The Lakes East Magazine April 2023

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PUBLISHERS JOHN & MANDI LEWANDOWSKI john@townepost.com mandi@townepost.com 574.249.9217

TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC.

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

JOSH BROWN

CREATIVE DIRECTORS TONI EADS VAL AUSTIN COPY EDITORS JON SHOULDERS NATALIE PLATT

JUST YOU WATCH

It’s Two Decades and Counting for River Bend Film Festival 13 CULTURE AND CUISINE West on Warren Gallery + Grill Incorporates Original Artwork in Its Dining Concept

19

STRAIGHT-UP SUCCESS Straightline Enterprises Is Celebrating 10 Years of Pet Supplies and Solutions

26

TAKE A BITE New Owners of Jarrety’s Place in Rochester Are Excited About the Future

33

COMPASSIONATE CARE

Bilingual Nurse Practitioner Francisca Turen Burgos Joins Akron Medical Center

40

GEARED TOWARD GROWTH

L & M Ag in Topeka Helps Farms Thrive

45

PEDAL ON Lakeside Bicycle in Wolcottville Keeps Customers’ Wheels in Motion

50

NEW KITCHEN STORE

Cooking Memories With Mom

52

NO PLACE LIKE HOME

Shipshewana Homes Helps to Bring Dream Homes to Life

59

INDIANA AND ALL THAT JAZZ

The Hoosier State’s Unlikely Legacy of a Century of Household Music Names

65

THE SWEETER SIDE

Olympia Candy Kitchen Is Keeping Things Tasty After Well Over a Century

71

A TAVERN WITH TASTE

Linder’s Tavern on Main Celebrates OneYear Anniversary

79

SWEET SOUNDS

Ignition Music Garage Is Both a Retail and Performance Space for Music Lovers

85

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN APRIL AT THE LAKES

JUST YOU WATCH

IT’S TWO DECADES AND COUNTING FOR RIVER BEND FILM FESTIVAL

If you are a film buff or curious about the art of film, Goshen is the place to be in April. The organizers for River Bend Film Festival will celebrate 20 years when this year’s four-day event opens on April 20.

“This is the first in-person event since COVID,” Director Adrienne Nesbitt says. “People are ready for it and are excited about it.”

River Bend Film Festival started in 2002 in South Bend as a celebration of independent filmmaking. It was a one-day event at Indiana University South Bend. It moved to Goshen in 2016. In addition to film screenings, the festival offers workshops, discussions and guests from the film industry.

The move to Goshen has proved successful, Nesbitt says. Attendance quadrupled that first year and organizers are hoping for another increase this year.

The walkability of downtown Goshen and the hospitality of the community are some of the reasons Goshen has proved to be a great place for the festival, she says. Seven locations, including the newly renovated, historic Goshen Theater, are venues for screenings and other events, and all are within easy walking distance from each other.

“The nature of our festival is to focus on our filmmakers and what they do,” Nesbitt says. “We treat everyone with respect.

Writer & Photographer / Lois Tomaszewski

Volunteers of River Bend Film Festival

River Bend accepts all genres of filmsnarrative, documentary, experimental, music video, animation, student films, features and short films. More than 80 films from 15 countries are included in this year’s lineup.

“Filmmakers are storytellers,” Nesbitt says. “They create a film to tell a story.”

This year’s guests include Mary Chieffo, an actress from the “Star Trek: Discovery” series, and Stephen Susco, a screenwriter and director. He is known for his work on “The Grudge” among other films.

On Thursday, April 20, the first day of the festival, two films will be shown. The first chronicles the story of Goshen’s historic Blosser’s Park. The second tells the story of a Goshen family, the Plauts, who helped save 28 Jews during World War II. Special to this year’s festival is the

We are glad they are here.”

screening of the film “Rudy” on Friday, April 21. This year marks the film’s 30th anniversary and it will be attended by several people who were involved in making the film. The showing will be followed by a question-and-answer session.

Saturday will include “State of Unity,” a documentary featuring the husbandand-wife band The Bergamot, and their quest to perform in all 50 states in 2016. Along the way, they invited people to sign a message of unity on their car. The documentary has won several awards.

River Bend is a popular event that can be enjoyed by anyone, Nesbitt says. It’s not just for those who are actively making films. She encourages those who have never been to take a chance and see what makes River Bend Film Festival a wonderful event for the community.

“There is something for everyone, even if

you want to see one block of short films or attend a workshop,” Nesbitt says. “I hope they come to the theater and hear the stories. People can then see what the experience is like.”

During the pandemic, River Bend Film Festival went virtual. Nesbitt and other organizers are happy it is returning to the in-person format again. Being there allows attendees to share the experience with others and take in the stories being told as a collective.

All River Bend events are ticketed. A 10% discount is offered to students, teachers, seniors and the military. Those attending have a variety of options, from a single event to a four-day, all-inclusive pass.

Volunteers are always needed, Nesbitt says. Volunteers can earn a ticket for each shift they work during the festival.

The festival box office officially opens at noon on Thursday, April 20, with the first event set for 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday, the festival begins at 9 a.m. and continues through the entire day.

For more information, visit riverbendfilmfest.com. You can also find information on the festival’s social media pages.

CULTURE AND CUISINE

WEST ON WARREN GALLERY + GRILL INCORPORATES ORIGINAL ARTWORK IN ITS DINING CONCEPT

The focal point of the restaurant is a range of clean, locally sourced and seasonal menu options, along with beautiful and original artwork showcased throughout the building. As a locally owned and family-operated business, West on Warren focuses on showcasing their boutique restaurant to friends and families looking for a special dining experience. However, don’t let the size of the building fool you. The rich history of this location dates back to 1926 when it was first used as a Standard Oil Company filling station. Fast-forward to today, through a few changes in ownership, and you will find a lovely restaurant environment.

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2125 s. 600 W. Topeka, IN 260-463-6386

Nestled in the quaint town of Middlebury, you will find a charming restaurant named West on Warren Gallery + Grill. It is located in the heart of downtown and offers a truly unique dining experience to locals and visitors alike.

The menu is full of flavorful cuisine, including fresh appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, large plates and bowls. Some of the most desired dishes include the Clams Casino, Pork Belly Burger, Pecan Crusted Snapper, Flat Top Ribeye and Seafood Scampi. Whether you are looking for seafood, fresh baked goods, highquality beef or regional vegetables and fruits, they have something to offer every palate. As you finish your meal, be sure to ask your server about their house-made, seasonal desserts.

Owner Carrie Boyer, a self-proclaimed “Middleburyan,” completed college and had the desire to be in the restaurant industry. After working with the Middlebury Chamber of Commerce and Vibrant Communities, it was clear to her that Middlebury needed a particularly special dining location incorporating artwork. Hence, West on Warren Grill + Gallery was born. Co-owner Brittney Lehman and Boyer had a vision that they

brought to light as they renovated the beautiful building into what it is today.

