The Lakes East December 2022

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METAL MASTER

Premier Metalworks Owner Continues to Grow Wolcottville-Based Business

ONE WARSAW

KEY CONTRIBUTORS

JULIE YATES / ROBERT NOAH TORRES JUBILEE EDGELL / LOIS TOMASZEWSKI / MATT KEATING AMY LANT-WENGER / KARI LIPSCOMB / TONY STRAW

Writer / Amy Lant-Wenger Photography Provided

Growing up on a farm offers young, inquisitive minds plenty of opportunities to explore. Floyd Graber found his niche in life relatively early, as he was naturally drawn to welding and working with metal.

Graber has found success parlaying his talents into an enterprise called Premier Metalworks. Working as the

sole proprietor at his rural Wolcottville farmstead, Graber has elevated the craftsmanship of custom barn elements into a product line that perfectly meshes practicality and artistry.

Graber has been overseeing the operations of the business since the fall of 2018, and credits a family project he was entrusted with in New Paris for “kind of putting me on the map.” From the beginning, Graber has been firmly

committed to quality, as well as the principle that horse stalls should be appealing to the eye and to the animals housed within.

He has a cycle that he follows while executing a project, which begins with an idea and is followed by a buildout, installation and final inspection. The process generally includes the selection of doors, hardware, tracking, latching locks, guards, and finish types. He offers

a brochure to potential customers, and a few of the installation package arrangements are christened with family names, such as the Miller Project, the Troyer Project and the Lehman Project.

Graber is anticipating an updated, fullcolor brochure in the coming weeks.

One aspect of Graber’s custom work is his design of European stall fronts. “Not

a lot of people have seen them yet,” he says. “They are functional, elegant, and they offer an open and relaxed type of barn. I can do everything from design, drawing and finishing, and then I do

is our starting point

When you’re looking for a custom stalling solution, talk to us. We specialize in building the perfect units for your barn.

horse stalls | steel railings | doors | accessories

Because the European stalls are so detailed and forward-thinking, Graber is keenly drawn to them. “I’m always innovative and I’m always adding new ideas,” he says. “Quality and service are my number-one goals, and the safety of the horses. I like building the European [stalls] because they’re always a challenge.”

Graber is also very attuned to the need for low-maintenance products, including the use of high-end materials in the construction process. “I’m in the process of adding standard sizes to be able to finish the projects quicker, and make them more cost effective,” he says.

As with any custom work, each project requires flexibility and a timeline that will accommodate every phase of the installation. Graber says in early 2022, building components were difficult to

receive in a timely fashion, on account of national shipping and receiving issues. Thankfully the supply and demand ratios seem to be back on track, he notes, with such critical materials as steel becoming more plentiful.

Graber is optimistic for growth in the coming year, as word of his craftsmanship and reputation continues to resonate, hopefully beyond the regional realm. “That’s my goal,” he says. “I’d love to go outside this area. Even though we currently work throughout northern Indiana, I’m hoping to expand. I’m always looking to extend my services.”

To schedule an appointment for a consultation, call 260-854-2076 to leave a voicemail. Graber will strive to respond within one hour, and will also take measurements and design ideas during the initial visit.

Writer / Matt Keating Photography Provided

Megan Dinse of One Warsaw says the local organization strives to make sure everyone in the community feels included.

She stressed that One Warsaw is a non-profit organization that focuses on connecting and sharing ideas, events and diversity initiatives in the community that bring everyone together.

The goal of the Warsaw-based organization is to make everyone feel welcome and heard. One Warsaw also offers fun events that inspire and motivate people.

“One Warsaw aims to provide a sense of inclusion for all residents of our community,” Dinse says. “We celebrate by hosting events

that focus on diversity, including our annual Celebrating Us and Juneteenth events. We educate and support diverse cultures through social media posts and by partnering with local organizations that provide opportunities for targeted populations.”

People involved with One Warsaw connect with those in the community and share events they are passionate about.

Volunteers at One Warsaw work together on events with organizations to support, educate and celebrate everyone.

“Once a year, our Celebrating Us event is a main event in downtown Warsaw with several different organizations who do positive things in the area to show inclusion and bring people together to celebrate,” Dinse says. “There are a lot of different organizations, ethnicities and cultures that make each community special.”

Dinse added that it’s important to celebrate everyone in the Warsaw community.

“We are diverse, marginalized, population, and It’s important to recognize that,” Dinse says. “People see that other adults have the same open mindedness and respect. We have a great community of individuals, and One Warsaw has been a great way to highlight that. It’s also a great way to meet new friends and participate in a positive event.”

Dinse was inspired by the number of people who turned out for Celebrating Us.

“We had a great turnout of participants and guests at the last one,” Dinse says. “Sometimes it can take a while to get all the different sponsors we need, but they showed up. It takes a lot of planning. We were lucky at the last event because we were able to get 40 different booths. We were able to get a lot of help, and that was wonderful. The hard work that everyone

put in to make the event a success paid off. People told us they had a good time, especially after not being able to have the event in 2020 because of COVID-19.”

Dinse notes that the positive work could

not be done without the valuable help of excellent volunteers.

“All One Warsaw members are volunteers,” Dinse says. “We meet monthly to collaborate on events and discuss new

opportunities and ways to reach our community.”

One Warsaw Motivates Participants

Dinse says she has derived a lot of personal satisfaction out of the organization.

“I like knowing there are other people in my community who are passionate about inclusivity in the town of Warsaw,” Dinse says. “One Warsaw members believe that all people matter. It is motivating and encouraging to be surrounded by others with a similar mindset who want to make an impact.”

Dinse encourages many people in the community to get involved. She is always looking to meet new faces.

“We have open positions on the board,” Dinse says. “It’s always nice to get more people involved in all of the great work that we do.”

Dinse is excited about the future and getting more people involved.

“Our board meetings are open to the public,” Dinse says. “We typically meet the second Tuesday of every month at 5:30 p.m. We can be reached through the ‘contact’ link on our website at www.onewarsaw.org or by messaging our Facebook page, One WarsawCelebrating Us. We are always looking for volunteers or sponsors to help with our events.”

Dinse notes that there is plenty of fun work to be done at One Warsaw.

“If you are passionate about inclusivity and making a difference in our community, we have open spots on our Board. You can apply for a position on our website through the ‘Board Interest Form’ link,” she says.

You can reach One Warsaw by visiting their website at www.onewarsaw.org, by messaging their Facebook page (One Warsaw-Celebrating Us) or by emailing directly at info@onewarsaw.org.

EXPLORE LOCAL HISTORY NAPPANEE CENTER IS A VAULT FULL OF HISTORIC EXHIBITS

Writer / Amy Lant-Wenger Photography Provided

Lyricists, poets and novelists the world over have been inspired by this unseen muse. It cannot be touched, yet it exists all the same.

It is the passage of time. And although going back and revisiting certain moments isn’t possible, there are places where images and mementos of the bygone days have been captured for people to linger over and appreciate.

