The Lakes of Kosciusko Magazine March by Towne Post Network, Inc.

FREE MONTHLY PRINT MAGAZINE WITH CORRESPONDING MOBILE APP AND SOCIAL MEDIA FEATURING THE PEOPLE, BUSINESSES, AND EVENTS IN AND AROUND KOSCIUSKO, ELKHART, NOBLE & LAGRANGE COUNTY

MARCH 2021

MAGAZINE

WELL STOCKED

Emma Warehouse Closes in on 30 Years in Business

FROM THE GROUND UP

Hoffman’s Nursery & Landscaping is Still Growing After 80 Years

TheLakesMagazine.com

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We ll Stocke d : E mma Ware h ou se Closes i n on 30 Ye ar s in B u sin e ss From th e G rou n d U p : H offman ’s Nu r sery & Lan d scap in g is Still G rowin g Afte r 80 Years Win d ow Won d e r s: Local Viny l Win d ow Shop Pe r son alize s S e r vice S p id e r S e n se : Roch e ste r -B ase d S p id e r Beware Preve n ts E ig h t-Le g g e d Invad e r s S q u e aky Cle an : E xp lore All-Natu ral Products an d Dive r se S u p p lie s at New K itch e n Store Du st B e G on e : MY-T Du ct Cle an in g H e l ps to Imp rove Air Q u ality in H ome s U n iq u e In d e e d : U n iq u e Fu r n itu re Fashi ons Distin ctive Prod u cts Cu stom S h e d s Plu s: Sy racu se B u sin e ss Stre sse s Q u ality an d Var ie ty P u ttin g Th e ir B e st H oove s For ward Ple asan t Acre s H or se sh oe in g H e lp s Wi th H or se H oof Issu e s U ltimate B lastin g : Walke r ton Comp any Makes O ld Th in g s New Ag ain - With an Eco-Fri endl y Ap p roach Top e ka Pizza: Local E ate r y H as E stabl i shed a Cu stome r B ase O n e S lice at a Time S ole ct E n e rg y : LaG ran g e Comp any S ervi ces a Var ie ty of S olar an d E le ctr ical Ne e d s Pad d le U p : B re me n Pickle b all Clu b G rowi ng i n Local Pop u lar ity All Ab ou t th e Wood : Ston ey Acre s Wood wor kin g in S h ip sh ewan a E levates Wood De cor K E Y CO N TRI BU TO RS ANGELA CORNELL / LOIS TOMASZEWSKI JUBILEE EDGELL / JULIE YATES

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WELL STOCKED

Emma Warehouse Closes in on 30 Years in Business Writer / Angela Cornell Photography Provided

he do-it-yourself movement has swept the nation. There are thousands, if not millions, of project suggestions and ideas to be found online, in books, on television and from friends. Just about anything can be turned into a DIY project with the right instructions, including home improvement projects. Emma Warehouse, a 42,000-square-foot establishment in Topeka, has been described

by many people as a DIY heaven due to the vast variety of products and reasonable prices. Joe Billman opened Emma Warehouse with his father Duane in the early 1990s as a discount outlet warehouse. “It was the challenge of something new that I didn’t know, and I wanted to learn more about the business,” Billman says. “I knew some people who were doing it, and they asked if 6 / THE LAKES / MARCH 2021 / TheLakesMagazine.com

I would get involved and maybe help them a little bit. We went out and looked at some of the local suppliers around the community. It just kind of mushroomed into what we have today.” At first, the business dealt in mobile home and RV salvage from local factories. “We would go in and buy their overruns or model change materials, and then resell those

on the local market,” Billman says. It’s been well over 25 years since Emma Warehouse was founded, and people still rely on the business to find modular home and RV building supplies. “They’re hard to find in box stores in general, so we do get a lot of business from the modular home industry,” says Kara Lipscomb, a sales associate and Billman’s sister. However, the warehouse inventory extends far beyond just RV and modular home products. “It doesn’t matter if they have a stick-built home or a manufactured home,” Lipscomb says. “We have a lot of supplies for both of those. We service everyone, really.” The inventory consistently includes large selections of flooring like linoleum, hardwood and carpet, as well as trim, windows, mattresses and home decor. About 20% of the business is surplus and discount items. The other 80% is new retail items, including a wide range of local Amish cabinetry and countertops, as well as gas and electric appliances. The company is a dealer for Valspar and Frigidaire, and is well known for new Goodman furnaces and HVAC units, all of which can be delivered locally.

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Of course, the business would hardly be a one-stop shop for all things home improvement without an in-house hardware, plumbing and electrical department. “Our main focus is on hardware and hardto-find supplies for manufactured homes,” Lipscomb says. Emma Warehouse wouldn’t be possible without the staff, including the long-time manager of the hardware department, Ben Eicher. Eicher isn’t the only employee who has been with the business for a long time. In fact, most of their six employees have been around for 10 or more years. All are experts

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

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in their department, and most are over the typical retirement age. “We all have our own department and we run it,” Lipscomb says. “It works well.” Much of what they sell is competitively priced. “We try to use an aggressive pricing structure so that people will feel like they’re getting a good deal,” Billman says. “When we can buy something at a discount or a closeout, and it would be a good buy for our customers, we’ll pass those savings on.” Billman and Lipscomb never know for sure what kind of products will roll into the warehouse when a closeout or overrun inventory truck brings a delivery. Since their discount and surplus inventory is never the same two weeks in a row, it can be difficult for customers to know what to expect when they walk through the doors. However, the staff tries to make the shopping experience easy.

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

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“We try to connect with them as much as possible through our Facebook page,” Lipscomb says. “I do have a lot of customers who will message me looking for something, or they’ll shoot us an email saying, ‘Do you have this product in stock?’ or they’ll call us.” Although Emma Warehouse specializes in stocking hard-to-find items, they don’t always have what customers are looking for. When that happens, customer service is always king. “We do have a good working relationship with our competitors, so if we don’t have a product, we can say, ‘Here’s a phone number if you want to call them or go over and check out their store,’” Lipscomb says. Not all home improvement projects can or should be done without professional help. Although Emma Warehouse doesn’t have an in-house installation crew or general contractor, they have working relationships

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with several in the area. “We have several local contractors we refer people to,” Billman says. Many Emma Warehouse customers live in the Topeka area, though it’s not uncommon to have someone walk through the door from as far away as Indianapolis. There are many people across North America who know Emma Warehouse is the place to go for deals. “We’ve sold things that have gone as far east as Prince Edward Island,” Billman says. “From the far west, we’ve had people drive from California to pick up items. A lot of our stuff goes to Florida and down south with the snowbirds, and as far north as Alaska.” Billman and Lipscomb grew up around LaGrange, where they learned how to run a business from their father Duane, who owned a small propane business. It was from him that they also learned the importance of community and customer service. For this brother-and-sister team, who volunteer regularly in the area in different capacities, Emma Warehouse is another way to be involved with and strengthen their community. “We’re all very business-minded and very active in our community,” Lipscomb says. Emma Warehouse is located at 5995 West 200 South in Topeka. Local delivery is available. For more info, visit emmawarehouse.com or call 260-593-2769.