“Our customer base is pretty diverse, although we obviously have a lot of locals,” Boyer says. “It is becoming more and more common for me to come in and not know anyone dining. Since I grew up here, that is pretty amazing to me. I would say our regulars come in from an hour’s radius.”

The gallery side of West on Warren was created to showcase meaningful artwork. As you browse through the restaurant, you will find local works of art from the community along with pieces from abroad. You can find current exhibition pieces and featured artists on their website. There is even an Artist Form to fill out online if you would like to be featured in the gallery. The artwork surrounding the dining room adds a special touch to the dining experience, while also creating a space for talented artists to showcase their creative side.

As you continue throughout the cozy indoor dining room, you will find a beautiful outdoor seating section. The two-story patio is a great place to gather with friends and family to enjoy live music, great food, friendship and even a delicious drink. The live music is offered in the summer months from May to mid-September, one to two times per week. An up-to-date schedule can be found on their Facebook page under Events.

Feeling thirsty? You can find a drink menu full of tasty beverages such as white wine, red wine, beer, cocktails and a selection of nonalcoholic drinks. Some of the favorite cocktails among customers are the Mezcalrita, Old Fashioned, Coconut Daiquiri and

Vanilla Espresso Martini.

“We do a lot of craft drinks, squeezing our own juices and using craft spirits,” Boyer says. “We alternate our house drinks seasonally as well. We try to keep a variety of local craft beers on tap as well.”

They have a large following on social media, where you can be the first to know about specials, seasonal menu items, events and more. Find them on Instagram and Facebook @westonwarrengrill. They also offer gift cards that can be shipped anywhere in the country or purchased in person.

Next time you’re looking for a great place to gather with friends, look no further than West on Warren Gallery + Grill. It is located at 200 West Warren Street in Middlebury. You can find a full drink and food menu at westonwarren.com. For carry-out or dine-in information, email info@westonwarren.com or call 574-358-0045.

STRAIGHT-UP SUCCESS

STRAIGHTLINE ENTERPRISES IS CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF PET SUPPLIES AND SOLUTIONS

Writer / Amy Lant-Wenger

Photographer / Kari Lipscomb

It’s been said, time and again, that it’s a very fortunate soul who can transform a hobby into a fulfilling and rewarding career. For the ones who can successfully achieve it, as the sentiment goes, they will never have to work a day of their lives.

For Carl Schwartz, a lifetime spent appreciating the beauty and bounty of the outdoors through hunting waterfowl, and the camaraderie of canine companionship, inspired him to create the earliest iteration of Straightline Enterprises back

in 2013. He is now observing its 10th anniversary.

What began as a small-scale operation of creating customized dog kennels has now become an ever-evolving, continually growing inventory of pet supplies. Straightline Enterprises is the ideal place to venture for almost anything an animal owner could possibly need or want, from domesticated dogs and cats to equine necessities. It’s a short distance from virtually any community in the northeastern Indiana region, an area rich in farming traditions and heritage.

Keeping Straightline Enterprises aligned with the home front has also been beneficial in bringing additional family members into the fold, to the extent that this multifaceted operation is a true family endeavor. In 2014 Schwartz entered into a partnership with in-laws Loren Miller, Joshua Miller and Myron Wenger. Schwartz’s wife works alongside him by helping with grooming and other tasks in caring for the puppies. Meanwhile the four Schwartz children, three daughters and a son, are all too happy to give the puppies some exercise and playtime.

By 2016 Schwartz was ready to take his business to the next level by expanding to full time at a new, full-service pet supply store in rural Millersburg. “Anything to do with puppies and dogs, that’s what we carried,” Schwartz says. In just a few short years the need for more space led to a newer facility, spanning an impressive

13,000 square feet. When the store was unveiled in December of 2020, there was ample room to feature an even broader range of supplies, from pet food to medicinal supplies to leashes, and just about anything else in between. In total, Straightline Enterprises has 10 workers in its employ.

Schwartz has been very busy as of late, with springtime and warmer weather on the horizon. Yet, there are seemingly enhancements and improvements in the offing at any given time, with their product lines and services changing with perhaps more frequency than the seasons themselves. One of the newest divisions of Straightline Enterprises is AlumiDoor, which specializes in screened overhead doors. “We’re planning to expand that and we’re looking for more dealers,” Schwartz says.

Schwartz and the staff are also working continually to add to their outdoor

department, which offers gear specifically designed for active hunters and nature hobbyists. Water-resistant clothing, fishing tackle and bait, turkey gear, elk hunting supplies, and other types of mobile equipment are incorporated into the store continually.

Another tremendous advantage to both the business and customers is the presentation of the company’s website, which was activated in 2021. There, browsers and buyers can peruse the lengthy list of available brands, supplies and accessories. Sales specials are prominently featured on the home page, and shoppers can even click on various months to watch for any upcoming events and promotions.

Straightline Enterprises offers next-day, free delivery to customers who reside within a 25-mile radius of the store. For those living outside that zone, shipments are handled via UPS.

Visit Straightline Enterprises in Millersburg at 11985 West 400 South. Call 574-642-0289 for more details, and check out their website at straightlinepetsupplies.com.

Brice Romine remembers going to Jarrety’s Place restaurant in Rochester as a youngster, growing up on the family farm in Mentone. In February of 2022, he and his wife, Katlyn, became the owners of the long-established breakfast and lunch stop. They also own what used to be known as The Other Side, which has been rebranded as Arlington Public House.

His familiarity with the restaurant and being friends with the previous owners played in his favor. He calls it a “huge benefit,” in that he had firsthand knowledge of the history and what made the restaurant successful for all those years. He has a history with the restaurant, having worked there and played sports at Rochester High School with the restaurant’s namesakes - Jarret and Tyler.

After graduation in 2007, Romine headed off to college planning to major in construction management. That changed when he started working in restaurants in Indianapolis and later Lafayette. He changed his major to hospitality, majoring in restaurant management. He studied culinary arts and began formulating a 10year plan to open his own restaurant.

Owners Brice & Katlyn Romine and their Children Sloane & Quinn

Writer / Lois Tomaszewski Photographer / Jubilee Edgell

That switch in major was motivated by watching and participating in Indianapolis’s hospitality coordination for the Super Bowl. He liked the planning and setup, and he also liked the money he made. He saw the possibility that a career in hospitality could offer him.

Acquiring Jarrety’s was, he says, “perfect timing.”

Romine did not change much of the menu for Jarrety’s. With a history of serving breakfast and lunch, that continues.

Restaurant patrons can choose from traditional breakfast meals and omelets, or opt for house specialties like Eggs Benedict, the Strawberry and Cream Pancake Combo, or the Loaded Avocado Toast. There are breakfast sandwiches, quiches and breakfast pizzas. Of course there is also something for the sweet tooth, with a selection of muffins, cinnamon rolls and scones.

