In|northeast news april 2018 by KPC Media Group

INSIDE

Serving northeast Allen County

Community Calendar �� A14

News briefs ��A6

INfortwayne.com

APRIL 2018

Concordia chili bowls to help soup kitchen By Meghan Schrader For IN|fort wayne publications

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Concordia Lutheran High School students and staff are taking to the pottery wheels for a chili bowl fundraiser for St. Mary’s Soup Kitchen in support of the school’s theme for this year, “United in Service.” What started as an idea from Concordia art teacher Trevor Campbell has turned into much more in the minds and hearts of the school’s students. One goal Campbell had for the project was to give students who didn’t take an art class the opportunity to learn to do something artistic and make art on the pottery wheel. “Then off of that, how they can use their artistic talents to benefit our community and give back,” Campbell said. This is the school’s first semester hosting the fundraiser. They intend to continue it in the coming

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.

years and hopefully expand it with additional pottery wheels. Around 33 students and staff members are participating in the service

COURTESY PHOTO

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

Bishop Dwenger readies ‘James and Giant Peach’ 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, miser-

able 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 See JAMES, Page A10

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Bishop Dwenger H.S.

3306 Independence Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 46808

By Becca Schroeder

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 See BOWLS, Page A10

A2 • INfortwayne.com

Northeast News • 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

Correction

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

out to students and give them the message in a way they’ll understand,” Andorfer said. “[Receiving this award] means a lot,” she said. “It really makes me feel good about all the work I’ve been doing and makes me feel inspired to continue it.” Continuing that work is something Andorfer plans to do as she studies biology at Loyola University and pursues her medical degree. “Something I’ve always been interested in was, a few years ago I read an article about how many women, in the Middle East especially, and in male-dominant communities are refused medical treatment because either their doctors are male and they’re not allowed to treat them or their husbands won’t take them to the doctor or fathers or grandparents

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.

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, jour-

nalism, 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.

Schools foundation dinner welcomes astronaut Bean KPC NEWS SERVICE Apollo XII lunar module pilot Alan Bean will address a local audience in support of the East Allen County Schools Educational Foundation.

The group’s annual dinner and auction will be Friday, May 11, at Walb Union International Ballroom at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the event expected

to conclude by 9 p.m. Tickets are $35 each or $70 for two people, or $240 for a table of eight. RSVPs are required by noon Friday, April 20, to EACS Foundation Director Rose Fritzinger at rfritzinger@eacs. k12.in.us. Or call (260) 446-0135. Bean, now a retired Navy captain, was part of the second lunar landing and became the fourth man to walk on the moon, in November 1969. “Captain Bean is a fascinating individual and a tremendous motivational speaker,” the foundation said in a statement. “[Bean] has had a fascinating career: he was an aeronautical engineer, naval aviator, astronaut, and is now an accomplished artist creating the first paintings of a world other than our planet Earth by an artist that has actually been there.” The education foundation supports EACS students and staff. To support that work, the fundraiser will auction such items as Kennedy Space Center tickets, 3-day/2-night certificates

COURTESY PHOTO

Former astronaut Alan Bean now is known for his paintings of what he observed in space. Bean will address a Fort Wayne audience May 11.

for the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Mich., Holiday World passes, Perfect North Slopes passes, a Zulu Nyala (South African safari) package, Peg Perego items, DeBrand Chocolate tours, numerous gift cards, passes and other items donated by

community supporters. Additional donations will be welcomed through noon April 20. Proceeds from the fundraiser will support the EACS Foundation’s Dual Credit / Collegiate Connection program, which reimburses juniors and seniors who

complete college credits while still enrolled at an EACS high school. More than 1,300 EACS juniors and seniors have benefited from this program. The foundation also provides EACS Teachers of the Year recipients with mini-grants.

INfortwayne.com • A3

Northeast News • April 2018

From township to Senate, it’s on May ballot

KPC NEWS SERVICE

Allen County voters will cast primary ballots for township, county, U.S. Senate and Congress, and state legislative and other state offices this spring. Several school board races also will be decided on Tuesday, May 8. Political parties also will select precinct leaders and state convention dele-

gates. 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: MondayFriday, 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.

Giving Back matches volunteers with needs By Louisa Danielson

opportunities to people of all ages. “Some families like to do group stuff at the holidays, so they sign up for when everyone can be there,” Bermejo said. Attendees cover many age groups. “Kids, teenagers, the elderly… everybody [is] welcome,” Bermejo said.

For IN|fort Wayne publications

The Giving Back Fort Wayne Volunteer Fair will allow visitors to Bermejo explore the many ways of serving in the Fort Wayne area. The Leadership Fort Wayne Class of 2018 will host the fair from 3-7 p.m. Thursday, April 12, at Turnstone Center for Children and Adults with Disabilities’ Plassman Athletic Center, 3320 N. Clinton St. “This type of fair [lets you] explore your options,” said Jennifer Bermejo. The manager of Production and Sourcing at Matilda Jane Clothing, Bermejo is a member of the Leadership Fort Wayne class. “I’m very, very passionate about giving back to the community,” she said. This will be her first time helping with the volunteer fair, but not her first work on behalf of community causes. As chair of the Giving Committee at Matilda Jane Clothing, Bermejo has worked to support the Allen County SPCA and has participated in the Women Build program with Habitat for

IN BRIEF

Giving Back Fort Wayne Volunteer Fair Thursday, April 12, 3-7 p.m. Turnstone - Plassman Athletic Center, 3320 N. Clinton St., Fort Wayne Free

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

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

beyond. Interested visitors will find representatives and plenty of information from the various nonprofit organizations ready to add volunteers to their programs. Opportunities can range from working in the arts to working with animals and much more. “It was news to me that [the Three Rivers Festival] is a non-profit organization,” she said. As a nonprofit, the Three Rivers Festival needs volunteers to help with all aspects of the event, from setting up to taking down and everything in between. The Embassy Theatre

also will be represented at the Volunteer Fair, looking for Embassadors. Bermejo said that being an Embassador might just sound like an ushering job — but these volunteers get to see a free show, too. The Soarin’ Hawk Raptor Rehabilitation program also is looking for volunteers. This program helps to rehabilitate orphaned or injured birds of prey, such as hawks, eagles and owls. According to the Soarin’ Hawk website, volunteers do everything from avian care to facility maintenance and donor development. The Volunteer Fair offers

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Finding her voice

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

By Megan Knowles mknowles@kpcmedia.com

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Those who saw Fort Wayne native Christiana Danielle’s bold rendition of “Hotline Bling” on the 14th season of “the Voice” may have thought she was a natural on the stage. The truth is, it took almost losing her ability to sing for the 22-year-old to find her voice. While Danielle participated in the choirs at New Zion Tabernacle and Snider High School, anyone outside those circles didn’t know she sang. “It’s like a little secret I tried to keep,” Danielle said. Then in October of 2012, Danielle caught an unknown virus that caused her tonsils and adenoids to swell to dangerous levels. “[At one point] my throat completely closed and they had to hurry and get me into surgery,” she said. “When I woke up from the surgery … [the doctors told my parents], ‘There’s going to be a lot of scar tissue, there’s an infection

PHOTO COURTESY OF NBC

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

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

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… 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

Agen, Danielle just ‘two of thousands’ of talented performers here

Fort Wayne Creative bwelty@kpcmedia.com

Creative Manager

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.

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, 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 See VOICE, Page A5

Musical talent abounds in Fort Wayne

Editor/Feature Writer gsnow@kpcmedia.com

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on “the Voice” recently, one thing’s for certain — the Summit City has a lot of talent. “They’re just two of thousands of a very deep talent pool, in my opinion,” Fort Wayne Children’s Choir Managing Director Amber Bouthot said. Brian Sparr, pastor of Come2Go Ministries, has seen it too. He works in partnership with C2G Music Hall, which hosts an open mic night the first Monday of the month. “There’s just been a ton of talent that’s been part of this community,” he said. C2G has seen a fair share of this talent on its open mic stage — Addison Agen has been performing at the church since she was 6, Sparr said, and this season’s “Voice” contestant, Christiana Danielle, actually performed on the stage last year. In addition, Sparr mentioned other local talent like Sunny Taylor, Rainee Perdue and Jensen Snyder, among others. “I’m always amazed, and I guess I should stop being surprised, but I’m always amazed by how good people actually are, even just people who are hobbyists or just new to things. We see a lot of young people just cutting their teeth and doing really great things,” he said.

Bouthot said the choir has also seen its share of talent, as it currently has about 315 members and boasts more than 5,000 alumni. She also said the choir is seeing interest for younger and younger children, prompting the choir to start its First Steps in Music program for children ages birth through age 4. Fort Wayne Children’s Choir Executive Artistic Director Jonathan Busarow also credited the wide range of musical opportunities in Fort Wayne to sparking the public’s interest in music. “To have a full-time orchestra, a full-time ballet, a substantial children’s choir in the community, the youth orchestra, the list can go on and on, of all the different things that we have that any other community our size would be jealous of,” he said. “I think that Fort Wayne is making it onto the national stage because the kids here, if they want to, can receive such a solid foundation of not only music education but also support and encouragement and Fort Wayne is such a community that rallies, as we saw with Addison,” Bouthot said. “When there is talent people want to see it nurtured and grown.” That nurturing spirit is something the commu-

nity needs to continue and grow in order to keep this breadth of talent alive. “I think encouraging participation of anybody that has a love of art to find that avenue that they can do that. … We want everybody to know the arts are for everybody to participate in and enjoy,” Busarow said. “So they have to be aware that these things exist to know that they can do them and then they have to be able to fund them.” Sparr hopes to see more and more venues that are available for local musicians to show their talents. “When there’s opportunities to go out and hear local music, whether it’s in a coffee shop or bar or open mic, just take advantage of that opportunity because there is so much talent,” he said. “Addison is such a good example. She was playing gigs at places like the Friendly Fox for 10, 15 people sitting around, and then she sold out two shows at the Embassy. “There’s the mentality I think that people need to break out of, that there’s nothing to do in this town. There’s always something to do in this town. Especially if you’re a music lover there’s a lot of great opportunities to come and listen.”