The Nappanee Center is one such place. Within the walls of this historic structure there are several fascinating and informative rotating exhibits spanning nearly 150 years, all about the stories of Nappanee. While it’s a marvelous destination for education and enlightenment, the Nappanee Center has also evolved and includes a network of interactive experiences.

While the Nappanee Center in its current incarnation has existed for a relatively short period of time, the archival marvels within have been a part of a museum setting for more than 50 years. Back in 1971, the Nappanee Public Library created a separate suite of rooms designed to display and preserve their vast number of photographs, club records, school ephemera and other materials. The project was primarily under the auspices of Evelyn Lehman Culp, who was the beloved longtime director of the library from 1957 until 1977. Culp had a tremendous heart and passion for keeping Nappanee’s illustrious history alive and tangible for the community in which she was born and lived for the greater share of her life. Culp died at the age of 91 in 2002. In reverence to her contributions, the library museum that she worked so tirelessly to create was christened the Evelyn Lehman Culp Heritage Collection.

In the mid-2000s, an opportunity presented itself for the

museum to relocate to a much more spacious facility. The Nappanee Public Library entered into an agreement with the City of Nappanee to relaunch the collection, an alliance which would bring together the Nappanee Chamber of Commerce and the museum under one roof. In 2007, the new museum debuted at its new home, 302 W. Market Street downtown Nappanee. The museum has a unique attached structure at its far west end, a building that served as the home of the John Hartman family. Hartman was a prominent Nappanee merchant and local community activist, who with his brothers became proprietors of the Hartman mercantile firm. The Hartman house sector of the Nappanee Center is a favorite element of the Nappanee Center. It features several antiques, photographs and other family treasures throughout several rooms of the homestead.

As the Nappanee Center was being established in its new location, another

renowned citizen and key contributor to Nappanee’s legacy lent his talents and expertise to the cause. Charles “Chuck” Grimm was an integral volunteer in working as a curator, spending countless hours coordinating the exhibits, loaning several items from his own personal collections and serving in a variety of capacities as a longtime local historian. Grimm spent his entire life as a Nappanee resident until his passing in 2016.

Fifteen years later, the Nappanee Center is as diverse and intriguing as ever to both residents and tourists alike. With curator and literal caretaker Martha Owen at the helm, the amenities that the Center offers can now be enjoyed in various digital formats, an endeavor that Owen has initiated and implemented over the past five years or so. The Nappanee Center now features Facebook Live history chats and presentations, an active presence on YouTube, walking tours and

the creations of painter Emma Schrock, the latter of which was donated by the Doug Grant family. The Schrock gallery features more than 70 pieces of Schrock’s artwork and is believed to be the largest private collection of her works. The Grant family also contributed additional funds to the tune of approximately $200,000, which enabled the Nappanee Center to install new lighting and display walls, interactive screens and fresh carpeting and paint. Those enhancements were also used to upgrade the Nappanee Cartoonists exhibits, which showcases the illustrations of the six Nappanee men who achieved national prominence through their art.

Owen has also hosted several podcasts, lovingly titled “Evie’s History Bytes,” as a wink to Culp. She and the Nappanee Public Library have also joined forces to create multiple family themed adventures like themed escape rooms, Museum Selfie Day and the popular production known as “Night at the Museum.” Every October, a group

of local performers and volunteers come together to recreate well known moments and incidents of Nappanee history, complete with authentic character names of actual residents, period costumes and relevant trivia. Plans are already in the works for the 2023 production, which will feature a greatest hits format.  In 2024, “Night at the Museum” will be centered around the 100th anniversary of Nappanee’s establishment as a city.

The Nappanee Center is located at 302 West Market Street, just west of downtown Nappanee. Hours are Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., and Saturdays, 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.  The Center is closed on Sundays.  For more information about the facility, including a schedule of upcoming events, visit http://www.nappaneelibrary. org and click on the Heritage Collection tab, or call (574) 773-7812.

IN THE FAMILY

LEGACY FAMILY HEALTH CARE AIMS TO ELEVATE PATIENT CARE & RELATIONSHIPS

Writer / Amy Lant-Wenger Photographer / Ali Snyder

Situated along the fringes of Warsaw’s most well traversed roadways, there is a modest facility with a decidedly higher purpose. The building itself is swathed in calming neutral tones, with entrance doors offering pops of yellow color as bright as daffodils in bloom. This is the place called Legacy Family Health Care. And while it is most definitely a resource to tap into a wealth of medical

services, it is quite possibly unlike any clinic that folks have ever seen. In fact, it is the first of its kind in the entirety of Kosciusko County. True, it does offer a similar array of healthcare needs as that of a traditional practice, but that is where the similarities end.

Legacy Family Health Care is where patients will be introduced to Lindsay Kreps, MSN, APRN, FNP-C. She is a proponent of a growing trend to simplify and personalize the patient experience by working with the whole individual, from mental health to minor medical emergencies to total wellness, and virtually everything else in between. Kreps is joined by a staff which includes Sara Larocque in nursing and Jenny Neer as a CMA.

Most folks would agree that the months within and beyond the pandemic have become increasingly frustrating regarding doctor and patient relationships. Stacks of complicated insurance paperwork to sift through, lengthy wait times to make appointments and overwhelmed physicians are all part of the new normal for far too many.

With this in mind, Kreps has instituted a methodology of

From left to right: Sara Larocque, RN, Lindsay Kreps, MSN, APRN, FNP-C and Jenny Neer, CMA

direct primary care.  With DPC, there is no insurance company involved. Patients are invited to pay a membership fee, one flat rate each month. Advantages of this membership include lower prices on medications, often at wholesale or greatly reduced prices; expedited appointment scheduling and more time allotted for visits and consultations with Kreps.

“I want my community to be healthy,” Kreps explains simply. “They just don’t feel heard.”

Among the range of services that Legacy Family Health Care is equipped to provide includes minor surgical procedures, urgent care issues, laboratory testing, mental health guidance, naturopathic and functional medicine, prescription medications

Sara Larocque, RN, begins

draw blood from a patient

Kreps has also worked to establish a network of specialists in the region for cases in which a patient presents health situations that are of an emergency nature or fall outside of the range of services provided. She knew in that first week of her business that she had created a logical and viable option in the health care field

and one that seemed to instantly draw people into her circle of compassion. At the conclusion of that first week, Legacy Family Health Care had tended to more than 160 patients.

Her years of medical training and perfecting skills has served the

Lindsay M. Kreps, MSN, APRN, FNP-C

practice well during a time of complex and evolving illnesses. Her calming mannerisms and personal touches bring a sense of serenity when patients are nervous and full of questions. Yet she is also a lifelong nurturing spirit, serving as a caretaker for her mother, who was diabetic. Kreps is also very candid about her experiences with mental health, as she witnessed one of her uncles deal with schizophrenia. In so many words, by definition, she gets it.

Kreps chose a very specific logo, one with a tree with many branches, to signify the family she honors daily by carrying on with her quest to help others achieve optimum wellness. And those yellow doors? Yellow was her mother’s favorite color. Thus, ensuring that as she comes and goes, and as her patients arrive and leave, a little bit of sunshine is lighting the path.

