inMiddlebury Magazine P.O. Box 68 Middlebury, IN 46540
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PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE ecrwsseddm PAID Berne, IN Permit No. 43
Celebrating Life in Middlebury, Indiana
July 2020
11280 W US HWY 20   Shipshewana, IN 46565
Table of Contents
8
15
Outdoor Living, 6 Learning Outdoors Now Hiring Middlebury Community School Bus Drivers, 7-8 Middlebury Parks Department, 9 Boys and Girls Club, 10 Northridge Environmental Club, 11
17
20
Middlebury Lions Club Scholarship Recipients, 13 American Legion Auxiliary, 15 Memorial Day in Middlebury, 17-18 4-H Fair Students, 19 Raider Freshman Mentor Program, 20
Contributors: Publisher:
27
Shouts, 22 Give a shout of gratitude Northridge Athletes, 24-25 Middlebury Chamber of Commerce, 26 Scholar Athlete, 27 Cassidy Overholt
July’s Cover: Sara Irvine stands in front of her bus during the end of year Jefferson Elementary bus parade. Sara has driven bus for Middlebury Community Schools for the last eight years. Photo taken by Melissa Garcia
William Connelly
Editor:
Advertise with us
ADVERTISING:
Share your message with every home and business within the Middlebury School Corporation. We mail the magazine to homes and businesses throughout the Middlebury School District and publish it online. Your ad can reach each home for as low as 1.5¢ per address. Design is free with purchase of your ad. Our Account Managers are here to help, just give us a call at 574-825-9112.
Desirée Beauchamp-Boucher Scott Faust
GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Magdalena Franke
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Dr. Carla Gull, Gloria Salavarria, Kayleigh Miller and Desirée Beauchamp-Boucher
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS:
Russ Draper, Gloria Salavarria and Desirée Beauchamp-Boucher
Advertising deadline for the August issue is July 10. inMiddlebury Magazine | July 2020 3
Community Calendar Editor’s Note
July 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 -7 p.m., Public welcome 1st Friday: All-You-Can-Eat Fish by the Legion 2nd Friday: Grilled Smoked Pork Chops by Legion Riders 3rd Friday: Tacos and More 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
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I would like to express a warm welcome to the newest addition to our InMiddlebury team, Maggie Franke. With our previous Graphic Designer Cori Vilardo moving on to new things, I am so happy we were able to find such a nice fit so quickly. Maggie has interned with the magazine in the past and is already so familiar with much of what we do. It is truly a blessing and a relief to have her join our team. I hope everyone throughout Middlebury is enjoying their summer as well as staying safe and socially conscious of the struggles happening throughout our country. Often in our little community we are sheltered from some of the immediate impact of national crisis, however I know we are made up of people who care not only for their neighbors, townsfolk or even nation, but humanity as a whole. Through kindness, prayer and generosity of spirit I know many are doing what they can. Stay safe Middlebury, you are all cared about as a part of our town. - Desirée Beauchamp-Boucher
Milestones
Birthday Wishes
Amanda Yoder, 40
7/1 Denise Fiedler 7/2
Azraell Foley
7/3
Irvin Pratt, 90
7/3 Will Knox, 15
7/4
Kayden Mayer, 16 Happy Sweet 16 Bud! We love you.
7/21 Ben Yoder, 42 7/22 Jayln Weatherholt, 16 7/28 Lucy Hope Zakusilov, 3
Anniversary Wishes
Happy Birthday Will! We love you - The Fam
6/12 Jim & Bea May, 50 years Correction from June Publication
Happy Birthday Denise Fiedler. Isn’t it great being 30 again? Love you, Katie
7/20 Dora & Scott Woods, 9 years 7/22 Robert & Denise Fiedler, 35
Happy 30th Anniversary Robert & Denise Fiedler! Cheers to many more in years in love. Sending all our love. - Katie, James, Grace & Logan
Happy 3rd Birthday to Lucy Hope Lakusilov! We love you sweet girl! Happy Birthday Ben! Lots of Love from your wife and family!
