2018 Kickoff to summer

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Kickoff to Summer

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Kickoff to Summer

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May 26, 2018

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Add gardening space, beauty and ease with elevated gardens

PHOTO PROVIDED

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RP Wakefield can help you increase the value of your home or business, as well as its beauty! We manufacture innumerable sizes and styles including casings, bases, handrails and picture mouldings. All available in red oak, hard maple, poplar, cherry, ash, rustic alder, walnut, hickory, aniegre and many other species. Many are in stock at Auburn Hardwood Mouldings.

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CASINGS • BASES • HANDRAILS • PICTURE MOULDINGS • IN STOCK AT AUBURN HARDWOOD MOULDINGS

Elevated gardens are easier on backs and knees and can be great for small spaces.

CASINGS • BASES • HANDRAILS • PICTURE MOULDINGS • IN STOCK AT AUBURN HARDWOOD MOULDINGS

Elevate your gardens to waist level for convenience and easy access. Elevated gardens are easy on your back and knees and are perfect for the patio, balcony, deck or any area where a bit of planting space is desired. Place them near your kitchen door, grill or table for easy cooking and serving access. You’ll be able to plant, weed and harvest with minimal bending or even from a chair.

Purchase one on wheels or add casters to the legs of your elevated garden for added mobility. Then wheel it into the sun or shade as needed each day or out of the way when you entertain.

Set the garden in place first. Once it’s filled with soil, it will be very heavy and difficult to move. Those gardening on a balcony should confirm the space will hold the weight of the elevated garden you select when filled with soil and mature plants.

Make sure you have easy access to water.

Since this is basically a container, you will need to check the soil moisture daily and water thoroughly as needed. Fill the elevated garden with a well-drained planting mix that holds moisture while providing needed drainage.

Incorporate a low-nitrogen, slow-release fertilizer at planting. Slow-release fertilizers provide plants with needed nutrients for several months, eliminating the need for weekly fertilization.

Grow a variety of your favorite herbs and vegetables like basil, parsley, compact tomatoes and peppers. Support vining plants or try compact ones like Mascotte compact bush bean. Add color and dress up your planter with flowers like edible nasturtiums and trailing herbs like thyme and oregano, which will cascade over the edge of the planter.

Maximize your growing space by planting quick maturing vegetables like

radishes, beets and lettuce in between tomatoes, peppers, cabbage and other vegetables that take longer to reach their mature size. You’ll be harvesting the short season vegetables just as the bigger plants need the space.

Further increase your garden’s productivity with succession plantings. Fill vacant spaces that are left once a row or block of vegetables are harvested. Add more planting mix if needed.

Select seeds and transplants that will have time to reach maturity for harvesting before the growing season ends. Broccoli, cabbage, compact Patio Pride peas, lettuce, spinach and other greens taste best when harvested in cooler fall temperatures.

Replace weather-worn flowers with cool weather beauties like pansies, nemesias, dianthus, alyssum and snapdragons. Fertilize the whole planter so new plantings and existing plants have the nutrients they need to finish out the season.

Protect your fall flowers, herbs and vegetables from hard frosts with floating row covers. These fabrics allow air, light and water through while trapping the heat around the plant.

Once you discover the fun, flavor and ease of waist-high gardening, you’ll likely make room for more elevated planters for your future gardening endeavors.

MELINDA MYERS has written more than 20 gardening books, including “Small Space Gardening.” She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything: Food Gardening for Everyone” DVD set and the nationally syndicated “Melinda’s Garden Moment” TV and radio segments. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned by Milorganite for her expertise to write this article. Myers’ web site is www.

MelindaMyers.com.

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May 26, 2018

Keep children active all summer long

BY ASHLEE HOOS

In a world of ever-growing technology, keeping children active and engaged in the summer months when they’re out of school becomes something parents may worry about.

The Centers for Disease Control recommend at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day to keep children in shape. In addition, the U.S. Department of Education said students can lose the equivalent of two months of math and reading skills in the summer months.

There are many ways to get children engaged and active in the summer months, however.

Pine in Albion to buffalo farms like Wild Winds in Fremont or Cook’s Bison Ranch in Wolcottville to Dutch Creek Farm Animal Park in Shipshewana, the animal lover can have several experiences exploring different places.

The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is also open all summer for people to enjoy.

There are also museums, flea markets, campgrounds, splash pads, pools, lakes and more that can be enjoyed by adults and children alike.