Legacy Family Health Care is open on Mondays from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. and on Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. until 7 p.m. On Fridays, the hours are 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Tuesday appointments can be arranged by contacting the office. The business, located at 308 S. Scott Street in Warsaw, is closed on weekends. For more information about the services provided or to schedule an appointment, call (574) 575-4987 or check out legacyfamilyhealthcare.org.

HEART OF THE Holidays

Writer / Abby Renz Photography Provided by New Kitchen Store

The holidays mean gatherings of friends, family and friends who have become family. It means the twinkling of Christmas lights, the merriment of songs, crisp winter air and hot drinks to warm the heart. The holidays also mean festive meals, juicy turkey, honey roasted ham and hand mashed potatoes topped with simmering gravy, bread rolls, stuffing and pies of every kind. It’s the kind of feast that afterwards, you might unbutton the top button of your jeans, curl up with a good book with a mug of spiced cider and enjoy a fire in the hearth.

When I think of the holidays, I think of my grandma’s cooking. Growing up, I distinctly remember my grandma waking up early and making coffee before the sun came up and bustling in the kitchen all day. As a child, I couldn’t begin to fathom the

love and dedication that goes into preparing a meal for the holidays. All I knew was that the scents of the season filled the kitchen and throughout the house, and somehow, my grandma created magic.

Now, as a young woman and a new wife, I get to carry on the tradition and make the holiday meals. Together we can make new memories, compare recipes, and most importantly, I can help my grandmother. I now know how much work, prep and love goes into every dish to make the holiday spectacular…it isn’t easy! I now understand why she would wake up so early and why my siblings and I would be shooed from the kitchen for being underfoot.

I get it now! In my own kitchen, it drives me insane when my husband is standing

around. So much so, that I tell him if he wants food, he better get out of my kitchen. I have also learned the sense of pride that I feel when the food I make looks great and tastes amazing. I love seeing my family enjoy a good, homecooked meal.

It’s easy to get takeout or heat up a dinner in the microwave (hello college years), but to take the time to prepare a meal, grind the spices, follow a recipe and spend a few hours in the kitchen is truly a gift. When I cook, I like to play music. If I’m by myself, I take my time so I can truly enjoy the experience.

Cooking is more than mixing ingredients and stuffing food into an oven. I have

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NEW KITCHEN STORE HAS EVERYTHING YOU NEED THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

learned so much from cooking and how to make so many things that I love: handmade apple pies with lattice design or rosebuds, handmade cranberry sauce (SO much better than canned) and how

to recognize the best spices and herbs to perfect a meal.

The best part is that I can share these things with my grandmother, just as she

has shared them with me--we continue sharing this passion and making new memories. I’m honored to have been passed the torch this holiday and to take some of the pressure off her. She can enjoy

the things that I now realize she missed out on all these years.

This year, take the time to help your loved ones who spend hours in the kitchen. If the kids can help, let them! Take shifts in the kitchen, let the cook in on the festivities, play music and make cooking a wonderful experience instead of a burden. I couldn’t understand the work that my grandma put into each meal growing up, and now that I do, I cherish and respect each meal with her more and more.

Come to the New Kitchen Store for your holiday and cooking needs as we enter the holiday season. From spices to coffee and much, much more, we can help make your time in the kitchen a special time.

You can visit the New Kitchen Store at 330 Liberty St, Walkerton, IN 46574 or give them a call at (574) 586-2745. You can also shop online at www.newkitchenstore.com.

SUCCESSFUL

Writer / Lois Tomaszewski Photography Provided

In 1988 a high school student from the Netherlands, Bianca Van der Gaag, stayed with two families in Goshen. She came bearing tasty treats from her homeland known as stroopwaffles, and discovered that people enjoyed these cookie-like treats.

“Every time I would come over, I would bring more and more,” she says.

That was the start of a business idea that would take years to bring to fruition. Fast-forward to 2019, and Bianca and her husband Patrick Letens were approved for a visa and began the process of establishing Dutch Waffle Company LLC.

Bianca is the sole owner of the locally based Dutch Waffle Company, which

was recently certified as a 100% womanowned business.

Dutch Waffle Company bakes stroopwaffles, which bear no resemblance to the pancake-type breakfast item that most Americans would expect when they hear the word “waffle.” Instead, this traditional treat from the Netherlands is flat and crispy with a soft caramel filling, more like a cookie than a waffle.

Thanks to the support of the late

LeRoy Hostetler, and Dennis and Leah Hochstetler from Rentown Country Store out of Bremen, Bianca was able to secure a commercial-grade kitchen and begin making the Dutch Waffle Company products for distribution to local stores. One of the first customers for the cookie was the Culinary Mill in Nappanee.

“Stroopwaffles are fun cookies because they can be used in a variety of ways and to each one’s creativity,” Bianca says.

IS INDEED SWEET FOR DUTCH WAFFLE COMPANY

People can eat them out of the package, or simply allow them to soften over a warm beverage and enjoy the cinnamon and caramel filling. Stroopwaffles can be cut up for an ice-cream topping and used as the base for s’mores.

They are also a “great grab-and-go snack,” Bianca says.

Dutch Waffle Company makes two sizes of the cookies - the standard size, which is about 3.5” in diameter, and the 5” Jimbo size, named for her exchange family’s patriarch. The cookies are packaged individually and in two-packs. The family pack is great to share and use as a gift. Patrick and Bianca can also be found at local festivals, often tweaking the flavors. For the Blueberry Festival in Plymouth, they created a blueberry-flavored stroopwaffle.

For Mother’s Day, the traditional round shape becomes a heart. Stroopwaffles in

STROOPWAFFLE

the shape of shamrocks were baked for the University of Notre Dame.

Custom orders for shapes and flavors are available for orders of 250 or more. The couple can also bake the cookies on-site for private gatherings.

Dutch Waffle Company also offers gluten-free organic product selections. This makes up 10 to 15% of overall sales, Patrick says.

A new product introduced this year is a one-pound package of No Bake Stroopwaffle Pie Crust, which consists of crumbs left over from the production of the stroopwaffles.

Although similar to graham-cracker crusts, stroopwaffle crumbs give desserts a thicker crust similar to cookie crumbs, Bianca says.

Customers have been sending the

Call 574-223-2020 for your appointment today.

Earning the right to care for you, your family, and our community.

company their recipes for this new product, which can be used for all kinds of pies and cupcakes, in bars, and as a crumb topping for other desserts.

Bianca and Patrick manage four employees, including their daughter Annelotte Tobongbanua. She handles social media and marketing for the company.

She is oldest of the couple’s three daughters at 24. Recently married, she lives in Hawaii. Their middle daughter, Leonie, lives in the Netherlands, and the youngest, Ilse, lived in the states for a time but has since moved back to the Netherlands.

The company has an online shop, developed by Annelotte. Bianca says the online store is not meant to compete with local stores that stock their products. It was a means of expanding their business to people outside the area.

For Bianca, it is encouraging to see the reactions of customers who try the product for the first time. They offer samples at their booths at festivals.