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Owner Brian Hoffman

Hoffman’s Nursery & Landscaping is Still Growing After 80 Years Writer / Angela Cornell Photographer / Jubilee Edgell

TheLakesMagazine.com / MARCH 2021 / THE LAKES / 13

he purpose of outdoor spaces has shifted in the last 30 years. In the 1990s the backyard was typically an empty lot, a place for the kids to play, often with a picnic table or grill. However, that has changed. Most backyards now not only have patios, but also swimming pools, grilling areas or other amenities. Brian Hoffman, the third-generation owner of Hoffman’s Nursery & Landscaping in Wabash, has watched the evolution firsthand. “It’s crazy what people are doing now in comparison to what they did 30 years ago,” he says. “People are treating their backyards as their vacations, especially with all this COVID stuff going on. People aren’t traveling and are putting the money into the backyard, where they can get use out of it more than just that week or two a year.” GARDEN CENTER | LANDSCAPES | TURF MANAGEMENT | HARDSCAPE

The business was started 82 years ago by Hoffman’s grandfather Robert. Since then it has grown from a small garden center and tree nursery to a landscaping business, known in a 50- to 70-mile radius from Wabash for expertise and excellence. Hoffman loves being able to give his clients elegant and trendy outdoor living areas.

260-563-3546 4170 W. 200 N. Wabash, IN 46992 14 / THE LAKES / MARCH 2021 / TheLakesMagazine.com

“I love the outdoors,” he says. “I like to be able to try to make people’s backyards look like what they see on TV.” When a customer calls to get their

outdoor living area installed, the office manager’s first order of business is to pair the customer with one of the nursery’s licensed landscape architects.

the entire property.

expect.”

“People can see exactly what it looks like,” Hoffman says.

“She picks their brain about what they’re looking for, and then will pick whichever designer will work best with that person,” Hoffman explains. “Then we meet with them and come up with a plan.”

After that meeting, the landscape architect will then break down the job quote into individual line items.

After the client approves the plan, Hoffman’s sends one of their 15 landscaping crews to the property. Each crew member not only takes pride in their work, but is also a specialist in a given field.

“I think our customers really like how we quote things because I’m very detailed,” Hoffman says. “We like it to be cutand-dry on both ends, knowing what to

“The guy doing your patio, that’s all he does,” Hoffman says. “The guy mowing the grass, that’s all he does. It’s very beneficial to the customer to know that

That plan can be a computer-aided design or a 3D design that encompasses

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whenever they’re talking to someone who’s doing a job, that’s all they do. They don’t have to worry about having someone there who doesn’t know what they’re doing.” Even DIYers can benefit from Hoffman’s services. “We grow a lot of our own trees, too,” Hoffman adds. “If you’re doing a patio, we can have everything done - the design, the materials - then they can either pick them up here or we can have them delivered right to their house.” Although each customer is handed a packet detailing care instructions after the job is complete, Hoffman’s also offers yard maintenance services.

fertilizing of all the plant beds,” Hoffman says. “They schedule that stuff before the year starts, so people go into the year already knowing it’s all going to be handled. We like the fact that we know that the jobs that we installed are going to look good for years to come, because our maintenance crews are taking them over.”

“[Landscaping crews] come out at least three times a year - some places as many as six or seven - and they do all the trimming, mulching, weeding and

Hoffman has surrounded himself with a capable team. One such employee is Coley Schenkel, who has been with the business for 22 years. Hoffman’s

16 / THE LAKES / MARCH 2021 / TheLakesMagazine.com

landscaping crews are also known for their excellent service. “I literally hand them a sheet and tell them, ‘This is what’s going on,’ and most of them I never have to talk to again until the job’s done,” Hoffman says. Hoffman’s Nursery & Landscaping is located at 4170 West 200 North in Wabash. For more info, call 260-5633546 or visit hoffmans-nursery.com.

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W I N D OW WO N D E R S

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Harley Yoder has watched his business, Classee Vinyl Windows, grow from its beginnings in 1994 to the present day. He wasn’t always the owner. He started out working in production. That gives him the unique perspective on what it takes to make a quality window.

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Yoder bought the business in 2011, but he began working there in 1995. “I hardly do anything in production,” Yoder says of his new role as owner and business manager. “Sometimes it is necessary that I do, and I still enjoy it.” The company has the capability to allow customers to choose from standard replacement window offerings or design their own. His customers include people who are renovating or updating their homes as well as builders of new construction.

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“WE DON’T DO HIGH-PRESSURE SALES,” YODER SAYS. “I DON’T WANT TO SELL SOMETHING TO A HOMEOWNER THAT THEY DON’T WANT.” -HARLEY YODER“The big thing is that these windows are maintenance-free,” Yoder says. Wooden windows require regular painting to keep nature’s elements at bay. Windows take a beating from hotand-cold fluctuations, strong winds, rain and ice. “Once rot starts, it is hard to fix,” Yoder says regarding wood-frame windows. “We have a saying, ‘Vinyl is final.’ All vinyl windows last much longer.” Vinyl windows are also energy efficient. Unlike other windows that are built with a wood frame that is then covered in vinyl, the company uses a vinyl multi-channel core, manufactured for strength and durability. That core is then cased in vinyl. Colors can vary depending on customer preference, and wood-look or even real wood can finish off the windows, if desired by the homeowner. Yoder says some homeowners often want a natural wood look on the inside of their homes, which is easily accommodated either with woodgrained vinyl, or actual wood products that can be painted and stained to match other wood trim in the home.

4894 N BALDWIN RD, NORTH WEBSTER, IN

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Yoder, his production team, and his installers are committed to making sure their customers are satisfied with the product - whether it is windows, entry doors or sliding doors - as well

as the attention to detail in the sales and installation process. The person who provides the quote for a window or door installation is the same person who will be on-site when the products go in. “We don’t do high-pressure sales,” Yoder says. “I don’t want to sell something to a homeowner that they don’t want.” Having someone who is familiar with the challenges that come with replacing windows in older homes is a bonus, according to Yoder. “In some of the older homes, the foundation might have settled or the house shifts,” he adds. “The installer pays attention to that and can allow for any adjustments that need to be made. Every window is measured individually.” The company’s customers come from throughout Michiana, usually in a 30-mile radius in all directions from

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Middlebury. They also sell vinyl window frames to customers in other states. This is called a knock-down program, and allows other businesses to finish off the company’s windows with glass and handle their own installation. Production and installations happen year-round, but work picks up in the spring. Lead time is about six weeks on window orders. Yoder’s team also sells and installs ProVia doors, made by a company in Sugarcreek, Ohio. These doors are “good replacement options, high quality and higher end,” Yoder says. These can be used in commercial as well as residential installations. Yoder married his wife Sara in 1994. She grew up in Middlebury and he grew up in Shipshewana. The couple has eight children, two of whom are married,

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7205 N 675 W Shipshewana, IN 46565 P: 260-350-3506 F: 260-768-4218

and Harley and Sara are enjoying three grandchildren. “Our kids have all worked here in the shop,” Yoder says. As they grew up and got married, the couple’s kids found their own path, with which Yoder is fine. On average, about 3,000 windows per year are produced at the shop. It is one of the few smaller shop operations in the area, but that is a win for their customers, Yoder says. “We understand the mechanics of the window because we built it,” he says. “We are local and can take care of any issues.” Contact Classee Vinyl Windows at 574825-7863 for more information or a personalized quote.

