The Lakes of Kosciusko Magazine May 2021

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

MAY 2021

MAGAZINE

Ruhe152 Bistro, Brewery and Distillery Owner Kami Tuttle is Making Her Mark

GEM OF A SHOP

Floral Gems Has Flowers for All Occasions

BLOOMING BUSINESS

Local Greenhouse Delivers on Seasonal Flowers and Crops

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JON S HOU LD ER S REAL-TIME ANALYTICS

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MAY 2021

G e m of a S h op : Floral G e ms H as Flowers for All O ccasion s A & B Au to Core s: E lkh ar t Comp any S p e cialize s in Au to Re cyclin g S kin S avvy : Fore fron t De r matolog y B ri ngs Comp re h e n sive S kin Tre atme n t to Clients Craftin g S u cce ss: Ru h e 152 B istro, B rewery and Distille r y is Makin g its Mar k Pe te r son ’s Fish : Local E ate r y Re main s a Sy racu se Stap le Rollin g Alon g : Re d iscove r th e Many U s es and Fe atu re s of Rollin g Pin s G rou n d G ame : E tn a G re e n Comp any S p e cialize s in E xcavation A Du rab le B u sin e ss: Family-O wn e d H och ste tle r We ld in g Is a Re liab le O p tion For You r We ld in g Ne e d s B irch Road G re e n h ou se : B re me n -B ase d Shop Provid e s a O n e -Stop S olu tion for G ardeni ng Ne e d s Fly in g H ig h : Stu d e n ts Can Take to th e Sk i es at iFly In d ian a Powe re d Parag lid in g B re akin g th e Mold : B e e chy ’s Mold in g Pl us S p e cialize s in Top -Notch Wood wor kin g B loomin g B u sin e ss: Local G re e n h ou se De live r s on S e ason al Flowe r s an d Cro ps A Tip p e can oe Le g acy : Tip p e can oe B o at Comp any Is Now a Fifth -G e n e ration B usi ness Wh at ’s H ap p e n in g In May at th e Lake s K E Y CO N TRI BU TO RS ANGELA CORNELL JUBILEE EDGELL / MATT KEATING LOIS TOMASZEWSKI / TIMOTHY HARE

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FLORAL GEMS HAS FLOWERS FOR ALL OCCASIONS Writer / Matt Keating Photography Provided

Barbara Bontrager, owner of Floral Gems in Millersburg, feels lucky to work at a job she loves.

“I feel very fortunate to own a business with flowers,” Bontrager says. “I really enjoy working here every day. I started working with flowers and plants when I was very young, and it was something I was able to really learn about, and just get better at arranging.”

Bontrager notes that she learned a lot from previous employers.

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“I worked for Glory Gardens, and the owners, Glen and Nora Yoder, were very kind, and taught me a lot about both flowers and customer service,” she says. “I took over the business from them when they were ready to sell it, and I opened my shop on December 1, 2020.”

Bontrager adds that she was able to keep many Glory Gardens customers, which has helped her tremendously.

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“I have had quite a few loyal customers who also enjoyed Glory Gardens, and really like Floral Gems too,” she says. “I’ve done exceptionally well, especially during the pandemic, and business has been very steady. My customers have been very nice, and have wanted to do business with me again. I was fortunate to buy a great business that was already established.”

Bontrager already knew many of the regular customers, and says this helped to get her business moving in the right direction.

“When you are starting your own business, there is nothing better than familiar and friendly people,” she says. “I’m glad I have been able to use my positive experiences at Glory Gardens and build on them. I love it when people want to come back and do more business with us. That’s such a great feeling.”

Bontrager says she was busy during the

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“It was so nice being able to get a lot of orders for people during those holidays,” she says. “I was able to sell a lot of fresh-cut flowers. I sold dozens of roses on Valentine’s Day.” Bontrager also specializes in houseplants.

“We have a nice selection of fresh-cut houseplants that have been popular,” she says. “I have been able to get some nice repeat customers from those. I sometimes sell five or six houseplants in one gift basket.”

Bontrager says certain larger plants have also been strong sellers at Floral Gems.

“We have large tropical houseplants that can get pretty big,” Bontrager says. “I’ve received some nice compliments from customers who have told me the tropical houseplants really make their rooms look better. We have a big variety of houseplants. We also have a good selection of palms and snake plants, and a lot of bright, dainty flowers that really light up a room.”

Bontrager adds that her gift baskets have also been highly popular.

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“One of the nice things about the gift baskets is that they are for all ages,” she says. “We have some that are very nice for teenagers and kids, and a great selection for adults as well.”

Bontrager says some of the most popular items at Floral Gems are their candy bar bouquets.

“They are a big hit with everybody,” she says.

“We offer every kind of candy bar there is for our bouquets. We have Snickers, Milky Way, 3 Musketeers, Fast Break, Reese’s, Kit Kat, Hershey’s, and a whole lot more.

Everyone loves receiving them.”

Bontrager receives valuable assistance from her daughter, Genieza, who also works at Floral Gems.

“It’s so nice to be able to work with family, and get to have a family business,” she says.

“That really means a lot to me.”

Bontrager says Floral Gems makes deliveries, which has helped the business considerably.

“We do floral arrangements and gift baskets for all occasions,” she says. “We can do

them for birthdays, weddings, funerals, reunions and other events. We are always looking for new customers, and we would love to hear from more people in the community. We want to help them with that special floral arrangement or gift.”

To purchase your next gift or bouquet of flowers, contact Floral Gems at 574-642-0672.

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A & B AUTO CORES ELKHART COMPANY SPECIALIZES IN AUTO RECYCLING

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Writer / Angela Cornell Photography Provided

Some say that eyes are the window to a person’s soul. However, there is another window, and that is a person’s “why.”

Finding the answer to that simple question can reveal a person’s motives and character better than facial expressions. For Brian and Amy Howard, owners of A & B Auto Cores in Elkhart, their “whys” are faith, family and community.

Although Brian has made a hobby out of scrapping since he was a young boy, it took losing his job at Jayco around Christmas of 2018 to turn salvaging into a business. At the time, the couple only had $900 to their name.

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“He decided to try an entire year of just scrapping, and see if he could start a business out of it,” Amy Howard says.

“We worked out of our home and grew substantially. Then in 2020 we opened our first shop.”

The business continued to expand, even amidst the pandemic.

Within a year of opening their first storefront, they hired one full-time and a couple part-time employees. In early 2021, they moved to their current location in Elkhart.

“We believe God gave us the opportunity to own and run this business,” Howard says. “From that, we’d like to give back.

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Orva Eugene Miller

friendships out of it.”

Thanks to the salvaging business, the Howards have the opportunity to invest more in the lives of their children, who are 12 and 14.

