The Lakes East Magazine March 2023

BOOST™ WORKS LIKE NATURE

Helping produce higher yields, better crops, treat waste issues, improve the soil for current and furture crops

Compost: The ability to return to nature that which was borrowed from nature.

Some refer to the soil as “Mother Earth.” Fertile soil is the source of what feeds us, clothes us, and shelters us. In so doing, we are borrowing that which makes the soil full of life; in the grains which takes its nourishment; in the forage which feeds our livestock; in the timber which provides our shelter.

Composting manures improves the fluidity of the manures by taking on the role of soil bacteria in breaking down the manure components (preconditioning) into molecular structures necessary for soil chelation and plant root absorption.

Dry Pack

What we borrow we must replace.

If we continue to “take” and never return in equal share; if we borrow and never repay, we steal from the earth, from that which makes the soil fertile and able to nourish all things that grow from it.

If in greed we coerce the earth to give more through the overuse of synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides without replenishing the organic structure, the soil ceases to provide.

The application of Boost™ preconditioned manures greatly increases the volume of beneficial soil bacteria

• Reduces Odor, Biological Oxygen Demand, Chemical Oxygen Demand, Suspended Solids, Turbidity and Ammonia Concentrations

• Resists Chlorine, Disinfectants and High Water Temperatures

As with the beef manure containments pits, Boost™ is a primary composting agent that preconditions the manure for land application by performing the same nutrient reclamation processes one would find from the bacteria in the soil web. When applying manure that has been preconditioned for land application with Boost™, one will find a uniform nutrient column from the top to the bottom of the containment, whether it is of beef, dairy or swine manure.

Lagoon

For advertising information, contact:

PUBLISHERS

JOHN & MANDI LEWANDOWSKI

john@townepost.com

mandi@townepost.com 574.249.9217

TOWNE

FOUNDER/CEO

TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com 317.496.3599

PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com 317.810.0011

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

ERIN TURK DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT

IT’S A DEAL

Northern Lakes Realty Makes the Buying and Selling Process Smooth and Easy

46

CRANK IT UP

Straight Forward Entertainment Brings a Lively Show to Audiences Every Time

52

HOW THEY ROLL Bowling Is Just the Beginning at Signature Lanes in Elkhart

21

ON THE ROAD AGAIN Hepton Road Auto Offers Full Service

26

SOLID FOUNDATIONS Pittman Masonry Construction Is Built on Family and Quality

33 REVOLUTIONARY SERVICES Chapelle Medical Aesthetics Makes Lasting Changes for Each Patient

39

DEVOTED TO DEVELOPMENT Growing Kids Learning Center Is Still Helping to Mold Minds After Nearly 30 Years

44 MARCH CROSSWORD

LAVENDER LOVE Cooking Power in a Flower

59

BUTTON UP Button Keepers Share an Appreciation for a Fascinating Hobby

67

GARFIELD, CLIFFORD, OZ, AND MORE — OH MY! Indiana Produced a Host of Legendary Children’s Characters

72

GREAT GRABS There’s Something for Everyone at Emilee & Ivy’s Vendor Mall

77

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN MARCH AT THE LAKES

IT’S A DEAL

Northern Lakes Realty Makes the Buying and Selling Process Smooth and Easy

Going the extra step has played a pivotal role in the success of Northern Lakes Realty. As a lifelong Syracuse resident, Vince Beasley got started in real estate in 2002 and decided to follow his dreams of opening a small business in the lakes area

of Syracuse in 2014.

Northern Lakes Realty is now a wellestablished, reputable and knowledgeable real estate agency in the area, and the team is excited to share their skills locally and in surrounding counties. They are a full-service brokerage business

with expert knowledge on residential, commercial, lake and investment properties. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, they can handle all of your property needs, from luxury homes, starter homes and foreclosures to lakefront property and even vacation rentals.

As 2023 is upon us, the Northern Lakes Realty team members have had to change their outlook on the market and their approach to business. The current real estate market is full of challenges such as low housing inventory. However, that hasn’t stopped them from selling some of the finest homes and properties in the area. At the current sales pace, inventory is at a 2.9-month supply.

Writer & Photographer / Ali Snyder

“The market has slowed slightly but is still an optimal time for buying or selling a home, as interest rates have been stable through the first part of the year,” says Amy Cavender, a veteran real estate broker. “There are still plenty of buyers looking for a home, and with homeowner equity still at the highest level it’s been in the past several decades, it’s a great time for sellers to cash in on the value in their homes.”

The Northern Lakes office is staffed with dedicated real estate brokers who can answer all your questions on buying or selling property. Their team of experts takes pride in educating clients, and helping them through a seamless and successful transaction. They are a group of hometown realtors, and are always looking to help individuals, families and businesses with their next real estate transaction.

Presently, they have five real estate

Pictured are Real Estate Brokers, Amy Cavender and Jace Stewart

brokers on staff ready to assist clients with real estate needs. As you head inside their boutique-style office on Main Street in Syracuse, you’ll be greeted by friendly faces in a calm yet upbeat environment.

As broker and owner, Vince has spent most of his professional career in public education. He now has a well-established, family-owned real estate agency alongside his wife, Lindsay.

“We’re excited to offer our real estate services to our community and have expert knowledge in the local lakes area,” Vince says.

Lindsay was raised in Syracuse as well. She returned home after studying out of state. “I married an energetic and enthusiastic man with a passion for many things including real estate,” she says. “We have a very active family with two darling daughters, Addison and Reese.”

As you walk around the quaint office space, you’ll meet the other knowledgeable brokers and team members including Cavender. She is a real estate broker and lifetime resident of the area. She is extremely knowledgeable in all things real estate, focusing especially in Kosciusko County, although she does cover other counties. She is a topproducing broker who is always in the know on properties available in the area. With 20 years of experience, she has helped guide clients through the buying and selling process, making it as smooth and stress-free as possible.

When you visit you’ll also meet Jace Stewart, real estate broker and lifetime resident of the Wawasee area, and Lauren Scherer, longtime resident of Syracuse. No matter which team member you work with, you’re guaranteed to have a pleasant and successful experience that can help you find your next home or property in 2023.

The Northern Lakes office has had an outstanding last couple of years, with more than $70 million in sales volume and a highly respectable reputation. Their group of real estate experts truly enjoys helping buyers and sellers navigate the real estate market and find the perfect home.

You can find Northern Lakes Realty at 207 West Main Street in Syracuse. For more info, call 574-457-2880 or go to nlrealtyllc.com.

HOW THEY ROLL

BOWLING IS JUST THE BEGINNING AT SIGNATURE LANES IN ELKHART

Writer & Photographer / Ali Snyder

If you are looking for entertainment in the Elkhart area, look no further than Signature Lanes. Located right off of County Road 17, you will find a family-owned bowling center full of fun and food for all. From the bowling alley to the arcade, bar and restaurant, it’s a one-stop spot for amusement and excitement.

It is one of the most competitive sports centers in the area when it comes to bowling, because of their unique approach to the league programs. Additionally, you can find exceptional service, quality food, and enjoyment for the whole family that is sure to create lasting memories.