Have a celebration in August? Happy 16th Birthday Jay! We love you! Love, Mom, Dad, Pete & Deke
Happy 40th Birthday Amanda! You don’t look a day over 29. Love Ben & the Bunch
Let us know by July 10.
inMiddlebury Magazine | July 2020 5
OUTDOOR LIVING
Learning Outdoors
With the effects of COVID 19, current CDC and state recommendations suggest doing schooling outside. While schools are used to using the outdoors for recess and playground time, so much more can happen from learning in the outdoors. Here are a few options that schools might consider: • Taking Traditional Learning Outside— Most things that can be done inside can also be done outside. The classroom management may look different; however, as outdoor time becomes a regular classroom practice, students will get used to outdoor learning. • Outdoor Classrooms—These carefully planned spaces have many options. I often follow the Nature Explore certification process for these including a mix of research-backed areas that meet the needs of the whole child. There may be a building, art, music, large motor, messy materials, gathering, and other areas to support students’ learning. Having implemented and used one of these in a nature center setting, the outdoor classroom provided a great backdrop for natural observations, mathemati-
Pollinators often visit school gardens.
6 inMiddlebury Magazine | July 2020
cal connections, and reading outdoors. side as a community. Interested in these Required standards can be met in these options for your child, community, or spaces typically made of more natural school? Feel free to reach out! materials. • Kinderforest Programs—Various schools have started Kinderforest programs in the region, reserving one day a week, month, or quarter to spend the whole day outside. Students are outfitted with weather resistant clothing, start in their sit spot, write in their journals, do math with nature, and often have some free play. During the free play, students are observed meeting needed standards in many areas as they process what they are learning through play. • Neighborhood and Schoolyard Walks—Get to know the school grounds and nearby greenspaces. Are there neat Architecture, including math, design, natural hideouts and other spots to visit and structural integrity, become part of with students? A quick walk can break the play and learning in the outdoors. up the day, support a specific curricular topic, help get the wiggles out, and facilitate options for learning. • School Gardens—Gardening areas can support learning in many ways. Students learn where their food comes from, are often more open to trying foods they have grown, understand pollination and other growing processes, and build persistence and grit. These multisensory spaces turn on our learning senses. Our basic classroom standards can often be met outside with the added benefit Children work on building and conof fresh air, nature therapy, and mov- struction skills in an outdoor classroom. ing more of our Dr. Carla Gull blogs at www.insideoutsidemichiana. bodies! Let’s take com and podcasts as Loose Parts Nature Play. She is ofthe learning outten seen with her four tag-along explorers in the greater Michiana area.
Now Hiring
Middlebury Community Schools Bus Drivers • Looking to be off when your kids are off? • Looking for part-time work with excellent pay? • Need an extra income with no weekends? Middlebury Community Schools is looking for safe and caring bus drivers. If you like children and don’t mind driving a few hours in the morning and afternoon. We would love to talk to you. Training is provided and we will pay for your CDL test!
• Training Approved • $20.34 per Hour • 5.75 daily hours • Other Opportunities for Extra Work in the District
most reward"Driving bus is the ake your day and ing job; the kids m ile. I never feel always make you sm work, I want to like I have to go to e of its rewards." go to work becaus -Kim Dahlman
Ten Reasons why you should consider becoming a school bus driver • You Have Great People Skills • You Enjoy Working with Kids • You Enjoy Driving • You Care about the Safety of Children • You are Calm Under Pressure
• A Flexible Schedule is a Plus • Looking for a Job with Benefits • No interest in a Four-Year Degree. • Good Paying Job • You Can’t Afford Training
Celebrating
Ten Things Your School Bus Driver Wishes You Knew – Drivers always have your child’s safety in mind. • Assigned seats are for a reason.—Drivers plan seat assignments because it helps maintain order and helps the drivers learn the students’ names. • There is a routine after every route—Drivers check the bus at the end of their routes for sleeping students or any lost items left behind. • Other drivers are annoying—and a concern—The bus driver’s biggest pet peeve is when other drivers do not pay attention when students are loading or unloading the bus. Those flashing lights and stop sign are there for a reason. The bus driver’s primary job is to get their priceless cargo (the students) to and from school safely every day! • School buses were designed specifically to protect kids—riding the school bus to and from school is the safest way to school. • Kids are not the only source of trouble—Parents please support the drivers with positive encouragement from you to your student to follow bus safety rules. • They have a lot of free time during the day, plus side of driving school bus—Drivers have free time between a.m./p.m. routes to catch up on errands, hit the gym, or do whatever they want. • They cannot catch all the mischief—Drivers can be responsible for about 70 children at a time so it’s unrealistic to expect them to catch everything happening on the bus. Continued on page 8
