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Celebrating Life in Middlebury, Indiana
October 2018
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Table of
COntents BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB, 6 Calling All Volunteers NHS FALL PLAY, 7 Anne Frank and me OUTDOOR LIVING, 8 Nature’s Cleanup Crew Writer’s Group , 10 Are you a writer..... SCHOLAR ATHLETE, 12 Julius Graber
Assistant Middlebury Fire Chief Bill Phillips assists with the planting of the Callery pear tree that is a direct descendent of the tree that was found at Ground Zero after the attacks on the Twin Towers. The tree was rehabilitated by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation and now is known as the “Survivor Tree.” Seedlings have been harvested and distributed all over the country as a reminder that we must Never Forget. (Photo by Kris Mueller)
SCIENCE OLYMPIAD, 14 Competitive Learning HOOISER HOSPITALITY AWARD, 17 Joanna King Blessings In a Backpack, 21 Gearing up in Middlebury
READING INVASION
Veteran Spotlight, 23 Irv Pratt Shipshewana Corn Maze, 26 Celebrates Jayco’s 50th Anniversary October’s Cover: Fall is creeping up on us and
Middlebury
pumpkins like the ones on our October cover will soon be racing through the streets of Middlebury. Check page 11 to find out more about the Great Pumpkin Race! Photo by Peter Thompson
Get ready for an invasion – a reading invasion! The Middlebury Community Library and the Then and Now Committee will host a Reading Invasion from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 7. Bring a book, magazine, or reading device along with a chair or blanket and join the fun at the read-in on the library lawn to encourage everyone to make time for reading. The library, normally closed on Sundays, will be open on this day for anyone who needs a library card or who needs to check out a book for the read-in. Readers of all ages are invited to sit and read for a while. Although the event is scheduled for two hours, participants may come and go as needed. In case of rain the event will be held inside the library. There is no charge to participate; simply come, sit, and read. See this and other events at www.middleburythenandnow.org.
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inMiddlebury Magazine | October 2018 3
Community Calendar October
13 LoveWay Ride-a-Thon Pancake breakfast sponsored by the Exchange Club from 7-10 a.m. 10-mile trail ride begins at 10:30 a.m.
November
3 1st United Methodist Church Craft Bazaar 720 S. Main Street, Middlebury 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Weekly
Mon: Table Games, Greencroft – 6:30 p.m. Tues: Euchre, Greencroft – 6:30 p.m. WED: Middlebury Exchange Club, Essenhaus – 6:30 a.m. Fri: Optimist Club Breakfast, Essenhaus – 6:30 a.m.
MonthlY
American Legion Dinners 5:30 - 7 p.m., Public welcome 1st Friday: All-You-Can-Eat Fish by the Legion 2nd Friday: Varied menu by Legion Riders 3rd Friday: Chicken Fried Steak by Auxiliary 4th Friday: Sandwich Baskets by SAL 5th Friday: Lasagna dinner by Boy Scout Troop 7 Last Saturday: Steak Grill – Call 825-5121 for more info. 1St & 3rd Mondays: Town Council Meetings at Town Hall – 6 p.m. 1St & 3rd Wednesdays: Middlebury Men’s Club Meetings at the American Legion – 7 p.m. 2nd and 4th Mondays Middlebury Lions Club - 7 p.m., American Legion Hall
y
2018 Halloween Parade Follow the Chicken
Middlebury’s Halloween Parade will be on Wednesday, October 31, at the Middlebury Fire Station. The parade begins at 7:00 p.m. The Halloween Parade is sponsored by the Crystal Valley Exchange Club, voted the # 1 service club in Middlebury. Above are Exchange Club President, Mitch Miller and Parade Coordinator, Steve George.
Editor’s Note: Are you feeling competitive? The Middlebury Then and Now Great Pumpkin Race will go down the street once more on October 13. There is still time to get a racing kit and get in on the fun! Science turns competitive in Science Olympiad, and the Northridge High School team has a history of success due the dedication of its coaches and team members and a strong middle school program that prepares students for the next step. Like all sport teams, their goal is to win a championship. Or, in their case, win again as they were state champs in 2011. Keep up with the smartest team around in this month’s feature article. It isn’t easy to get published, but a writers’ group that meets at the library is helping area writers connect and grow as they also strive for success in their field. Take a peek into the group and perhaps consider joining them after reading April Givens’ story. And, of course, we get some great images of on-the-field competitions through the lens of Russ Draper this month. Guy Thompson, Editor
4 inMiddlebury Magazine | October 2018
Milestones Birthday Wishes 10/2 Roger Bontrager, 60 10/3 Julianne Helton 10/8 Carter Grahl, 17 10/8 Edythe Brown, 13 10/9 Cori Vilardo, 33 10/19 Kalynn Meadows, 7 10/22 Emerson Johnson, 10 10/26 Dylan Grahl, 21 10/29 Austin Fred, 29
Anniversary Wishes
Happy Birthday Julianne!