“We encourage them to try it,” Patrick says. “People pass us by and we encourage them to take a sample.”

That first bite is often all that is needed to make a sale and gain a new fan of the product.

Dutch Waffle Company products can be found in several local stores and supermarkets. Check out their products online at shop.dutchwafflecompany.us.

DOUBLE M POLY CREATES CUSTOM OUTDOOR PRODUCTS WITH UNIQUELY RUGGED MATERIALS

Writer / Amy Lant-Wenger Photography Provided

At first blush, the phrase “outdoor furniture” might seem like an oxymoron. Many traditional home accents would likely become withered and worn outside when not shielded from the elements.

However, there are plenty of folks who know better, and understand what it is to embrace outdoor relaxation. They see it as a means to expand upon their living space, to have an oasis without walls, and to sit

beneath a sky that stretches beyond the stars.

Matt Kramer, owner of Double M Poly in rural Nappanee, understands this way of thinking. He is a creator of beautiful yet durable outdoor seating and gathering places that are destined to last a lifetime. Kramer took on the lead role in the family business approximately a year and a half ago, taking over for a family member who opted to pursue another avenue. He is a lifelong resident of the area, and relocated to Nappanee after being raised on a farm

situated in Marshall County between Bremen and Bourbon. The name of the business is a nod to himself and his wife, Mary, as they incorporated the initials of their first names.

The chief material that establishes Double M Poly into a class of its own is known as Polywood, which is composed of materials gleaned from recycled plastics. The main components that Kramer uses in the business are manufactured in Chicago and shipped to Ohio, to be broken down into workable forms before they arrive at the

than wood. “You can bend it a little bit easier and it cuts a little easier - and no splinters,” he says with chuckle. This allows Kramer to offer a quick turnaround time for many of his creations. For example, he says a typical workday of eight hours can produce one picnic table or, within that same time, two or three gliders. The most timeconsuming aspect, he notes, is installing the aluminum framework.

Locally, Kramer has found retail success through sales at Rentown Country Store and Homestyle Furniture Shoppe, and he has also worked with dealerships in Michigan and Kentucky. Ideally, he would like to broaden his service region. “I’ll go wherever I can get work from,” he says with enthusiasm. “If I can get enough dealers interested, I could explore those options.”

Double M Poly is located at 27340 County Road 50 in Nappanee. For more info, call 574-773-0632.

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EXPLORE YOUR SENSES

ANNIE OAKLEY PERFUMERY STUDIO NOT SLOWING DOWN AFTER 40 YEARS

Writer / Amy Lant-Wenger Photographer / Kari Lipscomb

History has chronicled, at length, the workings of a renowned music producer who created a concept known as the “Wall of Sound.”

By comparison, it can very easily be said that Renee Gabet pioneered the ‘wall of fragrance.”

Just beyond the downtown thoroughfares of Ligonier, guests can step into the studio where Gabet launched the Annie Oakley Perfumery Studio. A few steps through the entrance is a transformative experience for the senses. The facility itself is colorful and classy, and the atmosphere is aromatic with the essences of naturally inspired sources. For Gabet, Annie Oakley was truly born as a labor of love, as she steadfastly believes that her calling is about so much more than just developing captivating aromas.

“Perfumery is a lost art,” she says.

The history of Annie Oakley Perfumery dates back more than 40 years, when Gabet launched the business in 1980. Prior to that time, she was traveling the art fair circuit to sell her handmade jewelry. Yet, there was a lingering wonder that she harbored about her lifelong interest in natural perfume.  Could she parlay that passion into a career?

She enlisted the assistance of a mentor that could offer guidance and advice that was aligned with her vision of offering high end elements, which she calls ‘the finest raw materials.’ During this entrepreneurial journey, she was inspired to create a cologne that was marketed for women as something of a companion scent for the popular Stetson brand. This creation was called Stampede, one of Gabet’s

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Renee Gabet

earliest commercial successes.

“From there, it really took off,” she says. “We were out there working with essential oils before people even knew what essential oils were.”

Gabet was very committed to learning everything she could about the art of fragrance, and she went to extraordinary lengths to accomplish her goals.  She has literally traveled the world in search of top tier chemists, distilleries, herbalists and bottle designers to ensure that her products not only delivered quality ingredients, but had a sleek, aesthetically dazzling appearance as well.

As a result, her studio carries a diverse inventory of home fragrance, aromatherapies, perfumes, colognes and therapies derived from essential oil blends. Gabet is happy to demonstrate how customizing mixtures of various scents can elicit sensory experiences, from serenity and balancing to energizing and euphoria. With a dab, a spritz or a drop of her oils, customers can infuse their own unique creations with limitless choices of oil. Gabet can share suggestions as to what scents work well together, like frankincense for grounding, lavender for calming and peppermint for reviving.

Gabet smiles when she speaks of her store.

“To smell beauty is to be happy,” Gabet says.

One of Annie Oakley’s top sellers is a line called BreathePure, which includes peppermint, eucalyptus and basil and is said to work well for relieving sinus issues. There is also a line of skincare products that feature anti-aging properties and natural emollients. Another popular creation that is found in studio is tea tree oil, which is cultivated from Australia. When used in very small proportions, one-half of 1% to be exact, it can be used to ward off germs and bacterial growth, including E. coli.

One specific warning that Gabet shares

Signature fragrances that helped launch Annie Oakley Perfumery over 40 years ago.

Annie Oakley has many scents to choose from.

Annie Oakley Perfumery Studio in Ligonier, Indiana.

with her clients is to never ingest essential oils. “It can kill both good and bad bacteria,” she says. Additionally, the oils can cause corrosion to the esophagus. To illustrate this point, Gabet

takes an eye dropper and squeezes a few droplets into a Styrofoam cup.  Minutes later, she holds up the cup to show how the bottom of the cup is riddled with holes. It’s a demonstration that

further shows how invested she is in the satisfaction and safety of her patrons.

So why did Gabet choose to call her business Annie Oakley? She explains

Journeys for Horse & Rider collection.

that she was drawn to the strength and independence that Annie Oakley exuded in her time. One of her newer series of fragrances is the Wild West Line, which features decanters with a triangle shape, “like stirrups,” she explains. As part of her commitment to maintaining Annie Oakley as a small family business, her son Charlie is the print model for the Wild West promotional materials.

Annie Oakley Perfumery is also proud to host sensory tours, designed to accommodate tourists and smaller groups. There is also a gift shop on the premises and the studio was recently lauded as a Top 15 Destination along the historic U.S. Route 6 by renowned travel writer Malarie Yolen-Cohen, a contributor for National Geographic Traveler and Newsday, among others.

Annie Oakley Perfumery Studio is located at 300 Johnson Street in Ligonier.  To arrange for a tour or to hear their hours of operation, call (260) 894-7219 or visit www.AnnieOakley.com.

The Christmas collection from Annie Oakley Perfumery.