CELEBRATING
110 YEARS of caring for your Firsts.
YEARS 1910-2020
www.YourFirstMatters.com inMiddlebury Magazine | July 2020 7
Now Hiring Bus Drivers
• The driver needs your updated contact info—Please take the time every year to be sure the school has all your updated contact information. Schools cannot contact you without the most current information. • Get to drive field trips—Drivers get to visit new places and explore with the students and staff. • Just ask any bus driver why they love their job, and they will be able to list off quite a few reasons! • Why are school buses yellow? • School bus yellow is a color that was specifically formulated for use on school buses in North America in 1939. The color is now officially known in Canada and the U.S. as National School Bus Glossy Yellow and was originally called National School Bus Chrome. The pigment used for this color was, for a long time, the lead-containing chrome yellow. • The color was chosen because it attracts attention and is noticed quickly in peripheral vision, faster than any other color. Scientists describe this as follows: "Lateral peripheral vision for detecting yellows is 1.24 times greater than for red." • In April 1939, Dr. Frank W. Cyr, a professor at Teachers College, Columbia University in New York organized a conference that established national school bus construction standards for the U.S., including the standard color of yellow for the school bus. It became known officially as "National School Bus Chrome". The color was selected because black lettering on that hue was easiest to see in the semi-darkness of early morning. Credit to Wikipedia Parents please take this time to go onto the Middlebury Community Schools website mcsin-k12.org and update your student’s transportation info. If there is no form filled out there will be no busing for your child.
“We are many roles not just a bus driver, we listen, encourage them and teach them to be happy and succeed at all their opportunities in life and to see a child smile is the best reward.” -Judy Shrock
“You build relationships with your students and their families over the years as you watch them grow from kindergarten through high school. You become part of their life.” -Michelle Jarrett
Interested? Contact Transportation Dept. 574-825-9410 Mon. – Fri. 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 8 inMiddlebury Magazine | July 2020
"You get to be on th e same schedule as your children, an d you get to see the sunrise every mor ning." -Monica Elliot t
Volunteers Needed
Recycling!
Green for recycling Brown for trash
We have new trash cans in our parks, but even better, we now have recycling cans, too! Now you can put plastic and aluminum cans in a container to be recycled. But please pay attention and don’t put trash in the recycling cans or recycling in the trash cans! This service is for your convenience while strolling through the parks or on the trails.
We're looking for trails stewards as regular observers of Trails of Middlebury conditions such as safety, signage, amenities, etc. Whether you walk, run, or bike the Pumpkinvine, Ridge Run, Wayne Street or Riverbend trails, a simple checklist will be available with what to look for. Just use your section of the trail and file a report. It’s that easy. Interested? Contact Tom at 574-536-2305 or parks@middleburyin.com
PESTS TO YOU – PANTRY TO THEM
Birds, fish, amphibians, and many mammals depend on the amount and diversity of insect life often associated with wetlands. While you swat or spray, remember all birds feed their babies insects. It takes an estimated 6,000 to 9,000 caterpillars to raise just one nest of tiny chickadees to adulthood. Even hummingbirds feed on tiny insects to gather protein. Bats and dragonflies work for us in keeping down the mosquito populations in and out of the wetland areas – including our lawns and gardens.
“Where are the brochures?”
Our park brochures are another sacrifice to the Covid-19 pandemic. Because they create a high-touch area, it was decided to remove them until a later time. The information is still available through your computer or phone at www.middleburyin.com under “Parks and Recreation.”
Riverbend Featured Park:
NATURAL SPONGE AND FOUNTAIN OF LIFE
Riverbend Park is a riparian floodplain, catching, slowly absorbing, and holding the overflow when the Little Elkhart River has a surge of extra moisture like quick snow melt or heavy summer rains. Deep, rich organic soils and low-lying lands first help deflect the waters from areas downstream and then release the life-giving moisture and a steady food supply to plants and animals during hotter, drier times.
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inMiddlebury Magazine | July 2020 9
The Boys & Girls Club of Middlebury has been working on a $4.7 million remodel and expansion of their clubhouse. In addition to taking the clubhouse from 21,000 sq. ft. to over 36,000 sq. ft., the redesign will allow for more efficient use of the existing space. The clubhouse has an expanded technology center, and a larger kitchen and dining room area. Club Director Natasha Lantz shares that she not only plans to use the commercial kitchen for serving meals to the community and those who attend the club, but also for a place for club members to learn how to cook and prepare meals. Much-needed recreation rooms have been created and designed for the specific age groups that will be in those areas. The design team has added many beautiful murals that they cannot wait for the community and club members to see! The recreational rooms will allow for club members to have more room for activities and programs. A special feature that is being added to one of the recreation rooms is the iWall. An iWall is a fun and versatile exergaming product that lets you become a part of the game. Club members will be able to use the iWall by simply moving their body!