10/5 Paris and Tricia Bryan, 16 years 10/21 Calvin and Alma Miller 10/28 Aaron and Sherrie Zou, 30 years
Have a Celebration in November? Let us know by October 15. 1. Website: inMiddlebury. com/milestones 2. Facebook: Facebook. com/inMiddlebury. Click on the blue (Submit) tab 3. Call us at: 574-825-9112
4. Mail: inMiddlebury Magazine: PO Box 68 Middlebury, IN 46540. Please include a phone number or email address in case we have a question.
Happy 10th Birthday to our handsome Emerson! Love Mom, Dad, Hayden, Finley and Beckett! inMiddlebury Magazine  | October 2018 5
Calling All
Volunteers! Did you know that every day the Boys and Girls Club of Middlebury opens its doors to more than 300 local youth? Members spend their days visiting with friends and participating in the club’s more than 15 small group programs, exploring topics like robotics, literature, healthy choices and art. These programs are managed by a team of staff and group of local superheroes who selflessly give their time each week – Boys and Girls Club volunteers!
Cur rent opportunities There’s no end to what volunteers can do at the Boys and Girls Club. Currently, several club programs including robotics, Garden Club and Friday Book Break are all run in collaboration with volunteers from the community. At this time, the club is seeking others to join its team of volunteer superheroes. Volunteers are currently needed to assist with checking members in after school, assisting with homework and reading, and serving snacks. Volunteers are needed most in between the hours of 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., although other hours are available. For more information on volunteer opportunities or to become a Boys and Girls Club volunteer, email Lindsay Saunders at LSaunders@bgcelkhartcounty.org.
6 inMiddlebury Magazine | October 2018
Anne Franke and m
on the Northridge Stage October 6 and 7 The Northridge High School Theatre Dept. is bringing “Anne Frank and Me” to the stage October 6 and 7. “Anne Frank and Me” begins in America, a place where teenage girls are rehearsing for a dance and worrying about boys. What they’re not worrying about is one of their classroom assignments: reading Diary of Anne Frank. But before too long, a skeptical Christian girl named Nicole finds herself transported to Paris during the German occupation, where she re-encounters people she knows. Her school principal is now her father, a prominent doctor active in the Resistance and her English teacher is her mother. And she is a member of a Jewish family, a girl who in the end is forced into hiding in an attic as Anne Frank was, but is also destined to encounter Anne herself aboard a train bound for Auschwitz.
have fun with
5
Both performances will be in the Northridge Performing Arts Center. The first is at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6, and there will be a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, Oct. 7. Tickets are available at northridgetp@ludus.com. Some tickets will be available at the door, but through the online program. Later this fall, Northridge Theater students will again compete, and will have a public preview of their competition piece, “After Terror,” an original play written by NHS Co-Director Nicole Deckert about the effects and aftermath of 9/11. A free performance will be on Thursday, Nov. 15, at 7 p.m. The regional competition is at Bethel College that following Saturday, Nov. 17.
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inMiddlebury Magazine | October 2018 7
Outdoor LIVING
T
urkey vultures are an often misunderstood bird. These large, dark birds with white on the underside of the wings have a red, featherless head allowing them to really sink into stinky dead stuff. They don’t prefer rosy flowers, fresh fish, seeds, or scampering squirrels as they use their keen sense of smell and good eyesight to find dead animals that reek.
Turkey vultures are clean. Despite eating carrion, the featherless heads allow turkey vultures to keep clean while eating. They are also known for preening and their self-care to stay clean. Turkey vultures will excrete waste on themselves helping them keep cool in warm months and also neutralize any bacteria on the leftovers they walk around in. Their legs are often white because of this.
Turkey vultures roost in groups in a safe tree as the sun sets.
Turkey vultures have unique characteristics, such as the red, featherless head, good eyesight, and a keen sense of smell. Turkey vultures have unique physical characteristics. Unlike birds of prey who are catching live animals, turkey vultures don’t need powerful feet. They have dull talons and long toes, making it easier to walk. Weighing only four pounds, with a wing span of six feet, turkey vultures soar high. Their long, hooked beaks make it easier to tear into food. They do not have vocal boxes, so sounds are limited to grunts and hisses. Turkey vultures sit in the sun in the morning to warm up and after a meal to help with digestion.
Turkey vultures are quite social, eating communally and roosting together at night.
Turkey vultures migrate. As cooler temperatures set in and it’s harder to smell food sources, turkey vultures fly south in search of carrion. Typically, we see our last turkey vulture for the season in late November/early December and see them return to the area in February or March. Turkey vultures are quite social. While we often see them flying solo during the day as they ride in circles on the air vents, at night they gather together to roost in trees near each other. In Florida, we have seen a set of
8 inMiddlebury Magazine | October 2018
trees with hundreds of both black and turkey vultures. In Goshen, we found around 20-30 finding a safe space to rest overnight. They will also have communal feeds when food is found. Turkey vultures are essential. While we may think it gross to eat stinky dead things on the side of the road, this type of food is perfect for turkey vultures. They help keep our environment clean of debris, becoming nature’s cleanup crew. Dr. Carla Gull blogs at www.insideoutsidemichiana.com. She is often seen with her four tag-along explorers in the greater Michiana area.
