Steamer on display is not Station 3’s original, it’s identical right down to the hose valves and polished silver boiler. It could pump

PHOTO BY GARTH SNOW

The 1927 Ahrens-Fox fire engine was scheduled to be on display at the New Haven Fire Muster, but was sidelined by holes in its radiator.

1,100 gallons per minute, which is nearly as much as today’s engines.

Giere points out that the original one, which was last used in 1920, was destroyed. Its replacement was acquired from the Ford Plant in Detroit in the late 1970s.

“Ford bought up a bunch of them to use as emergency generators from the Detroit Fire Department when they transitioned to gasoline-powered steamers,” he said.

“The 1942 International is unique for a couple of reasons,” Giere said. “It was one of 12 fire engines made here during World War

PHOTO BY ROD KING

Captain Dennis Giere, 29-year veteran firefighter and vice president of the Firefighters Museum, is an encyclopedia of information on old Station #3 and the history of the Fort Wayne Fire Department.

PHOTO BY GARTH SNOW

Pride and joy of the museum is the 1942 International Harvester fire engine. It was one of 12 trucks built by the department’s mechanics on Harvester chassis. The 1942 is special because it has been converted to the “last ride” for firefighters’ funerals.

II. In 1938 the city was facing the need to replace its aging fleet and was shocked

SATURDAY, JULY 21 BIXLER LAKE • KENDALLVILLE Individual or Team Combo!

New duathlon option (run-bike-run).

Sign up now at

KPCtriathlon.com tary Club of Ro

Ke

na

THE CITY OF

nd

allvill , Indi e

a

Kendallville

For sponsor information, call Vi Wysong at 260-347-0400 x 1161 or email vwysong@kpcmedia.com

to learn the price for new ones started at more than $14,000.

Someone suggested purchasing an International Harvester truck chassis and having the department’s mechanics build a firetruck on it.

They completed the first one that year at a cost of around $7,000. Another one was built in 1939, five more in 1941 and three in 1942. Three are on display in the museum.

“The 1942 is extra special because it’s now designated as the ‘last ride.’ It has been converted to hold a casket and is used for funerals of deceased firefighters,” Giere said.

In 1893, firefighters at Station No. 3 lived within walking distance.

The station was basically their home. They worked 29 out of 30 days and had an hour-and-a-half off each day to dash home to get reacquainted with their families. A bell in the tower on the front of the building (long since removed) was rung to bring them back to the station if a fire run was imminent. In 1920, two shifts were established, with firefighters working 24 hours and then having 24 hours off.

Three shifts were started in 1965, with 24 hours on duty and 48 hours off.

According to Giere, the firefighters were unhappy when gasoline-powered firetrucks replaced horse-drawn

PHOTO BY GARTH SNOW

Alarm boxes like this one were located at nearly every intersection throughout the city. When activated, the box sent a coded location to the city’s dispatcher.

PHOTO BY GARTH SNOW

This 1848 hand pumper was pulled to fires and operated by 20 firemen. This unit dates back to when the department was staffed by volunteers. It had been sold to a collector in Ohio, who returned it to Fort Wayne for display at the museum. A plaque on the pumper says it was delivered to Fort Wayne by a Wabash & Erie Canal boat.

equipment. To them, the 12 horses housed in stalls at Station No. 3 were a beloved part of the crew.

One horse stall remains at the museum.

A photo against the brick wall shows three powerful horses beside those same bricks a century ago. A yoke

hangs from the wooden wall of the stall.

The adjacent building that once housed the horses is in the process of being renovated to display more antique fire engines and a dive team boat.

(IN|Fort Wayne Editor Garth Snow contributed to this report.)

INfortwayne.com • A11

Downtown FW • April 2018

Juried art fair confirms Jefferson Pointe dates

SPRING ARTS ACADEMY

Contributed The Fort Wayne Arts Festival has announced the dates of the 2018 celebration. Artists’ tents will fill the courtyard of Jefferson Pointe in southwest Fort Wayne on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 8 and 9. Area musicians will perform at the center Courtyard Fountain from 6-8 p.m.

Saturday.

“Applications are now being accepted for this popular and prestigious juried outdoor show featuring the best of local and regional fine artists offering an array of masterful works in clay, fiber, photography, painting, sculpture, jewelry and more,” the organization said in an announcement.

FILE PHOTO

The Fort Wayne Arts Festival attracted an estimated 10,000 guests in 2017.

To be considered, artists must submit a completed application form, images of their work, and a $25 nonrefundable jury fee.

Spaces are limited. Applications and guidelines are available at JeffersonShopping.com, the Jefferson

Pointe Mall Office, or by email request at Ten21Creatives@gmail.com. The application deadline is May 16.

The organization said more than 10,000 people attended the festival’s successful return in 2017.

FILE PHOTO

Homestead High School art teachers (from left) Cindy Husar, Lisa Ricker, Sarah Jones and Dominick Manco greet visitors to the 2017 Spring Arts Academy.

Community members are invited to join students, parents and staff at the 2018 Spring Arts Academy, April 9-11. Student artwork will be on display in the HHS Community Room during school hours, from 7:15 a.m.-3:15 p.m. each day. Artwork also will be on display from 6-8:30 p.m. Wednesday in conjunction with the National Honor Society Coffee House, inside the atrium of Entrance 1.

Admission is free.