INfortwayne.com • A5

Northeast News • April 2018

Foellinger bill boasts big names again in ’18 KPC NEWS SERVICE The Foellinger Theatre will host Grand Funk Railroad, the Little River Band, Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo and almost two dozen other concerts in 2018. Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry joined Parks and Recreation Director Al Moll and corporate and media sponsors on March 20 to announce the summer lineup: “Some Kind of Wonderful!” The concert season begins Friday, May, 4 with an 8 p.m. show by Gene Simmons. Tickets for that show went on sale Feb. 16. Visit fortwayneparks.org for tickets and details. The Foellinger Theatre is at 3411 Sherman Blvd., near the entrance to the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo. “I continue to be impressed with the quality and variety of performers that the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department provides for our community and visitors each year at the Foellinger Theatre,” Henry said. “Entertainment offerings and quality of life amenities are critical in our ability to retain and attract businesses and jobs, build on our downtown revitalization efforts and

VOICE from Page A4 eyes and was like, OK Christiana, don’t mess up,” she said. Looking at her was Maroon 5 frontman and “the Voice” judge Adam Levine, his turned around chair indicating he wanted her to join his team. As her song progressed, coaches Kelly Clarkson and Alicia Keys followed suit. “It was crazy. I kept telling myself, this is going to be on YouTube, finish. That’s what got me through,” Danielle said. After finishing, Danielle

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

strengthen neighborhoods.” Tickets for the following concerts went on sale at 10 a.m. March 23: • Dogs of Society, Elton John Tribute, June 16 • Little River Band, June 22 • Let’s Hang On!, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons Tribute, June 30 • Arrival from Sweden: The Music of ABBA, July 7 • Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, July 11 • Grand Funk Railroad, July 14 • The Beach Boys, July 15

• Stayin’ Alive, Bee Gees Tribute, July 21 • Ted Nugent, July 25 • The Lettermen, July 28 • Jay Leno, Aug. 4 • Herman’s Hermits, Starring Peter Noone, Aug. 11 • Full Moon Fever, Tom Petty Tribute, Aug. 17 • The Guess Who, Aug. 24 • Spend the Night with Alice Cooper, Sept. 1 • Hotel California: A Salute to the Eagles, Sept. 3 • REO Speedwagon, Sept. 26 “We anticipate announcing several more

concerts and will update the foellingertheatre.org website as those concerts become available,” Moll said. “We appreciate our generous sponsors who help us keep our ticket prices low. And we thank Pacific Coast Concerts for continuing to bring exciting acts to our venue, where every seat in the house is a great one.” To prevent overpaying for Foellinger Theatre tickets on a ticket scalping site, the Parks & Recreation Department recommends that patrons go directly to foellingertheatre.org and

click on “Purchase Theatre Tickets.” That link will lead patrons to a list of concerts with their correct ticket prices and a seating chart, as well as an option to buy directly from the Parks and Recreation Department. Tickets may also be purchased by calling the Parks and Recreation office at (260) 427-6000 or by visiting 705 E. State Blvd., Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Several free concerts will be held at Foellinger Theatre this season as well, including the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Youth Symphony, Old Crown Brass Band, the Fort Wayne Area Community Band and the Fort Wayne Children’s Choir.

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 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

COURTESY PHOTOS

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

Foellinger Theatre will also feature six free, family-friendly movies: “Despicable Me,” “Despicable Me2” and “Despicable Me3,” “Minions,” “Finding Nemo” and “Finding Dory.” Movies will run on Thursdays this year, beginning July 5 at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. Free movies are sponsored by 97.3 WMEE and Fort Wayne’s NBC. The 2018 Foellinger Theatre Summer Concert Series is sponsored by Old National, Fun 101.7 WLDE, PBS39, ABC21, 104.3 Good Time Oldies and Whatzup. For more information about each concert, visit foellingertheatre.org. personal part of myself. “But you can’t do that, you’ve got to try to share it.”

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Northeast News • 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.

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 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.

DIOCESE SEEKS SCHOOLS STAFF

The Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend Catholic Schools Office will conduct a teacher recruitment fair from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 17, at the Archbishop Noll Catholic Center, 915 S. Clinton St., Fort Wayne. The diocese operates 39 elementary schools and four high schools. The schools are looking for licensed teachers for numerous positions. The diocese will be hiring for school administrators, Pre-K, elementary, middle school and

high school teachers, including specials teachers such as music, Spanish and physical education. Applicants will also be sought for open support staff positions including special education and gifted/ talented teachers. Interviews will be conducted on-site. Applicants are encouraged to sign up at www. diocesefwsb.org/teacher-recruitment-fairs for 20-minute interviews with particular school or schools of their choice. Applicants are also requested to bring copies of their resume to each interview. Walk-ins will be limited.

LHN SHOWCASES HEALTH CAREERS

Lutheran Health Network will conduct a career showcase from 4-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 11, in the south lobby of Medical Office Building 2, 7910 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne. Free parking is available in the south parking garage. Enter through Door 1L. Attendees can visit specialty booths to network one-on-one with LHN team members, share resumes, discuss job opportunities and, in some cases, conduct initial job interviews. Appetizers and refreshments will be served. To avoid registration lines, applicants are encouraged to register online by April 10. Visit LutheranHealth.net/ showcase to register and for a list of opportunities.

CARROLL BANDS 5K SET FOR APRIL 22

Members of the Carroll High School bands will perform music at posts along a 3.1-mile course for the Move it for Music 5K Run/Walk on Sunday, April 22. Registration is now open. Proceeds from the event will benefit all of Carroll High School’s music programs. The event will begin at 2 p.m. Registration can be completed at runsignup.com/move_ it_for_music_5k. The cost is $30 per person for those registering now through April 20. The fee includes a race T-shirt and medals. The course will begin and end at Carroll High School near the cafeteria and sports fields, winding through the school’s campus and into the Preserves and Carroll Creek subdivisions. The race will be chip timed and medals will be awarded for various age groups.

Strollers are welcome, but no pets are allowed. Indoor warmup and cool-down stations will be provided, along with music and awards after the race.

PUBLIC INVITED TO FIVE SHOWS

Homestead High School performing groups will entertain local audiences in a series of free concerts and shows this spring. Admission is free. Homestead H.S. is at 4310 Homestead Road, Fort Wayne. • Tuesday April 17, 7 p.m.: The latest addition to the school music program — the handbell choir — will perform in the auditorium. The orchestra also will perform. • Thursday April 19, 7 p.m.: The Homestead Spring Band Concert in the auditorium and main gym will feature Jazz Band II, Jazz Band I, concert band, symphonic band, wind ensemble and the winter guard. • Tuesday, May 8, 7:30 p.m.: The Homestead Jazz Concert will feature special guest Larry McWilliams, Ball State University instructor emeritus, trumpet. • Thursday, May 10, 7 p.m.: The Elite girls show choir will perform in the auditorium. • Friday, May 11, 7 p.m.: The Class Royale mixed show choir will perform in the auditorium.

ARCOLA READY TO BLESS BIKES

Motorcycle riders are welcome to the 29th annual Blessing of the Bikes at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 7, at St. Patrick’s Church, 12505 Arcola Road, Arcola. The Rev. Thadeus Balinda — “Father Tad” to many — will bless the motorcycles. There is no charge to take part, and advance notice is not required. The event will take place rain or shine. The St. Patrick’s youth group will have coffee, pop and some food available for a small charge. “There’s no need to sign up. Just show up about 9:30 or 10. It’s been going on for years, and most people know about it,” organizer Jerry Gordon said. “We do the blessing. There’s nothing official, it’s just a blessing, just for the camaraderie of getting ready for the springtime rides.” Motorcyclists then disperse and usually regroup at several locations, but those gatherings are not part of the

blessing, Gordon said.

JROTC RUN MARKS 100TH

Concordia Lutheran High School Junior ROTC is hosting the A.J. Arnett 5K Honor Run on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 19. The event also commemorates the 100th anniversary of the JROTC. The race begins at 8:30 a.m., starting and finishing at CLHS, 1601 St. Joe River Drive, Fort Wayne. The race will start with a cannon blast. SPC Arnett is a 2004 Concordia graduate and JROTC member. He deployed to Iraq with the U.S. Army in January 2005 and was seriously wounded in July. The run will benefit Honor Flight of Northeast Indiana and Shepherd’s House Fort Wayne. Early-bird registration is underway. Registration is $23 through 11:59 p.m. March 31; register and get more information at ajarnetthonorrun.com. Students in K-8 run for free, but must register at the high school.

COMEDY FEST SET APRIL 20

The third annual Concordia Comedy Festival will take place at 7 p.m. Friday, April 20, at Cinema Center, 437 E. Berry St., Fort Wayne. Tickets are free and the public is welcome. Tickets can be picked up at the high school, 1601 St. Joe River Drive, Fort Wayne, beginning April 10. Students from area middle schools and high schools submitted their films for judging in February. Finalists will be announced April 10. Sponsors predicted the movies will “make the audience chuckle, belly laugh or all out roll on the floor in laughter.” Students were invited to submit up to four movies each, with each movie no more than 3 minutes in length, including optional credits. The competition was open to students in K-12 in Allen, Adams, DeKalb, Huntington, Noble, Wells and Whitley counties. All finalists’ films will be shown on the big screen when the top winners will be announced. Firstprize entries in both the high school and middle school categories will receive a GoPro.