Their motto is “Great food. Great fun. Great friends,” and that’s exactly what you will find when you enter the venue. You are greeted at the front desk with upbeat and knowledgeable team members who can answer any questions

you may have. They will help you pick out your bowling shoes if you don’t have your own, and direct you to your lane. Even small kids can have their own separate lane next to adults. They provide assistance slides and bumpers for little ones or those with physical limitations, so everyone can join in and enjoy the fun of bowling.

Upon first glance it may look like a typical bowling alley, but continue through the facility and you’ll find that it is much more than your average family fun center. As you head in and turn left, you will find an entire bowling pro shop stocked with everything you need to play the game, whether you are an amateur or highly experienced player. If you’re looking to kick things up a notch, you can gather a group of best friends and enjoy a night of Cosmic Bowling with lights and music. Cosmic Bowling is offered on Friday and Saturday nights from 8 p.m. to closing, at a rate of $29 per hour.

Head over to the other side of the facility and you will find Sig’s Family Restaurant and Club 300, where they serve up favorites like pizza, sandwiches, fries, Hotzarella sticks, tacos and hamburgers. You can enjoy your appetizers or meal

inside the restaurant, which contains a fully stocked bar, and enjoy adult beverages like signature cocktails, daily specials and a variety of ice-cold beers. There is even a separate entrance to the restaurant if you are looking to enjoy a delicious hot meal for lunch or dinner, but don’t have the urge or time to bowl. You can enjoy your meal in one of their booths or opt for carry-out.

If you are looking to enjoy the bowling alley and also eager for a bite to eat, no problem. Head over to the walk-up kitchen

window where you can order all the delicious menu items that the friendly hostesses will hand-deliver right to your bowling lane. Every lane is equipped with tables and chairs so you can pause and enjoy your snacks, drinks or meals. These tables serve as great places to host kids’ birthdays, adult parties, and group or corporate events, where everyone can gather around and socialize. After you take your turn bowling you can take a seat and catch up with friends and family.

Beyond parties and social gatherings, Signature Lanes offers different types of bowling leagues. You can join traditional bowling leagues with different scoring methods. They also offer cash prizes, trophies and other licensed merchandise. Looking for a group bowling league?

Signature Lanes allows up to 10 or 20 friends or family members to create their own bowling league and even set their own rules. The staff members are always

willing to help you understand how bowling leagues work and help you get started.

Although primarily known for bowling, Signature Lanes has a full, state-of-the-art arcade stocked with some of the most popular games for the whole family. Whether you’re a kid or a kid at heart, you’re sure to find a game that combines competition, energy, and fun with friends and family.

There is something for everyone and every age at Signature Lanes. You can find them open seven days a week at 1180 Fremont Court in Elkhart. For more information, call 574-2961111 or visit siglanes.com.

Let’s roll!

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

HEPTON ROAD AUTO OFFERS FULL SERVICE

says he started out part-time and gradually built the business into a full-time job.

When Phil Hostetter saw an opportunity to start his own business, he jumped at the chance.

It was something he had longed to do for several years, and he says he prepared for the moment he could make his dream a reality.   Hostetter, co-owner of Hepton Road Auto, 8556 W. Hepton Road, Nappanee, Indiana,

“I co-own the business with my dad, Dave Hostetter, and we have really built it into something that people in the community can rely on,” Hostetter says. “We started things slowly in 2012, and gradually accumulated the things we needed. My dad loves working on cars, too. We took our time to make sure we could build the

business into what it is today. We always have our great customers in mind. We make sure they are satisfied with the work we do on their vehicles.”

Hostetter credits his loyal customer base for helping him build the business.

“I have had several customers tell me that they have been very impressed with the work that we do here,” Hostetter says. “It

Writer / Matt Keating Photography Provided

Owner Phil Hostetler

gives us a great feeling to hear that from so many satisfied customers. That makes it all worthwhile. It also keeps people coming back, and that makes us happy.”

While Hostetter was building up Hepton Road Auto, he continued to work at Newcomer Service & 24 Hour Towing, 853 S. Main Street, Nappanee, as a mechanic.   “I started working at Newcomer Service when I was just 15 years old,” he says. “I worked there for 24 years. I had my last day there on Dec. 31, 2021. The people I worked there with really felt like family. They were very supportive of me starting my own business. They are great people.”

Hostetter notes that he has loved co-owning his own business.

“When my dad and I started this business, we wanted to live out our version of American Dream,” Hostetter says. “Our goal has always been to be a service leader. We

strive to do the very best work we can. We want people to be happy with the work we do on their cars and tell their family and friends all about us.”

Years of Experience

Hostetter is proud of the fact that his business is ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified, and that mechanics at Hepton Road Auto have over 20 years of experience.

“We really do a complete automotive repair,” Hostetter says. “We are full-service, and we do brake work, engine work, and we also offer a towing service. People have come to rely on us.”

Hepton Road Auto also does tire changes and battery charges. Hostetter says they also have used car sales.

“We can also do work on new cars and older cars,” he says. “We can work on any make or model. vehicle. We love working on cars and

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getting them to run the best they can.”

The mechanics at Hepton Road Auto can also work on a car’s suspension.

“We can work on the heating and air conditioners,” Hostetter says. “We can really do just about anything, except paint a car. We have experts that are dedicated to delivering the best performance solutions to keep cars running at their best. We also have great prices.”

Hepton Auto also has an excellent tire selection.

“If you need new tires for the winter , come in and and see us,” Hostetter says. “We will get you taken care of. Don’t hesitate to get your tires taken ready for the winter.”   Nappanee Fan

Hostetter says he loves living in Nappannee and is proud to call it home.

“Nappannee has a great small-town feel,” he says. “Everyone here looks out for each other. It’s such a nice place to live.”

Hostetter added that knowing so many people in the community has helped him build the business.

“A lot of people around here know I love cars, and they know we will do an excellent job,” he says.

To get your car taken care of, visit Hepton Road Auto, 8556 W. Hepton Road, Nappannee, Indiana, Indiana, or give them a call at (574) 221-1270, or check out their website at heptonroadauto.com.

Solid Foundations

PITTMAN MASONRY CONSTRUCTION IS BUILT ON FAMILY AND QUALITY

Branden Pittman is a very busy man these days. And that’s perfectly fine with him.

He fully knows and appreciates his blessings, because he has traveled a long road to reach this moment in time, one in which he’s become a proud entrepreneur. Along that path to today, Pittman has learned a great deal about life, loss and inspiration, all of which he has incorporated into his business, known as Pittman Masonry Construction.

Pittman Masonry Construction, LLC, was officially instituted on May 25, 2021, specializing in stone veneer installations, block foundations, and a wide array of customization work in both home and business designs, to name just a few. Pittman Masonry has rapidly developed a diverse customer base among homeowners and contractors alike, largely due to their family-oriented focus and dedication to quality and detail.

“I feel that actions speak louder than words, and with that being said, we strive to prove our work ethic and show what we here at Pittman Masonry can do,” Pittman says. “I want all of my clients and contractors to know that Pittman Masonry Construction offers quality you can trust. We take pride in all the work we do.”

