The Lakes East May 2023

TABLE WITH 2 CHAIRS $285, PARK BENCH $180

CHEESE PLEASE

I HEART MAC & CHEESE IN ELKHART KEEPS THE DELICIOUS OPTIONS COMING

Nayi and Nilesh Soni, owners of I Heart Mac & Cheese in Elkhart, opened their doors about two years ago. Although it was a rough time to open a business due to the pandemic, they pushed through and business has been more than steady ever since.

The owners always knew they wanted to be in the restaurant industry. With Nayi’s passion for cooking at home and Nilesh’s knowledge of business, the dream became a reality. The idea to own a franchise of I Heart Mac & Cheese seemed like a perfect fit, as it is the only one located in the region.

When you step inside the doors, you will find modern, clean decor with plenty of seating. The walls are lined with catchy

Writer & Photographer / Ali Snyder

Owner, Nayna Soni, poses with one of their famous bowls inside the restaurant

sayings, neon signs, TVs, and a handmade “I Heart Mac & Cheese” quilt displayed on the back wall. Head on over to the counter and you will find a large variety of meal options to choose from.

The restaurant offers a “build your own” concept, or you can choose from one of the many delicious signature menu items. If you decide to build your own, you will start by choosing whether you want a bowl or grilled cheese. For the bowls, you can choose your base of pasta, quinoa,

cauliflower, tater tots, or a combination. Bowls come with a choice of protein including chicken, short rib, lobster or vegetables. You can top your bowl with sauces like buffalo, pesto, ranch, mango habanero, barbecue, marinara, and sesame ginger.

If you decide to go with one of their signature bowls, you may have a hard time choosing just one. Some of the most popular choices are the Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese, Buffalo Blue

Mac & Cheese, Short Rib Philly Mac & Cheese, and Lobster & White Truffle Mac & Cheese.

Not sure what to order? No problem. The helpful staff will assist you in building the perfect bowl, or even suggest “The Best of Both Worlds,” which is a combination of a bowl with a sandwich. The creative sandwich options are much more than your typical grilled cheese, although you can get a classic one if desired. The sandwich options include short rib,

bacon, ham, pulled pork, and of course… cheese. The cook will take your choice of fillings, add mac and cheese on top, and smother it between your choice of bread. They then send it to the grill, where it gets toasted and melted.

All sandwiches are served with a side and a bowl of tomato soup for dipping. You can choose from sides such as Signature Mac Bites, Tater Tots, Chips, Cheesy Broccoli or Tomato Soup Cup. Upgrade your side to Signature Mac Bites, available in flavors like buffalo, pepperoni, classic, and bacon jalapeño.

As if those options aren’t crazy enough, you can even get mac and cheese in one of their Tacaronis. This is a unique menu item, and you can build your own delicious mac and cheese stuffed inside a crunchy taco shell. Some customers may prefer something a little healthier or customized for dietary needs. The restaurant offers gluten-free and vegan options, and

they offer Beyond Meat in place of typical proteins.

The restaurant also has a catering option, and you can build your own tray, consisting of your choice of menu items. You can even add on some sweet treats like their Cheesecake Bites, Cookies or Dessert Bars. Whether you are a party of 10 or 100, they will gladly accommodate. Next time you have a gathering, consider choosing I Heart Mac and Cheese.

The options are nearly limitless and there is something for everyone at this unique restaurant.

I Heart Mac and Cheese is located at 2101 Bypass Road in Elkhart. They can be reached by phone at 574-333-3251. You can follow them on Facebook @ iheartmacandcheeseelkhart, or visit the company website at iheartmacandcheese.com.

SIGHTS TO BEHOLD

SEEING IS BELIEVING AT THE MIDWEST MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART

For more than four decades, the Midwest Museum of American Art (MMAA) has

Flourish, Here.

welcomed art lovers and artists into an environment that celebrates the creative spirit. From a friendly greeting at the front reception desk to knowledgeable

staff and volunteers, art enthusiasts of all levels are invited to enjoy a variety of genres, including an extensive collection from Norman Rockwell and the pottery of the Overbeck sisters.

The 68 personally signed and numbered lithographs in the Norman Rockwell collection, the extensive pottery from the Overbeck sisters, and an original Grant Wood painting, one of only two on public

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Open Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. For more information call 574-537-4181 or visit www.greencroft.org

Writer & Photographer / Lois Tomaszewski

MMAA Director and Curator Brian Byrn and Assistant Curator Randall Roberts

display in Indiana, are the keystone to establishing and growing the museum, according to Director and Curator Brian Byrn, who will have been at the museum for 42 years as of this November. The other component of the museum’s longevity and success can be attributed to its ability to connect art to the local and regional arts communities, and to local art teachers and students - and also its accessibility in bringing about an appreciation of fine art in the community.

The museum was founded 44 years ago by Dr. Richard and Jane Burns. The couple purchased a 1920s bank building that was scheduled for demolition, and established the building as an art museum. The Paul D. Keefe Gallery encompasses that banking past, with the circular vault door as the entrance to the gallery, and iron bars and air shafts still in place among the art now displayed within.

The MMAA name is to establish the

geography, but not to limit the artists to a specific region, Byrn says. In fact, the museum also exhibits pieces from throughout the United States, including the Four Corners area of the Southwest.

Work on display is traditional and modern, captured by artists’ brushstrokes, sculptors’ visions, and the artistic interpretation of photographers, potters and others.

“There is something new to be seen on every visit,” Byrn says. “A lot of the collection is moved around. A visitor can see 1,200 objects on display every day.”

When the museum opened in 1979, its collection numbered at 224 works of art. Today, the collection includes more than 6,400 permanent pieces. New pieces that add to the story of American art are still being added to the collection, Byrn says. He likens the MMAA experience to a library.

“You don’t go to the library and read all the books at once,” he says. In his view, the MMAA represents the hub of intelligent life, the same way a library stimulates thoughts and perspectives.

The Spotlight Exhibit, one of Byrn’s programming ideas, features an artist who is known locally or regionally. The artist selected for the spotlight may be someone who entered the annual juried art competition in the fall, or someone with talent living within a 24-county radius.

For example, Walkerton potter Tom Meuninck occupies one of the eight galleries in the museum. A retired teacher, Meuninck’s work has been exhibited at other museums in the region, and his family shares the artist designation with him.

From the Thursday Gallery Talks at noon, to exhibits featuring the best work from art students in the four Elkhart-area high schools and local artists throughout Michiana, Byrn sees the MMAA’s mission as meeting four criteria. Art museums large and small, he says, collect unique and original objects, exhibit these, educate those who come to see the objects, and present these to the public.

“Art has to be enjoyed in person,” Byrn says.

The MMAA is located in downtown Elkhart at 429 South Main Street. It is open all year. For more information including hours and admission details, visit midwestmuseum.org or call 574-293-6660.

TOPPING DENTAL GROUP MAKES SMILES LAST

his team make sure that is not the case when you set foot in their doors.

for more than 21 years. Fast-forward to today, and Topping Dental has expanded to two additional locations in Elkhart and Middlebury, where Dr. Phillip Jakubowicz is located.

Dr. Stephanie Topping is also a part of the Topping Dental family. She initially got involved by working in the public health field for five years. She went on to attend counseling classes to help juvenile sex offenders. After traveling to Mexico with Brian, she developed a passion for helping the underprivileged. That compassion drove her to become the practice manager, and she currently operates out of the Nappanee office.

When Topping Dental Group opened their doors in 2002, they knew they wanted to do things a little differently. Although many people do not look forward to the dentist, often due to misconceptions, Dr. Brian Topping and

The first Topping Dental office was opened by Topping, who began practicing in 1998. In 2002 he opened his first office in Nappanee, and has continued offering a variety of services out of that location

Their unique approach to dental care begins with a focus on the highest-quality customer service. From the moment you walk in, you will be greeted by smiling

and tons more from our current suppliers

Writer / Ali Snyder

Photographer / Kari Lipscomb

faces and personable staff members who make you feel like family.