BIG from Page A1 • Hotel California: A Salute to the Eagles, Sept. 3 • REO Speedwagon, Sept. 26 “We anticipate announcing several more concerts and will update the foellingertheatre.org website as those concerts become available,” Moll said. “We appreciate our generous sponsors who help us keep our ticket prices low. And we thank Pacific Coast Concerts for continuing to bring exciting acts to our venue, where every seat in the house is a great one.”

To prevent overpaying for Foellinger Theatre tickets on a ticket scalping site, the Parks & Recreation Department recommends that patrons go directly to foellingertheatre.org and click on “Purchase Theatre Tickets.” That link will lead patrons to

Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo will perform Wednesday, July 11, at the Foellinger Theatre.

COURTESY PHOTOS

Mel Schacher (from left), Bruce Kulick, Max Carl, Don Brewer and Tim Cashion are Grand Funk Railroad. The band will perform Saturday, July 14, at the Foellinger Theatre. Get tickets at foellingertheatre.org.

a list of concerts with their correct ticket prices and a seating chart, as well as an option to buy directly from the Parks and Recreation Department. Tickets may also be purchased by calling

LOVE

the Parks and Recreation office at (260) 427-6000 or by visiting 705 E. State Blvd., Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Several free concerts will be held at Foellinger Theatre this season as

YOUR

well, including the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Youth Symphony, Old Crown Brass Band, the Fort Wayne Area Community Band and the Fort Wayne Children’s Choir.

JOB

JOIN OUR TEAM

Land a CAREER in media sales.

Learn and work with professionals.

Send resume and cover letter to: HR@kpcmedia.com EOE/Drug-Free Workplace

A division of

Foellinger Theatre will also feature six free, family-friendly movies: “Despicable Me,” “Despicable Me2” and “Despicable Me3,” “Minions,” “Finding Nemo” and “Finding Dory.” Movies will run on Thursdays this year, beginning July 5 at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. Free movies

are sponsored by 97.3 WMEE and Fort Wayne’s NBC. The 2018 Foellinger Theatre Summer Concert Series is sponsored by Old National, Fun 101.7 WLDE, PBS39, ABC21, 104.3 Good Time Oldies and Whatzup.

For more information about each concert, visit foellingertheatre.org.

A12 • INfortwayne.com

Banks’ office accepting student art entries Contributed U.S. Rep Jim Banks’ office is accepting artwork entries for the 2018 Congressional Art Competition. The deadline for submission is 5 p.m.

Monday, April 16. Contestants must ensure that their submissions arrive at Banks’ Fort Wayne office at 1300 S. Harrison St. Room 3105 prior to the deadline.

Banks’ office will hold a showcase to exhibit the submissions during the first week of May. Local high schools throughout Indiana’s 3rd Congressional District have been notified about contest rules and submission guidelines. Rules and the student entry form can also be found at https:// banks.house.gov/services/ art-competition.

“This year’s Congressional Art Competition provides high school students from northeast Indiana with a unique opportunity to show-

case their talent to the hundreds of thousands of visitors who pass through the U.S. Capitol building every year,” Banks said in a statement. “I am excited to see the hard work of young Hoosier artists be recognized through this competition.”

Each spring, members of the U.S. House of Representatives sponsor a nationwide high school art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent. Last year, students from the 3rd District provided more than 40 submissions. The winning artist will receive a roundtrip flight to Washington, D.C., to see his or her artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol, where it will remain on display for one year.

Interested students should see their art teacher for details or contact Kathie Green from Banks’ office at (260) 702-4750 or at kathie.green@mail. house.gov.

Clyde Theatre announces first concerts, May 26

KPC NEWS SERVICE

The Clyde Theatre in Fort Wayne has announced its first wave of concerts in anticipation of its May reopening.

Located in Quimby Village at 1808 Bluffton Road, the former movie theater has been developed into a general-admission concert hall and special events center. The art deco theater was built in 1951.

Stone Sour, a Grammy-nominated rock band, is first up, performing an all-ages show the evening of May 16. Tickets start at $32.50. Also on the 2018 schedule: An Evening With Ghost, May 29; Fitz & The Tantrums, June 12; Badfish – A Tribute to Sublime, June 15; Chase Rice, June 16; ZOSO: The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience, June 23; George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, July 12; and Who’s Bad — The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience, Aug. 4. Most tickets are on sale at clydetheatre.com.

Rick Kinney, general manager of the Clyde Theatre and Even Keel

2018

ELECTION COVERAGE

Get live election results and the in-depth stories behind them on

INFortWayne.com KPC_VOTE_82665 1/6 V

sz 4 color

PHOTO BY GARTH SNOW

Construction continues March 2 at the Clyde Theatre in Quimby Village on Bluffton Road in Fort Wayne.

Event Productions, announced the first wave of concerts. “This is a small sample of what people can expect in the years ahead as we bring in national touring artists covering a wide variety of musical tastes and genres,” he said in a statement.

Sweetwater has played

a key role in the rebirth of the Clyde Theater.

Sweetwater Founder and President Chuck Surack said, “We are excited to have helped create a venue that prioritizes the experience for both the attendees and the artists.

With the venue featuring open sight lines and a world class sound and

lighting system, concerts at the Clyde Theatre will be truly outstanding.”

The Clyde Theatre will also be available for rent for community related activities and special events on nonconcert days.

Watch for updates at Clyde Theatre on Facebook.

Winterholter is awarded 4-year Grace scholarship KPC NEWS SERVICE

Tuesday, May 8th

Downtown FW • April 2018

Jael Winterholter of Fort Wayne has been awarded the $68,000, four-year Faculty Scholarship to pursue a Biblical Studies degree at Grace College in Winona Lake. Winterholter is a senior at Lakewood Park Christian School in Auburn.