There is also a variety of shopping available to visitors in the area including the Outlet Shoppes at Fremont, the flea market and various Amish shops in Shipshewana and more to enjoy.

Sports

Mental stimulation

ahoos@kpcmedia.com

Most communities offer little league or other various sports leagues children can get active in during the summer months.

Many areas also offer week-long sports camps in the summer to give children a taste of what the sport is like.

Swimming in the lake, in a backyard pool, at the YMCA or anywhere else with a body of water can be another source of summer outdoor athletics to keep everyone moving.

Pickup games of soccer, baseball, kickball, basketball and any other sport imaginable with family or the neighborhood children can be another source of athletic activity without breaking the bank.

Attractions There are a number of attractions both in the four-county area and within a short drive to keep children and families alike up and active during the summer months.

From animal sanctuaries like Black

Ensuring learning retention is another focus point for many in the summer.

To help, parents can ensure their children are reading daily. That can include trips to the local library, a book store or by reading books found at home.

Board games and card games can also be mentally stimulating and can get parents involved with their children. Use games that will stimulate and challenge them to think, such as chess or checkers, Monopoly or others.

The U.S. Department of Education’s blog Ed.gov also recommends crafts or other creative projects over the summer months to continue to promote mental stimulation to help prevent the “summer slide.”

These projects can be anything from homemade arts and crafts to outdoor planting and creative projects that the children will enjoy.

The main goal is to keep children active, happy and healthy over the summer months.

Mufasa is one of the resident lions at Black Pine Animal Sanctuary.

ASHLEE HOOS/

ASHLEE HOOS

Activities at the state parks, such as The Bubble Man visiting at Pokagon, are ways to get the children out, active and learning.

ASHLEE HOOS

Take household items like paper, straws and soap and use a little paint or food coloring to create bubble art.

May 26, 2018

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Water sports provide opportunity for family fun

BY MEGAN KNOWLES

their arms. If the kid slides out of it then maybe you need to tighten it some more or maybe you need to go down in a size.”

Chain O’ Lakes State Park in Albion is Many state parks that rent canoes and hoping to spread the love of canoeing and kayaks provide youth life jackets, but kayaking this year to area families. parks may not have ones for toddlers and, To do this, the park is offering a variety of activities and tips to help those new to the if they do, they may run out of the smaller jackets, Sproles said, adding that children’s sport get started. lifejackets are typically inexpensive.

“Our goal is to get families to come out Canoeing is generally a better activity for here, feel comfortable…so they’ll have a families with young children than kayaking safe and hopefully memorable experience while they’re here and maybe inspire them to because a canoe has a safer spot for small children to sit, Sproles said. She encourages go out and do some other canoe and kayak trips,” Chain O’ Lakes Interpretive Naturalist families to put young ones in the bottom of the boat in the center.

Kaitlyn Sproles said.

“That provides some good stability and Families of any size or age can participate also some safety, because you know kids in canoeing, Sproles said. However, those will get curious, and if they’re sitting up high with small children need to make sure they it’s a lot easier for them to tip in the water have an appropriate lifejacket for the little where if they sit on the bottom of the boat ones. they’re still going to be able to look over the “The main thing is that the life vest fits the child,” she said. “How I tell people to do side,” she said. “I really encourage families that, especially with the little ones, (is to) put to canoe because it’s something they can do together. It’s one of those things that really the life vest on how you think it should be, builds family bonding.” nice and tight, and then you should be able Those on the water should wear to pick them up and it shouldn’t slide over mknowles@kpcmedia.com

Guests kayak at Chain O’ Lakes State Park on May 5.

sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat, preferably wide-brimmed to protect the ears, Sproles said.

“You don’t realize how reflective the water is,” she said. “You have to be extra careful because not only do you have the sun beating down from above but you have the sun that reflects off the water that comes onto you.”

Sproles also recommends bringing plenty of water and even snacks, adding that “you’ll burn more calories than you think.”

And, of course, everyone on the water should also be wearing a lifejacket at all times, even if they are an experienced swimmer, Sproles said.

“Everybody can swim, but nobody can swim when they’re unconscious” because they hit their head in the event the boat capsizes, Sproles said. “The other thing that’s nice about a life jacket is it’s easier to grab if you were to fall in.”

In the rare event a canoe tips over, Sproles said to stay calm and try to swim to shore or signal another boat for help if possible.

Sproles also advised not to canoe or kayak after a large storm, as flash flooding or overflowing waterways can hide obstacles in the water.

