IN|New Haven News December/January 2018

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Finding forever families

By Megan Knowles mknowles@kpcmedia.com

Two children with nowhere else to go turned Don and Mindy Cochran into foster parents – and within two years, two other children in need would help define their family forever.

Getting into fostering

When Don Cochran was seated next to two former students at a concert in 2005, he had no idea a simple question would change his life and the life of his wife, Mindy.

Don said he knew the students, Rachel and Angel, were in the foster care system.

“They said they were staying in a group home … because there were no foster parents in our county,” Don recalled.

“And they looked at me and said, unless you want to become our foster parents. I said, sure,

SHARING THE LOVE

See FINDING, Page A13

What to do to ring in 2018 Bike, plunge or cheer to welcome new year

Indiana is a leader in adoptions, but many children still wait. Find related stories inside this edition and at kpcnews. com/special_sections/ sharing_the_love. not knowing what’s all involved in the process.”

The couple underwent more than 25 hours of training to officially become foster parents, Don said, which included learning CPR and first aid. The Department of Child Services also did background checks on the couple and went through their home, making sure there was enough living and bedroom space to bring in foster children, among other requirements.

Fortunately for the Cochrans, Rachel and Angel were the first two of 13 children they

December/January 2018

By Megan Knowles mknowles@kpcmedia.com

No plans for New Year’s Eve? No problem! IN|Fort Wayne has you covered with a two-day schedule to send off 2017 and ring in 2018 right.

Sunday, Dec. 31

COURTESY PHOTO

Don and Mindy Cochran of Fort Wayne served as foster parents to Kyleigh and Uriel before adopting them.

After services or when you wake up: Start the festivities off right (and early) at Science Central’s Countdown to Noon.

The museum’s annual event is complete with kids getting the opportunity to make party hats and noisemakers. As noon approaches, guests can enjoy cookies and a soda pop toast until a countdown ushers in the dropping of 2,018 balloons.

1 p.m.: Head over to the Foellinger-Friemann Botanical Conservatory to check out the Conser-

vatory in Lights and Snow Days displays.

The gardens have been decorated inside and out with poinsettias and lots of lights. In addition, the Snow Days exhibit takes a look at children’s favorite activities when snow is on the ground, demonstrated by snowpeople themselves.

3 p.m.: A short walk will take you to the Fort Wayne Museum of Art to see the part of the collection of David Shapiro’s paintings and prints that were given to the museum by his estate.

5 p.m.: Grab lunch at one of the many great eateries downtown.

6 p.m.: Drive over to Franke Park to take advantage of one last chance to see the Fantasy of Lights, which consists of more See 2018, Page A11

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Daring fundraisers dash through the shallows of the Metea County Park pond for the 2016 Polar Plunge for Special Olympics.

Special Olympics is reason for Polar Plunge freezin’ Special Olympics Indiana and Special Olympics Allen County will host their annual Polar Plunge on Feb. 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Metea County Park in northeast Fort Wayne.

The event, which brings together businesses and individuals from all over northeast Indiana, helps raise funds for state and local Special Olympics programs, according to a release from Special Olympics Indiana.

These programs “allow children and adults with

intellectual disabilities to live active lives through socialization, exercise and friendly competition,” the release states. Currently there are more than 13,000 athletes that participate in at least one sport through Special Olympics See POLAR, Page A11

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New Haven • December/January 2018

Music conference brings two days of free concerts

By Garth Snow

IMEA HIGHLIGHTS

gsnow@kpcmedia.com

A celebration of music will draw about 1,000 educators to downtown Fort Wayne from Jan. 11-13. The Indiana Music Education Association Professional Development Conference at the Grand Wayne Center will attract hundreds more guests, performers and spectators as the program spills over into free handbells, chimes, choir and band concerts at the Embassy Theatre, First Presbyterian Church and Allen County Public Library.

“Fort Wayne is fantastic for us,” said Lane Velayo, executive director of the IMEA. “They do a great job of rolling out the red carpet for us and the layout of the meeting and convention facilities in downtown Fort Wayne is just advantageous for our attendees to see each other and to walk and attend sessions, espe-

Here are a few of the 27 free, public concerts offered during the Indiana Music Education Association Professional Development Conference, Jan. 11-13, centered at Grand Wayne Center, 120 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne. Free concerts also are scheduled at: First Presbyterian Church, 300 W. Wayne St.; the Embassy Theatre, 125 W. Jefferson Blvd.; and the Allen County Public Library Theatre, 900 Library Plaza.

Friday, Jan. 12 11 a.m.: Heartland Sings professional choral group from Fort Wayne, First Presbyterian Church or Grand Wayne Gallery Noon: All-State Jazz Band, Embassy Theatre 1 p.m.: All-State Handbell Choir, First Presbyterian Church 2:30 p.m.: IU Jazz Ensemble, ACPL Theatre 2:30 p.m.: Churubusco Chimers, First Presbyterian Church 4:30 p.m.: Elementary/Middle School Honor Choirs, Embassy Theatre 7:30 p.m.: Intercollegiate Honor Band/Boston Brass, Embassy Theatre Saturday, Jan. 13 COURTESY PHOTO BY NEAL BRUNS

Embassy Theatre President and CEO Kelly Updike says the Embassy welcomes free concerts as a component of a music educators conference. “Part of our strategic planning and our mission is to be the region’s theater … ” she said.

cially in January. And to host events in the Embassy Theatre … it’s just some-

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thing we can’t find too often in Indiana. We feel like we have a very good opportunity.”

Norwell High School band director Cory Kelley is helping to coordinate the 100-member All-State Honor Band’s Embassy concert for the fourth year.

“It’s a magical opportunity for the kids to be seen on that stage with the home crowd, so to speak,” Kelley said. “We’ve had a number of our students go to the concerts to support

9 a.m.: Junior All-State Orchestra, Embassy Theatre 11 a.m.: All-State Honor Band, Embassy Theatre Noon: Indiana Wesleyan Symphony, Convention Hall C Noon: All-State Percussion Ensemble, Calhoun AB 1 p.m.: All-State Orchestra, Embassy Theatre 2:30 p.m.: Old Crown Brass Band, Anthony Wayne B 3:30 p.m.: ISU Wind Ensemble, Convention Hall C 5:30 p.m.: All-State Honor Choir, Embassy Theatre Get the full schedule and updates at imeamusic.org. our students. I’ve seen that from other schools as well, and it always makes it that much more exciting for our kids.”

“It’s a big honor for us to be one of the big venues for the IMEA,” said Kelly Updike, the Embassy’s

president and CEO. “It’s part of our mission and it also boosts the profile of Fort Wayne and our ability to host conferences and events like this. It’s good collaboration between venues and Visit Fort Wayne as well, and I’m

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always delighted to see the young people of our state and know that this is the perfect setting, we think, to honor their music achievements.

“Part of our strategic planning and our mission is to be the region’s theater, and that means the theater where everyone in the community has been into the building. We are doing more with our educational programming as well as bringing in more entertainers and we have a wide variety of ticket pricing with events that will attract the demographics of the whole region.”

In this case, the free events are accessible to a variety of music interests from the entire state. The IMEA — formerly the Indiana Music Educators Association — has been gathering its educator members, their students and a host of supporters in the Summit City for about 20 years.

“That’s students elementary to college age, parents and community members and music educators from throughout the state,” Velayo said.

“All of our performances are free and open to the public and we definitely invite the public. When universities perform they are welcome to invite their alumni, the students are invited to welcome their grandparents, cousins and aunts and uncles to Fort Wayne for this cultural explosion of our weekend in January, right downtown.”

Norwell’s Kelley said many northeast Indiana schools will be represented in the All-State See MUSIC, Page A5

New Haven • December/January 2018

INfortwayne.com • A3

Studio marks 65 years of dancing New Haven’s Dyson taught friends to tap at age 12

By Rod King

For IN|fw Publications

Janice Dyson has loved dance all her life, and has been teaching other dancers for more than six decades. She started dancing at age 2 and when she was 12 she put her tap board on the driveway of her parents’ home in south Fort Wayne to practice.

The neighborhood kids watched and wanted to learn so she started her own studio in their living room, charging 50 cents for a half-hour lesson. By the end of that summer she was teaching 40 young dancers.

When she reached a cash flow of $20 a week, her father decided it was time for her to pay for her own lessons and the bus fare to get there. There was never time at South Side High School to go to her locker and get books, coat and incidentals after the last class so she took everything with her because she had to hustle to catch a bus home for her first dance student of the day. She graduated from South Side with the Class of 1958.

Janice and her sister, Bernice, took pop lessons from Charles Allen at his Broadway studio. “He was a real taskmaster,” Janice said. “Bernice was intimidated by him and quit after about a year. I wasn’t afraid of him, but I learned pretty quickly that when he said practice or else, he meant it. Our mom scrimped grocery money to help pay for our lessons.”