Yet the foundation of Pittman Masonry is about far more than just brick and stone. Pittman grew up in the city of Plymouth, and was raised with the values of a strong and loving family that instilled in him the importance of workmanship. Even after the loss of one of his greatest role models, those early lessons live on

“Growing up, my father owned and operated two businesses, and for me, I just thought how amazing the feeling was to be able to help dad, and also work for what I wanted, which was to race,” Pittman recalls. “He had always had a passion for racing but could never afford it growing up, so one of his goals was to be able to give me a chance to live out a dream that he had personally. After two long years of trying to get the businesses going, he eventually had someone run the businesses and he went back to work full time as a lineman.”

Writer / Amy Lant-Wenger Photographer / Jubilee Edgell

Jeremy Lesher & Owner Branden Pittman

Then along came 2018 and Pittman’s world spun entirely off its axis when his beloved father died.

“With the passing of my father, I struggled with some personal issues and I couldn’t keep a stable job because I always found

myself losing interest after a month or two,” Pittman says. “I always found myself asking questions like, ‘Am I even making him proud,’ or, ‘What can I do and be successful and learn?’”

Pittman’s mother then aligned herself with her son’s desire to

Jeremy Lesher, Alysha Pittman & Branden Pittman

achieve and, as Pittman describes it, “has done everything she possibly can do to help me open up my own business.” His career trajectory has launched skyward from that time forward.

“Family is everything to me, and whether you’re a colleague, contractor or homeowner, you will be treated like family and

nothing less,” Pittman promises. “We offer free estimates, and have fast response times to calls that come in through the phone.”

In just the past year alone, Pittman Masonry Construction has been buzzing with excitement and productivity. A new work

Saturday

“I HAVE A HUGE PASSION FOR MASONRY WORK, AS I LEARNED A LOT FROM WATCHING MY FATHER AND GETTING MY HANDS DIRTY HELPING WHENEVER I COULD, OR WHENEVER HE NEEDED MY HELP.”

- BRANDEN PITTMAN

Logo created by owner: “The center represents my father, a warrior, who did whatever he could to make ends meet. The thin red line represents that I am a volunteer Fireman. The logo also includes the American flag and masonry tools that represent our quality and guaranteed work.”

truck and trailer have been added to the business, and they have earned high accolades for creating the signage for Swan Lake Chophouse.

“Business has definitely grown in the past year,” Pittman says. “However, we can continue to get better and get our name out

there.” He is hoping to hire two to three new employees this year, acquire another truck and trailer for the fleet, and work alongside more contractors.

“I have a huge passion for masonry work, as I learned a lot from watching my father and getting my hands dirty helping

whenever I could, or whenever he needed my help,” he says.

Pittman

Masonry Construction maintains an active Facebook presence featuring images of their

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Revolutionary Services

CHAPELLE MEDICAL AESTHETICS MAKES LASTING CHANGES FOR EACH PATIENT

Imagine walking into an aesthetic medical practice where the atmosphere is serene, where the conversations flow in a relaxed and sanguine manner, and where the focus lights entirely on a patient’s wellness.

Dr. Amy Stitt most certainly can envision all of the above, because it is a culmination of a career journey that has brought Chapelle Medical Aesthetics to Warsaw. Dr. Stitt has been in the Warsaw community for four years and worked to open Chapelle Medical Aesthetics in the past year. Her facility, as she describes it, “provides world-class service, one of the most innovative medical spas in the aesthetic industry, where one comes to experience a health and beauty transformation.”

The revolutionary services offered at Chapelle Medical Aesthetics include neuromodulators, which work to reduce facial lines, and dermal fillers, designed to smooth intense wrinkles. Also available are newer procedures such as biostimulators, collagen builders, plasma and fibrin treatments, sclerotherapy, weight management and facial rejuvenators.

These modern therapies have come about through years of testing and research, and being affiliated with this movement is a very integral part of what Dr. Stitt has incorporated into her practice. She is dedicated to personal consultation, and making sure that she is fully invested in whatever proves to be the most ideal regimen for her patients.

“I will use every opportunity to inspire others to work together in pursuit of a common goal, like enhanced patient care and accountability,” Dr. Stitt says. “As an effective aesthetic provider, I have distinctive qualities - integrity, courage, initiative, experience and an ability to handle stress. I want to be admired for my efforts to think critically, set goals, skillfully communicate and collaborate my expertise with my clients in their aesthetic journey.”

Writer / Amy Lant-Wenger Photographer / Ali Snyder

Dr. Amy Stitt

When a prospective client arrives at Chapelle Medical Aesthetics, Dr. Stitt begins forging the personal connection by talking with the patient about their skin-care goals and their aspirations for health and wellness. “I will perform a full facial analysis to come up with a personal treatment plan and recommendations that meet your needs,” Dr. Stitt says. “Chapelle Aesthetics will help you achieve natural, refreshed and balanced results.”

Dr. Stitt will also explain the cost structure of treatments, what to be mindful of beyond the treatment, and suggestions for maintaining the optimum result. “My number-one concern is the safety of our patients,” she says. “My ability to treat each patient individually to meet their goals is what sets me apart. What also sets me apart is listening to each patient’s goals, the products I specifically select for them and my experience.”

Dr. Amy is highly knowledgable and experienced with injectibles like Restalyne, pictured here.

Dr. Stitt has been actively involved in the medical field for more than 26 years. She started her career as a registered nurse working in pediatrics. Dr. Stitt went on to earn a degree as a family nurse practitioner, and with that experience went on to earn her Doctorate of Nurse Practice specializing in aesthetics.

Dr. Stitt is also eager to change the perception of medicine by countering the occasional harshness and tendencies toward impersonal conversations that some clients may have experienced. Her nursing background lends itself to a more nurturing bedside manner. “I implement in my clinical practice by fostering shalom and comfort to my patients in my care, and I honor the core characteristics of nursing such as compassion, advocacy, respect, honesty, patient privacy, confidentiality and time management,” Dr. Stitt says.

Dr. Stitt has become so inspired in this relatively new endeavor that she’s open to sharing her wisdom with others who are drawn to similar callings. “I want to continue in my journey as a lifelong learner and remain up to date with the new technology, treatments and medical advancements,” she says. Her extensive medical training and education has afforded her the skills to teach others how to become providers of dermatological and other similar services as well.

Dr. Stitt is looking forward to some new features this spring including a women’s empowerment event called “The Chapelle Evolution” at Tippy Creek Winery. The affair will focus on each decade of age and the trends of fashion, wellness, weight management and fitness. Chapelle Medical Aesthetics will partner with The Francis Shoppe and Fitness 4U. Stitt is also preparing to launch a YouTube video channel in the coming weeks.

Chapelle Medical Aesthetics is located at 308 South Scott Street in Warsaw. Call 574-253-7856 or visit chapellemedicalaesthetics.com for more information on services and upcoming events.