Sproles encouraged those interested in trying out canoeing or kayaking to come to Chain O’ Lakes or another state park that offers water sports.

“If they’re at a park like this, we have canoes, kayaks for them to rent and we’ll provide everything from the life jacket…(to) the paddles,” she said. “It’s $5 an hour, $20 for a full day (at Chain O’ Lakes), and I tell people that’s just a really great way to come out and see if you like it before you go out and spend a lot.”

For more upcoming events at Chain O’ Lakes State Park, visit their Facebook page at Facebook.com/chainolakessp.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY CHAIN O’ LAKES STATE PARK

Where to rent canoes or kayaks in northeast Indiana • Chain O’ Lakes State Park, 2355 E. C.R. 75S, Albion. 636-2654 • Circle B RV Park, 5251 W. U.S. 20, Angola. 665-5353 • Manapogo Park, 5495 W. C.R. 760N, Orland. 833-3902 • Mongo River Run, P.O. Box 23, Mongo. 336-2574 or 336-0757 • Pigeon River Canoe-n-Camp, 3490 S. C.R. 325W, Pleasant Lake.

475-5512 • Riverside Canoe and Kayak Rental, 6270 N. C.R. 675W, Orland.

316-0787 • T&L Country Canoes LLC, 5775 W. C.R. 750N, Shipshewana.

562-2411 • Trading Post Canoe Rental and Campground, 7525 E. C.R. 300N, Mongo. 367-2493 Information from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and other sources.

What to bring • Water • Snacks • Map • Life jackets, especially for young children • Dry bag for carrying valuables • Wide-brimmed hats • Sunscreen • Sunglasses • Check the weather

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Kickoff to Summer

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May 26, 2018

Hiking fun for all ages

BY MEGAN SCHRADER For KPC Media Group

With the summer season just around the corner, it’s time to take to the trails and get a little fresh air after being cooped inside all winter. A few tips and tricks can ensure the whole family remain safe while enjoying hiking trails this season.

Tips for all ages When hiking remember to dress in layers. Mornings and evenings get cold, but midday when the sun is beating down will make you glad you wore a T-shirt under that jacket. Choose lighter, synthetic fabrics over dense, water-absorbent cotton and the right shoes depending on hiking location, length and anticipated weather.

Hiking will spend energy stores quickly, so be sure to pack food to refuel. Plan frequent breaks to snack and hydrate.

“Salty snacks and water or sports drink should be consumed on any hike lasting longer than 30 minutes,” NPS.gov, the National Park Service’s website, stated.

It is also important to be mindful of each individual’s abilities and interests when choosing a hiking trail.

Trillium grows at an ACRES Land Trust property.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF ACRES LAND TRUST

Active seniors Take any medical condition into consideration, as the combination of higher altitudes, heat, strenuous climbing and dehydration will make any medical problems worse. Additionally, set a comfortable, conservative pace.

A good, easy to remember rule-ofthumb is “if you can talk while you are walking, you are walking the perfect speed.

When you huff and puff your body is not getting enough oxygen,” according to the National Park Service website.

All members of the party should remember hiking is not a race. It isn’t about getting to the end, it’s about enjoying the natural sights and the memories made along the way. With that in mind, hike at your own pace, slow down if needed and when encountering a daunting obstacle, think twice before taking it on.

Before beginning a hike, do some basic warm-up stretches. If an individual struggles with balance, taking along hiking poles or a walking stick is recommended.

Hiking is safest in a group, but if an individual walks alone, they should tell family members or neighbors where they are going and around the time they will be back.

Age does not define an individual’s abilities, and should not deter anyone from staying active and enjoying the natural world.

“I have been delightfully encouraged by working at ACRES by the age of people

who are doing things like trail running or bicycling dozens of miles every day. I’m often surprised to find out that these folks are much older than me, twice my age, and they’re out there and they’re active,” ACRES Land Trust outreach manager Lettie Haver said.

Take the kids along “Part of preserving wilderness for future generations is teaching youth to appreciate and enjoy nature,” Wilderness.org stated.

When it comes to hiking with kids, a trail with several features such as a lake, stream, waterfall or rock formation can help keep them interested by giving them a goal to reach.

Food can also be a very good motivator.

“You can also use energy breaks as a way to keep your child moving by saying, ‘at that footbridge, we’ll take a break and have a snack,’” Wilderness.org stated.