THREE DAYS OF COMEDY

The second annual Maumee Mary and Joseph Comedy Festival See NEWS, Page A7

INfortwayne.com • A7

Northeast News • April 2018

NEWS from Page A6 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 Hundred-Year Mystery.” Coons will bring some of her journals from 30 to 40 years ago. The club presents Christian authors the first Thursday of each month. The schedule includes: May 3, “The Widow Wore Pink,” by Robyn Dykstra; June 7, “A Case for Kindness,” by Lisa Barrickman; and July 5, “Slightly Bad Girls of the Bible,” by Liz Curtis Higgs. Follow the club at yahwehsisterhoodbookclub.com. This is a free event. “Books from upcoming authors will be available,” the club said in a statement. “We read the book prior to the author speaking, but if you haven’t read the book, don’t let that stop you from coming.”

VERA BRADLEY SALE IN APRIL

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

be Wednesday-Sunday, April 11-15, at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne. Tickets for 2.5-hour time slots on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are $5 and are for sale at verabradley.com. Admission is free on Saturday and Sunday. Hours are 7:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Assorted discounts and promotions are explained online. Coliseum parking is $5. Thousands of items will be available for purchase. Vintage Floral, a factory-exclusive pattern, will make its debut during the outlet sale.

ADOPT OR SHOP AT PET EXPO

The Allen County SPCA will present the Northern Indiana Pet Expo on Saturday and Sunday, April 21 and 22, at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne. Hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. each day. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for those ages 60 and older, $3 for those ages 6-12, and free to those ages 5 and younger. Coliseum parking is $5. Get details at northernindianapetexpo.org. The show features information sessions, entertainment, visits with groomers and vendors, and a chance to adopt pets. Children may visit the Kid’s Activity Zone to adopt a balloon animal. Healthy leashed cats and dogs over the age of 1 will be admitted for $1. The pets must be spayed or neutered. Owners sign a general release and waiver agreement. Proceeds benefit homeless dogs and cats and Allen County SPCA, which operates an animal shelter at 4914 S. Hanna St., Fort Wayne. Get details, see photos of pets available for adoption, or donate at acspca. org. See photos of last year’s Pet Expo at infortwayne.com.

SEE NATIONAL PRINT SHOW

The 38th National Print Exhibition continues through May 11 at Artlink Contemporary Gallery, 300 E. Main St., Fort Wayne. Hours are noon-7 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and noon-4 p.m. Sunday. The exhibition was juried by Liz Maugans, printmaker and arts advocate. “I often look for a-ha moments, trickery, mastery and magic when curating work for an exhibition or collection,” Maugans

said of her selections. “I want people who see the work to experience that as well.” This exhibition is sponsored by Lincoln Financial Group, with additional support from the Designer/Craftsman Guild. Visit artlinkfw.com for more information.

PRE-K TAKING APPLICATIONS

Low-income families in Allen and DeKalb counties may submit applications for On My Way Pre-K, the Indiana state-funded prekindergarten program. To be eligible, the child must be 4 by Aug. 1. Other requirements apply. Families can apply at onmywayprek.org or by calling 211. “We encourage eligible families to enroll their children in this tremendously successful program,” said David Nicole, president and CEO of United Way of Allen County.

SYCAMORE SWIM AND DIVE TEAM

Sycamore Hills summer swim and dive team will register for the 2018 season from 4-6 p.m. Sunday, April 22. Sign-up takes place at the Sycamore Hills Swim and Racquet Clubhouse, 1511 Sycamore Hills Drive, Fort Wayne. The 8-week season runs June 4-Aug. 5. Sponsors promise “a climate of friendly competition where swimmers and divers can develop a love for the sport, improve their skills and achieve success at his or her level of ability.” Training groups are available for ages 5-18. For more information, visit www. sycamoreswim.wordpress.com or contact Amie Lindsay at (260) 312-6339 or alindsay@ delineationarch.com.

BRAINS FOR HOPE PLANS 2ND GALA

The Brains for Hope Foundation will host its second annual gala Friday, June 1, at Parkview Mirro Center, 10622 Parkview Plaza Drive, Fort Wayne. Dinner begins at 6 p.m., to be followed by silent and live auctions, an inspirational program, dancing and live entertainment by Good Night Gracie. Tickets are $125 and can be purchased by visiting https:// brains2018.auction-bid. org/microsite/. Maggie and Andrew Saal started Brains for Hope in honor of their daughter, a brain cancer survivor, to raise money for pediatric cancer research. Last year’s inaugural event raised

$75,000.

TICKETS READY FOR ‘CAFE NOIR’

Wells Community Theater will present “Murder at Café Noir” April 6-8 at 211 Water St., Bluffton. “Murder at Café Noir” is a 1940s detective story come to life that features Rick Archer, private investigator. Performances on Friday, April 6, and Saturday, April 7, begin at 6:30 p.m. with a dinner buffet. Tickets for the Friday and Saturday shows are $30, which includes a meal and drink. Bar service will be available at each night of the dinner theater. The 4 p.m. Sunday, April 8, show does not feature a meal. Tickets for Sunday’s show are $15. Tickets are on sale at the Creative Arts office. Tickets also can be purchased and reserved by calling (260) 824-5222. Tickets can be purchased at wellscocreativearts.com.

3-DAY SALE AT TAYLOR CHAPEL

The United Methodist Women of Taylor Chapel United Methodist Church will conduct a rummage sale and bake sale April 12-14. The women’s group supports many local missions. Hours are 5-7 p.m. April 12, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. April 13 and 9-11 a.m. April 14. Taylor Chapel U.M.C. is at 10145 Maysville Road, Fort Wayne. Direct questions to (260) 749-8597.

COMEDY CLUB BOOKS APRIL

Fort Wayne Comedy Club, 2104 S. Calhoun St., will offer shows each Saturday in April. Tickets are $15 in advance at fortwaynecomedyclub.com or $20 the day of the show. For details call (260) 426-6339. The schedule: • April 7, 7:15 p.m. Stu McCallister, headliner. • April 14, 7:15 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. Tim Kidd, headliner. • April 21, 7:15 p.m. Dave Landau, headliner, and featuring Brad Scott. • April 28, 7:15 p.m. Mike Jones, headliner.

APR BANQUET SIGN-UPS DUE

The A. Philip Randolph Institute Fort Wayne Chapter will celebrate its annual scholarship banquet at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 14, at Link’s Wonderland, 1711 E. Creighton Ave., Fort Wayne. Tickets are $35. Reservations are due by Monday, April 2. Contact LaDonna Sims at (260) 403-1362 or ladonnasims@frontier. com for tickets. Tables of eight are available for $280. Joe Jordan, president and CEO of the Fort Wayne Boys & Girls Club, will be the keynote speaker at this fundraiser

for high school scholarships. Scholarship recipients receive their award at this banquet. Scholarship applications were due March 14. The scholarship was created in honor of A. Philip Randolph and Charles Redd, activists who struggled for social and economic justice. “Redd and Randolph shared a common vision for equality, and political and community activism and serve as true inspirations for young people today,” the organization said in a statement.

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUPS ADDED

Visiting Nurse this month expanded grief support groups to two local hospitals. The staff of the Peggy F. Murphy Community Grief Center facilitates the support groups. A Parkview Regional Medical Center grief support group will meet from 5:30-7 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month, in the Chaplain’s Office. The Lutheran Hospital grief support group will meet from 5:30-7 p.m. the last Thursday of each month in the Kachmann Mind/ Body Institute, first floor, next to the gift shop. These new groups are open to any adult in the community who See NEWS, Page A8

USF ART SHOW APRIL 7-MAY 2

The University of Saint Francis will host its 42nd annual School of Creative Arts Student Exhibition, with an opening reception from 5-7 p.m. Saturday, April 7. This event will take place at the Rolland Center for Art and Visual Communication, which is off Leesburg Road on the southeast corner of the Fort Wayne campus. An awards ceremony will follow at 7:30 p.m. at the USF Robert Goldstine Performing Arts Center, 431 W. Berry St. The SOCA exhibition, which runs through May 2, will feature art, dance, music and performance-based works by students enrolled at SOCA. The exhibition is free and open to the public. The Weatherhead Gallery is in the Rolland Center. Hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from 1-5 p.m. For more information, visit art.sf.edu or call (260) 399-8064.

Tuesday, May 8th

2018

ELECTION COVERAGE

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

INFortWayne.com

A8 • INfortwayne.com

Northeast News • April 2018

Local book talk to host ‘Practical Magic’ author Contributed 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

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.

a family dealing with AIDS, can be found on the reading lists of many universities, colleges

and secondary schools. Hoffman has written a number of novels for young adults, including

Spring break VBS adds volunteer opportunity KPC NEWS SERVICE Harlan United Methodist Church and Holy Trinity Lutheran Church are partnering again this year to offer vacation Bible school during the spring break for preschool through sixth grade. The VBS will be from noon-2:30 p.m. April 2, 3 and 4 at Harlan UMC, 16434 State Road 37, Harlan. There is no cost

to students for lunch or attending VBS. For more information or to register, call (260) 657- 5364. Registration will be at noon, followed by game time, a kid-friendly lunch, music and singing, a Bible story and craft. Students will make a daily project: Monday, pet toys for the Allen County SPCA; Tuesday, lap throws and wraps for nursing homes; and Wednesday, braided

BUSINESS SERVICES DIRECTORY

bracelets for cancer and mental health patients and child patients at Parkview Hospital. On Wednesday morning, adults and children are invited to sort food at The Associated Churches in downtown Fort Wayne. Vans will be available and others are welcome to carpool, leaving Harlan UMC at 9 a.m. and returning at 11:30 a.m.

