Active Lifestyles - Fall 2015

Active LIFESTYLES September2015

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REPUBLICAN

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September 18, 2015

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Welcome With the coming of fall, you don’t need to start hibernating for winter!

There are many beautiful places to get out and enjoy the outdoors in northeast Indiana thanks to a variety of trails. From Fort Wayne to Elkhart, many communities have worked hard to develop trail systems that allow people to get out and bike and hike in some very beautiful settings.

We hope you find the information we have put together for this section helpful, as well as that provided in the advertising messages in this section.

This section may also be found online at KPCNews.com.

The cover photo of people enjoying a fall bike ride on the Pumpkinvine Trail that runs through LaGrange and Elkhart counties is by Danny Graber.

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Northeast Indiana graced by many trails Merging the history and atmosphere of former railways is an enjoyable way to spend an autumn afternoon and stay active and fit.

Dozens of rail-trails can be found in northern Indiana, southern Michigan and western Ohio, as well as all over the United States. Rail-trails are multi-purpose public paths created from former railroad corridors. They are most often flat or follow a gentle grade as they traverse urban, suburban and rural communities in America. Ideal for many uses, such as walking, bicycling, inline skating, cross-country skiing, and equestrian and wheelchair use, rail-trails are extremely popular for both transportation and recreation.

Trails add value to our lives in so many ways — increasing your mobility, improving your health, spurring economic development and job creation, protecting our environment and creating powerful connections within, to and across STEUBEN COUNTY TOURISM BUREAU communities.

A rail-with-trail is a public pathway that A couple bikes their way through the paved trail in Pokagon State Park. Eventuruns parallel to an active rail line. As of ally this trail will link up with trails that run through Steuben County and Angola.

See TRAILS page 4

The Angola trail is complete and the Steuben County trail is under construction.

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TRAILS From page 3

2015, there are more than 240 rails-withtrails in the United States.

The relationship between the trail and the rail varies depending on the community, and rails-with-trails operate under a wide variety of conditions. The rail and trail share an easement and are sometimes separated by extensive fencing. Some trails are adjacent to high-speed, high-frequency trains while others run alongside tourist railroads and slow-moving excursion trains.

Rails-with-trails can also provide a unique opportunity for connecting non-motorized transportation with public transportation, such as when a trail leads to a train station.

Below are northeast Indiana trails, including Rail-Trails:

ALLEN COUNTY

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• PUFFERBELLY TRAIL — 1.5 miles, asphalt The Pufferbelly Trail is currently open for less than 1.5 miles in two disjointed sections. The longer portion runs through neighborhoods and open fields from West Wallen Road to West Dupont Road in the northern reaches of Fort Wayne. The trail also passes through Salomon Farm Park and connects to its existing loop trail. A very short section of trail near one of Fort Wayne’s commercial corridors makes a crescent around the Ice Rink at Lutheran Health SportsCenter off U.S. 27.

ACCESS — Parking for the Pufferbelly Trail can be found at Salomon Farm Park on W. Dupont Road • RIVERGREENWAY — 24 miles, asphalt and concrete The Rivergreenway is a 24-mile linear park within the cities of Fort Wayne and New Haven in Allen County. The trail consists of three main branches along the banks of the St. Mary’s, St. Joseph and Maumee Rivers. This natural corridor provides an opportunity for recreation, fitness and conservation in a serene setting while still being close to everything.

Several parks line the route. The trail also connects residential sections of Fort Wayne with the downtown business district and other commercial corridors, linking thousands of residents with their places of work.

The trail network is constantly expanding and will eventually provide recreation enthusiasts with a 40-mile east/ west corridor across Allen County. • WABASH and ERIE CANAL TOWPATH TRAIL — 5.5 miles, asphalt When envisioning a canal towpath trail, most people probably picture a path

surfaced with crushed stone where mules once led barges up an adjacent canal.

Indeed, this is what once occupied the site of the Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail in Fort Wayne, and what you can still find at the canal portions of the Delphi Historic Trails in Carroll County. However, due to the rapid erosion of the canal banks shortly after opening in the 19th century, the canal was never economically viable.

