The Lakes East Magazine December 2023 by Towne Post Network, Inc.

FREE MONTHLY PRINT MAGAZINE WITH CORRESPONDING MOBILE APP AND SOCIAL MEDIA FEATURING THE PEOPLE, BUSINESSES, AND EVENTS IN AND AROUND ELKHART, LAGRANGE, NOBLE, KOSCIUSKO & STEUBEN COUNTY INDIANA + CASS, BRANCH & ST. JOSEPH COUNTY MICHIGAN

DECEMBER 2023

MAGAZINE

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You’ll Be Sure to Find the Right Christmas Tree at Flickinger Farms GOT THE GOODS

Rentown Country Store Owners Have Cooked up a Community Fave

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A TOWNE POST NETWORK PUBLICATION

IN THIS ISSUE For advertising information, contact:

You’ll Be Sure to Find the Right Christmas Tree at Flickinger Farms

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DECEMBER 2023

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66 IN THE WORKS

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31 Have a story idea or suggestion for the magazine?

A Look at Letters to Santa Through the Years

Mustard Seed Mercantile Brings Nearly 100 Local Businesses Under One Roof

GOT THE GOODS

CONTACT THE PUBLISHER

NOTES TO ST. NICK

MERCHANT MINDED

CHRISTMAS BREAKFAST CASSEROLE

The Sky’s No Limit at Penn-HarrisMadison Digital Video Theater & Planetarium

COPY EDITORS JON SHOULDERS NATALIE PLATT

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THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME… Visit the Upcoming Open House at New Kitchen Store for Some Holiday Inspiration

72 IN BROAD STROKES

Painting Is Only the Start at Cr8-URCanvas

76 WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE LAKES IN DECEMBER

CROSSWORD KEY CONTRIBUTORS AMY LANT-WENGER / ALI SCHNEIDER / JUBILEE EDGELL LOIS TOMASZEWSKI / MATT KEATING JEFF KENNEY / SARAH REYNOLDS / CRAFTY MORNING

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PERFECT PICKINGS YOU’LL BE SURE TO FIND THE RIGHT CHRISTMAS TREE AT FLICKINGER FARMS

Writer / Amy Lant-Wenger Photography Provided

The landscapes of the Midwestern heartland are plainly yet intricately designed, with ribbons of farmland connecting closely intertwined rural communities. The image represents the ideals of Americana, and the perseverance and determination of those who were raised with the principles of hard work. Andy, Amanda, Oliver, Archer, and Sarah Flickinger

Flourish, Here.

Andy Flickinger understands this well. His family name resonates throughout the

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Owner Andy Flickinger

chronicles of Wakarusa history, spanning several generations and stretching back for nearly 130 years. He is finding success by

drawing on his heritage to create a new kind of enterprise, one that has brought a special kind of holiday cheer to area families.

Flickinger Farms is a thriving Christmas tree farm situated on land approximately one mile west of downtown Wakarusa

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that has been lovingly tended by the Flickingers since 1894. Scores of ancestors became pillars of the community and respected denizens of regional agriculture. Flickinger was raised with the routines of planting, fertilizing and weeding. Nearly 10 years ago he was inspired by the idea of combining his small-business acumen with the ideals he was raised on. He planted his first batch of trees on a one-acre expanse of ground, and nine acres and five years later, a lush crop of holiday trees had come to fruition. “When I was in college, I was trying to think of something that I could do in small business, and it put a few ideas into my head on what I could do with our family’s land,” Flickinger explains. “I thought of doing some type of specialty crop, like my grandpa had done. He used to sell pumpkins there.”

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His epiphany to accomplish what his predecessors had done so well came while he was living and studying in the south. It is also where he met his wife, Amanda, who now works alongside him at Flickinger Farms and is one of the many professional photographers who has used the festive backdrop of the site for scores of holiday-themed images. Under the care of husband and wife, Flickinger Farms is poised to have its busiest season yet, as their three children take in the atmosphere as well. The youngsters are part of a veritable family reunion of sorts, and the family members all take on various farm responsibilities. Flickinger’s parents, brother, uncles, aunts and cousins can all be counted on to pitch in during the sales season. Among the choose-and-cut trees that can be purchased at Flickinger Farms are fragrant varieties of Scotch pine,

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white pine, Douglas fir and Canaan fir. The inventory spans a range of heights and prices, from $30 to $95. Opening weekend for the 2023 season will launch immediately following Thanksgiving, Fridays through Sundays from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. The schedule will continue as such until the stock is sold out. Flickinger Farms also carries a selection of holiday accessories to complement the trees, from wreaths to tree stands and other home decor items. Complimentary hot chocolate is available to take away the chill, and free hayrides can give visitors a picturesque and panoramic glimpse of rural Elkhart County. Families and photographers are encouraged to visit Flickinger Farms at 30210 County Road 40 in Wakarusa to learn more. The website can be found at flickingerfarms.com, and you can visit them on Facebook and Instagram as well.

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HERE’S THE POINT THE TEAM AT SUPERIOR EDGE KEEPS ITS SERVICES AND CUSTOMER SATISFACTION RAZOR SHARP

Writer / Amy Lant-Wenger Photography Provided

For John Whetstone and Merle Helmuth, their exemplary business model is always on point. And that’s not just a clever play on words, but rather a summary of their expertise and attention to detail - both driving factors for the success behind Superior Edge. Superior Edge is tucked away in a rural stretch of countryside

just east of Nappanee, and it is where folks can go for a range of services including sharpening, custom-created machinery bits, and precision tools. The origins of the business stretch back to 2007, when Helmuth was operating a niche trade of general sharpening at his home-based workshop. His typical clientele consisted of walk-ins, seeking assistance with small-scale jobs like scissors and blades. Eventually, Helmuth invested in a manual grinder, which allowed him to design spiral bits. It wasn’t long before

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he realized that he not only had a talent for the work, but a growing passion as well. Even so, there was a bit of a roadblock on this new career path. Helmuth was experiencing difficulty finding service outlets for the equipment he was using. To remedy this, and to provide a more exemplary caliber of service, Helmuth invested in a state-of-the-art machine called the Walter CNC grinder. With this newer, more sophisticated equipment, he was now poised to sharpen even more items and create intricate tools. Helmuth soon found that he had the capabilities of designing more than 600 varieties of bits, with approximately 30% of those used on a daily basis, for various industries including recreational vehicles, woodworking and metalwork. As the Superior Edge business landscape became more diversified, Helmuth realized the need for someone to join forces with him in an administrative and consultation role. Enter John Whetstone, the self-described “silent partner,” who came aboard in May of 2022. Whetstone advises Helmuth on business strategies and fostering relationships with manufacturers and contractors.

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The partnership has been a tremendous boon for the increased profile of Superior Edge, with each of the men bringing their own unique skill sets to the business.

His employment background in quality control translates well to Superior Edge, as he’s always thinking ahead to the next great challenge.

“Merle is the brains behind the operation,” says Whetstone.

“We’d like to diversify and we’re also looking to expand into more of the medical field,” says Whetstone. “We have a lot of capacity

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around customizing and doing higher volumes of work.” Moreover, the men are open to working outside of the general Nappanee area, typically offering service within a 50-mile radius. Recently, Superior Edge has added two full-time machinists to their company, and one part-time clerical employee. Helmuth

and Whetstone are already planning ahead to find ways to enhance and expand their enterprise. They have contracted with a small-business coaching firm based out of Shipshewana, and in January they will be participating in the Midwest Tool Expo at The Michiana Event Center in the same city.

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The ultimate goal? “We’re looking for a good, solid customer base, and we hope to continue to provide quality in customer service,” says Whetstone. Those have been the unwavering principles since Superior Edge’s inception, and the team members are happy to say that their stellar reputation has been largely founded in word-ofmouth advertising. To learn more about the services provided by Superior Edge, call Helmuth at 574-773-0331, or visit the shop at 25198 County Road 54 in Nappanee.