“Also take a medley of snacks in case your child becomes a picky eater out on the trail.”

For the first few all-family hikes, pick trails that aren’t too long or strenuous. A tired, fussy toddler is hard. A tired, fussy toddler in the middle of the woods with an hour hike back to civilization is harder.

Wilderness.org recommended packing additional kid-friendly supplies such as wet wipes or tissues, lip balm, binoculars, a magnifying glass, field guides (to point things out to kids), a camera and safety whistles for each child (teach them what they are for and when to use them).

Hiking is all about being involved in nature, so let children get up close and personal.

“If you let little kids lead you on the trail, you will be amazed at the kind of teachers that they are,” Haver said.

Getting teens involved In this day and age, getting teenagers outside means dragging them away from some form of electronic device. Once they’re out there though, it can often be smooth sailing.

“That would be my advice to parents, to just recognize that, that verbal complaint doesn’t have to be legitimized,” Haver said with a laugh. “You can take your kiddo out there and discover that they can have fun and just in one look, their protestations melt.”

First things first — choosing a location.

Let them give input and incorporate their ideas and interests into the plan.

Keep it interesting. A more challenging trail with hills and rougher terrain, or an endpoint with a big, exciting feature is often a good motivator, where as a stroll through the ordinary woods may not

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Kickoff to Summer

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interest them as much. Additionally, having a shared goal or challenge between parent and child can also be a good motivator.

“Letting a teenage son or daughter invite a friend along has long been a staple parenting strategy,” TheBigOutside.com stated. So when planning a hiking trip, have them bring a friend along, but if the hiking is particularly strenuous, make sure the other child is up to the challenge.

“I would just ask kids to follow their own natural curiosity for the wonders of this world and to pay attention,” Haver said.

“I would encourage all people to enjoy natural places. There’s just so much fun to be had and so many adventures, quiet time, there are places of reflection, there are places where you can hang out with friends and family, and you can discover the richness and diversity of life on earth.

It’s incredible and the more you see and experience that, the more you begin to recognize about yourself too as part of this living system,” she said.

10 essentials for hiking Depending on where, how long and in what weather conditions the hiking is being done, all these items may not be necessary. With that in mind, it important to pack as light as possible, since lugging heavy bags around will make the trip more difficult.

People hike at an ACRES Land Trust property.

COURTESY OF ACRES LAND TRUST

• Navigation: map, magnetic compass, optional altimeter or GPS receiver • Sun protection: sunglasses, sunscreen for lips and skin, hat, clothing for sun protection • First-aid supplies • Insect repellent • Nutrition: add extra food for one additional day for emergencies • Hydration: add extra 2 liters of water for one additional day for emergencies • Insulation: hat, gloves, jacket, extra clothing for coldest possible weather during current season • Illumination: headlamp, flashlight, batteries • Fire: butane lighter, matches in waterproof container • Repair kit and tools: knives, multi-tool, scissors, pliers, screwdriver, trowel/shovel, duct tape, cable ties • Emergency shelter: tarp, bivouac sack, space blanket, plastic tube tent, jumbo trash bags, insulated sleeping pad

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May 26, 2018

Outdoor safety always a must for the summer

BY EMELINE RODENAS

erodenas@kpcmedia.com

“Prevention, prevention, prevention — that’s the key to outdoor safety,” Parkview Noble Community Nurse Educator Leshia Howell said.

Howell serves as an educator in Noble County, talking to people from summer camp programs, day cares, YMCAs and more about safety in regards to sun exposure, water safety, bike safety and more.

“I’ve gone out and given presentations for the kids. I always talk about how summer is supposed to be a lot of fun. So much time is spent outside,” Howell said.

“The biggest thing is making sure children have an adult with them, that adults do pay attention. You get distracted with your cell phone, but it’s so important to keep an eye on those kids,” she added.

Bugs and plants Bug spray can be controversial because there’s chemicals in it, Howell said, but there are natural options out there to please even the most particular of parents. Another option, such as wearing protective clothing such as pants and long sleeves, is also recommended.

“Just wearing a light shirt or pants can help to prevent being bit,” Howell said. “It’s not just mosquitoes, It can be ticks as well. Ticks are really big this time of year. Parents need to make sure to check kids if they’ve been out walking in the woods. Check your body, check your head for ticks.”

With diseases such as the West Nile and the Zika viruses being carried by mosquitoes, getting bit can have serious life-threatening consequences.