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“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. 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.

NEWS from Page A7

tour will involve walking on several surfaces, including gravel, and attendees should not wear open-toe shoes or flip-flops. Another tour is available from 10 a.m.noon Saturday, May 12. Named the P.L. Brunner Water Pollution Control Plant, the Fort Wayne facility provides sewage treatment for more than 315,000 residents in Fort Wayne, New Haven, Leo-Cedarville, Maysville, Grabill, Zanesville and Arcola and many homes and businesses in unincorporated areas of Allen County. Currently, the plant has the capacity to treat 100 million gallons of sewage per day. Last year, the plant treated nearly 17 billion gallons of sewage for the year. The plant has been serving the community since 1940. On Saturday, April 21, thee Three Rivers Water Filtration Plant, 415 Baltes Ave., will offer a free guided tour

from 10 a.m.-noon. The plant opened in 1933 and after several expansions is now able to filter 72 million gallons of water per day. The tour will give visitors an opportunity to see the plant in operation, to interact with staff members, and to view the architecture of the Collegiate Gothic style building. Another tour will be offered from 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, May 19.

has suffered a loss due to death. Visiting Nurse also hosts a variety of other grief support groups at other locations in Allen and DeKalb counties. For more information, call the Peggy F. Murphy Community Grief Center at (260) 435-3261 or visit vnfw. org.

CITY UTILITIES OFFERS TOURS

The public is invited to free, guided tours of two of Fort Wayne City Utilities essential properties. The next tour is 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 14, at the Water Pollution Control Plant, 2601 Dwenger Ave. Visitors will learn how the plant operates, visit the award-winning lab and view its high-power microscope, and learn about the importance the plant plays in area residents’ daily lives. The

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POLICE RECRUIT DEADLINE NEAR

The Fort Wayne Police Department’s online application current session will close Monday, April 2, at 8 a.m. Visit fwpd.org/ careers to apply. This process is for anyone interested in becoming a full-time commissioned police officer. An applicant must be a U.S. citizen, age 21-35. An applicant must complete a pre-employment physical fitness test. A high school diploma or equivalent or a G.E.D. is required; education beyond high school is preferred. Other requirements apply.

KNIGHTS TO RUN AT FOSTER PARK

Bishop Luers High School will host Run With the Knights at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 12, at Foster Park. The 10K/5K run, walk is sponsored by the Alumni Department. The cost is $20 per person. Sign up at bishopluers.org by clicking on “Run With the Knights” in the “Alumni” tab. Register by May 2 to be guaranteed a T-shirt. For more information, contact Tess Steffen at (260) 456-1261, ext. 3039. — Compiled by Garth Snow gsnow@kpcmedia.com

INfortwayne.com • A9

Northeast News • April 2018

Firetrucks guard past at old Station No. 3 By Rod King

For IN|fort wayne publications

The Fort Wayne Firefighters Museum welcomes local school groups and visitors from almost every state to admire the antique firefighting equipment and to take in the atmosphere of old Station No. 3. The museum stands watch from the north side of Washington Boulevard, just east of the Allen County Public Library and across Washington from the Grand Wayne Center. Hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Saturday hours are 10 a.m.-3 p.m. It’s closed Wednesdays. Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for seniors and students, and children younger than 5 are admitted free. The station was built in 1893 and retired in 1972. Firefighters began collecting items and pushing for a museum location. Station No. 6 on Wells Street was the original site for the museum, but the neighborhood lobbied for it to be torn down to make space for a park. The neighborhood won, so since No. 3 was already retired, it became the museum and No. 6’s two spring-loaded, swing-out doors were relocated to No. 3. The next seven years were spent preparing No. 3 to house antique engines, a variety of firefighting paraphernalia, historic photos and thousands of other memorabilia. Recent guest registers shows visitors from Ontario, Alaska, Tennessee, North Carolina, Ohio, Wyoming, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, and from all across Indiana. If you’re fortunate to be there when 29-year veteran firefighter and vice president of the museum board, Capt. Dennis Giere, is in the house, you’re in for a treat. Giere will outline the history of Fort Wayne’s Fire Department from a volunteer unit in 1839 until it became a full-time, paid job in 1882. Station No. 3 was first on the scene at the “all-hands” Wolf & Dessauer fire in November 1962. Giere also will point to photos of the city’s worst fire disaster, the Aveline Hotel fire that killed 11 people in 1908. Among the first exhibits he’ll point out are the museum’s pride and joy: the 1893 horse-drawn steamer and the 1942 International firetruck. Though the Amoskeog Extra First Class Steamer on display is not Station 3’s original, it’s identical right down to the hose valves and polished silver boiler. It could pump

PHOTO BY ROD KING PHOTO BY ROD KING

Retired Fire Station No. 3 on Washington Boulevard across from the Grand Wayne Center and next to the Allen County Public Library is the place to see antique engines and equipment from the Fort Wayne Fire Department’s storied history. The station was built in 1893 and retired in 1972.

1,100 gallons per minute, which is nearly as much as today’s engines. Giere points out that the original one, which was last used in 1920, was destroyed. Its replacement was acquired from the Ford Plant in Detroit in the late 1970s. “Ford bought up a bunch of them to use as emergency generators from the Detroit Fire Department when they transitioned to gasoline-powered steamers,” he said. “The 1942 International is unique for a couple of reasons,” Giere said. “It was one of 12 fire engines made here during World War II. In 1938 the city was facing the need to replace its aging fleet and was shocked to learn the price for new ones started at more than $14,000. Someone suggested purchasing an International Harvester truck chassis and having the department’s mechanics build a firetruck on it. They completed the first one that year at a cost of around $7,000. Another one was built in 1939, five more in 1941 and three in 1942. Three are on display in the museum. “The 1942 is extra special because it’s now designated as the ‘last ride.’ It has been converted to hold a casket and is used for funerals of deceased firefighters,” Giere said. In 1893, firefighters at Station No. 3 lived within walking distance. The station was basically their home. They worked 29 out of 30 days and had an hour-and-a-half off each day to dash home to get reacquainted with their families. A bell in the tower on the front of the building (long since removed) was rung to bring them back to the station if a fire run was imminent. In 1920, two shifts were established, with firefighters working 24 hours and then having

Captain Dennis Giere, 29-year veteran firefighter and vice president of the Firefighters Museum, is an encyclopedia of information on old Station No. 3 and the history of the Fort Wayne Fire Department.

PHOTO BY GARTH SNOW

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

24 hours off. Three shifts were started in 1965, with 24 hours on duty and 48 hours off. According to Giere, the firefighters were unhappy when gasoline-powered firetrucks replaced horse-drawn equipment. To them, the 12 horses housed in stalls at Station No. 3 were a beloved part of the crew. One horse stall remains at the museum. A photo

against the brick wall shows three powerful horses beside those same bricks a century ago. A yoke hangs from the wooden wall of the stall. The adjacent building that once housed the horses is in the process of being renovated to display more antique fire engines and a dive team boat. (IN|Fort Wayne Editor Garth Snow contributed to this report.)

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

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A10 • INfortwayne.com

Northeast News • April 2018

JAMES from Page A1

PHOTOS BY MEGHAN SCHRADER

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

BOWLS from Page A1 really special,” Michelle Frerking, a senior at Concordia High School, said. “This is actually doing something that will benefit other people,” senior Baylee Coburn said, adding that her family members and friends intend to come to the event. “They want to support me but really they’re supporting others, which is really cool.” The event is affecting more than patrons of St. Mary’s Soup Kitchen as the students themselves discover their artistic talents and how they can serve their community. “I kind of want to brag on Mr. Campbell,” Concordia senior Mitchell Studebaker said. “I’m not a very artistic person,

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

but this guy has almost changed my entire view of arts right now and especially because I would have never seen myself freshman and sophomore year doing this.” Concordia hopes to make 200 bowls of all shapes and sizes to sell at the event on Thursday, April 19. On that day,

beginning at 5 p.m., patrons will pay $20 at the door and receive a handmade bowl filled with homemade chili. All are welcome to the event, which will take place at Concordia Lutheran High School, 1601 St. Joe River Drive, Fort Wayne. All proceeds will go to St. Mary’s Soup Kitchen.

makes friends with the human-sized insects living inside. Bishop Dwenger H.S. musicals are always larger than life productions. The talented cast made up of middle schoolers and high schoolers have been working together since February to memorize music and learn choreography for the performances. There are many characters in the musical so the cast is quite large. Some cast members are performing in their first musical and many are veterans who are available to help direct the newcomers. Crew is also working very hard on making the stage performance-worthy. They usually work a few hours after school a couple days a week on building stage props, painting sets and nailing pieces together. Friday, April 27, at 7 p.m. is Kids and Family Night, when any child younger than 12 could win a pool and pizza party courtesy of Fort Wayne Holiday Inn and New Haven Pizza Hut. Saturday, April 28, at 7 p.m. is B.D. Date Night, when two Bishop Dwenger students are admitted for the price of one. On Sunday, April 29, at 2

COURTESY PHOTO

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

p.m. it’s Grandparents Day. All grandparents will be honored with a half-off ticket. General admission is $8, with children 5 and younger admitted free. Bishop Dwenger students pay $6. Reserved seating is $10 and must be arranged ahead of the performance. Contact Lynette Bakle at lbakle@ bishopdwenger.com for reserved seating information. Bishop Dwenger H.S. is at 1300 E. Washington Center Road, Fort Wayne. When you arrive, grab

a peach-themed concession stand treat and snap a photo in the musical photo area. Follow Bishop Dwenger Choir and Drama on Facebook for behind-the-scenes auditions, rehearsals, interviews, special activities and fun events. Everyone continues to give their all to make this family-friendly musical production as exciting and hysterical as possible. (The writer is a senior at Bishop Dwenger High School and a member of the marketing team for the school musical.)