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TIME: 10 minutes COOK TIME: 1 hour hour 30 minutes ADDITIONAL TIME: 8 hours (refrigerate) TOTAL TIME: 9 hours 40 minutes minutes

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TownePost.com / DECEMBER 2023 / THE LAKES MAGAZINE / 19

STAR POWER THE SKY’S NO LIMIT AT PENN-HARRISMADISON DIGITAL VIDEO THEATER & PLANETARIUM

Melinda O’Malley

Writer & Photographer / Lois Tomaszewski

Who would expect an elementary school to deliver an out-of-this-world experience for students and the public? In the case of the Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation, longtime science teacher Art Klinger had just that vision in 1980, when Bittersweet Elementary School was being built. He advocated for a planetarium to be included in the school’s design. The school district agreed, and the planetarium he envisioned continues

to deliver educational and entertaining programming under the direction of Melinda O’Malley, who took over when Klinger retired in 2015. The Digital Video Theater & Planetarium promises a lot and it does a lot, both academically and for community engagement. Housed in display cases surrounding the digital theater are artifacts from space missions, photographs of NASA astronauts, and models depicting the history of space exploration. There is also memorabilia donated by astronauts like Jerry Ross from Crown Point or on loan from NASA, the Kennedy Space

Center, the Johnson Space Center and the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. O’Malley estimates that 11,000 students visit the planetarium every year. She frequently welcomes students from preschool through high school for programs that extend the curriculum taught in school. This curriculum is not limited to space exploration or even science. O’Malley has programs on bugs, history, environments, art, and cell structure. “It’s a fully immersible experience that

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allows for more than a typical space and astronomy program,” she says. The digital nature of the planetarium gives O’Malley the flexibility of showing a presentation on any subject, offering a concert experience, or doing a live presentation on the current view of the galaxy. She has access to more than 50 different shows. There are 92 seats in the theater, which is 30 feet in diameter and fully accessible for all guests. The surround-sound system lends to the experience, providing the bass that makes the audience feel the rockets taking off, O’Malley says. The public programs vary every month. Sometimes the shows are centered around a theme, like the December show, which features holiday music including songs from Kwanzaa, Hispanic culture, and the celebrations of faiths and other cultures. O’Malley puts up a 70-piece movable

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seasonal scene that is 20 feet wide and eight feet deep. Additional shows focus on the science of astronomy, or provide the audience with a look at the nighttime skies through digital technology. Others focus on an aspect of space exploration, such as a recent series that looked at the discoveries made possible by Galileo’s telescope. Laser music shows are shown in January and February. Previous concerts have featured music from David Bowie, Queen, the Beatles, the Grateful Dead, Rush and other artists. These shows feature a music soundtrack and laser light synchronicity to the music. Some of the popular shows returning in 2024 include the “Winter Night Sky.” This live presentation gives an overview of the constellations, stars, colors of stars, the galaxy, and the planets seen in the sky during this time of the year.

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This interaction, be it with the students or the public, sends a message about the school district, O’Malley says.

September through May. Shows last approximately 45 to 50 minutes.

at the door, but are on a first-come, firstserved basis.

“This is not just fluff,” she says. “It’s part of who we are. It’s part of the special atmosphere we have here.”

Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students or seniors. On Veterans Day, all veterans are admitted free. For the laser music shows, admission is $5.

The museum is open for the audience to peruse 30 minutes before the scheduled showtime. Shows are presented from

Reservations can be made in advance through the Penn-Harris-Madison schools website. Tickets may be available

The facility is located inside Bittersweet Elementary School at 55860 Bittersweet Road in Mishawaka. For more information, visit phmschools.org/ planetarium-digital-video-theater, or Facebook @PHMDVTPlanetarium. Call the school at 574-258-9569 or email O’Malley at momalley@phm.k12.in.us.

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Got the Goods RENTOWN COUNTRY STORE OWNERS HAVE COOKED UP A COMMUNITY FAVE Writer / Lois Tomaszewski Photographer / Jubilee Edgell

If your store is a must-see on a tourist excursion through Amish country in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois and Indiana, there must be something that you are doing right. Rentown Country Store, in between Bremen and Nappanee, is that favorite tourist stop, as well as a favorite destination for locals.

products and a welcoming atmosphere bring locals and visitors through the doors and, more importantly, make customers friends.

Dennis and Leah Hochstetler, the owners of Rentown Country Store, offer visitors and their neighbors a place to find quality cheeses, locally grown produce, freshbaked pies, cinnamon rolls and a variety of breads. Friendly greetings, quality

Rentown was established as - and remains - a family-owned business. The name comes from Dennis’ grandfather, Dan Hochstetler, and his neighbor, Manas Hochstetler, who spent their days traveling to town or local auctions as they neared retirement.

“We have conversations with our customers about their lives,” Hochstetler says.

In Pennsylvania Dutch, the word “renna” means gadding about,

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Hochstetler explains. According to the story, Manas said they should be careful or the community would refer to where they lived as Rentown. “My father, Leroy, purchased 17 acres off the home place in 1966,” Hochstetler says. “He built a shop and called it Rentown Shop. That was how Rentown was born.” Leroy travelled for work. One time he brought back a supply of mixed nuts, which he put up for sale on a couple of shelves. This product, sold on a four-foot shelf, started the business known today as Rentown Country Store. From the mixed nuts, Leroy added cheeses priced one cent below what they cost him, and this strategy established Rentown as the place to go to find quality cheese. That is still true today, as the store’s cheese selection fills two long coolers with 100 varieties.

THE LAKES MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

Recently, Rentown supplied 7,000 pounds of cheese to sell at a local festival. “We’ve got the best cheese at the lowest price,” Hochstetler says. The store’s produce is locally grown, as are other products stocked and sold at Rentown. Much of the produce is sourced from family farms within a threemile radius, as is the maple syrup. “If someone has something local, I will buy it because it is local,” Hochstetler says. While locally grown fruits and vegetables, and a wide selection of cheeses, are among the most popular commodities sold, bakery items are also much in demand. The in-house bakery supplies most of the breads, pies, cookies and other baked goods. Made-fromscratch pies can be ordered in small or

among other useful items. Anyone looking for something for kids to play with can choose from a selection of learning toys, puzzles, games, books, playing cards, pool toys and wooden toys.

large quantities. Leah oversees this part of Rentown. For Thanksgiving, it is not unusual for the bakery to produce 300 to 1,000 pies. “Anything made in our bakery can be special ordered,” Hochstetler says. “People can call in any time and reserve any of our baked goods. Just call ahead and ask us to hold for pickup.” These are kept on a shelf devoted to these special orders.

Through arrangements with other local businesses, shoppers can also find hanging baskets in the spring and summer. Polywood lawn furniture is offered for sale. Hochstetler says this furniture has made its way to Florida, to houses on Lake Michigan, and in local backyards.

Bulk foods are also found on the shelves throughout the store. Rentown has homemade candies, homemade noodles, sesame sticks, bulk candy, gluten-free and sugar-free products, spices, popcorn and flour.

“It will never rust and doesn’t have to be put up for the winter,” he says. The Hochstetlers also organize special events in the community, including Super Saturdays in the fall. At this event, the six local stores in Rentown and three vendors offer special sales and discounts.

In the housewares section of the store, customers can find cookware, popcorn poppers, paring knives and knife sets, utensils and bowls, and pressure cookers,

s n to sa

HOUSEWARES BAKERY | BULK FOODS TOYS & MORE 1530 3RD RD. BREMEN, IN 46506 OPEN MON THRU SAT 8AM TO 5PM | 574-546-9010

THE LAKES MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

Another popular event is Old Fashioned Days, which is always held the weekend after Labor Day. This is a fundraiser for the community school. It features demonstrations of steam-powered thrashers, corn huskers and other farm equipment. Activities for families are scheduled every hour during the event. June through December is the busiest time at Rentown. This coincides with the growing season and the influx of tourists to the area. It is the locals, Hochstetler says, who support the business year-round. “People come here because they know us by name,” he says. “We are friends with our regular customers.” During the slow times in the early months of the year, Hochstetler plans to upgrade the shelving in the store. Although still useable, the shelves have been well-used since first

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THE LAKES MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

acquired by his father at an auction. Rentown’s current location was built in 2015. It was originally located across the street where Hochstetler’s sister owns the Dutchmaid Eatery & Gifts. The new store is bigger and allows for more inventory including meats, frozen foods, grocery items, toys, cards and other convenience items. Every week Rentown offers specials on items in each department. Those specials are advertised in the store and local paper, or can be accessed by calling in to the store. Each week the specials include two meats and one cheese. Other specials could include produce, bakery or other products for the home. Rentown is located at 1533 3rd Road in Bremen. Signs on U.S. Highway 6 can direct travelers to the store. For more information on the specials or to special-order baked goods, call 574-546-9010.