Whether you are 3 or 93, Topping Dental can assist you and your family with all your dental needs in a warm, personal environment. The team provides specialized dental care and has helped thousands of families achieve sound oral health. Through the years they have developed a reputation as one of the most family-friendly and innovative dental clinics in the Michiana area. The doctors continue to provide the highest quality of dentistry for patients by pursuing continuing-education courses.

Patients come from the local area and surrounding counties to experience the unique approach to dental care. Their state-of-the-art facility houses top-of-theline equipment and a relaxed, comfortable environment. Their wide variety of treatment options include traditional crowns, bridges, botox, fillers, whitening,

extractions, and primary dental care.

Some of the specialty services include Invisalign, implants, dentures, mouth guards, orthodontics and much more. You can find a full list of their extensive services on their website.

The staff is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to dental hygiene, and is even able to direct you in what type of toothbrush, toothpaste and bristle size to

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use. There is no question too big or too small for the team to help you navigate the best plan for your dental health.

Whatever location you choose, you’ll find a large staff to help you with your needs. Throughout the course of the practice, the company has grown to more than 35 members in total. Team members have said that the most rewarding part of running a clinic is when patients tell them it is the best dental practice they have ever been to.

“There are various reasons each team member has pursued a career in dentistry,” Stephanie Topping says. “Most say they enjoy the smile the patients have after their treatment is complete.”

Many people get nervous during their visit. Whether you are young or old, Topping Dental will make you feel comfortable with their approach to dental care. The neighborly feel will put you at ease, no matter what the procedure is.

The next time you or a family member are in need of dental care, consider choosing Topping Dental. You can find more information on the wide variety of unique services they offer at drtopping.com, or by calling one of their three locations. They can also be found on Facebook @ toppingdentalgroup.

STYLE SAVVY

THE FANCY FARM GIRL IN SHIPSHEWANA IS THE REALIZATION OF ITS OWNER’S LONGTIME DREAM

Life flows differently in Shipshewana, Indiana.

It isn’t only something you notice through sight. It’s just as much about a feeling, one that exudes warmth and hospitality. It’s one of the many reasons that Erin Schwartz chose this town to create a boutique known as The Fancy Farm Girl.

Located on the upper level of Yoder’s Red Barn Shoppes near downtown Shipshewana, the store is a welcome addition to an environment that thrives on the principles of simplicity.

Schwartz, a native of LaGrange County, is fully embracing the realization of a longtime dream. She was raised in nearby Topeka, where her family’s farming background was intertwined with strong lessons of the Christian

Writer / Amy Lant-Wenger Photographer / Kari Lipscomb

Owner Erin Schwartz

Manufactured Home, Residential Supplies & Hardware

42,000 Sq. Ft. Full Line All Retail Hardware Store.

Sliding Patio Doors for Mobile Homes ∙ Showers ∙ Sinks ∙ Bathtubs Windows ∙ Doors ∙ Mattresses ∙ Plumbing ∙ Faucets ∙Bulk Screws

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Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm Saturday 8:00am-1:00pm 260-593-2769

5995 W. 200 S Topeka, IN 46571 At the 4-way stop in Emma

faith. After spending some time in the field of education followed by a stint in home sales, Schwartz was able to work alongside, and cultivate friendships with, Nate and Maggie Schwartz, who were affiliated with the Shipshewana-based shop Vintage Home. “Maggie has been my business mentor, and I’ve been learning so much from her,” Schwartz says.

When a crossroads became evident for Schwartz and she realized she could finally bring her dream to fruition, it was actually her father who came up with the name of the business. It’s a perfect branding description of the ambience and style of merchandise that Schwartz was inspired to offer - apparel and accessories with a modern yet modest flair, touched with a flourish of sass. “Down-home and trendy” is how Schwartz describes her clothing. One of the hottest-selling items of the season, she notes, is long denim skirts.

The Fancy Farm Girl swapped space with the adjacent Lotions and Potions store in January, allowing Schwartz to enlarge and enhance the space. Currently, the shop carries women’s apparel, accessories, jewelry, and home decor items. Many of the items are designed and created by local artisans.

Schwartz is planning to add menswear and children’s clothing very soon as well. Schwartz is very aware of the notion that her success is quite unique, in that the opportunity came about during the

early months of the COVID pandemic. In a time when most institutions were forced to close indefinitely or greatly reduce their operations, her business actually tripled. The astonishment is still overwhelming to Schwartz.

“I didn’t open those doors, God did,” she says.

Schwartz also found a spiritual influence, which gave her a nudge to increase her profile to a more national audience. A serendipitous visit to the boutique from a relative of Rory Feek left enough of an impression that Schwartz was invited to participate in the Homestead Festival in Columbia, Tennessee. Schwartz was one of several vendors at Hardison Mill, which is located on Feek’s historic farm. In a bittersweet turn of events, Schwartz’s booth was situated close to the grove of trees that shelters the final resting place of Feek’s late wife, Joey, who was his singing partner until her passing in 2016.

Schwartz was also thrilled to be in the same arena as actor Kevin Costner and his band, Modern West. Photos of Schwartz’s adventures in Tennessee are featured prominently in her office.

With the arrival of spring, Schwartz is eager to showcase her store’s newest lines of fashion and accessories. To that end, she is inviting everyone to their upcoming open house, to be held on May 12 and 13. There will be discounts, drawings and special giveaways. The staff is also eager to continue its involvement with community events such as Power of the Purse & Wallet, which raises money to provide meals for children of families facing financial hardships.

The Fancy Farm Girl is located at 447 South Van Buren Street, just south of downtown Shipshewana. Visit the shop on Facebook and Instagram.

PROVIDING LAKE WAWASEE WITH GREAT FOOD AND ENTERTAINMENT

1116 S. Harkless Dr. Syracuse, IN 46567

574-457-4324

Known as the “institution of sorts”, The Frog Tavern has served Lake Wawasee for almost 90 years. The 70 foot SS Lillypad double decker 110 passenger yacht is available for birthday, anniversary and corporate parties as well as weddings ceremonies and wedding receptions while cruising around the largest natural lake in Indiana!

Smoked to Perfection

Smo’que Break in Rochester Is Fast Becoming a Savory Success

Through his own admission and recollection, Brett Lukens has literally grown up in the restaurant business.

Having lived his entire life in north-central Indiana, he also understands the unique sense of Midwestern camaraderie, the open and genial candor of folks when gathered together. And he certainly knows that the beauty and bounty of a wellcrafted, sumptuous meal spread can tie an event together unlike anything else.

Now he is poised to forge full-steam ahead with one of his latest culinary ventures, which he calls Smo’que Break. The Rochester-based business is geared up and ready to give customers a taste of savory, saucy barbecued meats, all

Writer / Amy Lant-Wenger

Photographer / Jubilee Edgell

Brett & Erica Lukens

“We love starting fires, smoking meat, and slinging ‘que.”

- Brett Lukens

prepared and primed in-house.

“It’s a culmination of the last eight, nine years,” Lukens says. “We’ve always had a barbecue identity and I’ve always thought that Rochester needed a good barbecue place.”

Located in the former Slappy’s Rib Shack, one of the more whimsical, albeit genuine taglines for the business is, “We love starting fires, smoking meat, and slinging ‘que.”

Hence the clever name, and it’s quite a long

way from Lukens’s younger years, spent washing dishes for his uncle, who managed a string of Pizza King eateries.

Presently, Smo’que Break features a line of meats and side dishes available through catering. However, for those who would like a dining experience in a traditional restaurant setting, the meats can also be ordered at The Dam Landing on Lake Manitou, as well as Lake Max Beach Bar in Culver, along the shores of Lake Maxinkuckee.

Lukens has observed that the most popular

selection, and what Smo’que Break has a rapidly rising following for, is their take on brisket. Their barbecue is available in several variations of regional flair such as Texas, St. Louis and Memphis, along with ribs, smoked turkey and other choices.