After graduating, Dyson went to Philadelphia to study ballroom dancing so she could offer it to her students, too. When she returned home she focused on the studio, taught classes and instructed competition teams while raising five children. Dyson continued to take lessons until she was 26. When her husband, Dave, was transferred to Milwaukee, she taught dance in a community center there for 10 years. She admits that during that period she spent a good deal of time in New Haven assisting her daughter, Christina Dambra, in operating the studio.

When Dave and Janice moved back to New Haven in 2005, she continued teaching adult classes in tap and started a group at New Haven United Methodist Church called Faith Steppers.

They tap to Christian music in what she refers to as “liturgical dance.”

June 8 this year at New Haven Canal Days was celebrated as Janice

Dyson Appreciation Day. Mayor Terry McDonald signed a plaque and Parks Superintendent Mike Clendenen presented it to Dyson at the band shell in Schnelker Park, commemorating 65 years as a dance instructor. “Some of my former students came back,” she said. “It was overwhelming.” Just four days before that, 40 of them returned to present an adult recital with only three rehearsals. That week was the highlight of my life.”

Over the years, Janice Dyson Dance Studio operated in several locations.

After a number of years in her parents’ living room on Maple Grove Avenue, it moved to a friend’s basement. When she and Dave married it was in their garage on Robinwood Drive for a while, then the lobby of the old Wells Theatre in Fort Wayne. The building still stands, and has been home to Koehlinger Kruse Security Systems since 1985.

She later operated the studio from the Meadowbrook Elementary School music room while their house on Fritcha Avenue in New Haven was under construction. Half the garage was made into a studio with a wood floor to flex just a little with the dance lessons. Ten years later they moved it to the basement, but a sump pump failure resulted in a flood and a ruined floor.

The studio was moved back into the garage, but because she then had 350 students it required the entire garage.

Janice taught tumbling, tap, jazz and some ballroom dancing, while her oldest daughter, Melody King, taught disco. Now, under Christina, the studio offers ballet, hip-hop, lyrical and contemporary dance in addition to tap and tumbling. Janice taught Girl Scouts for their Dancer Badge and at day camps, schools, churches and the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department. She even made house calls when she learned a woman was bringing her granddaughter to New Haven in a taxi from Fort Wayne.

Over the years, Janice’s husband, Dave, was her “roadie” and is still involved in helping set up tumbling mats, building props and running the music for recitals. “If it hadn’t been for Christina when we moved to Milwaukee, we would have had to close. She has the passion for it and loves working with the kids,” Janice said.

See STUDIO, Page A5

PHOTO BY GARTH SNOW

New Haven Parks Superintendent Mike Clendenen presents Janice Dyson with a plaque designating June 8 as Janice Dyson Appreciation Day. Mayor Terry McDonald signed the plaque, which was presented as a surprise the evening Dyson’s studio’s dancers performed during the 2017 Canal Days.

PHOTO BY ROD KING

Janice Dyson Dance Studio celebrated its 65th anniversary this year. The studio is at 4110 Fritcha Ave., southwest of downtown New Haven; call (260) 438-1594.

A4 • INfortwayne.com

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MLK Club to congratulate The Well’s Bishop Bolden

By Garth Snow gsnow@kpcmedia.com

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New Haven • December/January 2018

Bishop Willie Bolden applauds the Martin Luther King Club for 10 years of recognizing the African-American clergy of Fort Wayne.

“I believe it’s important because of the labor that these men and women put in year in and year out and sometimes without recognition and not even looking for recognition,” he said. “It’s good that

people are excited about the work that they put in.”

The MLK Club will shine that light on Bolden at Breakfast with the Clergy in conjunction with the 33rd annual Unity Day celebration, all on Monday, Jan. 15.

Bolden’s photo is on the latest flier, but he spoke only of previous recipients and a host of colleagues when he said, “I know all of these men and women and I know they work hard.” Bolden

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Bishop Willie Bolden and his wife, Pastor Rhonda Bolden, serve at The Well, 1315 S. Hanna St., Fort Wayne.

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people to come down here and I said, ‘Just love everyone that comes in the door,’ ” he said.

Those numbers are returning to The Well, he said.

The first portion of Unity Day will include the a mayoral proclamation, scholarship presentations, community service awards, a spoken tribute to the Rev. King, local vendors, free health screenings, and a program of singing by the Fort Wayne Voices of Unity Choir.

The second portion of the program will allow the community to participate in a roundtable discussion with 12 Fort Wayne community leaders.

Finally, the MLK Club will promote its 2018 civil rights trip. The club will charter two buses for a four-day, threenight tour of several civil rights museums and sites in Memphis, Birmingham, Montgomery and Selma.

Scholarship applications were due Dec. 15.

Vendor applications with payment are due

by Jan. 7. For details, contact Angela Lewis at (260) 416-5433 or email her at angela@ottleycommunications.com.

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people do not actually come to a lighthouse but they do come to a well,” he said.

Bolden wants the whole community to set aside barriers and to come to The Well.

“That’s my prayer,” he said. “One of the things I want to do in my ministry is to bring people together.”

So, from noon-1 p.m. the first Saturday morning of each month, The Well hosts a citywide, men’s prayer time, “across religious and racial lines.”

“It’s really coming along,” Bolden said. “We have a good recognition from the whole community for men to come together and to seek the face of God together.

I think it’s been an awesome time.”

“We started this church with about eight people and when I left here we had about 2,000 people,” Bolden said.

“We had about 60-40 black and white. We had people who would drive from Akron, Ohio, every Sunday to my church.”

Bolden recalled being interviewed for a network audience in those early days. “They wanted to know how I was getting these white

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is the pastor of The Well of Fort Wayne at 1315 S. Hanna St. Breakfast with the Clergy will be from 8-10 a.m. at the Grand Wayne Center, 120 W. Jefferson Blvd. The plated breakfast is $25 per person or $200 for a table of eight.

RSVP’s are due by Jan. 8 by calling Fran Grant, (260) 493-0980, or by email to agelessdiva@ frontier.com.

Unity Day will continue from 10:30-4 p.m. Admission is $10 and includes participation in a community round-table discussion.

For advance tickets, call (260) 493-1534. This year’s theme is “Creating Community Connections.”

Bolden is pastoring in Fort Wayne for the second time. He started Calvary Temple in 1976, then turned it over to his brother, Melvin, and set out to start churches in Florida and California. “When I named my [Florida] church Lighthouse, my brother followed suit and named the Fort Wayne church Lighthouse,” he said.

After Melvin’s death in 2015, Willie Bolden returned to Fort Wayne.

“I changed the name once I got back, because

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INfortwayne.com • A5

New Haven • December/January 2018

MUSIC from Page A2 Honors Band. Kelly and Bedford-North Lawrence band director Jim Jones oversee selection of that honors group. “It’s a pretty big event for them.

We have approximately 100 students, from the southern tip of Indiana to up north,” Kelley said. This year’s band will include northeast Indiana students from Adams Central, East Noble, Homestead, Huntington North, Northwood and Norwell high schools.

Applications come from hundreds of students at schools whose staff members hold IMEA memberships. Hundreds of students apply to participate in paid auditions.

Those who have won honors in competitions have an advantage. Other criteria include director

STUDIO from Page A3 The studio has performed in regional dance competitions in Indiana, Ohio and Illinois and returned with its fair share of trophies and plaques. The first trophy, and perhaps the most treasured one in the showcase, is the one they earned in their initial Canal Days parade appearance in the late 1970s. “We borrowed a convertible and Dave made a big glitter ball

recommendations and assessments. “We try to get every school represented,” Kelley said.

This marks the 26th year of the honor band. “We start rehearsals Thursday night and we have things planned for them, so it’s not just rehearsal,” Kelley said. “It’s a very well rounded experience for them. Saturday morning we get to rehearse for a little bit in the Embassy.

Hopefully there will be flowers and cheers and lots of applause.”

Well-known band composer Robert W. Smith will lead the clinic and conduct the honors band. Smith’s “The Divine Comedy” was central to the Homestead High School marching band’s recent state-champion show. “Every band has played his music,” Kelley said. “It should be a fun-filled weekend for the

students.”

Velayo said the Fort Wayne conference draws a good attendance from the northeast corner of the state. “Homestead’s parent booster group performs a lot of the logistics at our registration desk,” he said.

The conference also relies on area schools for equipment, risers, percussion equipment and stands. “It’s a really active partnership with area high schools and middle schools, and we appreciate that,” Velayo said.

He said several hundred people from northeast Indiana will attend the conference. “It’s a relatively low-cost opportunity given that ours is the largest music professional development event,” he said.

The 2018 conference will debut the All-State Handbell Choir, and conductor Jeffrey Scott

with streamers, the girls danced beside it the entire parade route and we won first place. We’ve participated in every Canal Days parade since,” Dyson said.

“To me,” she said, “the best award we’ve ever gotten was at Midwest Starz competition in St. Charles, Ill.,against 20 studios. It was the Starzmanship Award that went to our kids and teachers for showing respect, kindness and patience. I was really proud of them.”