The Middlebury Club has also added an expanded fine arts area and an extensive education area that includes a whole room designated for STEM activities. Lantz shares, “Our STEM Mentoring program is one of our most popular programs because it is hands-on and club members love learning about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. We are thankful for our community volunteers for helping to make this program great by signing up to be mentors for club members in the program.” The remodel also includes enhanced security throughout the building, creating an even more safe place for children to create great futures. Lantz shares her goals from this building project, “My goal with this remodel and expansion is to provide a place for children and teens of all ages to come hang out, have fun, create relationships, be inspired, and grow to be caring, productive, responsible citizens of society.” The club plans to have an Open House soon to show community members their beautiful building.
The Boys & Girls Club of Middlebury hopes to open to club members in late July. For updates please visit www.greatfutures.club and their Facebook page Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County. 10 inMiddlebury Magazine | July 2020
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB
Boys & Girls Club of Middlebury preparing to open soon!
Northridge Environmental Club receives $1,000 grant through the Elkhart County Little Big Idea Grant During the winter of 2019, Mo Ardahji, president of the Northridge Environmental Club, applied for and received a $1,000 grant through the Elkhart County Little Big Idea Grant (LBIG) program to purchase and plant 100 tree saplings on the Northridge campus.
"I hope that our organization and endeavors inspire people to become more environmentally involved in their communities," -Mo Ardahji.
One of the first initiatives the newly formed Northridge Environmental Organization focused on was handling the school's recycling with help from Mr. Borntrager and Mrs. Hannah because they saw that it was not well organized and often classrooms had no place for students to throw their recyclables. They also made an effort to educate students on the importance of recycling and environmental concerns.
Mo Ardahji said he came up with the idea of planting trees after being inspired by the Team Trees event where people began teaming up to plant trees worldwide. This event was really popular on YouTube and Twitter and made many people more environmentally involved. After learning about LBIG through another student, he decided it would be a great opportunity to fund this large project. So after NHS Principal Andrew Wood helped the club decide where they could plant the trees, Ardahji and 12 other club members spent a May afternoon getting them all in the ground and secured. As president of the Environmental Club, Ardahji has taken on the responsibility of going out and watering the young trees every other day to help ensure their heath and growth.
Mr. Borntrager and Mrs. Hannah help with the club and club members have stated that they really appreciate everything they do to help with the club. "Mr. Borntrager assists us with the task of handling the school's paper and plastic recycling every week and Mrs. Hannah sends out passes for all of the members to come and assist us with the school's recycling, provides us with a meeting room for meetings, and has given some extremely valuable advice and help. We wouldn't be able to do what we do without their help," Ardahji said.
The following students make up the Northridge Environmental Club, students marked with an asterisk are ones who participated with the tree planting event in May: *Austin Abelseth, *Mo Ardahji, *Kent Bailey, *Trenton Covey, *Alaina Driver, *Mila Opacich, *Gage Ornduff, *Canyon Penner, *Jacob Spudich, *Emma Tapp, *Willow Thompson, *Carter Unrein, *Riley Wheatley, Evan Brewer, Jamie Becker, Gavin Enfield, Rylee Floyd, Dylan Greene, Alissa Koontz, Ethan Lamberson, Andrew Miller, Kendal Ross, Paul Sanchez-Izucar.
After participating with the Environmental Club his sophomore year when Ardahji learned the club would be dissolving due to lack of new leadership, he decided to make an effort to have it continue. Ardahji says, "because I knew that it had so much potential and felt like it would be a shame to see the school lose an environmental club, seeing the old environmental club disbanded inspired me to restart it with many creative twists and additions. So I gathered up a few friends and classmates, and we began recruiting, and here we are!"
inMiddlebury Magazine  | July 2020 11
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12 inMiddlebury Magazine | July 2020
Middlebury Lions Club
Scholarship Winners The Middlebury Lions Club is pleased to announce that two scholarships have been awarded to Northridge High School graduating seniors Braedyn O’Dell and Jenna Nethercutt. Each recipient will receive a $500 one-time award. President Sopheap Long states that the club’s focus is to reward a deserving senior who has shown outstanding performance in their studies and more importantly, a great willingness to serve as a volunteer in their community and to the needs of others.
Braedyn O’Dell
In her essay, Braedyn O’Dell writes, “This community has taught me many lessons that I will continue to learn from and will take with me into my future endeavors. In the future, I want to become a nurse, and lessons I learned through living in this community will help me become a more compassionate and caring nurse.” Braedyn plans to study Nursing at Indiana Wesleyan University this fall.