GOT YOU COVERED

ELITE COVERS & INTERIORS OFFERS WIDE SELECTION FOR MARINE UPHOLSTERY

Writer / Matt Keating Photography Provided

Mel Otto with Elite Covers & Interiors, LLC, an upholstery business located in LaGrange, Indiana, says his shop began through a favorite hobby he enjoyed.

“We started this business as a hobby in October of 2017,” Otto says. “I am the sole proprietor of the LLC, although my wife has been by my side from the start.”

Otto says he learned about covers and interiors as a child.

“I was raised in the business at Otto’s Canvas in Arthur, Illinois, where my grandfather started his business in 1972,” he says. “My dad and uncles continued it, and I helped out from a very young age until I moved to Indiana in December of 2014.”

After a few years of being away from the trade, Otto decided to start on his own as just a hobby.

“It seemed the more that word got around about what I was doing, the busier I got,” he says. “Soon it wasn’t a hobby anymore, but a business.”

Otto soon had to hire some employees to help him get everything done at Elite Covers & Interiors.

“Here we are five years later, with myself, my wife, and two highly skilled full-time employees,” Otto says.

Elite Covers & Interiors specializes in marine upholstery.

“We also do flooring, or anything else on a pontoon and lots of

other custom projects,” Otto says. “We do lots of pontoon seats, some wake board boat seat and even a few fishing boat seats. If your boat seats are getting old and faded or are cracking, we can Tribeca, New York, NY reupholster it so they look good as new.”

Elite Covers & Interiors can also rebuild or replace a customer’s boat seat foam if needed.

“Some boat seats have rotten wood that also needs replaced, and we can also put some new seats in if you are wanting to redesign your pontoon, or we can do custom add-ons to match your existing seats,” Otto says. “With our ability to create new pieces, the redesign of your pontoon is only limited to your imagination.”

Elite Covers & Interiors also offers many new flooring options, new fencing kits, stripe kits, wiring, lights, accessories, hardware, hinges, ladders and other hard-to-find pontoon parts for a complete restoration.

“Maybe we can custom build a brand new ‘AQUA-DANCE’

pontoon or tri-toon for you,” Otto says.

Otto notes that Elite Covers & Interiors also does custom enclosure options for boats, pontoons, patios, shops or whatever else they have in mind.

“Boat and pontoon enclosures are custom built to your Bimini, with lots of options from just a simple wind curtain all the way up to a window with screen and a privacy flap,” he says.

Otto added that these enclosures are great for spring and fall

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fishing or rainstorms on a family outing. “Families can get inside the closure and stay warm and dry while everyone else has to go home,” he says. “Then, after the rain, you have the lake to yourself. You can also imagine a peaceful night on the lake away from the bugs.”

Patio/shop enclosures at Elite Covers & Interiors range from a simple snap on curtain to manual roll ups to electronic retractable.

“We can build them out of bug screen, sunscreen, window or multiple fabric options,” Otto says.

Otto notes that they also have garage door screens that can also be just a simple snap on or a roll up with a zipper, rope and pulley system.

“Customers can open the zipper, pull the rope and then the screen rolls up,” he says. “You move your car outside and release the rope, close the zipper and then you have a screen again. Ta dah!”

Shop curtains at Elite Covers & Interiors also have many options from sliding tracks, roll up from screen options, or window to fire-retardant vinyl.

“We also offer replacement or new Biminis and travel covers,” Otto says. “We offer a five-year warranty on our Biminis, enclosures and covers. This does not mean your product only has a five-year lifespan, as we hope it will last you much longer than that.”

Otto stressed that he and his employees are so confident that

best

available that they are willing to be one of the few shops in the industry worldwide that warranties their products.

“This warranty covers any failures from normal wear and tear but does not cover abuse or neglecting, so don’t try to cut a hole in something in order to have it replaced, as we will most likely be able to recognize intentional abuse,” Otto says.

Elite Covers & Interiors also stocks a small selection of 303 and Norwex products to protect and clean fabrics and boats.

Otto encourages people to stop in and check out their large selection of vibrant colors to match their preference or to discuss their next project.

“Don’t forget to give the employs a little bit of a hard time while you are here anyway,” Otto says.

To find your next cover or interior that works for you, visit Elite Covers & Interiors at 630 S. 350 W., LaGrange, Indiana, or call (260) 463-6659.

Ed Christner, owner of OP1VET, stands in front of his van that transports wheelchairs to deserving Veterans

When you set foot inside the doors of Operation 1 Veteran Inc., better known as OP1VET, in Goshen, you’re greeted with smiling faces and bold, relentlessly patriotic apparel. Take a look around and you’ll find the walls lined with American products including military patches, engraved tumblers and mugs, not to mention locally sourced, live-edge woodburned products.

“Changing one veteran’s life at a time” has been the motto and vision of Owner Ed Christner since his business officially opened in 2018.

A veteran of Desert Storm, he knows the ins and outs of what the local area needs, not only to support our veterans, but also to rock American apparel with pride. While you shop, you’ll not only find amazing, unique items, but also feel fulfilled knowing that up to 50% of each

purchase flows back into communities to change the lives of our veterans. You can feel the passion the company has for giving back while you peruse the store, read testimonials on the shelves and speak to the highly knowledgeable employees.

After Christner served our country, he came back home and successfully ran several RV plants in the area, among other ventures. Later he got back to his military roots, and used the knowledge and experience he gained while serving our country. He decided to use those skills to give back to communities both near and far. He has even supported veterans as far as Texas by donating Action Trackchairs, to help veterans maneuver easier and do activities that a normal wheelchair might not allow them to.

“We focus primarily on giving back and giveaways,” Christner says. Typically the veteran recipients of his giveaways do not even know he’s coming.

Not only does the shop serve as a place where you can get T-shirts with bold phrases for brothers and sisters alike, but it also has a state-of-the-art laser printing machine. As you head to the back of the shop you’ll find the Boss Laser LS-3655 machine running at an incredibly fast pace, with green, yellow, orange and

Writer & Photographer / Ali Snyder

red lights beaming off of it. Christner didn’t always have a vision of owning this machine, but when he couldn’t find a source for his engraving idea, he took matters into his own hands.

Whether you’re looking for a special gift such as a decanter and glass set, or want to create your own engraved glass, the team at OP1VET will be of great assistance. They are even able to melt unique items into the glassware such as bullets, golf balls and arrowheads.

Their unique engraving service can meet almost any customer need. They provide a variety of colors for their insulated tumblers, from brands like YETI that you can choose from in-store. They also allow you to bring in your own tumblers for engraving. After you begin talking with the staff, they can make suggestions or take your own idea and run with it. Some customers might prefer a subtle look on

Veteran, Joe Reed, was the recipient of a track wheel chair from Ed Christner, owner of OP1VET

their engraved pieces while others may want a high-contrast finish.

Head back to the main retail space and you’ll find even more American-made products including emergency food kits, high-quality gloves, wood-burned plaques, hats, flags, patches, decals and more. You can even buy jewelry pieces from brands like Buffalo Girls Salvage that serve as great gifts or special pieces for yourself.