Turn down the lights,
turn up the night!
Have you wondered where the stars went? Most of us can remember some very starry nights when we were younger. As towns grew, so did the lighting available to keep the streets “safe.” More light = less crime, at least that was the perception. However, there is evidence that this premise was false. Too much light can interrupt sleep patterns, which can then lead to disease and accidents. Too much light causes glare that then causes us to not see into the depths as well as we could have. Too much light increases utility bills and wastes natural resources. And too much light means that some people have never seen the Milky Way, except in pictures. The Middlebury Community Enrichment Council will present an informational program about the “Dark Sky” movement at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 15, at the Middlebury Community Public Library. Guest speaker will be Robert Parish. Come learn about “good” lighting options which can reduce costs, keep us safe, and still reduce light pollution. Learn about Dark Sky parks and the appreciation of dark nights. Information will be available to take with you after the presentation. If the weather permits, there will be a telescope set up outside the library for sky watching after the presentation.
Mini Golf at the Library
What’s Happening in the Parks
from your Middlebury Park Board
Save the Date! Monday October 15 Dark Sky Presentation, 7:30 p.m. at the Middlebury Community Public Library
Saturday, December 1 Tree Lighting in Memorial Park.
Thanks, Lippert
On August 31 volunteers from Lippert Components did a fantastic job of painting the park shop and office while another crew cleared brush and invasive weeds at Riverbend Park. We really appreciate their acts of service!
Nov. 9 & 10
The annual fundraiser for the Middlebury Community Enrichment Council will be Friday and Saturday, Nov. 9 and 10, at the Middlebury Community Public Library. Adults can come Friday evening to play mini-golf and sample some local libations and awesome hors d’oeuvres, or bring the whole family Saturday for family fun with the same mini-golf course and hot dogs at the 19th hole. More details in the next issue.
(L to R) Pat Moore from Lippert and Tom Enright, Middlebury Parks Superintendent in front of the newly painted shop.
inMiddlebury Magazine | October 2018 9
Writers’ Group helps fuel the passion
by April Givens
Are you a writer or dreamed of being a writer? Are you a writer or dreamed of being a writer? Middlebury’s library hosts a writers’ group the first and third Thursday of the month. This group is for anyone over the age of 18 who has a passion for writing. This group shares common interest and excitement in writing. It is for people who like to write and would like to have their work heard. It is to support each other’s writing efforts and describe what has or has not worked. They also share resource material. All genres are welcome. There is already a variety of different writers who attend the meetings. A prolific writer whose writing has been published, one who is writing her memoirs, a master naturalist who writes articles and a column in the LaGrange and Middlebury newspapers, and one who has always want-
ed to write but never quite knew how to get started. “I told her she has come to the right place, we will help you get started!” Peg Cook stated with a smile. Peg Cook of Middlebury shares her story as she leads the group. Peg Cook volunteered to start something like this to help writers and inspire beginner writers. Each writers’ group starts with a writing challenge which attendees may or may not chose to accept. For instance, one of the challenges is to select one event in your life that changed the way you thought or felt about something important to you. Find a theme or something that will gel and you will know this is the place to begin. And if you’re so inclined, feel free to read your work at the group’s next meeting.
Cook’s accomplishments have been writing a short story, “Treasure on Boxaurie Mountain,” that made it to a final round at Screencraft. She also wrote a sonnet on love and entered it in a Garrison Keillor contest that made Top 10 from more than a thousand entries. She also met Johnny Cash at a press conference. She currently belongs to the Stormy Night Writer’s Society at the Council on Aging in Cassopolis, Mich. Stop by the Middlebury Library for the writers’ group meetings on October 4 and 18 at 7 p.m.
Elma Chapman reads her story to fellow Writers’ Group members at the Middlebury Community Public Library. (Pictured l to r) Elma Chapman, Peg Cook, Julie Bontrager and Diane Sutton.
10 inMiddlebury Magazine | October 2018
13 RaceThePumpkin@gmail.com www.MiddleburyThenandNow.org
The Scholar Athlete Mentoring Spirit, Mind, Body
Photo by Russ Draper
Julius Graber Parents: Joel and Jessica Graber.
Sports: Football and Wrestling.
“I’ve enjoyed the bonds I’ve made with my teammates over the years and each of us growing as athletes to ultimately win the NLC two times in wrestling and once in football, as well as winning sectionals and regional in wrestling,” Julius said about why he enjoys sports at NHS.