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Interior • Exterior • Handcrafted • Stone Veneer

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Sam & Alice Lambright 260-593-2254 Mon- Fri: 8:00-4:30 Sat: 8:00-12:00

“They do excellent work for a fair price” - Bill Miller / Bass Lake

574-546-3771 • Marlin & Rose Miller 5958 4th Road Bremen, IN 46506 TheLakesMagazine.com / MARCH 2021 / THE LAKES / 23

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180011C

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(574) 773-5477 | 27097 CR 50 NAPPANEE, IN 46550 24 / THE LAKES / MARCH 2021 / TheLakesMagazine.com

Rochester-Based Spider Beware Prevents Eight-Legged Invaders Writer / Lois Tomaszewski Photographer / Jubilee Edgell

THE LAKES MAGAZINE / MARCH 2021 / thelakesmagazine.com

Jason Grube, Kelly Grube and Jeff Zellers

here are more than 400 species of spiders in Indiana. If that statistic isn’t enough to scare arachnophobes, consider that most common house spiders live their entire lives indoors. If you’re thinking that your home is not safe from these eight-legged terrors, a local couple makes it their business to protect your home from invasion.

not treat termites, fleas, ticks or bedbugs. “The state of Indiana requires us to maintain multiple pest control licenses through the Office of Indiana State Chemist,” Jason Grube explains. “We are also required to meet a minimum number of hours of continuing education in order to hold these licenses.”

The chemicals engineered to keep spiders away is sprayed by Spider Beware technicians from a hose that is attached to a tank on a truck. The hose is long enough to reach around most houses. The water-based According to the owners, and as explained product does not stain furniture, and any on their website, it all started 20 years ago when Jason, a teenager, grew tired of the water spots left behind can be easily wiped chore of keeping his family’s house and boats away, Grube says. free of spiderwebs. He developed a way to keep the spiders away and eliminated the Most species of spiders are not poisonous, need for constant web clearing. but among the species common in Indiana, the black widow and the brown recluse Spider Beware opened in the spring of 2000, can cause sickness and even fatalities. A and still utilizes some of the methods Jason spider bite can cause itching, rashes, pain perfected at his family’s lake house. This and blisters. Those with allergies can also experience led to the creation of Spider experience reactions such as sweating, Beware, a pest control company that focuses headaches, difficulty breathing, fever or on spiders and also aids in the control of chills, and anxiety. Even more serious ants, flies, gnats, beetles and bees. They do injuries can occur, depending on the species. Jason and Kelly Grube, the owners of Spider Beware, specialize in controlling these pests that can often become out of control.

THE LAKES MAGAZINE / MARCH 2021 / thelakesmagazine.com

Spiders can also cause food contamination, just like other pests. The presence of spiders is also a signal that there may be other insects making their home in your residence. Spiders eat other bugs and will be present where food supply is plentiful. Those who are dealing with spider infestations, or even just an occasional spider sighting, can find relief with the Grubes and their team. The products they use are safe for pets and children. Before dispatching a team to tackle a homeowner’s spider problem, the homeowner is asked to take a couple of steps to help the process. “We recommend that you pressure wash your home prior to our first visit,” Grube says. “If that’s not possible, at least clean up the webs, as we do not cover that part.” Once on site, an assessment is made of the areas of the home that are easiest for spiders to access. Some species of spiders prefer moist environments, such as those found in basements

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Environmentally Friendly Application THE LAKES MAGAZINE / MARCH 2021 / thelakesmagazine.com

and crawl spaces. Others are attracted to areas that are drier, such as inside air vents, near ceilings and in corners. “Windows will get some product on them, so we ask you to wait until after the first treatment for cleaning,” Grube explains. “It is important so we can make sure we take care of those areas. After the first round we can lessen the product around windows, but we can’t be sure to get the spiders if we can’t treat the area.”

Treated areas should be left to dry thoroughly before allowing children or pets access, Grube says. The team is trained to quickly apply the treatment, and do so with as little impact on the customer as possible.

distance, hose reach, and any additional requests by the property owner.

“You may not notice that they have been at your home,” Grube says.

“Technicians are trained to look for hot spots,” he says. “Spiders like to be warm, which is why they tend to congregate by water. They use the water reflection of the sun as a heat amplifier. Spinning webs in corners or by windows can have the same effect.”

The company offers free quotes. The price is based on how much time and chemical will be needed to treat the problem. Other factors that can affect the cost include parking

A trained pest control technician is extremely helpful in handling spiders, Grube says.

Services provided include a one-time visit or a six-month seasonal application. The business closes in winter, as the chemicals need a specific temperature to work effectively. “Our product only activates above certain temperatures,” Grube says. That means they are closed for the winter and their employees get the season off. There are some things customers can do to minimize the presence of spiders in their home or property. The most important, according to Grube, is to eliminate all the potential hiding places. These include woodpiles, cluttered storage areas and other places that may not be well-maintained.

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“Things could be worsened with the addition of large trees to an area, or with overgrown landscaping as well,” Grube says. The Grubes handle the day-to-day operations, and are assisted by their licensed manager Jeff and a team of technicians. Schedules are arranged factoring in the weather and any other complications that might hinder the effective application of the spider deterrent. Grube was born and raised on Lake Manitou in Rochester. Kelly is originally from Greentown and has lived in Rochester for almost 20 years. Her role in the company is handling the business management side of the operation. Contact Spider Beware at 574-223-8900, visit their website at spiderbeware.com, or send an email to info@spiderbeware.com. The business is located at 1495 Wentzel Street in Rochester.

THE LAKES MAGAZINE / MARCH 2021 / thelakesmagazine.com

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Heavy duty walk plank with fold down railing and shelf. Weighs approximately 750 lbs.

48" wide, 98" overall height fork pockets on ends (not shown). Weight approximately 860 lbs.