“I think we still need to be aware of it. There’s always that risk,”

Howell said. “The Center for Disease Control states specifics on reported cases every year, so they can warn the public in case of outbreaks.” Howell recommended paying attention to the news and to take extra precautions if there’s an outbreak in the area.

Spider bites are also common during the summer, especially when families are out camping.

“Be aware, wear gloves if you’re moving wood and wood piles. Spiders hide in them,” she said. “In Indiana, we have the black widow spider and the brown recluse. The brown recluse can cause long-term damage of the skin and even necrosis of the skin.”

Bug spray will protect you from bugs, but won’t help when it comes to contact with poison ivy and poison oak. Both are a danger to watch out for, especially if kids are out playing in the backyard or the woods.

“Leaves of three, let them be! It’s a pretty common rule of thumb. Poison ivy can be on the fence, in (the) backyard. … After you touch a plant, you can feel the rash. The redness, itching, blisters can appear as late as five days later,” Howell said.

Sunscreen Sun exposure affects all people, not just kids.

“We have seen several children and even adults that came in from working outside. They think that they’re immune to getting sunburn, heat exhaustion and sun poisoning. They’re not. In fact, if it is a really bad sunburn, we refer them to the burn unit in Fort Wayne,” Howell said.

The Skin Cancer Foundation estimates approximately 90 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Regular daily

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use of an SPF 15 or higher sunscreen reduces the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma by about 40 percent.

Hydration is the key to avoiding sunburn, heat exhaustion and sun poisoning.

“Once you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated. Drinking water is best.

Drink before you know you’re going to be out in the sun,” Howell said.

Wearing sunscreen protects the skin from damage. One of the big things with sunscreen is making sure it’s put on a half hour before going outside so it has time to absorb in to the skin. Also remember to check the expiration date on the bottle: the older the sunscreen, the more decreased its effectiveness.

When it doubt, pitch it and get a new bottle.

Howell recommends a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30.

New evidence has found linking cataracts and sun exposure. Studies are finding that exposure to sun, the reflection of the water and not protecting your eyes is linked to higher rates of cataracts, which can cause long-term issues in senior citizens. This can be remedied easily by purchasing a pair of UV-resistant sunglasses.

Life jackets and water safety Northeast Indiana is known for its many lakes, ponds and pools.

Within a community pool, make sure there’s a lifeguard on duty and no one is running around the pool, as people could fall and hit their heads as a result.

In addition, small children who aren’t as familiar with water should wear life jackets until they’ve built up the strength required for swimming.

Regardless of the location, Howell always recommends knowing how deep the water is.

“In the pool, we know how deep it is, but in ponds and lakes, there’s not an indicator. There could be a drop-off,” Howell said.

She advises not diving unless people know the depth of the water, Howell said.

“I worked in the ER for 12 years.

We would get some diving injuries, just kids diving off and hitting their heads and causing head and neck injuries, even in lakes or sandbars,” she said.

Diving injuries are detrimental and can cause long-term spinal injuries, even paralysis, Howell added.

Drowning is the third leading

cause of unintentional injury death worldwide, accounting for 7 percent of all injury-related deaths. There are an estimated 360,000 annual drowning deaths worldwide.

Children, males and individuals with increased access to water are most at risk of drowning. To help prevent this, wearing life jackets at all times is a must, Howell said.

Dry drowning, defined as drowning from fluid in the lungs that occurs not during submersion in water, but up to 24 hours after swimming or bathing, is more common than people realize.

“If the child inhales water into the lungs, the vocal cords can spasm. The water can lead to spasms in the airway, which causes it to close up and impact breathing,” Howell said.

In secondary drownings, the lungs respond to the trapped water by swelling. Ultimately, the fluid in the lungs makes it hard for the body to absorb oxygen. Oxygen blood levels can drop, causing a slowed heart rate and, in rare cases, cardiac arrest. All this can occur over several hours or even several days after the initial contact with water.

Water safety also includes safety while boating.

“No alcohol when you’re on a boat, especially the person driving the boat. That is considered a vehicle, so drinking and driving does also apply to boating,” Howell said. “People have their coolers out there and they think they’re only going to have a few.”

Knowing the forecast before going boating is also important. If you see the clouds roll in and hear thunder, get that boat in. If you can hear the thunder, there’s a chance you can be struck by lighting.

Bike safety Howell cautions drivers to slow down and to always look twice for a motorcycle or bicycle, especially during the summer months.

“They can be in a blind spot and can be anywhere this time of year,” she said.