“They like to come in and tinker around, and help out where they can,” Howard says of the children. “They like following their dad around. They’re definitely daddy’s girls.”

A & B Auto Cores specializes in auto recycling, especially in core auto parts like engines, transmissions and fuel tanks.

The Howards stress the importance of conducting business in an ethical, professional manner.

“We make sure that every person has an ID on them when they bring the converter in, that they’re able to provide their ID for copy, and that they also sign the receipt that it’s not stolen,” Howard says.

“The community needs to know that we’re not out there buying the stolen converters. That is not what we want. That is not what our company is centered around. We are for sure doing our very best to make sure that everything that is brought in has not been stolen.”

“We deal with used auto parts which no longer work on a vehicle,”

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Howard continues. “What a lot of people don’t know or understand is that a lot of auto parts have value, even if they’re bad.

Instead of dumping them at the landfill or taking them in for scrap, they can actually bring it to us and get what’s called a ‘core value’ out of it, which tends to be more than what you would get in scrap.”

They also accept non-ferrous metals like brass, copper, and aluminum, as well as noble metals like gold and silver.

The Howards enjoy having an opportunity to connect with their community in such a unique way. Ultimately, they see their business as an opportunity to share their faith in Jesus Christ.

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“A lot of times I’m able to share my faith, where my husband and I came from, and how we’ve grown,” Howard says. “That’s the thing that I love the most - being able to let others know, ‘You may be down right now, but God has different plans for you.’ ” Beyond inspiring people with the love of Christ, they also see their business as a way to encourage other people to find independence through self-employment.

“You don’t have to have a lot of money if your dream is to own your business,” Howard explains. “You don’t have to have a lot of money in order to be an entrepreneur.

You can start very small and grow according to God’s plan. Don’t let your fears stop you from chasing your dreams.”

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A & B Auto Cores is located at 1919 Cassopolis Street in Elkhart. Visit them online at howardsalvaging.com, or call them at 574-338-0288.

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TheLakesMagazine.com / MAY 2021 / THE LAKES / 15

SKIN SAVVY

FOREFR O NT DERM ATO LO GY B RIN G S COMPREH ENS IVE S KIN T REAT M EN T TO CL IEN TS Writer / Angela Cornell Photographer / Jubilee Edgell

Kelsey Richard and Lindsay Stevens 16 / THE LAKES / MAY 2021 / TheLakesMagazine.com

L

indsay Stevens, FNP, a nurse practitioner at Forefront Dermatology, has noticed that many people don’t pursue medical advice until something has gone wrong.

“The most common problems are, in all honesty, going to be skin cancers because most people ignore their skin until it presents them with a problem,” Stevens says.

“Rashes is the second most common, and acne.”

What most people don’t realize is the old adage - an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure - is extremely fitting when it comes to the skin.

In many respects, the skin is the body’s first line of defense, like a knight’s armor.

“The skin is actually the filtering system for

the human body,” Stevens explains.

Just like any armor, the skin tells the story of what it has to defend you against, both inside and out.

“It tells your hydration level, it tells what chronic diseases you have - I can have a patient come in and I can tell immediately

TheLakesMagazine.com / MAY 2021 / THE LAKES / 17

by looking at their skin that they’re diabetic, have a thyroid problem, or something like that,” Stevens says. “Our skin tells a story that’s far more in depth than just a skin check or cosmetics, although we do those too.”

The skin can also break down thanks to poor hygiene, diet, or outside circumstances

“It’s not just what you’ve got now, it’s what you’ve gotten since you were a kid, and it builds up in your system,” Stevens says.

“One bad sunburn has caused cancer cells, so now we help our body fight them and keep them under control.”

One thing she likes to do with her patients is educate them on appropriate sun protection - both what to look for in healthy sunscreens, and what to avoid as ineffective. Ultimately, Stevens recommends sunblock with at least 30 SPF. like too much sun. Because of this, Stevens highly recommends getting a comprehensive full-body skin exam sooner rather than later.

“We explain what we see, why it’s there, what’s normal, what’s not normal and what to look for,” Stevens says.

For a passionate dermatologist like Stevens, proactive prevention is incredibly important, and it’s an idea she works to instill in her patients. Prevention can start any time by adding a few healthy habits to your daily routine. First, sunblock is a must, especially since ultraviolet (UV) radiation is cumulative.

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“It’s every day - rain, snow or shine, especially if they’re going to be in a car for more than 20 minutes because UV radiation goes through windows,” she says.

For those who spend large blocks of time outdoors, 50 SPF is recommended.

“You should apply it frequently,” Stevens says. “Wearing hats and staying out of the

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sun when your shadow is next to your feet - those are all great ways to prevent sun damage.”

Moisturizing your skin is also important.

“Moisturize at least once a day, if not twice, and go with a good cream,” Stevens says.

Getting a full-body skin exam is also a smart move, especially for those who have more than 40 moles, a family history of skin cancers, have used tanning beds, have had chronic exposure to the sun, or are over 40 years of age.

Even for those who don’t fall into any of these categories, health-conscious proactivity is still a good idea.

“Just come in for a baseline, so you understand what you should be monitoring for,” Stevens says. “If you’re proactive enough, you can avoid coming to see me when you have a cancer, because we’ve caught it before it becomes one.”

At the end of the day, Stevens’ goal is not only to offer medical intervention for her patients, but also to educate them.

“The skin is the biggest organ on the body that protects everything within,” she says. “Get to know your body and start protecting it now, so that it can protect you for the rest of your life. In the process, if you

have healthy skin, you look beautiful.”

Forefront Dermatology is located at 2246 North Pointe Drive in Warsaw, and at 330 North Wabash Avenue, Suite 360 in Marion. Visit them online at forefrontdermatology.com. To schedule an appointment with Stevens, call 574-3499242, Ext. 1 and ask for Lindsay Stevens.

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Owner Kami Tuttle

22 / THE LAKES / MAY 2021 / TheLakesMagazine.com

Ruhe152 Bistro, Brewery and Distillery is Making its Mark Before registering their business, the Tuttles and Nephews, who were already local business owners, debated what to name When local business owners Scott and Kami it. They wanted the name to be distinctive Tuttle, and Gary and Sara Nephew, decided and memorable, yet something that would they wanted to open a new restaurant in reflect the restaurant’s tranquil atmosphere.

Nappanee, they knew they wanted it to “We wanted something different, and yet be a destination restaurant - one with an something that followed the Nappanee ambiance that typically belongs in a much heritage,” Tuttle explains. “My husband larger city. liked the name Relax, because that’s what we want our guests to do when they come “We believed there was a need for more in, but we were still undecided.” restaurant options in Nappanee, and we wanted to stand out and be different,” Kami Six months and numerous name options Tuttle explains. “In order to do that, we later, Kami had a conversation with a friend needed to set ourselves apart.” who grew up Amish. The suggestion she gave changed everything.