The award was presented at Grace College’s 15th annual Presidential Scholarship Competition. PSC is an

invitation-only scholarship competition for qualifying Winterholter high school seniors. Invitations are based on academic achievement, with awards ranging from $2,000 per year to one full-tuition scholarship.

Students competed for prizes through an interview and essay contest.

In all, 68 scholarships were awarded totaling over $2.2 million in tuition.

For more information about financial aid and scholarships at Grace, visit grace.edu/ admissions, call (866) 974-7223 or email financialaid@grace.edu.

Grace College is an accredited, Christ-centered institution in the lakeside town of Winona Lake, Ind. Affiliated with Charis Fellowship (formerly the Fellow-

ship of Grace Brethren Churches), Grace College was founded in 1948.

Grace offers associate degrees, more than 70 undergraduate degrees in traditional four-year and accelerated three-year degree formats, a bachelor’s degree completion program and on-campus and online graduate degrees. Grace College also has a ministry training center in Akron, Ohio.

‘Favorite Things’ popular at Bishop Luers in April KPC NEWS SERVICE April will be another busy month at Bishop Luers High School, 333 E. Paulding Road, Fort Wayne.

“A Knight of My Favorite Things” is the theme for Bishop Luers High School’s LuersKnight 2018 on Saturday, April 21. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

The 38th annual dinner and auction opens with

cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at 5:30 p.m. Dinner and entertainment follows.

Cost is $150 per person, cocktail attire, with black tie optional. Arrive through Entrance 3 by the cafeteria.

Silent-auction items will use an electronic bidding system for any mobile device or iPad. Auction participants should have their devices fully charged before the event. For reservations, contact Kathy Skelly at (260) 456-1261,

Ext. 3142, or email kskelly@bishopluers.org.

Preview Knight will be Friday, April 20, from 7-9 p.m. Preview Knight offers a sneak peak of Luers-Knight. Admission is $5 per person. The atmosphere is relaxed and includes hors d’oeuvres and beverages. The event is open to the public. Some items will be up for bid and may be taken home that evening. Enter through the gymnasium doors near

the football field.

The theme of LuersKnight highlights the spring musical, “The Sound of Music.” The drama department will present the musical at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 27 and 28, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 29, in the school gymnasium.

Tickets are $10 per person.

For tickets, contact Cindy Griffith at cgriffith@bishopluers.org or call (260) 456-1261, Ext. 3133.

INfortwayne.com • A13

Downtown FW • April 2018

Casual riders pedal to New Haven Bicycles

By Rod King

For IN|Fort Wayne publications

To visit New Haven Bicycles at the corner of Main and Broadway is to visit a museum.

Scattered among the new and refurbished bikes are vintage models from the early 1900s, spider bikes from the 1970s and a collection of Schwinns from the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s.

Hanging on the wall encased in a shipping crate is a 1927 Elgin.

The story, according to shop owners Wes and Vaughn Ulmer, is that its owner packed it in 1947 for a move from Minnesota to Detroit but it was never unpacked or ridden again.

The shop, which began operating in December 2016 and held its grand opening in April last year, is an outgrowth of the bike repair business that Wes operated out of his garage on Hartzell Street for seven years.

He placed refurbished ready-to-ride bikes in back of the house on Lincoln Highway next to New Haven Bakery to be visible to passers-by.

Vaughn is a collector of vintage bicycles and an avid BMX enthusiast.

The two decided it was time to put on their “big-boy pants and go legit” with a real honestto-goodness-shop. As Wes explains, “our wives decided to reclaim their houses and strongly suggested we do our thing in another location. So, we purchased the former Doll store, combined our collections and turned our hobbies into a business.”

Around 100 bikes are on display at any one time and 30 set outside when the weather cooperates during work hours, which are Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

“By opening this shop,” Wes said, “we can better serve the community. We don’t carry the high-end bikes — we do repair them, however — and are not necessarily for the serious rider. Our niche is the average, occasional rider who wants to enjoy a leisurely pedal on the River Greenway. Speaking of the Greenway, it has really given our business a boost. After a long ride on the trail, we get a lot of people stopping in to get a more comfortable seat and equipment adjustments.”

Repairing and reconditioning bikes is Wes and Vaughn’s passion and forte. Wes began fixing bikes for others when

PHOTO BY ROD KING

The son/father team of Vaughn, left, and Wes Ulmer operate New Haven Bicycles on Broadway in New Haven. The shop is an outgrowth of Wes’ bike repair and sales sideline operated from his garage on Hartzell Street.

New and used bikes fill the shop to the rafters and crowd the sidewalk during good weather. The Ulmers service all makes and models of bikes and have parts to fix bikes from the 1900s to the present.

Wes Ulmer makes adjustments to a tandem bike. The New Haven area native and Woodlan High School graduate started fixing bikes for others when he was 10 and ran a repair business out of his garage on Hartzell Street for seven years.

Hanging on the wall in the shop is a 1927 Elgin bike that was packaged in Minnesota for a move to Detroit in 1947 and was never unpacked or ridden again.

he was just 10 years old. Wes is descended from five generations of Ulmers in the New Haven area. His father, Ed, owned the Arco station on Lincoln Highway where Cap & Cork now stands. It was the first gas station in the area to have covered pumps. Wes and Vaughn are graduates of Woodlan High School.

Vaughn has been interested in collecting bikes since he was a kid and was instrumental in getting Wes involved in starting to repair them seven years ago. He haunts auctions for bikes and has parts to fix bikes built in the early 1900s to the present. “Much of our work is on bikes bought and assembled at the big-box stores.