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Call today for free estimate warranty that includes glass breakage (574) 825-7863 • 59323 CR 35, Middlebury THE LAKES MAGAZINE / MARCH 2021 / thelakesmagazine.com

MARCH CROSSWORD PUZZLE ACROSS

DOWN

1. Nutrient (pill)

1. Disappeared

4. End of war

2. Every time

7. Nervously restless

3. Actor, ... Nolte

8. Wrap for head & shoulders 9. Remained 12. Leaves (sinking ship) 15. Regional speeches 17. Greatly pleased 18. Complete

4. Settles account 5. Pilot 6. Fragrant type of tea, ... Grey 10. Move to music 11. Make happen 13. Followed secretly

21. Of the beach

14. Lowest British titled rank

22. Family adage

16. Italian sausage

23. Deserved

18. To ... it may concern 19. Resound 20. Pacify

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At the beginning of each new year, many people make resolutions to exercise more, eat better, or any number of other goals to improve their lives in some way. The beginning of a new year can also spark the drive to declutter and deep-clean. There are many ways to achieve a sparkling clean throughout your home. One of the most tried-and-true ways to clean your home naturally is with white vinegar. It’s safe to use around pets and small children. It is an excellent all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner and grease cutter, and it can also be safely added to water to clean fresh fruits and vegetables. If you don’t like the smell of vinegar, or want to try another form of all-natural cleaning, we at New Kitchen Store in Walkerton offer many all-natural cleaning products to help with this endeavor. There are a lot of cleaning choices out there, so why would someone choose to use

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THE LAKES MAGAZINE / MARCH 2021 / thelakesmagazine.com

all-natural products? On the whole, allnatural products are a safe choice for the environment. Most companies that choose to produce all-natural or organic products have the environment in mind, and are also animal-friendly. As well as being safe for the environment and for animals, all-natural cleaning products are safer for your family than many alternatives. They are not made with harsh chemicals that can be toxic for young children and pets. If you or a member of your family are allergic or sensitive to certain fragrances, all-natural products are often either unscented or scented with safe, natural fragrances and essential oils. A good example of this is the Stonewall Kitchen Grapefruit Thyme All-Purpose Cleaner, which can be used as a safe and allergenfriendly air freshener. What makes Stonewall cleaning products so special? They are made from only the finest all-natural, plant-based ingredients. Both the dish soap and the all-purpose spray clean thoroughly and leave a sparkling shine, free from streaks. The hand soap and lotion are enriched with vitamins and will leave your skin feeling soft and supple. The rich scents are derived from natural fragrances and essential oils that will not usually bother those who are sensitive to many other fragrances. They also contain the least amount of preservatives possible, to keep them toxin-free and yet keep them moldfree as well. Whether you are cleaning your house with Stonewall cleaners, or cleaning a pan with an EZ Brite product, don’t forget to use the correct brush with the correct cleaning product to get the expected and desired result.

Call for an appointment today! 574-223-2244 www.woodlawnhospital.com THE LAKES MAGAZINE / MARCH 2021 / thelakesmagazine.com

Whatever reason you choose to clean with all-natural products, we at New Kitchen Store are here to fill that need with the largest kitchen supply selection in Michiana. New Kitchen Store is located at 330 Liberty Street in Walkerton. For more information, call 574-586-2745 or visit NewKitchenStore.com.

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THE LAKES MAGAZINE / MARCH 2021 / thelakesmagazine.com

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3070 W 350 S | Topeka, IN 46571 Fax: (260) 463-4027 THE LAKES MAGAZINE / MARCH 2021 / thelakesmagazine.com

DUST BE GONE

M Y-T D U C T C L E A N I N G H E L P S T O I M P R OV E A I R Q U A L I T Y I N HOMES Writer / Lois Tomaszewski Photography Provided

Ever wonder why dust builds up in your home frequently? It could be a sign that your air handling ducts need cleaning. “You would think that a brand-new house would be the cleanest,” says Mike Taylor, owner of MY-T Duct Cleaning. In his experience, that is not always the case. Ducts in new construction can be filled with drywall dust and construction debris that can impact the air quality inside. Debris, dust and even mold can also accumulate in lived-in homes. Cleaning out the ducts in any home can benefit the health of those inside, he says.

Multiple studies suggest that people who suffer from asthma should have air ducts cleaned every five to 10 years. It is a simple process using a hose vacuum, and the result can be beneficial, Taylor says. Taylor started his business one year ago, right before COVID-19 put a halt on many businesses. He used the first few months of downtime to set up his business, and went to work in June. He and his wife Yulia, who represents the “Y” in the business name, have cleaned ducts for customers from Fort Wayne to Huntington to South Bend and Warsaw. Taylor, who once worked as an installer for a telecommunications company, says he understands the importance of good customer service. He tries to make sure he schedules enough time between appointments, so customers are not impacted by late arrivals or jobs that take longer than expected. Depending on the size of the home, duct cleaning can take from one to four hours. The price is based on the number of floors and the square footage. Taylor decided on this pricing structure because it seemed fairer than charging by the duct. It is often easy for a homeowner to overlook a duct when conveying the size of the job, he says. Once on-site, Taylor uses a large shop vacuum with a 35’ hose.

THE LAKES MAGAZINE / MARCH 2021 / thelakesmagazine.com

A rotating brush attached to the end of the hose helps to clean the sides of ducts while dust and debris is sucked into the vacuum. He has hoses and attachments of various sizes to ensure that he can get into any duct within a residence. “I like to spin the brush one way going in and the reverse direction when it is coming out,” he explains. Dealing with mold requires a different process. The duct is inspected with a camera, then sanitized to reduce any mold. This is followed by a general cleaning. The company also offers dryer vent cleaning. Taylor suggests doing this every 18 to 24 months. There are other benefits to this service. Taylor says it can improve the performance of furnace and air conditioning systems within a home. “By getting rid of the dust in the ducts, you are not sucking it into the air handler,” he explains. This can make the heating and air conditioning more

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does not have that worry.

Taylor learned the business by helping someone he knew who was doing similar work. Then he supplemented that on-the-job knowledge with online training. Indiana does not require training for this service, and as such, online training is important.

Taylor can handle residential properties and some businesses housed in former residences. He’s also considering an expansion into commercial operations.

“You don’t see much of this service,” he says. “More people should do this in their homes.”

To schedule a duct cleaning, call MY-T Duct Cleaning at 574529-4963, or send an email to my.tductcleaning@gmail.com. For more info, visit mytductcleaning.com.