Those riding bikes also need to follow certain safety measures.

“Follow the law, wear helmets and don’t ride bikes with flip-flops. You’d be surprised, that’s a big one,” Howell said.

At the end of the day, outdoor safety doesn’t have to seem overwhelming. By taking some precautionary steps, participating in outdoor activities can be a fun and safe for all.

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May 26, 2018

Communities continue to strike up the band Outdoor concerts remain popular

June 15: Spring concert, 6 p.m.

July 4: Independence Day celebration, noon

mknowles@kpcmedia.com

Outdoor concerts are a staple in the summer months in northeast Indiana, and have only grown in number during the past decade.

July 27: The Hubie Ashcraft Band, 6 p.m.

For more information, visit Facebook. com/angolaparksandrec/

Established venues

Community first

From the start, the DeKalb Outdoor Theater decided it would be a “contributor to the community,” Chalmers said.

The board works with nonprofits, with donations and proceeds from food sales going back to groups like Big Brothers Big Sisters, Serenity House and more.

“The first event sponsored by Beacon Credit Union, they use that as a fundraiser for Riley (Children’s Hospital),” Chalmers said. “There’s a heavy dose of community here.”

The board will also work with anyone — from local bands to senior projects to Shakespearean groups — so that a variety

Outdoor concerts Angola Parks and Recreation outdoor concert schedule (all events at Commons Park)

BY MEGAN KNOWLES

One of the oldest outdoor concert series in the area takes place at Commons Park in Angola. These concerts, which mainly consist of spring and Independence Day concerts, began about 14 years ago, said Angola Parks and Recreation Events and Marketing Coordinator Nina Onofrietti.

Not long after, the DeKalb Outdoor Theater in Auburn started.

The idea originated when Auburn Community Band members John Chalmers and Dick Shankle “started talking about a place to have concerts outside in the summer,” Chalmers said.

“The two of us basically started talking to some people around the community and it got out of control,” he added with a laugh.

The idea grew into a committee that was able to lease from the city the land where the stage now sits. The land was and still is located in a floodplain, and up to that point hadn’t seen much use except for as parking for the nearby fairgrounds.

“We proposed putting a stage here, having entertainment throughout the summer and making this more useful,” Chalmers said.

After hearing feedback from locals and visiting stages around the state, the board decided to “think big” when constructing the DeKalb stage, Chalmers said, adding that the stage has comfortably accommodated 130 band members during its annual Community Band Extravaganza.

Kickoff to Summer

DeKalb Outdoor Theater concert schedule June 1: Big Caddy Daddy, 7:30 p.m.

FILE PHOTO

The Fort Wayne Philharmonic presents its annual Patriotic Pops Concert at the DeKalb Outdoor Theater in Auburn.

of interests can be satisfied at the theater.

“There’s a lot of local area talent that needs a place to express themselves and we’re all the time looking for people who want to showcase their talents,” Chalmers said.

Furthermore, all the events at the DeKalb Outdoor Theater — save for the 2nd Annual Ribfest, which is a fundraiser for the DeKalb County Fair Association — are free, though freewill donations are accepted.

“We decided that we were going to be affordable,” Chalmers said.

New offerings

In June, the Kendallville Park Department hopes to provide outdoor events for its community as well, Recreation Director Dawn McGahen said.

The idea for an outdoor venue came as part of its five-year master plan, she said.

“The park board looked at that and decided that instead of tearing up green space that it might be better just to purchase a mobile stage that could be utilized for different aspects in the park and the sports complex,” McGahen said.

The department added a provision for the stage as part of its fundraising to expand its outdoor sports complex, and through “generous donations from the community” they were able to achieve their goal, she said.

“We’re hoping once (the stage) comes in that we can kind of organize some more events in the park utilizing that: concerts, movies, children’s theater,” McGahen said.

Getting the word out

The first few years for the DeKalb Outdoor Theater were a time of growth as people learned about the concept, Chalmers said. Through advertising,

fliers, brochures, social media and participation at Discovering Historic Auburn, more and more people have come to see what the venue is all about.

Likewise, Angola Parks and Recreation reaches out through the newspaper, radio and on its social media channels, Onofrietti said, all which help grow its numbers.

The recent inclusion of outside vendors also helped, she said, listing such eateries as Shigs In Pit, Lakeside Farms and Chapman and Mad Anthony breweries as some examples.

“It’s a nice family event with dinner, live music and an outdoor atmosphere,” she said.