Writer / Angela Cornell Photographer / Jubilee Edgell

“I was telling her our story and she said, ‘What about Ruhe?’” Tuttle says. “It’s the German-Dutch word for relax. Then the 152 is the address, so it just came together.”

The idea stuck. A few days later while on vacation, Tuttle told Scott and he loved it.

“The whole next day he spent in the hotel room designing logos,” she recalls with a smile.

After an extensive process to develop the business and completely remodel a building in Nappanee that is more than 100 years old, Ruhe152 opened in June of 2019.

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Follow us on Facebook for weekly features.

www.RUHE152.com

“Nappanee is our home. I feel like it’s a place where people come and they want to stay. People just care for each other here and we really appreciate that, and do our best to show that in our service.”

- Kami Tuttle “It’s very eclectic,” Tuttle explains. “It has more of a modern feel with a cool atmosphere and vibe, unlike anything you would typically find in a small, midwestern town. It’s also family friendly and can appeal to anyone at any age.”

The menu is just as unique and eclectic as the restaurant’s architectural design, offering a variety of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, burgers, chicken, steak and even sushi, all made by Chef Sidney Gongwer, who previously lived on the west

coast and attended culinary school in Los Angeles.

friendly menu options available, including gluten-free bread and buns.

“He was used to the big-city culinary scene and what people expected,” Tuttle says. “He knew how to make something stand out and make it different. He brought a little bit of that back to our area.”

“Our chef loves bringing something very unique to the table,” Tuttle says. “He makes the vast majority of our items, including sauces and glazes, from scratch.”

As a farm-to-table restaurant, many ingredients used at Ruhe152 are grown locally, including the lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, herbs and beef. There are allergy-

Another special element that Gongwer brings to the table is weekend features, which are typically announced on Ruhe152’s Facebook page.

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“We give him free reign to create his own dishes,” Tuttle says. “He mixes things up by offering a different feature theme every weekend. One weekend might be a Chinese feature, and the next it might be exotic seafood or barbecue. It keeps people coming back for more.”

Ruhe152 also has a full brewery and distillery, so the beers available at the restaurant are always brewed in-house - something that has attracted beer aficionados from all over the region.

Occasionally, offering in-house craft beers only will throw off a new guest.

“We’ll give them a sample,” Tuttle says.

“The majority of the time they like it and they choose to order one.”

Four of the beers are continually offered on tap - Embrace the Pace, a chocolate milk stout that pays tribute to Nappanee, Settle In, a dry, west-coast IPA, Simmer Down, an

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“We tend to alternate periodically 10 other beers,” Tuttle says.

“Some of it is seasonal, depending on what beers are more popular in the summer or better in the fall. We’re very diverse in our beer options, so we’re not IPA-heavy or lager-heavy. We have a good variety of almost every kind of beer, so we’re satisfying just about every guest that walks through our doors.”

The ingredients needed to create the beers are obtained from local sources whenever possible. This includes the hops and even some of the flavors. One of the most recent creations is Ruhe152’s Jamaican Me Crazy, a coffee-based beer featuring beans roasted at a local coffee shop.

The establishment’s leaders have also branched out to include home-brewed spirits in their distilling operations. So far they have made 152 Rum, 152 Vodka, and Tranquilla, a 100% blue agave spirit much like tequila.

The Tuttles and Nephews are heavily involved in local nonprofit organizations, and strongly believe in the Nappanee community. They are grateful for continued support during the pandemic.

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“Nappanee is our home,” Tuttle says. “I feel like it’s a place where people come and they want to stay. People just care for each other here and we really appreciate that, and do our best to show that in our service.”

The community has responded in kind, making Ruhe152 a popular restaurant.

There’s even a possibility of opening up similar restaurants in other towns.

“A couple from Granger came to join us for the first time with another couple, and they were really impressed,” Tuttle says. “Their comment was, ‘Would you please start another location up in Granger?’ We hear that a lot.”

For now, the staff is content focusing on excellent service and food, as well as promoting their craft beers and spirits regionally. The future remains to be seen, but the idea of expansion remains on the table.

Ruhe152 is located at 152 West Market Street in Nappanee. Reservations are recommended, and carry-out is available.

For more info, call 574-832-7843 or 574832-2739, and visit ruhe152.com.

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LO CA L EATERY REM A INS A SYRACUSE STA PLE

After operating a restaurant in Ligonier for 9 years, Roger and Sue Peterson were told that Gropp’s Fish of Stroh was for sale in Syracuse. The Petersons were Syracuse natives and graduated from Wawasee High School, and agreed that it would be nice to go back home.

In 2007, the Petersons decided to take a break from the restaurant business.

They sold their establishment and took some time off.

After a fire destroyed the business, and there was no fish in town, the Petersons

THE LAKES MAGAZINE / MAY 2021 / thelakesmagazine.com

thought they would bring fish back to Syracuse. They purchased back the restaurant and named it Peterson’s Fish.

It was a decision they never regretted.

The eatery still brings life and light to Sue and her crew as they work to provide good food and service to hungry customers.

Now, nearly 26 years later, Syracuse is known for more than just the lakes in the area. It’s also known for Peterson’s Fish.

In fact, some of the restaurant’s guests will travel 40-50 miles in order to try their special Alaskan Pollock fried in a

secret breading recipe.

“The recipe is locked in my safe at home.

There are only a couple of people who know how to put it together,” Peterson says.

“That’s what we’re known for. We make our homemade tartar sauce and then there’s our homemade coleslaw. It’s what we’re known for.”

With the homemade dessert that’s included with every entrée, there’s no reason for any guest to leave hungry.

Most people who walk through the front door are there for the fish. However, there are some who come in for something else on their full menu.

“We have prime rib, we have New York strips that are very good. We have chicken breast and salmon,” Peterson says. “But those are just for that one person out of that

family of four who doesn’t like fish.”

No matter what they get from the business, just about every customer leaves the restaurant full, happy, and ready to come back.

“People say that it’s excellent food at affordable prices,” Peterson says. “Other

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[restaurants] have tried doing fish, but people still keep coming in here.”

The best part of the business, according to Peterson, is the family atmosphere and interaction.

“I’m a people person and I enjoy being out front greeting people. I’ve developed

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a lot of good friendships over the years,” Peterson says. “We’ve watched kids grow up and now they’re adults bringing in their families. It’s really very rewarding.”

Nor is that interaction limited to what happens inside the walls of Peterson’s Fish.

Community stretches throughout the town of Syracuse and beyond.