Lukens also takes pride in crafting all of the rubs and sauces that are incorporated into the smoking process. Furthermore, he knew that it would be equally important to bring that same level of exquisite, careful preparation into their additional menu items as well. “We knew that we wanted to have good, fresh sides,” he says. Among the toptier selections that have become customer favorites are the kale Caesar salad and the roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon jam.

Like so many others who work with the public in the retail sectors, Lukens has seen firsthand how COVID and the subsequent lockdown resulted in a sense of isolation and reduction in patronage for casual dining. And while Smo’que Break is striving

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to become a formidable force in catering and beyond, Lukens is just as devoted to volunteering in the civic realm, lending his time and talents to worthwhile causes, and helping folks reconnect and strengthen community bonds. One of his recent missions was a fundraising event for The Times Theater, where guests could savor the many flavors of Smo’que Break while watching a retro double feature of “Porky’s” and “National Lampoon’s Animal House.”

Lukens is very quick to observe that the recent surge of success would never have been possible without a dedicated group of friends and their collective support, including Josh Phillips, Dave Swanson, Trey Voan and Travis Thompson.

Smo’que Break is situated at 614 East 9th Street in Rochester. They can be found on Facebook, and reached via email at ghostcatering@gmail.com. Customers may call 574-223-7427 for more info.

Chloe Boor, L.E.

Rock Solid

NORTH STAR STONE ADDS STYLE AND VALUE TO EVERY PROJECT

Eric Snyder slides into a booth and orders a cup of coffee, while meeting with an inquisitive writer who wants to hear the tale of how North Star Stone, Inc. came to be.

While chatting, Snyder is amiable and

speaks with cool composure, even when he has sufficient reason to shout gleefully from every rooftop. Business is on the upswing, and the future looks exciting and brimming with promise. Success has come about through four generations of hard work and heritage, which is a testament to a traditional entrepreneurial model.

However, Snyder will tell you that establishing a rapport with prospective clients seeking fine, custom masonry work does not involve being a salesman. In fact, he’s been known to tell his staff, “If you want to treat people like a salesperson, I will fire you.”

“We choose to be honest,” he says. “We’re basically a bunch of country guys who

Writer / Amy Lant-Wenger

Photographer / Jubilee Edgell

Caitlyn Smeltzer, Todd Snyder, Eric Snyder, JT Snyder, John Holt L to R Front: Ciara Partin, Lisa Peschel-Peters, Ron Michaels

want to be treated with the same respect we grew up with.” Additionally, Snyder and staff believe the customer’s needs and ideas always come first. “I don’t want anyone leaving here 90% happy,” he says. “I want them to leave 100% happy.”

North Star Stone has been a regional frontrunner in stone construction since 2001, and Snyder became the owner in 2022. It’s an admirable trajectory from his days as something of an amateur, working alongside a pair of hobbyist friends who were creating stonework using molds and a hand mixer. “My brother, father and I started out laying their stone,” he says.

“From the beginning, we were there.” The company works with commercial contractors, homeowners and virtually anyone in between, with a coverage area throughout northern Indiana and southern Michigan. Some of the most high-profile and enduring projects include various chain restaurants, such

as Olive Garden, Culver’s, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell. They have also worked on apartment complexes and stonework landscaping at several local golf courses.

For residential services, homeowners can visit the showroom in Valparaiso. Currently, there are plans to unveil a second showroom in the Cedar Lake region. North Star Stone works directly with contractors for whatever level of expertise is needed, from initial consultations to job site visits, all while ensuring that the customer has the ultimate say in materials and design. The company offers 17 styles in any color, all of which can be incorporated into a wide range of configurations. Another advantage the company has lies in the fact that the materials and formulations of the stone are completed entirely in-house at their central Valparaiso location. The material is created from recycled aggregate, combined with Portland cement and enhanced with iron

oxide for a natural range of hues, which results in a product of durable build and low-maintenance texture. Having the capability to create their own stone is a tremendous incentive for contractors, particularly during a time when construction is often hindered by delays in material shipping and delivery. North Star Stone can provide those supplies directly to the consumer.

“Most of the people that supply stone had to wait eight weeks or so,” Snyder says.

“We can turn it around in a day or so.” As a result, he notes, North Star Stone has had a substantial influx of business in the past decade.

When not working, Snyder is extremely involved in community pursuits, particularly sports. His greatest athletic passion is baseball, and he is always fully invested in related activities with his wife and children. His son, J.T., works in sales

for North Star Stone, rising up through the ranks much like his father. Having that sense of sportsmanship gives Snyder and his staff a keen sense of team play,

and their customers are very much a part of that winning combination. So much so, in fact, that their official website, ourstonehome.com, reflects that spirit.

North Star Stone, Inc. is located at 325 North 325 East in Valparaiso. They can be reached via phone at 219-464-7272, or by email at info@ourstonehome.com.

Alejandro Chavez, Steve Finley, Ryan Marron, Mychal Ferrell, Zach Carbone, Anthony Segovia, Joe Kabelis

PLANTING

As a child, I despised weeding the garden. It was hot, dirty, and often had lots of bugs and spiders. It seemed like a never-ending task, fighting against nature, weeds and roots constantly. Then once the soil was clear and fertilized, and seeds planted, it felt like forever before anything happened.

As a little girl I can recall wondering why my grandmother was watering dirt. I couldn’t see what was happening. I couldn’t see the growth. But underneath the ground that little seed was growing, eventually bursting from the soil and sprouting into a seedling with a few leaves and a stem. That seedling seems so delicate, so fragile. Sometimes she would tie small stakes around it to keep it upright, or use wires to keep animals away. Then after some time, with water and sunlight that seedling blossoms and can become a flower, or maybe distinct fruits and vegetables begin to appear, as if from magic. As a child, this was hard to grasp at the time - that something so small and seemingly insignificant could grow into something so extraordinary.

As an adult, I can still marvel at the miracle of gardening and planting seeds, and while I don’t enjoy weeding, it doesn’t bother me as much as it did when I was a child (except for the spiders, of course). I play

Writer / Abby Renz Photography Provided

music, wear my overalls, and enjoy the sunshine and the beauty of nature.

It has also become a wonderful way for me to spend time with my grandmother and continue learning from her, while helping her to still enjoy having a garden and share the harvest until I have a garden of my own. I have found, through becoming an adult, that many previously dreaded tasks aren’t as bad as I remembered them. I used to drag my feet, ever the sassy teen, not wanting to weed and plant and roast in the sun for the summer. Now, I voluntarily go to my grandmother’s place on my day off to help with her garden, with a smile on my face, happy to play in the dirt. Not only can I appreciate the labor that goes into gardening, but I can also enjoy the harvest when cooking for my own family and the memories I make with my grandmother.

Too often we spend our summers indoors, in front of air conditioning and a screen, and miss out on the beauty of the outside world. Yes, it does get hot in Indiana. It can be miserable. But it is what you make it, and if you choose to make the most of where you live, you can enjoy it and find fulfillment in making your environment more desirable. Add flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds, set up bird feeders, make a little reading nook with a bench, or add a pond.

Not only does planting your own garden benefit your health, but it also saves money from buying produce at stores. To be honest, such produce isn’t always the best, and with harmful ingredients and pesticides added, it can become a real scare for families trying to keep their children healthy. Speaking of which, children can benefit from helping to plant seeds and care for them, understanding where some of their food comes from, and having a sense of ownership and responsibility.

Whether you have a small garden with only a few flowers and herbs or a large garden with crops, you are taking charge of your health and what goes into your land and into your body. Here at New Kitchen Store, not only can you order seeds, but you can also find the perfect items for your kitchen to make your house feel like home.

New Kitchen Store is located at 330 Liberty Street in Walkerton. For more info, call 574-586-2745 or visit newkitchenstore.com.