They usually need a lot of adjusting and tightening to make them work smoothly,” he said.

“We give several levels of tune-ups. Bikes that are beyond repair are donated to an organization in Chicago where they are rebuilt and re-donated to African

Vaughn Ulmer shows a customer how bicycle gears shift on a demonstration unit that he bought at an auction. The Woodlan High School graduate has been collecting bicycles and bike accessories for many years and is a BMX racing enthusiast.

COURTESY PHOTO

Colorful safety helmets sell for just $10, with the proceeds going to Parkview Hospital’s bike safety program.

villages.”

“We had an interesting customer recently who

was walking across the country and dropped in to find a bike to hasten

his journey,” Vaughn said. “He had just $30, so I gave him a $50 bike and sent him on his way.

Never heard whether he made it or not.”

The shop also sells Parkview Hospital riding helmets for just $10 in a variety of colors and styles. “Parkview only sells them [at the hospital] once a week,

so we help them and the money goes to hospital’s riding safety program,” Wes said.

“Whether people are looking for a good used or new bike or just want to come in and talk, they’re welcome,” Wes said. “We love to hear their stories and experiences of riding when they were kids.”

A14 • INfortwayne.com

Downtown FW • April 2018

Taylor shares joy of song in diverse formats

By Megan Knowles

mknowles@kpcmedia.com

You’ve almost certainly seen Janelle Taylor around town – whether performing solo, with her husband, Jonathan, in the J Taylors, or with Jonathan in the Holy Rebels.

“I’ve always been interested in singing, ever since I was a young child.

I think that was the thing I wanted to become when I was a kid,” Taylor said.

“I idolized people such as Debbie Boone, Olivia Newton-John, and I was sure I was going to be a Mouseketeer.”

Taylor said growing up in Fort Wayne, she had some “really great” music teachers, citing Dorothy Kataka and Susan Cavanaugh as some early mentors. During her formative years she sang in her middle school and high school choirs as well as show choir.

She went to Huntington University to study education, but still participated in a traveling musical ensemble and sang at her church.

It was during this time she met her future husband. She graduated from Homestead High School. He graduated from Norwell. They started performing together when they began dating their senior year. “[We] had a natural harmony that worked really well,” she said.

The couple would sing together when requested over the years. When Janelle lost her job in the nonprofit sector in 2008, she decided to try to make her music her career.

She and Jonathan started singing at farmers markets in 2009 as the J Taylors, who “specialize in rock and country variety, plus the greatest music

PHOTO BY MEGAN KNOWLES

Janelle Taylor sings a session at Hamilton Place in Fort Wayne. Taylor is a member of the J Taylors and the Holy Rebels and also does solo performances.

from American legends,” according to a video on their website.

The J Taylors still perform regularly, including at Triangle Park the first Thursday of the month from 7-9 p.m. in the bar, Taylor said in an email. That show will move to the restaurant’s deck in the summer, she said in an interview.

Summer also will mean more outdoor events, usually including shows at Indian Trails Park in Aboite Township and at community events in Roanoke. “We’re doing the Kingston Concert on the Lawn, and then we’ll be down in Greenfield, Ind., in June for their concert series,” she said in an interview. “We’re still getting set up for the year. We’re getting a lot of inquiries now that people are past the coldest part of the year.”

Janelle also does solo shows — “lounge type music” — including at Sycamore Hills.

Janelle and Jonathan also performed at nursing homes together through Audiences Unlimited.

When he got a job at Sweetwater Sound in August 2014, she wanted to continue to sing for that audience.

“I started this program because I wanted to keep singing for the elderly people and there were, I thought, lots of people I wanted to explore their music and I thought that people would still enjoy the show,” she said.

She created her theme show, Famous Females, which she describes as “a compilation of famous female singers from probably all the way back to the mid-1920s to as recent as probably 1968,” including Patsy Cline, Rosemary Clooney, Doris Day, Etta James, Patty Paige and more.

She’s updated the repertoire in the past three years, she said, covering the genres of old country, big band, show tunes and gospel several times a week.

“I really enjoy it because music is kind of a universal language and it’s also very therapeutic for people. It brings back great memories,” she said.

Attention Employers MAKE RECRUITMENT EASIER! Extend your search affordably.

Advertise with INHelpWanted.com to find top candidates via print, social networks, and the top national job sites.

It’s never been easier to recruit the talent you need.

Let’s talk! (877)791-7877

INHelpWanted@KPCmedia.com

“It’s a way to give back to the community,” she said in an interview.

“Bringing back old hits from famous female singers is kind of taking a trip down memory lane, but it it isn’t necessarily the music that I sing at a restaurant.”

“Fort Wayne and this area is very musical, they support and it’s getting

even more that way,” she said. “There’s getting to be more places you can play, more places you can play outdoors, more festivals, all kinds of stuff, so they’re very supportive.”

Then this past summer, Janelle and Jonathan resurrected an original band, the Holy Rebels, that they had started more than two years ago.

“It’s more of a challenge for us and we like that because there’s no backing tracks or anything like that, it’s just all live sound,” Janelle said. In the Holy Rebels, Janelle sings and plays the keyboard; Jonathan sings, plays the guitar and kick drums and writes the music; and a friend plays the bass. Janelle compared the sound to “a little bit like the Lumineers or Mumford & Sons … kind of a Jack Johnson, almost like Adele.”

“It has more of a message to it rather than just here we are to entertain for the evening,” she said.

