In|dupont valley april 2018 by KPC Media Group

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Community Calendar �� A14

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News briefs ��A7 APRIL 2018

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Concordia chili bowls to help 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

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

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

Bishop Dwenger readies ‘James and Giant Peach’ By Becca Schroeder Bishop Dwenger H.S.

INfortwayne Publications

See JAMES, Page A10

COURTESY PHOTO

Students work after the school day to build sets and props for the Bishop Dwenger H.S. spring musical.

3306 Independence Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 46808

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

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 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 See BOWLS Page A10

A2 • INfortwayne.com

Dupont Valley • 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

Correction

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

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.

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, yearbook, 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 annually 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.

North Side takes title for ISSMA jazz bands KPC NEWS SERVICE North Side High School was the Honor Band at the Indiana State School Music Association Instrumental Jazz State Finals on March 16 at North Central High School in

Indianapolis. Carroll, Homestead, Snider and DeKalb also were among the eight finalists. Homestead earned best trombone section. North Side earned best trumpet section, as well as best trumpet solo (Theo

Garcia), best trombone solo (Caleb Barone) and best rhythm section solo (Garrett Spoelhof). • In vocal jazz, Concordia and DeKalb were finalists. Whiteland Community High School was this year’s Honor

Choir. • In Indiana High School Color Guard Association winter guard finals, Homestead placed fifth among eight squads in Open Class, Carroll varsity placed eighth of 16 squads in Class A, Carroll

junior varsity placed fifth of 12 squads in Regional A, and Norwell placed seventh in Regional A. • In show choir, Northrop Allure placed ninth in the large school Unisex Division and Northrop Charisma placed seventh in the Mixed Division.

INfortwayne.com • A3

Dupont Valley • April 2018

Finding her voice

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

By Megan Knowles mknowles@kpcmedia.com

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

PHOTO COURTESY OF NBC

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

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 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 developing 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, See VOICE, Page A4

Musical talent abounds in Fort Wayne

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

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 See TALENT, Page A4

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The Jewish Federation of Fort Wayne will host bestselling author Alice Hoffman for The People of the Book annual lecture at 7:30 p.m. Monday, May 7, at the Rifkin Campus, 5200 Old Mill Road. Since publishing her first novel, “Property Of,” at the age of 21, Hoffman has become a distinguished novelist. She has published more than 30 novels, three books of short fiction, and eight books for children and young adults. Her novel “Here on Earth” was an Oprah Book Club choice. “Practical Magic” was made into a Warner Bros. film starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman. Her novel “At Risk,” which concerns a family dealing with AIDS, can be found on the reading lists of many

VOICE from Page A3 Danielle was calm — “not like me at all,” she added. 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

COURTESY PHOTO

Alice Hoffman will discuss her work, answer questions and sign books at the Jewish Federation’s People of the Book event Monday, May 7, at the Rifkin Campus. The program and dessert reception are free and open to the public.

universities, colleges and secondary schools. Hoffman has written a number of novels for young adults, including “Aquamarine,” “Green Angel” and the New York Times bestseller “The Ice

Queen.” In 2007, Little Brown published her teen novel “Incantation,” a story about hidden Jews during the Spanish Inquisition, which Publishers Weekly chose as one of the best books of the year.

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. 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

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Dupont Valley • April 2018

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Hoffman’s talk will conclude with questions and answers as well as a book signing. A dessert reception will follow. The program is free and open to the public. Hoffman’s lecture is made possible by support from the Dr. Louis and Anne B. Schneider Foundation and the Dr. Harry W. Salon Foundation. Hoffman’s work has been published in more than 20 translations and more than 100 foreign editions. Her novels have received mention as notable books of the year by the New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, The Los Angeles Times, Library Journal and People Magazine. Her most recent novels have received many accolades and are New York Times bestsellers. They include “The Museum of Extraordinary Things,” “The Marriage of Opposites”

and “Faithful.” Her novel “The Dovekeepers,” the story of the survivors of Masada, is considered by many to be Hoffman’s masterpiece, and it was adapted for television in a 2015 miniseries. Her newest novel, “The Rules of Magic,” is the prequel to her cult classic “Practical Magic” and was released in October 2017. It is a LibraryReads, Indie Next and Reese Witherspoon Book Club selection. Hoffman was born in New York City on March 16, 1952, and grew up on Long Island. After graduating from high school in 1969, she attended Adelphi University, from which she received a Bachelor of Arts degree, and then she received a Master of Arts degree in creative writing from Stanford University. She currently resides in Boston.