DEVOTED TO DEVELOPMENT

Growing Kids Learning Center Is Still Helping to Mold Minds After Nearly 30 Years

/ Amy Lant-Wenger Photographer / Jubilee Edgell

Regardless of whatever else changes across the passage of time, there will always be a need to invest in the future of our children. From the moment they are born, our youngsters are learning. In those earliest interactions with the world around them, there are boundless opportunities to stoke their instincts for discovery and curiosity.

These are the principles that are put into practice at Growing Kids Learning Center. Now nearly 30 years strong with nine facilities throughout northern Indiana, Growing Kids Learning Center has solidified its reputation as a premier force in early childhood education.

Just as compelling, meanwhile, is the concept of families helping families. Who better to embrace that ideology than folks with local roots, nurturing children of their own and truly understanding the specific needs of parents and children?

That was the passionate impetus of Mike and Beth Garatoni, the husband-and-wife team who founded Growing Kids Learning Center in 1995. With young children in their own family, they were drawn to conversations with other new parents. Invariably the discussions would turn to child care facilities, and the Garatonis were becoming disillusioned about the disconnect between what was needed and what was available.

Writer

In sharing their story on the Growing Kids website, the Garatonis explain the earliest phases of fulfilling such a mission. “We wanted to offer a service that parents would be excited about - that their child was learning and growing to his or her fullest potential, was safe and clean, was open the hours that parents needed care, and most importantly, gave the parents peace of mind.”

All of the Growing Kids Learning Centers are designed for children as young as six weeks of age, upward to youngsters at age 12. “We are a child care facility that provides educational content in a curriculum-based setting, with lesson plans structured for each stage of a child’s development,” Mike Garatoni says.

Although there is a solid emphasis on learning, there is always time for play, Garatoni notes. Each classroom features supplies, equipment and furniture that are functional, yet appealing for young hands

and eyes to take in. The more well-known and loved programs include Main Street, which features the schematics of a small community, where the proportions are suited for little ones while the lessons are on a far grander scale. The children work on motor skills, interactive play, problemsolving skills and make-believe activities.

Minds in Motion is another popular program that utilizes methods of kinesthetic learning, in which children participate in exercises related to balance, hand and eye coordination, and visual movement.

With the advent of 2023, there are changes coming to the classrooms that will benefit both staff and scholars. There are several phases of remodeling taking place, and teachers are being equipped with tablets to provide a more streamlined and effective way to manage the curriculum in this rapidly evolving digital age.

The teaching staff, as well as Garatoni

himself, have all noticed the effects of the COVID-19 epidemic and its impact on children. “Social distancing has really taken a toll on the younger kids,” he says.

“They are easily stressed. If a child is 3 years old and he’s spent two of those years having to wear a mask, then that’s what he remembers.”

Additionally, Garatoni notes, while strides in technology are extremely crucial to children in the learning process, there are other essential skills that have sometimes fallen by the wayside. Children are forgetting what it means to play and explore outdoors, he says.

“We are taking actions to incorporate natural elements in our playtime, with more reality-based experiences and less screen time,” he says. “We’re featuring sensory activities like playing with nuts and bolts, or making music with pots and pans. We’re encouraging kids to get dirty by offering mud kitchens. We study things like bugs and plants, spending time outdoors, allowing them to interact with the environment.”

After so many years, with the good fortune to be an invaluable stepping stone for countless children, Garatoni says the passion has not wavered, and they remain committed and focused to their original promise. “We truly enjoy what we do,” he says. “We’re rewarded by working with the kids and their families, and we value the trust that they place in us.”

To discover more about what Growing Kids Learning Center can provide for youngsters, including information on enrollment, scheduling and programs, visit growingkids.com.

56. Social slight 57. Cub raiser

58. Business apparel 59. Big sport in Japan? 60. Abates, as a tide 61. Plant

DOWN

1. Actor’s goal

2. Get along

3. Common cowboy nickname

4. Mirror

5. Opposing

6. List letters

7. Hangar, e.g.

8. Rappel

9. Ornamental carp

10. What a keeper may keep

11. Ride, and then some

17. Brazil, e.g.

19. Favorite project

22. Narcissist’s obsession 23. Grain disease 25. Record holder 26. Priceless?

Solutions

27. Doesn’t hold up well

28. Healing sign

29. Robe for Caesar

30. “Once ___ a time”

31. Arab’s father

35. Picks up

38. Park structure

40. Make tracks?

42. Blip on a polygraph 45. Saga

47. Lousy deposits? 48. Many a jazz combo 49. Bias

50. Pack animal

51. African grazer

52. Buccaneer’s drink 53. It’s served with lobster 54. High ball

CRANK IT UP

Straight Forward Entertainment Brings a Lively Show to Audiences Every Time

Writer / Amy Lant-Wenger Photographer / Jubilee Edgell

It’s just one simple word, but when spoken aloud it brings up a wellspring of emotions, sentiments and memories.

For some, it’s an experience that lasts about as long as a ditty and a dance. The melody lingers for a while after the final note is played, and then life ambles on.

Yet for others, it is positively transformative. When the song begins, when the beat takes hold, it winds its way through every chamber of the heart and envelops every part of the soul.

That word is…music. And the latter description suits Mark Johnson quite perfectly.

Johnson is a longtime singer-songwriter with a strong Midwestern heritage. Music has been in his blood and bones for almost as long as he can remember. His voice and instrumentation are the driving force behind his band Straight Forward, and the musicians are making sound waves with their renditions of classic rock steeped in nostalgia.

Now a resident of the Rochester area, Johnson and his bandmates still appreciate the freedom of traveling to perform at various events and venues throughout Indiana and Michigan. Through a vigorous and sterling word-of-mouth campaign, the band became well-renowned as an ideal option for wedding receptions. Through the years Straight Forward evolved into Johnson’s enterprise, now known as Straight Forward Entertainment. Johnson is more than happy to offer the band’s musical repertoire for wedding celebrations and

Wedding DJ/MC Mark Johnson

other milestone events.

Johnson remembers well being heavily influenced by Elvis in his youth, and still cites his music as an integral part of the group’s current playlist. Johnson’s young-adult years were spent lending his talents to a variety of garage bands before taking the direction of his career toward a professional venture in 1984. The current lineup of performers keeps things spirited and soulful with their music, as they present songs spanning from ‘70s rock to blues to classics. The band draws performance material from a lengthy musical canon of landmark rockers, from Journey to REO Speedwagon…and yes, that includes Elvis’s music as well.

As a songwriter, Johnson doesn’t allow himself to be dictated by boundaries, and describes how one of his recent compositions has carried him into country music. He’s hoping to make some noise in Nashville, in more ways than

one. “I do have an entrepreneurial side as well,” he says with a laugh.

Johnson estimates that the group plays

approximately 30 weddings per year, and he’s quick to note that there is always room to add more dates to their calendar.

Straight Forward Entertainment has the

wealth of resources needed to liven up venues from corporate parties to outdoor concerts, and more or less anything else in between - virtually any setting where

music can infuse and inspire the mood.