In Fort Wayne, the canal was filled in, and this part of the right-of-way saw new life as the route for interurban passenger rail service to Huntington.

In 2011, the City of Fort Wayne opened the Towpath Trail to bicyclists and pedestrians on the former canal and rail corridor. The trail begins in the north at Rockhill Park, where it seamlessly meets the popular Rivergreenway system.

After extending south through residential neighborhoods, the trail emerges into a serene, mixed environment of woodlands and open fields, and twice crosses Junk Ditch. The trail rejoins the original canal and rail corridor near the athletic fields and tennis courts on Glendale Road.

A short boardwalk section takes the Towpath Trail over sensitive marshland.

At Engle Road, trail users have the option to continue west to access Aboite’s extensive trail network. Continuing southwest past the Engle Road trailhead leads to the northern edge of Eagle Marsh, a 716-acre wetland preserve. Look carefully into the wetland area and you may see herons, frogs, waterfowl and even bald eagles. Trail users can also connect directly to Eagle Marsh’s hiking trails.

The trail eventually turns north, crosses West Jefferson Boulevard and leads directly to Lutheran Hospital, making it a popular commuting route for the hospital’s many employees.

ACCESS — Parking for the Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail can be found at the Engle Road trailhead near Eagle Marsh; at the athletic fields accessed from the intersection of Fountain Avenue and Glendale Road; at a trailhead located near the intersection of Glendale Road and Smith Road; and at Rockhill Park on Catalpa Street.

DEKALB COUNTY • DEKALB COUNTY TRAIL — 4 miles, asphalt The DeKalb County Trail was constructed in 1976 and is called Indiana’s first rail-trail. It runs between Morningstar Road at the former Greenhurst Country Club in Auburn and Cedar Street along Wayne Street at the southern limits of Waterloo. The trail parallels County Road 427 (west side) between the two towns, coursing through farmland and scattered homes.

See TRAILS page 5

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September 18, 2015

TRAILS From page 4

• RIEKE PARK TRAIL — 1.2 miles, asphalt The Rieke Park Trail runs behind the large community park in Auburn, on an abandoned New York Central Railroad corridor. The paved trail is shaded for most of its route, although it emerges into open fields near the north end. Connections to Worth Road and North Van Buren Street offer access to residents of the neighborhoods adjoining the trail to the east.

The popular Rieke Park is located near the trail’s midpoint. The park offers a playground, basketball court, picnic pavilions, soccer fields, baseball diamonds, horseshoe courts and restrooms.

Access — Ample parking for the trail is available at Rieke Park on Indiana Avenue. Continue from the parking lot on foot or bike between the baseball diamonds to the Rieke Park Trail just beyond the outfield fences.

ELKHART COUNTY • ST. JOSEPH RIVER GREENWAY — 1.3 miles, asphalt

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The St. Joseph River Greenway begins on the southern outskirts of the small town of St. Joe, not far from the Indiana– Ohio border. The short paved trail (just more than 1 mile long) runs through a scenic wooded and rural landscape along its eponymous river. The Civil War monument in the cemetery adjacent to the northern end of the trail is well worth a visit. (Non-wheelchair accessible) • MILLRACE TRAIL — 2.75 MILES, asphalt, crushed stone The Millrace Trail meanders through wooded parkland on the west side of downtown Goshen, a walkable town itself with historical buildings and nice shops.

The scenic trail follows the hydraulic canal between Shoup Parsons Woods and the north end of Shanklin Park. Along the way, you’ll cross several bridges over the canal. At Shoup Parsons, you can learn your trees with the aid of interpretive trail.

Between Millrace and Shanklin parks, you can pick up the Shanklin-Mullet Trail by the creek and take it a short distance northwest to Mullet Park.

On the north end of the trail, you can also head east along East Washington Street for six blocks to connect to the Central City Trail, which in turn links to See TRAILS page 8

DANNY GRABER

A leaf-covered Pumpkinvine Trail is a picturesque place to take a hike in the fall.