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.”

TALENT from Page A3

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.”

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

INfortwayne.com • A5

Dupont Valley • April 2018

Forty region students advance in arts and writing

KPC NEWS SERVICE

The works of students from northeast Indiana and nearby Ohio continue on display through April 8 at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art. Of the 753 regional winners of the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, 43 works by 40 students won national recognition. The list of national honors was announced Tuesday. One student, Sydney Adams, a senior at Homestead High School, won a Silver Medal with Distinction for her writing portfolio, one of only 30 such honors in the country. Lily Bair, a senior at Carroll High School, was awarded an American Visions Medal for her ceramics and glass work. Sabrina Nguyen, also a senior at Carroll High School, was awarded an American Voices Medal for her writing. Each year, the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers partners with more than 100 visual arts and literary arts organizations across the country to bring the Scholastic Awards to local communities. Teens in grades 7–12 apply in

29 categories of art and writing. In 2018, students submitted almost 350,000 works of art and writing to the Scholastic Awards. The FWMoA, 311 E. Main St., Fort Wayne, is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Thursday from 10 a.m.-8 p.m., and Sunday from noon-5 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for students pre-K through college, $6 for seniors 65 or older, and $20 for families. General admission is free from 5-8 p.m. Thursdays. Visit fwmoa.org for other discounts Students in northeast Indiana/Northwest Ohio whose work was recognized at the regional and national levels is on display at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art now through April 8. Region art awards (name, year, school, medal, category: title)

Lily Bair, 12, Carroll H.S., Gold Medal and American Visions Medal, ceramics & glass: “Contemplation” Sana Ghazili, 12, Canterbury H.S., Gold, digital art: “My Choice”

Emily Larson, 12, Carroll H.S., Gold, photography: “The Grass Looks Greener on the Other Side” Emily Steward, 12, Whitmer H.S., Gold, painting: “The Patient Few” Saige Stiner, 12, Carroll H.S., Gold, photography: “Feelin’ Right Since ‘99” Rayanna Batchelder, 12, Northrop H.S., Silver, ceramics & glass: “Beautiful Fear” Kyleigh Cooper, 11, Madison-Grant H.S., Silver, drawing & illustration: “Ky” Sabine Croy, 9, Carroll H.S., Silver, photography: “Selected Desire” Aimee de las Alas, 12, Marion H.S., Silver, drawing & illustration: “Aim” Mattie Graves, 12, Peru H.S., Silver, photography: “The Dove” Mattie Graves, 12, Peru H.S., Silver, art portfolio: “See You at the Arcade” Grace Kuhlman, 10, Eastern H.S., Silver, sculpture: “Little Birdie” Robbie Majewski, 12, Bishop Dwenger H.S., Silver, photography: “It Consumes” Martin Mbuguah, 10,

South Side H.S., Silver, drawing & illustration: “Dream Girl” Carlee Mckenzie, 12, Carroll H.S., Silver, drawing & illustration: “Eye of the Beholder” Aidan Nash, 8, Jefferson Junior H.S., Silver, photography: “Chaotic King” Adhir Patel, 11, Peru H.S., Silver, ceramics & glass: “Ripe” Andrew Quick, 12, Angola H.S., Silver, ceramics & glass: “Bubbleicious” Kendyl Smith, 11, DeKalb H.S., Silver, photography: “1985” Riley White, 7, DeKalb Middle School Silver, sculpture: “Ocean Peak” Madeleine Wixom, 11, Pettisville Jr./Sr. H.S., Silver, photography: “The Front in the Field” Karly Wolfcale, 11, Homestead H.S., Silver, photography: “Delicate and Destructive” Layan Yunis, 12, Carroll H.S., Silver, art portfolio: “The Human Condition”

Region writing awards (name, year, school, medal, category: title)