Pantry, and enjoys attending other NHS sporting events. He regularly attends church and is active in the youth group.
Outside of athletics, Graber is also a member of the National Honor Society, helps at the Middlebury Food
After graduation, he plans on studying business/ marketing/advertising and wants to continue playing football. He is currently undecided on where he plans to attend college.
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12 inMiddlebury Magazine | October 2018
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inMiddlebury Magazine | October 2018 13
Competitive Learning with
Science Olympiad One of the building events in Science Olympiad is the tower, which is then tested to see how much weight it can hold against the height of the structure.
Not all competitions are loud, as NHS Science Olympiad participants carefully work to set up a small vehicle for a run at their home invite. 14 inMiddlebury Magazine | October 2018
In sports, there is always a lot of prep work to be done before anyone can take the field. Science Olympiad is no different. Both the high school and middle school teams of the Northridge Science Olympiad squad were meeting in early September, a day before the official rules for this season came out. Coach Jeremy Gerber has up to 50 high school students and 17 middle school students already signed up, but is always looking for more. “We have ran as many as three high school teams,” Gerber said. With 50, he’s “on the bubble” between two or three for this year. Students can begin to explore what subjects they want to compete in when they start the competitions later in the school year. “They’ll decide in December,” Gerber explained. “But they’ll start looking at what events they may want to sign up for later. They’ll look at the rules and talk about what interests them.” For the high school team members, Gerber said, those that have competed before have a good idea of what they want to do. “Some of the seniors have specialized in one area. They may focus on chemistry or engineering projects, for example,” Gerber stated. Again, just like athletic programs, having depth on the team helps and that starts with building a program in the lower grades. Middle school students can sample more of the various projects, Gerber said, and then specialize. The events themselves assist with this idea, as middle school competitions will have a more general theme or focus, while the high school competitions will delve deeper into the subject matter. “With astronomy, the middle school may look at planetary science or the solar system. The high school will look at more of the math of astronomy or deep space subjects,” Gerber noted. That focus changes from year to year, unlike athletics. Each year, new rules are introduced and subjects for the competition come and go year to year. The first high school team competition is in December, when the team will go to Whiting (Ind.) High School. The middle school squad will travel with the high school team to Manchester, Ind., in January for their first meet.
Teamwork extends from the classroom to the concession stand at Notre Dame football games. For the past five years, NHS Science Olympiad members have worked to help raise money to fund trips to competitions. Northridge hosts one of the larger Science Olympiad competitions on January 19. This is the 13th year Northridge has hosted the event, with more than 60 teams participating last year. They are always looking at what they can add to the competition to make it better each year. “One year we put a Plexiglass wall at the end of the track for the Scrambler,” Gerber said. In that contest, teams build a car that holds an egg at the front that then has to travel a certain distance and come to a stop before hitting the wall and smashing the egg. “We set up a camera behind the wall and broadcast it so people around the school could watch if the egg hit the glass,” he said. Some of the crashes were pretty good to watch, he stated. Like all sports, the goal is to be successful and for the Science Olympiad team, that means going to state and then onto the national competition. The team has been there twice, in 2006 when they qualified by placing 2nd in the state, and again in 2011 when they won the Indiana state championship. The state qualifier is held at Goshen College in February, and the state meet will be in March at Indiana UniversityBloomington. This year, the national contest is at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., in early June. Gerber works to make sure that every student who wants to compete has the opportunity to do so. “Some schools charge to be in Science Olympiad,” Gerber said. “I never wanted to do that. I don’t want to price anyone out of it.” The team raises money by working one of the concession stands at Notre
Dame football games, and are doing it again this year for the fifth season. “That’s been a blessing,” Gerber said. “We raise the money we need and we don’t have to turn anyone away.” Similar to other sports, Science Olympiad also employs a team of coaches, each with his or her specialty. Gerber handles the building and physics projects. Jerry Glass is the earth and space sciences coach, Laura Simons handles chemistry, Josh Dueweke handles biology subjects, Ryan Maiden works with forensics and building projects, and Alyssa McGuiere and Jen Purviance work with the middle school team. Watch for updates as their season progresses in future inMiddlebury Magazine issues.
Careful measurements to ensure everything is within specifications is just the start of an event in Science Olympiad. Strict rules set many of the events’ limits.
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16 inMiddlebury Magazine | October 2018
Joanna King presented with
Hoosier Hospitality Award Middlebury and Shipshewana business owner Joanna King of Middlebury was among 17 recipients from throughout the state who were honored for their dedication and high level of service to tourism and hospitality interests by the State of Indiana with Hoosier Hospitality awards. King’s extensive experience in tourism and hospitality includes being involved in planning for Goshen First Fridays, Shipshewana Mayfest, Shipshewana Ice Festival, serving on the Goshen Theatre Board, and owning multiple tourism-related businesses. “Joanna represent the very best of Elkhart County,” said Diana Lawson, CEO of the Elkhart County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Her energy comes from how much they love their community and want to share it with others. Our county would not be where it is today without people like her.”