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September 18, 2015

JENNIFER DECKER

A shy little girl approaches Rain, a therapy pony. Rain was socializing on a recent weekend at the Rural King Supply Co. Angola store. She was led around the store with her owners, Suzanne and Kristen Zimmerman, Orland.

JENNIFER DECKERX

Pucker up! Rain, a 1-year-old mini paint therapy pony, gives a kiss to one of her co-owners, Suzanne Zimmerman.

Raincheck for good vibrations

BY JENNIFER DECKER jdecker@kpcmedia.com

ANGOLA — Lucy Smith reached her outstretched hands to pet 1-yearold mini paint pony, Rain. Once they touched, Smith couldn’t stop grinning.

Smith, 88, is a resident of Northern Lakes Nursing and Rehabilitation, Angola.

Rain is a therapy pony owned by Travis and Suzanne Zimmerman of Orland and their daughter Kristen.

A therapy animal is trained to provide affection and comfort to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools and those with learning difficulties. The most common therapy animals are dogs, cats and horses.

Suzanne Zimmerman said she’s hopeful Rain will help others in need of comfort or attention, especially those in nursing homes who don’t receive visitors.

Residents remarked how pretty

Rain looked in her little cowboy hat. The Zimmermans brought their pony to Northern Lakes to interact with residents. And they weren’t disappointed. Residents smiled as Suzanne gave Rain her favorite treat — peppermints.

Ron Miles, another resident, joked to staff about Rain: “There’s a helper you can use.”

See GOOD VIBRATIONS page 7

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Active Lifestyles

Horses have been proven to provide health benefits.

A Guardian news story says horses can reflect our emotions to bring relief from addictions and stress.

“The horse is the perfect mirror. They are very emotional beings,” said Gabrielle Gardner, therapy counsellor at Shine for Life. “One of the reasons I think equine-assisted therapies work so well is that everyone has a reaction to horses. Nobody is indifferent. People either love them or fear them. So, that’s two big emotions that immediately reflect what most of life’s issues revolve around.”

American horse trainer Franklin Levinson said: “It has been clinically documented that just being around horses changes human brainwave patterns. We calm down

or become more centered and focused when we are with horses. Horses are naturally empathetic. The members of the herd feel what is going on for the other members of the herd.”

Animal therapy has a long history.

Greeks documented horses’ therapeutic value in 600 BC. In 1875, a French physician concluded equine therapy helps certain neurological disorders.

Webmd.com says pets are natural mood enhancers, keep blood pressure in check, help lower cholesterol and benefit the heart. Pet an animal and it fights depression. Animals promote physical fitness, curb isolation, build immunity and provide a calming presence.

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JENNIFER DECKER

Rain may be little, cute and a pony, but holds her own when it comes to providing therapy and coaxing smiles from those she encounters.

GOOD VIBRATIONS From page 6

Rain’s definitely stinkin’ cute with a fuzzy mane and so little — about knee high. Her purpose is to bring people joy and calm — not that she has to work at either.

On a recent Saturday, Rain visited the Rural King Supply Co. Angola store.

She sauntered through the store with Suzanne and Kristen. It was a socialization trip and Rain didn’t seem to mind wearing her Build-A-Bear pink-sequined slippers.

“You have to take her out in public to mingle. She’s used to noise,” Suzanne said, referring to her nine horses, barn

cats and dogs back at home.

“The dogs are more scared of her than anything. I think it’s her size. She likes to be around people. We had her at our family reunion and she was perfect and still on a bottle,” she said.

Rain is a registered therapy animal at registermyserviceanimal.com. The website licenses three types of animals: therapy, service and emotional support.

“That’s all I want is to put smiles on faces. She’s been through a lot. She was neglected by her mother and we bottle fed her,” Suzanne said. “Eventually, I’d like to take her into a hospital. I hope she brightens their day and makes them feel good.”

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TRAILS From page 5

the beautiful and well-loved Pumpkinvine Nature Trail, as well as Goshen College.