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PLEASE CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION. THE LAKES MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

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2570 Beech Rd Bremen, IN 46506 574-773-2686

P.J. Gilsinger & Co. A Place to Visit! P.J. Gilsinger family museum will explain the history of the oldest John Deere Dealer in the world at it’s original store location. Since 1899 The Gilsinger family has served farmers in our area.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FREE ADMISSION • Farm Equipment • Local School Memorabilia • WWII Artifacts • Early Household and Farming Tools • Several Unusual Exhibits Museum Hours: May-October Friday & Sunday 1:00pm - 6:00pm

November-April by Appointment Only

Contact Brenda Gilsinger for Inquiries or Appointments (574)595-7851 5641 S. Main St. Winamac, Indiana THE LAKES MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

BUILT ON REPUTATION RAIN DRAIN CAN HANDLE AN EXTENSIVE RANGE OF EXTERIOR BUILDING NEEDS Writer & Photographer / Ali Schneider

As you drive down State Road 15 in Goshen, you will come across a business named Rain Drain. Nestled on six acres of beautiful land, you will find the building where a team of highly skilled individuals has been providing quality home services since 1996.

parents’ pole barn, but the business has grown into one of the most successful home-service companies in the area.

As Kwilinski continued taking on more and more projects, his Rain Drain is truly a one-stop shop for all your reputation grew, and soon he knew commercial and residential needs. It all began he needed to expand his building with a vision from Owner and Founder Randy and grow his team. That is what led him to purchase the land off of Kwilinski. He saw a need for quality home State Road 15 and build a beautiful services in the northern Indiana area and warehouse, surrounded by mature decided to open the original business under trees and a large pond. The location Rain Drain Seamless Guttering. He started of the new building was an ideal out as the only employee working out of his

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THE LAKES MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

choice, as the team can service areas such as Middlebury, Goshen, Elkhart, Bristol, Nappanee and beyond. In fact, since their business has continued to expand, Rain Drain has built two more locations in Fort Wayne and Valparaiso. When it comes to the services that Rain Drain offers, there is little they can’t do. Some of their most popular services include gutters, insulation, windows and roofing. This sets their company apart from the competition because they are able to offer all of these services as a whole, instead of having the customer bring in multiple companies for a project. The original idea behind Kwilinski’s vision for Rain Drain was to offer a seamless, free-flowing gutter with a unique, hood-covered trough. Being an innovator and entrepreneur, Kwilinski came up with the LeafGuard design. It is an ideal design for customers who enjoy their tree-filled yards and want to enjoy

Rain Drain - 7.125x4.75 - TheLake - Dec.indd 1

THE LAKES MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

10/4/23 1:13 PM

the beautiful fall foliage, but do not want the hassle of constantly cleaning out their gutters. Living in northern Indiana, we all know how the changing of the seasons can take a toll on traditional gutters, which tend to be full of leaves, debris, branches, saplings and even the occasional squirrel. LeafGuard instantly became a hit for both commercial and residential properties. In fact, according to their

website, “LeafGuard is the only onepiece debris-shedding gutter system on the market today.” There are other gutter guards that you can find at your local home improvement store, but those typically tend to be add-ons that you simply bolt to the top of the gutter.

gutters clean and clear. The team at Rain Drain is happy to explain how the revolutionary gutter system works. For example, the LeafGuard system is rollformed to custom lengths right on site. This allows the customer to have their gutters fit precisely to their roof.

What sets LeafGuard apart is the curved hood actually being part of the design. This allows for debris to be deflected and rain water to flow free, keeping your

Aside from gutters, Kwilinski saw a need for quality roofing options for homes and buildings, as they often get damaged from the changing seasons over the years. Rain

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THE LAKES MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

Also located in South Bend, northwest of Notre Dame 214 North Dixieway (US933) 574-272-5554 Open Tues-Fri. 10a-5p Sat. 9a-2p

Drain is able to assist customers with solutions to this as well. Some of the roofing styles customers can choose from include lifetime asphalt shingles with options from Timberline, the number-one selling shingle in North America. Roof deck protection allows moisture to escape from your attic, while also being aesthetically pleasing with a flat design. Additionally, Rain Drain offers ridge cap shingles, Cobra attic ventilation, starter strip shingles, and leak barriers. Looking for a higher-quality shingle style? Rain Drain also offers designer shingles to help you create your unique look. Simply stop by their building and view the samples and styles of roofing options to best fit your needs. No matter what you choose, you will be happy knowing you are getting a quality product that is economical but far from boring. Rain Drain is committed to helping

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their customers bring their vision to life, whether it is a new build or a remodel. This is where their window installation service comes into play. They offer the highest-grade products from Pella Windows & Doors that will complement your home or business. Rain Drain chooses to offer Pella over other windows because of their manufacturing principles that add up to innovative, high-quality windows and doors. Some of the benefits of Pella windows include retractable insect screens, blinds that are between the glass, shades, and pivoting window sashes that make them easier to clean. Not sure what to choose? The familyowned business at Rain Drain is more than happy to help you make the right decision, whether in person or over the phone.

E X As the winter season approaches, many TER I O R will notice their homes getting people L AT than wasting money on colder.FRather cranking up W the O Rthermostat, Rain Drain K

offers insulation services to help you stay comfortable even on the coldest nights. The home insulation technicians at Rain Drain will utilize their diagnostic tools to find any hidden air leaks in your home or business. From there, they can properly seal them for maximum savings. In fact, they estimate that you can save up to 20% off your heating and cooling costs just by properly insulating your home. Once summer comes around, this can also help you stay cool and reduce the cost of running the air conditioner constantly. Next time you are looking to remodel or build a new home, consider choosing Rain Drain for all your service needs. You can learn more about their services at raindraininc.com, and on Facebook @RainDrainInc. For questions or inquiries, they can be reached via phone at 574-742-4124, or by stopping by their facility located at 57273 State Road 15 in Goshen. Trust ad 7.2 x 10.1.qxp_Trust ad 7.2 x 10.1 3/3/23 9:34 AM Page 1

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THE LAKES MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME… VISIT THE UPCOMING OPEN HOUSE AT NEW KITCHEN STORE FOR SOME HOLIDAY INSPIRATION Story & Photography Provided by New Kitchen Store

“The reason for the season.” I see this posted in many stores and it always makes me think of slowing down and examining my motives for why I have to hustle and bustle for the holidays. Our open house at New Kitchen Store is coming up on November 25 and we are starting to set the food lists. All of the hard

work that goes into preparing this event makes me so appreciative of the friendships we have established over our 20-year period. It’s a time for us to say “Merry Christmas” and give back to everyone that comes in on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. We don’t rush to put Christmas-themed items out until after Thanksgiving, so we can remember our blessings throughout the year, and when Black Friday happens at lots of stores, we close down and get the Christmas

decorations out. I know it costs us sales for people who want to shop early, but I just can’t help but think Thanksgiving takes a back seat when you do that. After all, when I was a kid we didn’t put the tree up in the house until a week before Christmas. If I remember correctly, my grandma didn’t put it up until the day before. When planning the open house, we prepare as if you were coming to our house for dinner - tools for ease in preparation, a nice table

Chuck, Phyllis Kelly Shelby Haley and Hannah THE LAKES MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

www.michiana.bintheredumpthatusa.com

WELCOME TO SHIPSHEWANA HOMES We have been helping families fulfill their dreams of the perfect home for over 3 decades. We are committed to continuing our unwavering focus toward customer satisfaction and service.