With an enduring love and passion for the performing arts, one that has been a part of him for the greater part of his life, Johnson and his fellow musicians understand the boundless power of music, and have taken that

thrill ride toward new dimensions and opportunities. They are eager to see what adventures await them after the chorus has faded out and audiences wait for the next melodic story.

“I’ve not only gotten this down to a science,” Johnson says. “I’ve gotten it

574-201-8172.

LAVENDER LOVE COOKING POWER IN A FLOWER

I Love lavender.

It’s beautiful, smells amazing and promotes feelings of peace and tranquility. I love the delicate stems and tiny blossoms that retain their fragrance even after picked and dried. My sweet husband has indulged in my obsession and has taken me to various lavender fields and gardens, and gifts me with bouquets of lavender and rose for special occasions. Even my wedding was decorated with Lavender. I even have a lavender tattoo with scripture on my arm. So when I say I love lavender,

I really love lavender.

You can imagine my delight, and surprise, when I discovered that lavender is also an herb and you can cook with it. Wait? A flower? Edible? No way! I had always puzzled over lavender-flavored lattes and pastries in the past. I mean, wouldn’t they taste like potpourri? I was given a recipe and tried it out and sure enough, it tasted like I was eating a bouquet and I was so disappointed.

But, as I said I LOVE lavender and I’m fairly stubborn. So, I went on a hunt and researched lavender’s properties

and began experimenting with some ingredients to make the recipe taste the way I wanted it to taste. After trials and many errors, I finally was able to make blueberry lavender tea bread that tastes like heaven (and not like potpourri). Everyone loved it! My grandmother even requested it for her birthday instead of cake it was that good. It has now become my signature dessert to make and share with others. After the success I was excited. What else could I make?

I purchased some edible flower books from the New Kitchen Store and delved into how to use lavender in my cooking.

Writer / Abby Renz, New Kitchen Store

Yes, I said cooking! I have made Lavender Herbed fingerling potatoes with rosemary, thyme, and rosehips that are absolutely incredible and chicken with garlic and lavender honey and so, so much more. I have learned to make my own homemade lavender simple syrup that can be used in lemonade and even added into cream for a homemade lavender latte.

Now, you don’t have to be absolutely obsessed with lavender, like me, to learn how to integrate it into your everyday recipes. Lavender and other edible flowers can greatly enhance your dishes to add some variety and flavor to the mundane meal and make them unforgettable.

My favorite spice mixture has to be Ras El Hanout and it’s perfect for herbed potatoes, chicken, or fish. It has rosehips, hibiscus, lavender, and saffron. The flavor is incredible and already packaged together, which makes quick means taste incredible. I am sure to grind and blend

my herbs and spices together with my mortar and pestle to ensure optimal flavor.

Did you know that lavender is also good for sleep and soothing? I enjoy drinking blueberry lavender tea not only because it tastes amazing, but it also helps calm my anxiety and the added bamboo and

hibiscus have helped my hair, skin, and nails become healthier. I never knew that my favorite flower could add so much to my cooking and health, and was so much more than just beautiful.

If you love cooking with flowers, or love flowers, or simply just enjoy learning new things, some of these recipes might just

be for you.

Unsure where to begin? Come into the New Kitchen Store and ask one of the employees and peruse or extensive spice selection. While you’re here enjoy a hot cup of coffee or tea, we’re always happy to help you find the right item, or ingredient, for your kitchen.

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including boots, camping, and survival items. Come out

BUTTON UP

Button Keepers Share an Appreciation for a Fascinating Hobby

Writer / Amy Lant-Wenger Photography Provided

Sometimes even the smallest of treasures can capture a wealth of stories. Mysteries in miniature, some might say - reflections of long-ago trends, interests and styles, all of which can be viewed as a work of artistry that can be held in the palm of one’s hand.

Feel Free.

These are among the captivating and compelling reasons why button collecting has developed into a following, and the approaching weeks are particularly exciting for regional button enthusiasts. From March 9 through 11, the local Nappanee club known as the Button Keepers will attend an event at the Essenhaus Inn & Conference Center in Middlebury, sponsored by the Indiana

Button keeper members

State Button Society. This annual showcase gives guests throughout Indiana and Michigan an opportunity to meet with others who share this unique hobby.

Whether patrons are searching for additional trinkets of finery to add to their own collections, or simply want to chat with friends present and new, there will be much to browse and bargain over. There will also be nearly two dozen competition awards, opportunities for incorporating crafting and display ideas, along with a number of educational programs designed to inspire and intrigue. There is even a fantastical, storied backdrop for this conference, “Down the Rabbit Hole With Buttons,” which speaks to an “Alice in Wonderland” theme of adventure and curiosity.

The Nappanee organization is the lone club representing greater northern Indiana, and was created in 2018 by

longtime collector Dianne Chmidling. She has been involved with the Indiana State Button Society for more than 25 years, and is exceptionally well-versed on the appeal and allure of clothing buttons, and the intricate craftsmanship that goes into each diminutive design.

Chmidling and her like-minded colleagues believe that folks are drawn to button collecting for a myriad of reasons. Perhaps it’s the element of history woven into a piece. It could also involve an appreciation for the creations themselves. Above all else, there is a movement to return to a more primitive time and to appreciate simpler pleasures.

“This is one of the great benefits for everyone, of any age, to have some type of hobby, something that inspires some type of fascination for us, inviting us to be a lifetime learner and share all the fun with others,” Chmidling says. “Although most of the button-world members are older, we

have a junior division for kids, and many children grow up in the button world and then become leaders and mentor others as they grow into adults, at the same time that they complete other goals in their lives. This is one way to invite children to put down their electronic devices and develop normal life patterns of reading, researching, and presenting information in ways that bring them a type of self-

confidence, which develops their selfesteem and leadership skills.”

Chmidling remembers her own astonishment upon discovering the world of button collecting when she was introduced to the club circuit nearly 30 years ago. “Although I have had a special love for buttons since I was a child, I found out that there were actually button clubs

in 1995 when I went to an antique show in Lawrence, Kansas, near where we lived at the time,” she says. “I was immediately hooked and a new chapter of my life began.” That is the spirit that drives the enthusiasm of the Button Keepers. Sometimes they delve into discussions about button origins or the materials from which they’re made. The members travel occasionally, becoming acquainted with others who share that sense of delight. “We don’t just collect,” Chmidling says. “We research, study, write, and give educational programs on art, history, culture, fashion, etcetera, at our clubs and on Zoom, which include national and international participants. The last time I met someone who had never heard about our hobby, and I shared many aspects of what we do, he said, ‘I feel like I just started reading a good book and I can’t stop listening!’”

Chmidling herself has compiled a resume of presentations inspired by social causes and reflections of various eras, such as “The Abolition of Slavery Through the Art & History of Buttons,” and a presentation of the lifestyles of the Roaring Twenties. As she discovered more recently, there is always something new to pursue. Last year she went on a discovery mission to learn more about something known as a veil button, contacting scholars from museums around the world before learning that such buttons were likely adornments from apparel of the mid to late 19th century.

The club meets on the third Wednesday of every month at 10 a.m. at the Nappanee Chamber of Commerce, at 302 West Market Street, just west of downtown Nappanee.