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INfortwayne.com • A11

Northeast News • April 2018

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 childhood lead poisoning,” the county said in a statement. “Most of the time, the cases Trina works on involve children who are poisoned from the ingestion of lead dust from deteriorating lead paint found in their homes,” Fiess said. “Lead poisoning is one of the most detrimental issues in causing childhood developmental delays which are often difficult to reverse and may cause lifelong problems. “In this particular case, Riecke worked diligently with the child’s family and doctors to discover the source of the lead.

After ruling out the standard sources, she advocated for further testing to determine the source of the lead in the child’s body. This additional testing was successful in identifying the source of the lead which then allowed the child to be successfully treated and begin recovering. Riecke’s continual efforts were key to finding the cause of the poisoning and likely positively impacted the child’s life forever.” The employee of the year is selected from the list of employees who have been recognized with a Civil Service Award in the calendar year.

City Utilities offers free rain garden workshops KPC NEWS SERVICE Residents from Fort Wayne and surrounding areas have three opportunities to take advantage of free rain garden workshops in April. Native plants best suited to those rain gardens will be available at a plant sale in late May. Residents attending the workshops can bring photos of storm water’s impact on their yard and learn how to build a rain garden that might reduce standing water on their property. Each session is taught by a city landscape architect. Rain gardens are landscaped areas that help manage and control rain water runoff by containing it where it falls and giving the water an opportunity to soak

into the ground, rather than enter a sewer. Native plants are recommended for rain garden planting because they have robust root systems that break up soil, allowing more water to soak in. Remaining workshop dates are: • Saturday, April 7, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Manchester University School of Pharmacy — Room 105, 10627 Diebold Road, Fort Wayne. • Thursday, April 19, 6-9:30 p.m., Citizens Square – Omni Room, 200 E. Berry St., Fort Wayne. • Saturday, April 28, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Aboite Branch Library, 5630 Coventry Lane, Fort Wayne. To register for a workshop or for more

information, call 311. More information about rain gardens is available at City Utilities’ rain garden website at www. CatchingRainFW.org. Residents who own property in the city of Fort Wayne are eligible to apply for a cash incentive to help offset some of the costs of installing a rain garden when they attend a rain garden workshop. “True native plants can be difficult to find,” City Utilities said in a statement. “An abundance of these native perennial plants will be available at our native plant sale …” That plant sale will be from 9 a.m.noon Saturday, May 26, at Salomon Farm Park Learning Center, 817 W. Dupont Road, Fort Wayne.

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.

A HOST OF HANDBELLS

PHOTO BY GARTH SNOW

Composer and educator Tim Waugh conducts handbell ringers from five area churches in a concert March 3 at Trinity English Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne. Participating musicians came from: Emmanuel Lutheran Church, New Haven; First Mennonite Church, Berne; and First Wayne Street United Methodist Church, Plymouth Congregational Church and Trinity ELC in Fort Wayne. See more photos at INfortwayne.com.

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

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A12 • INfortwayne.com

Northeast News • 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”

Grabill fish and chicken Teams begin preparing dinner to aid two causes for MDA Muscle Walk KPC NEWS SERVICE

KPC NEWS SERVICE The Cedar Creek Lions Club is having a fish fry and chicken fundraiser for two community projects. The meal will be served from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 21, at the Grabill Fire Station, 13413 State St.,

Grabill. The all-you-can-eat meal will consist of fish and/or chicken, baked beans, applesauce, potato chips, bread and coffee or lemonade. Adult meals are $10, ages 4-9 pay $7 and children 3 and younger eat free. Indoor seating is avail-

able. Carry-out meals are available. Proceeds will be shared with the fire department to support the Northeast Allen County Fire & EMS and with the Riverside Gardens for a new playground for special needs children.

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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COURTESY PHOTO

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.”

INfortwayne.com • A13

Northeast News • April 2018

Teen novelist’s character tackles electronic tyranny By Meghan Schrader

For IN|fort wayne publications

Children are often asked what they want to do when they grow up. Rarely, however, are those dreams realized. This was not the case for 18-year-old Fort Wayne native Madison Turpin. “It was a passion of mine, definitely, from the start,” Turpin said, adding that she began writing at age 5. “When I was 11, I told my parents I wanted to publish a book before I got out of high school.” And that she did. Her first book “Wired: The Original Resistance” was published Dec. 6. Turpin began writing her book at age 14, pursuing her dream to have it published before she graduates from Leo Jr./Sr. High School this spring. “Wired” is a futuristic, science fiction novel which follows the journey of Bree McAnderson as

she navigates a world dominated by electronic devices all produced by a single company. What seems like an age of great technological advancement has a dark secret as these electronics start to take over the minds and bodies of all human beings. Bree joins a rebellion dedicated to ending the electronic company and its devices’ power over humanity, but Bree has secrets of her own. Turpin submitted her original book to a publishing company at age 16, but was rejected. “I’m not going to lie, it was kind of upsetting, but I grew from it,” Turpin said. “We all can grow from constructive criticism. Even though it’s hard, you can gain way more than you think. I understand that when you’re taking it in it feels like a blow, it feels like a defeat, but in the end it makes you a stronger person.”

From there the young writer shifted her focus to a more mature audience, pulled her favorite pieces from the original book and started anew. “This book that I wrote is completely different from the one I thought would be my first novel,” Turpin said. “I was so proud of my first one and I scrapped it to make this and I’m more proud of this, so you really grow from what you think is tearing you down.” When it came time to get her book out into the world, Turpin’s parents decided to pay for editing the book as a gift to her. This process took a year and a half and included three rounds of editing: grammar, ideas and final copy editing. From there, Turpin used Amazon’s Createspace, an independent publishing service available online, to publish her first book. “My parents and my friends were really supportive and especially

Homicide victims’ families can get Meals 4 Healing KPC NEWS SERVICE Families of homicide victims will be offered meals and other support, through Meals 4 Healing. Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry and Fort Wayne United announced the initiative. Families of victims will be contacted by a caseworker from the Victim Assistance team within the Fort Wayne Police Department. If the family accepts the offer, hot meals will be delivered to their homes by a church for seven days. Churches will provide the family with church contact information, free services, support groups and victim assistance information for

follow-up help, if needed. Parkview Health is also a partner in the Meals 4 Healing effort. Participating churches are Blackhawk Ministries, Hope Community Church, King’s Community Outreach, New Covenant Worship Center, Pathway Community Church, The Chapel, Trinity English Lutheran Church and Wallen Baptist Church. The project was developed through the Fort Wayne United clergy subcommittee. “We’re fortunate to be part of a caring and giving community,” Mayor Henry said. “We want residents to know we have resources available to make a meaningful difference. Fort

LOVE

Wayne United, the Fort Wayne Police Department, Victim Assistance, partner churches, and Parkview are demonstrating a commitment and willingness to help and impact lives in a positive way during difficult times.” Fort Wayne United is a mayoral initiative started by Mayor Henry in 2016. Under the direction of Iric Headley and a steering committee of volunteers, it places two national efforts, Cities United and My Brother’s Keeper, into one program to provide positive opportunities and hope for black men and boys. For more information, visit www.FortWayneUnited. org.

YOUR

PHOTO BY MEGHAN SCHRADER

Madison Turpin incorporated elements of her earlier work into her first published book, “Wired: The Original Resistance.” Turpin is a senior at Leo Jr./Sr. High School.

all the teachers who helped me with scholastics and English,” Turpin said, adding that her teachers and the assignments they gave her helped develop her abilities as a writer. She has been inspired by writers such as J.K. Rowling, C.S. Lewis and John Green. She also has a deep appreciation for science fiction novels,

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which is why she chose that genre for her first book. Turpin had her first book signing at Barnes & Noble at Glenbrook Square mall in January. She donated 30 percent of her profits to charities that deal with poverty, suicide and selfharm awareness, and sex trafficking. “I’m very much the kind of person who wants

to change the world,” Turpin said of her choice to donate a portion of her profits. “I want to pursue something in that cause where I’m actually helping other people not just taking all the profits for myself. Writing is obviously my passion, I think it’s my God-given gift, and so I’m going to use that to give back to others if I can.” Turpin originally ordered 150 copies for her book signing and sold out in the first week, bringing her total number sold to 200, including online sales. She will attend Taylor University in the fall, double majoring in professional writing and psychology. It’s her goal to be a neuropsychologist while writing on the side. “Now, obviously, if I become the next J.K. Rowling and it blows up, then I’m just going to be writing as my career,” she said with a laugh. She intends to write four more books from “Wired,” creating a series of five, in the future.

Community Calendar A14 • INfortwayne.com

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

8 April

Community Calendar 2018

APR.

1 3 4 5 6

SUNDAY, APRIL 1

George R. Mather Lecture. The History Center, 302 E. Berry St., Fort Wayne. 2 p.m. Free admission. Kayleen Ruesser will lecture and sign copies of her book, “They Did it For Honor: Stories of America’s World War II Veterans.” The Mather lectures are free to the public and made possible through the support of the Dunsire Family Foundation.