Dyson isn’t planning on hanging up her dancing shoes any time soon. As she puts it, “I’ll keep dancing until the Lord says it’s over.” She said a couple women come for tap lessons because “it’s just plain good exercise.”

Dyson and her sister, Bernice, have another interest in common.

Bernice Sherman, formerly of Fremont, now lives at Angola. “She’s a seamstress and does alterations,” Dyson said. “We both love to sew.”

Doebler hopes the innovation will find a permanent place in the IMEA lineup.

“Handbells is an area that continues to grow in the field of music education, and I felt like it was time to move it into a more challenging spotlight for the students,” Doebler said.

The IMEA board accepted his proposal and he began issuing invitations and reviewing candidates by way of recommendations.

About 12 students will perform in January.

Students perform in school or church handbell choirs.

Most come from the Floyd Knobs area north of Louisville or from the Indianapolis area. The choir might expand in future

years, Doebler said; live auditions might be held.

“We’re hoping that other states will see this program and adopt similar programs,” he said.

Doebler’s tentative, seven-song repertoire includes a premiere, “Glockenklagen” by Jesse Ayers.

Bishop Dwenger High School band director Don Cochran will lead IMEAmember educators in a program at 11 a.m. Jan. 12 at the Grand Wayne Center.

Concerning “My First Job as a Band Director,” Cochran writes: “This program focuses on the challenges I’ve encountered over my career as a band director. From

the first moment you get your job, a huge piece of your planning takes place over the summer before school is even in session.”

Specifics will range from band budgeting and transportation to “Rewarding students / finding the little successes.”

Homestead High School band director Brad Wadkins will lead his colleagues in a program at 3:30 p.m. Jan. 12. His topic will be “Putting Your Marching Band Show on the Field in Record Time.”

In his course description, Wadkins writes, “The ultimate goal is to achieve the highest quality in your final performances of the season.”

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A6 • INfortwayne.com

New Haven • December/January 2018

News briefs: Take a closer look at weeks ahead

CHOCOLATEFEST BENEFITS RILEY

The John Chapman Kiwanis Foundation will present ChocolateFest to benefit Riley Hospital for Children and other local youth charities and projects.

The event will be held from 6-9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9, at Turnstone Center For Children and Adults with Disabilities, 3320 N. Clinton St., Fort Wayne. Tickets are $40.

Visit eventbrite.com for tickets. Free parking is available.

The dinner buffet will include courses of chocolate-infused or chocolate-inspired dishes, many chocolate desserts and a chocolate fountain.

The Dee Bees Band will present live music for dancing. A cash bar will be available. A silent auction will feature a variety of unique gifts.

To be a sponsor, or to donate auction items or to reserve a VIP table, contact Jim at (260) 637-8184.

The Kiwanis Club of John Chapman Foundation meets at 7 a.m. each Wednesday at the Sunrise Cafe, 10230 Coldwater Road, Fort Wayne.

Anyone is welcome to join and serve the community.

5 MUSICIANS IN JAN. 21 CONCERT

Clubs Inc. will offer a free, state-approved Hunter Education Class in January. The class will be held at the Purdue Extension-Allen County Office, 4001 Crescent Ave., Fort Wayne, on Jan. 6 and 13. Participants must attend both sessions, from 8 a.m.3:30 p.m. both Saturdays.

The class is taught by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, and is open to youth and adults. Anyone age 11 or younger must be accompanied by a parent/ guardian. Anyone born after 1986 is required to be certified in hunter education before they can purchase a hunting license. To register, go to www.in.gov/dnr/ lawenfor/4812.htm.

All materials for the course including a study manual will be provided.

The Fort Wayne Chapter of the American Guild of Organists will present five scholarship recipients in recital at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 21, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 1102 S. Clinton St., Fort Wayne. Admission is free. A reception will follow.

Since 2002, the Irene S. Ator/AGO Scholarships have helped more than 20 piano and organ students to further their studies to become qualified church musicians.

The 2018 concert will feature: Allyn Beifus, piano; Aidan Kroeker, piano; Annika Kroeker, piano; Monica Shannon, organ; and Christina Trowbridge, piano.

A scholarship applicant must be a resident of Allen County, a piano or organ student, and in high school or college (eighth-grade students may apply.) Once applications have been reviewed students will be scheduled for an audition in late May or early June.

For more information, visit fortwayneago.com.

LIGHTS DISPLAY THROUGH DEC. 31

The Fantasy of Lights auto tour of 269,000 LED lights covering dozens of displays continues through Dec. 31 at Franke Park, 3411 Sherman Blvd., Fort Wayne. Admission is $10 per car or minivan.

This drive-through event is situated in Franke Park (adjacent to the Fort Wayne

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Children’s Zoo) and transforms the park into a spectacular winter wonderland. Blue Jacket Inc. received control of the Fantasy of Lights in 2015. The attraction has served Fort Wayne since 1994. This year’s reconfigured route covers more than 2 miles and features an interactive radio broadcast. Carriage Rides are available by Cornelius Carriages at (260) 691-3780.

Blue Jacket partners with other local agencies to serve disadvantaged employment candidates, whether they are emerging from homelessness, poverty or other circumstances.

Visit bluejacketinc.org for more information.

at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne. Shows are: Thursday, Jan. 25, 6:30 p.m.; Friday, Jan. 26, 7 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 27, 10 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Jan. 28, 1 p.m. and 5:45 p.m.

Coliseum parking is $5 for general parking or $8 for the preferred lot.

The Mizpah Shrine Circus office is at 1015 Memorial Way. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. MondayFriday. Evening hours will be added and a separate ticket booth at the coliseum will open Jan. 2. Extended weekday hours and Saturday hours begin Jan. 6.

Get updates at mizpahshrinecircus.com.

PARKVIEW PARTY TO WELCOME 2018

OUTDOORS SHOW LISTS LINEUP

A ball will drop at midnight near the Parkview Field Silver Lot as downtown Fort Wayne welcomes the New Year.

Parkview Field’s gates will open at 7 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 31, and live entertainment will begin at 7:15 p.m., followed by a countdown to midnight and fireworks. Watch for updates at fwballdrop. com.

The event is free and open to all ages, although only ages 21 or older will be admitted to separated bar areas.

Fort Wayne celebrated last New Year’s Eve with a digital ball drop downtown. Soon after, a team of volunteers stepped forward to design the ball for this year’s celebration.

CIRCUS TICKETS START AT $14

Ticket sales have begun for the 2018 Mizpah Shrine Circus.

Tickets, which went on sale Thanksgiving evening, are $14, $16, $18 or $22.

The circus will present seven shows Jan. 25-28

The Outdoors Sports, Lake & Cabin Show is planned Jan. 26-28 at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne. Hours are: Friday, Jan. 26, noon-9 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 27, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; and Sunday, Jan. 28, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Admission is $10 for adults, free to ages 12 and younger. Half-off admission is available to: active military families with military ID; with a Shrine Circus ticket stub; or with a Savor Fort Wayne restaurant receipt.

Visit outdoorsportslakecabinshow.com for related details. Coliseum parking is $5 in the main lot or $8 in the preferred lot.

The Hawg Tank bass fishing demonstration is back in 2018, along with the Stihl Timberworks Lumberjack Show, a kids’ outdoor adventure, pro bass fisherman Andy Buss, bow fisherman Jason Barbknecht, and fishing instructor and radio host Dan Armitage.

Also see the archery and rifle range, RV’s, boats

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and water sports, exotic cars by Dream Makers Automotive, Yurts and tiny houses and booths operated by vendors and charters. Visit outdoorsportslakecabinshow.com for more information.

3-DAY FARM SHOW AT COLISEUM

The 28th annual Fort Wayne Farm Show is planned Jan. 16-18 at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne. Admission is free. Hours are: Tuesday, Jan. 16, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Wednesday, Jan. 17, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; and Thursday, Jan. 18, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

More than 30,000 farmers attend the show annually to view farm equipment and services and educational seminars.

Parkview Health Systems will present free CPR classes each day.

This year’s grand prize is a Massey Ferguson 2400 Series zero-turn lawnmower courtesy of Harmony Outdoor Equipment of Auburn.

A fund raising auction will be held at 1 p.m.

Tuesday and Wednesday to support the Indiana FFA Scholarship Foundation. Last year’s auction of donated items raised more than $20,000 for scholarships.

Visit tradexpos.com for more information.

4-H CLUBS INC. ELECTS LEADERS

Allen County 4-H Clubs Inc. held its annual meeting Nov. 9 in conjunction with the 4-H Volunteer Recognition Program.

Elected to the Allen County 4-H board of directors for three-year terms were: Rachel Hammond, Tyler Olinske, Erin Roembke and Jacob Taylor. Elected to serve a two-year term was Aric See NEWS, Page A8

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INfortwayne.com • A7

New Haven • December/January 2018

‘Detectorists’ unearth lost or tossed history

By Garth Snow gsnow@kpcmedia.com

Hundreds of coins and curios that were dropped or discarded more than a century ago are inspiring displays and imaginations once again thanks to the “metal detectorists” of the Miami Valley Coin and Relic Hunters Club.