The Indiana State Button Show and Competition will be held at the Essenhaus, located at 240 U.S. Highway 20 in Middlebury. The convention will be held on March 9 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., March 10 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and March 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is open to everyone, with tickets priced at $5 per person. Children 17 and under will be admitted free. For more details, call Chmidling at 574-349-3561 or email diannemarie7@gmail.com.

GARFIELD, CLIFFORD, OZ, AND MORE — OH MY!

Indiana Produced a Host of Legendary Children’s Characters

Writer / Jeff Kenney

Photography Provided

Lakes-area readers who grew up in the era of the mega-popularity of sardonic comic strip cat Garfield may be surprised to learn that the famous feline made his syndicated newspaper debut 45 years ago this year, in 1978.

It may (or may not) also come as a surprise to learn that Garfield’s creator, Jim Davis, hails from nearby Marion, Indiana, and what’s more, a surprising number of popular characters in comic strips and children’s books share Hoosier connections with him.

Jim Davis, born in Marion in 1945, grew up on a small farm in Fairmount, Indiana (which occasionally factors into the storylines of the comic strip), attending Ball State University to study art and business. In fact, while rarely mentioned within the panels of the comic strip, Ball State’s home base of Muncie, Indiana,

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is actually where Garfield and his hapless owner, Jon, reside.

Davis’ study of both art and business was an appropriate one: from his present-day home in Albany, Indiana, he has stewarded Garfield from a popular newspaper comic strip focusing on his sarcastic and gluttonous feline protagonist, to the star of a veritable multimedia empire encompassing everything from books to plush toys, coffee mugs to TV specials. Readers who remember the 1980s will recall Garfield products as almost ubiquitous during that decade, and all of it under the umbrella of Davis’ Paws, Inc. corporation.

But Garfield is hardly unique in his status as an internationally recognizable cartoon phenom from Indiana.

Among a handful of much earlier creations is that of Little Orphan Annie, who made her debut in an 1885 poem penned by Hoosier Poet (and National Poet Laureate)

Dewayne & Vera Hochstetler

“Hoosier Poet” James Whitcomb Riley, whose “Little Orphant Annie” poem introduced the popular character

James Whitcomb Riley (who spent time at, and wrote a poem about Lakes area locale Lake Maxinkuckee not many years later).

“Little Orphans Annie” was inspired by an orphan named Mary Alice Smith who lived in the Riley home as a child. The poem focuses on “Orphant Annie’s” warning to potentially misbehaving children that, “the goblins will get ya if ya don’t watch out!”

Of course the character of Little Orphan Annie, who made her post-poem debut in a 1924 comic strip by Harold Gray, expanded significantly on Riley’s simpler original creation to include characters like “Daddy” Warbucks, Sandy the dog, and a host of pirates and brigands posing ongoing threats to the plucky redhead.

In the decades following her debut, Annie became a massive multimedia success in - among other media - radio, toys, and films, and saw a revival as another 1980s children’s fixture due primarily

to the success of a late 1970s Broadway production and 1982 Hollywood film.

Yet another acclaimed children’s creation originating from Indiana was that of Indianapolis writer Johnny Gruelle, who patented a red-yarn-haired doll he named Raggedy Ann in 1915. Gruelle created a series of stories originally designed to accompany the doll, first published in 1918 in book form as, “Raggedy Ann Stories,” adding characters in later books such as Raggedy Ann’s brother, Raggedy Andy, and others.

Among the Gruelle family’s friends during Johnny’s youth was none other than the aforementioned James Whitcomb Riley, whose famous 1888 poem, “The Raggedy Man,” inspired Gruelle’s name for his doll characters (the human girl in whose home the fictional Raggedys lived was named Marcella, for Johnny and his wife Myrtle’s daughter Marcella, who died of an infected vaccination at age 13).

The highly successful, Indianapolis-based publishing company, Bobbs-Merrill (which also published Riley’s work) would print millions of copies of the Raggedy Ann books, and the character went on to become a staple item not only as a doll and in other toy formats, but in animated and theatrical productions, comic books, and an array of other media as well.

Another early 20th-century children’s creation at the center of a huge media and marketing empire had more distant Indiana roots. Writer L. Frank Baum hailed from New York State but went on to reside mainly in Chicago and Los Angeles. Much speculation has persisted about his connections to the Bass Lake/Starke County areas, with particular attention to the claim that he named the famous dog owned by Dorothy in his book, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” (which was published in 1900 and became a massive hit, spawning 13 sequels from his own pen),

“Toto” after seeing a reference to the Starke County town of the same name.

Perhaps almost as interesting is the wellattested history of the Bass Lake site purchased by Baum’s third son, Harry Neal Baum. Built around 1907 as the Center View Hotel on Bass Lake, Harry Baum and his wife Brenda, following the former’s retirement, purchased and renamed the site The Wizard of Oz Lodge (later re-dubbing it Oz Castle, or Ozcot, after his parents’ home in Hollywood) and opening it to the public in 1960.

The house was decorated with memorabilia reflecting the massive worldwide success of the Oz franchise (best known, of course, from the 1939 movie starring Judy Garland). Most notably, the site was home to the earliest Oz conventions of the International Wizard of Oz Club, part of a burgeoning early 1960s movement of science fiction and fantasy fandom which would explode in later years and become

part of a well-known subculture most associated with franchises like Star Wars and Star Trek.

The business stayed open for only one more season after Harry Baum’s 1967 death, though it played an important role in the long and storied history of “The Wizard of Oz” and its fan following (a detailed account, including several photos, of the early Oz-related gatherings at the Bass Lake site, including a mysterious tornado narrowly missing the house, can be found online at allthingsoz. org/blog/index.php/2021/06/28/theother-ozcot-and-the-first-oz-conventions).

Many readers will recall another Lakes-area endeavor which capitalized on the regional connection to Baum and Oz: the longtime Wizard of Oz Festival at nearby Chesterton, Indiana, which began in the early 1980s as a one-day festival and grew to an event of international proportions, the largest of

its kind in the country, and which hosted actors from the 1939 film, among other features. The event went dormant for a handful of years, though it has been revived more recently.

Another iconic children’s character of Indiana origins was born not far down the road from the home of Garfield the cat.  Norman Bridwell, who passed away in 2014, grew up in Kokomo, Indiana, and attended the John Herron School of Art at Indiana University – Purdue University

Indianapolis, as well as Cooper Union in New York City.

Cartoonist Bridwell published “Clifford, the Big Red Dog,” about the misadventures of young Emily Elizabeth and her enormous dog in 1963 and it became a hit, leading to some 80 books (counting non-Clifford titles, Bridwell published over 150, with hundreds of millions of copies sold), television specials and series, an array of toys, and most recently, a live-action, big-screen movie adaptation.

Clifford can be seen annually as a huge balloon in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, and - another indication of his worldwide success - he serves as the official mascot of the Scholastic Corporation, which has published his books from the beginning.