The restaurant is known for its paninis, with 10 different options for diners. The Loaded Baked Potato soup and the Carrot Cake are options for lunchtime diners. Wraps, cold and

hot subs, pizzas and several salad choices round out the lunch menu.

The coffee bar, which he helped set up, also remains unchanged. Beverage aficionados can enjoy their favorite hot or cold beverage - frappés, cold brews, teas, hot chocolate and smoothies.

The decor is nuanced, as Romine explains it. He wanted to evoke a bistro feel to the dining experience. Colorful walls and

natural light brighten up the dining experience. Work from local artists hangs on the walls, and a friends’ couch makes conversation with a cup of coffee flow easily. These changes brighten up the space and give it a big-city kind of vibe.

It is a challenge to offer a coffee bar in a town that has multiple options to choose from. There are at least five other coffeebar concepts nearby. However, Romine found a way to set his establishment apart.

“We offer more sugar-free options than anyone else,” he says. For Arlington Public House, Romine wanted it to have its own personality - that of a nice steakhouse restaurant. The decor evokes a steakhouse ambiance, with an industrial design style. It offers casual fine dining, Romine says.

The steaks and chops he offers are locally sourced as much as possible. As both a small-business owner and a farmer, Romine wants to support farmers and other small businesses in the area. “I am a fourth-generation farmer,” Romine says. “I like to know where my food comes from.”

Arlington Public House offers fresh seafood, which is flown in two times per week. Steaks and chops are on the menu. Diners can order small plates, sandwiches, salads and starters, as well as desserts.

Another addition to the spaces between the two restaurants was the creation of the Caddy Shack. This private room houses sports simulators and is available for private parties. The idea behind the Caddy Shack is to provide a place for families, friends and groups to get together and have fun. Like many small towns, there aren’t always a lot of choices in recreation. Romine saw this as a way to supplement local entertainment options in a family-friendly way.

Jarrety’s Jarrety’s

Catering is also available from both Jarrety’s Place and Arlington Public House, as well as a third location, Knucklez BBQ. Each location offers different menu items, with Jarrety’s focusing on soups, salads, sandwiches, box lunches, and trays of muffins and scones, among other selections. Arlington Public House’s catering menu includes an extensive selection of hors d’oeuvres, sides and desserts.

Catering can be provided off-site, for the banquet room, or for the Caddy Shack.

For Romine, fulfilling his 10-year plan by opening a restaurant in his hometown was unexpected. The opportunity to grow a business in this community is special indeed. He sees it as a chance to build his community.

“We are unique,” he says. “This is really good food for the area. We are an active small business that is doing things.”

Jarrety’s Place is located at 701 Main Street in Rochester.

Arlington Public House is next door at 703 Main Street. For more information, call 574-223-7101 or visit jarretysplace.com.

Arlington Public House

Arlington Public House

COMPASSIONATE CARE

Bilingual Nurse Practitioner Francisca Turen Burgos Joins Akron Medical Center

Writer / Amy Lant-Wenger Photographer / Jubilee Edgell

Over the past few years, the principles of medical care have been broadened and redefined. More than ever, it has become imperative that the relationships between professionals and their patients are rooted in empathy and trust.

Francisca Turen Burgos knows this

philosophy very well, and bears that in mind with every individual she attends to. Becoming a medical professional is the culmination of a dream she has harbored since childhood. She has been so dedicated in the pursuit of this goal that she has traveled the world to achieve it.

Burgos has joined Akron Medical Center as a family nurse practitioner, and has been a member of the staff since October

of 2022. She works with patients for diagnoses and treatments within a range of health conditions, from common to chronic. When necessary, Burgos can also provide referrals for more complex issues, and she is able to offer consultations with patients about a diverse array of measures for preventative, individualized care.

“I am the go-to person when somebody has an acute illness, and I manage the

Francisca Turen Burgos

treatment of chronic conditions such as diabetes, elevated blood pressure, thyroid problems, etcetera,” Burgos says. “One of my favorite parts of primary care is preventative medicine. Patients are encouraged to schedule an annual wellness visit with the purpose of assessing their current health status and personalized care, with the goal of preventing illness and promoting health lifestyles in order to improve their quality of life.”

Burgos carries an extensive knowledge earned on a truly global scale. She is bilingual thanks to her Chilean upbringing, and is fluent in Spanish. She is also very immersed in the heritage and culture, and is thankful to be able to transcend the language barrier that may be an intimidating factor for those in the Spanishspeaking community.

“The health care system is very difficult to navigate, especially when they do not

speak your language or do not understand your needs,” Burgos says. “Having a health care provider who speaks your language alleviates anxiety about communication and increases trust, which is an essential part of the therapeutic relationship between patient and health care provider, while patient satisfaction and health care outcomes improve.”

Burgos’s formal medical training began in her native Chile, where she studied nursing and midwifery, ultimately graduating from Catholic University of Chile in 2012. She then began working in neurological rehabilitation in a surgical unit for a Chilean charitable foundation called Teletón, specifically caring for young patients. Realizing that she would need to learn English in order to move forward professionally, she moved to New Zealand on a working holiday visa. There, she continued working alongside patients with disabilities for three years, mastering English along the way. She also met the man who would become her husband.

After spending some time in Chile once again to be closer to her family, Burgos’s new husband was able to secure a job in Indiana. Upon settling in the Hoosier state, she studied tirelessly for her boards and was successful in transferring her licensing credentials to America. She worked as a registered nurse in the medical-surgical and intensive-care units at a hospital in Plymouth, while simultaneously studying for her Master of Science in Nursing degree.

“The experience was emotionally, physically and mentally draining, but I was happy to be there helping others, and especially being there for the Latinx community in Plymouth,” she says. Upon graduating from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis

in 2022, she then accepted her current position in Akron, where the clinic is an affiliate of the Woodlawn Hospital network.

Striving to achieve this career milestone was a rewarding accomplishment for Burgos in itself, but was definitely a greater challenge against the backdrop of the coronavirus outbreak. Ultimately, however, Burgos says it revealed a new perspective on the importance of being ever mindful of her patients’ needs.

“After these difficult years of the pandemic, it is only worth noting this as an opportunity for all of us to reflect on the value of life, our health, and the health of our loved ones,” she says.

Prospective patients are welcome to contact Burgos and the staff at Akron Medical Center at 574-598-2020. The clinic is located at 105 State Road 14 in Akron.

L & M AG IN TOPEKA HELPS FARMS THRIVE

When Vernon Lambright speaks about his profession, there is a palpable sense of fascination. There is much respect as well, for Lambright is very well-versed in environmental matters and how they influence agriculture. Listening to him talk about the mission of L & M Ag, one easily comes away educated and mindful

Writer / Amy Lant-Wenger

Photographer / Kari Lipscomb

of the intricacies involved in maintaining a successful farm.

The L & M Ag team steadfastly believes in and practices the philosophies of maximizing soil fertility and livestock nutrition. “We help to improve your livelihood by improving the soil and livestock of your farm,” Lambright says. “The life in your soil is the most important thing on your farm.”