“You find an old penny or a dime from the 1870s and you think ‘Wow, I wish that thing could talk,’” said Kevin Kamphues, club treasurer.

So the finders study their finds, learn about the history of that object and era, and sometimes even locate recent owners.

For instance, Kamphues found a University of Michigan 1953 class ring.

The owner’s name was engraved on the ring. With the help of an alumna, Kamphues found the owner in Florida. The woman had lost the ring in Ohio the year she graduated.

Ken Talarico searches in unlikely places and discovers unlikely finds.

“I found a lead toy soldier,

a marble, a British-Indian quarter-rupee and a Swiss 20-rappen,” he said of the objects he brought to the September meeting. The foreign coins probably just fell off a table at a coin show, he surmised.

Sometimes the discoveries aren’t metallic or even antique. “I found a wallet with $1,180 in it,” he said.

The owner’s driver’s license was still in the wallet. Talarico went to the address and found that the owner had moved. A neighbor told him where the owner worked, and Talarico took the find to that store.

“When I found him I recognized him,” Talarico said. “He was standing at the counter where he worked. He commenced to tell me a story about it. He said he had a pair of shorts on the week before and he was in a hammock and his wallet fell out of his pocket.

He was wearing the same shorts the following week when he lost his wallet again.”

He considers that his most unusual find, but not his most valuable. “I found

“We went to Montana two weeks ago and we found a metallic object that seems to be a meteorite,” he said. He plans to take it to Michigan State University to be authenticated.

He also has searched a former air base in Florida where he recovered spent 50-caliber rounds. “And I found fake bombs dropped from airplanes — they just sent up a puff of smoke,” he said.

“Any time we find something unusual it’s a piece of history that no one will see unless you pick it up,” he said.

Merv Spaw brought an old three-piece ring to a recent meeting. Spaw searches on land, of course, but also in swimming areas.

“We find a lot of rings that they lost there,” he said.

Spaw and friend Paul Moeller team up at any site where the ground has been disturbed, such as where a sidewalk has been torn up. “I found a couple silver dollars,” Moeller said. “I found a brass hat badge for

PHOTO BY GARTH SNOW

Kevin Kamphues (from left), Merv Spaw and Jon Spillson represent the Miami Valley Coin and Relic Finders Club at the Grabill Country Fair. Members took turns showing and explaining boxes of coins and other artifacts.

a couple gold rings that I was never able to find a home for, and I found a couple that I did find a home for,” he said. “And I think the most valuable was probably a Greek coin, or maybe it was a copy.”

Mark Koch has been a detectorist since 1981 when he was 12. He lives in Leo

now, but grew up in Harlan.

“I found a Civil War belt plate,” he said of one of his favorite finds. Koch studies his search sites as closely as he studies his finds. “I look at old maps for some sites that used to be there,” he said. General maps as old as 1860 are available for inspection at the Allen

County Public Library, he said. “By 1900 a lot of the 1860 and 1880 stuff is gone,” he said.

Dan Pulver of Fremont attended his first club meeting in September. He has enjoyed the hobby for about four years and now is retired and wants to get more involved.

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NEWS from Page A6 Bradtmueller.

Outgoing 4-H board members were recognized: Heather Anderson, for serving three years; Brian Hoopengardner, for serving three years; Rob Knott for serving six years; Regina Smith for serving three years; and Shelby Smith for serving a one-year appointment as the Junior Leader representative.

Officers elected to serve in the 2017-2018 year are: Roger Clark, president; Kurt VanHorn, vice president; Ashley Lewis, secretary; and Donna Dafforn, treasurer.

In 2017, 239 adult volunteers donated their time to the Allen County

4-H Program. Their tenure ranged from 1 to 48 years of service.

EASTERSEALS ACCEPTS GRANT

The Mary Cross Tippmann Foundation has awarded a $6,250 grant to Easterseals Arc of Northeast Indiana.

The grant will be used for general operating expenses. Easterseals Arc provides a wide range of services to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities as they live, learn, work and play in the community.

Easterseals Arc has nearly 800 individuals enrolled in services and assists hundreds more through outreach to their

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IT’S WINTER AT CONSERVATORY

Holiday and winter-themed attractions continue at Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne. Holiday hours vary. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for ages 3-17.

Garden In Lights continues through Jan. 7. The conservatory has decorated the gardens, indoors and out. Enjoy beautiful poinsettias and lights from the atrium to the Desert.

The “Snow Days” theme garden exhibit continues through Jan. 7. In the conservatory’s holiday imagination, snowkids go out for snowball fights while snowmoms bake cookies and prepare hot chocolate. Snow angels mark the spot where families spent time together.

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fans have an early chance to secure their seats for opening day of the 2018 season. The TinCaps kick off the team’s 10th season in downtown Fort Wayne at 6:05 p.m. Saturday, April 7, against the Cleveland Indians-affiliated Lake County Captains. The sale ends Dec. 31. Ticket prices continue to start at $5 while fans can sit behind home plate for as little as $10.

Buy opening day tickets at: • TinCapsTickets.com; • The Orchard Team Store at Glenbrook Square Mall (10 a.m.-9 p.m. Dec. 29; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Dec. 30; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 31); • The Orchard Team Store at Parkview Field (9 a.m. -5 p.m. Dec. 29).

Opening day will feature one of 32 postgame fireworks shows during the 70-game home schedule. Tickets for all 2018 games at Parkview Field will go on sale at a later date.

FWCS Study Connection will host Zumbathon 2018 from 1-3 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 17, at North Side High School, 475 E. State St., Fort Wayne. Registration is $20 at the door (cash or check). Participants will be eligible for door prizes.

Area Zumba instructors will lead two hours of dancing, sweating and fun in support of FWCS Study Connection.

Zumba is a combination of Latin dancing and cardiovascular workout.

No previous Zumba experience is required for this event.

Proceeds from Zumbathon 2018 will benefit FWCS Study Connection. This afterschool tutoring program matches students with employees and volunteers at area businesses and organizations.

Students and tutors meet one hour once a week to provide consistent academic assistance and mentoring to students who may not otherwise

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receive it. For more information about Study Connection or Zumbathon 2018, call (260) 467-8810.

NIGHT OF HOPE BOOKS TEBOW

Former college and NFL quarterback Tim Tebow will headline the Indiana Fellowship of Christian Athletes Night of Hope, Thursday, Feb. 15.

The event begins at 7 p.m. at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne. Registration is free at indianafca.org/ nightofhope. Parking is $5, or $8 in the preferred lot.

Tebow played for the University of Florida national champion teams in 2006 and 2008, and won the Heisman Trophy as a sophomore in 2007.

He played three years in the NFL, became a college football TV analyst, and recently signed with the New York Mets organization.

He released “Through My Eyes,” which was the bestselling religion book of 2011. He also wrote “Shaken: Discovering Your True Identity in the Midst of Life’s Storms.”

Find more information at timtebow.com.

CIVIC TO OPEN ‘LA CAGE’ FEB. 17

Fort Wayne Civic Theatre presents “La Cage Aux Folles” in seven performances, Feb. 17-March 4, at the Arts United Center, 303 E. Main St., Fort Wayne.

Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for seniors 60 and older, and $17 for ages 23 and younger.

Read the full description and find a link to ticket sales at fwcivic.org, or call the box office at See NEWS, Page A9

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New Haven • December/January 2018

NEWS from Page A8

and 20, and 2 p.m. Jan. 14.

(260) 424-5220. Performances are: 8 p.m. Feb. 17, 23 and 24 and March 2 and 3; and 2 p.m. Feb. 18 and March 4.

Phillip H. Conglazier directs this musical, which is rated PG. The Civic also plans the comedy “Buyer & Cellar” in six shows March 16-25. Gregory Stieber directs. Tickets are available at fwcivic. org.

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First Presbyterian Theater will present “Red,” which is described as “a searing portrait of an artist’s ambition and vulnerability.”

John Logan wrote the play in which abstract impressionist Mark Rothko lands a milestone commission, only to be challenged by his young assistant, Ken. For further description, visit firstpresfortwayne.org.

Tickets are $20 for general admission, $18 for ages 65 and older, and $10 for full-time students. Admission to a preview at 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 4, is $12.

Other shows are at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19

Early-bird tickets are available for Science Central’s annual murder mystery event. “My Cold-Hearted Valentine” returns for its fourth year from 6-9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9. Science Central is at 1950 N. Clinton St., Fort Wayne. Guests at this 21-and-older event will wander the science center, mingling and “interviewing suspects.”

Early-bird and member tickets are $20 per person or $35 per couple. After Feb. 1, nonmembers will pay $25 per person or $45 per couple. Limited deluxe tickets are available; contact the science center for details. Get tickets at sciencecentral. org. Get more information by contacting Andrea Colley, marketing manager, at marketing@ sciencecentral.org.