TUESDAY, APRIL 3

Appleseed Quilt Guild. Classic Cafe, 4831 Hillegas Road, Fort Wayne. Social time begins at 6:30 p.m. with the meeting at 7 p.m. Quilting enthusiasts are welcome to join the guild at this meeting for the annual quilting garage sale. Quilters are welcome to attend three meetings without paying dues, which are $30 per year. This nonprofit organization encourages interest in making, collecting and preserving quilts.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4

IPFW trombone ensemble spring concert. Rhinehart

Recital Hall, IPFW Campus, 2101 E. Coliseum Blvd., Fort Wayne. 7:30 p.m. Free admission for IPFW students with student ID and students 18 and younger, $7 for adults, $6 for those age 60 and older, $4 for non-IPFW students. Call the IPFW box office at (260) 481-6555 or buy tickets at ipfw. edu/tickets. The ensemble performs a wide variety of music, as performed on tour at high schools across the region.

THURSDAY, APRIL 5

FRIDAY, APRIL 6

Fish and tenderloin fry. Southwest Conservation Club,

5703 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne. 5-7 p.m. $9. All-you-can-eat fish and tenderloin fries are served the first and third Fridays of each month. The meal includes green beans, corn, french fries, coleslaw, dinner rolls and pudding or Jell-O. Coffee and cash bar available. The club has been safeguarding local wildlife and habitat since 1938. southwestconservationclub.org. Rend Collective: The Good News Tour. First Assembly of God, 1400 W. Washington Center Road, Fort Wayne. 7 p.m. Tickets $18-$50. Visit TrinityCommunications.org for tickets and details. “Suor Angelica.” First Wayne Street United Methodist Church, 300 E. Wayne St., Fort Wayne. 7:30 p.m. Free admission for IPFW students with student ID and students 18 and younger, $7 for adults, $6 for those age 60 and older, $4 for non-IPFW students. Call the IPFW box office at (260) 481-6555 or buy tickets at ipfw.edu/ tickets. The IPFW opera ensemble performs “Suor Angelica” (Sister Angelica), a one-act opera by Giacomo Puccini, which made its world premiere at the Metropolitan Opera in 1918.

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SATURDAY, APRIL 7

Eckankar presentation. Allen County Public Library, 900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne; in the Globe Room. 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Free. Book discussion topic is “Spiritual Wisdom on Problem Solving.” Free book available at event while supplies last. For information call (260) 466-3823 or visit www. eckankar.org. “Suor Angelica.” First Wayne Street United Methodist Church, 300 E. Wayne St., Fort Wayne. 2:30 p.m. Free admission for IPFW students with student ID and students 18 and younger, $7 for adults, $6 for those age 60 and older, $4 for non-IPFW students. Call the IPFW box office at (260) 481-6555 or buy tickets at ipfw.edu/ tickets. The IPFW opera ensemble performs “Suor

SUNDAY, APRIL 8

Liberty Cruisers Cruise-In. Liberty Diner, Goshen Road at Coliseum Boulevard, Fort Wayne. 5-7 p.m. This car club brings its classic rides for the public to admire. Watch for details at libertycruisers.com. Flute studio showcase. Rhinehart Recital Hall, IPFW Campus, 2101 E. Coliseum Blvd., Fort Wayne. 7:30 p.m. Students of IPFW flute professor Vivianne Belanger offer solo literature performances along with a flute ensemble that includes piccolo and alto flutes. Free admission for IPFW students with student ID and students 18 and younger, $7 for adults, $6 for those age 60 and older, $4 for non-IPFW students. Call the IPFW box office at (260) 481-6555 or buy tickets at ipfw.edu/tickets. Singles dance. American Legion Post 47, 601 Reed Road, Fort Wayne. 6-9:30 p.m. $7 cover charge. DJ, cash bar, potluck carry-in. For more information, call Doug at (260) 704-3669.

MONDAY, APRIL 9

Civil War Round Table of North East Indiana. Allen County Public Library, 900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne, in Conference Room B. 6:30-8:30 p.m. David Dew will present “Stars and Stripes and Old Glory, Too.” Public welcome. For more information, contact Dick Tagtmeyer at (260) 745-1081, email CWRTNEI@aol.com. Members pay $20 per year. Friends of IPFW Star Music Showcase. Rhinehart Recital Hall, IPFW Campus, 2101 E. Coliseum Blvd., Fort Wayne. 3 p.m. Admission is free for everyone. “Join the Friends of IPFW for an hourlong concert featuring the most outstanding students from the music program performing a wide variety of vocal and instrumental selections,” the IPFW Department of Music said in a statement. “The showcase is a true potpourri of music styles and personnel.” For information, visit ipfw.edu/music.

TUESDAY, APRIL 10

Special interest lesson: Decorating cupcakes and cakes.

Allen County Extension Office, 4001 Crescent Ave., Fort Wayne. 7-9 p.m. Mindy Lambright of Country Kitchen will demonstrate techniques to decorate cupcakes and cakes for any occasion. Get details at extension.purdue.edu/Allen. Special interest lesson: Making vanilla and other extracts.

Yahweh Sisterhood Book Club. The Chapel, 2505 W.

Hamilton Road, Fort Wayne. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. Enter through Door 2. Tonight’s book is “The Piglys and the Hundred-Year Mystery” by Mary Coons.

Angelica” (Sister Angelica), a one-act opera by Giacomo Puccini, which made its world premiere at the Metropolitan Opera in 1918.

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

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11

Short Hikes for Short Legs: Pond Dipping. Eagle Marsh barn, 6801 Engle Road, Fort Wayne. 9-10 a.m. Free. Little River Wetlands Project sponsors this part hike, part interactive educational activity with a curriculum and trail length appropriate for kids ages 3-5 years. Visit www.lrwp.org for more information.

THURSDAY, APRIL 12

Breakfast on the Marsh. Indiana Wesleyan University Education and Conference Center, Room 102/104, 8211 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne. 8:30-9:45 a.m. Well-seasoned nature lovers (50+) are invited to enjoy a light breakfast and nature presentation presented by Little River Wetlands Project, the governing body of Eagle Marsh. Today’s topic is bird counting. Ed and Cynthia Powers, members of the Stockbridge Audubon Society, will discuss the results gathered from bird monitoring at Eagle Marsh. Then, they will share why counting the birds is important, reveal the methodology behind the practice, and talk about upcoming bird counting events. Register with Dana Claussen at (260) 478-2515 or d.claussen@lrwp.org to help ensure that enough food is provided. Rummage sale and bake sale. Taylor Chapel United Methodist Church, 10145 Maysville Road, Fort Wayne. 5-7 p.m. Disorderly Bear Den. The Community Center, 233 W. Main St., Fort Wayne. 6:30 p.m. Members and visitors are welcome. For more information, contact Donna Gordon-Hearn at (260) 409-9886 or tdbear7@comcast.net. The Disorderly Bear Den of Good Bears of the World collects “gently loved teddy bears” and other stuffed animals to give to children in trauma situations and lonely adults in the Fort Wayne area.

FRIDAY, APRIL 13

All-you-can-eat fish fry and pork tenderloins. Park Edelweiss, 3355 Elmhurst Drive, Fort Wayne. 4:30-7

Northeast News • April 2018

p.m. $9 for adults, $5 for children. German beer and wine and soft drinks available. Enjoy dinner accompanied by live, German music. Sponsored by Fort Wayne Mannerchor/Damenchor. Rummage sale and bake sale. Taylor Chapel United Methodist Church, 10145 Maysville Road, Fort Wayne. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

SATURDAY, APRIL 14

Spaghetti dinner and open house. American Legion Post 330, 330 Entrance Drive, New Haven. 5-8 p.m. $8 for adults, $5 for children 10 and younger. Island Vibe Band will entertain from 7:30-10:30 p.m. Sponsored by Sons of the American Legion. Proceeds will be donated to the Children’s Organ Transplant Association. Sports card and collectibles show. Ramada Plaza Hotel, 305 E. Washington Center Road, Fort Wayne. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free admission. Dealers from three states will buy, sell or trade sports cards and other cards and collectibles. The public may bring items to be appraised. For more information contact Brian Mayne at (260) 824-4867 or mcscards@ icloud.com. Rummage sale and bake sale. Taylor Chapel United Methodist Church, 10145 Maysville Road, Fort Wayne. 9-11 a.m.

SUNDAY, APRIL 15

Manhattan Piano Trio. First Presbyterian Church, 300 W. Wayne St., Fort Wayne, in the sanctuary. 2 p.m. Free-will offering. In its 13th season, the Manhattan Piano Trio has performed hundreds of concerts in almost 40 states. Visit manhattanpianotrio.com. The concert is part of the church’s celebration of 60 years of its Music Arts Ministry program.

MONDAY, APRIL 16

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

TUESDAY, APRIL 17

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

THURSDAY, APRIL 19

“Discord,” by Scott Carter. First Presbyterian Theater, 300 W. Wayne St., Fort Wayne. 7:30 p.m. Special preview night tickets are $12 at the door; reservations are not accepted. The full title of tonight’s play is “The Gospel According to Thomas Jefferson, Charles Dickens and Count Leo Tolstoy: Discord.” Get details at firstpresbyteriantheater. com. Church rummage sale. Emanuel Lutheran Church, 800 Green St., New Haven. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Shopping begins outside at 8 a.m. Proceeds from this semi-annual sale go to local and worldwide causes.