Jenna Nethercutt In her essay, Jenna Nethercutt writes, “If I can use my skills in a meaningful way to make a difference in just one person’s life, I feel that would be an accomplishment. My desire is to continue to volunteer in the community while in Indianapolis as a I broaden my horizons.” Jenna plans to study Biomedical Engineering at IUPUI this fall.
The Middlebury Lions Club is part of the Lions Club International, the world’s largest service organization, serving over 300 countries. Adults interested in supporting the Middlebury Lions Club community programs or becoming a Lion member may contact: Club President Sopheap Long by email Sopheap.long@gmail.com or visiting the club’s Facebook page." inMiddlebury Magazine | July 2020 13
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In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved, and were loved and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be your to hold it high If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, through poppies grow In Flanders fields. – Lt. Col. John McCrae
On behalf of our Auxiliary, we would like to thank our generous community for their support of our poppy event which was held May 28-30 at Chalet Party Shoppe in Middlebury! Chalet Party Shoppe has been a valued venue for several years. The generous donations we received far surpassed last year’s donations! These much needed donations are distributed directly to our local veterans and their families. I would also like to thank our Auxiliary volunteers. Our American Legion commander and several veterans also supported our event. Their time and efforts helped ensure a meaningful and successful event. Your continued support is greatly appreciated! June Wild President, Women’s Auxiliary
Connecting the visual image of the poppy with the sacrifice of service made by our veterans has been an important goal of the American Legion Auxiliary Poppy Program since its inception in 1921. On Memorial Day and Veterans Day, millions of red crepe paper poppies - all handmade by veterans as part of their therapeutic rehabilitation are distributed across the country in exchange for donations that go directly to assist disabled and hospitalized veterans in our communities.
inMiddlebury Magazine | July 2020 15
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Memorial Day
In Middlebury Photos credit and written by Gloria Salavarria Last month we honored Memorial Day here in the U.S.—a day in which we honor the dead who served in our armed forces. My Dad served in the U.S. Marines during WWII and fought in the Pacific against the Japanese until he made it to Okinawa, where he stepped on an anti-tank mine and became one of only three men to have survived that kind of injury. Dad was disappointed that this injury resulted in his being discharged from the Marines and so he went on to raising three kids to say “Yes, Sir!” My husband, Joe, also enlisted in the Army Air Corps (which became the U.S. Air Force) toward the end of WWII and he was in the Corps during the Korean Conflict, but he was never assigned to action. He served instead in the support of the troops overseas, and during that time, he met Phyllis who became his first wife. She was serving in the Women’s Army Corps, also known as the WACs. All three of these volunteers for our military have passed on, and I have continued to honor them by attending our Memorial Day services here in Middlebury, with my camera in hand, of course. The residents of Middlebury have always turned out in good numbers for our local American Legion’s march down Main Street to the town’s Grace Lawn Cemetery where they hold a military honor service—both in the oldest section of the cemetery and across the street in the newer section of the cemetery where Mark L. Wilt is buried. Wilt was killed on November 2, 1918, while serving his country in France near the end of World War I. There are 38 other WWI vets buried in Middlebury’s Grace Lawn Cemetery but Wilt is the only soldier who saw action in WWI and so our local American Legion chose to name itself “The Mark L. Wilt American Legion Post 210.”
My Joe never joined the Legion because he didn’t have any war stories to share but my Dad was an avid member of the American Legion in the area where I grew up and so I hung out a lot with him at our local Legion, listening to war stories. I still have fond memories of that and although I don’t belong to the women’s group of the American Legion, I do occasionally enjoy the dinners that they host, and I take pictures of them on Memorial Day. This year, with the coronavirus pandemic, I wondered just how many people would turn out to watch the Legionnaires do their thing. So, I went down to Main Street a half hour before the parade was to begin just so that I could beat the crowd and pick a good location. I looked on either side, and instead of a nice turnout of folks eagerly lining Main Street on both sides, there was just me and one other guy on my side of the street, and two other families on the other side of the street. I must say that I was stunned to see such a low turnout. After all, during the weekdays folks in this town go freely about their business without face masks and so I thought they’d be lining the streets for Memorial Day. They weren’t, but as I headed toward the cemetery, I noticed that the numbers started to increase the closer we got to the cemetery. These folks were some of my neighbors but also many who were family members of the Legionnaires. (Continued on Page 18)
inMiddlebury Magazine | July 2020 17
Memorial Day in Middlebury Continued The Legion marches to the center of town and then turns right onto Warren Street to head toward Grace Lawn Cemetery, but before they reach the cemetery, they stop on the street’s bridge which crosses the Little Elkhart River, a creek that flows into the St. Joseph River which is about 8 miles from this bridge. Next, the honor guard and all who are to follow for the Memorial Service at Grace Lawn begin their walk toward the town’s cemetery… Now it is the honor guard’s time to do their armed salute to the soldiers of the three wars who are buried in this section of the cemetery. Next, they will cross over to the north side of Warren Street to the other, newer half of Grace Lawn cemetery where they will pause to give honor to Mark L. Wilt, the soldier whom the Legion Post honors by adding his name to their title. With the playing of this bugle call, the Legion’s Memorial Day ceremony is over and folks are free to leave and enjoy the rest of the day. Since this ceremony wasn’t far from the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail, a bicycle/pedestrian trail that runs between the towns of Goshen, Middlebury and Shipshewana, I headed over to the trail and rode my trike a little over 10 miles (16 kms) before returning home.