There are a couple of signs that might indicate a home’s air ducts need attention, and one sign is when the homeowner gets tired of dusting and cleaning frequently. An excessive buildup of dust can be a sign that ducts need attention. Another sign is a musty odor from the air flowing from the ducts. Taylor wants his customers to be satisfied, and to improve the air quality in their homes. “My hope is that we show up and we do our work, and you don’t know we were there,” he says. He also strives to leave each worksite clean so the customer

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From time out of mind, cultures around the world have associated running water with life. And why not? After all, it’s critical for survival. Not only that, but there are few sights more inspiring or calming than a beautiful stream or lake. For artisans like Menno Schwartz, the owner of Unique Furniture in Milford, waterfront landscapes are so stirring that he and his staff recreate them in their furniture products. Most of the furniture pieces made by Schwartz and his sons Caleb and Jonathan, along with employee Jeff Zimmerman, are live-edge, meaning the original character of the wood - including gnarls, knots and bark - is polished and preserved to create a signature, natural look. “No one else anywhere is going to have a piece like it,” Schwartz says. “Each piece is different - each tree grows different.” With waterfront landscape tables, more commonly known as river (or river run) tables, the idea is taken to the next level. “You take a couple live-edge slabs and you THE LAKES MAGAZINE / MARCH 2021 / thelakesmagazine.com

put them side by side, and leave a space in the center for epoxy to make it look like a river,” he says. His specialty is making river tables that look like the ones found in northern Indiana. “We put in sand and stone and stuff like that, then use a clear epoxy so that it looks like a small stream or a river, where the water is clear or shallow enough that you can look down into the water,” Schwartz says. However, he’s also done other types of epoxy tables. “There are a lot of different things you can do with epoxy,” he says. “Your imagination is the limit. It’s something that we really enjoy. The other day, I had someone come in who had a couple slabs and they have bullet casings that they brought along, and they want those in the river run instead of stone and stuff like that.” Unique Furniture started with a simple liveedge table that Schwartz wanted to make in 2019, which was reminiscent of the logo for his whitetail deer business.

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“I’ve had that for years, and I wanted to build a table that looked basically like the logo,” Schwartz says. “I had this tree in the yard. I cut it down and took it to a mill.” It was there that one of the millworkers introduced him to the concept of river tables. Schwartz was so enthralled with the idea that he decided to try his hand at making one.

pour and we’d end up scraping everything off and going back and sanding it down and redoing it,” Schwartz says. “There was a lot of trial and error to get to where we are today.” Each piece made in the Unique Furniture workroom - whether a table, countertop, bathroom vanity, mirror, clock, or fourposter log bed frame - is individual and distinctive. Their tables in particular are

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live-edge countertops and vanities. “Our number-one priority is a happy, satisfied customer,” Schwartz says. Most of the wood comes from local, sustainable sources. Every once in a while, Schwartz will have a request to make furniture from wood that the customer provides. He’s also been known to add a finishing touch to pieces that others have made.

“I’ve had some people who built their own table and they just want an epoxy poured on top of it,” he says. One of Schwartz’s favorite parts of the business is working with the individuality of each piece. “I love it,” Schwartz says. “I just love the way that wood looks.”

As the business grows, Schwartz hopes to eventually build a larger workshop with an attached showroom for finished and unclaimed pieces, as well as the various available slabs for making furniture. To view some of the pieces Schwartz has created, visit Unique Furniture online at customuniquefurniture.com. To order your own signature piece, call 574-773-2846.

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CUSTOM SHEDS PLUS SYRACUSE BUSINESS STRESSES QUALITY AND VARIETY Writer / Angela Cornell Photography Provided

Deciding that a yard needs a shed is simple. Deciding which shed to purchase, on the other hand, is not.

From the moment a customer orders from Custom Sheds Plus, the Millers concentrate on the buyer’s specifications. Once the customer signs off on the order form, the Millers get to work. The foundation of any building is incredibly important, which is why the Millers take extra care to ensure quality.

There are several options to consider regarding a shed’s features. How much of a footprint should it have? What type of frame should “We actually have a lot of people asking what’s in our floor,” Marvin it have? Will it need a loft? Does it need to be insulated? What says. color should it be? How many doors will it need? Should there be a window? Window boxes? A porch? The runners are never more than 4’ apart, and the floor joists are always 16” apart. Father-son team Michael and Marvin Miller, owners of Custom Sheds Plus, are expert craftsmen who put a lot of care into making “It makes for a strong floor,” Marvin says. backyard storage exactly the way customers want it. The Millers specialize in high-quality stick-built sheds. “When we started this, we agreed we want to make a nice-looking shed that will last,” Marvin says.

“That’s where the main wear and tear is, and we wanted to make the best floor possible.” After that portion is assembled, it’s covered by an LP smart floor. This material is not only incredibly durable and overlaid with a

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Anyone who has done much yard work knows the discomfort of walking into a blistering shed on a hot summer day. The type of roofing on a Custom Sheds Plus outbuilding is designed to help alleviate the heat. “The sheeting on the roof has the foil laminating on the inside to reflect the heating off of it,” Marvin says. The owners put extra effort into the durability of their sheds in all areas of construction, even using screws instead of nails for extra longevity. When the shed is finished, it is delivered to the customer’s home. beautiful finish, but the floor pieces also have a tongue-and-groove feature that allows them to interlock. It also comes with a 10-year warranty. The walls and siding are also important, and come with a 20-year warranty. There’s no limit on paint color. “We have our standard colors, but if they want a whole different color, that’s what they’re going to get,” Marvin explains.

“You get your site ready, and they’ll bring the shed out and set it down wherever you want it,” Michael says. “They can get it within inches of where you want it. If you’re building an 8’ shed, all you need is an 8’ opening.” Depending on the kind of shed, it can take two to six weeks from the time the shed is ordered until delivery. “The more customized it is, the longer it takes because we do not stock everything,” Marvin says. “Within a week we should have it

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done, but then there’s scheduling to get it delivered.” The Millers, who have professional backgrounds in construction work, are proof of the adage, “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.” “My favorite part is just working at home and still doing something that I like,” Marvin says.

“As far as other builders are concerned, we’re pretty competitive,” Michael says. Custom Sheds Plus is located at 13836 County Road 48 in Syracuse, and is open by appointment. Call 260-215-3988 to order your shed, or to see examples of sheds they’ve built in the past.

The workshop for Custom Sheds Plus isn’t only used to make garden sheds. “We’ve made a three-sided wood shelter to store firewood in, we’ve made a 12’x16’ dog kennel, and we’ve done a couple different storage barns - one with a full-length porch on the side,” Michael says. Both men enjoy the diversity of their projects, and they hope to eventually expand into making live-in cabins, complete with electrical and plumbing. For all the extra work that goes into these outbuildings, their costs are comparable to other shed suppliers.