574-536-7076 www.shipshewanahomes.com 725 S Van Buren St, Shipshewana, IN 46565

Family Owned Convenient bin sizes Precautions taken to protect driveway surface Easy loading Include dumpsters sizes 20, 15, 10, & 6 Cubic yard sizes

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THE LAKES MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

setting, and great appetizers and foods, all of which leads to a relaxed feel around the table with lots of smiling faces. We pick out all the favorites you have told us over the years and experiment with new ones as well. We have been told many times that the food you bring to your party might have to be made again and again, as it turns into the favorites at your house. Speaking as a business owner, it’s always hard to know how to give back to the community and convey the appreciation we feel. Shopping locally has made everyone aware of how much small businesses care. Customer service is at the top of the list of things we provide. We can tell you how to use that new gadget and make your foods look really special. So please don’t forget to share this with your neighbors and friends. It takes each one of us to make a business work. We are especially thankful for The Lakes Magazine for starting this publication, to make the communities aware of the small

Open: TuesdayFriday: 10-6 Saturday: 10-3

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propaintandfinish.com (574) 596-3072 THE LAKES MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

businesses that are trying to achieve a standard of excellence. We are thankful for the employees who share these same goals and make it possible to run an ethical business. They uphold the standards of excellence that we are committed to, and work tirelessly to get them accomplished. When we have a big event like this, our friends come in and help with the cooking and serving. What a blessing to see how the community helps out. Thank you!

of your shopping hangouts this season. Don’t forget to give us suggestions that will allow us to move forward with ways to offer a helping hand that will reach the needs of everyone around us. Merry Christmas!

We have been blessed with a new location at 1100 Roosevelt Road in Walkerton. We will actually be inside the building instead of outside in the tent. It is a time we can share and give back. We will be sampling a variety of foods, and having prize drawings as well as a customer appreciation discount. Most importantly, just getting to say hi to our friends, neighbors and our community is so important to us. We hope you visit all

Quality Construction at an Affordable Price New Homes • Room Additions Roofing Shingles or Metal Roofs Interior/Exterior Remodeling All Types of Residential Construction

www.jayhconstruction.com THE LAKES MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

For more info on New Kitchen Store, call 574-586-2745 or visit newkitchenstore.com.

Open House November 25 th

Event 9-3 & Open Till 6

Small business customer appreciation 10 % OFF today only. Prizes, food sampling and so much more!

574-586-2745 | NewKitchenStore.com | 1100 Roosevelt Rd. Walkerton, IN

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(574)341-4444 | info@nexgendms.com THE LAKES MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

DECEMBER CROSSWORD 7

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28. Court defense 1. Just what the doctor ordered, maybe 29. Wit’s end? 2. Callas specialty 32. Wisconsin footballers 3. New member of society 33. Takes one’s leave 4. Contract addenda 35. Shade of green 5. Russian range 36. Harder to penetrate 6. Foldaway, perhaps 38. Worries 7. Dishonorable doings 39. Part of L.E.D. 8. Curses 42. Not yet final, at law 9. “What Kind of Fool ___?” 43. Old flames 10. Slip on 44. Double header? 11. Hit the slopes 45. What’s more 19. Like hen’s teeth 46. It may get flipped 21. “___ takers?” 48. Wish undone 24. Ding-a-ling 25. Drive or reverse, e.g. 26. Circus props 27. Scorch

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32. Purchase 33. It’s often swatted 34. Symbol of industriousness 35. Camera movement 36. Opportunities, so to speak 37. Shortened, as a sail 39. Does and bucks 40. Disdained newspaper 41. More than touched 44. View from a hill 47. Archer of myth 49. Cake recipe word 50. Blood-bank measure 51. Like some awakenings 52. Wear and tear 53. Casino calculations 54. Nostradamus, reputedly 55. Acapulco affirmatives

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Trade ins welcome THE LAKES MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

SPECIALIZING IN HIGH QUALITY STEEL ROOFING

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CUSTOM TRUCK BEDS STEEL AND ALUMINUM STAIRS • RAILINGS • AND OTHER ITEMS CUSTOM FABRICATION OR PRODUCTION RUNS 260-768-9196 • FAX 260-768-9197 10515 US 20 WEST SHIPSHEWANA, IN 46565

Explore a Unique Selection of Quality Antiques, Vintage, Repurposed and New Furniture, Home Decor and Gifts in a Rustic Boutique Setting Hours (March 6 - Dec 31): Monday 12PM -6PM Tuesday-Thursday 10AM-6PM Friday 10AM-5PM Saturday 10AM-3PM

52886 State Road 13 | Middlebury, IN 574-358-0074 | www.barndoorllc.com THE LAKES MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

SUN SOLUTIONS HOOSIER WIND & SOLAR SPECIALIZES IN OFF-GRID AND GRID-TIED SYSTEMS Writer / Matt Keating Photography Provided

In today’s economy, who isn’t looking for more ways to lower their energy costs? Just ask Lavon Miller, co-owner of Hoosier Wind & Solar, who says he has been helping people reduce their energy costs for several years.

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“Renewable energy has been becoming very important to a lot of people,” Miller says. “It has been a great way to save money. I installed my very first solar system in 2004. I first bought a wind generator to get wind energy, and checked into building my own wind turbine. I read a lot of books on wind energy. Through trial and error, I built a reliable solar system, and I’ve been building them ever since then.” Miller then started building solar systems for his friends. “I stared Hoosier Wind & Solar with my brother, Lamar, in 2016,” Miller says. “The business is now big in this area. People have enjoyed saving money on energy costs with our help.” Miller says the prices of solar panels have dropped considerably. “The price of a wind turbine, however, has not,” he says. “Moving parts need maintenance. We are in a unique place in the market to help people by offering green energy, solar panels and many other cost savings.” Miller credits a loyal customer base with helping Hoosier Wind & Solar grow into the successful business it is today. “Most of my business is within a 15-mile radius of Nappanee,” Miller says. “I like to say that a lot of my business is in my own backyard. We get a lot of business through positive word of mouth. People know we do a great job. We also serve Shipshewana, Plymouth and Warsaw. We serve Fulton, Elkhart, Kosciusko and Marshall counties. It has

THE LAKES MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

been wonderful to work with so many great customers in these places.” Miller notes that Hoosier Wind & Solar specializes in offgrid and grid-tied solar systems. “We also have lithium batteries, battery packs, and portable and LPG generators,” he says. “We also have solar-powered lights, inverters, chargers and energy-efficient appliances. Our big-watt inverters are great for cabins. We have a wide selection of great maintenance-free batteries.”

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Miller adds that power supplies are also available. “We have great battery packs and energy appliances that are perfect for your cabin,” he says. “We have received a lot of positive words about how perfect and efficient our products are.”

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Miller believes one of the reasons solar panels and solar energy are so popular is because of the high number of power outages. “There are a lot of people who want to be able to still have power after a big storm or significant power outage,” he says. “They want to be independent, off the grid.” Miller adds that there are tax credits for people who buy solar systems.

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THE LAKES MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

(765)419-7883

“They are also cheap to buy at really good prices,” he says. “They are very reliable, and the energy-cost savings have made many people want to get them. I think they will become even more popular in the upcoming years. You can eliminate your energy bills.”

Miller says Hoosier Wind & Solar also provides great services for customers. “We can install your grid-tied system,” Miller says. “We will come to your home or cabin and will completely install it. We will do the system hookup and it will usually take two days to

South Edge Poly Custom Orders Available 13 Colors to Choose From Wholesale Dealers Welcome

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THE LAKES MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

complete it. We will also do any repair work and do upgrades. We also have free estimates and subcontracting services.” Miller says he loves Nappanee and all of the surrounding areas. “Nappanee has a lot of friendly folks and a wonderful, down-

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home country atmosphere,” Miller says. “I live in Bourbon, Indiana, and love it there. I was born and raised in Bourbon. What a great place.” To find out more about Hoosier Wind & Solar, check out hoosierwindandsolar.com.