18 inMiddlebury Magazine | July 2020
Much to my surprise, the trail was full of folks riding their bicycles and there were runners, too.
This was Memorial Day in Middlebury.
4-H
Senior Spotlight
For the safety of the community the Elkhart County 4-H Fair has been postponed this year and instead will be held with the 2021 Fair from July 23-31, 2021. Despite this postponement we would still like to share some about some of the youth involved with this wonderful program in this issue of InMiddlebury Magazine.
Ashley Scott is the daughter of Lori and Jeff Scott. She was born and raised in Middlebury
and is graduating with the Class of 2020 from Northridge High School. Ashley plans to attend Ivy Tech in the fall to pursue a career as a medical assistant. She received the Teacher's Choice Award her junior year. This is awarded to the student who most exemplifies the characteristics of perseverance, friendliness and respect. Ashley has also helped in the life skills class for one semester this school year and says, "I really wish I could have done it the previous years as well, but my schedule never allowed it. I loved it! I enjoyed their kind hearts and happy personalities! Every day I walked in, they instantly put a smile on my face and made my day. Each of those kids has made an impact on me. They are limited to certain things that they can do, that we all take for granted. It was always fun to do activities with them, like going to LoveWay every Thursday and going to the gym with them to see some of their athletic skills! I’m so thankful that I got to help in their class this year and they will always have a special place in my heart." In addition to this Ashley has also volunteered at Granger Community Church, where she helps once a month on the usher/greeter team. She greets people with a smile as they come in, helps them as needed, and makes sure they leave knowing someone cares about them. She really looks forward to serving time each month. Ashley says, "We have an amazing volunteer team and it’s always fun to see them and catch up." She has been a part of 4-H for 10 years, where she mostly participated with the foods and microwave foods projects. "I really enjoyed working on those projects, and the taste testing was always a plus too. One of the highlights of my 4-H career was having my cookies go to the Indiana State Fair. It was a great opportunity to go there. The experiences I had and skills I learned at our monthly meetings helped me as I completed my projects. Learning about public speaking helped me as I presented projects to the judges. I always looked forward to fair week and getting to see other people’s projects that they dedicated lots of time to. I will certainly miss that and the 10-year 4-H awards ceremony!" said Ashley of her 4-H experience. Ashley's favorite quote is, "There is no limit to how radiant, impactful, happy, and fulfilled you can be. Do not let anyone make you forget this."
relationships.”
Brett Ward is the son of Tammie and Angelo Brown. He is a part of the Class of 2020 and plans to study information technology in the fall. His favorite thing about Middlebury is the small-town feel. Brett is a 10-year Elkhart County 4-H Rabbit Club member. He also did two years of Mini 4-H. Brett says, “The most important thing that 4-H has taught me is to get involved with your community in any way that you can. That’s why I used all of my 2019 4-H Auction check to buy food so I could donate it to the Middlebury Food Pantry. Regina Goodman, Melody Dunithan, Veronica Jordan, and Kim Wixon Rich were the leaders of Rabbit Club that had the biggest impact on me. They taught me that club and community always comes before self. The time spent with my 4-H friends at fair will always be the memories I will remember the most. It’s never been about the ribbons or awards but the people and
Camry Zimmerman is the daughter of Nikki and Gary Zimmerman. She will be graduating with the Class of 2020 and has participated on the Northridge Varsity Cheer team and Northridge Volleyball team, participated in the Lyric Lights Choir and has been involved in 4-H and will finish as a 10-year member this year. She plans to attend IUSB for elementary education. Camry received the 4-H Horizon Award, one-year perfect attendance at NHS and lettered in choir and cheer. She also got the opportunity to participate at Orchard View Elementary, helping in Ms. McCarthy’s Kindergarten class. Camry has been in 4-H for 10 years. She completed nine years of Rabbit Club and various projects throughout the years. She helped with Senior Day and also participated in the Elkhart 4-H Fair Queen Contest. She says she learned during the queen contest that even if you aren’t selected it is a fun way to meet new girls and become friends with new people. We deliver softer skin. Are you comfortable in your skin or does a shower leave you feeling dry? Hawkins Water Tech can help.