Access — Park at Mill Race Park off W. Plymouth Avenue/S.R. 119 and at the end of Westwood Road.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY • WINONA INTERURBAN TRAIL — 3.14 miles, asphalt The scenic Winona Interurban Trail lies in the southeastern corner of Goshen near the Indiana-Michigan border. The paved pathway is part of the larger Maple City Greenway network that links neighborhoods, parks, schools and businesses throughout the city. In particular, the rail-trail’s proximity to Waterford Elementary, Bethany High School and Goshen College makes it a useful route for students. On the northern end of the college campus, trail-goers can also connect to the Central City Trail, which heads north through downtown and provides access to the popular and scenic Pumpkinvine Nature Trail.

The trail offers an interesting mixture of new and old railroad culture. It was built on the right-of-way of an

electric-powered interurban railroad constructed in the early 1900s and also parallels and crosses an active railroad.

The Winona Railroad carried passengers to and from Winona Lake until 1938 and freight until the early 1950s.

ACCESS — Parking can be found on the Goshen College campus (College Avenue and S.R. 15).

ELKHART and LAGRANGE COUNTIES • PUMPKINVILE NATURE TRAIL — 17.6 miles, asphalt and crushed stone The Pumpkinvine Nature Trail covers more than 17 miles (with a short 1.5-mile section on rural roads) between the towns of Goshen, Middlebury and Shipshewana. The railroad line between Goshen and Middlebury was a popular passenger route at the turn of the 20th century, and its numerous curves and turns led to its nickname after the rambling pumpkin vine. The rail-trail now links urban areas, small towns and agricultural communities throughout one of Indiana’s largest Amish communities.

The trail begins in downtown Goshen, a small Midwestern town, close to the existing active rail line and linked to the new Wilden Avenue Trail, which continues to Elkhart as the MapleHeart

September 18, 2015

Trail. In the first quarter mile you will encounter interpretive signs explaining the railroading history of the area you are traveling through. A restored railroad viaduct carries you across a small creek and into a quaint neighborhood. A second bridge, equally well-preserved, is a short distance ahead.

After the trail crosses S.R. 4 at a crosswalk, it immediately rolls into a wooded area on its way to Abshire Park, which makes for a nice rest area.

A playground and restroom facilities, as well as an outdoor skating rink, sledding hill and warming hut, provide ample activities in every season. When the trail crosses S.R. 4 again, the surface changes to hard-packed crushed limestone for 1.75 miles to C.R. 28. The remaining miles are beautiful, enveloped in a thick forest of maple and oak trees. Colorful wildflowers bloom along the trail in spring.

There is a short (1.7 miles) segment on road beginning at C.R. 33 and stretching to the off-road trail’s resumption at C.R. 35. From there, the trail runs north through a tunnel under U.S. 20, into Middlebury and on to its eastern terminus at C.R. 850 in Shipshewana. This section features a 160-foot wooden trestle across the Little Elkhart River and also goes past Krider World’s Fair Garden.

From the trail’s endpoint in Shipshe-

wana, take C.R. 250 to access the small community’s downtown.

ACCESS — To access the Goshen trailhead from S.R. 15 south, take a left on Oakridge Avenue and go one block; turn right onto 5th Street. The trailhead is just less than a half-milei0 ahead on the left just before the active railroad tracks. From U.S. 33 heading north, turn right onto 5th Street and follow the above directions.

To reach the Abshire Park trailhead from the Goshen trailhead, head south on 5th Street and turn left on East Lincoln Avenue. The trailhead is on the right.

Additional parking for the trail is available near the intersection of County Roads 37 and 22, south of U.S. 20.

Parking is also available at Krider Garden in Middlebury as well as at the Town Hall.

There is limited parking at the intersection of the trail with C.R. 43, about three-quarters of a mile north of C.R. 16. In Shipshewana, there are several parking lots.