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PUTTING THEIR BEST H O OV E S F O R WA R D Pleasant Acres Horseshoeing Helps With Horse Hoof Issues

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The right shoe can help make working easy on the feet for humans. The same applies to the horses on whom humans rely for transportation or sport. Unlike a human, horses can’t buy their shoes from a store; their owners rely on the services provided by a farrier, such as Pleasant Acres Horseshoeing, operated by Emery Miller. Miller says he’s always been interested in horseshoeing, even watching his uncle as a young boy. It wasn’t until he needed shoes quickly for the colts he was training that he decided to develop his interest into a business. He started shoeing horses for the public eight years ago, and doing his own farrier work four years before that. Proper shoeing and hoof care are important in keeping a horse sound. Proper shoes can correct problems in conformation and ensure that a horse is able to perform tasks without harm. “The Amish buggy horse is one of the most important to keep sound,” Miller says. “Families rely on these for transportation.” The rhythmic pounding of horse hoof on pavement can cause lameness and other mobility issues if the horse is not properly shod. While wild horses do not need to be

shod, horses used by humans are a different matter, Miller explains. “Shoes protect the horse who wears down the hoof growth too fast,” he says. The right shoe can help correct problems from poor conformation. Regular hoof trimming can reduce potential problems that might keep a horse out of commission for a period. Neglecting a horse’s feet is also considered negligent care, depending on the severity of the hoof problem. One of the first steps Miller takes when called to shoe a horse is to watch how it walks. He watches for conformation issues that may make the horse unsteady. He looks for the way the hoof lands when the horse walks and determines whether the horse is sound, meaning whether it can walk without issue. Most of the time, a manufactured steel shoe can be used. It can be adapted to fit each hoof, and with proper trimming can serve the horse well. Other times, a horse may require a custom shoe to address issues with the foot or leg structure. The shoe is then nailed in place into the hoof wall. There

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are no nerves or blood vessels in the hoof, so the horse does not feel any discomfort when the shoe is attached. A store-bought shoe takes about 60 to 90 minutes to put on the horse. A handmade shoe on-site extends the time of the visit to up to three hours. “This requires a very high skill level,” Miller says. Miller honed his farrier skills watching his uncle. He has also pursued continuing education, to properly diagnose and correct defects or problems with the soundness of his customers’ horses. “You have to keep on learning,” he says. Continuing education can be costly, but Miller considers it vital to his business. Knowing the anatomy of the horse’s hoof, and being able to adapt shoeing techniques to address problems, ensure that the horse can continue to work or compete at its best. “A horse does not stand on his foot,” he explains.

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The bone that makes up the foot is protected by the hoof, which extends beyond the bone like a fingernail. This hoof wall in not sensitive to trimming or shoeing, but the bone and the tendons that attach the hoof to the bone are. These areas of sensitivity and living tissue illustrate the importance of knowing the structure of the hoof, Miller says. “We cannot change the sensitive structure,” he says. “The way we trim the hoof has a direct effect on this part of the foot.” Regular shoeing is considered an important part of horse ownership. Most horses can go 10 weeks between shoeing but in some cases more frequent visits from a farrier may be required, Miller says. The process is designed to keep a horse’s feet in balance, which is a major benefit. Miller raises and trains horses at his farm in Milford. He had a pony growing up, which sparked his interest in horses. He still shoes his own horses, but also works with the Amish community and hunter-jumper horses in the area. To arrange a visit with Miller at Pleasant Acres Horseshoeing, call 800-213-1925, ext 5.

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any people experience a career change at some point, and some of those changes involve a surprising twist. Take, for instance, Mark Lurie, who was a chef before the onslaught of COVID, and now owns his own sandblasting company, Ultimate Blasting. When it became apparent in March of 2020 that a career change was necessary, he considered several options. “I started thinking about things that I was doing, to see if I could generate something out of my hobbies and make it into a career,” ultimately set him on the course for Lurie explains. sandblasting. One aspect of sandblasting that appealed to “I know the exact day,” he says. “I was Lurie was the scheduling versatility, which watching all the vandalism that was going works for his family as well as others. on in Chicago, and I saw how people were “I’m a single father,” he says. “To be able doing graffiti all over the walls, all over to work on the weekends or at night, I can everything all over the city. I thought to pretty much set my schedule for anything.” myself, ‘That’s going to take work to remove However, it was the evening news that

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all that stuff and fix it. I wonder how they’re going to do that?’” Sandblasting is a type of cleaning method used to remove a topcoat of paint, rust or other residue from metallic, glass, concrete, wood or stone surfaces, by means of shooting a steady stream of sand or other material.

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All the materials used at Ultimate Blasting are made from recycled glass. “All the materials that I use are eco-friendly and recycled,” Lurie says. “We’re not incorporating anything else into it. If there’s anything that we’re doing with lead paint or anything like that, we go by the guidelines in cleanup and disposal.” Although Lurie is based in Walkerton, his equipment is on a trailer, allowing him to travel to any large job in a 100-mile radius a rather unique setup for his line of work. Lurie has done a lot of work on antique cars. “It’s cool to talk to those guys,” he says of the antique car owners he services. “They’re always doing old cars and are excited about it. It’s cool to see the finished product.” He can do some repair work as well, especially on vehicles. “I will do everything up to the priming stage,” he says. “I will blast them, I will fix them - fix any holes, corrosion, marks or breaks - then I will coat it.”

“I get things back to the raw state, so you prime and paint things,” Lurie says. “It’s the start of bringing something back to life that you thought was rusted or just done.” Although sandblasting is typically believed to be hot, filthy work, Lurie uses equipment and a new system that makes his work easier.

“You incorporate water into the sandblasting, and it takes off the coating a lot easier,” he says. His method also allows the abrasive medium to maintain a cool temperature while cleansing the surface, and keeps worksite dustiness to a minimum.

Not all of Ultimate Blasting’s jobs are of the automotive variety. In the marine world, sandblasting makes it easy to prepare boats and docks for a fresh coat of paint. “Pretty much anything that has paint on it that needs to be refinished, I can do,” Lurie says. “It’s not just cars or the marina. It could be your house or your shed. It could be farm equipment you have sitting around

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that you think is rusted or unmanageable.” Pavement on driveways and patios, and even some patio furniture, respond well to Lurie’s cleaning methods. “That’s something I’m going to focus on this year, because I really think that’s an avenue that people need and would like,” he says. Because of the nature of work available to Ultimate Blasting, Lurie works with several local contractors. “I’m offering additional services,” he says. “I work with local painters and concrete brick finishers. Not only can I provide the blasting, I can provide the finishing as well.” For more info on Ultimate Blasting, visit ultimateblasting.com, and call or text 574780-3617 to schedule an appointment. The company can also be reached via email at info@ultimateblasting.com.