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Raider
Freshman Mentor Program Written by Kayleigh Miller
Throughout my high school experience, I have been involved in various clubs and organizations— NR Volleyball, Academic Super Bowl, National Honor Society, Student Council, Junior Optimist Club, and German Honor Society— to name a few. However, none quite had the impact on me that the Raider Freshman Mentor Program did. The program was created to help incoming freshmen transition from middle school to the high school setting, and when I first signed up I was so excited to help; I had little clue how much this program would help me. This program was created by Mrs. Wells and Mrs. Shyposki (you guys rock!) to help get incoming freshmen integrated into the high school setting, with each mentor having around 4-6 freshmen they are with for the year. Mentors are there to help students learn about the school, find teams or clubs they think different mentees might be a good fit for, and overall, give them someone they can count on throughout the year. Freshmen aren’t “assigned” mentors, but rather “adopted” as I like to think of it. The first couple weeks of meeting with the classroom you are put with are used to get to know and connect with them, and start to form relationships organically. This helps the freshmen to have someone that they actually relate or have things in common with. Two years of being a part of the RFM program and being on the leadership council has given me the opportunity to connect and build friendships with so many people from different walks of life, many of which I otherwise probably wouldn’t have even met if I wasn’t involved in the program. 20 inMiddlebury Magazine | July 2020
The endeavors of being a mentor were way beyond what I initially envisioned. Of course I was there to help my mentees with tricky high school stuff like navigating a new building and adjusting to new classroom settings, I was also there to be a friend. Being older and having more high school and overall life experience, many mentors are looked at by their mentees as someone they can confide in and ask for advice from when they need it without feeling awkward like they might if they were talking to a teacher or another adult. Along with building connections and friendships with mentees, I was also able to get to know and make friends with other mentors. Because we all are working with freshmen and experiencing a lot of the same things, us mentors were able to grow close and help each other out with different situations. Getting together with the other mentors and planning activities and games for our meetings really helped build a strong bond between all of us and it was almost like we were a little family. In all, this program is such a wonderful asset to Northridge High School. It has not only helped freshmen know they’re not alone in what some might find a scary transition, but it has also built a stronger sense of community between all four grade levels and bridged the gap between “upperclassmen” and “lowerclassmen.” I am incredibly thankful to have been a part of this program for the past two years. Although I was put in the “mentor” role, I feel I have learned and grown so much from this awesome program!
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inMiddlebury Magazine | July 2020 21
Welcome to our SHOUT page!
A BIG “ thank you” to Middlebury Animal Clinic for making masks for LoveWay. We are so blessed by your heart for our organization and your overall support of our community!! YOU ROCK! - The LoveWay Staff
Shout out to the best neighbors! Thank you Rachel and Sonny Miller for always looking out for us and doing our shopping during quarantine! You and your family are the best! We appreciate you guys. - Rich and Jane Milewski
First State Bank is AMAZING!!! LoveWay cannot “thank you” enough for coming alongside us during this time. We are so blessed to be a part of the First State family! – Shelley and the LoveWay Staff
If you know of a community member or group of people whom you would like to offer out a SHOUT of gratitude in a future magazine, please send your nomination to our editor Desirée Beauchamp-Boucher at Delightfullyhere@gmail.com A shout to all the many people who gave my wife caring words, cards, and love prior to her recent passing, two little girls from our Amish community must be acknowledged. Our little neighbor, Rhonda Bontrager, painted my wife a picture of flowers and brought it to Polly to ease her burden and the other little girl, Edna (Miller), came with her keyboard and played it and sang hymns for Polly, walking through snow along the busy slippery road, as she clutched her keyboard, (wrapped in Meijer grocery bags) we are grateful beyond words for their talented efforts. - S. Biley Family
My family and I are so grateful towards all the people in our community, both businesses and individuals, whom we see taking the extra necessary precautions to stay safe and keep others safe as well during these trying times. My husband has a compromised immune system, so we really appreciate all the people we encounter who are wearing masks so that they can help us keep him and others like him safe. - Anonymous
I would love to give a shout to our former graphic artist here at InMiddlebury Magazine, Cori Vilardo. She helped me in so many ways this past year and a half learning the ropes and becoming confident in my own role with the magazine. I don’t think there is any way I could have done it without her to help and guidance. Good luck in your next adventure Cori! - Desiré Beauchamp-Boucher
To all the poll workers and election workers that in spite of all of the date changes, location changes, Covid-19 issues, and working crazy, long hours, they ensured that every ballot and voter was processed, counted, handled safely and correctly. Most of the workers do this out of a sense of civic responsibility, not for the very minimum pay. Thank You for your service. - Anonymous 22 inMiddlebury Magazine | July 2020
Middlebury Chamber of Commerce th
18 Annual Golf Classic
Tuesday, August 14, 2020
Lunch at 11:30 a.m. with shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. Practice Tee and Putting Green will be open prior to start of Outing. Support the Middlebury Chamber of Commerce while promoting your company through our numerous classic sponsorship options. Don’t miss this opportunity to play Meadow Valley Golf Club, Middlebury’s prestigious golf course while marketing your products and services to our business participants during the 18th Annual Chamber Golf Classic! $375.00 Chamber Member Foursome (After July 31, $400) 1. 2. 3. 4. $400.00 Non-Member Foursome (After July 31, $425) 1. 2. 3. 4.