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Notes to St. Nick A LOOK AT LETTERS TO SANTA THROUGH THE YEARS Writer / Jeff Kenney Photography Provided

It’s a time-honored tradition going back well over a century: children writing letters to Santa Claus informing him of their desired Christmas gifts. Almost as old, according to the Smithsonian Magazine, is the practice of printing letters in a local newspaper. The magazine, from December 2015, points to the early 19th century shift in American cultural depictions of the figure who had long been a revered Christian saint, Nicholas of Myra (Dutch Protestants, while they tended to reject his longstanding Catholic feast day on December 6, brought “Sinterklaas” into America, shifting his “special day” instead to Christmas), as well as the advent of widespread hand delivery of mail to cities during the Civil War, as the genesis of children writing letters to Kris Kringle en masse. As postage costs fell in the 1860s, parents became more willing to pay for stamps so children could write their requests to Santa, and letters flooded post offices around the country. According to the magazine, “The little folks are getting interested about Christmas,” wrote a reporter for Columbia, South Carolina’s Daily Phoenix in December 1873. A correspondent for the Stark County Democrat, in Canton, Ohio, noted the following year. “One day last week two bright little children entered the Democrat office and wanted us to print letters to Santa Claus, from them.” ’

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Printing said letters in the local newspaper became increasingly common in the early 20th century (one early local reference appeared in the Marshall County Independent newspaper of December 21, 1894, noting that Cleveland, Ohio-based Ella Jordan asked, in her letter to Santa, for a doll, pair of gloves, “a nice little cat on wheels,” picture book, set of dishes and handful of other requests). As might be expected, requested gifts, besides evoking the charms and nostalgia of childhood, can also provide historical insight into the tastes, trends and even events of the day. John Hodson of the Kankakee Valley Historical Society assembled several sets of children’s letters to Santa from the first half of the 20th century in a wonderful series of posts on the society’s website at kankakeevalleyhistoricalsociety.org.

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His set of 1906 letters from the Valparaiso Vidette-Messenger in some cases include updates as to what became of the children writing the letters, at times illustrating the sadly higher rate of

THE LAKES MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

childhood deaths, especially from epidemics and illnesses now more treatable by antibiotics, during the early 20th century. Among these were Lena Allen of Hebron, Indiana, who wrote Santa to ask for “a new dress, sewing box and a box of writing paper and my little sister wants a doll.” As Hodson notes, Lena Allan was born on December 7, 1894, in Porter County and died on February 24, 1908, from pneumonia. Similarly, young Clarence Riddle of Deep River, born in 1900, wrote to

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Santa in 1906 to request “a little telephone and a storybook and a game and some nuts and candy and bring whatever you think is best for a little boy,” adding, “I go to school most every day.” He died on Christmas Day, December 25, 1911, in Michigan City, of typhoid fever. Not all stories of Santa letter writers, of course, were so grim. Florence Cummins of Hebron, born in 1899, asked St. Nick for a “sewing box and a little stove and Vance wants a jack-in-the-box and I want a sled and he wants a rubber ball and he wants a little doll and I want a little doll too we want a sack of candy and some oranges we want some nuts and bring papa and mama something.” Florence went on to marry Ray L. Gear in Portland, Oregon, in 1920, joining the Women’s Army Corps in 1942, and living a long life up to her death in September, 1988, in Pasco, Washington. Alvia W. Hitesman of Valparaiso, who sought “a hobbyhorse & some nuts & candy” and who made a point of noting his Sunday school and school attendance, and that he was, at age 6, “a good boy,” went on to marry Edna Smith in 1931. He died in September, 1966, in Valparaiso. In earlier years, items requested of Santa often mixed toys with more practical items, like “a silk muffler…a box of letters, a blue

necktie, two dozens of linen handkerchiefs, a bank, [and] finger gloves” for Luis Borucki of Valparaiso. Many children, both in 1906 and in letters published in the The Times in Munster, Indiana, on December 16, 1911, requested fruits, candies, and/or nuts from Santa, with many reminding St. Nick not to forget the parents. Touchingly, several children writing to Santa in 1911 echoed similar sentiments to those of Catherine Gergetz: “Do not forget the poor children.” Several, like little Grace Young in 1911 who included the admonition, “Don’t forget the Christmas tree,” reflected a now largely defunct Christmas Eve tradition - Santa not only brought presents with him down the chimney, but brought the Christmas tree itself, fully decorated and only first beheld in wonder as children awoke on Christmas morn (of course, mom and dad played a significant role in procuring and decorating said tree, after children were in bed on Christmas Eve). Some things never change. As recorded in another entry on the Kankakee Valley Historical Society website, Peggy Ann Grabber of Valparaiso asked Santa in 1939 for “something my brothers can’t play with for you see, I have six of them and I am the only girl and

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they take and play with all my things.” One interesting facet of cultural changes reflected in children’s Santa letters lies in the sorts of toys requested, and the shift from what might be called more generic toys towards character-driven or branded items. Deanna Kay Baker of Culver, for instance, asked Santa in 1942 for “a doll with real hair, a toy wrist watch, [and] an electric train.” Shirley Ann Ellam of the same town hoped for “a Dr. and Nurse kit and a pair of roller skates.” In 1956, the Fairmount, Indiana News contained similar requests. David Jewell wanted “a truck, a fire engine, and a little ball,” while Jay Smith hoped for a gun, cowboy hat, and cowboy boots, and Lana Haynes wanted a baby doll, doll house, and radio. By 1963, while Chet Marshall of Culver (who started his letter noting that he hated dolls) requested a machine gun with which to play Army, Connie Kelly of the same town asked for the very specifically named Happy and Nappy Playmate doll, while Nancy Blessing hoped for a similarly branded Tammy and Tressie doll. Karen Zechiel made her plea for some Vac-U-Form, a Ken doll, and a Password game - all specific character and brand-oriented toys, reflecting a trend which would become the norm in the following decades. While Christmas of 1977 still saw letters in the Logansport PharosTribune asking Santa for items like a doll and dollhouse, as well as a radio and walkie talkies, requests also included character and branded toys like Spider-man, Stretch Armstrong, the Weebles tree house, Charlie’s Angels, Don’t Break the Ice, and Micronauts. A decade later, in 1987, the same newspaper (which, this time, encouraged kids to call the newspaper office and relay their requests, which would then be sent “via satellite” to

Santa at the North Pole) reported that year’s most requested gifts included Pound Purries, radio-controlled cars, laser tag, a Talking Alf doll, Teddy Ruxpin, and “Ghostbusters” items, among others. The paper also noted some of the more unusual requests included a pinball machine, snowmobile, chainsaw, a baby chicken, and a bedroom with blue walls.

Perhaps tellingly, a plea for a computer was lumped in with the “unusual” requests listed. After all, while many children of more recent decades might seek a computer for gaming or other “fun” purposes, many readers may recall that in 1987, computers were hardly considered “fun” devices for most kids. By Christmas of 1996, the Logansport

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paper’s Letters to Santa page included many of the traditional items like dolls and race cars (and kudos should be given to young Eric Stearns for asking only for “Peace and Joy to the World”). A great many boys asked for Nintendo 64s that year, part of a growing trend of video-game-related items among many youngsters in the years to follow. The Northwest Indiana Times in 2004 ran pages of Santa letters from Porter County, including an array of requests for the likes of XBoxes, video games and CDs, alongside character-oriented items ranging from Bob the Builder to Barbie, American Girl to the Wiggles. Some children, like Kailee Van Nieulande of Hebron and Elena Kipp of Valparaiso, made a point of asking specifically as to the well-being of Rudolph (he of red-nosed fame), while many more asked about Santa’s and Mrs. Claus’s health (all children who included commentary on their moral state, of course, reported having been good that year). By contrast with the “oddness” of asking for a computer back in 1987, not surprisingly, several children from East Chicago, Indiana, asked for a laptop computer or iPad alongside other gifts, including young Brandon Chavez, Kamiya Seymour, Ke’Saun Santos and Adam Martinez. The same edition included a set of children who also peppered their letters with an array of potentially “stumping” questions for St. Nick, such as whether his elves were ever naughty,

how he gets into their houses if they lack a chimney, how cold it is at the North Pole, and even whether he’s a god! In today’s age of radically decreased use of printed letters sent via the postal mail, and with a widespread trend of “emails to Santa” not having taken off, the longstanding tradition has certainly dissipated, though (especially in elementary schools) it does persist. But written out or not, children across northern Indiana and the country as a whole, whether they visit the jolly old elf in person, send their requests to him through their parents, or just assume he knows (since he ostensibly knows whether they’ve been bad or good already), continue to place their hopes in his faraway hands for their wishes to come true in stocking or under tree.