In the first of numerous approaches that Lambright employs, L & M Ag conducts an in-depth soil analysis, “focusing on the life in the soil,” as Lambright explains. By assessing the biological composition of the soil, he notes, steps can be taken to enhance it.

Once the soil samples are taken and the results are received, Lambright provides a consultation about the specific goals of the farm. “We discuss the best kinds of crops to grow and we see what rotation

the farm is in,” he says. The protocol is meant to assess the farmer’s needs and the best manner for distribution, including supplementation methods tailored to the type of produce or crop.

This process cycles directly into taking care of the dietary requirements for farm animals, as their presence on the land is a significant part of what blends and tends the soil. For example, Lambright helps farmers determine the best type of hay to use, and provides guidance on feeding routines for pigs, horses and other farm animals, with customized feeds and mineral packs.

L & M Ag, which is centrally located in Topeka, has spanned three generations of familial commitment since it was launched in 2009. Lambright and his wife, Erma, joined a venture with Erma’s father, Glen Mast. Upon Mast’s retirement in 2018, son-in-law Lavon Mast began assisting and is

now involved in managing production. Erma and daughter, Deborah, oversee bookkeeping and billing on the clerical front.

Lambright also notes that his work is not exclusive to crop farming, as L & M Ag is qualified to conduct consultations

and soil sampling analyses on produce farms, gardens, and other types of foodand plant-bearing acreage. Recently, Lambright was a featured guest speaker on the topic of soil fertility and livestock nutrition on a per-farm basis at the 2023 Northern Indiana Grazing Conference, a grand-scale event held at the Michiana

Event Center in nearby Shipshewana.

To learn more about L & M Ag and the services they offer, contact Lambright at 260-768-7375. L & M Ag is located at 7345 West 100 South in Topeka.

PEDAL ON

Writer / Amy Lant-Wenger Photography Provided

Like an intricately woven tapestry, northern Indiana features rolling ribbons of farmland intertwined with rural-influenced cityscapes. Oftentimes cars can seemingly become a bit of a novelty, and the noise gives way to the peaceful hum of bicycles and buggies meandering along gravel-strewn lanes.

Situated on one of those countryside thoroughfares, visitors can find Lakeside Bicycle, a longtime family enterprise of Maynard and Miriam Miller. Nestled in a peaceful settlement near Wolcottville, the Millers have been immersed in the business of bicycle sales and repair for more than 10 years.

In the heart of a region where non-motorized travel is common, Maynard Miller’s services are greatly appreciated. Miller’s expertise is all the more remarkable when he admits that he had never even owned a bicycle himself until after he was married. Now, as a husband and father of four sons, he is fully capable to tap into a finely honed set of skills that he was not originally aware of.

Lakeside Bicycle is designed as a sales and service outlet for any kind of bicycle and any brand, ranging from the traditional, two-wheeled styles to tandems and tricycles, for youngsters and

adults. Customers can also bring in pre-owned bicycles as trade-ins for newer models. More recently the shop began handling repairs on battery-powered electric bikes, although Miller works on those far less frequently.

The workshop and retail spaces are exceptionally organized and tidy, and there is a wealth of accessories to browse and buy. From water bottles to lights to safety apparel, there are plenty of options

days

Upon crossing the threshold into the quaint storefront, it is instantly apparent that the Miller family is very invested in the business. No fewer than four members of the household are there to greet guests.

Maynard Miller, reflecting on the evolution of Lakeside Bicycle, explains that the family was initially intent to embark on a woodworking business. However, one of the children was

experiencing allergy issues, which forced the Millers to consider other options. An opportunity arose for them to purchase the current building in which the business is housed, and the wheels were literally set in motion.

“We’ve worked hard to get it to where I can just work at home to serve you better,” Miller says. “This is a family operation. My wife, Miriam, does all the book work, and the boys help a lot during the

busy season. They put together a lot of new bikes, but I still do the fine tuning.”

The Millers are also happy to be situated in an ideal location, where they can be of assistance to clients in both Indiana and Michigan.

They are delighted to engage in conversation with residents and travelers alike, and they have been busily preparing for the warmer seasons, which will bring an upswing of folks engaging in bicycle riding. “We enjoy living close to the lakes and we meet a lot of friendly people,” Miller says.

Another perk of visiting Lakeside Bicycle? “Brenda’s Ice Cream is just down the road from us,” Miller adds.

For those in the market for a ride upgrade, Lakeside Bicycle will offer a 10% discount on the purchase of a new bike through the month of April, by mentioning the advertisement in The Lakes.

Maynard shares a bit of sage advice that relates to his line of work as well as the passage of time itself.

“Life is like riding a bicycle,” he says. “To keep your balance, you must start pedaling.”

Lakeside Bicycle is located at 820 West 700 South in Wolcottville. To set up a consultation, or to simply inquire about the shop, call 260-854-9456, ext. 1.

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NEW KITCHEN STORE COOKING MEMORIES WITH MOM

girl, and she cooked every meal from scratch. We always had fresh baked goods, from donuts, cookies and cakes, to jellos and puddings.

So, moms are you teaching your boys how to cook? If not, you should be teaching them both how to cook and to bake.

This will help your sons to eat better and healthier their entire lives. This will teach them how to shop and budget food. This could lead to a lifelong love of good food and cooking.

How my mom taught me, was to bring me into the kitchen with her. I was about eight years old when my mom started teaching me.

She would have me with her at the kitchen table, and, as she was making the dishes, I remember the lettuce, egg, and pea salad, in particular. As she added and mixed in each ingredient, and spice, she would have me taste the dish, so that I could understand what each spice tasted and what it would add to the total taste of the dish.

She would have me read the recipe, and get out all the items, spices, and sauces, then start putting them together. This was back in the very early 1970s. My mom was an Indiana farm

Mom always had a crock of sour kraut fermenting in a corner of the kitchen.

She would have me prepping all the vegetables, so at an early age I learned what all the veggies were, and how to prepare them in various ways, depending on what we were making.

She taught me to fry chicken, do a pork shoulder roast, or a chuck roast. After I learned my way around the kitchen, and stove, she taught me how to bake.

I made my first Boston Crème Pie, from scratch, without supervision, when I was nine years old.

Mom always had fresh baked bread on hand. Once a year she would make her famous peach jam. There is nothing better than fresh baked bread slathered in sweet cream butter, with homemade peach jam on it. All in all, she gave me a very solid foundation for cooking almost

anything. She used cast iron pans. I have five or six of her old cast iron pans, that I still use every time I cook.

Being able to cook gave me several advantages as a young man.

Women love when a man knows his way around a kitchen, and can plan and cook, and clean up, while cooking, a complete meal.

It has saved me thousands and thousands of dollars, throughout my life on restaurant meals.

When you can cook, it is so much cheaper to buy the ingredients and prepare and cook your meals at home. When you are buying and cooking your meals, you can control exactly how much of what goes into your meals.