The Byrna launcher is an especially unique item you can purchase from OP1VET. It is an incredibly powerful, non-lethal self-defense weapon that is powered by compressed air. It shoots .68-caliber kinetic and chemical irritants from up to 60’ away. The business is one of the only locations in the area where you can find this item and the projectiles to go with it. You can find OP1VET on Facebook,

Instagram and YouTube, where they showcase their unique business and the process of giving back to the veteran community. Their live feeds are a great way to stay connected, get educated and support a small local business that is doing big things.

OP1VET is located at 117 South Main Street in Goshen. You can shop online anytime at op1vet.com.

Pictured from left to right are team members, Shana (engraving expert), Ed (owner), and Celia (store manager)

CHRISTMAS MORNING BREAKFAST BOARD

INGREDIENTS

• 3” Pancakes (Prepared according to mix or recipe)

• Scrambled Eggs

• Maple Syrup

• Chocolate Chips

• Butter

• Strawberries

• Blueberries

• Strawberries

• Christmas Sprinkles

• Whipped Topping

• Peanut Butter

• Sausage, Cooked

• Bacon, Cooked

• Powdered Sugar

INSTRUCTIONS

Place sausages near the bottom of the breakfast board in the shape of a tree trunk. Arrange pancakes on the board in a Christmas tree shape, starting with the bottom of the tree and going toward the top, so they’ll overlap each other. (Be sure to leave room for the star at the top!)

Next sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar over the pancakes to look like snow.

Add the bacon to create a garland, cutting it where needed so it doesn’t lay over the edge of the pancake tree. Place blueberry ornaments on the tree.

Place a star cookie cutter at the top of the tree and fill it with scrambled eggs.

Lastly, place the bowls of toppings on the board and fill in the empty spaces on the breakfast board with fruit.

M&M’S MARSHMALLOW DREAM BARS

INGREDIENTS

• 12 oz package semi-sweet chocolate chips

• 11 oz package butterscotch chips

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter

• 10.5 oz bag mini marshmallows

• 1 cup M&Ms

INSTRUCTIONS

Line a 9x13 baking dish with non-stick foil. Set aside. Combine first three ingredients in a large microwave safe container.

Microwave on high heat in 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until the chips are fully melted and the mixture in smooth.

Stir in marshmallows until fully coated.

Pour mixture into prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle on M&Ms and press down slightly.

Refrigerate until set, about 2 hours.

Cut into bars. Store leftovers in an airtight container.

Writer / Lois Tomaszewski Photographer / Tony Straw

For those who live in Plymouth, the REES Theatre has been a part of the downtown landscape and a place of fond memories for generations since the early 20th century. It was beginning to show its age when it closed in 2009. The community stepped up, pitched in and brought the art deco marquee lights to life again. After several years of planning, fundraising and labors of love, a grand reopening was held in October.

“The REES is a cornerstone in the City of Plymouth, not just because it was built on the first lot of the first plat in the 1860s, but through the years it has offered a distraction to problems of the day - an escape, if you will - and a place where one could dream about visiting places they saw in the cinema,” says Donna Pontius, renovation project co-organizer. “It is the oldest building in Plymouth, built in 1865. It needed to be saved.”

And saved it was. While it normally might take seven to 10 years to restore a historic theater, the REES committee pledged to do it in three. That timeline was delayed a little by unexpected challenges, such as COVID-19 and the supply shortages that followed.

Pontius says the grand reopening was originally scheduled for the REES’s 80th anniversary in 2020. While that date was not met, the committee beat the typical restoration time frame, closing the project in five years. The grand reopening took

place with a weeklong celebration from October 1 through 8.

“My word for the day wasgobsmacked,” Pontius says of the grand reopening. “Even though I knew how many tickets had been sold and how many people we expected, it was indescribable - so many happy, smiling faces. I think the vendors were as happy to be there as we were to have them there. The planning team had high expectations to make this a grand celebration for our community, and reality exceeded all of those expectations.”

The three-story building at the corner of Michigan and LaPorte streets that houses the REES today was purchased in August of 1939 by Stewart “Stewie” Rees and his wife Opal. It was known as the VanVactor Building. Renovations began and were completed seven months later at a cost of $75,000.

Under the guidance of 30-plus project

committee members, the required $3.4 million in funding was secured through grants and philanthropic community donations to the nonprofit The REES, Inc. More than 1,000 individuals, organizations, churches, foundations, businesses, media companies and government agencies supported the project, according to a previous press release from the REES. This support included both financial contributions and words of encouragement.

Organized in four phases, renovations started in March of 2019 and the fourth phase was completed in September. With a new community-chosen logo and years of hard work from so many in the community, the project committee understood that their task was important. “The attention to detail was there from the start,” Pontius says. “There was great intent and purpose in keeping the art deco decor from the original theater built in 1940, and in a green initiative that

That green initiative includes a solar panel installed on the building’s roof. Pontius says there were some surprises found during the renovations.

“The seven kiddie pools in the ceiling were unexpected,” she says. “I’ve heard of folks putting out pots to catch rain from leaks in their house, so I suppose it would

make sense that for that size of building, a kiddie pool would be the right size.”

The REES is located at 100 North Michigan Street in Plymouth. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit reestheatre.com or call 574-3377337. Tickets may also be purchased 30 minutes before any show at the ticket booth. Follow the REES on Instagram and Twitter.

THE NEED TO LEAD

ULEAD IMPARTS LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT SKILLS THROUGH TEAM BUILDING

Writer / Matt Keating Photography Provided

Aubrey Eastway, brand ambassador for ULEAD in Goshen, says ULEAD has been a great opportunity for people to develop leadership skills that will help them for many years to come.

“ULEAD is a nonprofit organization whose mission is founded in the life and teachings of Jesus, to provide dynamic and inclusive leadership development,” Eastway says. “We believe in play, laughter and celebration, so our trainings are highly interactive, fun,

motivational, and designed to transform mindsets, develop skills and inspire servant leadership.”

Through experiential learning, ULEAD invites individuals to grow their skills and inspire others.

“At ULEAD we believe the world’s greatest change agents are people of character who empower others,” Eastway says. “We want to help youth and caring adults change their world. The emphasis is placed on ‘their’ world, as we believe that allowing people to step into their own powers creates change in their own communities, lives and peer groups. It is both an impactful and significant way to creating long-lasting and worldwide change.”

Presently, ULEAD’s programming is

intentionally designed to capture the attention of youth.

“Our programs are meant to allow youth to create their own conclusions about who they are, where they lead and where they’re going,” Eastway says. “We currently serve our local school systems through leadership ambassador and student-athlete programs. Both of these programs were uniquely created to address the mindsets and skills needed to be persons of positive influence in their schools, communities and playing fields.”

Eastway says program topics include character, competency and community.

“Our students complete each program feeling empowered, with applicable skills and a fun story or two,” she says.

Eastway says the ULEAD team has seen students overcome fears, increase knowledge on who they are, enhance communication skills, collaborate further and converse deeper.

It has also helped youth workers and educators.