FRIDAY, APRIL 20

“Discord,” by Scott Carter. First Presbyterian Theater, 300 W. Wayne St., Fort Wayne. 7:30 p.m. Tickets $20 or less; visit firstpresbyteriantheater.com or by calling the box office at (260) 426-7421, ext. 121. Fish and tenderloin fry. Southwest Conservation Club, 5703 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne. 5-7 p.m. $9. All-you-can-eat fish and tenderloin fries are served the first and third Fridays of each month. The meal includes green beans, corn, french fries, coleslaw, dinner rolls and pudding or Jell-O. Coffee and cash bar available. The club has been safeguarding local wildlife and habitat since 1938. southwestconservationclub.org. Church rummage sale. Emanuel Lutheran Church, 800 Green St., New Haven. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Shopping begins outside at 8 a.m. Today’s sale includes a $2 bag sale. Proceeds from this semi-annual sale go to local and worldwide causes. Fish fry. Bethel United Methodist Church, 8404 Lima Road, Fort Wayne. 4:30-7 p.m. Adults $10.25, children 6-12 $5, children 5 and younger free. Fish or chicken strips, sides and beverage. Bounce house available for children of fish fry customers.

SATURDAY, APRIL 21

See CALENDAR, Page A15

INfortwayne.com • A15

Northeast News • April 2018

Taylor shares joy of song in diverse formats

By Megan Knowles

mknowles@kpcmedia.com

You’ve almost certainly seen Janelle Taylor around town – whether performing solo, with her husband, Jonathan, in the J Taylors, or with Jonathan in the Holy Rebels. “I’ve always been interested in singing, ever since I was a young child. I think that was the thing I wanted to become when I was a kid,” Taylor said. “I idolized people such as Debbie Boone, Olivia NewtonJohn, and I was sure I was going to be a Mouseketeer.” Taylor said growing up in Fort Wayne, she had some “really great” music teachers, citing Dorothy Kataka and Susan Cavanaugh as some early mentors. During her formative years she sang in her middle school and high school choirs as well as show choir. She went to Huntington University to study education, but still participated in a traveling musical ensemble and sang at her church. It was during this time she met her future husband. She graduated from Homestead High School. He graduated from Norwell. They started performing together when they began

dating their senior year. “[We] had a natural harmony that worked really well,” she said. The couple would sing together when requested over the years. When Janelle lost her job in the nonprofit sector in 2008, she decided to try to make her music her career. She and Jonathan started singing at farmers markets in 2009 as the J Taylors, who “specialize in rock and country variety, plus the greatest music from American legends,” according to a video on their website. The J Taylors still perform regularly, including at Triangle Park the first Thursday of the month from 7-9 p.m. in the bar, Taylor said in an email. That show will move to the restaurant’s deck in the summer, she said in an interview. Summer also will mean more outdoor events, usually including shows at Indian Trails Park in Aboite Township and at community events in Roanoke. “We’re doing the Kingston Concert on the Lawn, and then we’ll be down in Greenfield, Ind., in June for their concert series,” she said in an interview. “We’re still getting set up for the year. We’re getting a lot of

PHOTO BY MEGAN KNOWLES

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

inquiries now that people are past the coldest part of the year.” Janelle also does solo shows — “lounge type music” — including at Sycamore Hills. Janelle and Jonathan also performed at nursing homes together through Audiences Unlimited. When he got a job at Sweetwater Sound in August 2014, she wanted to continue to sing for that audience. “I started this program because I wanted to keep singing for the elderly people and there were, I thought, lots of people I wanted to explore their music and I thought that people would still enjoy the

show,” she said. She created her theme show, Famous Females, which she describes as “a compilation of famous female singers from probably all the way back to the mid-1920s to as recent as probably 1968,” including Patsy Cline, Rosemary Clooney, Doris Day, Etta James, Patty Paige and more. She’s updated the repertoire in the past three years, she said, covering the genres of old country, big band, show tunes and gospel several times a week. “I really enjoy it because music is kind of a universal language and it’s also very

therapeutic for people. It brings back great memories,” she said. “It’s a way to give back to the community,” she said in an interview. “Bringing back old hits from famous female singers is kind of taking a trip down memory lane, but it it isn’t necessarily the music that I sing at a restaurant.” “Fort Wayne and this area is very musical, they support and it’s getting even more that way,” she said. “There’s getting to be more places you can play, more places you can play outdoors, more festivals, all kinds of stuff, so they’re very supportive.” Then this past summer, Janelle and Jonathan resurrected an original band, the Holy Rebels, that they had started more than two years ago. “It’s more of a challenge for us and we like that because there’s no backing tracks or anything like that, it’s just all live sound,” Janelle said. In the Holy Rebels, Janelle sings and plays the keyboard; Jonathan sings, plays the guitar and kick drums and writes the music; and a friend plays the bass. Janelle compared the sound to “a little bit like the Lumineers or Mumford & Sons …

kind of a Jack Johnson, almost like Adele.” “It has more of a message to it rather than just here we are to entertain for the evening,” she said. Obviously, music keeps Janelle very busy — she said during her busiest times she may have 18 shows in one month — but it is something she feels called to do. “I think it brings a lot of joy to people,” she said. “I’ve had people very moved by pop music or sacred music, it doesn’t really matter, people are just really moved by music and I think the human voice is significant because words are important and everyone has a voice.” Taylor said she originally studied to be an English teacher because of the power of words to connect people to anything. “I think music even trumps that. Music is basically just poetry set to a tune. It combines a lot of interests for me and then that emotional connection,” she said. Read more about the Taylors’ music at thejtaylors.com or theholyrebels. com. (IN|Fort Wayne Editor Garth Snow contributed to this report.)

Winterholter is awarded 4-year Grace scholarship KPC NEWS SERVICE Jael Winterholter of Fort Wayne has been awarded the $68,000, four-year Faculty Scholarship to pursue a Biblical Studies degree at Grace College in Winona Lake. Winterholter is a senior at

22 24 26 27

Lakewood Park Christian School in Auburn. The award was presented at Grace College’s 15th annual Presidential Scholarship Competition. PSC is an invitation-only scholarship competition for qualifying high school seniors.

Invitations are based on academic achievement, with awards ranging from $2,000 per year to one full-tuition scholarship. Students competed for prizes through an interview and essay contest. In all, 68 scholarships were awarded totaling over $2.2

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

SUNDAY, APRIL 22

Sycamore Hills summer swim & dive team registration.

Sycamore Hills Swim and Racquet Clubhouse, 1511 Sycamore Hills Drive, Fort Wayne. 4-6 p.m. The 8-week season runs June 4-Aug. 5. Training groups for ages 5-18. Team meets. Fun, social activities. For more information, visit www. sycamoreswim.wordpress.com or contact Amie Lindsay at (260) 312-6339 or alindsay@delineationarch.com. Singles dance. American Legion Post 47, 601 Reed Road, Fort Wayne. 6-9:30 p.m. $7 cover charge. DJ, cash bar, potluck carry-in. For more information, call Doug at (260) 704-3669.

TUESDAY, APRIL 24

Fort Wayne Women’s Midday Connection. Orchard Ridge Country Club, 4531 Lower Huntington Road, Fort Wayne. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. The luncheon/program cost is $18. Make reservations by calling Meredith at (260) 672-3414. Today’s program is “Showers Of Friendship” featuring Sharon Bracher, presenting her take on “Do Commercial Products Bring Us Love?” Bracher examines beauty products and their impact on the lives of women.

THURSDAY, APRIL 26

Rummage sale. St. Joseph-Hessen Cassel Parish,

11521 Old Decatur Road, Fort Wayne. 6-8 p.m. Rummage sale. Saint Joseph United Methodist Church, 6004 Reed Road, Fort Wayne. 5-8 p.m.

FRIDAY, APRIL 27

“Frogs,” led by Russ Voorhees. Eagle Marsh barn, 6801

Engle Road, Fort Wayne. 6:30-8 p.m. Free. Join

million in tuition. For more information about financial aid and scholarships at Grace, visit grace.edu/admissions, call (866) 974-7223 or email financialaid@grace.edu. Grace College is an accredited, Christ-centered institution in the lakeside

this fun evening hike to learn about the variety of frogs populating the marsh. Discover how to make frog calls using household items. Sponsored by Little River Wetlands Project. Contact info@lrwp. org or (260) 478-2515 for more information. “Discord,” by Scott Carter. First Presbyterian Theater, 300 W. Wayne St., Fort Wayne. 7:30 p.m. Tickets $20 or less; visit firstpresbyteriantheater.com or by calling the box office at (260) 426-7421, ext. 121. Rummage sale. St. Joseph-Hessen Cassel Parish, 11521 Old Decatur Road, Fort Wayne. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Rummage sale. Saint Joseph United Methodist Church, 6004 Reed Road, Fort Wayne. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. A Taste of Italy: Wine and Food Pairing. The Charles, 3127 Carroll Road, Fort Wayne. 6:30-9 p.m. $70 per person. Payment by card, cash or check. (260) 637-3643 or visit TheCharlesFortWayne.com.

town of Winona Lake, Ind. Affiliated with Charis Fellowship (formerly the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches), Grace College was founded in 1948. Grace offers associate degrees, more than 70 undergraduate degrees in

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

residents of the nursing care facility at The Cedars. Sales will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the four-way stop in Leo-Cedarville and by the Do-It-Best Hardware store in Grabill. The sale will continue until sold out.

SUNDAY, APRIL 29

“Discord,” by Scott Carter. First Presbyterian Theater, 300 W. Wayne St., Fort Wayne. 2 p.m. Tickets $20 or less; visit firstpresbyteriantheater.com or by calling the box office at (260) 426-7421, ext. 121.