“I lost my husband in October,” Peterson says. “Many people thought I would probably give it up and close it. To this day, I hear people say that they’re so glad that I did not close up. That’s why I’m in there, because of the good support from the community, the nice customers, and all the kind words I get from them.”

Even through the pandemic, Syracuse has come through for this locally-owned business.

“When COVID hit, and we went all carry-out only, the community really supported us,” Peterson says. “I had multiple customers come in and say, ‘We’re eating carry-out each week at a different restaurant, and when we’ve gone through them all, we’re starting over again.’ That meant a lot.”

Some people even placed large orders last summer and took them back home for neighborhood pig-outs.

“It was phenomenal,” Peterson adds. “It really helped us get through it all during COVID when we were all shutdown. That was really a great gesture.”

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THE LAKES MAGAZINE / MAY 2021 / thelakesmagazine.com

restaurant is no exception.

“I have some outstanding help. I couldn’t do it without them. That’s why I call it ‘Sue and her crew,’” Peterson says.

Currently, she’s also looking to add a few members to the team so that she can extend the hours to seven days a week.

With the stability and dependability of good friends and food, Peterson’s Fish will remain a staple in Syracuse for many years to come.

Peterson’s Fish is located at 1009 S.

Huntington St., Syracuse and is open Tuesday through Saturday 11 AM—7 PM. Visit them online at Facebook.com/ Petersons-Fish or call them at 574-528-5000.

“We’re short about two or three staff in the kitchen and one person in the dining room,” she says.

Peterson feels that she has hit on more than just the secret recipe for fantastic breaded fish. She’s also found the secret sauce for a successful business, and intends to continue as long as the restaurant continues to brings her joy.

“People like consistency,” she says.

“Consistency is key in this business.”

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ROLL ING ALONG REDISCOVER THE MANY USES AND FEATURES OF ROLLING PINS Story & Photography Provided by New Kitchen Store

Once upon a time, the rolling pin was a staple in every kitchen. In our current time of instant gratification, when there are so many pre-made foods like pie crusts and cookie doughs available, why would you want to buy a rolling pin?

A rolling pin can be used for many different things - not just as a weapon to smack an unruly husband, as many comics suggest.

Even though it is easier to buy pre-made pie crusts or cookies from the store, baking a fresh pie or batch of cookies yourself is

worth a try, as there will be no preservatives and you can choose what types of ingredients to use in order to make your creation healthier. Using the right rolling pin for the job makes all the difference.

thinner, and you can customize your pin to your cooking needs. A great way to see this in action is to come into New Kitchen Store and test them out. The same style made of marble can be cooled in the refrigerator.

This keeps your dough cold as you roll it Now that you are roll, roll, rolling along and out, and keeps the dough from sticking to rethinking the need for a rolling pin, did you surfaces. know there are many types of rolling pins available?

Another style is the French rolling pin.

This is typically made of wood and is much The reliable standard is the wood pin, with thinner than the roller type. French rolling thinner handles on each side that extend pins are made for bakers who want to use through the roller. Different weights and their palms and body weight to achieve the right thickness for the dough, and some sizes make the dough a little larger and THE LAKES MAGAZINE / MAY 2021 / thelakesmagazine.com

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We carry a great selection of sauces, rubs and bbq tools.

Take your grill game to the next level! have spacer rings on the outside to help achieve proper dough depth.

Let’s not forget the specialty textured rolling pins that have very intricate designs carved into their surfaces. These pins are used to roll out springerle cookies and other specialty cookies and breads.

Another must-have pin is a noodle pin.

These are tapered on the ends and fatter in the middle, to push the dough outwards and make very thin noodles if desired.

Whichever type of rolling pin you prefer, and whatever job you need a rolling pin for, we have a large selection of pins available at New Kitchen Store. We carry Fletchers’ Mill, Whetstone, Joseph Joseph, and Gefu rolling pins.

New Kitchen Store, located at 330 Liberty Street in Walkerton, is the largest gourmet kitchen supply store in Michiana. For more information, call 574-586-2745 or visit NewKitchenStore.com.

THE LAKES MAGAZINE / MAY 2021 / thelakesmagazine.com

“MOST INNOVATIVE MEDIA FRANCHISE SYSTEM” TOWNE POST NETWORK RECEIVES INTERNATIONAL AWARD Corporate Vision Magazine, a United Kingdom-based B2B publication with a circulation of over 155,000 business leaders, recently awarded the Towne Post Network with the “Most Innovative Media Franchise System” for 2020. Pictured here are Towne Post Network co-founders and husband/wife team of Tom and Jeanne Britt with the award.

Franchise publishers of this magazine as well as 17 other community publications in Indiana and Kentucky, the Towne Post Network is an innovative publishing platform that incorporates print, digital and social media for local businesses. For more information, visit TownePost.com.

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E TNA G R EEN COMPANY SP EC IA L IZ ES IN EXC AVAT I O N Writer / Lois Tomaszewski Photography Provided

According to the owners and founder of Beechy Excavating, there’s a big difference between digging a hole in Indiana soil and digging a basement. With decades of experience in the latter, the staff members at Beechy Excavating are experts at moving dirt and helping to establish a newly constructed home.

“Water doesn’t run uphill,” Jake Beechy says.

Jake founded a backhoe and bulldozing business in the fall of 1977, with help from his father. He was 21 years old, and

Their expertise extends into other construction purposes too, such as installing or repairing septic tanks, excavating dirt to house underground water lines, as well as new construction of houses and pole barns. When doing these types of projects, the Beechy brothers know that leveling the ground and providing the right slope keeps basements dry and pipes functioning correctly.

THE LAKES MAGAZINE / MAY 2021 / thelakesmagazine.com

was looking for a career that would both provide for his family in the long run, and be interesting to him.

“I saw other people operating equipment and it fascinated me,” Jake says.

When his sons Marion, Aaron and John were old enough, they began helping out.

Marion became a full-time employee in 2000. Aaron worked with other construction companies and in the RV industry, joining Beechy Bulldozing in 2018. John, the youngest, became a fulltime employee in 2011.

drainage problems. If the team is on a building site and has an inkling that something is wrong with the way the site has been graded, this usually means that it wasn’t leveled. Proper leveling can help keep basements from flooding

and prevent future problems for the homeowner.

Indiana has many different types of soil, and each type is preferable based on certain intended uses. Some jobs require

In April of 2020, Beechy Bulldozing was purchased by Jake’s sons and became Beechy Excavating.

“A lot of people don’t realize what it takes to do an excavating job,” Jake says.

“When the job finishes, they see what it takes.”

The jobs require site analysis, soil sampling, and an eye for fixing potential

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a soil scientist to analyze the soil, and make sure it is suited for the intended use. For example, sandy soil is good when installing a septic system drain field.