Obviously, music keeps

Janelle very busy — during her busiest times she may have 18 shows in one month — but it is something she feels called to do.

“I think it brings a lot of joy to people,” she said.

“I’ve had people very moved by pop music or sacred music, it doesn’t really matter, people are just really moved by music and I think the human voice is significant because words are important and everyone has a voice.”

Taylor said she originally studied to be an English teacher because of the power of words to connect people to anything.

“I think music even trumps that. Music is basically just poetry set to a tune. It combines a lot of interests for me and then that emotional connection,” she said.

Read more about the Taylors’ music at thejtaylors.com or theholyrebels. com.

(IN|Fort Wayne Editor Garth Snow contributed to this report.)

IOWA CHOIR TO PERFORM HERE

COURTESY PHOTOS

The Wartburg College Choir of Waverly, Iowa, will perform at 7 p.m. Sunday, April 22, at Trinity English Lutheran Church, 450 W. Washington Blvd., Fort Wayne. A free-will offering will be accepted. Lee Nelson directs the mixed a cappella ensemble of more than 80 voices. The choir will present nine concerts in eight states in 10 days. The Wartburg Choir has performed in Europe and South Africa and at major U.S. venues. The choir was invited to sing in the White House and the National Cathedral in 2011 and join the Czech National Symphony Orchestra in Prague for a concert in 2006.

Cancer Services in need of shower chairs

KPC NEWS SERVICE

Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana is asking the public for donations of plastic shower chairs.

“These items are essential in helping people with cancer to bathe safely at home,” the agency said in a statement. Cancer Services provides the shower chairs to clients, free of charge.

A shower chair ensures the client’s safety and helps to reserve energy. Shower chairs with a back rest are in demand because of the comfort level for

cancer patients, however, Cancer Services will accept showers with or without a back best.

Because of donors, Cancer Services was able to lend 1,276 pieces of durable medical equipment to local families touched by cancer in 2017.

Donations can be dropped off at or mailed to Cancer Services, 6316 Mutual Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 46825. A donation acknowledgment letter is available for tax records.

Cancer Services’ mission is to enhance the quality

of life of those affected by cancer by providing resources, information and compassionate assistance.

Last year, more than 2,900 local people with cancer and their families received practical resources and emotional support. Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana serves people who live in Allen, Adams, DeKalb, Huntington, Kosciusko, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wabash, Wells and Whitley counties.

For more information, visit cancer-services.org or call (866) 484-9560.

Community Calendar

INfortwayne.com • A15

Downtown FW • April 2018

Include news of your group, too Send news of your group to gsnow@kpcmedia.com by April 6 for the May issue. Items will be selected and edited as space permits.

7 April

Community Calendar 2018

APR.

1 3 4 5 6

SUNDAY, APRIL 1

George R. Mather Lecture. The History Center, 302 E. Berry St., Fort Wayne. 2 p.m. Free admission. Kayleen Ruesser will lecture and sign copies of her book, “They Did it For Honor: Stories of America’s World War II Veterans.”

The Mather lectures are free to the public and made possible through the support of the Dunsire Family Foundation.

TUESDAY, APRIL 3

Appleseed Quilt Guild. Classic Cafe, 4831 Hillegas Road, Fort Wayne. Social time begins at 6:30 p.m. with the meeting at 7 p.m. Quilting enthusiasts are welcome to join the guild at this meeting for the annual quilting garage sale.

Quilters are welcome to attend three meetings without paying dues, which are $30 per year.

This nonprofit organization encourages interest in making, collecting and preserving quilts.

8

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4

IPFW trombone ensemble spring concert. Rhinehart Recital Hall, IPFW Campus, 2101 E. Coliseum Blvd., Fort Wayne. 7:30 p.m. Free admission for IPFW students with student ID and students 18 and younger, $7 for adults, $6 for those age 60 and older, $4 for non-IPFW students.

Call the IPFW box office at (260) 481-6555 or buy tickets at ipfw.edu/tickets. The ensemble performs a wide variety of music, as performed on tour at high schools across the region.

THURSDAY, APRIL 5

Yahweh Sisterhood Book Club. The Chapel, 2505 W.

Hamilton Road, Fort Wayne. 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Free. Enter through Door 2. Tonight’s book is “The Piglys and the Hundred-Year Mystery” by Mary Coons.

SUNDAY, APRIL 6

Manhattan Piano Trio. First Presbyterian Church, 300 W. Wayne St., Fort Wayne, in the sanctuary.

2 p.m. Free-will offering. In its 13th season, the Manhattan Piano Trio has performed hundreds of concerts in almost 40 states. Visit manhattanpianotrio.com. The concert is part of the church’s celebration of 60 years of its Music Arts Ministry program.

Rend Collective: The Good News Tour. First Assembly of God, 1400 W. Washington Center Road, Fort Wayne. 7 p.m. Tickets $18-$50. Visit TrinityCommunications.org for tickets and details.

“Suor Angelica.” First Wayne Street United Methodist Church, 300 E. Wayne St., Fort Wayne.

7:30 p.m. Free admission for IPFW students

9

with student ID and students 18 and younger, $7 for adults, $6 for those age 60 and older, $4 for non-IPFW students. Call the IPFW box office at (260) 481-6555 or buy tickets at ipfw. edu/tickets. The IPFW opera ensemble performs “Suor Angelica” (Sister Angelica), a one-act opera by Giacomo Puccini, which made its world premiere at the Metropolitan Opera in 1918.

visit ipfw.edu/music.