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For Mallory and Anthony Hadaway and their family, there is great strength to be drawn from a particular Bible passage. Matthew 17:20, more specifically: “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Emboldened by this inspiration, the Hadaways made a leap of faith, and transformed a spacious location in the heart of Rochester into Mustard Seed Mercantile. Opening just this past summer, it includes 6,500 square feet of artisan wares, specializing in home decor, antiques, crafts, apparel, bath and beauty products, and a great deal more.

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freezer beef and bison meat,” she adds. Part of their initial vision was to reimagine what Hadaway describes as an industrial warehouse into a venue that is whimsical and segues well into the approaching holiday season. As a decorative flourish to add to the whimsy, the business has

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endeavor, stemming from the expertise and talents from several existing committees of the time. The organization offers a range of initiatives and incentives for both existing and new businesses, and creates a network of communication that fosters encouragement and enthusiasm for retailers and entrepreneurs. Among the ways that DGI achieves those goals is through sponsorships of special events, hosting various workshops designed to attract shoppers, and grant programs for facade and building enhancements. The businesses of Goshen can reap the benefits of partnership with DGI for a modest monthly membership fee. Amanda McMahon is one of the DGI committee members who also serves as the director of First Fridays, as well as a liaison for Eyedart Creative Studio. She assists with social media and marketing for the membership of DGI, and shares

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some insight on what the missions of DGI entail. “We offer promos that generate interconnection and collaboration, opportunities to participate, and have conversations about how to entice people to visit downtown,” McMahon says. “We value business input and feedback, and we continue to work on identifying what is best for the community, and how to keep small businesses invested and motivated.” The current president of DGI is Myron Bontrager, who is well-known around Goshen as the patriarch of the family who currently owns The Electric Brew. In his leadership role, he says one of the factors he most appreciates about belonging to DGI is the challenge of “trying to find what we’re good at, and then focus on the opportunities that flow from that.” A self-professed champion of historic causes, Bontrager is excited about one of the group’s newest programs, which

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focuses on matching grants for building facades, many of which have adorned the downtown sectors for generations. The businesses that enter into consideration for the program must follow a set of criteria, which assures historic or architectural integrity. Matching grant funding could then be used to cover the full facade, or integral parts such as awnings, windows or cleanings. “We drew inspiration from what other communities were doing with their downtown businesses,” Bontrager notes. “We felt that this was a way to help business owners to bring people to downtown in a creative way, while increasing awareness and engagement.” The DGI website has proven to be an invaluable resource to prospective visitors, residents and retailers by offering information on how to apply

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for the historic beautification grants, a calendar of special sales promotions and events, and a business directory for ease of shopping. There is also abundant

information on how to participate, volunteer or secure a spot on the mailing list.

To obtain more details and stay apprised of downtown Goshen’s happenings, visit downtowngoshen.org.

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Kids Corner

Salt Dough Footprint Reindeer Ornament By: Crafty Morning

Ingredients

• 1 cup Flour • 1 cup Salt • 1⁄2 cup Warm water • 6-8 Pipe cleaners cut up into pieces Acrylic paint • Hot Glue • Puff paint/ sharpie • Ribbon • Mod podge • Mini pom poms

Instructions

Coffee Filter Wreath Craft for Christmas Instructions

• Flatten out 5-6 round coffee filters for each wreath you plan to make. • Apply several colors of green and yellow washable markers in a variety of patterns. Organic and random patterns work best for this tie dye technique. • Place your colored coffee filter papers on a cookie sheet and spritz with water to watch the magic! Set them aside to dry. Depending on the humidity, it will take about 1-2 hours for the filters to air dry. • Cut the center from a standard paper plate with scissors. • Paint the front and back of the paper plate circle with green craft paint and set aside to dry. • Once dry, fold the colored filters in half, and then cut in half with scissors so you have a total of 10-12 pieces for your wreath leaves. • Crumple filter pieces and then flatten back out to give them some texture. • Gather the cut end of the filters and arrange into a petal shape. Glue the coffee filters to the paper plate with a glue gun and overlap each petal to hide the cut edges. • Then secure the tops of each petal with glue. • Create a bow from various scraps of red ribbons. Lay out five to six lengths of ribbon and tie securely in the center. • Attach bow to bottom center of wreath and glue a red tinsel pom pom to the center of the bow for fun! • Attach a few red tinsel pom pom clusters to the wreath with glue to look like berries. To finish, glue a ten-inch length of ribbon to the back of the wreath to use as a hanger.

• Pre-heat oven to 250 degrees. • In a mixing bowl, add the water, salt, and flour to combine. Knead with your hands to get it all smooth. Use a rolling pin and roll it out flat. • Have your child press their foot into the dough then use a knife and cut around the edges. Bake in the oven for 2 hours then let them cool. Once cooled, paint them with brown acrylic paint. Let them dry a bit and put together the antlers with pipe cleaners. • Hot glue the pipe cleaners on the back and the nose. Use black puff paint or sharpie for the mouth and eyes. Make a loop for the ribbon and hot glue that to the back as well. • Finish with a coat of mod podge or a clear coat spray to seal it.

Notes

If the dough is a little sticky add a little flour to get a easy to work with consistency otherwise your child’s foot will get stuck and the print isn’t as clear.

64 / THE LAKES MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

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Eric Stalheim, Peter Wallace, Virginia Wallace

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Preservation of historic houses and buildings is an important way to document the history of a city or town. There are many challenges for the owners of these types of properties, and South Bend TradeWorks is helping to address some of these challenges. With “Preserving the past. Sustaining the future” as its motto, the organization

66 / THE LAKES MAGAZINE / DECEMBER 2023 / TownePost.com

strives to preserve the historic fabric of neighborhoods, and function as a resource for teaching historic trades and supplying salvaged building materials. It is the first of its kind in the South Bend community, combining resale, salvage and training in one organization. It operates with three priorities, says Eric Stalheim, a member of the board of directors. “First, we are a resale salvage shop,” he says. Found within the TradeWorks salvage shop are wood trim, plumbing fixtures, doors, windows, furniture knobs and hardware, and more. These materials are offered for sale to the public for use on their properties. For example, one homeowner recently purchased a door to be used in a cabin renovation, to add a historic touch.

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Often, those restoring a historic home may need to find a matching door or fixture, Stalheim says. These salvaged pieces cannot be found in local megahardware stores, but the TradeWorks shop can sometimes find a solution. Some of this inventory comes from TradeWorks’ own salvage operation, and other materials are donated by property owners. Anything salvaged or accepted from the public must be from buildings built prior to 1970, Stalheim says. The organization works well with other resale shops in the region, who mostly sell salvage from newer construction, he adds. This fits in with their second priority - to preserve the parts and pieces of those properties that can not be preserved in their historic form. Preservation is a nod toward the craftsmanship of bygone eras. While the people who crafted the detailed trims and moldings that adorned the ceilings, doors and window frames of houses built in the 19th and 20th centuries are long gone, it is possible to preserve their legacy by reclaiming their work and reusing it. “Most of our customers own a historic house and need a specific item, or are restoring a historic structure of some kind,” Stalheim says.

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The third component addresses the need to find qualified people to do the restoration work on historic buildings. TradeWorks offers workshops on various techniques for historically accurate repairs or implementations.

A recent workshop in October focused on the proper materials, tools and techniques to repair granite foundations. This workshop was led by Stephen Hartley, associate professor at Notre Dame, at the historic Kizer House in South Bend, which was built in the 1880s. Participants got hands-on experience in mixing lime for mortar, how to clean mortar lines, and filling in gaps properly. Another workshop held earlier this year provided instruction on how to repair windows, and another recent one demonstrated techniques on plastering walls. For these workshops, TradeWorks partners with Indiana Landmarks and the Historic Preservation Commission of South Bend. Participants for these workshops come from throughout Michiana and even as far away as Danville, Illinois, Indianapolis and Ohio, Hartley says.

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“These workshops also help people maintain their historic homes,” Stalheim says. Another aspect of the education that TradeWorks provides is the Field School for high school students. A recent session drew eight students, with the goal of introducing the trades need for historical preservation work, Stalheim says. The organization has 11 board members, and everyone is a volunteer. The TradeWorks salvage shop is located at 521 Lincolnway West in South Bend. For more information, go to southbendtradeworks.org, email southbendtradeworks@gmail. com, or follow them on Facebook @ southbendtradeworks.