King has been a leader in the tourism industry for over 50 years. Joanna and her husband own six tourismrelated businesses in Elkhart and LaGrange counties. She is always willing to serve on an event committee, which includes the monthly Goshen First Friday events, Shipshewana Mayfest, and Shipshewana Ice Festival. In addition, she serves on the Goshen Theatre Board and has been instrumental in bringing that vision to life by co-chairing the fundraising committee. This project has raised $5.2 million for the first phase of restoring the historic theatre. Due to King’s volunteer fundraising efforts, the Goshen Theatre has now been able to hire a new managing director, who will spearhead event and entertainment development bringing exciting things to downtown Goshen. The awards ceremony was held August 17 at the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis.
Pictured above, Joanna King, left, received the 2018 Indiana Hoosier Hospitality Award from Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, right, at the Indiana State Fair held in August. inMiddlebury Magazine | October 2018 17
Shannon Oakes
hired as LoveWay’s new community engagement coordinator LoveWay has selected Shannon Oakes as its new community engagement coordinator. “It’s with great excitement that we welcome Shannon to the LoveWay team,” stated LoveWay Executive Director Shelley Becker. “Shannon has an amazing ability to connect with others on a level which makes you feel as though you are the only person in the room who matters. Her personal touch, enthusiasm, and strong relationship building qualities are unique characteristics which come natural for Shannon. Our volunteers will adore her and we feel blessed to welcome her to the LoveWay family.” Oakes is a graduate of Goshen College and served as the previous senior program officer for the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. Although she greatly enjoyed her community foundation role, after 17 years 18 inMiddlebury Magazine | October 2018
she says she felt a tugging on her heart to get back into direct mission work. She admits she was terrified of making a change but felt pulled to LoveWay and the opportunity to work with the horses, the volunteers and, most of all, individuals with special needs. She and her husband Tony live in Middlebury and have three daughters, Christine, Victoria and Sydnee. They also have seven pets and a frequent flyer card for the Humane Society of Elkhart County. Fun Facts: Shannon grew up in sunny San Diego, Calif. She is an avid shoe lover, is hearing impaired, has a talent for sarcasm, and her life verse is 1 John 4:4. Her primary duties will be volunteer recruitment and
Shannon Oakes marketing as well as speaking with the community about the incredible mission of LoveWay. LoveWay is located in Middlebury and is Elkhart County’s exclusive PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) Premier Accredited Center for therapeutic riding, serving individuals with special needs through the use of the horse. LoveWay was founded in 1973 by Sandy and Gary Weatherwax in memory of their 16-year-old daughter Laurie, who was inspired by therapeutic riding. They began giving lessons in their driveway with the help of specially selected horses and volunteers. Today, LoveWay serves almost 400 riders each year with the help of 150 volunteers, a staff of 15, and 20 members of its equine team. LoveWay has a heated indoor arena and stable, an outdoor arena, and wooded riding trails at its 29-acre center. For more information, visit the LoveWay website at www.lovewayinc.org. To set up a speaking engagement with your organization, contact Shannon Oakes at Shannon@lovewayinc.org.
24th Annual Ride-A-Thon Saturday, October 13, 2018
The LoveWay Ride-A-Thon is a great opportunity for you to take your horse out for a scenic ride through the woods, hills, fields, optional water crossing, and beautiful countryside. Make friends, spend time with your family, and have lots of fun, all while supporting our great organization. Lunch will be available for purchase. In addition to the trail ride there will be an
All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast Open to the public from 7:00-10:00 a.m.
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10:30 a.m. Trail Ride Begins inMiddlebury Magazine  | October 2018 19
Top finishers in the Middlebury American Legion Post 210
“Soaring” 5K Road Run held Saturday, September 8
Front (left to right) - Peter Mugetha, Sergio Seminario, Reyna Garcia, Kendra Stahl. Middle - Bryan Ramirez, Lucy Gomez, Cesar Legaspi, Michele Carey, Tina Carpenter, Kathy Wilmot, Tim Stahl. Back - Amanda Schwartz, Mark Farrington, Rae Paul, Ken Tadeo, Galen Mast. Photo by Kris Mueller
2018 Middlebury Breakfast Optimist Annual Tri-Star Soccer Contest Photos by Kris Mueller Kael Miller, 10, from Heritage Middle School in Middlebury, dribbles his way through the timed course. Eighth grade helpers record his score. Rosalynn Bontrager, 3, of Middlebury dribbles her way through the timed course, testing her skills at the Tri-Star Soccer Contest. 20 inMiddlebury Magazine | October 2018
gearing up in Middlebury Becky Fogle has a mission – to make sure no student in Middlebury goes home from school and is hungry over the weekend. “Growing up, I was one of those kids,” Fogle said. Fogle noted that around 30 percent of Middlebury students are on free or reduced lunches. For some of them, there isn’t a lot of food between those school meals. Fogle had been helping with the Power of the Purse event, held by the LaGrange County Chamber of Commerce to raise money for the Blessings in a Backpack program there that helps all three school districts. Fogle had worked backstage at the event, enjoying the opportunity to help raise money for a program, but didn’t know exactly what the program did until she was asked to sit on the event’s board. “When I found out exactly what it did, my mouth fell open,” Fogle stated. This, she knew, was a way to make sure kids were no longer hungry over the weekends.