“When you consider that a single youth worker or educator has the potential to impact the lives of hundreds of students, you realize that investing into their development and well-being is essential for change,” Eastway says. “Therefore, ULEAD has a wide variety of experiences curated specifically for adults. From teachers to youth workers to youth pastors, ULEAD has created a program designed to propel participants into conversation, connection, play and collaboration.”

Transitioning out of the pandemic, Eastway and her co-workers have found that youth workers and educators are

Yoder’s Log & Timber Pros is a small, family owned and operated log home business. We specialize in producing custom built log home with a strong belief in quality and integrity.

experiencing burnout and compassion fatigue.

“Therefore, ULEAD has adapted and created several programs to meet these agents of change where they’re at both, professionally and personally,” Eastway says. “Professionally, ULEAD offers programs constructed to give youth workers and educators new activities and methods of engaging their students. We also have programs created to invite them into a deeper understanding of their superpowers, and their teams’ superpowers. Personally, several of our programs aim to remind youth workers of their ‘why,’ help them develop new skills and habits of mindfulness, and re-invite them into connection and collaboration with their peers.”

“This is better than therapy. I was in awe of how this exercise gave me so much insight about myself and how I manage others,” adds Sarita Stevens, assistant superintendent

for Elkhart Community Schools.

ULEAD also supports leadership development.

“All of ULEAD’s programs are designed to be experiential and incite co-creation from participants,” Eastway says. “This means that while ULEAD arrives with a plan for the day, oftentimes it is up to the participants to lead and guide discussions in their own direction. There is no onesize-fits-all answer for every team, student group or individual. Therefore, ULEAD prompts all of our participants to own their program and catalyze it for their own unique needs.”

While many of the programs involve servant leadership principles, they also promote servant leadership practices.

“This will look different from program to program, but leadership qualities might show up in someone willing to be the first

person to appear silly, be vulnerable in conversation, take charge to get their team through an initiative, or take a step back to allow others to offer ideas or opinions,” Eastway says. “While participants are engaged in topics of servant leadership,

they’re also given the opportunity to embody them.”

ULEAD is located at 212 South Main Street, Suite 2 in Goshen. For more info, call 574-696-1085 or visit uleadinc.org.

SMASHING SUCCESS

BIEBS & ASH FINDS A FLAVORFUL FOLLOWING IN GOSHEN

Writer / Amy Lant-Wenger Photographer / Ali Snyder

Consider for a moment what most people would think of as the quintessential American dining experience.

Whether it happens at a cookout or a small-town grill, one of the first things that likely springs to mind is a savory, sumptuous hamburger.

Now, thanks to the foresight of an enterprising local couple, the experience of enjoying a good burger has been redefined.

David and Ashley Lucchese are the power couple behind Biebs & Ash, a new kind of culinary adventure situated in historic downtown Goshen. They are the artisans who have helped to bring the trend of

smashburgers to the forefront of hometown eateries.

So what exactly is a smashburger? “We specialize and have really embraced the west-coast-style smashburger, which is notorious for its thin, crispy, and almost lace-like edges,” David Lucchese says. “We use ground beef higher in fat content that yields a perfectly crispy yet juicy burger.”

The husband-and-wife team actually joined forces in creating Biebs & Ash as a result of the economic downturn that coincided with the global pandemic. “Biebs & Ash was born out of necessity when our former place of employment closed mid-COVID,” Lucchese says. “We had known for years that we wanted to go out on our own, and that really gave us the

Owners and married couple, David and Ashely, pose for a quick photo before getting back to prepping for the night

push to make it happen. We signed the lease July of 2021, completed some quick renovations and opened to the public on November 11, 2021.”

Despite what some might have considered a harrowing time for small businesses, Ashley had a sense of optimism that their venture would launch successfully. “Ash was born and raised here in Goshen, and had always loved its cool, small-town vibe,” Lucchese says. “When looking for a space, we knew we’d always wanted to be in downtown Goshen. Goshen has always done an amazing job with town events and just supporting local businesses.”

The owners also have the advantage of being able to offer something new and different to the restaurant business landscape. “When we started on this quest years ago, no one was doing smashburgers, let alone the west-coast style we loved,” Lucchese says. “We spent a few years in other restaurants and pop-

ups, really perfecting our style to what you see here at Biebs & Ash now.”

The facility is a full counter-service establishment, with successful menu additions introduced throughout the past year such as loaded fries and loaded cinnamon rolls. Beer, wine and cocktails are also part of the beverage menu. “We offer three different loaded fries that include our most famous Hella Parm fries, topped with garlic aioli and, as the name suggests, a huge amount of Parmesan cheese,” Lucchese says, adding that the cinnamon roll selections are a favorite dessert option, with a variety of rotating toppings every week. “Our Banger fries and Maryland fries have also been a hit.”

The couple is committed to maintaining a core menu, but both are keeping their minds open to changes and fresh ideas. “Who knows - maybe some of those specials will eventually make the permanent menu,” Lucchese says. “For now, our menu is a

culmination of our best-of-the-best burgers.”

“Ash and I are at the restaurant every shift, and you’ll typically find Ash at the counter and me in the kitchen,” he adds.

Carry-out is available, and private rentals and catering services are options as well.

Despite what some would regard as a risky time to establish a new business, the Luccheses have been overwhelmed in the best possible way by how well this first year has flowed along. They are still brimming with positivity for the future and for the loyal customers who have supported them from the start. “We built this restaurant to deal with everything crazy that was happening in the world with COVID and a recession, and it’s been so wellembraced by the community, for which we are eternally grateful,” Lucchese says.

Biebs & Ash is located at 133 South Main Street in Goshen. For more info, call 574971-5423 or visit biebsandash.com.

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN DECEMBER AT THE LAKES

ELKHART COUNTY

November 26 and December 10, 2022

Free Christmas Movies, Goshen Theatre, Goshen The Goshen Theatre offers free Christmas movies at 7PM featuring: November 26: Elf December 10: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation https://goshentheater.com/events

December 2, 2022

Winter Wellness Make & Take, Nappanee Public Library, Nappanee

A variety of supplies will be available to make gifts for friends/family or to pamper yourself. Use essential oils and simple ingredients to make wellness goodies like room sprays or sugar scrubs. https://nappanee.librarycalendar.com/event/ winter-wellness-make-take

December 2-4, 2022

Gingerbread Jamboree, Middlebury Historical Museum, Middlebury Gingerbread Competition Display, Kids Snow man Making. Entries will be displayed at the Middlebury Historical Museum, Friday, Decem ber 2 from 5-7pm, Saturday, December 3 from 10am-3pm and 5-6pm, and Sunday, December 4, from 1-3pm. https://www.middleburythenand now.org

December 2-3-4, 9-10-11, 16-17-1819-20-21-22-23, 2022

Wellfield Botanic Gardens’ Winter Wonderland Holiday Lights, Elkhart Evening event that will transport you to magical setting with lights, sound and beauty, perfect for families to enjoy during the holiday season. 5:30pm gates re-open for Winter Wonderland Holiday Lights, 8:09pm last admission, 8:59pm LIGHTS OUT! Presented by Welch Packaging. https://wellfieldgardens.org/winter-wonder land-holiday-lights-2022