SUPPORT GROUP GIVES SCHEDULE

Byron Health Center, 12101 Lima Road, Fort Wayne, will continue Huntington’s disease support groups in 2018.

The meetings will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. the first Tuesday

of each month in the Eakin Family Room.The meetings are for those affected with Huntington’s disease, as well as their family and friends.

Meeting dates are: Jan. 2, Feb. 6, March 6, April 3, May 1, June 5, July 3, Aug. 7, Sept. 4, Oct. 2, Nov. 6 and Dec. 4.

Byron Health Center partners with the Huntington’s Disease Society of America and the Department of Behavioral & Social Sciences at the University of Saint Francis to make the support group possible for the northeast Indiana area.

TEDx SEEKS 2018 SPEAKERS

TEDx Fort Wayne is looking for speakers who have an “Idea Worth Spreading” for its Sunday, March 24, event at the Manchester University School of Pharmacy campus, 10627 Diebold Road at Dupont Road, Fort Wayne. TEDx has chosen the theme “Resurgence.”

“Fort Wayne has made incredible strides in the past few years,” organizer Mark Hagar said.

“Our community isn’t content to celebrate past successes. Instead, civic groups, local businesses,

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government agencies and individual citizens have come together in myriad ways to address the challenges we’re facing and to build a future for the community we love.

TEDx Fort Wayne will harness that Hoosier creativity and build on the energy that makes this an inspiring time to live and work in northeast Indiana.”

The TEDx Fort Wayne organizing team also includes Sarah Miretti Cassidy, Greg Magnuson, Joe Noorthoek, Shelly Soellinger and Crystal Vann Wallstrom.

Interested applicants should apply at tedxfortwayne.com/speak/.

MAMMOGRAPHY VAN PLANS STOPS The Francine’s Friends Breast Diagnostic Center mobile mammography unit visits locations throughout the Fort Wayne area.

For women who have health insurance, Francine’s Friends will bill the insurance company.

If the patient does not have insurance but has

the ability to pay, the BDC offers a reduced rate if paid the day of the screening. For women without insurance, or who have a high deductible, or who do not have the resources to pay, assistance is available.

Appointments preferably should be made prior to the date of screening. For an appointment, call (260) 483-1847 or (800) 727-8439, ext. 68120.

Walk-in openings are available depending on the schedule.

Francine’s Friends Mobile Mammography is a partnership between Francine’s Friends, Parkview Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Breast Diagnostic Center.

The mobile unit plans these stops: • Friday, Dec. 29 — Walmart, 10105 Lima Road, Fort Wayne.

• Tuesday, Jan. 2. — Heritage Park, 2001 Hobson Road, Fort Wayne.

• Wednesday, Jan. 3 — Parkview Physicians Group, 1331 Minnich Road, New Haven.

• Friday, Jan. 5

— Walmart, 7502 Southtown Crossing, Fort Wayne.

• Monday, Jan. 15 — Kroger, 4120 N. Clinton St., Fort Wayne.

• Tuesday, Jan. 16 — Paul Harding Jr. High School, 6501 Wayne Trace, Fort Wayne.

• Wednesday, Jan. 17 — Genesis Home Health, 1201 Daly Drive, New Haven.

• Thursday, Jan. 18 — PHD, 9009 Clubridge Drive, New Haven.

• Friday, Jan. 19 — New Haven High School, 1300 Green Road, New Haven.

• Monday, Jan. 22 — Jorgensen Family YMCA, 10313 Aboite Center Road, Fort Wayne.

• Wednesday, Jan. 24 — Nelson Global Products, 3405 Engle Road, Fort Wayne.

• Thursday, Jan. 25 — Harrison College, 6413 N. Clinton St., Fort Wayne.

• Monday, Jan. 29 — Parkview Physicians Group, 1331 Minnich Road, New Haven.

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A10 • INfortwayne.com

New Haven • December/January 2018

HEALTH & FITNESS

How to find time to exercise METRO CREATIVE SERVICE

A new year marks a great time to embrace change.

Many people do just that by making resolutions designed to improve their lives in the year and years ahead.

Resolutions regarding personal health are annually among the most popular changes people hope to make at the dawn of a new year. In fact, a quick scan of annual lists citing the most popular resolutions found that pledges to eat healthier and exercise more can be found at or near the top of such lists.

Though such lists might not have been compiled using the most scientific of methods, it’s no secret that getting healthier and looking better is a goal many people strive for upon the arrival of January 1. Unfortunately, a 2015 report from U.S. News & World Report suggested that 80 percent of resolutions fail, oftentimes as early as February. For those who don’t just want but need to get healthier, failure to live up to a resolution to exercise more can have potentially devastating consequences.

If exercising more is a goal in the year ahead, the following are a few strategies to make that happen.

• Exercise in the early morning. As the day progresses, unforeseen challenges or forgotten commitments have a way of devouring time initially earmarked for exercise.

Exercise first thing in the morning before any commitments to work and family hijack the time you have committed to exercising.

• Take on less responsibility. Professionals and parents often cite commitments to work and family as the primary reasons they aren’t getting enough exercise.

While those are perfectly reasonable excuses to skip a workout, men and women who recognize the long-term benefits of routine exercise may be compelled to take on

less responsibility at work while also making an effort to divvy up responsibilities at home more equitably.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ongoing exercise can reduce risk for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and some cancers. The CDC also notes that routine exercise strengthens bones and muscles while improving mood. Taking on more responsibility at work might be great for your career, but that may prove a Pyrrhic victory if your long-term health is jeopardized. Parents can discuss with their spouse how to better share responsibilities at home so both moms and dads can get regular exercise.

• Embrace more efficient exercise routines. Rather than working a single muscle group at a time, which can be both time-consuming and boring, men and women can adapt their workout routines to focus on multi-muscle exercises. Work with a personal trainer to make your workout as efficient as possible.

• Schedule your routine each week. Each week is different, so while it may be ideal to establish a workout routine in which you exercise at the same time each day, that’s not always going to be possible. Failing to exercise on a day you had intended to workout can compromise your motivation to workout in the future, so sit down at the beginning of each week to examine your commitments for the days ahead and schedule times to exercise in the next seven days. This can keep you on track and help you avoid the disappointment of missing a workout because life got in the way.

Finding time to exercise is not always so easy, but METROC CREATIVE CONNECTION even the busiest men and women can likely still include Finding more time to exercise is an attainable goal if you workouts in their daily routines.

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are determined and dedicated.

INfortwayne.com • A11

New Haven • December/January 2018

NEED A CAB?

those who live within a 10-mile radius of downtown Fort Wayne, according to a release. Those who live farther can still use the service but will pay beyond the 10-mile radius.

The Holiday Cab will not take people to other bars, restaurants or parties.

Those interested can call the Holiday Cab at (260) 426-1301 to be picked up. Reservations are not accepted.

For the 30th year, the Holiday Cab will be offering rides to people who shouldn’t be driving this holiday season.

The cab rides started Friday, Dec. 15, and go through Sunday, Dec. 31, running every day from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., Fort Wayne Police Department Public Information Officer Michael Joyner said.

The Holiday Cab will provide free rides home to

Allen County War Memorial Coliseum

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than 100 animated light displays to delight the whole family.

7:30 p.m.: We hope you’ve got your orange and black ready, because no New Year’s Eve would be complete without partaking in the annual last-day-of-theyear Komets game, this time against the Toledo Walleye, at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.

After the game: Head back downtown to enjoy

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Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory

in Indiana.

Plungers are invited to take a dip in Metea Park’s ice-cold pond before enjoying the After Splash Bash with food and beverages at the Metea Park Nature Center.

Past Fort Wayne plunges have had more than 100 plungers apiece and have raised more than $10,000, according to the release.

Ryan Clark, 11th-grade English teacher at Leo High School, has been participating in the Special Olympics Polar Plunge for eight years.

Each year, he also seeks to extend the opportunity to students.

“The way we grow most in life is by getting out of our comfort zones and doing things that are uncomfortable for

the New Year’s Eve festivities, which begin with music and fireworks and end up with a countdown to 2018, complete with Fort Wayne’s own ball drop (with a real ball this time). Note: If you enjoy a little too much to drink, be sure to take the Holiday Cab home.

Monday, Jan. 1 1 a.m.: Sleep. Wake up late.

1 p.m.: Resolved to get more exercise in 2018?

Start off on the right foot by participating in the 23rd annual Chilly Chal-

lenge. Participants will start at the Psi Ote Barn at Northside Park and bike 15- or 25-mile routes. The 15-mile route makes a stop at the next event…

2 p.m.: The annual polar plunge at Johnny Appleseed Park. Though this event seems to be the Fight Club of polar plunges (Rule 1, don’t talk about the polar plunge), this annual tradition sees more than 100 people every year coming to the boat ramp on Harry Baals Drive to run into the St. Joe River.

something that is for the greater good,” Clark said.

“I think most students will look back and say even though it was painful for those few minutes, it was really worth it because of the good that came out of it.”