She contacted Superintendent Jane Allen and the idea was off and running. Fogle attended training over the summer to be able to run the program, and was astonished to find out how many of them actually had difficulty getting into the schools. “Jane and Middlebury schools were so excited to help,” Fogle noted. Fogle’s goal is to start with 50 kids at the middle school and expand the program from there. Teachers and guidance counselors will recommend students to the principal at the school, who will let Fogle know how many students they need to have backpacks for. Fogle or anyone else working with Blessings in a Backpack will not know who the students are. The backpacks will be put into each student’s locker for them to take home over the weekend. It costs $100 per student to feed one student for the school year, and Fogle is working hard to get enough funds to ensure the program carries on for multiple years. She received a $4,000 grant, which will be spread out over four years. Area companies,
such as Lippert Components, are stepping up to pledge funds as well. Service groups, such as the Kiwanis, Lions, and Optimist Club, are also pitching in to help students in need. Fogle emphasized that all of the funds go to help the students. Part of the training she undertook last summer included documenting all of the donations and accounting for how the money is spent. Others out in the community looking to make a donation can mail a check to: Northridge Middle School, ATTN: Becky Fogle, 56691 Northridge Dr., Middlebury, IN 46540. Checks should be made out to “Blessings in a Backpack,” and “Middlebury, IN” needs to be noted on the memo line to ensure the money is directed to the correct account. Fogle is excited to see the program start, but is even more excited to see the program grow over the next few years to help students in every school building, and make sure none of them go home hungry.
inMiddlebury Magazine | October 2018 21
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500 Spring Valley Plaza • Middlebury (Across from Northridge High School)
825-7673 (ROSE)
CONTACT draperruss@gmail.com 574.361.3903
Insurance •• Investment Investment • •Retirement Insurance Retirement Eugene Bontrager Eugene Bontrager
Investment AdvIsor representAtIve INVESTMENT ADVISOR REPRESENTATIVE Branch manager Branch Officeoffice Manager cell: 574.537.2534 (c) 574.537.2534 104 n. main street 426 N. Main St. • Suite 4 po Box 1127 Middlebury, IN 46540 middlebury, In 46540
Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through Transamerica Financial Advisors, Inc. (TFA), Transamerica Financial Group Division - Member FINRA, SIPC, and Registered Investment Advisor. Non-Securities products and services are not offered through TFA. TFG001880-10/13.
Interested in being a volunteer writer or photographer? Have an idea for a story? We’d love to hear from you!
Need a logo or design project? Give us a call at 574-825-9112 or email editor@inMiddlebury.com
22 inMiddlebury Magazine | October 2018
American Legion
Veteran Spotlight
by Guy Thompson
Irv Pratt Irv Pratt served in the U.S. Army from 1952-1954, with th e 5th U.S. Army Artillery Group in Korea. “I was in college and they came in and said I had to fill out a form to stay in college. I refused to take the test. I had done it three times already,” Pratt recalled. “Eleven days later, I was headed to training.” Pratt came home over Christmas before heading out to Korea. “We went out to about two miles from the front line,” Pratt stated. He worked with an artillery crew, manning the largest artillery gun at the time. “We had four of these great big guns and it took two men just to load a shell,” Pratt explained. Each gun could shoot an artillery shell over 10 miles. Soon after his arrival in Korea, he was put in charge of one of the guns. He said the Army asked him several times to go to Officer Training School, likely due to his college experience. “But I wanted to go back and finish up school on my own. They finally gave up on asking me,” Pratt said.