December 3, 2022

Miracles at Main & Market Street, Nappanee 6:30 PM Parade Line-up begins on Clark Street at the North Main Mennonite Church, 7:00 PM Parade procession begins, 7:30 PM Parade ends at downtown pavilion, 7:40 PM singing of Silent Night, reading of The Christmas Story by Mayor Jenkins, live nativity scene and lighting of the city Christmas Tree https://www.mmmparade.com

December 16-18, 2022

Miracle on 34th Street, Elkhart Civic The atre, Bristol

Adapted from the 1947 Lux Radio Broadcast, performed by the Elkhart Civic Theatre at the Bristol Opera House. Performed as a radio play, with most of the dialogue being read, recreat ing the look, feel and sound of old-time radio. Friday & Saturday at 7:30pm, Sunday at 3pm https://elkhartcivictheatre.org

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY

November 25, 2022 – January 1, 2023

Warsaw Light Show, Warsaw Put on your pj’s, grab a mug of hot chocolate and make a trip to the Crestview subdivision for this year’s 2022 Warsaw Light Show! Located at 1916 E Ridge Valley Drive, this neighborhood has four houses that have a synchronized display of lights to up-beat Christmas music. Load up the family and enjoy the show in your car! Just tune in to 104.3FM on your radio. But the fun doesn’t stop there! Approximately ten minutes north, four and a half miles away on the north side of Chapman Lake, you can also visit Hawthorn Estates located at 4317 N Aspen Drive where

this subdivision has been transformed into a Christmas wonderland with over 30 homes decorated in Christmas lights. Tune in your radio to 96.5FM. Light display times both locations: Sunday-Thursday 6:30-9:30pm and Friday-Sat urday 6-10:30pm. FREE. NO ADMISSION http://warsawlightshow.com

December 2, 2022

Christmas Tree Lighting, Ruddell Pavilion, Syracuse

The WACF invites you to join us at the Ruddell Pavilion (one mile south of Syracuse on SR 13) at 5:30pm for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Party! ACF will have some hot cider on hand and guests are welcome to bring their own drinks. Enjoy music, warm food, spirits and general holiday merriment. (While all ages are welcome, this event is geared more towards adults.)

https://www.wacf.com/events/christ mas-tree-lighting

December 2, 2022

Light Up the Night, Warsaw Central Park, Warsaw

This is a FREE family event 6-8pm. Celebrate the first lighting of the Central Park Holiday Light Display. Children will receive glow neck laces and goodie bags while supplies last. This display of over 200,000 twinkling lights has quickly become a family tradition and a special way to celebrate the holiday season in Warsaw’s Central Park! December 2-31, 2022. Dusk until midnight. FREE https://www.warsaw.in.gov/238/Communi ty-Events

December 3, 2022

Heritage Gathering Primitives Show, Pierceton Located at the Pierceton Elementary School filled with primitive handmade crafts and antiques.  The quaint shops in town will also be open and decorated for holiday shopping while enjoying the sights and sounds of Christmas. Demonstrations. Refreshments will be available. Free admission. 9am-3pm http://www.piercetonchamber.com/menu.html

December 10, 2022

Leesburg Candelaria, Downtown Leesburg Over 1,300 luminaries will line the streets of Leesburg on VanBuren, Pearl, Prairie, Church, Jefferson and Hickory. Cookies, hot chocolate, and Santa at the old First Station on Pearl Street. 6-8pm. The luminaries will remain lit until midnight. Volunteers include the Leesburg Mighty Farmers 4H and Girl Scouts, Boy Scout Troop 729 and Cub Scout Troop 3729. (574) 453-4961 https://www.leesburgindiana.com

NOBLE COUNTY

December 2, 2022

Christmas in the Village, Downtown Albion Light Parade and Santa return to historic down town at 6pm, one of the state’s Top 10 “Best Main Streets” at Christmastime! Meet Santa and take a photo. (260) 564-0341 https://www.facebook.com/ChristmasinAlbion

Dec 2-4 and Dec 9-11, 2022

Winter Wonderland, Mid-America Windmill Museum, Kendallville

The Windmill Winter Wonderland, an annual holiday tradition at the Mid-America Windmill Museum amazes and enchants all who have the heart of a child! Enjoy the magic and sounds of the season as you walk the pathways on the museum grounds. Lights glow and fill the sky, illuminate the windmills, and brighten the

grounds with color, movement, and images. A live nativity highlights the true meaning of the season. It is a true WONDERLAND experience! In Baker Hall, Santa Claus, his bag loaded with treats, greets all the children. For their parents, craft vendor booths brim with holiday gifts for giving. Food and beverages are available. The Winter Wonderland’s lights glow amid wind, rain, snow, and even when temps drop to zero or below. Live Nativity on Saturdays. Vendors & food, First two weekends in December. Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 5:30-8:30pm. Admis sion is $5 for ages 12+ (free for ages 11 & under) https://www.midamericawindmillmuseum.org/ events

SHIPSHEWANA/LAGRANGE COUNTY

November 25-December 31, 2022

Shipshewana’s Lights of Joy Shipshewana’s Christmas Light Drive-Thru Experience, Shipshewana

Open seven days/week.

Closed 12/8, 12/25 & 12/26 6-9pm Sunday-Thursday 6-10pm Friday & Saturday $20 per vehicle Season Pass = 5 Visits : $60

Same Night 2nd Time (traffic permitting) : $5 Group Pricing for buses and motorcoach call for pricing (260)768-4725

https://www.shipshewanalightsofjoy.com

December 9-17, 2022

NOEL, Michiana Event Center, Shipshewana Two full hours of nonstop Christmas excitement returns to the Michiana Event Center! Nonstop equestrian adventures, featuring some of the most beautiful horses along with incredibly talented riders from all around the world. See the Noel singers, dancers, aerialist, hogs, dogs and more! Saturdays 1pm & 7pm, Tuesday-Fri day 7pm

*Dinner begins 1.5 hours before the show (260) 768-3300

https://www.michianaevents.com/event/noel

ST JOSEPH COUNTY

December 4, 2022

Black Nativity, DeBartolo Performing Arts Cen ter, Notre Dame

After his homelife becomes too unsettled, a teenager heads to New York City to spend the holidays with his grandparents. Upon arrival, the city swallows him up, but he manages to connect with his grandparents and realizes the gulf between them. Amid the backdrop of a performance of Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity at grandfather’s church, the teen’s life begins a similar arc to the play while a question of how the generations will make amends hangs in the rafters.

https://performingarts.nd.edu

December 8, 2022

Sugar Plum Fairy Tea, The History Museum, South Bend

Celebrate the wonder of sugar plum fairies and tin soldiers at this magical holiday tea. You will be seated at tables of eight in the Leighton Gallery, aglow with Yuletide decorations. This one-of-a-kind experience offers a catered menu of savories, sweets, and classic teas, and is fol lowed by a private tour of the first floor of the Oliver Mansion, decorated for the holidays.

https://www.historymuseumsb.org