Through the years, working together has made the Beechy team better at what they do.

“We can just look at each other and know what to do,” John says.

John handles the bookkeeping for the business. Marion is the scheduler, and Aaron oversees maintenance of the equipment.

“This is what we grew up doing,” Marion says. “I helped put in septic systems when I was 9.”

Soon, the next generation of Beechys will be learning on the job. Jake’s oldest grandson is expected to start working for

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THE LAKES MAGAZINE / MAY 2021 / thelakesmagazine.com

his dad and uncles this month.

Jake, originally from the Topeka area, met his wife in Etna Green in 1978.

“God has blessed us with eight children,” Jake says. “All live close to home. It takes communication for a family business to work, and to all stay on the same page.”

The busiest time for Beechy Excavating is from March through December.

January and February are the slowest months in terms of construction, because during that time the ground hasn’t thawed from Indiana’s winters.

In these months, the team spends time making repairs to equipment and servicing customers with snow removal.

Beechy Excavating has earned Indiana Onsite Wastewater Professionals Association certification. Their territory includes Kosciusko, Marshall and Elkhart counties, and the cities of Nappanee, Milford, Bremen and others.

The staff members are available to travel beyond these areas if necessary.

“I always like to think that our company is the best,” Jake says. “We do have good competition.”

He adds that competition can provide positive motivation to maintain satisfied customers.

“We strive to make it right and have a finished job,” Jake says.

For more information on Beechy Excavating, call 574-646-2067 or email beechyexc@ibyfax.com.

THE LAKES MAGAZINE / MAY 2021 / thelakesmagazine.com

AVOCADO STRAWBERRY CAPRESE SALAD PREP TIME - 10 MINS COOK TIME - 10 MINS TOTAL TIME - 20 MINS INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • •

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 1 cup sliced strawberries 1 cup halved cherry or grape tomatoes 1 cup halved mini mozzarella balls 1 ripe avocado pitted and diced 1/3 cup loosely packed basil torn or chopped Extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS

In a small saucepan, bring the balsamic vinegar to a high simmer over medium heat. Stir, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until the vinegar has thickened and reduced by half, 8 to 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Place the strawberries, tomatoes, mozzarella, avocado, and basil in a shallow bowl or platter. Drizzle with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Gently toss. Drizzle with reduced balsamic. Serve immediately.

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Start by stretching out the straws as far as they can go and group them together in your hand.

Spread out the top of the straws so they are sticking out.

Have someone put a piece of tape around the bottom of them as you’re holding them. Let go and put another piece right under the top.

FIREWORKS CRAFT USING STRAWS Have the kids dip the straws into blue paint first and stamp it all over the paper. If the paint doesn’t show up great, have them press each straw individually against the paper. Add some red paint and your fireworks are done!

Add some glitter if you want some sparkle to them.

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Ever since he was young, Hochstetler knew he wanted to be a business owner, especially since his father owned a small engine repair shop.

FA MI LY- OWN ED HOC HSTETLER WE L D I N G I S A REL I A BLE OPTION FOR YOUR WE L DI N G NEEDS work from getting too monotonous.

Writer / Angela Cornell Photography Provided

Brian Hochstetler’s custom welding business has been going strong for 20 years. Over the years, the business has outgrown a 25-by-40 ft. shed into a 6,512 sq. ft. workshop.

The kind of projects that come through the front door span a gamete from mending broken spoons to fixing semitruck repairs. The wide variety keeps the

“As a young man, you don’t know what your dream is, or what God will lead you to,” he says. “I knew I wanted to have my own business, but I didn’t know what.”

Eventually, welding presented itself as a viable option.

“[I like] the physical work with welding — making the steel do what I want it to do,” Hochstetler says.

One of Hochstetler’s favorite parts of the job is the custom-made projects.

“I like being out there and literally figuring out the challenges,” he says.

“I always enjoyed welding, but I didn’t know it until I started working at the factory. That sparked my interest that this is what I love doing,” Hochstetler explains.

So, he turned it into a side business for custom and repair welding. It wasn’t until 2008 that Hochstetler decided to go full-

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THE LAKES MAGAZINE / MAY 2021 / thelakesmagazine.com

time after being laid off from his factory job.

“I took it as, this was God telling me, ‘It’s time,’” he says. “It was a hard decision. There was still that fear of what’s going to happen. But I prayed, ‘Well, if you want me to, you’re in control.’ ” It was on the principles of faith and stewardship that he started the business, and those are characteristics that still define him and his work, which he does with his wife, Sarah, daughter Lori, and son Lonnie, as well as a couple of other friends and relatives. “This is not my business. It’s God’s business,” he adds.

About 50-60 percent of Hochstetler Welding’s custom work orders are clientele personal projects. When a project comes off the street, there is no telling what it might be. Perhaps it will be an ornamental windmill or a gardening tool that needs to be mended.

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“No job is too small,” Hochstetler says. “[We offer] steel, aluminum, stainless steel, and cast iron welding.”

Other times, it’s a custom build project, like a wrought iron banister or mailbox post.

The rest are projects for local businesses.

“We do help out some other shops that are busy,” Hochstetler says.

His welders also do emergency repair work for local businesses, which typically takes precedence. Some examples include Farmer’s equipment, trailers for a wide variety of service providers like lawn care and carpenters.

“When something like that comes in, we do that soon because they use that to make a living,” Hochstetler adds.

Over the years, Hochstetler has

THE LAKES MAGAZINE / MAY 2021 / thelakesmagazine.com

expanded to include other customizable products that fit under his brand. In 2006, he purchased his neighbor’s business, Durable Designs, that makes toy wagons and tricycles. Like all of their work, these items are made with durable, heavy-duty steel alloy and polyvinyl wood. On top of that, these toys are made to last for generations. Although Hochstetler and his welders are heavily involved in making these toys, this leg of the business is now owned by his brother, James, who assembles the toys.

Hochstetler Welding also makes custom swing sets. The basic design is sturdy and heavy-duty, but otherwise, the features are customizable. Some of the options include a slide, teeter-totter, glider, among others.

One of his most popular pre-made items is a campfire ring and grill that comes with a winch and cable to make cooking over an open fire that much easier. Another

tool they have for grilling is the EZ Hook, a sharp hook-ended tool available in four sizes that was designed to facilitate flipping meat, whether on the stove, grill, or over an open fire.

“It’s a very handy tool to have,” he says.

Hochstetler Welding is located at 7262 W. 1350 N. in Nappanee. To schedule a time for your custom welding project or to order a brochure/catalog call them at 574-7730600. Order a Durable Designs wagon or trike, call James Hochstetler at 574-773-2835.