Jumping in freezing cold water is “definitely out of most people’s comfort zones” he added with a laugh, but will result in personal growth while benefiting others.

Clark recommends fellow plungers wear old shoes that “it doesn’t matter if they get a little bit mucky and dirty,” socks, shorts and a long sleeved shirt — and don’t forget a change of clothes and a towel.

To prospective participants, he asks, “Are you going to sit around, watching TV on a Saturday morning or are

you going to do something in the world?”

It is sure to be “a morning you won’t forget,” he adds.

To participate, register online at polarplungeIN. org, raise a minimum of $75 in pledges and arrive at Metea County Park between 8-10 a.m.

Local businesses and schools are encouraged to get involved by putting together teams of plungers and helping to raise funds.

Prizes are awarded for fundraising levels met and door prizes will be drawn at the After Splash Bash.

Special Olympics is seeking door prize donations, sponsors and event volunteers as well.

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New Haven • December/January 2018

7 years, 8 kids: Keeping a family together

By Meghan Schrader for IN|Fort Wayne

Christmas at the Stayer residence is a little different from most other families. With eight kids, decorating the tree and baking sugar cookies can get a little hectic, and opening presents is an all-day event.

The family is also very passionate about helping foster children. In the past they’ve supplied Christmas presents for youth who have aged out of the foster care system, and this year they are putting on a New Year’s party for foster children.

Only seven years ago, it was a different story for Robert and Jody Stayer, as they had not yet begun to foster and adopt their eight children.

Adoption had long been something close to Jody’s heart: she worked as a

marriage and family therapist in the Los Angeles foster care system, which is responsible for 10 percent of all the foster children in the United States, she said.

When she and Robert met, their goal to adopt became one and the same.

“They’re completely overwhelmed,” Jody Stayer said of the LA foster care system.

“Bobby and I have both seen the destruction that abuse and neglect [can have] in children that don’t have a place, don’t have anyone that cares about them, what that does to a child. So when we started our family we wanted to be purposeful about helping some of those children.”

Navigating through social workers, attorneys and judges as well as advocating for their child are all obstacles prospec-

COURTESY PHOTO

The Stayer family, clockwise from bottom left, Antonio, 10; Robert; Serena, 14; Monique, 18; Mariah, 12; Elliana, 7; Jody; Frankie, 5; and Carlos, 4.

tive adoptive parents must deal with.

Starting the process In 2010 the couple began the process of

navigating the foster care and adoption system. By 2011 their eldest daughter, Monique, 11 years old at the time, along with her

three younger siblings, Serena, 7, Mariah, 5, and Antonio, 3, were placed with Robert and Jody.

The four were adopted in

2012.

As first-time parents, not only did Robert and Jody have to learn how to parent their kids but the children had to learn how to be members of the Stayer family.

“The challenging part was to reteach and have them relearn how we expected them to be as our kids,” Robert said, explaining he felt they were at a disadvantage by not having raised the kids from birth. “They already had their bad habits. We didn’t have any influence on how they were before they moved into our house.”

“Our kids just really needed to trust us. A lot of those behaviors that people think kids from foster care have, a lot of those go away with a permanent home and adult See STAYER, Page A14

Statistics show northeast Indiana adoption need

By Louis Wyatt lwyatt@kpcmedia.com

Indiana residents adopted 1,509 children statewide in 2016, say statistics from the Indiana Department of Child Services. But while the Hoosier state boasts the nation’s fourthhighest rate of adoption per live births, another question remains: What about the children still waiting for their forever homes?

In October 2017, a total of 17,292 Children in Need of Services — children under the age of 18 who are neglected or abused, and who are not getting the care or treatment they deserve — were placed in foster homes throughout Indiana. Of those placements, 1,383 (8 percent) were in Allen, Whitley and the four counties of DeKalb, LaGrange, Noble and Steuben.

Ann Freeman, family development specialist at SAFY, Fort Wayne, said those numbers don’t tell the whole story.

“It’s a fluid number because any day, children who are currently being ParkviewPG_81569 1/4 pg INNE/INNH/INDV 12/29/17

fostered may have their parental rights terminated and then become available for adoption, so the number is always changing,” Freeman said.

“And, of course, the opposite way it changes is children get adopted and that number drops, but there are always more kids to take their place, unfortunately.”

Freeman said the majority of children waiting to be adopted in northeast Indiana are either in foster homes that aren’t pre-adoptive, residential facilities or hospital settings if they have specific medical needs.

“The majority of those kids will be in homes that aren’t looking to adopt and are still looking for their forever families,” she said.

Of the total number of foster children in Hoosier homes as of Nov. 3, Allen County held the third-highest number (1,041) behind only Marion (3,736) and Lake (1,335) counties. Placements in other northeast Indiana counties indicated by the Office of Data Management,

Reports and Analysis include DeKalb (62), LaGrange (57), Noble (103), Steuben (74) and Whitley (46).

While foster parents choose to take in children for a number of reasons, SAFY Foster Parent Recruiter Ebonee Hower said the majority of the individuals she meets with are looking to adopt. Nevertheless, age preference is still a roadblock for many.

“The majority of people I would say are interested in adopting babies — 5 and under and 3 and under — because maybe they’re nervous of certain behaviors,” Hower said. “They haven’t been with the child since birth and maybe they’re worried about how they will connect with them, but teenagers don’t need any less love than a baby does.”

Foster parents taking in SAFY-served youth may take on children from a variety of backgrounds, whether they have had their parental rights terminated and See STATS, Page A13

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INfortwayne.com • A13

New Haven • December/January 2018

STATS from Page A12 are up for adoption, are in the process of having their rights terminated by the court or are likely to return home to their birth parents.

In 2016, Specialized Alternatives for Families and Youth Indiana — which has offices in Fort Wayne, South Bend, Merrillville and Indianapolis — served 734 families and youths.

Hower said the Fort Wayne agency currently serves about 30 foster kids and four of their children were adopted

FINDING from Page A1 would end up fostering.

“It wasn’t without its challenges, it was very much a struggle, but it was just wonderful,” Don said.

Over the next two years, the Cochrans would foster children from babies to teenagers. Some, Mindy said, only stayed for the weekend until they could be placed with family members. Some, like 9-month-old Kyleigh, stayed much longer.

Kyleigh

In September 2008 Don was at a band contest in Louisville when he got a call requesting that he go to the hospital to sit with an infant “who had blunt force trauma to the head and severe injuries,” he said.

As licensed foster parents, the Cochrans were sometimes asked to sit with children in the hospital who wouldn’t have family present so they wouldn’t be alone.

They ended up taking the baby home as a foster child, continuing to work with the DCS and the child’s parents toward reunification with her birth family.

“You have a job to do, and that’s reunification,

this year. However, while adoptions are an essential component of the agency’s work, the main focus is any kind of permanency.

“In foster care, permanency can mean reuniting with their birth parents or adoption,” Hower said. “The first goal of foster care always is reunification, but then when it comes to a point where a child is unable to go home, that’s when we look into the foster-to-adopt part.”

Hower said many foster parents grieve when children leave their

homes, but while living situations aren’t guaranteed to be permanent — especially through legal risk placements — prospective parents should value the children’s well-being first and foremost.

“Legal risk means that the courts may be leaning towards termination of parental rights but it hasn’t been finalized yet, so there’s that legal risk that it might not happen, the child may end up going back home or another relative may come into the picture that wants to adopt,”

Hower said. “It’s kind of a heavy job because I have to tell people that they have to accept the fact that the child may go home. That fear might make people shy away from foster-to-adopt because, if you get really attached and the child goes home, it’s heartbreaking, but one of the things I always try to tell our parents is that our kids need healthy attachments.”

On the other hand, even children with their rights terminated are waiting to be adopted.

A visit to adoptuskids.

org/states/in/browse.aspx can offer a glimpse of that unfortunate reality.

The website contains 123 results of individual children and siblings waiting to be adopted in Indiana as of November 2017.

Of those 139 individuals, which range between 5 and 17 years old, 12 currently reside in foster homes in Allen County, two are in Steuben County, and Noble and DeKalb counties are home to one each.

Every year and every Christmas that goes by puts each of these children one year ahead of

most adoptive parents’ preferred age ranges, making it increasingly less likely they will make it out of the foster care system before the age of 18.

“The kids that are ready to be adopted with their rights terminated through foster care are typically older,” Hower said. “These kids really need a forever family.

Everyone deserves that.”

For more information on adoptions in the state of Indiana, visit the Indiana Department of Child Services at in.gov/ dcs.

and you’ve always got to keep that going in the back of your mind. Your job is to provide a safe and nurturing environment for that child and to work with DCS on whatever case plan they have going at that time,” Don said about his role as a foster parent.

As the months went on, it became more clear that reunification wasn’t going to happen, and the child’s parents eventually voluntarily terminated their parental rights.

“So we decided we were going to get out of foster care and adopt this one, and that was Kyleigh,” Don said, placing his head on his now 10-year-old daughter’s head.

For seven months, Kyleigh remained the Cochrans’ only child.