Sensible Supplies

Dream’n Acres Prides

Itself on Non-GMO Animal Feeds Among Other Farm Necessities

Writer / Amy Lant-Wenger

Photography Provided

On a recent weekday morning in the Nappanee countryside, the promise of spring is in the air. Hints of color are popping in the trees and through the fields, and a perfect sunrise adds a pastel-tinted glow to a cloudless blue sky.

Meanwhile, Vernon Borkholder is already the embodiment of the “rise and shine” philosophy. At his family enterprise,

known as Dream’n Acres, even when the day is just beginning, there are situations that demand his attention. Even so, he moves seamlessly from one task to the next, all with a finely honed sense of knowledge for his profession, which spans nearly 22 years. The one constant throughout is Borkholder’s commitment to the practice and sale of non-GMO feeds for farm animals.

The humble origins that led to Dream’n Acres dates back to 2001, when Borkholder was first engaged in selling dewormers and horse minerals.

Just a few years later, Borkholder married his bride, Rachel, and in 2008 the couple purchased a small lot near Rentown and expanded their business to include horse feed, liniments and other products. In 2013 the Borkholders moved to their current location near Nappanee.

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Their farmstead is humming with activity, with a thriving dairy operation, along with a new distribution center for the sales and repair of fencing, plus a broader spectrum of inventory for animal nutrition and minor health afflictions.

“We’ve grown the store slow,” Borkholder explains with a smile. “The non-GMO feeds have been a hit. The lifestyle is more my cup of tea. I really want to get it out there that all of our animal feeds are non-GMO.” This is part of what he calls an “elite nutrition” regimen. That includes a full and diverse line of feeds, supplements and minerals that can be incorporated into an animal’s diet. There are also specialty formulas that can aid with gut issues, and other digestive woes or vitamin deficiencies. Dogs, cats, sheep, goats, hogs, chickens, cows, horses - if it’s an animal that can roam a farm, Dream’n Acres is almost certain to have products in stock for it. They will also work with their customers to provide delivery services, free for local buyers. Others from a longer distance are invited to call for delivery info and to obtain rates.

The introduction of fencing to the business is something that, while relatively new, has been a welcome addition to Dream’n Acres. As the success has grown, so has the Borkholder family, which now includes eight children.

Several of the older children assist with the daily execution of the business, including the eldest daughter who takes on clerical tasks, while a few of the adolescents handle various errands around the property. “We used to have maybe three customers a week, and now

we have 10 or so a day,” Borkholder says.

Late in the month of April, prospective customers will have the perfect chance to pay a visit to Dream’n Acres to see everything that the business encompasses. There will be an open house on April 27 and 28 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., and on April 29 from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Discounts, special sales and closeout items will be stocked for perusal, and guests will be able to sample free refreshments, enter for a chance to win door prizes, and receive news regarding upcoming sales. Those who spend a minimum of $150 will also receive a complimentary door prize.

To stop by Dream’n Acres, head over to 401 2B Road on the far western edge of Nappanee, south of the railroad tracks. To learn more or to make inquiries, call 574-773-0090.

ANCHORED BY EXCELLENCE

SandShark Anchor Products Give Boaters and Beachgoers Peace of Mind

designed anchoring systems and anchor accessories for boats.

stand, or at least make the attempt. “When we would get to the stand, we could see our boat coming unanchored and crashing to the shore,” the Mattixes recount on the business’s website.

To solve this problem, Duane designed an effective anchor for shallow water, beaches and sandbars. The anchoring system allows boaters to enjoy their time on the water without worrying about their anchor coming loose. The anchor drills into the ground using a screw auger.

Necessity, it is said, is the mother of invention. That adage seems to be true as it applies to SandShark Anchor in Plymouth. This family-owned and -operated business was established in 2009 by Duane and Susan Mattix, and features specially

As Marshall County natives, the Mattixes spent many enjoyable weekends on Lake Maxinkuckee in Culver, boating or simply enjoying the sandbar and the beach. One favorite pursuit was to anchor their boat at the beach and cross the road to the root beer

“Once drilled in, water holds down the sand and creates a suction to prevent the anchor from pulling out,” he says. “It gives tremendous holding power and gives you peace of mind.”

He named the product SandShark because, as he says, “there’s nothing stronger in the water than a shark’s bite. Metal made the shaft strong. We designed our anchors to

Writer / Lois Tomaszewski

Photographer / Jubilee Edgell

Left to Right Brandon Mattix- Product Research Development/Marketing and Shop Manager Andy Smith-Ebay/Social Media Marketing and General Manager. Duane Mattix-Owner/CEO Derek MattixSocial Media/Internet Marketing Specialist Mike Sayer-Former Internet Ma

not break off in the water.”

The Mattixes say there were challenges with starting a business based on the need to find a better way to anchor their boat. Building customer awareness was one issue, and designing innovative products while also keeping the cost down for consumers was another.

With the addition of engineer and jet-ski enthusiast Jeff Steininger to the company in 2016, SandShark Anchor has continued to grow. Steininger became a third partner in 2018. Their product line has expanded, as the company continues to design and refine new and effective marine products.

“We wanted to bring out products that would not only complement the anchors, but be the same high-quality products as the anchors,” Duane says. “We found over time that auger-style anchors work exceptionally well with a bungee line.”

Duane Mattix-Owner/CEO & Susan Mattix-Owner/COO

The effective pairing of the SandShark anchor with a bungee line works because the bungee line breaks the wave to put less pressure on your anchor and your boat. The buoy was designed to mark the anchor’s location, so it can be found easily and so boaters can easily spot the anchor’s position. “Over time we have added other boating accessories to make the time out on the water a great one,” Duane says.

SandShark sells all the necessary anchoring supplies such as dock lines, bungee lines, carabiner clips, buoys, and other accessories not reliant on owning a watercraft, such as dry bags, waterproof phone cases, boat erasers, snorkel masks and emergency air horns.

Last year the Premium Boat Fender was added, and a deepwater anchor has also been developed and is part of the SandShark family of products. It is an all-aluminum, retractable, fluke-style anchor.

Regular Hours: Thurs-Fri-Sat 10am-4pm

Not only do we have antiques... we have old stuff, new stuff, furniture, costume jewelry, local crafted soaps, collectibles, candles, jams, jellies and don’t forget some downright ugly stuff!

“Our priorities are making high-quality products that protect people’s investments, not only of their boat, but of their time,” Susan says. “No one wants their day ruined by worrying about their boat floating away.” Their customer-service philosophy is simply to provide their customers with a

quality product and overall satisfaction.

“We take care of customer service in-house,” Duane says. “SandShark Anchor strives to take the time needed to understand the needs of each unique customer and meet their expectations.”

SandShark products are available online at sandsharkanchor.com, through eBay, Amazon and Walmart, and at select marinas in the Midwest. The owners caution that some of their products are bought and sold independently online. Buying directly from a SandShark store will guarantee quality and warranty, Duane says.

In addition to Duane and Susan, the couple’s sons, Brandon and Derek, also work for the company. Andy Smith and Kathy Koontz are Susan’s cousins, and are also part of the SandShark team.

“We are very blessed to have had consistent growth over the last many years,” Susan says. “We give God the credit for that.”

To find out more about these products, visit the official website, call 574-203-2377 or email support@sandsharkanchor.com. You can also follow the company on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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JAG’S COUNTRY DELIGHTS OFFERS HIGH QUALITY TOMATOES

Jeff and Amy Jagnecki, co-owners of Jag’s Country Delights, 10241 King Road, Plymouth, Indiana, say their business started out as an enjoyable hobby that has served them well.

“We started saving seeds some 20 years ago, and started our own plants,” Jeff Jagnecki says. “In the saving seeds effort, I discovered a tomato called a Trophy Tomato. I grew it, and when I tried my first bite of the first tomato from this plant, I was blown away with its flavor and have never grown a hybrid tomato since.”

The Jagneckis love for fresh vegetables eventually led them to share their plants.