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BIRCH R OAD

GREEN HOUS E BR E M E N - B ASED SHOP P ROV I D E S A ON ESTO P SOLUT I ON FOR G AR D E N I N G N E E DS Writer / Angela Cornell Photography Provided

Gardening has distinct and unique benefits.

“For me it’s an absolute stress reliever,” says Mark Chupp, owner of Birch Road Greenhouse. “Going in the garden is refreshing. That would be one of the greatest benefits, besides the healthy food aspect of it.”

Birch Road Greenhouse is nearly a one-stop shop for gardening needs.

“We sell pretty much the whole line of gardening supplies,” Chupp says.

This includes about 160 different kinds of seeds, plants, trees of both the landscaping and fruit variety, shrubs, tools, a full line of fertilizers, and more. Chupp also offers organic options.

Chupp loves his work, but he has a special passion for fruit trees, and loves getting his customers established with their own orchards. Not only does he have tools and sprays for fruit trees, but he also receives orders for trees throughout the year and places them in the spring.

“When they arrive, I put out all the calls and people come and pick up their stuff,” he says. “It’s a unique service. There’s nothing better than going out to your orchard and picking your own fruit that you helped raise.”

This year, he is carrying one more product - bulk natural hardwood mulch, available in black, brown and red - all locally sourced from a tree-trimming service called Tree Servants.

“As far as plants go, we try to keep it colorful,” Chupp says.

“We’re always bringing in new stuff, trying new things instead of year after year doing the same thing. We try to keep it interesting.”

Although he brings in a wide variety of flowers from acclaimed brands like Proven Winners, his vegetables are started from seed in-house. He offers dozens of vegetable and herb varieties.

“I do use some insecticides, but I know what’s on it,” Chupp

THE LAKES MAGAZINE / MAY 2021 / thelakesmagazine.com

says. “I don’t use harsh chemicals and I most certainly don’t use growth regulators like a lot of the big operations.”

It’s something that his customers appreciate and keep coming back for.

“We get a lot of compliments on how well the plants do after they’re transplanted into the garden,” he says.

As his customers know, Chupp is very helpful when it comes to gardening problems.

“People bring a little leaf or an insect that’s on their plants, and I help identify it and help them fix the problem,” he says.

Chupp has some bits of advice for those who are beginning to garden in earnest. First of all, don’t overbuy seeds. Seed farmers do not produce every type of seed every year. Seeds produced last year will last at least three years, if properly stored in a climate-controlled area.

“Seeds are tight this year,” he says. “People are overbuying and they don’t need to. If you try to overbuy and you keep the seeds over, they will not last.”

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THE LAKES MAGAZINE / MAY 2021 / thelakesmagazine.com

Second, gardening requires time. Before planting, plan out the garden so you know how much you’ll need.

“Plan out what you want to raise and what your goal is for that year,” Chupp says. “If you’re new, I’d recommend starting a little smaller. If you’ve been doing it for a while, and it’s just not performing the way you’d like, get your soil tested.”

This can be done through the local Purdue Extension office.

For those who prefer another option, Chupp has a partner in the Nappanee area who can help.

Third, after planting, set aside a time every week to take care of the plot.

“Stay on top of your gardening and don’t let it get out of control, like with a weed problem,” Chupp says. “It takes a little bit of time every week. If you don’t keep up on it, it will get out of hand and you’ll get frustrated.”

Fourth, garden to preserve, which will help protect your family from shortages.

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THE LAKES MAGAZINE / MAY 2021 / thelakesmagazine.com

“Can a little extra,” he says. “Freeze a little extra, but don’t go crazy. That leaves more seeds for others and for next year.

Provide healthy food for your family, not store-bought canned food.”

Birch Road Greenhouse is located at 3050 Birch Road in Bremen. For more info, call 574-248-1610 or visit birchroadgreenhouse.com.

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THE LAKES MAGAZINE / MAY 2021 / thelakesmagazine.com

S T U D E N T S C A N TA K E T O T H E S K I E S AT I F LY I N D I A N A P O W E R E D P A R A G L I D I N G Writer / Angela Cornell Photography Provided

Flying is a skill that people throughout history have wanted to master. With the first successful airplane flight in 1903, that dream became a reality. By the end of 2019, marking 116 years since the Wright brothers’ first flight, there were more than 664,000 pilots in the U.S. Kevin Kemble, a local pilot and instructor, has been involved in aviation for 37 years.

He initially learned how to fly ultralights, which are small, one- or two-seat planes.

About eight years later he pursued his private pilot license.

father passed away in 2017 that his mind turned to other forms of flying.

It didn’t take long for Kemble to fall in love with power paragliding.

“My wife and I were watching YouTube one day, and we saw somebody foot-launching paramotors,” he says. “I had never seen anything like that before. “I just decided that I need to do this for myself. After researching, I found a brand that I liked and ordered all the gear. After all the gear came in, I started practicing with it.”

“It’s the closest you can get to being a bird,” he says.

For Kemble, paramotoring is far more than a connection to a community, or an enjoyable activity on a windless summer afternoon. It’s a way to honor his father, who served in the Air Force.

However, it wasn’t until after Kemble’s

THE LAKES MAGAZINE / MAY 2021 / thelakesmagazine.com

He also found a community surrounding paragliding.

“I spent a lot of time cutting the glider and working with some other paramotor pilots.” he explains. “Twenty-three days after my gear arrived, I made my first solo flight.”

Since then, he’s made nearly 1,000 flights, clocking around 1,750 hours total.

“I knew soon after I started flying that I

wanted to make this what I do for a living,” he says.

After receiving the required ratings and training, Kemble was certified as a paramotor instructor and a tandem instructor - the latter meaning he can fly with someone else - through the United States Powered Paragliding Association.

Soon he launched iFly Indiana Powered Paragliding.

The training that Kemble and his wife Terri offer is based out of the Starke County Airport and takes about 10 days. It’s an intensive course, but it pays off since students leave the class feeling comfortable flying on their own, and many leave with a PPG2 rating.

“Once you’re a PPG2-rated pilot, you’re considered a safe-enough, skilled-enough pilot that you can fly on your own with little or no supervision,” Kemble explains.

For Kemble and his students, power paragliding is an experience like no other.

“Most of my students have been dreaming of flying for years,” he says. “When I actually can see their face when they make their first solo flight and see them land, it’s so rewarding. I worked for a corporation for 32 years, and I don’t think I made anyone happy. Now I help just about every student achieve their dream. My main goal is to

THE LAKES MAGAZINE / MAY 2021 / thelakesmagazine.com

help people and keep them safe.”

Kemble says the cost for the course is reasonable, and includes all the equipment students need.

“To get your private pilot’s license now, it would cost about $12,000 just to get your license,” Kemble says. “You don’t own the plane or anything after that.