1 3
2 4
Among the highlights of his time in service is a letter Pratt received from President Harry Truman. He headed back to the U.S., recalling how the ship rolled the whole trip back. He went back to school, getting a teaching degree from Ball State University, and taught shop and trades classes at Middlebury High School. He also coached basketball and baseball at the school, as well as starting the golf team. He would later become the school’s athletic director until he retired. “I enjoyed all of that. It was fun,” he said. In 1995, Pratt traveled to Washington, D.C., for the dedication of the Korean War Memorial. He is married to Marlene, and they have a son and daughter. 1. Army veteran Irv Pratt at the dedication of the Korean War Memorial. 2. Irv Pratt at Camp Chaffee, Arkansas. 3. Irv Pratt, right, with fellow soldiers Rowls and Behar, following a fire mission in Korea. 4. Irv Pratt sits on a howitzer in Korea. The gun was the largest of its kind in the war. inMiddlebury Magazine | October 2018 23
photos by Russ Draper
24 inMiddlebury Magazine | October 2018
S h i p s h e wa n a
Corn Maze
c e l e b r at e s
Jayco’s
50th Anniversary Shipshewana Corn Maze opened this fall with a very special design. The design of this year’s maze celebrates the 50th anniversary of local RV manufacturer Jayco, Inc. In 1968, Lloyd and Bertha Bontrager founded Jayco on their family farm, right here in northern Indiana. Today the manufacturer employs thousands of local workers and is excited to share its golden anniversary with visitors to the Shipshewana Corn Maze. The partnership between the Shipshewana Corn Maze and Jayco is based on the shared goal of creating “Generations of Family Fun.” Jayco’s 50th anniversary logo is featured in the maze, along with a 5th wheel RV. Trivia about the RV industry, which has played an important role in this community’s economic success, is posted throughout the maze. Maze explorers can also use their smartphone to record their time from the maze start to exit.
Chairman Wilbur Bontrager. “This joyful and visually compelling tribute is very fitting to our 50th anniversary, our employees, their families, the Shipshewana community and all visitors. We look forward to a successful corn maze for the Shipshewana community.” Aside from the corn maze, there is also a host of other family-friendly activities included with the admission. A pumpkin patch, petting zoo, human hamster track, corn hole, miniature golf, human foosball, and public fire pits are just a few of the additional activities. In addition, there are also hayrides, a barrel train, pumpkin slingshot, and a corn can gun for a minimal extra charge.
“The Shipshewana Corn Maze has become a staple event for both locals and visitors,” said Jordan Mazzoni, director of communications and PR at hte LaGrange County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “It’s exciting to see how Jayco’s logo was designed to represent new ideas are added every year, and even Lloyd’s vision to be free as a bird and fly more exciting to see how the tradition will away without any cares, and has become continue for years to come.” synonymous with quality, integrity and family The Shipshewana Corn Maze is located at fun. 555 N. Morton St. in Shipshewana and will “We at Jayco are pleased and honored for be open every Friday and Saturday through the opportunity to participate in this year’s November 3. For more information, visit Shipshewana Corn Maze,” said Jayco Inc. shipshewanacornmaze.com. 26 inMiddlebury Magazine | October 2018
Congratulations to the Community Foundation of Elkhart County A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped with the 2018 Middlebury Fall Festival. Your contribution to the festival is greatly appreciated.
1st place winners of the Middlebury Chamber Golf Classic are Pete McCown, Mike Schoeffler, Jim Schoeffler and Chuck Lamb. Great job, gentlemen!
Middlebury
Arts Council We have a vision to build a Middlebury Arts Council that will enhance the social and civic environment of our community by promoting the arts.
We need your help! October 18 at 11:30 a.m. Meadow Valley Golf Course Presentation by Dorothy Shirk from the Horizon Education Alliance. Please call to reserve your spot by October 10, 2018. Lunch available $12.
Please stop by the Middlebury Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday mornings for casual community conversation, hot coffee and pastries.
Please email your name, email address and phone number along with a statement which best describes you to carmencarpenter@middleburyinchamber.com • I am an artist, I like to make...... • I appreciate art and I want to see more art throughout our community. • I am a community member and I want to learn about how I can help strengthen our community through the arts. • I am a business owner and I want to learn about how the arts can benefit my business. inMiddlebury Magazine | October 2018 27
Local Business Directory NISLEY
/ TCC
Home Improvement
202 W. Spring St. • Middlebury, IN
Specializing in Residential Interior Painting Steve Nisley 574-849-4788
851 US 20 Next To Rulli’s Middlebury 574-358-0146
HealthyPets Pet Food and Accessories 851 US 20 • Middlebury 574-825-3238
Chris Gunn Groomer
574-849-6401
Retaining Walls • Outdoor Kitchens • Fire Pits Paver Patios & Walkways • Landscaping Decorative Concrete Curbing
(574) 370-4002
Crystal Valley Wellness Center, LLC Come try a session on us! 801 Wayne St. #6 Middlebury, IN 46540 (574) 358-0275 www.crystalvalleywellness.com
Advertise in our Business Directory for as low as $50 a month! For more information call 574-825-9112 or email Advertising@inMiddlebury.com 28 inMiddlebury Magazine | October 2018
deals
Easy cut-out page! Shipshewana
Lower level of the Davis Mercantile
260-768-7764
www.HeadOverHeelsLLC.com
25% off
one regular priced item. Must present coupon.
2 Off Senior Haircuts $
Electric Pineapple Hair Salon
$2 OFF ANY BURGER
59
*must present coupon to redeem offer.
4pm!
41° North
Alignment Special 95 $
Call For Appointment.
ins Walk- ntil eu m o c l we
expires October 31, 2018
Expires 10-31-18
Limit one per group. Valid October 1-31, 2018.