“We always ended up with more plants than what we needed from all of our starts, so we would give them to our family and friends,” he says. “Our family and friends loved how our plants turned out and

Writer / Matt Keating Photography Provided

kept encouraging us to start selling them to the general public. So, after using a makeshift display stand and a simple sign at the end of the road, we started to sell our plants. One thing led to another, and we found that we had to go legit.”

So, they created Jag’s Country Delights. “We started with one greenhouse, and we built a second one at the end of last year,” Jeff says. “We are currently pursuing the idea of some added means and methods

that will allow us to venture into the organic produce market. This will help us serve our community with not only quality plants, but also quality fresh produce.”

Amy Jagnecki says their greenhouse set up is simple.

“The original greenhouse will be used to house all the pepper plants,” Amy says. “I’m already calling it ‘The Pepper Hut’

since we have built the new one. It is intended for our abundant overflow of heirloom vegetable plants that we offer in the spring.”

Jeff added that they can now house their 42+ varieties of heirloom tomato plants along with other heirloom veggie plants to protect them from a late freeze and hard frost.

“We finally took down our temporary

Jeff and Amy Jagnecki

structure that aided in winning our continuing fight with mother nature,” Jeff says.

Jag’s Country Delights does not currently offer much in other plants and does not offer flowers.

“We may offer sweet potato slips, strawberry starts and onion starts and other bare root stocks when available,” Jeff says. “We do, however, offer up a

large variety of garden seeds such as green beans, multiple squash, dry pole and bush beans, ornamental corn, lettuce, radish and so on.”

The heirloom vegetable plants at Jag’s Country Delights

“We are proud to say that we offer up probably the largest and widest range of heirloom vegetable plants in the region,” Jeff says. “We have over 42 varieties

of tomatoes and pepper plants among many varieties of other heirloom plants including the seeds. We have tomatoes from the size of currents to beef steak. The German pink is my favorite BLT making tomato!”

Jag’s also offers a wide range of peppers from the super sweet to the peppers that Jeff says, “will melt the face of your skull.” He added that he’s kidding.

“We actually have warning signs up for them,” Jeff says. “We have the socalled world’s hottest pepper called the ‘Carolina Reaper,’ but we also have the ‘Dragons Breath Pepper.’ Amy really does an awesome job of researching and selecting new varieties of heirloom vegetable from different regions of the United States, and including other countries throughout the world, that will work in our northern Indiana climate. It truly is amazing.”

Amy and Jeff tell all their customers to tell others that if they want to have a vegetable garden, to please tell them to come to Jag’s Country Delights.

“We also let them know where to go for other plants and flowers,” Amy says.

Jag’s Country Delights typically opens on Mother’s Day weekend and shuts down by Father’s Day.

“We are open during this period from 9 a.m., to 6 p.m., throughout the entire week,” Jeff says. “We put up simple black and white yard signs that we take down at the end of season to help signal that we are closed for the season. However, if our endeavors work out on the production of produce, we may have to consider other means of letting everyone know we will be open throughout the entire growing season.”

Jeff and Amy also offer gardening tips. “While we are open, we don’t limit ourselves to just selling the products that we produce from the seed to the tomato plants we offer,” Jeff says. “We also offer gardening tips and advice from our experiences throughout the years. We do this so that others do not have to fail but succeed with their garden.”

Amy and Jeff have pointers regarding bad bugs and good bugs in a homeowner’s

garden, along with some pest control ideas.

“We have found ourselves speaking with our customers for a long bit of time as if we are long lost friends,” Jeff says. “We usually have music going in the background, and maybe I have our smoker working on creating a great dinner, while I’m working our garden. Meanwhile, Amy is tending to our customers. I will at times go over what I’m planting, and why I’m planting it the way I am with customers. It’s like a mini tour of our one-acre garden.”

Check out Jag’s Country Delights, 10241 King Road, Plymouth, Indiana, to peruse everything they have to offer, or call (574) 540-3048, or check out their Facebook page.

WINE WONDERS A Sensational Experience Awaits at Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant

There is an appeal in enjoying a glass of wine, on a patio overlooking a vineyard, or while enjoying a delicious meal in a restaurant with impeccable service. There’s no need to travel to Italy or France for that experience, when a drive across the state line to Michigan can transport you there.

Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant is in Buchanan, Michigan. Part of Moersch Hospitality Group and one of six properties that make up the Sip & Savor Wine Trail, Tabor Hill has been perfecting the art of winemaking for more than 50 years.

“Between all of our sister properties, Round Barn Winery & Estate, Free Run Cellars, and Round Barn Brewery & Public House, we have created our own Sip & Savor Wine Trail,” says Owner and CEO Matthew Moersch. “We invite guests to discover the flavors of southwest Michigan. There is something for everyone between all six properties and their unique offerings. From fresh brews to artisan wines to handcrafted spirits, there is always something new to try along the trail.”

Tabor Hill is a homecoming of sorts for Moersch. In 1979, founder Rick Moersch got his start as a winemaker. After developing winemaking expertise and establishing other wineries and vineyards, Moersch Hospitality Group purchased Tabor Hill in 2017. The Tabor Hill brand now includes the winery, restaurant and wedding venue.

Writer / Lois Tomaszewski Photography Provided

“Whether you are looking to join us for a tasting or to settle into the restaurant and indulge in a meal expertly paired with our award-winning wines, watching the sunset over the vineyard, we promise visiting us is an experience like no other,” Moersch says.

Tabor Hill offers 30 different varieties of wines, including multiple selections of demi-secs, cabernet Franc, albariño and chardonnay. Each of these has unique

properties and characteristics that have a fan base of their own, and are crafted from grape varieties encompassing the sweetest whites to the driest reds.

The bestsellers and fan favorites are the demi-sec varieties, Moersch says. He describes these as ranging from “fruitforward flavors of the Blueberry Demi-Sec to the light and bubbly Sparkling Demi-Sec. There is truly one for every occasion.”

The staff pick for a dry red wine is the Cabernet Franc. It is aged in oak for 20 months, which shows up in aromas of coconut and leather, Moersch says. “At 0% residual sugar, this dry wine also sports a medium body and smooth tannins. Mild green-pepper flavors are balanced by notes of raspberry and strawberry.

Next are the albariño varieties, which boast light, tropical aromas with hints of grapefruit and cantaloupe. These are fermented and aged in stainless steel,

resulting in a dry white wine with a mildpalate tannin and crisp acidity on the finish, Moersch says.

The chardonnay selections are noteworthy for their aromas of honeydew melon and baked apple, with a hint of Medjool date, almond butter, toasted oak and vanilla. “Our chardonnay is soft and full-bodied with a long, creamy finish, making it the perfect all-season sipper,” Moersch says.

“Joining us for a wine tasting is the perfect way to sit back, relax and let us do the uncorking for you, all while having an expert on hand to answer any questions you may have,” he says.

Several Tabor Hill wines have earned awards at local, regional and national competitions. A tasting allows guests to sample a variety of wines of their own choosing or from one of the winery’s preselected flights.

“Our Lake Michigan shore winery was designed with every kind of wine lover in mind,” Moersch says. “With our expert tasting consultants on hand, indulging in one of our 30 varieties has never been easier.”

In addition to the opportunities to wine and dine at Tabor Hill, guests can experience themed events such as guided wine tastings, specialty lunches, and dinners hosted at the restaurant. Tabor Hill also hosts private events and weddings at both the restaurant and the grounds of the vineyard.

Guests can also explore the Mt. Tabor Trails, a 3.5-mile excursion that loops through woods and vineyards. To take the winery experience to the next level, Tabor Hill offers guests a sip-and-stay option at several sites that offer accommodations.

Tabor Hill is open year-round for wine tastings and restaurant service, with the

busiest times from May through October. The winery and restaurant are located at 185 Mount Tabor Road in Buchanan, Michigan. For more information, visit taborhill.com or call 269-422-1161. Sign up for the mailing list or follow Tabor Hill on social media.