You can make each meal customized to you and your family’s tastes and needs. Your meals will be much healthier and better tasting then almost everything you can get at your local restaurants.

When you are eight and nine years old, working in the kitchen with your mom, you are both making memories that will last a life time. You are spending some serious quality time with each other.

So come on down to the New Kitchen Store, and get all your cooking needs including spices and herbs, along with advice on meal preparation for cooking all those delicious home cooked meals.

When my mom passed a few years ago, while I was cleaning out her house, I found her original thin-walled 1960s stainless steel mixing bowls with her aluminum measuring spoons, that we used in the 1960s and 1970s at home.

My mom teaching me to cook and bake at a very early age led me to a lifelong appreciation of good food and cooking.

I still bake my own bread, and my chocolate brownies are a work of art. I make all my own stocks and cook almost everything from scratch.

All in all, I’m much healthier for doing so. I also have some really great memories of my mom and me cooking together in the kitchen.

NO PLACE LIKE HOME

SHIPSHEWANA HOMES HELPS TO BRING DREAM HOMES TO LIFE

For over three decades, Shipshewana Homes has helped families near and far bring their dream home to life.

Beginning in July of 1977, the team at Shipshewana Homes had a vision to provide customers with a unique option for homebuilding. Manufactured homes are at the forefront of the business, but their approach is quite different. Compared to other manufactured homes in the industry, Shipshewana Homes provides an alternative to stick-built homes, which simply refers

to the construction of the home’s frame being built on-site with basic lumber and nails. What sets Shipshewana Homes apart from the competition is the style of manufactured homes they offer, along with the process they use to build them.

When Shipshewana Homes and JM Quality Construction joined forces in 2002, the idea of building dream homes for their customers took off. Joe Miller, founder of JM Quality Construction, is focused on combining the highest caliber of workmanship possible with customer service. This combination has made them one of the most trusted and desired residential and commercial homebuilding companies in the region.

When Miller had the opportunity to purchase Shipshewana Homes in April of 2014, he knew he wanted to focus on providing excellent customer service. Today much of their business comes from word of mouth from previous happy customers.

Shipshewana Homes utilizes a state-of-the-art engineering process in a climate-controlled environment. Unlike traditional stick-built homes that are built on-site, their modular homes are built using a unique assembly-line technique, and then shipped to the building site. Once the modular home arrives at the site, it is erected by a competent

Writer & Photographer / Ali Snyder

team of builders, staff and subcontractors. When the home is completed, you can tell no difference when comparing it to a typical home built on-site.

Building a modular home is an art form in itself. The design process starts with state-of-the-art computer technology. This helps customers get a vision of what their new home will look like. It also aids in providing the team and customers with drawings and a list of materials needed throughout the building process.

When it comes to the actual building process, customers’ homes are assembled in a modern factory setting. As each customer’s home goes from station to station, quality technicians and builders use their skills to bring the vision of the home to life.  One of the many benefits of this type of building process is that there are no issues due to weather, since the home is assembled indoors. Customers can rest assured that their home is qualitymade, as all homes are inspected, up to code and of the highest craftsmanship.

Shipshewana Homes offers more than 800 high-quality and aesthetically pleasing stick-built modular homes to choose from. They work alongside premium homebuilders including Rochester Homes and Ritz-Craft Custom Homes. Partnering

WELCOME TO SHIPSHEWANA

We

with these companies has allowed Shipshewana Homes to be a leader in the industry with fast build times, affordability and quality of service.

An additional benefit of choosing a stick-built modular home is the high efficiency. The Shipshewana Homes team prides itself on always using energy-efficient building materials and

methods. From the exterior walls to the insulation to the thermopane, low-emissivity glass windows and exterior doors, customers are sure to be comfortable in their home while also saving on costs.

Shipshewana Homes keeps their official website up to date with their latest models, 3D tours, a gallery of prior home builds,

financing information and an extensive FAQ section. All of this is especially helpful if you are getting familiar with the stick-built modular industry and trying to decide if this is the route you want to take. You can also visit the website, shipshewanahomes.com, to schedule a tour to see their homes in person.

If you are in the market for a new home, look no further than

Shipshewana Homes.

Shipshewana Homes is located at 725 South Van Buren Street in Shipshewana. They can be reached at 260-768-4040. You can follow them on Facebook @shipshewanahomes where you can find their popular “Set Day Giveaway!” and enter to win fun and exciting prizes.

INDIANA AND ALL THAT JAZZ

The Hoosier State’s Unlikely Legacy of a Century of Household Music Names

Writer / Jeff Kenney

Photography Provided

When many of us think of jazz music, particularly from some of the peak periods for the genre, understandably Indiana may not initially come to mind.

Some have called jazz, originally an African American musical form that first grew to prominence in the New Orleans area in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, “America’s classical music.” And while the world of jazz might be most often associated with areas like the aforementioned New Orleans or New York City, it may surprise many in the lakes area to learn that the Hoosier state had quite a role to play in the early years in the recording and propagation of jazz, not to mention the origins of a number of seminal figures in the genre.

Starting in 1917, Gennett Records

(pronounced “jennett”) became an unlikely powerhouse as a jazz recording studio in Richmond, Indiana, producing and distributing some of the earliest recorded works of the likes of Louis Armstrong, King Oliver, Bix Beiderbecke and Hoagy Carmichael, as well as titles by Jelly Roll Morton, bluesmen like Blind Lemon Jefferson and Charley Patton, and country legend Gene Autry, among others.

The Great Depression hit Gennett hard, and in spite of a few attempts to recapture its success, its glory days were behind it by the 1930s.

Those interested in the legacy of the label, however, can visit the Gennett Walk of Fame, established in 2007 in Richmond at the site of the Starr Piano Company. It is part of a regional trail system connecting to the American Discovery Trail, America’s only coast-to-coast, non-motorized recreational trail.

Jazz Cole Porter on Lake Maxinkuckee

One of the best-known Hoosier jazz singers of the 1920s was the aforementioned Hoagy Carmichael of Bloomington, whose early introduction to the genre was hearing a recording by Red Nichols, who, while not a native of Indiana, attended lakes-area boarding school Culver Academies (one of several renowned figures in the music business to attend the school or one of its summer programs, including big-band legend Horace Heidt, Broadway giant Joshua Logan, and more contemporary jazz singer Kurt Elling and country star Dierks Bentley).

Carmichael’s song “Stardust” became a hit when recorded in 1930 by Isham Jones and His Orchestra. It has since become an American standard, as it remains today. He went on to write or co-write hits like “Lazy Bones,” “Lazy River,” “Rockin’ Chair,” and a mega-hit popularized years later by Ray Charles, “Georgia” (or “Georgia on My Mind”). Carmichael also became a Hollywood fixture as an actor and songwriter for a number of movies.