SATURDAY, APRIL 28

“Discord,” by Scott Carter. First Presbyterian Theater, 300 W. Wayne St., Fort Wayne. 7:30 p.m. Tickets $20 or less; visit firstpresbyteriantheater.com or by calling the box office at (260) 426-7421, ext. 121. Rummage sale. St. Joseph-Hessen Cassel Parish, 11521 Old Decatur Road, Fort Wayne. 8 a.m.noon. Today is $3-a-sack sale. Rummage sale. Saint Joseph United Methodist Church, 6004 Reed Road, Fort Wayne. 9 a.m.noon. Food drive. First Christian Church, 4800 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. in the church parking lot. The church plans a food drive for its neighborhood food pantry the fourth Saturday of every month. High’s Chicken Sales. The Cedars Branch Auxiliary is hosting the sale, with proceeds used to benefit the

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A16 • INfortwayne.com

Northeast News • April 2018

PAID PAIDADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISMENT

(ALLEN COUNTY) The nationwide credit

crisis may have turned “the American dream” into an extended nightmare for many Indiana home buyers and sellers. Banks and mortgage lenders (who are not going out of business) have tightened up their lending requirements to the point where many home buyers today can no longer qualify for a mortgage. Record foreclosures, rising unemployment, losses in the financial markets and the current credit crunch have not only reduced the number of buyers who can buy but have also increased the number of houses that sellers need to sell. Prices are under pressure as home sellers lower their asking price to attract a buyer, and as lenders resell their foreclosed homes below market value. And it’s turning into a vicious cycle -- as many buyers need to sell their current home first -- and many sellers (unless they plan to rent) need new financing to get into their next home. As a result, a sea of real estate agents, mortgage brokers and home builders are going out of business. These professionals are in the business of serving buyers and sellers. But that’s hard to do with the credit crisis when the entire real estate industry traditionally relies on mortgage lending to finance buyers and get houses sold. What can homeowners do to sell their homes? How can buyers get financing if they can’t meet the tougher lending criteria on credit scores, income verification, down payment amounts and debt ratios?

There’s one local real estate professional who has found a way to make things work even with the present banking crisis. Mike MacDonald is the president of Summit City Investments, Inc. Since 1999, his private investment company has been buying houses throughout the Allen County, IN region without ever relying on banks. MacDonald’s company takes over existing mortgages or brings in private lenders allowing him to pay homeowners all cash for the properties. He then offers his properties for rent or “for sale by owner” using a variety of unique seller financing programs. By taking a long term approach and never relying on banks, business has never been better for MacDonald and his company. “Most sellers are unaware of the options we offer. What they need most is a qualified buyer... and we might just be that buyer. We can buy houses in as-is condition, pay top dollar and close in just a few days… or whenever they’re ready.”

Mike says it’s normal for people to think

they must be desperate before calling him to buy their house. “It’s a very common misconception. But until I look at a house and do some research, I won’t know my game plan for the property or what I can offer. But after a single visit to the property and meeting with the homeowners I can let them know exactly what I can do. My offer is good for 7 days and it’s only at that point, with my offer on the table, that a seller can decide if I’m going to become their buyer.” In fact, price is not an issue for MacDonald. As an investor, what’s important to him is the determination of what income the property can produce. “It’s easy to determine. I also do an appraisal and look at the recent comparable sales. Then I do whatever I can to offer a seller up to full price today -- or about what they might net sometime in the future pursuing a more conventional route. What I can pay depends on the condition, location and financing options available for that type of property. It only takes about 10 minutes to prescreen a property over the phone and to set an appointment. We typically buy 1 out of every 4 properties we see. In fact, for about half of those I have purchased, the seller pursued their other options and then came to realize that my offer was the best all along.” MacDonald believes the three biggest reasons a house doesn’t sell are: 1) it is overpriced, 2) it is poorly marketed, or 3) it is not fixed up to show well. “I can pay a fair price on a home that needs work. I might even plan to increase the value or marketability by adding a bedroom or bath, finishing a basement or installing a new heating system. Brand new carpet and paint will go a long way to attract a qualified buyer. But I understand that many sellers don’t have the time, inclination or money to remodel a house... just to get it sold. We solve that problem for sellers.” Overpricing a home could be the biggest mistake. Listing agents sometimes suggest (or a seller might decide) to ask for a higher price than needed. This might be to test the market or leave wiggle room to negotiate. However, this can backfire if the seller wants (or needs) a quick sale, or when the “days on the market” stacks up causing buyers to wonder what’s wrong with the property. Another misconception about how Mike MacDonald buys houses is the idea that he’s probably looking for sellers in financial distress. “Look, when a seller is out of time or out of options, then I’m usually their best solution -- if their property is not over-financed. But most people headed for foreclosure are either overleveraged or actually looking to save their house. If I buy the house the seller must move. They really need to get into a more affordable home... but sometimes I can help by swapping properties.” MacDonald warns about companies and real estate investors who target distressed homeowners. “Recent laws have been passed in Indiana that apply to any business and investor who targets people in foreclosure. Be cautious, do your research and perhaps seek legal advice when anyone wants to charge you an upfront fee for helping to get your loan modified, or... if they’re promising to lease the home back to you. That rarely works out like the borrower expects and can lead to accusations of fraud. Perhaps rightly so.” What does a real estate investor like Mike MacDonald do with the houses he

buys each month? What about the hundreds of houses his company has bought throughout Allen County, Indiana over the last 14 years? Simple. He rents them out or resells them. “We’re usually managing 80 to 100 properties at any given time -- making us one of the largest owners of single family homes in the area. Each month we may have 10 to 15 houses for sale. Some we’ve owned for years and others we have recently bought.” With a reasonable down payment, MacDonald says he can sell you one of his properties using his popular owner financing programs -- even if you have damaged credit or a short job history. His most popular owner financing “If you can afford a first month’s rent, a last month’s rent and a security deposit, then I can probably sell you one of my houses.”

out some sellers who have found themselves in over their head.” “We do everything we can to get our buyers permanent bank financing. It’s a win-win because we pay sellers all cash and fund our deals with private lenders. Our lenders are mostly local individuals seeking alternatives to low bank CD rates. They earn 8 to 10% interest on real estate notes well-secured by our properties. When we get our buyer cashed out, we finally make our money and can payoff our investor. These investors usually want to reinvest allowing us to buy even more houses.” Unfortunately many of the mortgage programs once available are now gone. It’s reported that 75% of the available lending disappeared when FHA changed their rules last October and again early this year. But, if you have money to put down and can prove your income, there are still loans available now. In fact, some rural development loans and VA loans still allow qualified buyers to borrow with no money down. “We help all of our buyers get a bank loan as quickly as possible... or we finance them ourselves. But we’ve never relied on banks. That keeps us in control and maintains our sanity. But we get those loans done every chance we get. In fact, sometimes a buyer can qualify and doesn’t even know it. Other times they can qualify but need a flexible seller. We’re one of the most creative and flexible sellers you’ll ever find,” says MacDonald. Does buying or selling a home have to be difficult? Maybe not! “President Obama says today's economy is the worst since the Great Depression and it may take many years to recover. Unfortunately I think he’s right and so do many sharp economists.” Interested in selling your property quickly and easily? Looking to buy a new home without bank qualifying? It may be worth checking in with Mike MacDonald and his staff at Summit City Investments, Inc. Call them at (260) 267-0760 485-9437 or visit them online at www.SummitCityInvestments.com. They’re in a unique position to help buyers and sellers overcome the new challenges created by the recent mortgage market meltdown and credit crisis. And if you’re looking for a conservative way to earn 8-10% interest on your idle cash savings or retirement funds, call and ask for info on becoming one of their private lenders.

program includes the opportunity to build “sweat equity.” Before repairing or remodeling a newly acquired house, MacDonald offers it in “as-is” condition to his buyer’s list. This allows his client to do the work (to suit their own preferences) in exchange for all or part of a down payment. “I have a lot of buyers who check my website each week looking for these ‘fixer upper’ deals. But if the home is not under contract within 10 days or so then I’ll hire my contractors to fix it up completely.” His next most popular program is a down payment assistance plan. Many buyers turn to MacDonald’s company because they don’t have the down payment required by today’s cautious lenders. Mike helps buyers build up equity or a down payment over time with his rent-to-own (or lease with the option to buy) program. In this program you can rent the property you’ve decided to buy, but have the option to close anytime over the next 1, 2... or even 5 years. A portion of the rent each month is credited toward buying. Additional amounts can be paid monthly for more rapid equity build up plus other promised amounts can be made later... like proceeds from the sale of another property or a pending tax refund. Once the buyer has enough “skin” in the deal, MacDonald can close with owner financing at the predetermined, mutually agreed upon price and terms. Or the buyer SUMMIT CITY INVESTMENTS, INC. is can close with a new bank loan. According located at 2200 Lake Avenue, Suite 123 in to MacDonald, “There are so many reasons Fort Wayne, IN, holds a Certificate of my buyers like some time before qualifying Good Standing from the Indiana Secretary for a mortgage. They may need to sell their of State, and is a BBB Accredited business house, work on their credit, establish more with the Indiana Better Business Bureau time on a job or establish two years of with an A+ rating, provable income on tax returns when self-employed. All our buyers are put in Mike MacDonald is the President of touch with a sharp mortgage broker who Summit City Investments, Inc. He is a creates a plan for them. We can recommend an affordable credit repair company that can 37-year resident in the local community, do unbelievable things given even a short 6 to and has been a long term partner in his 12 months to work on a file. This also helps family’s independent insurance agency and tax & accounting firm (G. A. MacDonald Associates, Inc.)

260-344-4663

For more information or to view a list of properties for sale, just visit www.SummitCityInvestments.com 2200 Lake Avenue, Suite 123 Fort Wayne, IN 46805 (260) 485-9437 Phone (260) 267-0760 -----------------