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8608 North State Road 19 Etna Green, IN 46524 Mon - Fri: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM TheLakesMagazine.com / MARCH 2021 / THE LAKES / 57

TO P E KA PIZZA LO C A L E AT E R Y H A S E STA B L I S H E D A C U ST O M E R B A S E O N E S L I C E AT A T I M E Writer / Angela Cornell Photography Provided

About 350 slices of pizza reportedly are eaten every second in the U.S. (or so they say). Topeka Pizza has a history of making hungry people happy, one slice at a time. “It’s a joy to see people, and have people come in and eat,” says Coowner Larry Yoder. Yoder and his wife Pauline purchased Topeka Pizza about six years ago. At the time, Pauline was working at the restaurant. “[The owner] was getting ready to retire,” she says. “She wanted to sell it, and wanted to give her employees the first chance.” It seemed like a perfect opportunity to the Yoders, who wanted an opportunity to spend more time with their young family. “We saw the opportunity of doing a family business and having it right here in town,” Larry says. At the time, Topeka Pizza was located in a downtown space. Although

the location was ideal to the owners, the size of the building was not. “It could only seat about 50 people at the most, and had just a littlebitty kitchen,” Pauline recalls. Soon after obtaining the business, the Yoders purchased a new property for it, an empty lot that once contained a lumberyard one block west of downtown. “We built a new building,” Pauline says. “Now it can seat about 100 people.” One of the defining characteristics of the new building is a private group room, which can hold up to 50 people. For larger groups, Topeka Pizza has a special menu option. “Any time you want a pizza buffet or a breakfast buffet, if you have a group of 10 or more, just call us the day before and we’ll do that,” Larry says. This service has been fairly popular among business owners in town for

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corporate gatherings, as well as private family gatherings like birthday parties. The pizza toppings available range from common to unique, and there are specialty pizzas like the Cheeseburger, Pulled Pork and Mega Meat. One of the pizzas was inspired by a burger served at local rodeo, topped with barbecue beef, bacon, pickles and onion rings.

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“We had a customer come in and ask if we could do a rodeo pizza,” Pauline says. “We asked what’s on it and they told us, so we put the same ingredients on the pizza. Now we have a Rodeo pizza.” Although Topeka Pizza is known far and wide for their pizzas, they have a wide variety of menu items, including comfort foods such as wings, subs, wraps, cheeseburgers and fries, as well as soups and salads.

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There are also some delicious dessert options, including sundaes, cheesecakes, homemade ice cream and more.

developing the business was increasing hours and expanding the menu to include a full breakfast selection.

“We also do our ice cream cakes, and we have a 10” and a 12” for special occasions,” Larry says.

“The breakfast thing was kind of a push from me because I’ve always loved breakfast,” Larry says.

For most business owners, growth is a constant goal. However, growth can have different meanings. For the Yoders, the most recent step for

One of the most popular items on the menu is the Breakfast Pizza. However, the restaurant also serves omelettes, French toast, and

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biscuits and gravy. They also have a popular Breakfast Haystack, which is like a loaded biscuit-and-gravy skillet that comes with three types of meat and cheese. On Saturdays, they also have a breakfast buffet from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The inspiration for the additions to the menu came from their customers, and the Yoders are constantly looking for new ideas. “There’s not much that we won’t serve,” Pauline says with a chuckle.

“Just last summer, we served mashed potatoes.” Topeka Pizza is located at 118 South Babcock Street in Topeka. They are open Mon. through Sat. 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Visit them online at topekapizza.business.site. They also offer delivery within a 20-mile radius, which includes Shipshewana, Kendallville, Syracuse and Goshen. To use this service, call them at 260-593-3090.

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S O L E C T E N E R GY LAGRANGE COMPANY SERVICES A VARIETY OF SOLAR AND ELECTRICAL NEEDS Story & Photography Provided

By the end of September in 2020, more than 3,900 solar power installations were complete in Indiana according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. This number doesn’t include countless other homes, cabins, and RVs with off-grid solar systems. There are several benefits to going solar according to Larry Miller, co-owner of LaGrange-based Solect Energy. “First of all, having a more sustainable and renewable energy source, and not being so dependent on the power company is a benefit,” Larry says. “Saving money on your electric bill is another one.” When Solect Energy was first established in 2014, Miller and his brother David, along with their friend Marlin Miller, exclusively sold and installed off-grid solar systems, which are completely disconnected from power companies. When the business began, they sold primarily to a growing Amish market. Although a large percentage of their business remains in the off-grid market, the company is seeing a rapid increase in gridtied solar systems among non-Amish clients. “We are seeing a lot of interest in grid-tie as well as people wanting to have an offgrid vacation home or cabin,” Larry says. “This market has been especially busy since COVID and all the uncertainty that people are seeing right now.” In 2016 Mike Miller bought David’s share of the business, and the ownership currently consists of Larry, Marlin and Mike, all with equal shares. David still works for the 64 / THE LAKES / MARCH 2021 / TheLakesMagazine.com

company as an employee helping mostly with installations. Along with these team members, the company currently has two other full-time employees, Ervin Yoder and Duane Miller. “We really have been blessed with great employees,” Larry says. Marlin is the company’s contact person, for those reaching out to Solect Energy regarding a new project for estimates and scheduling. Solect carries a full line of solar panels, batteries, inverters, LED lighting, charge controllers, off-grid appliances, and a wide variety of electrical components. One product line that has seen a huge increase in sales is the company’s Venture lithium batteries. “Three years ago very few people were buying lithium batteries, but now over 25%

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of our battery sales are these Venture lithium batteries and that number is rapidly growing,” Larry says. “People are seeing the value and luxury of having a maintenance-free battery.” The company’s SunStar freezers and refrigerators are also hugely popular. Three sizes of chest freezers are available, and the models sized at 15 and 21 cubic feet are top sellers. Three refrigerator sizes are available as well, and the 16-cubic-foot model is the most popular. “If you have a battery-based solar system, these units truly are a must,” Larry says.

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“These units will use less than 50% of the energy that a regular freezer will take. Also, they are manufactured right here in Lagrange, Indiana, so if you ever need parts for one, they’re readily available.” If you’re a DIYer, Solect Energy offers a wide range of pre-wired kits for the homeowner. These can be as simple as one small solar panel for keeping a 12volt battery charged, or as elaborate as an entire house package. Solect is also a licensed electrical contractor and does a wide variety of residential and small commercial jobs.

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PAD DL E UP B R EM EN P I C KLE BALL C LUB G ROW I N G I N LOC AL P OP ULARI T Y Writer / Angela Cornell Photography Provided

When the Bremen Pickleball Club meets at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, there are two games going simultaneously. Two nets, corresponding to white lines that mark out the courts, are set up in the middle of the gym. The players, two per team, are the picture of focus as they wait for their opportunity to prevent the other team from making a point or, even better, score a point themselves. The room reverberates with the echoing pops of the brightly colored balls as they rebound with staccato fervor between the players’ paddles and the floor. Spectators wait their turn to play, ranging from youthful to elderly.