10

TUESDAY, APRIL 10

Special interest lesson: Decorating cupcakes and cakes.

Allen County Extension Office, 4001 Crescent Ave., Fort Wayne. 7-9 p.m. Mindy Lambright of Country Kitchen will demonstrate techniques to decorate cupcakes and cakes for any occasion.

Get details at extension.purdue.edu/Allen.

Special interest lesson: Making vanilla and other extracts.

SATURDAY, APRIL 7

Eckankar presentation. Allen County Public Library, 900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne; in the Globe Room. 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Free.

Book discussion topic is “Spiritual Wisdom on Problem Solving.” Free book available at event while supplies last. For information call (260) 466-3823 or visit www.eckankar.org.

“Suor Angelica.” First Wayne Street United Methodist Church, 300 E. Wayne St., Fort Wayne.

2:30 p.m. Free admission for IPFW students with student ID and students 18 and younger, $7 for adults, $6 for those age 60 and older, $4 for non-IPFW students. Call the IPFW box office at (260) 481-6555 or buy tickets at ipfw. edu/tickets. The IPFW opera ensemble performs “Suor Angelica” (Sister Angelica), a one-act opera by Giacomo Puccini, which made its world premiere at the Metropolitan Opera in 1918.

SUNDAY, APRIL 8

Liberty Cruisers Cruise-In. Liberty Diner, Goshen Road at Coliseum Boulevard, Fort Wayne. 5-7 p.m. This car club brings its classic rides for the public to admire. Watch for details at libertycruisers.com.

Flute studio showcase. Rhinehart Recital Hall, IPFW Campus, 2101 E. Coliseum Blvd., Fort Wayne. 7:30 p.m. Students of IPFW flute professor Vivianne Belanger offer solo literature performances along with a flute ensemble that includes piccolo and alto flutes. Free admission for IPFW students with student ID and students 18 and younger, $7 for adults, $6 for those age 60 and older, $4 for non-IPFW students. Call the IPFW box office at (260) 481-6555 or buy tickets at ipfw.edu/tickets.

Singles dance. American Legion Post 47, 601 Reed Road, Fort Wayne. 6-9:30 p.m. $7 cover charge. DJ, cash bar, potluck carry-in. For more information, call Doug at (260) 704-3669.

MONDAY, APRIL 9

Civil War Round Table of North East Indiana. Allen County Public Library, 900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne, in Conference Room B. 6:30-8:30 p.m.

David Dew will present “Stars and Stripes and Old Glory, Too.” Public welcome. For more information, contact Dick Tagtmeyer at (260) 745-1081, email CWRTNEI@aol.com.

Members pay $20 per year.

Friends of IPFW Star Music Showcase. Rhinehart Recital Hall, IPFW Campus, 2101 E. Coliseum Blvd., Fort Wayne. 3 p.m. Admission is free for everyone. “Join the Friends of IPFW for an hourlong concert featuring the most outstanding students from the music program performing a wide variety of vocal and instrumental selections,” the IPFW Department of Music said in a statement. “The showcase is a true potpourri of music styles and personnel.” For information,

11 12

Allen County Extension Office, 4001 Crescent Ave., Fort Wayne. 7-9 p.m. $5. Join Toni Murray to learn the art of making extracts from spices and herbs. All supplies provided. Get details at extension.purdue.edu/Allen.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11

Short Hikes for Short Legs: Pond Dipping. Eagle Marsh barn, 6801 Engle Road, Fort Wayne. 9-10 a.m.

Free. Little River Wetlands Project sponsors this part hike, part interactive educational activity with a curriculum and trail length appropriate for kids ages 3-5 years. Visit www.lrwp.org for more information.

THURSDAY, APRIL 12

Breakfast on the Marsh. Indiana Wesleyan University Education and Conference Center, Room 102/104, 8211 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne.

8:30-9:45 a.m. Well-seasoned nature lovers (50+) are invited to enjoy a light breakfast and nature presentation presented by Little River Wetlands Project, the governing body of Eagle Marsh. Today’s topic is bird counting. Ed and Cynthia Powers, members of the Stockbridge Audubon Society, will discuss the results gathered from bird monitoring at Eagle Marsh.

Then, they will share why counting the birds is important, reveal the methodology behind the practice, and talk about upcoming bird counting events. Register with Dana Claussen at (260) 478-2515 or d.claussen@lrwp.org to help ensure that enough food is provided.

Rummage sale and bake sale. Taylor Chapel United

See CALENDAR, Page A16

TLC Management

Living Well Changes Everything!

Ashton Creek

4111 Park Place Dr. Fort Wayne, IN 46845 260-373-2111 www.tlcmgmt.com

SoupS, SaladS and

SpiritS 1915 South Calhoun Street 260.456.7005

• Full Bar & Family Room Seating

• Banquet & Catering Service Full Bar & Family Room Seating Available • Banquet & Catering Service Available • Wi-Fi for Diners Open at 11 AM Monday thrufor Saturday • 1915 South Calhoun Street • 260.456.7005 • Wi-Fi Diners Open at 11 AM Monday through Saturday

g • Banquet & Catering Service Available • Wi-Fi for Diners

Are you or a loved one struggling with ADHD? • ADHD Coaching • Classes • Support Group

Cheryl Gigler, BME, CCC

Certified ADHD Coach • Certified Educator

260.415.3412

www.addjoyoflife.com Cheryl.Gigler@addjoyoflife.com

A16 • INfortwayne.com

13 14

16 17 19

Methodist Church, 10145 Maysville Road, Fort Wayne. 5-7 p.m.