Jazz Ink Spots

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Cole Porter, another household name throughout much of the 20th century, was born in 1891 in Peru, Indiana (though he spent childhood summers on Lake Maxinkuckee, a familiar site to most readers of this magazine).

Porter, credited with bringing an air of lyrical sophistication to the genre, composed music and lyrics for a number of Broadway and Hollywood movie hits, as well as a host of songs that also became American standards, such as “In the Still of the Night,” “Night and Day,” “I Love Paris,” “I Get a Kick Out of You,” “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” and “It’s DeLovely.”

Unlike Porter, today’s audiences have largely forgotten a once-prolific and high-profile novelty/comedy act, the Hoosier Hot Shots. The group was formed in Arcadia, Indiana, some 20 miles north of Indianapolis. Utilizing unusual instruments such as clarinet, washboard, bass, slide whistle and guitar, the Hot Shots combined a loose variation on swing jazz with rural comedy, recording over 250 songs and appearing in more than 20 films from the 1930s into the early 1950s. The group, whose comedic hits included titles like “From the Indies to the Andes in His Undies” and “I Like Bananas (Because They Have No Bones),” performed with stars like the Three Stooges, Gene Autry, Merle Travis and Dale Evans.

Around the same time, huge hit-making vocal group the Ink Spots were formed in Indianapolis in 1934. Five years later the group had a runaway hit with “If I Didn’t Care,” with many more following in subsequent decades.

Among the Ink Spots’ many hits in the 1940s were “My Prayer,” “Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall” and “To Each His Own.” The Ink Spots later split into a few different lineups, and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989.

One of the greatest jazz guitarists in history, Wes Montgomery, hailed from Indianapolis (which is also where he lived when he died

of a heart attack at just 45 years old, in 1968). Known for his distinctive playing style and sound, and as a veritable icon in the jazz world of the 1950s and ‘60s, he heavily influenced a long line of legendary guitarists who followed him.

Freddie Hubbard made his name as a jazz trumpet player (having begun in his school band at Arsenal Technical School in Indianapolis) around the same time period as Montgomery. Hubbard worked in the bebop style and collaborated with Montgomery, as well as working in the 1960s with the likes of Sonny Rollins, Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, and Quincy Jones (who, though not a native Hoosier, graduated from Indiana University and went on to produce albums like Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”).

One Indiana legend working in the jazz and rhythm and blues genres has likely been heard by many lakes-area readers, even if they aren’t necessarily aware of it.

Benjamin “Scatman” Crothers started in music as a teen in Terre Haute, going on to perform, mainly as a vocalist, on a number of recordings.

His work in film and television is probably his greatest claim to fame, however. He portrayed Louie on “Chico and the Man” on television, and Dick Hallorann in the film “The Shining,” as well as a number of roles in voice work in animated features and shows. This included significant, ongoing roles in “Transformers” and the “Harlem Globetrotters” series, and the lead character in the “Hong Kong Phooey” animated series.

Disney fans may recognize him as the voice of Scat Cat in the movie, “The Aristocats.” As many Lakes readers may know, Indiana has produced musical legends in other genres, including more contemporary rock and pop (the likes of Michael Jackson and Axl Rose), which merits a future article of its own in the pages of this magazine. For now, Hoosiers can take some regional pride

in knowing their home state has produced a parade of jazz stars who influenced the entire world through much of the past century up to today. Not a bad legacy for a state that’s not New York or Louisiana.

The Sweeter Side

Olympia Candy Kitchen Is Keeping Things Tasty After Well Over a Century

Writer & Photographer / Ali Snyder

The rich history of Olympia Candy Kitchen dates back to 1912. That’s when Greek immigrant Nicholas Paflas found a corner store on downtown Main Street in Goshen. As a true entrepreneur, Paflas began making his in-house candies and chocolates, and operating a soda fountain. As the customer base grew, so did the line of confectionaries they offered.

Fast-forward to today, more than 111 years later, and the tradition lives on. The business has been passed on for over four generations in the family, and is a place where locals and visitors continue to gather.

As you step through the door you will immediately smell the fresh-brewed coffee and experience the comforting vibes from the staff. When you look around you will see a fast-paced yet relaxed environment as the cooks, servers, chocolatiers and other team members work together to make it a wonderful gathering spot for all. Whether dining alone at the retro-style bar or meeting a group at one of the cozy booths, you will feel welcomed and at home.

Looking to grab breakfast or a fresh beverage in the morning? Olympia Candy Kitchen has you covered. As you take your seat you will notice a team member continuously squeezing in-house, fresh orange juice. The coffee is always hot and is served to customers in custom Olympia Candy Kitchen mugs.

When you sit at the old-time counter you can watch the cooks make delicious breakfast items. Some of their popular breakfast plates include biscuits and

Kare Anderson, 4th Genertaion Operator at Olympia Candy Kitchen

gravy, eggs with sausage, ham, bacon and cheese, and the Olympia Special omelet, which features ham, sausage, onion, green pepper and tomato. You can choose from other breakfast items like French toast, pancakes and potatoes.

If you are in town for the afternoon lunch rush you will find many options to choose from as well. They offer a wide variety of toasted sandwiches, salads, grilled items and homemade soups. Fan favorites include the BLT, chicken and tuna croissant, egg salad, tuna à la carte, breaded tenderloin and more. Quench your thirst as you eat your meal with specialty drinks like the fruited lemonade.

Still craving more? Add an old-fashioned sundae, soda or shake. They also offer a variety of hand-dipped ice creams including vanilla, strawberry, butter pecan and mint chip.

Once you are done with your delicious

breakfast or lunch, you will want to stick around to browse the extensive selection of candies, chocolates and gifts. When Olympia Candy Kitchen was first started, the owners devoted themselves to making the highest-quality handmade chocolates and candies. That legacy lives on today, and can clearly be seen as you head over to the candy counter. Taking up nearly half of the store, the vast selection of candies includes their famous turtles with homemade caramel, as well as gummies, sweet-and-sour candies, jelly beans, licorice, chocolate-covered peanuts, and the widely popular chocolate-covered cherries. In fact, the cherries are so popular they were served at the inaugural balls of Presidents Reagan and Bush.

Not a chocolate lover? No problem.

Olympia Candy Kitchen has a seasonal, rotating candy kitchen that features caramel apples in the fall, gift baskets for special holidays, and curated candy boxes that make for a perfect gift any time of the year. If you or a loved one have a sweet tooth but are out of town, no problem. They ship all around the country, and make it easy to browse and order on their website.

Fourth-generation Owner Kare Anderson has kept the tradition of the business going, along with help from the friendly team members. As you peruse the restaurant there are photos, articles and paintings that cover the walls. Each one holds a special piece of history and a story.

Olympia Candy Kitchen has much to offer those young and old, and as their tagline says, it’s “the sweetest little place in town.”

You can contact them by visiting their shop at 136 North Main Street in Goshen, or by calling 574-533-5040. You can find their full menu or place your delivery order online by visiting olympiacandykitchen.com. They are also on Instagram @olympiacandy and on Facebook @homemadechocolate1912.