For about $12,000, you not only learn to fly a paramotor, but you also get your paramotor, you get your glider, and you get all the equipment you need to actually fly. It’s just so affordable in comparison to any other kind of aviation.”

The equipment can be stored in a garage and can be transported in a standard family vehicle.

It can even be launched from most two-acre open fields.

Kemble also has a paramotor shop at the Starke County Airport. There, he sells all sorts of paramotor equipment, including SkyMax paramotors.

“I have all the equipment you’ll need,” he says.

“I also have access to any gear anyone would want.” iFly Indiana Powered Paragliding is located at 1795 North 200 East in Knox. For more info, call 574-540-1378 or visit iflyindiana.com.

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Visit: TownePost.com/subscriptions Print + Digital Magazine Subscriptions = FREE THE LAKES MAGAZINE / MAY 2021 / thelakesmagazine.com

UPGRADE AND RENEW YOUR PONTOON

S the farm supply store with so much more! ∙ Coal ∙ Bird Feeders & Feed ∙ Fence supplies ∙ Big sky minerals By HiLand ∙ Lucky Buck Mineral ∙ Tomato Cages ∙ Tingley & Muck Boots ∙ “Yuneek” Nest Boxes ∙ Horse Feed ∙ Dog Food ∙ Lambright aluminum products

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TheLakesMagazine.com / MAY 2021 / THE LAKES / 61

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62 / THE LAKES / MAY 2021 / TheLakesMagazine.com

BREAKING THE MOLD BEECHY’S MOLDING PLUS SPECIALIZES IN TOP-NOTCH WOODWORKING Writer / Matt Keating Photography Provided

Dave Beechy, owner of Beechy’s Molding Plus in Shipshewana, says he has been very satisfied with how his business has grown through the years.

“We started in 2004, with just some woodworking for my father-in-law, Marvin Schwartz,” Beechy says. “Before I started, I told him I wanted to learn more about how to make the hardwood trim for furniture and other things. He got me started in the hardwood trim business. He taught me a lot.”

Beechy’s first project was making some furniture for Schwartz, who owns a shop called Schwartz Woodworking.

“We did the hardwood trim for the furniture in his bedroom, and did some more work after that,” Beechy says. “People heard good things about the work we did, and we were really able to grow from positive word of mouth.”

Beechy says he and his staff continue to make a lot of furniture molding and trim for Schwartz Woodworking.

“My father-in-law, Marvin, sold the business to his son, Cletus Schwartz, who sells a lot of our stuff,” Beechy says.

“We also make a lot of furniture for Schwartz Creations, which is owned by Cletus’s brother, Joe Schwartz.”

Dave Beechy 1365N 500W Shipshewana, IN 46565 Hardwood Trim Interior Doors S4S Rail Stock Also

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TheLakesMagazine.com / MAY 2021 / THE LAKES / 63

Since 1839

Beechy says both Schwartz Woodworking and Schwartz Creations are well-known for their high level of quality and durability.

“I have learned that you always want to make something that will last for a very long time,” Beechy says. “That’s how you earn a reputation, for making something that is designed to make the overall user experience better. We do a lot of handcrafted work that is detailed. The trim is used to describe the material that is used around the openings on windows and doors. We really work hard to make sure they last. Customers want something that is reliable, and can be passed down for generations.”

Beechy adds that Schwartz Creations “believes in using and honoring the natural resources that are in Indiana. They use use maple, oak, hickory and elm trees. I like to work with wood from Indiana as well. It’s very high quality and highly durable.”

Beechy still regularly makes furniture molding and trim for several area residents, and for furniture stores across the country.

“We ship our work to Iowa, Indiana, Texas and Canada,”

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The regions premier one stop shop for embroidery, screen printing (over 200 colors to choose from), textile laser embroidery, laser engraving, direct to garment, heat transfer, wide format printing, car, wall & window decals, vehicle wraps, yard signs, banners, and rhinestone designs.

Phone 260-463-7373 Fax 260-463-4950 4425 W US Highway 20 LaGrange, Indiana 46761 64 / THE LAKES / MAY 2021 / TheLakesMagazine.com

Beechy says. “It’s been very nice to see the business grow over the years. I’ve been very happy that we have received a lot of compliments on the work we do. It means a lot to me that people are satisfied with the work we do. I can’t say enough about that.”

Beechy says he and his staff have kept busy working on furniture needed for both residential homes and recreational vehicles.

“The molding and trim we do is for a lot of the interior passage doors on homes and RVs,” he says. “I would say that about onethird of our business is working on molding and trim for RVs. There is really a lot of work during the warmer months. We pay attention to all of the details, which has helped us be able to get a lot of customers.”

Beechy enjoys the positive reviews he gets from longtime customers who have become friends.

“We still have loyal customers who were with us from our first couple of years,” Beechy says. “They love our work, and recommend us to their family and friends.”

Beechy gets a lot of enjoyment out of his work.

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TheLakesMagazine.com / MAY 2021 / THE LAKES / 65

“I love seeing all of it when it is done,” Beechy says. “That’s the best part. You put a lot of effort into it, and then you get to see what it looks like when it is finished.”

Beechy says he enjoys working with his staff.

“There are four of us working here,” he says. “I work with two of my daughters and one other employee. I really enjoy the opportunity of working with my family.”

Beechy’s Molding Plus is located at 1365 North 500 West in Shipshewana. Call 260-768-7030 for more info.

• Cookies • Pies • Breads • Sweet Rolls • Cakes Hours: Tuesday - Friday 5am-4pm Saturday 5am-2pm Ph: 574-825-7918 | Fax: 574-825-0209 59162 CR 43 Middlebury, IN 46540 66 / THE LAKES / MAY 2021 / TheLakesMagazine.com

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If your home is warm in the summer and cold and/or if you have icicles hanging on your roof in the winter, we can help you!

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TheLakesMagazine.com / MAY 2021 / THE LAKES / 69

BLOOMING BUSINESS LOCAL GREENHOUSE DELIVERS ON SEASONAL FLOWERS AND CROPS

Writer / Lois Tomaszewski Photography Provided

It takes more than a green thumb to have a successful greenhouse. It takes experience, and a knack for nurturing plants from seeds and cuttings. Ernest Eash has that by the bushel full.

He and his wife Susie own Sow-N-Grow Greenhouse, which was established in 2009 on family land. The family-run business is open to the public twice per year, from April 1 to mid-June, and from September 1 through mid-October.

Eash grew up working in his family’s greenhouse in Central Michigan. He learned the business as a young boy and worked in the greenhouse until he was 23. He put the thought of opening his own greenhouse on “the back burner,” he says.

In 2008, after being laid off from his job in the RV industry, the family weathered the economic hardships of the Great Recession by building one greenhouse to grow tomato plants.