In 2015, Bridwell’s childhood home in Kokomo became a historic site, and yes, there is an Emily Elizabeth - one of the Bridwells’ two children, the other being Timothy Howard - and she’s a dog expert and mother.

Anything approaching a complete listing of children’s authors from Indiana (let alone children’s books focusing on sites or topics relating to the Hoosier State) would be impossible, but a few “honorable mentions” may merit reference here.

Paul Hutchens based his 36 Sugar Creek Gang children’s novels, which spawned TV and movie adaptations, on his childhood home near Thorntown, Indiana, where nearby Sugar Creek gave the series its name.

Dozens of books, published between 1940 and 1970, made up the popular series.

Disney illustrator Bill Peet was born in Grandview, Indiana in 1915 and, like Bridwell, graduated from the John Herron Art Institute in Indianapolis. He relocated to Los Angeles and drew characters appearing in Disney classics like “Dumbo” and “Cinderella,” and writing screenplays including, “101 Dalmatians” and “The Sword in the Stone.” Peet also wrote and illustrated a number of children’s books, including “Kermit the Hermit” and “The Caboose Who Got Loose,” earning Caldecott Honor recognition for his work.

And speaking of animation: closer to home and much more contemporary, Kacie Hermanson, former Culver resident and a 2012 Culver Girls Academy graduate, has worked in art and animation for productions on the Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, and Netflix, among others. Perhaps she, or any one of the many aspiring creators in the Hoosier State today, will usher in the next iconic children’s character to attain worldwide recognition.

GREAT GRABS

Emilee & Ivy’s Vendor Mall, owned by Debbi and Richard Yakas, has been open since September, and it is a shopper’s dream. It offers visitors the experience of perusing more than 50 booths in its 10,000-squarefoot space. As a sister store to R & D Flea Market, it not only adds to the destination shopping of Plymouth, but it also gives other retailers the chance to sell their goods.

“We have owned R & D Flea Market for seven years, and when the possibility of opening a vendor mall seemed likely, we thought of it as an extension of the flea market,” says Debbi Yakas. “On Thursday, July 23 we found out that the Sears store at 7628 Michigan Road was closing. The next day we were in contact with the leasing people, and by Monday we were in talks. By July 29 we had signed the papers.”

“We love the flea-market feel, but here the aisles are wider and it’s not just our merchandise,” Yakas adds. “I wanted it to be full of booths selling a diverse amount of goods so it appeals to more people. It’s not a flea market, and although we have some antiques, it’s not an antique mall. With high gas and grocery prices plus people watching their budget, we wanted most things to be affordable. There are a lot of items priced at 50 cents to a dollar. The most expensive right now is $800.”

The building provides the perfect space for a vendor mall. Located in front of Plymouth Municipal Airport, it is close to restaurants,

Writer / Julie Yates

Photographer / Tony Straw

hotels and other retail establishments. Natural light floods through large windows and there is plenty of parking. When the call went out for booth rentals, the vendors came out in droves.

“Vendors selling a huge variety of stuff came to us,” Yakas says. “I just put it out there, mostly on Facebook, and we had a printed-up paper that we handed out at our flea market. We set up appointments and vendors were able to pick out the 10’x10’ spot they wanted. Some wanted double spaces. Another wanted glass display cases. We tried to make as many spaces as we could. Some had been on the waiting list of other shops for two to two and a half years. We wanted to encourage others to have a chance to sell their stuff. We ended up with a variety of vendors selling thousands of items. We did not allow alcohol, cigarettes, guns or ammunition sales. The waiting list is capped at 30 and it has been full since November.”

The vendor mall truly has something for everyone. Just a few steps away from a booth selling rare antiques is another selling personal items such as deodorant and toilet paper. Other items sold include white, shabby-chic, chalk-painted furniture, as well as vintage LEGO sets, handmade soap, pencil drawings, toys, handmade jewelry, clothes, decorations and so much more.

“We have one lady who has a booth and 100% of her profits go to benefit missions in Haiti,” Yakas says. “She restocks weekly with donated goods such as books, decorations, purses or even small furniture. Another person had to close her own shop due to medical issues but can still sell items by renting a booth here. She doesn’t have to be here on her bad days because every vendor has a number and we record sales when customers check out.”

Yakas keeps a list of five similar shops located close by. People can make a day out of shopping at similar stores. Besides resale-

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type establishments, destination visitors can enjoy niche shops in downtown Plymouth.

So who are Emilee and Ivy? The name comes from granddaughters who love garage sales and staging shelves. Since the girls’ parents have no interest in the business, it was named after them.

“People don’t understand the variety the vendor mall has until they walk in the door,” Yakas says. “It could keep somebody busy all day. When we opened it up, we thought we would just see what happens. So far it’s crazy good - way beyond what we thought. We get a lot of positive feedback from regulars as well as first-timers. People from out of town

bring their sisters and friends. They say they just love this place.”

Emilee & Ivy’s Vendor Mall is located at 7628 Michigan Road in Plymouth. Visit on Facebook for more info.

Septics in Noble, Elkhart, & Lagrange Counties.

Elkhart County

March 4, 2023

Winterfest Artisan Market, Bethany Community Church, New Paris Shop local artisans, enjoy lunch and friends during the winter season. https://www.facebook.com/events/842421667024437

March 4-5, 2023

Hall of Heroes Comic Con, Northern Indiana Event Center, Elkhart Northern Indiana’s fastest growing comic, gaming, sci-fi, horror & pop culture event. Two days of fun featuring your favorite celebrities, artists and cosplay guests. Autograph and photo ops. https://hohcomiccon.org

March 10-12, 2023

Elkhart 350 Gun, Knife & Outdoorsmen Show, Northern Indiana Event Center, Elkhart http://www.gunslingergunshows.com

March 11, 2023

Home & Garden Show, Southgate Crossing, Elkhart Meet with home & garden experts to help start your next project. FREE Admission https://www.facebook.com/events/1362671454563975

March 25, 2023

Spring Fling Craft Show, The Barns of Nappanee, Nappanee First craft show of the year with 30 vendors. Brunch buffet will be available for purchase. https://www.facebook.com/events/854286539152194

March 28-29, 2023

Stitching in the Kitchen, Heartland Country Sewing, Goshen

Enjoy 2 days creating 6 projects learning hooping and using stabilizers. Snacks and lunch included. https://www.heartlandcountrysewing.com

Kosciusko County

March 1-31, 2023

Village Madness, The Village at Winona, Winona Lake Shop in The Village this March for your chance to win a Village gift basket valued at $1000! https://villageatwinona.com/events/village-madness

March 4, 2023

6th Annual Spring Bazaar, Altrusa International, First United Methodist Church, Warsaw Crafts, direct sales and collectibles. https://www.facebook.com/ALTRUSA-WARSAW-IN-123865390986967

March 4, 2023

Cabin Fever Indoor Garage Sale, Syracuse Community Center, Syracuse The Gymnasium will be filled with 30 vendors at this popular community indoor garage sale. http://www.syracusein.org/departments/parks/cabin_fever_garage_sale.php