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Owner Susie Schaetzle

In Broad Strokes PAINTING IS ONLY THE START AT CR8-UR-CANVAS offers a variety of painting experiences, from a Splatter Room to classes in which participants are guided through the creation of a painting.

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Creating art doesn’t have to be intimidating, especially when there is an experienced, trained and encouraging professional to guide the artistic process. Susie Schaetzle is that art professional. Schaetzle is the owner of Cr8-UR-Canvas in Bourbon. It’s hard to miss her shop, as it’s the bright-yellow painted building on Main Street. Inside her shop she

The creativity in the name of her shop is reflected in the shop’s decor. A handpainted, undersea mural and a yellow brick road painted on the floor are just some of the ways Schaetzle infused her artistic abilities into her store.

She studied art in high school but did not pursue any higher education. She has been married for 26 years and her children range in age from 20 to 35. She also has four grandchildren. She was a stay-at-home mom while her children were little, and when they became older and less dependent on her for their care, Schaetzle began thinking about what she wanted to do.

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“I was my husband’s wife and my children’s mother, but I wanted to do something for me,” she says. She prayed for an answer and kept getting the message “Art.” “I expected a list of options, not just one word,” she recalls. It was a friend who sealed the deal on what would become Schaetzle’s art business. This friend’s daughter wanted a painting party for her birthday. Her friend said Schaetzle would be the best person to coordinate it. Although she declined, her friend left Schaetzle no choice when she told her the party was planned and she was the one to do it. Several painting parties later, and Schaetzle was ready to open a home base. She opened the Cr8-UR-Canvas space in 2019. She still travels to libraries, parks and clients’ homes for personal parties,

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but her shop space is also available. Here, would-be artists can paint ceramic pieces, splash a variety of colors on a piece of canvas in the Splatter Room, have a painting party, or take a class and complete a painting in a matter of hours. This variety in the art medium available at Cr8-UR-Canvas makes the name of the business a bit of a misnomer. “It’s not canvas like we think - the canvas that is stretched,” Schaetzle says. “The canvas I refer to can be wood, ceramic or traditional canvas.” Schaetzle has held classes for birthdays and bachelorette parties. Her parties have catered to children as well as adults. She has even hosted employee development classes using painting and creativity as the focus. Private parties need a minimum of six people.

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“For a party, the party giver will pick the painting they want everyone to paint, or I can design one for the party,” Schaetzle says. On occasion, there is someone in the class or party who doesn’t have confidence in their artistic abilities and is hesitant to take part. “Someone always tells me they can’t draw a stick person,” Schaetzle says. “I tell them that that is good since we aren’t drawing stick people. It takes courage to try something you’ve never done. Art is 85% skill based. That means it can be taught when we do it together.” She says she has two rules for any of her parties or classes. “Rule number one is there is no crying,” she says. “There are no tears in painting. Rule number two is to have fun.” According to her, art is a way for people to experience a different way of looking at the world. “I help them relax and have peace for a moment,” she says. “If you can find joy here and there, it’s worth it.” Cr8-UR-Canvas is located at 105 South Main Street in Bourbon. For more information, call 574-498-7425, email Schaetzle at cr8urcanvas@gmail.com, or visit cr8urcanvas.com. Find additional information on Facebook @cr8urcanvas.

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What’s Happening at the Lakes in December Elkhart County

December 1, 2023 Sandhill Crane Hike Elkhart Boot Lake is a convenient resting place for hundreds of Sandhill Cranes as they migrate south for the winter. Please join a naturalist at the Boot Lake Nature Preserve to listen to and witness these beautiful birds in all their glory. Please bring binoculars, a camera, and come dressed for the weather on this short hike to the lake. Free event for all ages. Registration required. https://elkhartcountyparks.org/ December 1, 2023 Winter Wonderland Holiday Lights Wellfield Botanic Gardens, Elkhart Prepare to be transported to a magical setting with lights, sound and beauty, perfect for families to enjoy during the holiday season! Enjoy this special opportunity to see Wellfield after hours in a wintry paradise. Featuring professional light displays accentuating the natural beauty of Wellfield, the ½ mile Promenade Pathway will be aglow with color and texture, framing the Garden spaces as you’ve never seen them before. Purchase tickets at the gate or online with free parking. https://www.facebook.com/events/8 66846458116703/866846481450034/ ?active_tab=about December 1, 2023 Hometown Holiday Goshen The community comes together downtown to celebrate the holiday season. Sing carols with friends and neighbors on Main Street then enjoy the tree lighting at 7:00 pm. Shop the outdoor holiday market and enjoy seasonal treats and drinks. Children’s photos with Santa are free, and young gift-givers are invited to make their own presents at make-a-gift opportunities provided by local retailers. https://downtowngoshen.org/ events/2023-december/ December 1-2, 2023 Southgate Crossing Holiday Spectacular Elkhart Shop an extraordinary selection of handmade artisan & craft vendors, baked goods, antiques and more. Admission is free and concessions will be available. https://www.facebook.com/events/6 67064671623220/667064678289886/ ?active_tab=about December 2, 2023 Christmas on Main Elkhart Get ready for the merriest event of the season! Explore the downtown busi-

nesses as they throw open their doors for festive open houses. Plus, there will be delightful kids’ craft stations to add to the holiday joy! https://www.visitelkhartcounty.com/ event/christmas-on-main/14799/ December 2, 2023 Winterfest Parade Downtown Elkhart The annual Winterfest Parade is a unique lighted parade to celebrate the beginning of the winter and holiday season in Elkhart. Awards for the best floats! Registration is free and a Tree lighting will also take place. https://www.facebook.com/ElkhartParks December 2, 2023 Christmas Tree Lighting Middlebury Join the Community at Memorial Park for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting, music, Christmas carols, cocoa & cookies. Festivities begin at 6:00 and after the candlelight ceremony, the tree lights will be turned on at 7:00 pm https://www.middleburythenandnow. org/events-1/christmas-tree-lighting December 9, 2023 Nature Notebooks – Session One Bonneyville Mill County Park, Bristol Observe the unfolding of winter through this four-part series of day retreats. Each monthly session will spend time finding ways to express natural wonders on paper. Set out on the trails of Bonneyville Mill for inspiration, then come back inside and sit near the wood-burning stove to fill your notebooks with creative promptings. Tea provided, bring your own lunch with kitchenette available for use. Registration required plus cost. https://www.facebook.com/ events/212847388346982 December 19, 2023 Illuminated Trail Hike Bonneyville Mill County Park, Bristol Not a fan of hiking in the dark? No worries- The Elkhart County Parks is keeping the lights on just for you! Hike a trail with illuminated markers guiding the way and enjoy the sights and sounds of Bonneyville Mill County Park on a winter’s night. The hike will end at the one-room schoolhouse with hot chocolate and cookies made with Bonneyville Mill flour to make the evening complete. Free to all ages. https://elkhartcountyparks. org/events/illuminated-trail-hike-12-19-23/

Kosciusko County

December 1, 2023 Holiday Light Display Warsaw This display will be lit each evening and is a special way to celebrate the holiday season in Warsaw’s Central Park. This is a free event that will be lit from dusk-midnight December 1 through December 31. https://www.facebook.com/ events/1303830986834226/ December 2, 2023 Model Train & Toy Show Warsaw Just in time for your Christmas shopping at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds. Lunch will be available. https://www.facebook.com/ events/2237506083100732 December 9 & 10 The Classic Arts Program proudly presents the Christmas Concert Voices, Brass and Bells featuring Tim Zimmerman and The King’s Brass. This concert performance will be held at the Winona Heritage Room in beautiful Winona Lake and will usher in the season with the Adult Community Chorale, the Youth Chorale, members from the Symphony of the Lakes. Bremen’s Children’s Choir and Grace College’s Lancer Chorus. Tickets are $12 for seniors and students, $15 for adults. Children 5 and under are free (with any ticket purchase.) Tickets and show times can be found online at www.classicartsprograms.com/tickets December 16, 2023 Warsaw Ladies Pamper Me Lakeview Middle School Gym, Warsaw The 1st annual Warsaw Ladies Pamper Me event will be hosted by Susie McEntire and Keenie with special guests Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch and Serna Dyksen. Enjoy a meal, shopping, style show, speakers, singing and fun! Tickets $40 per person and registration is required. https://visitkosciuskocounty.org/ events/1st-annual-warsaw-ladies-pamper-me/