“They kept calling us to take additional foster kids, but Kyleigh liked the attention she was getting and we were very hesitant to bring in another foster child, so we declined,” Don said.

had been malnourished, he had the extended belly, he had cuts and bruises all over him. It was a crisis situation, so I went and sat with him.”

Eventually, the little boy, who was 18 months old at the time, came into the Cochrans’ house as well.

His situation provided some new challenges for the young family. The little boy, Uriel, and his biological parents were not legal immigrants, so he was in limbo for some time as the Cochrans worked to adopt him.

The family worked to obtain citizenship for their new son, which they were only recently able to finalize.

For both children, the adoption process was not quick. Kyleigh, whom the Cochrans first met at 9 months old, was 2½ when she was adopted.

For Uriel, the process lasted until he was 4½.

Despite the lengths they had to go through, the choice to adopt both Kyleigh and Uriel was obvious, the Cochrans said.

“You just fall in love with these kids, and when you realize that they’re not going to go home, that they are going to be adopted, we already felt at place there because it wasn’t

a matter of months with us, at this point it was years with us,” Don said.

with the case plan. …

That was what those families were needing to get things back on a healthy and safe track and that’s when my focus changed. Once I found my role, and they tell you that … but you have to feel it, but once I fell into that role I became, it was almost like a calling.”

“And, I think, providing that unconditional love and that nurture and safe home and at the same time we also worked with the birth families … helping them [know] how to care for their children and communicate with their children,” Mindy added.

The Cochrans had their share of difficulties, with one foster child even breaking Mindy’s wrist. Still, they would encourage those interested to open their home to help foster kids in need.

“If they’re interested, I think the only way to do it is to try it. You just have to be patient,” Don said. “The only thing that will change is absolutely everything.

And that’s true. Everything will change with every child. Everything you’ve come to know as a family unit will be disrupted. And once you come to accept that, it sure is rewarding.”

Uriel

“Then I got another call that said there was a child that had been found with some severe injuries and they asked if I could go to King’s Daughters’ hospital and sit with the little boy,” Don said. “He

A heart for fostering

Though they did end up adopting through the foster system, Don said he felt a special calling when they were foster parents.

“I wanted to adopt when we first got into [fostering] because we didn’t have any kids on our own and that changed really quick when I realized what foster care was about,” Don said. “Foster care wasn’t about going into this to adopt kids, it was about providing a safe environment and working

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A14 • INfortwayne.com

New Haven • December/January 2018

LOST from Page A7 the Fort Wayne Traction Company. [the interurban railroad]. It said ‘Conductor 555’ on it. So that was around 1900, 1915. That was probably the most historic item I found.”

Moeller and Spaw found an 1891 nickel and a 2-cent piece at a local elementary school. They found an 1858 half-dime where the State Boulevard curve was straightened. “It makes you think of what was happening at the time,” he said.

Club members hold team hunts at city parks. They also put down their detectors and pick up their rakes for a public service project, a cleanup at McCullough Park.

They bring their favorite finds to their meetings, at 7 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month at the Aboite Township Trustee’s Office, 11321 Aboite Center Road, Fort Wayne. They enter their finds in a display and vote for their favorites in several categories.

Jon Spillson admired a find, a standing Liberty 1916 quarter. “That’s one of the coolest coins ever minted,” he said. “You never find them in good condition.”

Gary Keipper runs the

STAYER from Page A12 to love them, parents to love them,” Jody Stayer said.

The couple as well as Monique agreed that trust was the biggest issue during their initial fostering and adoption.

Monique recounts that she was used to “being the mom” for her siblings and it was hard for her to let that go. She wasn’t accustomed to “that feeling of being wanted or loved,”

PHOTOS BY GARTH SNOW

Locks, keys, tokens and badges suggest stories from two centuries of Fort Wayne area history.

“finds of the month” table.

“Many years ago I made up all the rules for what goes in each category,” he said. “It’s pretty much an honor system. We just vote for whatever we think is the best, and it’s a personal thing so it’s not necessarily what is in the best condition. People can vote for whatever they want.”

So it’s coin vs. coin and toy vs. toy to determine favorites in 11 categories.

Then the 11 class winners are put up for a second vote. Winning can be expensive. The category winners who do not win the overall title draw tokens for “loser’s revenge,” which can cost the winner nothing

or a quarter or perhaps a dollar.

Club secretary Rick Merriman won — and paid for it — recently after finding an 1881 2-cent piece. He even told fellow finders the name of the park where he found it. After all, it’s a big park, he said.

Membership is $15 a year, or $10 for senior citizens, or $20 for a family.

The recently issued 30th anniversary T-shirts are still available. Find contact information on Facebook.

President Steve Vevia of Fort Wayne said a detectorist can buy a basic finder for $100, and it’s easy to pay more.

The club heard a report

from the members who represented the club at the Grabill Country Fair.

“It was a 100 percent success,” Kamphues said.

“We had a couple people join at Grabill, and one old member rejoined.”

Visitors saw rings of every description, a wallet that held coins from 1953 and earlier, keys, military items and badges. The admirers kept their distance until they were assured that the club isn’t trying to sell anything, Kamphues said.

“I think we were extremely good ambassadors for the hobby of metal detecting, positively promoting it,” he said. “We tried to relieve people’s

she said, and initially rejected her prospective foster parents. It took her time to realize “this was the real deal and they actually wanted to adopt us.”

“They felt the need to reject us before we could reject them. In their minds, they knew that was going to happen,” Jody said.

This, however, was not the end of their story.

that sibling bond is so important and enduring.

It’s the most enduring bond that you’ll ever have,” Jody Stayer said.

So, compelled by the teachings of Christ and reassured through prayer, the couple continued to bring three more siblings of their adoptive children into their home after moving to Indiana: Elliana, Frankie and Carlos, adopting them between 2014 and 2015. In addition, they are currently fostering

10-month old Annabell.

Jody’s sister and brother-in-law, Julie and Eric Reynolds, had long since been thinking about adoption as well, so when the couple learned the Stayer children’s birthmother had another baby up for adoption, they decided to start the process. Selah and Lilliana, now age 3 and 2, were adopted by the couple in 2015 and 2016 in the hopes of maintaining that sibling bond.

“By helping our kids look to their siblings

Sibling bond

“We just felt that,

Merv Spaw shows a gold ring he found recently.

He said he often finds rings in swimming areas.

fears of this hobby. They see a guy with a shovel and a detector and they think they’re digging big holes.

We don’t do that. Hopefully we sparked some people’s interest in the hobby.”

“Most of us have a real interest in our history, not only Fort Wayne and Indiana but a history of the country,” Kamphues said.

“One time a few years back I found a ring, a brass ring, not an expensive metal at all. But all it said on the ring was ‘Anzio’ and the guy I was hunting with said that was a battle in World War II. So when I got home that day I got chills

for similarities in their personalities, in the way they look, that will help them have a sense of control over their environment and just better self-confidence. There’s so many benefits of maintaining that sibling bond and we’ve just always been passionate about that,” Jody said.

Having such a large family does come with its challenges, Jody said, but added it’s all been worth it to them.

“When they’re older I think they’ll understand the significance of being together and how it was hard to do that. It was a sacrifice we made but I think it’s worth it in the long run,” Robert Stayer said.

Years later now, the family is together and happy. The children stay in contact with their birthfamily, sending pictures, writing letters and texting.

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passion for helping foster children is something her kids will have as well.

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Dab Pulver of Fremont shows a chunk of metal that he found in Montana. He believes it to be a meteorite, and plans to have it authenticated. “Any time we find something unusual it’s a piece of history that no one will see unless you pick it up,” he said.

when I did the research.

That ring is called trench art. Whoever was over there made that. I found that so fascinating.

“We are interested in our history and we love to do research on an item that we found. And besides, we meet a bunch of good guys and we get a little exercise.” spring, is considering Orphans and Vulnerable Children Studies at Taylor University, and will be the first person in her biological family to attend college.

Jody and Robert sought to extend their passion beyond their family. After moving to Indiana, the couple decided to get their church involved with the foster care system.

“As Christians we’re all called to care for the orphan and whichever way you choose to do that is all up to you,” Jody said. In 2013 the family started Called to Care Outreach through Grabill Missionary Church in Grabill. The program has a very large resource closet of new to lightly used clothing, shoes and other items available to foster families who may need them. The group also puts together gifts for foster kids graduating high school as well as baskets of household items for those aging out of the foster care system.

There are 26,000 children aging out the system every year in the United States, Jody explains.

If anyone is interested in donating new to lightly used clothing, shoes or other items, these can be dropped off at Grabill Missionary Church during business hours. For more information regarding the program email Jody Stayer at jrediger7@ hotmail.com.

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Community Calendar New Haven • December/January 2018

Include news of your group, too Send news of your group to gsnow@kpcmedia.com by January 15 for the February issue. Items will be selected and edited as space permits.

February

Community Calendar 2018

January

Community Calendar 2018

DEC.