IT’S ONLY NATURAL

Wellfield Botanic Gardens Gives Visitors an Immersive Experience

Imagine taking a former brownfield toxic site and transforming it into a tranquil, fertile and serene place for people of all ages to enjoy. Wellfield Botanic Gardens in Elkhart is that special place - one that nurtures the earth as well as the soul.

“Our mission is to create that perfect situation where we are connecting people

to their environment,” says Eric Garton, the Robert and Peggy Weed executive director for Wellfield.

The fourfold mission of Wellfield is illustrating the relationship of water to life, celebrating artistic creation and education, fostering stewardship of the earth’s resources and growing community engagement. All these components build

a better community and quality of life, Garton says.

Wellfield Botanic Gardens was formerly the location of the city’s public water supply. It is owned by the City of Elkhart and leased to the Wellfield nonprofit organization. It is still an active well site that supplies 70% of the city’s water supply. The air towers on-site are still

Writer & Photographer / Lois Tomaszewski

operational in filtering much of the water for the city - a task that is done naturally by the gardens for the water that comes from there.

The gardens are changing and their footprint on Elkhart continues to grow. Garton has seen the annual budget triple in the eight years he has led the organization, and he is looking ahead, planning a future expansion.

Even if Wellfield did not expand or improve, it would still be the kind of place that draws people in. Paved pathways provide a safe, pedestrian-only experience on trails that circle a pond, meander along Christiana Creek, and introduce visitors to a variety of plants and gardens.

A native plant garden is one of the newer areas yet to be developed. This area of the gardens will showcase the types of plants that are native to the area, and how they can be used in landscaping.

The information has become exceedingly popular, Garton says.

One of the most rewarding activities that comes from the community’s interaction with Wellfield is the experience of learning about the earth and gardening. By using native plants and associated techniques, gardening becomes more enjoyable, he says.

“We strive to teach people you don’t have to work so hard in the garden if you place the right plant in the right place,” Garton says.

Wellfield is also taking part in the protection of endangered wetlands plants. Five endangered species are grown in Wellfield’s greenhouses and included in the park landscaping. Garton says these plants are not identified, to protect the plants and preserve them for the future.

From the Japanese-inspired Island Garden

to the whimsical children’s play area, Wellfield is all about bringing people together. Last year 75,000 visits to the gardens were logged, including guests who attended some of the annual events like Taste of the Gardens, the summer concert series, and the holiday lights display.

“People come here for many different reasons,” Garton says.

Frequent visitors include families with young children who want to let their kids explore the outdoors. Visitors can include people who are interested in plants, whether for their own landscaping or to simply learn the scientific names and characteristics.

Yoga is a common activity on the grounds, as are experiences in art, food and music.

When it comes to activities, Garton hopes the community considers Wellfield a place that embraces everyone. There are story times designated every Tuesday beginning in May, and a Saturday program for preschoolers every Saturday in June.

Lectures, concerts and educational programs fill up Wellfield’s calendar every month.

Wellfield Botanic Gardens is located at 1011 North Main Street in Elkhart. For additional details including hours and admission info, visit wellfieldgardens. org, call 574-266-2006, or email info@ wellfieldgardens.org.

Writer / Matt Keating

Photography Provided

Jared Drake, owner of Drake’s Wildlife Services, 7950 W. 615 S., Topeka, Indiana, says providing top notch service to his customers is what has enabled him to make his business a success.

“I started out building houses, and also trapping animals as a hobby for a few years,” Drake says. “I was looking for something else to do, other than work on RVs, because I didn’t feel like I was doing anything that impacted anyone. I wanted to be able to have a career that would benefit people.”

Drake also knew there was a big demand to get rid of unwanted animals inside or outside a home.

“The business started when my wife and I were sitting outside and talking about if people in the area had enough animal problems to the degree that it made sense to start a business,” Drake says. “She was very beneficial to me. She made me see that there is a market for these services out there.

I took all the proper classes, got licensed and then opened my business. We still do training with employees very frequently because although we have had fantastic success, we want to make sure we bring top notch service to all our customers.”

Drake notes that his business offers a wide variety of services.

“We offer attic remediation, where we remove old insulation, sanitize the area and put in the new insulation,” he says. “We

Jared Drake

also offer the trapping of all nuisance animals and the removal of animals. When the trapping doesn’t make sense, we use a catchpole to get the animal, or another method.”

Drake’s Wildlife Services also offers the removal of dead animals.

“If a deer gets hit from the road into your yard, or dies on your beach, then we can come and pick it up,” Drake says. “We also do animal cleanup. Pigeons may make an absolute mess of a building, so we can get that cleaned and sanitized, after the birds are removed, of course.”

An exclusion service is also offered. “Exclusion is the sealing of any openings and the use of proper materials and equipment to keep animals out/off of your building,” Drake says. “Sometimes we need to cover attic vents or repair them so that a raccoon cannot re-enter. We also use equipment to deter birds from ever

Jared Drake, Madelyn Drake, and Family

returning. Some of our repairs include fixing the damage caused by animals to the exterior and interior of a home. Sometimes raccoons in an attic will tear down through drywall or up through the roof. We can get both things taken care of.”

Drake notes that his business can trap all kinds of animals.

“We can trap birds when necessary and all nuisance mammals,” he says. “We can also trap skunks, groundhogs, raccoons, opossum, squirrels, rats, mice, weasels, coyotes, beaver, muskrat, fox, squirrels, chipmunks, moles, voles, shrews and snakes.”

Drake added that his business typically deters birds with different methods instead of trappings because birds respond well to deterring,

“Trapping a bird like a goose or other federally protected species is a hassle, but

it can be done if necessary,” Drake says. “Bats are also not permanently trapped but removed with other methods. We use cage traps or live traps, where an animal is caught unharmed, and released elsewhere whenever possible.”

Drake notes that it is good to rely on experts.

“Trapping may seem simple, and you may have an instance of a raccoon that’s not too bright, and wants to only fill his belly, but most of the time it takes skill and knowledge to know what trail to use,” Drake says. “It also helps to know which trap to use. There are multiple sizes and configurations of live/ cage traps to use, and so on, to capture the animals. Trapping is the most common way.”

Drake makes sure the jobs are done as quickly as possible.

“Sometimes an animal may become stuck some place in a building, so then I go in with a catchpole (a stick with a snare on the end),

and I’m sure it’s not their favorite thing, but it beats them starving to death, or someone getting bit by trying to grab the animal by the hand.”

Drake added that it doesn’t cause any damage to the animal and there is only momentary discomfort.

“Catching bats involves a lot of sealing of a structure and other methods to allow the bats to leave,” Drake says. “If it’s one or two bats, I remove them by hand with a glove. Birds can be repelled with all kinds of deterrents, depending on the situation. They can be repelled from everything, from lawns to commercial buildings.”

Drake tells his customers that damage to a home or business can also be taken care of.

“If I do not have the knowledge to do it right, or simply need help, I will typically have Dayspring Construction LLC do it for me, and they do a fantastic job,” Drake says.

Drake added that homeowners need to get rid of pesky animals causing property damage.

“If you leave animals in their home, especially in your attic, it puts anyone in that home at risk for zoonotic diseases,” he says. “Some people think ‘Oh yes, I just have some cute bats or birds that have lived in my attic for years.’ Whereas the bats have been creating fecal matter buildup that can then create a fungus that can cause histoplasmosis if breathed in. If mammals come into your home and aren’t dealt with, they too can bring a list of diseases into the home. Along with bugs that have hitched a ride in on their fur.”

To find out more about Drake’s Wildlife Services, call (260) 215-5367, email them at drakeswildlifeservices@gmail. com; find them on Facebook at Drake’s Wildlife Services or on their website at drakeswildlife.com.

Wakeboards

Wakeboards

Water Skis

Water Skis

Inflatables

Inflatables

Floating Mats

Floating Mats

Paddle Boards

Paddle Boards

Kayaks

Kayaks

Life Jackets Highway 13 North Webster Highway 13 North Webster

Life Jackets

HOT TAKE

Husband-and-Wife Team Takes Ownership of Three Crowns Coffee in Warsaw

How would most folks define a traditional Midwestern culinary experience?