The crowds

Angola Parks and Recreation usually sees about 400 people for its spring concert and 1,000 for its Independence Day concert, Onofrietti said, adding those numbers have grown in the past two years.

Likewise, the DeKalb Outdoor Theater sees on average 500 people on a Friday night, when their main Performance Series acts perform, Chalmers said. As many as 2,000 people attended a performance of gospel singer Guy Penrod.

“When we built, I thought maybe 100 people would come. ... From day one it exceeded our expectations,” he said.

Chalmers used the community’s support thus far as a sign of good things to come for the venue — and maybe the future of outdoor performances as well.

“This project has been so well received by the community,” he said.

“The people have such good feelings about it. … The community just really enjoys (it) and is glad to have this facility.”

June 8: Old Crown Brass Band, 7:30 p.m.

June 10: Auburn Community Band, 6 p.m.

June 15: Fort Wayne Jazz Orchestra, 7:30 p.m.

June 29: Fort Wayne Philharmonic Orchestra Patriotic Pops, 7:30 p.m.

July 6: The Renz Brothers and Goat’s Beards, 7:30 p.m.

July 9: Auburn Community Band, 6 p.m.

July 13: Farmland Jazz Band, 7:30 p.m.

July 20: The Bulldogs, 7:30 p.m.

July 25: The New Stardust Band, 7:30 p.m.

July 27: Guy Penrod, 7:30 p.m.

Aug. 3: The Hubie Ashcraft Band, 7:30 p.m.

Aug. 4: Concert Under the Stars – Todd Herendeen, 7 p.m.

Aug. 10: The Choice Band, 7:30 p.m.

Aug. 12: Community Band Extravaganza, 2:30 p.m.

Aug. 17: Little Big Band, 7:30 p.m.

Aug. 18: 6th annual Freedom Fest, noon-8 p.m.

Aug. 24: Knights on the Town, 7:30 p.m.

For more information, visit dekalboutdoortheater.org/

9

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Kickoff to Summer

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May 26, 2018

Protecting your pets Don’t let your furry friends overheat this summer

BY SAMANTHA WHITING swhiting@kpcmedia.com

Preventative measures can be taken to help your pets beat the heat this summer.

Cats are self-sufficient when it comes to staying cool in hot weather, Sylvan Lake Animal Clinic veterinarian June Vandiver said, as they typically find shady spots and hide under bushes.

Dogs are the animal to be most worried about in scorching temperatures.

The only way dogs are able to release heat is through panting, which allows the heat to evaporate into the air off their tongue and nose, Vandiver said. They also are able to release a little through the pads on their paws.

“The rest of them is covered with hair and they can’t sweat, so they just have a lot of trouble. ... They just don’t tolerate the heat very well,” she said.

Owners of dogs with short noses need to be especially cautious of their furry friend in hot conditions. Bulldogs, boxers and Boston terriers are some examples of dogs with short noses.

“You really need to make sure you don’t over exercise them,” Vandiver suggested.

One preventative measure Vandiver suggested is to take your dog on short walks only in the morning or late evening.

“It keeps them out of the heat of the day,” Vandiver explained.

Walking them in the coolest part of the day also helps prevent injuries to their paw pads that can occur from hot pavement.

If your dog does experience blistering on their paw pad that looks like it’s more than a superficial layer, contact your veterinarian, Vandiver said.

If they are outside in the sun they need to be kept in the shade, especially dogs with black fur.

If you don’t have a body of water easily accessible for swimming, a small plastic

pool can be purchased for fairly cheap, and can really help cool them down, Vandiver said.

Another option is to put cool wash rags under their legs and across the back of their head.

Keeping cool, drinking water readily available in a bowl is also important.

Adding ice cubes can help cool them down, and serve as a fun treat for some dogs.

If your dog does seem to be hot, it’s better to allow them to drink water in small amounts.

“If you give them too much they’re going to throw it right back up,” Vandiver explained.

Start with one-cup servings every 15 minutes, she suggested. Taking a small break will help them from over drinking and vomiting the water.

Be sure to pack water from home if traveling.

“Sometimes they won’t drink the water at other places. If it’s well water or it tastes funny, they might not drink it,” Vandiver said.

Pet stores have begun selling dog cooling items such as cooling collars, cooling mats, cooling vests, crate fans and even toys that are made to be frozen.