31

SUNDAY, DEC. 31

Countdown To Noon. Science Central, 1950 N. Clinton St., Fort Wayne. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Included with admission of $9 for adults and children older than 2. Ring in 2018 with New Year’s-themed activities and the annual balloon drop.

JAN. 2 JAN. TUESDAY, Winter book sale. New Haven Branch Library, 648

2

5 7 10 11

Green St., New Haven. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Every branch of the library will be hosting a book sale this winter, sponsored by the Friends of the Allen County Public Library. Books are 50-cents for paperbacks, $1 for hardbacks, $2 for oversize books and $3 for media.

Appleseed Quilt Guild. Classic Cafe, 4831 Hillegas Road, Fort Wayne. Social time begins at 6:30 p.m., meeting at 7 p.m. Learn about the varied quilting journeys of the club’s executive board members. Another member, Vicki Goltz, will also share her skill of making hexies using a handsewing method, eliminating paper piecing. For more information, visit appleseedquiltersguild. com or email appleseedquilters@yahoo.com.

12 13 14 15

FRIDAY, JAN. 5

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 Friday of 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.

SUNDAY, JAN. 7

Church celebrates 50th anniversary. Faith Baptist Church, 6600 Trier Road, Fort Wayne. 10 a.m.

Former members and church friends invited.

George R. Mather Lecture. The History Center, 302 E. Berry St., Fort Wayne. 2 p.m. Free admission. Jason Kissell of ACRES Land Trust will discuss “Preserving Places and Their History.”

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

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 10

New Family Financial Aid Knight. Bishop Luers High School, 333 E. Paulding Road, Fort Wayne; in the media center. 6-8 p.m. Business office staff will answer questions about Indiana Choice Scholarship, financial aid, all Bishop Luers High School scholarships and the FACTS tuition management system. There will also be a question-answer session. No reservations are necessary. Coffee and snacks are available.

17

change their behavior to improve their sleep. Taught

by Nancy Manuel, Health & Human Sciences educator, Adams County. For information or special accommodations, contact Vickie Hadley at the Allen County Extension Office, (260) 481-6826.

18

FRIDAY, JAN. 12

Winter book sale. Monroeville Branch Library, 115

Main St., Monroeville. 10 a.m.-noon and 1-6 p.m.

Every branch of the library will be hosting a book sale this winter, sponsored by the Friends of the Allen County Public Library. Books are 50-cents for paperbacks, $1 for hardbacks, $2 for oversize books and $3 for media.

SATURDAY, JAN. 13

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.

19

SUNDAY, JAN. 14

Cabaret Knight. Bishop Luers High School, 333 E. Paulding Road, Fort Wayne. 4:30 p.m. $15 for dinner and show choirs show. Advance tickets $15, available until Jan. 8; email Carrie Monnier at cbmonnier@gmail.com

MONDAY, JAN. 15

Winter book sale. Dupont Branch Library, 536 E.

Dupont Road, Fort Wayne. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Every branch of the library will be hosting a book sale this winter, sponsored by the Friends of the Allen County Public Library. Books are 50-cents for paperbacks, $1 for hardbacks, $2 for oversize books and $3 for media.

Winter book sale. Georgetown Branch Library, 6600 E. State Blvd., Fort Wayne. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Every branch of the library will be hosting a book sale this winter, sponsored by the Friends of the Allen County Public Library. Books are 50-cents for paperbacks, $1 for hardbacks, $2 for oversize books and $3 for media.

Winter book sale. Grabill Branch Library, 13521 State St., Grabill. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Every branch of the library will be hosting a book sale this winter, sponsored by the Friends of the Allen County Public Library. Books are 50-cents for paperbacks, $1 for hardbacks, $2 for oversize books and $3 for media.

20 22 25

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 17

Short Hikes for Short Legs: What Lives Under the Snow?

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.

Winter book sale. Tecumseh Branch Library, 1411 E. State Blvd., Fort Wayne. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Every branch of the library will be hosting a book sale this winter, sponsored by the Friends of the Allen County Public Library. Books are 50-cents for paperbacks, $1 for hardbacks, $2 for oversize books and $3 for media.

Winter book sale. Waynedale Branch Library, 2200 Lower Huntington Road, Fort Wayne. 10 a.m. 6 p.m. Every branch of the library will be hosting a

26

book sale this winter, sponsored by the Friends of the Allen County Public Library. Books are 50-cents for paperbacks, $1 for hardbacks, $2 for oversize books and $3 for media.

THURSDAY, JAN. 18

Winter book sale. Pontiac Branch Library, 2215 S. Hanna St., Fort Wayne. Noon-9 p.m. Every branch of the library will be hosting a book sale this winter, sponsored by the Friends of the Allen County Public Library. Books are 50-cents for paperbacks, $1 for hardbacks, $2 for oversize books and $3 for media.

Winter book sale. Woodburn Branch Library, 4701 State Road 101 North, Woodburn. Noon-5 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Every branch of the library will be hosting a book sale this winter, sponsored by the Friends of the Allen County Public Library. Books are 50-cents for paperbacks, $1 for hardbacks, $2 for oversize books and $3 for media.

FRIDAY, JAN. 19

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 Friday of 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.

SATURDAY, JAN. 20

Winter book sale. Shawnee Branch Library, 5600 Noll Ave., Fort Wayne. Noon-6 p.m. Every branch of the library will be hosting a book sale this winter, sponsored by the Friends of the Allen County Public Library. Books are 50-cents for paperbacks, $1 for hardbacks, $2 for oversize books and $3 for media.

MONDAY, JAN. 22.

Winter book sale. Shawnee Branch Library, 5600 Noll Ave., Fort Wayne. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Every branch of the library will be hosting a book sale this winter, sponsored by the Friends of the Allen County Public Library. Books are 50-cents for paperbacks, $1 for hardbacks, $2 for oversize books and $3 for media.

THURSDAY, JAN. 25

Winter book sale. Hessen Cassel Branch Library, 3030 E. Paulding Road, Fort Wayne. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Every branch of the library will be hosting a book sale this winter, sponsored by the Friends of the Allen County Public Library. Books are 50-cents for paperbacks, $1 for hardbacks, $2 for oversize books and $3 for media.

Special interest lessons: T-Shirt quilt. Allen County Extension Office, 4001 Crescent Ave., Fort Wayne. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Course offered through Allen County Extension Homemakers. Advance registration required. Get details at extension. purdue.edu/Allen. Class size will be limited to 12.

Bring a sack lunch.

FRIDAY, JAN. 26

Fish fry. Fort Wayne Sport Club, 3102 Ardmore Ave., Fort Wayne. 4-7 p.m. $9 for adults, $4 for ages 6-10.

MORE ONLINE Find the remainder of the Community Calendar at INFortWayne.com.

THURSDAY, JAN. 11

For All Your Upholstery Needs

Breakfast on the Marsh. Indiana Wesleyan Univer-

sity 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 volunteer opportunities at LRWP. Register with Dana Claussen at (260) 478-2515 or d.claussen@lrwp.org to help ensure that enough food is provided.

Winter book sale. Monroeville Branch Library, 115 Main St., Monroeville. 10 a.m.-noon and 1-6 p.m. Every branch of the library will be hosting a book sale this winter, sponsored by the Friends of the Allen County Public Library. Books are 50-cents for paperbacks, $1 for hardbacks, $2 for oversize books and $3 for media.

“The A to ZZZZZZ’s of Sleep.” Allen County Extension Office, on the IPFW Campus, 4001 Crescent Ave., Fort Wayne. 1 p.m. Learn how sleep is essential to overall mental and physical health and well-being, and how people of any age can

INfortwayne.com • A15

Modern Upholstery 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

• Furniture & Seats • Boat Seats • Top Quality Fabric Available • Antiques • Commercial & Residential • Free Pickup and Delivery • Free Stock Material Monday-Friday 10 am-5 pm • Saturday 1 pm-5 pm

Luis

Office

Gladys

260-413-6280 260-489-3033 260-402-2550

207 Airport North Office Park, Fort Wayne 46825

A16 • INfortwayne.com

New Haven • December/January 2018

511 Broadway St. New Haven, IN 46774 260-749-4717

All Furniture Choose from over 400 fabrics and receive delivery in as few as 4 weeks!

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Quality, Value & Service Since 1956!

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$

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$

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$

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$

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Ottoman

Glider

$

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199

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549

399

599

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3

2

sf + Inst.

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sf + Inst.

1

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sf + pad/Inst.

$

Angie Sofa

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249

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Ottoman

$

249

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7200-52

599

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Eliza Sofa

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2

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Collegedale Sofa $

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149 EA.

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149 EA.

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Firm Plush Pillow Top Your Choice on Sale

99

sf + Inst.

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ON SALE NOW! HURRY IN! LIMITED TIME ONLY!

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Oakland DRS $

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299

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$

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Chair Side

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1,399

399

$

End

$

$

Cocktail

299

$

Sectional

1,499

SALE

$

999

$

99 EA.