• THE HERITAGE TRAIL — 1.8 miles, asphalt The Heritage Trail is nearly a 2-mile path located in Kosciusko County. It is part of a larger multi-use trail called the Lake City Greenway. The trail is just off of Winona Lake and also incorporates the old Chicago Boys Club. The proximity to the lake makes it a good family outing to

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north end of the trail at E. Wendell Jacob Avenue. Near the trail’s southern end, parking can be found at Fireman’s Park and Commons Park.

TRAILS From page 8

go swimming or for kids to enjoy the park.

(Not handicap accessible.)

ACCESS — Parking is available at both trailheads as well as mid-way through at Winona Lake Park on Park Avenue.

STEUBEN COUNTY • ANGOLA TRAIL — 4.4 miles, asphalt, concrete For more than 4 miles, Angola’s trail winds through the heart of the city, which sits in the northeast corner of Indiana, just 10 miles from the bordering states of Michigan and Ohio. The paved pathway connects Fireman’s Park and Commons Park, and is less than a mile from Trine University. Benches, constructed by Eagle Scouts, are available all along the route.

Future plans include a connection to Pokagon State Park, about 3 miles north of where the trail currently ends. The state park sprawls over more than 1,200 acres and offers wetlands, lakes, and historical buildings to explore. This will be connected through the Steuben County portion of the trail, about a mile of which should be complete this fall.

ACCESS — Parking is available on the

WHITLEY COUNTY • BLUE RIVER TRAIN — 2.5 miles, asphalt Columbia City’s Blue River Trail weaves throughout the small city along the banks of the Eel River, linking residents with schools, businesses, activity hubs and parks. The main trailhead, which offers a bike rack, parking, drinking fountain, benches and restrooms, is located just north of the Columbia City Fire Museum on S. Whitley Street, although a recent extension to the west of there takes trail users to South Main Street/U.S. 30.

The trail meanders east from the trailhead along the waterway until it crosses the river on a footbridge at the YMCA property. At East Van Buren Street/S.R. 205, trail users must cross the river on the road bridge. The trail resumes immediately after the bridge, and extends north to popular Morsches Park. The 117-acre park contains a splash pad, pavilion, skate park, tennis courts, baseball fields and mountain bike trails.

At the park’s north end, the trail makes a loop around a quiet pond.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

The Rieke Park Trail, a 1.2 mile-paved pathway, runs behind Rieke Park on an abandoned New York Central Railroad corridor. The paved trail is shaded for most of its route, although it emerges into open fields near the north end.

A new addition to the trail connects residents of the northern neighborhoods of Columbia City with Morsches Park via a bridge over the river north of U.S. 30.

To view more trails or for more information about rail-trails, go to trailink. com.

Sue Carpenter compiled this information.

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September 18, 2015

Bicycle safety is a must for children

BY DENNIS NARTKER dnartker@kpcmedia.com

Late summer’s cooler temperatures with the leafy trees changing from green hues to yellow, gold and red attracts travelers onto country roads in automobiles, on motorcycles and, yes, bicycles.

A leisurely bike trip through the countryside is not only communing with nature but a good way to get some exercise. It could also lead to dangerous mishaps.

Bicycle safety is not just for kids.

Everyone who rides a bike in urban zones or less-populated areas must observe traffic laws and state regulations regarding bicycles on public roads. Even more important is safe travel.

Here area some bicycle safety tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: • Wear a helmet to prevent traumatic brain injuries.

• Check all parts of the bicycle to make sure they are secure and working well.

• Always ride with traffic and obey traffic lights, signs, speed limits and lane markings.

• When riding in the travel lane, ride to the right or in the bike lane if available.

• Do not swerve in a lane or in and out of traffic.

• Make eye contact, smile or wave to communicate with motorists — courtesy and predictability are a key to safe cycling.

• Be considerate and aware of motorists and pedestrians. Remember, pedestrians have the right of way.

• Ride far enough away from the curb to avoid the unexpected from parked cars, like opening doors and drivers pulling out.

• Keep control of the bicycle while looking behind and when using an arm to signal a turn.

• Signal before changing lanes.

• Make sure items like books and clothes are securely attached to the bike or carried in a backpack.