Disorderly Bear Den. The Community Center, 233 W. Main St., Fort Wayne. 6:30 p.m. Members and visitors are welcome. For more information, contact Donna Gordon-Hearn at (260) 409-9886 or tdbear7@comcast.net. The Disorderly Bear Den of Good Bears of the World collects “gently loved teddy bears” and other stuffed animals to give to children in trauma situations and lonely adults in the Fort Wayne area.

20

FRIDAY, APRIL 13

All-you-can-eat fish fry and pork tenderloins. Park Edelweiss, 3355 Elmhurst Drive, Fort Wayne. 4:30-7 p.m. $9 for adults, $5 for children. German beer and wine and soft drinks available. Enjoy dinner accompanied by live, German music. Sponsored

by Fort Wayne Mannerchor/Damenchor.

Rummage sale and bake sale. Taylor Chapel United Methodist Church, 10145 Maysville Road, Fort Wayne. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

SATURDAY, APRIL 14

Spaghetti dinner and open house. American Legion Post 330, 330 Entrance Drive, New Haven.

5-8 p.m. $8 for adults, $5 for children 10 and younger. Island Vibe Band will entertain from 7:30-10:30 p.m. Sponsored by Sons of the American Legion. Proceeds will be donated to the Children’s Organ Transplant Association.

Sports card and collectibles show. Ramada Plaza Hotel, 305 E. Washington Center Road, Fort Wayne. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free admission. Dealers from three states will buy, sell or trade sports cards and other cards and collectibles. The public may bring items to be appraised. For more information contact Brian Mayne at (260) 824-4867 or mcscards@icloud.com.

Rummage sale and bake sale. Taylor Chapel United Methodist Church, 10145 Maysville Road, Fort Wayne. 9-11 a.m.

MONDAY, APRIL 16

Allen County Retired Educators. Biaggi’s Restaurant in Jefferson Pointe, Fort Wayne. Check-in at 10:45 a.m., lunch at 11 a.m. Email reservations to Mary Jo Purvis at mpurvis1@frontier.com.

21 22

TUESDAY, APRIL 17

“There is More” tour. Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne. 7 p.m. Tickets $25.75-$49.75. Featuring Hillsong Worship and Pastor Brian Houston. Visit www.

TrinityCommunications.org for details.

THURSDAY, APRIL 19

“Discord,” by Scott Carter. First Presbyterian Theater, 300 W. Wayne St., Fort Wayne. 7:30 p.m. Special preview night tickets are $12 at the door; reservations are not accepted. The full title of tonight’s play is “The Gospel According to Thomas Jefferson, Charles Dickens and Count Leo Tolstoy: Discord.” Get details at firstpresbyteriantheater.com.

Church rummage sale. Emanuel Lutheran Church, 800 Green St., New Haven. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Shopping begins outside at 8 a.m. Proceeds from

24

this semi-annual sale go to local and worldwide causes.

FRIDAY, APRIL 20

“Discord,” by Scott Carter. First Presbyterian

Theater, 300 W. Wayne St., Fort Wayne. 7:30 p.m. Tickets $20 or less; visit firstpresbyteriantheater.com or by calling the box office at (260) 426-7421, ext. 121.

Fish and tenderloin fry. Southwest Conservation Club, 5703 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne. 5-7 p.m. $9. All-you-can-eat fish and tenderloin fries are served the first and third Fridays of each month.

The meal includes green beans, corn, french fries, coleslaw, dinner rolls and pudding or Jell-O. Coffee and cash bar available. The club has been safeguarding local wildlife and habitat since 1938. southwestconservationclub.org.

Church rummage sale. Emanuel Lutheran Church, 800 Green St., New Haven. 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Shopping begins outside at 8 a.m. Today’s sale includes a $2 bag sale. Proceeds from this semi-annual sale go to local and worldwide causes.

Fish fry. Bethel United Methodist Church, 8404 Lima Road, Fort Wayne. 4:30-7 p.m.

Adults $10.25, children 6-12 $5, children 5 and younger free. Fish or chicken strips, sides and beverage. Bounce house available for children of fish fry customers.

26 27

SATURDAY, APRIL 21

“Discord,” by Scott Carter. First Presbyterian Theater, 300 W. Wayne St., Fort Wayne. 7:30 p.m. Tickets $20 or less; visit firstpresbyteriantheater.com or by calling the box office at (260) 426-7421, ext. 121.

Zach Williams, Christian rock artist. County Line Church of God, 7716 N. County Line Road, Auburn. 7 p.m. Tickets $15-$50. With special guests Carrollton with Jamie Kimmett. Visit TrinityCommunications.org for tickets and details.

28

SUNDAY, APRIL 22

Sycamore Hills summer swim & dive team registration.

Sycamore Hills Swim and Racquet Clubhouse, 1511 Sycamore Hills Drive, Fort Wayne. 4-6 p.m. The 8-week season runs June 4-Aug. 5.

Training groups for ages 5-18. Team meets.

Fun, social activities. For more information, visit www.sycamoreswim.wordpress.com or contact Amie Lindsay at (260) 312-6339 or alindsay@delineationarch.com.

Singles dance. American Legion Post 47, 601 Reed Road, Fort Wayne. 6-9:30 p.m. $7 cover charge. DJ, cash bar, potluck carry-in. For more information, call Doug at (260) 704-3669.