March 10, 2023

Art in the Park: Purple Trilliums, Firemen’s Building, Warsaw

Join local artist Terry Armstrong for a watercolor Purple Trilliums Class. Registration Required https://warsaw.in.gov/785/Programs

March 15-18, 2023

NCCAA Championships, Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center (MOCC), Winona Lake Grace College is the site of the 2023 NCCAA Division I Basketball National Championships. The Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center, which seats over 2,000 fans, will host the men’s and women’s tournaments. The MOCC is one of the premier basketball arenas in the Midwest. Grace College is proud to partner with the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA. https://gclancers.com/sports/nccaa-basketball

March 18, 2023

North Webster Community Center Kid Business Fair, NWCC, North Webster Give kids the opportunity to learn about owning and operating their own business and selling products. https://www.nwcommunitycenter.org/events

March 18, 2023

Kosciusko County Farmer & Artisans’ Winter Market, Pete Thorn Center, Warsaw Local meats, produce, crafts and more – all from Kosciusko County! https://www.facebook.com/KosCountyFarmersandArtisanMarket

March 18, 2023

Spring Equinox Yoga Retreat, The Terrace, Winona Lake Reawaken and renew your mind, body, and spirit in celebration of Spring. Enjoy views of beautiful Winona Lake as you renew with yoga, meditation, clean eating, and community. Led by Yoga Instructors and Coaches, Heather Barron & Erin Serafino https://www.erinserafino.com/event-details/spring-equinox-yoga-retreat

March 25, 2023

Sip and Shop female-owned Artisans Market, Tippy Creek Winery, Leesburg March is Women’s History month. Shop local artists, crafters and handmade businesses while sipping on Tippy Creek Winery wines. Live music & food truck. https://www.tippycreekwinery.com/event-directory

Noble County

March 11, 2023

NoblePalooza – An Expo to Thrive, Community Learning Center, Kendallville Purdue Master Gardeners will offer a series of educational programs on cost-saving tips, gardening, growing and more with related exhibits and demonstrations http://thrivenoblecounty.org/noblepalooza

March 11, 2023

St. Patrick’s Stew & Brew & Shamrock Jig Mid-American Windmill Museum, Kendallville Come for the dinner, stay for the dancing! Corned Beef & Cabbage with all the trimmings. Featuring live music by The Bulldogs https://www.facebook.com/MAWMHS

March 18, 2023

The Hubie Ashcraft Fundraising Concert, LUMC-Crosswalk, Ligonier Concert, food trucks, party on the patio and silent auction. This is a fundraising concert to benefit PULSE of Noble County. The youth philanthropic are of the Community Foundation of Noble County.

https://cfnoble.org/hubie-ashcraft-in-concert

March 18, 2023

Saint Pat’s Comedy Night, Inspiration Ministries, Kendallville Community event featuring live comedy with Jeremy Nunes, cash bar with specialty drinks, catered dinner, live entertainment, silent auction & door prizes. Proceeds benefit Historic Downtown Kendallville’s mission to encourage the economic development, historic preservation, and continuous improvement of downtown Kendallville. https://www.kendallvillemainstreet.com/filtered-events

March 24, 2023

The Hubie Ashcraft Band Fundraising Concert, Sylvan Cellars, Rome City Concert, food trucks, cash bar and silent auction. Help displaced and captive raised exotic animals have a safe and healthy environment for the rest of their lives. https://www.bpsanctuary.org/event/the-hubie-ashcraft-band Shipshewana/LaGrange County

March 2-4, Michiana Camping & RV Show, Michiana Event Center, Shipshewana Shop 100’s of RV’s from the best manufacturers at FACTORY DIRECT pricing on travel trailer, fifth wheels, and motorhomes all brand new. https://www.michianaevents.com/event/camping-show

March 6-8, 2023

March Madness Makers Event, Farmstead Inn, Shipshewana

Reserve your craft table by reserving a room for daily crafting/product demonstrations, snacks & more https://resnexus.com/resnexus/reservations/book/389E1A29-1A37-4AD2AA8E-FE558E49B634/giftshop?tabID=5

March 11, 2023

Sap Run & Syrup Stroll 2023, Maple Woods Nature Center, LaGrange

5K Fun Run or 1 mile walk Fundraiser – come enjoy an early spring walk or run through the maple woods with goodies around the campfire afterwards!

https://www.lagrangecounty.org/egov/apps/events/calendar.egov?view=detail;id=416

March 13-14, 2023

Northern Indiana Woodcrafters Assoc. Furniture Expo, Michiana Event Center, Shipshewana More space than ever before with 99 exhibitors filling 100,000+ sq. feet of booth space, many new dealers all under one roof. https://www.michianaevents.com/event/niwa-show

March 24-25, 2023

On a Hill Too Far Away Passion Play, Michiana Event Center, Shipshewana

This marks the 17th year presentation of the Passion Play. This bible-based drama will inspire all who attend. Appropriate for all ages; however, the crucifixion scene is somewhat graphic. https://www.michianaevents.com/event/passion-play

March 30, 2023

The Circus, Michiana Event Center, Shipshewana

Enjoy acrobatic artists, Equestrian acts, Daredevils and much more. Reserved seats sold online only.

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

St Joseph County

March 11-12, 2023

South Bend Artisan Market, Century Center, South Bend

Local artists & crafters from all over Michiana. https://centurycenter.org/mec-events/south-bend-artisan-market

March 14, 2023

20th Annual Mom Son Dance, Century Center, South Bend Legoland themed with music by The Music Machine, DJ, refreshments, games, photo ops https://centurycenter.org/mec-events/20th-annual-mom-son-dance

March 17 and March 29, 2023 No. 6 Scratch Kitchen, South Bend

March 17 -St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Come eat, drink and relax with us the Irish Way. March 29 – Bob Ross Night. Spend the evening painting using your best Bob Ross attire. https://www.eatno6.com

MAR 2, 2023 – MAR 4, 2023

MICHIANA CAMPING & RV SHOW

MAR 3, 2023

NORTH AMERICAN BUGGY PONY SALE

MAR 13, 2023 – MAR 14, 2023 NIWA SHOW - INVITATION ONLY WHOLESALE EVENT

MAR 17, 2023 – MAR 18, 2023 NTPA SPRING NATIONALS

MAR 17, 2023 – MAR 18, 2023 NTPA SPONSOR EXPO & FARMING SHOW

MAR 24, 2023 – MAR 25, 2023

MAR 30, 2023 – APR 1, 2023 THE CIRCUS

APR 6, 2023 – APR 8, 2023 INDIANA SPRING CLASSIC SHOW

APR 8, 2023

SHIPSHEWANA FIRE DEPARTMENT BENEFIT SUPPER

APR 14, 2023 – APR 15, 2023

CHUPP STANDARDBRED AUCTION

APR 18, 2023

FIELD OF DREAMS CAREER FAIR

APR 21, 2023

CHUPP PONY AUCTION

APR 22, 2023

NORTH AMERICAN HACKNEY SALE

APR 27, 2023 – APR 30, 2023

BIG MONEY – 6TH ANNUAL IBRA BARREL RACING - FREE ADMISSION