• Use bells, horns or your voice to alert pedestrians and other bicyclists you are

HEALTHY VISION GOES HAND IN HAND WITH A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE! Living a Healthy Lifestyle is more than just eating well and exercising, taking preventative measures to reduce your risk of health complications is a big part.

• Protect your eyes from the blinding glare and harmful UV rays with polarized lenses • Have an annual comprehensive eye exam • Wear protective eyewear made from polycarbonate material when working in the garage or in the yard

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approaching or passing.

• Use a white front light at night, and discourage young children from riding at night.

• Be visible and wear neon and fluorescent colors, and clothing with reflective materials.

• Install bicycle reflectors on the front and back of the bicycle.

It’s a no-brainer, you need to stay focused and alert, so don’t wear headphones because they hinder your ability to hear traffic. Fiddling with an iPhone is also a no-no.

Always look for obstacles in your path like potholes and cracks, railroad tracks, wet leaves and drainage grates. Have you ever been thrown from your bike because you didn’t see a pothole, or when mountain-biking you didn’t notice the tree root?

Thinking about safety each time you take out a bike can become a habit that may save you some day from serious injury.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

A snug-fitting helmet, brightly colored shirt and closed toe shoes are safety features this bicyclist demonstrates to prevent mishaps while enjoying a ride in Bixler Lake Park in Kendallville.

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September 18, 2015

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Ways to stay healthy this holiday season METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

With the holiday season not that far away, many people’s schedules are hectic once again. There are social events and family gatherings to attend, shopping ventures to make, and decorating to be done. While fun, the holiday season can be a time of added pressure, which leads to stress and other unhealthy situations.

At a time when you want to be at your best, stress can affect your physical well-being. The American Psychological Association says the hustle and bustle of the holidays has psychological consequences for some people. More people are inclined to feel that their stress increases, rather than decreases, around the holidays. The National Institute of Mental Health says chronic stress can lower immunity and cause excretory, digestive and reproductive systems to stop working properly. Stress also may cause you to eat unhealthy snacks to cope, and that can lead to unwanted weight gain.

Stress is not the only potential health hazard that can arise around the holidays. A greater number of parties expose you to an abundance of foods and drinks you may not consume on a regular basis, and that can lead to a lot of mindless eating. Weight gained during this time of year can be difficult to shed come January, when colder temperatures challenge many peoples’ motivation to exercise.

Also, social settings put you in close contact with a greater number of people, potentially increasing your exposure to germs.

You can still feel your best during the holidays. Follow these tips for maintaining a healthy mind and body.

• Get the flu vaccine. The flu vaccine can protect you against various strains of the flu. Get a flu shot before the holidays so you are ready for cold and

flu season.

• Carry disinfecting wipes. Germs can linger on surfaces long after an infected person has come and gone. Studies from researchers at the University of Arizona in Tucson have found the flu virus — and even the antibiotic-resistant bacteria MRSA — on airline tray tables.

Buses, trains and doors all may be harboring germs. Wipe down surfaces with disinfecting wipes and allow them to air-dry before touching them. This can help you avoid coming into contact with germs.

• Balance your activities. It can be tempting to overbook your schedule with a ton of activities, but this may ultimately prove stressful. Leave days open to relax and do things you want to do, such as viewing Christmas light displays or even just unwinding at home with a good book. Try delegating some tasks to others in the household so you don’t take on too much responsibility.

• Keep up an exercise routine.

Don’t stray too far from your exercise schedule. You may have to move workout times to free up other time later in the day for shopping or parties.

Early morning is a good time to exercise because it gets you moving first thing in the morning and might even encourage you to hit the sack a little earlier each night, ensuring you get all the sleep you need. Exercise also can improve energy levels and relieve stress.

• Don’t focus on food. Focus more on enjoyable activities that keep you moving rather than always being seated around the table for a big meal. Save indulgences for one or two treats on the holidays and eat sensibly otherwise.

• Talk to someone. If the holidays have you feeling blue, talk to a friend or family member. If you need more professional support, find a social worker or psychologist that can help you work through stress and other feelings.

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