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All of them have at least one eye on the games. Every once in a while, one will call to the players. “Good shot Bay,” one shouts enthusiastically. Another groans, “Nice try Eric! You’ll get it next time!” It’s a comfortable crowd, with friends who have built a community around a common interest. When the winning points are scored, new teams take the courts for another round. The Bremen Pickleball Club started in June of 2018. Local pickleball enthusiast Ken Ernsberger announced on Facebook that he was going to run a pickleball clinic for beginners, and caught Tami Hudson’s attention. “I told my husband, ‘I’m going to go down to the park and check this out,’” Hudson recalls. “He said, ‘You don’t do any sports!’ and I said, ‘I know, but I’m really curious. My brother plays, so I’m going to go check this out.’” Hudson fell in love with the game almost immediately. The club started with the 10 people who showed up that night under the leadership of Ernsberger and George Cox, and has grown to 110 members since then.

“You play it, and then 15 minutes later you’re like, ‘Where do I get a paddle? How do I order? Do I need to get a net? Where can I play?’” Hudson says. Pickleball can be a sport for athletes and non-athletic types alike. “I don’t like to exercise,” Hudson admits. “But I love it. I think people will surprise themselves. It’s very easy to learn.”

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Everyone involved enjoys the game and the community within the club. There’s a third aspect of pickleball that makes the sport even more exciting - tournaments. Last year, the Bremen club held two tournaments in June and October. This year they intend to host tournaments again around the same time. “[Last year] people loved coming to little Bremen, Indiana, for pickleball tournaments,” Hudson says. “We’re on the map of the pickleball world. We’re expecting huge tournaments, like 300 to 400 players both at our June and October tournaments this year.” Residents in the town of Bremen are supporting the club however they can. Not only are there permanent pickleball lines drawn on the tennis courts in the Bremen city park, but there are also nets available for public use. “During the season they’re up at the court, so anyone who has a paddle and ball can go down, put the net up and play,” Hudson says. This was a huge stepping stone for the club to gain local notoriety. “We want to make it accessible for people outside the club, because we know that will help us grow membership,” Hudson adds. “What is so unique about pickleball compared to other sports is that a 16-year-old and an 84-year-old can play together

competitively. I don’t know of any other sport that exists where that can happen.” Hudson believes the club will continue to grow. To accommodate this, the club needs to have its own courts, something club members are working on with town leaders. They are also working in partnership with Bremen High School to get pickleball added to the physical education curriculum.

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“We’re hoping that it builds to maybe a club sport or an intramural sport with high school students, because they’re the future of pickleball,” Hudson explains. As for the bigger picture, there’s a global effort to make pickleball an Olympic sport. “Within 10 years you’re going to be seeing it everywhere,” Hudson

says. “Once that happens, high schools, colleges - everybody’s going to be doing it.” The club hosts group play in the Bremen city park throughout the week when weather permits, and will be open to new members this spring. To join the club or to sign up for the free beginners class, email bremenpickleball@gmail.com, or visit Facebook.com/ BremenPickleball.

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Kitchen Cabinets Bedroom Suites • China Hutches Bathroom Vanities • Curios & Custom Built Furniture 65438 SR 13 | Millersburg Ph. 574-642-9940 Fax 574-642-3602 TheLakesMagazine.com / MARCH 2021 / THE LAKES / 73

AL L ABOUT TH E WO OD STO NEY AC RES WO O DWO R K I N G IN SHIPSHEWA N A E L E VAT E S WOOD DECOR Writer / Lois Tomaszewski Photography Provided

In 1997, when a family member could not find locally produced hardwood flooring to be used in the construction of a new home, the Beachy family took action. Stoney Acres Woodworking was established in Shipshewana. According to Leon Beachy, a co-owner along with his brother Levi Beachy Jr., their father opened the business in 1998, selling some of the family’s dairy cows to fund it. Levi Beachy Sr. retired last year. His two sons, who have worked together while

growing up on the family’s dairy farm, have taken over operations. “Growing up together, we think alike,” Leon Beachy says about the brother-owned business. “Any disagreements, we work through it.” Having family working together means attending to individual family responsibilities is a shared goal. At their showroom on South 1000 West, customers can inspect the wood flooring selections available. These include hickory, maple, ash, cherry, walnut, gray elm and

74 / THE LAKES / MARCH 2021 / TheLakesMagazine.com

other domestic wood varieties. By looking at the 5’x6’ floor on display, customers can get an idea of what the result will be in their own home. Customers also get smaller samples to take home, to make sure the wood floor they have chosen will work in their space. Hickory is the most popular selection currently, followed by white oak, Beachy says. Hickory is one of the hardest woods, and produces a floor with color variations. One aspect of working with wood and incorporating its design into a home is the fact that even the same species of wood will have variations.

Stoney Acres Woodworking mills the lumber and sends the product out to be finished locally. The lumber is obtained from suppliers in a 100-mile radius from Shipshewana, and is kiln-dried and ready to process when received. The wood is separated by grade and selected to meet the customer’s specifications. Some customers want a clean grade, meaning few variations and flaws in the grain. Others request boards with more character and less uniformity. “No two boards are the same,” Beachy says. “The natural beauty in God’s creation is unique.” Wood floors are also a wise investment because of their durability and longevity. Beachy says wood floors can last 120 years, and can be sanded and refinished up to six times.

Stoney Acres can also create patterns in wood flooring. Beachy says some common patterns include diamonds, circles, herringbone and others. This unique service is one way customers can add personality into their flooring design. Stoney Acres Woodworking is not just about floors. Beachy says they also build staircases, and provide wood trim and

doors for their customers. All these products can help a homeowner match the wood features throughout their home for a coordinated look. When any job is completed, everything matches to the customer’s expectations. Beachy places importance on the quality of his install team. When an order comes in, Beachy’s sales coordinator meets with the customer, takes measurements, and works through the wood selection process. When it is time for the install, Stoney Acres handles that too. “We take it from start to finish,” Beachy says. “If Stoney Acres is involved, there is better quality control and a non-headache environment for the customer. We can make the best flooring in the area, but if it gets installed incorrectly, it ends up not being a good floor.” For those customers who are remodeling, the Stoney Acres crew will take out the old flooring and put in the new hardwood.

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The majority of Beachy’s customers are individual homeowners, but they also work with some contractors. Most of these live within 70 to 80 miles of Shipshewana, but not all of them. “We’ve been all over the place,” Beachy says. “We’ve been to the Upper Peninsula, Colorado, Ohio and Gatlinburg.” It usually takes about four to six weeks to complete a customer’s order. The maximum

timeline is eight weeks. “Business is somewhat steady all year long,” Beachy says. Stop by the Stoney Acres Woodworking showroom at 2695 South 1000 West in Shipshewana. The store can be reached at 260-768-4367. For a sales quote, contact Chad at 574-361-6259, or via email at chadsawsales@gmail.com.

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