Noble County

December 1, 2023 Wine Down feat. Hubie Ashcraft LaOtto Wine down with us featuring the one and only Hubie Ashcraft! Enjoy an evening of wine, food, fun and music! https://www.facebook.com/countryheritagewinery December 2, 2023 Christmas in the Village Albion The community comes together each

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December season for a traditional Christmas in the Village. Santa arrives, via the parade, to meet the children and hear their holiday wishes. Families can visit Santa after the parade on Jefferson Street. https://www.visitnoblecounty.org/ calendar December 2, 2023 Vintage Christmas with St. Nicholas Ligonier Step back at Stone’s Tavern and learn about life of early American settlers and pioneers at Christmas. Join Historical Society members and St. Nicholas and help recreate a holiday party of the mid-1830’s, singing carols and decorating the Christmas tree for the holiday season. The children will have treats, cookies, hot chocolate and cider. https://www.stonestrace.com/vintage-christmas December 2, 2023 Kendallville Christmas Parade Open to all groups and organizations in Noble County, the annual parade features a different theme each year and travels south on Main Street to bring Santa to town! https://www.kendallvillemainstreet. com/events/kpc’s-christmas-parade December 3, 2023 A Dream of Beauty Gene Stratton Porter Site, Rome City Be a part of this special holiday event at the Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site by visiting the Cabin in Wildflower Woods decorated as it would have been in 1917. Enjoy entertainment, holiday goodies, crafts and horse-drawn wagon rides around the property and visit with Santa. Self-guided tours, crafts and so much more are included with admission. https://www.indianamuseum.org/ historic-sites/gene-stratton-porter/ December 2-4 and 8-10, 2023 Windmill Winter Wonderland Kendallville This annual holiday tradition at the 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 grounds where lights glow and fill the sky with color, movement and images. A live nativity highlights the true meaning of the season. Santa will be there with his bag loaded with treats for all children. Craft vendor booths will brim with holiday gifts for giving, and food and beverages will be available. https://www.midamericawindmillmuseum.org/events

St. Joseph County

December 1, 2023 12th Annual Bears in the Air Kick-off Party South Bend Gather your family, friends, and colleagues for an evening of joy and celebration at SBN as we raise funds to purchase brand new teddy bears to provide to children in area hospitals. These bears bring comfort and smiles to the children during a difficult time in their lives. The Bears in the Air program also supports our community’s most vulnerable Veterans who have served our wonderful country and are now in need of our support. Along with the bears, the funds raised also provide financial assistance to the Robert L. Miller, Sr. Veteran’s Center. The more donations collected, the more smiles we can create for both children and veterans alike. In addition to enjoying an evening at the airport for a great cause, you can look forward to light refreshments, cocktails, music, and some of the most fabulous door prizes. The event is open to the public for adults 21+ with admission fee of $35. https://www.visitsouthbend.com/ event/12th-annual-bears-in-the-airkick-off-party/4262/ December 2, 2023 Winterfest 2023 Mishawaka Winterfest is back! Ironworks Avenue will kick off the holiday season with the opening day of the Ironworks Ice Rink! The evening will start with a lighted parade and will include tons of amazing attractions including the tree lighting, pictures with Santa, a holiday market, food trucks, ice skating, a trackless train, axe throwing, fire performers, an ice carver and more. This free event will provide entertainment for the entire family! https://www.facebook.com/ events/1747790739005587 December 3, 2023 South Bend Record Show Vendors and collectors from the Midwest and beyond fill more than 90 tables with 40,000 pieces of used

and new merchandise, including pre-loved and new LPs, as well as 45s, CDs, cassettes, music memorabilia, posters, T-shirts, vintage stereo gear, and more! Find everything from bargain records to extremely rare, collectible, and hard-to-find items. There’s an emphasis on classic rock, pop, ‘80s, and metal. You can also find punk, soul, R&B, jazz, blues, classic country, soundtracks, oddities, and so much more. https://southbendrecordshow. com/?fbclid=IwAR0tTv0xe7QERJkki9mAbV5QybLLzJdomBbu0LIcWZ1zBVnbCSH6f1iNzmE December 3, 2023 Small Business Shopaganza South Bend A must attend indoor event! Come out and enjoy live music, vendors, gift raffles and much more! Free entry to Central Community Park-Rio Park Event Center. https://www.facebook.com/ groups/134564776689873/permalink/3296938107119175 December 7-9, 2023 Sounds of the Season Penn High School, Mishawaka Penn Choir proudly presents the annual holiday concert “Sounds of the Season” with three dates and times. Tickets will be available after Thanksgiving for this beautiful choir concert. Come enjoy the holiday spirit with family and friends. https://www.facebook.com/PennHighSchoolChoir December 17, 2023 South Bend Chamber Singers – Christmas at Loretto Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, IN Our popular annual Christmas concert, featuring new music for the Christmas season including the premiere of a new work by American composer Jessica French. With Kevin

Vaughn, organist, in the beautiful acoustic of the Church of Loretto on the Saint Mary’s College campus, we close with our traditional candlelit Silent Night, arr. by Malcolm Sargent. The perfect start to your holidays. https://www.visitsouthbend.com/ event/south-bend-chamber-singerschristmas-at-loretto/4253/

Shipshewana/ LaGrange County

December 2, 2023 Kid’s Day – Santa Comes to Town Shipshewana If you see Santa flying over your house early this year, he’s on his way to Shipshewana – where he makes his rounds every year in early December for Kid’s Day. A special day in Shipshewana with tons of great activities for kids of all ages! https://visitshipshewana.org/events/ kids-day-santa-comes-to-town-2/ December 2, 2023 Ship-Chic Holiday Craft & Vintage Show Shipshewana We are gathering sellers from all over the Midwest to meet up for a show featuring gifts, vintage items, home decor, crafts, clothing, accessories, beauty products, jewelry, baked goods, signs and more! Old stuff, new stuff and awesome stuff all picked with quality in mind. Come shop for authentic products and meet the folks who are selling them. https://shipshewanatradingplace.com/ events/shipchic-craft-and-vintageshow/ December 8-16, 2023 Shipshewana Majestic Noel Michiana Event Center Two full hours of nonstop Christmas excitement returns to the Michiana Event Center in Shipshewana! This amazing and uplifting show is filled with nonstop equestrian adventures, featuring some of the most beautiful horses anywhere, along with incredi-

bly talented riders from all around the world. See the Noel singers, dancers, aerialists, hogs, dogs and more! https://www.michianaevents.com/ event/noel December 9, 2023 Chocolate Day Shipshewana Stop at Aunt Millie’s Candy & Nut Shop in the Davis Mercantile for a limited-edition candy box to fill, then travel to shops around town to fill it with yummy chocolates. There will be 100 boxes this year with a suggested donation price of $25. What makes the Chocolate Day in Shipshewana extra sweet is that 100% of the net proceeds are donated to a local charity or cause each year. Shopping and chocolate while supporting a good cause, there’s no way this can’t be good! https://visitshipshewana.org/events/ chocolate-day/ December 15, 2023 Community Christmas The Garage Community Center, LaGrange Everyone is Invited! Our third annual celebration is at no cost to you. Come enjoy free food, activities, cookie decorating, friends and fun. Christmas Karaoke by Classic City DJ. https://www.facebook.com/TheGarageLaGrange December 20, 2023 Shipshewana Signs & Advertising Auction/Customer Appreciation Day Live Auction with 7-10 Auctioneers selling simultaneously! Entire Shipshewana Auction barn is filled every Wednesday, year-round with antiques, collectibles, furniture, primitives, glassware, books, toys and miscellaneous items. This particular auction will have a special section of signs and advertising items. Buyers may preview as sellers unload Tuesday until 5:00 pm or Wednesday starting at 7:00 am. https://shipshewanatradingplace.com/ auctions/special-antique-sales/

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