Exp: 10-31-18
104 S. Main St., Middlebury, IN • (574) 358-0314
$5 OFF
Bundle includes:
• 5# Ground Turkey • 5# Ground Chicken • 5# Ground Italian Chicken • 2# Italian Chicken Brats All wrapped in one-pound packages
inMiddlebury
Chicken & Turkey Bundles* Regular price $52 Exp: 10-31-18 *Must present coupon
101 Wayne St. Middlebury • 574-825-2940
422 South Main, Middlebury 825-2565
Tuesday 50% off Build your own Pizza EXP: 10-31-18
Independent $45
Vic
homem’s ade ic e cr e a m
Come in and check out our menu!
wednesday $5 BurGer niGHT EXP: 10-31-18
10% OFF All NAture’s suNshiNe PrOducts
The Middlebury
expires 10-31-18
3-YEAR SUBSCRIPTION Call or Send Check with Coupon.
*Valid to residents of Elkhart, LaGrange and St. Joseph counties only.
E v E r y M o n d ay
KIDS EAT FREE
The
$10 off
1 child under the age of 10 per paying adult
12-Piece chicken Dinner Meal includes salad and fresh baked bread.
23
$
99
Hours: Sun.-Thurs.: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri. & Sat.: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
www.rullispizza.com • 574-825-7222
Heating season Clean & CHeCk
HEATING & COOLING
Exp: 10-31-18
A Fusion of Technology & Service
203 Wayne Street • Middlebury • 574-825-8824 • elementmasters.net
inMiddlebury Magazine | October 2018 29
deals ins Walk- ntil me u welco
4pm!
Easy cut-out page!
inMiddlebury
Shipshewana
Electric Pineapple
Everyday Prices
Lower level of the Davis Mercantile
260-768-7764
www.HeadOverHeelsLLC.com
Hair Salon Women’s haircut - $17 men’s haircut - $14 102 N. Chaptoula • Bristol, IN Nerium 46507 • 574-848-4955 Perms starts at - $63 Representative Hours: shellac - $25 Tues: 11 am-7 pm (by appointment) Stylists: Wed: 7 am-4 pm all over color • Karlene • Morgan Thur: 7 am-4 pm (Later by appointment) • Janele • Brittany Fri: 7 am-4 pm • Sat.: 7 am-12:30 pm starts at - $50
41° North Restaurant & Bar
13024 US 20 • Middlebury, IN
(with family dining)
104 S. Main St., Middlebury, IN • (574) 358-0314 facebook.com/41degreesnorthIN
422 South Main, Middlebury 825-2565
Buy ONE Cone, Get the second one HALF OFF
Vic’s h
EXP: 10-31-18
omema de ic e cr e a m
574-825-2965
...smoked meats, cheese, and one nice butcher!
Independent
The Middlebury
HOURS: M-F 9a-5p, Sat 9a-2p
108 S Main St, Middlebury In the Middlebury Mercantile
Call now for a free quote on a Trane System
The
260.463.2166 • PO Box 148 • LaGrange, IN 46761 E v E r y M o n d ay
KIDS EAT FREE 1 child under the age of 10 per paying adult
HEATING & COOLING A Fusion of Technology & Service
203 Wayne street, Middlebury
574-825-8824
elementmasters.net
30 inMiddlebury Magazine | October 2018
12-Piece chicken Dinner Meal includes salad and fresh baked bread.
2399
$
Hours: Sun.-Thurs.: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri. & Sat.: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
www.rullispizza.com • 574-825-7222
It’s time to plan one of Middlebury’s favorite traditions:
HOMETOWN
Holidays Be included in this special advertising section of the November issue of inMiddlebury Magazine! • Featuring a special section in the November issue of inMiddlebury Magazine. • Plus event promotions in the Middlebury Independent the first two weeks of November • And – your ad will be repeated FREE in the Middlebury Independent Hometown Holidays section in the November 15 newspaper! • Ads are open to businesses in the 46540 zip code.
DeaDline:
Space reservations and ad content is due by 10 a.m. October 15. To learn more, contact:
Scott Faust
260-463-1896 • Advertising@inMiddlebury.com inMiddlebury Magazine | October 2018 31
Open House • October 20 Rudy Drexler
15% off Storewide
Pet Trainer from Drexler’s School for Dogs
Bring your dog and meet a trusted trainer, 9:00-11:00
Best Breed pet food will have a Representative to answer your questions about feeding your pet the best, 10:00-2:00
Refreshments & Samples
HealthyPets
Pet Food & Accessories 851 US 20 • Middlebury 574-825-3238
Chris Gunn, Groomer 574-849-6401
/ TCC
New uNlimited plaNS
Stop in and see about the
for the family
851 US 20 • Next To Rulli’s • Middlebury • 574-358-0146