A TAVERN WITH TASTE

LINDER’S TAVERN ON MAIN CELEBRATES ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Who says you can’t come home again? Not Josh Linder, who, along with his wife, Adrianne, is celebrating the one-year anniversary of opening Linder’s Tavern on Main. Patrons from LaGrange and beyond have spent the last year enjoying the fabulous food and fun events offered by the establishment.

Linder left his hometown of LaGrange to attend Indiana University. After graduating, he and Adrianne settled in Indianapolis where both had corporate jobs. Although they had successful careers, the long hours and demands of working for large companies began to wear on them.

Meanwhile, Linder’s family continued to live in northeast Indiana. After retirement, his parents opted to live full time at their lake house. His brother returned to LaGrange in 2018 when he and his wife purchased Trading Post Outfitters in Mongo.

“We had come up to see my parents and we passed by a vacant restaurant,” Linder says. “Someone suggested to my brother that he could buy it. I started thinking, ‘Why not us?’ When I asked Adrianne if she wanted to do it, she said yes right away.”

Writer / Julie Yates Photographer / Kari Lipscomb

Owners Josh and Adrianne Linder

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Although the couple pursued that prospect, it fell through. However, the idea was set in motion. A short time later, Linder’s brother approached the owners of Romer’s Restaurant and Spirits, the former business where Linder’s is today. They were ready to step down, and within days the Linders changed careers and sold their Indianapolis home.

“We now live across the street from my childhood home,” Linder says. “When I was 18 the town seemed small. I didn’t appreciate it until I got older. It’s great to know the first names of 80% of the people that pass through our doors.”

It’s not only locals who frequent the tavern, but also people from nearby communities such as Angola, Sturgis in Michigan and Shipshewana. Those in the area for antique and craft shopping can make a stop for the smoked meat the Linders are increasingly becoming known for.

While the central theme is barbecue, there is something on the menu sure to please everyone. More than 10 appetizers are offered and include fan favorites such as beer-battered dill pickles and garlic cheese bread. Brisket, corned beef and pulled pork are found on pizza. There are many choices of dinner salads, burgers, chicken, wraps, sandwiches and pizza. Everything is made from scratch including carrot cake balls, a dessert crowd pleaser.

Linder calls the tavern’s libations hyper local. The Linders pride themselves on serving beer and spirts produced by Hoosiers. Bourbon whiskey is supplied from Three Rivers Distilling Company

Owner Adrianne Linder serving up drinks

of Fort Wayne, and W.H. Harrison from Brazil. In addition to the many special signature cocktails, various brews are on tap. Besides nationwide brands, vendors include Lafayette’s People’s Brewing Company, Angola’s Chapman’s Brewing Company and Munster’s 3 Floyds Brewing.

Adrianne’s former experience in the hospitality industry and as an event planner for a large pharmaceutical company has helped to build the tavern’s following. Changing daily specials, drink promotions and live music nights keep the atmosphere lively. Special events such as May’s ticketed Mother’s Day brunch are fun ways to connect with the community. Besides the large family room section separated from the bar, an event space is available for private events. Catering is offered for off-site events as well.

“Most of the changes we made were in

MOLD

the back of the house,” Linder says. “We added three addition kitchen staffers and a bunch of servers. Everything is cooked to order, and on Friday nights when every table is full we want to make sure what a customer asked for is what they get, like the correct steak, so we added the position of expediter. They are like quality control. They make sure each plate is hot and the order is accurate.”

“We are so happy to be part of this little town,” Linder adds. “They have accepted Adrianne. We hope to make an impact in a good way and support LaGrange.”

Linder’s Tavern on Main is located at 211 South Detroit Street in LaGrange. For more info and to see a menu, visit linderstavern.com and call 260-499-3393. Visit them on Facebook for upcoming events and daily specials, and also find them on Instagram.

Guest enjoying food and drinks

SWEET SOUNDS

IGNITION MUSIC GARAGE IS BOTH A RETAIL AND PERFORMANCE SPACE FOR MUSIC LOVERS

Over the years, the building that houses Ignition Music Garage in Goshen served a lot of different purposes - a car repair shop, headquarters for an art guild, and even a bookstore. For lifelong record collector Julie Hershberger, it was always supposed to be a record store - her record store, to be exact.

Hershberger and her business partner Tim Hochstetler bought the business in 2018. The business opened as a record store in 2012. Since then, Hershberger and Hochstetler worked hard to build up the vast inventory of new and collectible vinyl records, and produce a performance space in downtown Goshen.

“We are basically known for Americana music and live performances,” Hershberger says.

She defines Americana music as multi-genre, with selections in hard rock, jazz, funk and many other musical styles. That multigenre approach also applies to the performances of local, regional and national touring bands and performers on Ignition’s stage.

Hershberger, who grew up in Goshen, says she has always been a

Ignition Music Garage co-owners Tim Hochstetler and Julie Hershberger

Writer & Photographer / Lois Tomaszewski

record collector. Her passion for music was nurtured by her mother, a yoga instructor, who often used music from 45 records to motivate her yoga students.

The collector in her is never satisfied and is always looking for something to add to her personal collection. As a record store owner, she also has an appreciation for the styles of music others enjoy. Ignition purchases collections of used records and stocks a selection of new vinyl.

“If a record is out there, I can find it for someone,” she says. “People ask for all sorts of albums and music, some that I have never heard of. If you love music, you can come in here and we will not judge you for whatever music you love.”

Interest in vinyl records is on an ups wing, especially over the past few years.

Hershberger says it became very apparent during the pandemic, when her business

did very well. She attributes that to the nostalgia of grandparents or parents wanting something to do with their children, or people being cooped up with nowhere to go. Even three generations of customers from the same family came in and shopped for music that they would then listen to together at home.

“Listening to music was a good way for families to bond,” she says.

The music industry is also doing its part to keep vinyl relevant to today’s music-loving customers. Hershberger says many albums are remastered and pressed on vinyl.

Special editions are being released and some records feature unreleased songs. Even colored vinyl is available for some music. Everything on the sales floor in this industrial-style space is built to be mobile. On nights when there is a live band or entertainer, the racks of records can be wheeled out of the way. This allows for the

band to use the stage at the front of the store, and the audience to sit or stand to watch the act.

“We take great pride in how good our shows sound and what an intimate experience it is,” she says. “People can see the fingers moving on the guitar, for example.”

Ignition can also be rented out for parties, fundraisers or special events.

Hershberger recalls one special occasion for a grandmother’s birthday. Her grandson brought in country singer Billy Dean to perform on his grandmother’s birthday. She was one of Dean’s fans.

“This was the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen someone do for their grandmother,” Hershberger says.

Hershberger’s and Hochstetler’s goal is to grow Ignition into a night spot for the community.