Would the narrative include various comfort foods, some uniquely homestyle inspired, like hand-spun noodles, sugar cream pies and Hoosier fries?

Or maybe images of county fairs come to mind, with visions of elephant ears, farm-fresh ice cream, and anything that can be made all the more delicious by way of a deep fryer.

While these scenarios are all typically accurate, Obadiah and Sarah Clemans are warmly inviting guests to come and experience another level of dining, one that takes many of those familiar customer favorites and gives them a refined and modern twist. The menu draws largely on gourmet, specialty coffees and authentic Japanese ramen, a “must try,” as described by Obadiah. The selections also include items such as craft sodas, baked goods, sandwiches, salads, and vegetariantailored entrées.

This husband-and-wife team has recently taken ownership of Three Crowns Coffee in Warsaw. While the original ownership first launched the shop back in 2013, Obadiah started his employment there in 2019, “simply looking to switch jobs,” as he recalls. During his earlier time there, however, he was entrusted with a project that allowed him to work with the previous owner, and his perspective was shifted a bit.

“The previous owner was looking for help with renovating the shop,” he says. “He and I worked through the summer to prepare the space for opening that winter. It was a lot of work that inspired me to look to purchase some part of the business, if not all of it.”

“My wife and I actually went to school for ministry and ended up owning a coffee shop,” he continues. Even so, their strong

Writer / Amy Lant-Wenger Photographer / Ali Snyder

connections to family and faith are woven like threads into the fabric of the shop’s environment. Maintaining the historic integrity of the building was, and continues to be, another realm of focus for the evolution of Three Crowns Coffee, as is the desire to provide a welcoming and thought-provoking atmosphere.

“Three Crowns Coffee is located in a renovated automotive garage,” Clemans explains. “We removed all of the car gear, from the lifts to the wrenches, cleaned the place up, and put a coffee bar in the middle of the cement room. During the nice weather, we open up the garage doors and enjoy the sounds of traffic and conversation.”

“For some reason, coffee shops always assume the ‘cozy’ vibes,” he continues. “However, Three Crowns Coffee typically morphs depending on the day. Some days, the lo-fi music brings the chill sounds to study. Other days, crunchy synth-wave music is playing in the shop and you get revved up before caffeine enters your system.” Although there might be a special selection on the menu that grows to become a customer favorite with each visit, each return will introduce diners to a new adventure.

Clemans is quick to laud his wife for her excellent managerial skills, and it is clear that they are bonded well as a business

partnership. “I am most skilled in the ability to learn anything that is put in front of me,” he says. “Sarah is gifted with numbers, and that has been a great boon. So when the blessed opportunity arose, I found myself learning.”

The couple is also fully committed to sparking a spirit of conversation and introspection, in which, quite possibly, the

MAKE HER MOTHER’S DAY SPECIAL

patrons are learning a thing or two as well. “The shop is certainly dedicated to not only serving quality coffee and ramen, but also group forms of philosophy, theology and the sciences - and all things nerd,” Clemans says.

In time, Three Crowns Coffee will likely change up some of the aesthetics of the shop with refreshed artwork, and there are plans

Adult and Kids Cornhole

to add some merchandise. Obadiah and Sarah have been awestruck by the kindness of the community as well. “The customers and community have been an outstanding blessing to the transition - a plethora of businessmen with tips for us as we learn, and coffee enthusiasts with drink ideas,” Clemans says. “One amazing gentleman let me use his leaf blower.”

Three Crowns Coffee is located at 941 North Detroit Street in Warsaw. Delivery, carry-out and dine-in options are all available, with outdoor seating as weather conditions allow. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram, and call 574-216-1655 for more info.

THE BUSINESS OF BUILDING

LEHMAN CONSTRUCTION REACHES 40 YEARS IN BUSINESS

Writer / Amy Lant-Wenger Photography Provided

However many ways there are to define what makes a house a home, there seems to always be one common thread. A home is a haven, a place in which those who are blessed to live there, and those who arrive as guests, will always feel welcome.

That sentiment carries over to the business realm as well. There is a sense of pride and ownership in being able to artfully present a gallery of goods and services. A well-executed design beckons prospective clients with a sense of wonder.

And wherever customers might fall on that spectrum of services, Lehman

Construction of Shipshewana is at the ready, with decades of innovation and ingenuity to foster that reputation.

Lehman Construction is marking its 40th anniversary this year. Founded in 1983 by Orie Lehman, the company is a designbuild construction business, and has become highly sought after by those who have a concept and a dream. If the idea dwells in the imagination, the artisans are there to build it to a reality.

Working in both residential and commercial sectors, Lehman

Construction can take on projects that rise from the ground up, as well as remodeling and renovation. “Our design theme is a rustic, modern blend,” says Amzie Lehman, of the firm’s owners.

“The way we build our houses, toy barns and renovations is, we take that same theme of the timeless craftsman skills and blend it with today’s most effective technology. We live Steve Jobs’s motto: ‘Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.’”

One of the most unique and aesthetically appealing construction methods that Lehman Construction uses is timber framing. The process involves using minimal beams and heavy timber to define a space with an open, airy feeling that simplifies the flow from one room to another. Rather than conceal the interlocking joints and pegs, they are instead incorporated as part of the design, working to emphasize time-honored construction methods.

The staff can always walk customers through every phase of the design and building process, Lehman says. “We design the house, starting with the site, and we brought Rob Yoder on board to make the site planning and permitting a simple, easy process,” he says. Lehman’s role as a Certified Professional Building Designer allows him to, as he puts it, “guide you through the design process, starting with the site and the existing house, modeling it, and showing you

Design Your House To Fit Your Lifestyle

Building Confidence and Reducing Project Stress with...

efficient design options where you can walk through it. We make simplicity out of complexity. Our primary focus is construction, and we are also happy to work with your designer and your general contractor.”

Once the foundation and bones of the building are in place, one of the next steps is to consult with Elva Lehman, who brings more than 20 years of field construction experience to the table. “He will take the house plans and designs, and

work with our decorator to put together easy-to-select design examples,” Lehman says. “Then we schedule our trade partners. Having a trade partner and his crew show up and do what they said they would do looks very easy and simple

when it happens. But when it doesn’t happen, it is complicated and difficult, and it looks like a genius when you do have it. Elva does that with ease of having a trade-partner team, from excavations to foundations, to our in-house framing crew, to our team of electricians, plumbing and heating people, to bring the house together and make it happen.”

Lehman says one of the most rewarding aspects of the work that Lehman Construction does comes with the completion of the project. “At the end we give you your keys, and you open the door and we celebrate,” he says. “If you want to live in your dream home, the first step is to schedule your no-obligation consultation meeting, to see you and learn if we’re a good fit for each other.”

To do exactly that, call Lehman Construction at 260-768-7706, or submit a contact form at lehmanconstruction.com. Lehman Construction is located at 245 Morton Street, #204 in Shipshewana.