TUESDAY, APRIL 24

Fort Wayne Women’s Midday Connection. Orchard Ridge Country Club, 4531 Lower Huntington Road, Fort Wayne. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. The luncheon/program cost is $18. Make reservations by calling Meredith at (260) 672-3414.

Today’s program is “Showers Of Friendship” featuring Sharon Bracher, presenting her take on “Do Commercial Products Bring Us Love?”

29

Downtown FW • April 2018

Bracher examines beauty products and their impact on the lives of women.

THURSDAY, APRIL 26

Rummage sale. St. Joseph-Hessen Cassel Parish, 11521 Old Decatur Road, Fort Wayne. 6-8 p.m.

Rummage sale. Saint Joseph United Methodist Church, 6004 Reed Road, Fort Wayne. 5-8 p.m.

FRIDAY, APRIL 27

“Frogs,” led by Russ Voorhees. Eagle Marsh barn, 6801 Engle Road, Fort Wayne. 6:30-8 p.m.

Free. Join this fun evening hike to learn about the variety of frogs populating the marsh.

Discover how to make frog calls using household items. Sponsored by Little River Wetlands Project. Contact info@lrwp.org or (260) 478-2515 for more information.

“Discord,” by Scott Carter. First Presbyterian Theater, 300 W. Wayne St., Fort Wayne. 7:30 p.m. Tickets $20 or less; visit firstpresbyteriantheater.com or by calling the box office at (260) 426-7421, ext. 121.

Rummage sale. St. Joseph-Hessen Cassel Parish, 11521 Old Decatur Road, Fort Wayne. 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Rummage sale. Saint Joseph United Methodist Church, 6004 Reed Road, Fort Wayne. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

A Taste of Italy: Wine and Food Pairing. The Charles, 3127 Carroll Road, Fort Wayne. 6:30-9 p.m. $70 per person. Payment by card, cash or check.

(260) 637-3643 or visit TheCharlesFortWayne. com.

SATURDAY, APRIL 28

“Discord,” by Scott Carter. First Presbyterian Theater, 300 W. Wayne St., Fort Wayne. 7:30 p.m. Tickets $20 or less; visit firstpresbyteriantheater.com or by calling the box office at (260) 426-7421, ext. 121.

Rummage sale. St. Joseph-Hessen Cassel Parish, 11521 Old Decatur Road, Fort Wayne. 8 a.m.noon. Today is $3-a-sack sale.

Rummage sale. Saint Joseph United Methodist Church, 6004 Reed Road, Fort Wayne. 9 a.m.noon.

Food drive. First Christian Church, 4800 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. in the church parking lot. The church plans a food drive for its neighborhood food pantry the fourth Saturday of every month.

High’s Chicken Sales. The Cedars Branch Auxiliary is hosting the sale, with proceeds used to benefit the residents of the nursing care facility at The Cedars. Sales will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the four-way stop in Leo-Cedarville and by the Do-It-Best Hardware store in Grabill. The sale will continue until sold out.

SUNDAY, APRIL 29

“Discord,” by Scott Carter. First Presbyterian Theater, 300 W. Wayne St., Fort Wayne. 2 p.m.

Tickets $20 or less; visit firstpresbyteriantheater.com or by calling the box office at (260) 426-7421, ext. 121.

Bishop Dwenger readies ‘James and Giant Peach’

By Becca Schroeder Bishop Dwenger H.S.

Rehearsals for the Bishop Dwenger High School spring musical “James and the Giant Peach” are in full swing, with shows set for April 27-29.

In this whimsical adventure based on the children’s book by Roald Dahl, the main character is a lonely orphan boy named James who lives with his two cruel aunts.

A bit of magic suddenly falls into the boy’s hands and his boring, miserable life takes a dramatic turn toward adventure and friendship. James is given a mysterious pouch which he accidentally drops near an old peach tree. An enormous peach grows and James soon makes friends with the humansized insects living inside.

Bishop Dwenger H.S. musicals are always larger than life productions.

The talented cast made up of middle schoolers and high schoolers have been working together since February to memorize music and learn choreography for the performances. There are many characters in the musical so the cast is quite large. Some cast members are performing in their first musical and many are veterans who are available to help direct the newcomers.

Crew is also working very hard on making the stage performance-worthy.

They usually work a few hours after school a couple days a week on building stage props, painting sets and nailing pieces together.

Friday, April 27, at 7 p.m. is Kids and Family

COURTESY PHOTO

Christy Maloney directs rehearsal for “James and the Giant Peach” at Bishop Dwenger High School.

Night, when any child younger than 12 could win a pool and pizza party courtesy of Fort Wayne Holiday Inn and New Haven Pizza Hut. Saturday, April 28,

at 7 p.m. is B.D. Date Night, when two Bishop Dwenger students are admitted for the price of one. On Sunday, April 29, at 2 p.m. it’s Grandparents Day. All

grandparents will be honored with a half-off ticket. General admission is $8, with children 5 and younger admitted free. Bishop Dwenger students pay $6. Reserved

seating is $10 and must be arranged ahead of the performance. Contact Lynette Bakle at lbakle@ bishopdwenger.com for reserved seating information. Bishop Dwenger H.S. is at 1300 E. Washington Center Road, Fort Wayne.

When you arrive, grab a peach-themed concession stand treat and snap a photo in the musical photo area.

Follow Bishop Dwenger Choir and Drama on Facebook for behind-the-scenes auditions, rehearsals, interviews, special activities and fun events.

Everyone continues to give their all to make this family-friendly musical production as exciting and hysterical as possible.

(The writer is a senior at Bishop Dwenger High School and a member of the marketing team for the school musical.)