Stephanie Briggs, 8, Concord Junior H.S., Gold, personal essay and memoir: “Fortissomo Footsteps” Jessica Buckey, 11, Penn H.S., Gold, poetry: “Rain” Lyla Heising, 8, Pettisville Jr./Sr. High School, Gold, short story: “Just Being Me” Sabrina Nguyen, 12, Carroll H.S., Gold Medal and American Voices Medal, personal essay and memoir: “Heirloom” Nathan Phuong, 10, Canterbury H.S., Gold Medal, poetry: “We Meet Again, Beethoven” Sydney Adams, 12, Homestead H.S., Silver Medal with Distinction/ Silver Medal Portfolio, writing portfolio: “A Study in Color” Sydney Adams, 12, Homestead High School, Silver, critical essay: “Third Time’s the Charm: Romantic Love and Their Eyes Were Watching God” Sydney Adams, 12, Homestead H.S., Silver, poetry: “Where Does the Soul Reside?” Grage Georgi, 12, Bishop Luers H.S., Silver, short story: “Give In” Elizabeth Heiny,

12, Canterbury H.S., Silver, writing portfolio: “Unglossed” Kamryn Koble, 12, Northwood H.S., Silver, novel writing: “Skin Deep” Gretchen Lee, 12, Pettisville Jr./Sr. High School, Silver, science fiction & fantasy: “A Shift of Mind” Zoe Moore, 11, Homestead H.S., Silver, poetry: “Three Poems on Myself and my Family” Antonio Morrell 7, St. Joseph Grade School, Silver, poetry: “The Great Chicago Fire of 1871” Maximillian Niebur, 9, St. Joseph’s H.S., Silver, poetry: “Four Fundamental Forces” Kristina Rea, 10, John Adams H.S., Silver, poetry: “Again, Again, Between the Lines, Shelter, Keys” Anna Rosato, 7, St. Joseph Grade School, Silver, poetry: “Krakatoa” Emily Smith, 11, St. Joseph’s H.S., Silver, personal essay & memoir: “The Kitchen Sink” Kaylei Wiechart, 8, Blackhawk Middle School, Silver, poetry: “Endless” Kaylee Yoder, 10, Clinton Christian School, Silver, short story: “To Be Blind”

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.

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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.

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. The Concordia Lutheran High School choir will join the college choir on several pieces. Lee Nelson directs the Wartburg mixed a cappella ensemble of more than 80 voices. The choir will present nine concerts in eight states in 10 days. “It is incredibly exciting for Trinity English to host the highly acclaimed Wartburg College Choir in concert,” said Trinity E.L. C. music director Robert Hobby. “Given Dr. Nelson’s intuitive gifts for choosing interesting and eclectic music, combined with his ability to inspire gorgeous sounds out of the choir, it is no surprise that this choir seems to be the one that many of my choral colleagues around the country are raving about.”

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 Environmental Services, for her dedication to resolving “a highly complex case of

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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

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Dupont Valley • April 2018

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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.

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 posi-

tively 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 • A7

Dupont Valley • 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 encour-

aged 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.

guests must RSVP by April 20 to Tinisha Weigelt at RepBanksAcademies@mail.house. gov with their names, driver license numbers and state of issuance, and date of birth. “If you are a young leader with a desire to serve our country, a career in the military may be right for you,” Banks said. “This is a great opportunity for attendees to learn more about the academies and admissions process.” “The value of an appointment to a service academy is equivalent to a $400,000 scholarship,” Banks’ office said in a statement.

COMEDY FEST SET APRIL 20

THREE DAYS OF COMEDY

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.

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 See NEWS, Page A8

ACADEMY DAY SET APRIL 21

U.S. Rep. Jim Banks will host a Service Academy Day on Saturday, April 21, for local students who are interested in attending one of the five U.S. service academies. Banks and his staff will welcome students at the Air National Guard Base, 3005 Ferguson Road, Fort Wayne. Doors will open for registration at 10 a.m. and the event is scheduled to last until 12:30 p.m. Representatives will speak about the academies and will be available to answer questions. In order to gain entry onto the base on Academy Day, students and their TwoBrothers_85718

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NEWS from Page A7

$5 OFF

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.

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SEE NATIONAL PRINT SHOW

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.

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 $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

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

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