Eventually, they would like to have music of some type seven nights a week, including openmic nights and jams, dance parties, and a night devoted to vinyl.

“It’s a great space for music lovers,” Hershberger says. “I want people to walk in here and feel like this is run by people who love music. I want

this to be a space where people feel welcome.” Ignition Music Garage is located at 120 East Washington Street in Goshen. Visit ignitionmusic.net for more information and to peruse the music inventory. Follow Ignition Music Garage on social media for event information. Call 574-971-8282 for additional details.

Whats Happening at the Lakes

ELKHART COUNTY

April 1-30, 2023

Elkhart Easter Egg Hunt, Elkhart

A month-long Easter Egg Hunt at select Elkhart city parks and the Elkhart Environmental Center. Go to various locations to look for painted wooden Easter eggs, return the egg to the Parks & Rec Department to receive a prize. https://elkhartindiana.org/events/easteregg-hunt

April 1-2, 3-6 & April 7, 2023

Free Photos with the Easter Bunny, Elkhart Bring your own camera and a non-perishable food item to donate for each person to Linton’s Enchanted Gardens. Donations will go to Church Community Services Food Pantry. https://www.lintons.com

April 13, 20 & 27, 2023

Religion: Where It Came From, Where It’s Heading & How It Continues to Change the World, Goshen

This interactive three-part series explores faith, spirituality and religion – their origins, how they shape and were shaped by the environment, the development of the brain and human social patterns.

All sessions are 7-8:30pm in Jennings Auditorium at Greencroft Goshen Community Center in Goshen.

https://www.chautauquawawasee.org/religionwhere-it-came-from-where-its-heading-andhow-it-continues-to-change-the-world

April 14, 2023

Goshen Theater Free Movie Night, Goshen

Come celebrate the return of baseball season in the Miller Auditorium at Goshen Theater for a free movie showing of “The Sandlot”. https://goshentheater.com/events

April 16, 2023

7th Annual Goshen Vintage Motorcycle Show & Swap Meet, Goshen Family-oriented, all-outdoor event. The public and motorcycle enthusiasts are invited – Free general admission with awards ceremony. https://www.facebook.com/ events/983459265967764

April 20-23, 2023

River Bend Film Festival, Goshen

Returning to Goshen Theatre after a pandemic hiatus, The River Bend Film Festival can’t wait to celebrate with you! An amazing weekend filled with film, workshops, parties, concerts, Q & A and a celebration in honor of the 20th anniversary of the film fest. https://riverbendfilmfest.com

April 26-28, 2023

Essenhaus Spring Home & Fashion Show, Middlebury

Join them for this annual event that combines fashion, home décor, dining, door prizes and lots of fun! Get inspired with seasonal apparel trends, designs and accents for the home and wardrobe. https://essenhaus.com/upcoming-events

April 28-30, 2023

Wakarusa Maple Syrup Festival, Wakarusa

It’s a rite of spring ritual for Wakarusa to kick off the season with the Maple Syrup Festival. Tour maple sugar camps, go for an Amish buggy ride and savor delicious foods and wholesome entertainment.

https://wakarusachamber.com/maple-syrupfestival

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY

April 8,9,10,15 & 16, 2023

The Passion, Syracuse

Two productions performed during Holy Week and Easter at Quaker Haven Camp in the form of a dinner theater.

https://316communitytheatre.org/easter

April 15, 2023

Behind the Scenes – Recycling Depot Tour, Warsaw Spring is right around the corner and so is spring cleaning! Get an up-close view of recycling and processing operations at the KC Recycling Depot. After experiencing operations, you will have a chance to make an art project with reused paint to take home.

https://lakes.grace.edu/events/behind-thescenes-kc-recycling-depot-tour

April 22, 2023

Mirabel’s Fiesta, Syracuse

A Magical fiesta featuring Mirabel at Syracuse Community Center. There will be singing, dancing, crafts and photo opportunities. Dress in your favorite attire and join Mirabel in a magical adventure. https://www.facebook.com/even ts/581041083469126/581041086802459

NOBLE COUNTY

April 1, 2023

Easter Bunny Breakfast & Egg Hunt, Avilla

Enjoy a fun-filled morning of breakfast and pictures with the Easter Bunny followed by an Easter egg hunt at the Avilla Fire Department. https://www.facebook.com/ events/575877217930602/?ref=newsfeed

April 22, 2023

East Noble Band Booster Craft & Vendor Fair, Kendallville East Noble Middle School. Spots available. https://riverbendfilmfest.com

St Joseph County

April 1, 2023

South Bend Sports & Trading Card Show, South Bend

Buy, sell or trade your cards with local collectors at the American Legion Post 357! Sports cards, Pokemon cards, graded cards, sealed wax, memorabilia. Admission to this family-friendly event is totally free and will feature 40 dealer tables.

https://www.facebook.com/ southbendcardshow

April 2, 2023

South Bend Record Show, South Bend

Whether you are brand new to vinyl or a seasoned veteran, you’re invited to discover one of the largest record shows in the Midwest! Vendors & collectors fill 85+ tables at the Gillespie Conference Center with more than

35,000 pieces of used and new merchandise including pre-loved and new LPs, 45s, CDs, cassettes, music memorabilia, posters, T-shirts, vintage stereo gear and more! https://www.facebook.com/ southbendrecordshow

April 20, 2023

Little Black Dress Signature Event, South Bend

Top-of-the-line designer and premier brand items are hand-selected for this special fashion show and sale. Name-brand purses, shoes, apparel, and authenticated fine jewelry will be available at absolutely unbeatable prices. The event will feature a pop-up boutique, dinner, a fashion show, and a brief presentation describing Goodwill’s community programs.

https://www.goodwillevents.org

SHIPSHEWANA/ LAGRANGE COUNTY

April 12-May 3, 2023

Self-guided Wildflower Trail, Maple Wood Nature Center, LaGrange

The Naturalist will mark blooming spring wildflowers along a designated trail. A brochure with identification information will be available to read while you walk.

https://www.lagrangecounty.org/topic/index. php?topicid=91&structureid=33

April 15, 2023

Ship-Chic Craft & Vintage Spring Show, Shipshewana

Sellers from all over the Midwest will gather for a show featuring gifts, vintage items, home decor, crafts, clothing, accessories, beauty products, jewelry, baked goods, signs and more! $5 admission Shipshewana Auction Building

https://shipshewanatradingplace.com/events/ shipchic-craft-and-vintage-show

April 22, 2023

Shipshewana Swap Meet, Shipshewana

Hunt for bargains and neat finds in an outdoor, open-air marketplace at the Shipshewana Auction Grounds. All kinds of fowl, poultry, small animals, pets, produce, baked goods, antiques, guns, flowers, trees, shrubs & food. Parking is $3

https://shipshewanatradingplace.com/events/ swap-meets

April 27-30, 2023

6th Annual Big Money Barrel Racing, Shipshewana Michiana Event Center - IBRA Super Show - Free Admission!

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