The mats, collars and vests are made with a cooling-gel technology that absorbs and dissipates excess body heat. Most of the products can be used indoors or outdoors.

If your dog appears to be overheated at any time, don’t wait to see what happens.

Signs of overheating may include excessive panting or breathing, elevated body temperatures, excessive thirst, weakness, vomiting, staggering or stumbling, or either bright red or dark red gums and tongue.

“Please seek help from your veterinarian right away because it can be a devastating thing,” Vandiver said.

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Dogs with longer faces, like Arby the Pembroke Welsh corgi, have an easier time breathing than short-faced dogs like boxers or bulldogs, according to Sylvan Lake Animal Clinic veterinarian June Vandiver. Panting is the only way dogs are able to release heat, but excessive panting may be a sign that your pup is overheating.

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May 26, 2018

Kickoff to Summer

11

Use the best bait, catch the best fish

BY ASHLEE HOOS

ahoos@kpcmedia.com

Fishing is a popular summer activity for many people. Whether from a boat, a dock or the shoreline, fish are swimming in local lakes just waiting to be caught by anglers of all skill levels.

But, what bait catches the fish you’re going for? Not every fish will go after a crappie jig, spinnerbait, spoons or other types of specialty lure. Knowing what is best for the fish you’re going for can help a day of fishing turn into a successful trip.

For more information on other types of fish in the state or on where to fish, visit in.gov/dnr/fishwild.

Bluegill The number one pursued fish in Indiana is the bluegill, according to the 2018 Indiana Fishing Guide. They prefer slow-moving water where the sun is shining.

Live bait is recommended and can include waxworms, also known as beemoths, or nightcrawlers, though crickets can also be effective.

Bluegill have small mouths, so small hooks are recommended. These fish are also popular during ice fishing season and are one of the easiest to catch, according to IN.gov.

Clear Lake, Shipshewana Lake, Big Long Lake and Sylvan Lake are on Indiana’s list of 15 best panfishing lakes for bluegill.

Crappie Still-fishing or slow trolling are the recommended ways to fish for crappie in Indiana ponds, lakes, streams and reservoirs.

Small minnows used near submerged

trees or other forms of cover commonly attract crappie, but small plugs, spoons, streamers and fly-and-spinner bait combinations can also be effective.

IN.gov suggests dry flies or other surface lures in the late evening hours when fishing for crappie.

Skinner Lake is known for its crappie fishing and is on the Indiana 15 best panfishing lakes list. The best fishing is said to be in May over developing lily pads with live minnows for bait. Shipshewana Lake is also said to have quality crappie fishing.

Bass Found most everywhere in Indiana, bass such as the largemouth prefer warm, moderately clear waters.

Natural baits are effective when fishing for largemouth bass, and these include minnows, crayfish, worms and frogs. Artificial baits that imitate any of these live baits as well as flies, popping bugs, plugs and spoons are also commonly used to catch largemouth bass.

Shipshewana Lake is on the list of 15 best panfish lakes in Indiana and is said to have quality largemouth bass fishing.

Catfish Channel catfish are popular, tasty fish that are native to Indiana waters.

They can be caught on set lines, by jugging or by still-fishing with a rod and reel using live, cut or prepared baits such as fish, crayfish, chicken entrails, blood, cheese or commercial bait concoctions.

Some anglers have luck with spinners, small spoons or artificial lures retrieved slowly near the bottom.

Fishing for channel cat is best near dusk and in the early parts of the night.

Imitation flies and insects are used to catch a variety of fish.

Like the channel cat, flathead catfish are native to Indiana waters, though they are not as popular to eat because the older the fish, the more toxins are built up in its body.

Live and fresh killed baits are most effective on flathead catfish which are typically caught on trot lines, by jugging or by still-fishing with a rod and reel.

Gar A number of gar species live in Indiana.

These fish can be difficult to catch using a traditional hook and line, but IN.gov says they are an excellent fighting fish when they are hooked.

A frayed nylon lure that gets tangled

ASHLEE HOOS//

in the teeth of a gar can be effective in catching them.

Other common ways to fish for gar include spearing and bow fishing.

Trout Several trout species stocked in Indiana waters, and all prefer colder water temperatures.

One popular way to fish for trout, especially on rivers, is fly fishing. Both wet and dry flies are effective bait for these fish.

Other popular trout baits include worms, grasshoppers, crickets, crayfish, salmon eggs, minnows and cheese as well as spinners, small spoons and fly-and-spinner combination baits.

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May 26, 2018