Payment information: Please make check payable to: Middlebury Chamber of Commerce Mail payment and registration form to: Middlebury Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 243, Middlebury, IN 46540 Company Name __________________________________Contact Person_____________________________ Phone__________________________________________Email Address_________________________________________City______________________________________ State___________________________________________Zip_______________________________________ Method of payment:______________________________Check Enclosed# ___________________________ Credit Card (Visa or MasterCard) Name on Card_________________________________________________ Card Number_____________________________________________________________________________ Expiration Date_______________________ 3 Digit Code_____________ Billing Zip Code_____________________
From past to present
24 inMiddlebury Magazine  | July 2020
northridge athletics
inMiddlebury Magazine  | July 2020 25
tough Times Don’t Last But Tough Towns Do! #middleburyin Middlebury Chamber of Commerce 18th Annual Golf Classic
Tuesday, August 14, 2020 Lunch at 11:30 a.m. with shotgun start at 12:30 p.m.
Practice Tee and Putting Green will be open prior to start of Outing. Support the Middlebury Chamber of Commerce while promoting your company through our numerous classic sponsorship options. Don’t miss this opportunity to play Meadow Valley Golf Club, Middlebury’s prestigious golf course while marketing your products and services to our business participants during the 18th Annual Chamber Golf Classic!
$375.00 Chamber Member Foursome (After July 31, $400) 1. 2. 3. 4. $400.00 Non-Member Foursome (After July 31, $425) 1. 2. 3. 4. Payment information: Please make check payable to: Middlebury Chamber of Commerce Mail payment and registration form to: Middlebury Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 243, Middlebury, IN 46540 Company Name________________________________________ Contact Person_________________________________________ Phone______________________ Email_____________________ Address___________________City_______________________ State___________________ Zip__________________________ Method of payment:____________Check Enclosed# _________ Credit Card (Visa or MasterCard) Name on Card___________________ Card Number__________________________________________ Expiration Date_____ 3 Digit Code______ Billing Zip Code________
26 inMiddlebury Magazine | July 2020
Chamber Chat
We’re Back Let’s Chat Tuesday, July 14 & 28
Coffee at 8:30 a.m. • Seating is limited due to Social Distancing, Reservations Required, 574-825-4300. Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center 210 S. Main St., Middlebury
N o rthridg e H igh S ch o o l
Scholar Athlete Of the Month cassidy overholt Class of 2020 graduate Cassidy Overholt is the daughter of Julie and Ed Overholt. She has played on the girls tennis team at Northridge High School. She was also involved in the Raider Freshman Mentor program, a member of student council, and secretary of the German Honor Society in school. When it came to participating in NHS sports, Cassidy said, “I most enjoy the simple feeling of being on and part of a team, and always having a group of such wonderful people to surround myself. I have met so many incredible girls through the program that I might not have otherwise, and I am so thankful for that. Our team is so special to me and I love the feeling of community we have. I’ve had so much fun being a part of it and have made some great memories that I won’t ever forget.” Within the community, Cassidy is also involved in kid’s ministry at Sugar Grove Church, as well as being a member of the student programs there. After high school she will be attending Indiana Wesleyan University in the fall to major in nursing.
inMiddlebury Magazine | July 2020 27
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28 inMiddlebury Magazine | July 2020
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