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE LAKES IN MAY

Elkhart County

MAY 12, 2023

Free Movie Night: Super Mario Bros. at Goshen Theater, Goshen

Entry is free and donations are welcome at the door. https://www.facebook.com/events/834037898433676

MAY 13, 2023

Dogapalooza at Ox Bow Park, Goshen

Come out for 4 full hours of dog and people-friendly FREE activities! Immediately following the Humane Society of Elkhart County’s Paws for a Cause 5K and 1 Mile Strut your Mut run/walk. https://www.facebook.com/events/552020420038419

MAY 16, 2023

Eco Board Game Night at Ox Bow Park, Goshen

Love board games and nature? Enjoy fun, community and learning about habitats, food webs, water and animals through gaming. Board games & instructions will be provided. Must be 10+ years of age and registered by May 9. https://www.facebook.com/events/1397294867705790

MAY 20, 2023

Spring Vendor Market at Southgate Crossing, Elkhart rafts, antiques, food and more. Free admission https://southgatecrossing.info/event-calendar

MAY 20, 2023

KOI Drag Racing at the Power from the Past, Nappanee Antique Tractor & Engine Club hosting side by side, heads up drag racing with classes for everything. Practice and registration start at 5pm and eliminations at 7pm. https://www.facebook.com/events/933102734774785

MAY 25, 2023

Food Truck Night at Meadow Brook Barn, Goshen

A variety of food trucks, boutique vendors and live music. Remember to bring your own chairs or blankets while you eat and listen to some great music on the lawn. Free admission and parking.

https://www.facebook.com/events/696193228835824

MAY 27, 2023

Feature Grain Day at Bonneyville Mill, Bristol

Most visitors to Bonneyville Mill experience yellow corn grinding. Wheat grinding will be featured between 11am and 1:30pm. Baked samples will be available. https://www.facebook.com/events/927286795374835

Elkhart County

MAY 18-20, 2023

Avilla Town-Wide Garage Sales, Avilla

From dawn to dusk each day, sell and shop throughout the town and rural Avilla for treasures! https://www.facebook.com/avillachamber

MAY 20, 2023

Fairy, Gnome and Troll Festival, Kendallville

This free, family-friendly event is geared towards kids of all ages and includes a variety of entertainment featuring balloon art & face painting, crafts and creations, food and festive treats and much more! https://www.facebook. com/events/556952349797210

MAY 25, 2023

Kendallville Bluegrass Festival, Noble County Fairgrounds, Kendallville

The 47th annual Memorial Day weekend and the Midwest’s best Parkin’ Lot Pickin’ Festival. The show goes on rain or shine so bring low back lawn chairs for comfortable & covered seating at the stage. https://www.facebook.com/events/879713669815554

MAY 27, 2023

Floating Campfire, Chain O Lakes State Park, Albion Meet at the beach and wade out to the fire in the water and roast your s’mores. S’more fixings and roasting sticks provided while supplies last, but feel free to BYO goodies to cook. Fun for all ages!

https://www.facebook.com/events/696193385163424

Kosciusko County

MAY 19-21, 2023

Fat & Skinny Tire Fest, Village at Winona, Winona Lake and downtown Warsaw

A fun-filled weekend of all things bicycling with something exciting for the whole family. Activities include DINO series mountain bike racing, BMX stunt shows and races, kid’s competitions and safety courses, good, live music and cold brew.

https://www.fatandskinnytirefest.com

MAY 26, 2023

Blue Holler Band, Summer Concert Series: Warsaw Parks & Rec., Warsaw

Kick off your weekend the right way by relaxing with the FREE Summer Concert Series.

https://warsaw.in.gov/201/Concerts

MAY 27, 2023

Milford Family Fun Festival, Milford

Enjoy carnival rides, a classic car cruise-in show and a variety of fair food such as ribeye sandwiches, pizza, elephant ears and much more.

https://www.facebook.com/people/Milford-Family-Fun-Fest/100066399110079

MAY 27, 2023

Wawasee Fine Arts Festival at Oakwood Resort, Syracuse

This festival brings together over 35 local and regional artists from around Indiana and beyond. All art has been juried to qualify for inclusion in the festival. Beautiful outdoor setting provides a family-friendly environment with children’s activities and playground available. Attendance is FREE!

https://www.chautauquawawasee.org/8th-annualwawasee-oakwood-fine-arts-festival

MAY 27, 2023

Kelly Jae’s Lakeside Summer Kick-Off Party, Syracuse Each year, Chef Kelly Graff and her team throw a Summer Kick-Off party on Memorial Day weekend for charity. This year proceeds and donations will help provide school lunches for local school children in need. Musical Guests: Gretchen’s Revenge is reuniting for this event.

https://www.facebook.com/events/616762723606644 or https://kellyjaes.com

Shipshewana/LaGrange County

MAY 4-5, 2023

Shipshewana Mayfest, Shipshewana

Kick off the Spring season with some hometown fun! Downtown will be bustling with activities like band and choir concerts, kid’s activities, live entertainment, softball tournaments and lots of delicious food. The Grand Mayfest parade on Saturday morning will kick things off for the day.

https://visitshipshewana.org/events/mayfest

MAY 19, 2023

Flower Power, Middlebury

Learn about hot air balloons with Stutsman Ballooning, make a kite to take home, meet a balloon artist and take home a creation, and take home a potted plant kit. Hay Huey food truck will have food available for purchase. The event is FREE 4-6pm at Memorial Park. https://www.middleburythenandnow.org/flower-power

MAY 19-20, 2023

Spring Vintage, Antique and Craft Show, Michiana Event Center, Shipshewana Shop inside for crafts, art, vintage items, antiques and handmade treasures. A full menu will be available including burgers, chicken, fries, soft pretzels, ice cream, coffee and soft drinks. $5 Admission

https://www.michianaevents.com/event/spring-vintageantique-and-craft-market

MAY 20, 2023

Swap Meet, Shipshewana Auction/Flea Market Grounds, Shipshewana

Hunt for bargains and neat finds in an outdoor, open-air marketplace held on the grounds of the Shipshewana Auction/Flea Market. All kinds of fowl, poultry, small animals, produce, baked goods, antiques, flowers, trees and food.

Parking $3

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

MAY 27, 2023

A Salute to Freedom with Marcus Luttrell, Michiana Event Center, Shipshewana

Marcus Luttrell is well-known for being the lone survivor of Operation Red Wing, an attempt to capture or kill Taliban leader Ahmad Shah. Hear Marcus tell his traumatic experience of walking and crawling seven miles to safety with a bullet wound in one leg, shrapnel embedded in both legs, and three cracked vertebrae. Luttrell’s eyewitness account of his companions’ resilience while under attack is both inspiring and heart-wrenching.

https://www.michianaevents.com/event/salute-to-freedom-with-marcus-luttrell

St Joseph County

MAY 6, 2023

Derby Day, The Ball Band Biergarten, Mishawaka

Watch the Derby live on the big screen at the Ball Band Biergarten. Join us from 6-9pm for a Derby screening, axe throwing, games, prizes and more!

https://www.facebook.com/MishawakaParks

MAY 6, 2023

Artisans Unleashed Spring Market, North Liberty

Arts & Crafts market featuring over 60 handmade and upcycled vendors. Food trucks by Rico Suave’ Mexican Food & Evelyn Mae’s BBQ. Perfect place to pick up something unique for Mother’s Day.

https://www.visitsouthbend.com/event/artisans-unleashed-spring-market/3363

MAY 13, 2023

Mishawaka Beerfest-Pours in the Plaza, Ironworks Plaza, Mishawaka

What better way to celebrate the end of winter than sampling some of the area’s finest craft beers at the Mishawaka Brewfest! Games, food trucks, live music, vendors & more. Must be 21+ with ID.

https://www.facebook.com/ events/1426511691454085?ref=newsfeed

MAY 20, 2023

Kids to Parks Day, Hillis Hans Park, Mishawaka

Celebrate community parks by going outside to play and enjoy! There will be games, a scavenger hunt with prizes, a cookout for the first 200 attendees and a ton of fun activities put on by some of our favorite community partners and organizations.

https://parktrust.org/event/kids-to-parks-day-mishawaka-in

MAY 24, 2023

Night Orienteering, St. Joseph County Parks - Brown Barn, South Bend

It’s National Scavenger Hunt Day so grab a partner, bring a flashlight and let’s go play outdoors and enjoy the falling darkness! Use your flashlight and locate checkpoints throughout the park within the 60-minute time limit. Registration and payment required by May 1. http://www.sjcparks.org/Calendar.aspx-

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MAY 29, 2023

Memorial Day Kids Dash, Battell Park, Mishawaka

Kids can join the Memorial Day Parade with this unique, kid-friendly, FREE run along Mishawaka Ave. Distance varies by age group and every pre-registered participant will receive a t-shirt and ribbon.

https://www.facebook.com/ events/1165392187457158/?ref=newsfeed