Eash was called back to work, but the greenhouse began to establish itself as a go-to grower for tomatoes in the wholesale marketplace.

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LOTS OF FLOWERS! CASH OR CHECK ONLY

CHECK OUT OUR SELECTION HOURS: MON.-SAT., 8AM-6PM CLOSED SUNDAYS, APRIL 2ND, MAY 13TH 70 / THE LAKES / MAY 2021 / TheLakesMagazine.com

The wholesalers who worked with Eash knew him from his time working at his parents’ operation.

Flowers were added to the growing stock, but the business remained strictly a supplier for bigger operations. Over time additional greenhouses were added, a parking lot was added, and a storefront was built on the property. Plant sales opened to the public in 2018.

“Our goal is to raise the best quality flowers we can and sell them at reasonable prices,” Eash says.

For decorative flowers that adorn local yards, decks and porches, the Eashes begin the growing process in January by sowing seeds or germinating cuttings.

Common flowers that bloom in abundance at Sow-N-Grow include petunias, classic geraniums, and combo baskets that customers enjoy.

Red geraniums are a traditional spring flower for many gardeners. Eash says his customers can choose from 13 different | colors when picking out their geraniums. He says this species has stood the test of time because geraniums are easier to care for than other flowers.

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TheLakesMagazine.com / MAY 2021 / THE LAKES / 71

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72 / THE LAKES / MAY 2021 / TheLakesMagazine.com

The Eashes also grow a variety of petunias, including the wave variety. There are about a dozen colors of this flower available.

The Eashes can help a customer find the right flowers.

“First of all, we need to know if it’s in full sun or full shade,” Eash explains. “This is the key to having a plant survive at that location.

I like to ask the customer where they are going to plant the flowers and how much time they want to invest in that plant.”

Some varieties, like sunflowers, don’t need as much attention.

Others, such as the vinca, may need to be watered daily.

The business also offers plants for vegetable gardens, including tomatoes, asparagus, rhubarb and other popular crops. A variety of fruit trees are also available, including apple, peach, pear and cherry. A home gardener can also find grape vines, as well as blueberry, raspberry and blackberry bushes.

The store also stocks a garden fertilizer that is used via one-time application. Eash tried the product on his own plants before offering it for sale. It has proven to be especially effective on tomato blight.

Eash says gardening, whether it involves planting flowers or

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TheLakesMagazine.com / MAY 2021 / THE LAKES / 73

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!

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“For me, it’s about getting out and watching something grow, and being able to see the fruits of your labor,” he says. “It lets you get out and get away.”

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Buying plants from a local greenhouse instead of a big-box store can have benefits. First, plants that come from a local greenhouse are often more likely to survive, and if a customer has a problem, there is usually someone who can listen and suggest a solution.

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“If a customer has a problem, we try to help,” Eash says. “If it doesn’t work, I want to know that too.”

When the greenhouse opens this fall, customers will be able to walk through the field and choose what they want. They also sell additional fall decor, such as straw bales and grasses. Pumpkins are also offered, with proceeds from these going to the couple’s sons, who will oversee this fall’s crop.

For more information on Sow-N-Grow, call 260-499-5315, or visit the business at 655 South 300 West in LaGrange.

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TheLakesMagazine.com / MAY 2021 / THE LAKES / 77 Place Dealer Imprint Here (Place your dealer information here)

Monday - Friday 10-4 Saturday 10 - 2 Closed Wednesday

A TIPPECANOE LEGACY TIPPECANOE BOAT COMPANY IS NOW A FIFTH-GENERATION BUSINESS Writer / Lois Tomaszewski Photographer / Timothy Hare

During an era of change, in a sometimes erratic economy, the fact that a business has grown through five generations is quite an accomplishment. That is exactly what drives the owners and staff at Tippecanoe Boat Company.

Owner Bruce Pierce represents the third generation, and is named after his grandfather. His daughter Hallie Pierce Metze represents the fourth generation.

Pierce Metze, Hallie’s son and Bruce’s grandson, represents the fifth, as part of the team that makes Tippecanoe Boat Company the go-to place for boat purchases and repairs.

This generational appeal is not limited to family. It extends to customers as well.

“We have a lot of generational customers whose grandfathers or great-grandfathers were customers of my dad’s father or grandfather, and we have grown together,” Pierce Metze says. “We also still service a couple of the old Century boats originally purchased at the boat company that are still owned by the original purchasing families.”

The company was established in 1925 on Lake Tippecanoe by Bruce Lynn Pierce.

The boat business came about from the

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78 / THE LAKES / MAY 2021 / TheLakesMagazine.com

original Pierce’s desire to open a resort and introduce people to the northeast side of Lake Tippecanoe. He had already made his mark as a successful grocer in Jonesboro, Indiana. He bought the land, dug a canal, and decided he needed a boat.

TIME FOR A NEW BOAT? Visit our marina on beautiful Lake Tippecanoe!

The company founder figured he could obtain a boat cheaper if he bought in bulk - the same approach he took in the grocery store business. As the family unwrapped the new boats, it drew the attention of locals, and Pierce’s first order sold out very quickly.

The first Pierce was followed by Lynne E. Pierce, who took over after World War II. Today the business is owned by Pierce and Diane L. Seybert.

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Through the decades, boats have changed and evolved. From the early days of wooden boats to the transition to fiberglass, the company has seen it all.

“It has changed in many ways,” Pierce says.

“The most dramatic change to me has been the shift in preference to pontoon boats from power runabouts.”

Pierce says many customers are in the market for pontoon boats.

“In our area, we have a fair number of younger buyers who mostly seem to work in the orthopedic industry,” Pierce says. “The majority of buyers tend to be somewhat older - 50 and up.”

Tippecanoe Boat Company sells new boats, including Godfrey pontoons, Sanpan, AquaPatio, Sweetwater and Lund, as well as used boats on occasion. The company offers rentals of pontoons and power boats suitable for water skiing.

TheLakesMagazine.com / MAY 2021 / THE LAKES / 79

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80 / THE LAKES / MAY 2021 / TheLakesMagazine.com

In addition, the company’s service department can handle maintenance and service on Mercury, Honda and Yamaha outboards, and other services for boats up to 35’. The service department can also handle restorations to fiberglass and pontoons, winterization of boats, spring conditioning, and pressure washing.

Other services include storage and docking, and shrink-wrap covers. Boat owners can find what they need in the well-stocked parts department, Metze says.

“We have an amazing staff that makes running our business possible,” Metze says.

“They are like family to us.”

Tippecanoe Boat Company stands out from similar businesses in the area because of two things, Pierce says.

“I think it’s because of longevity and excellent service,” he says.

The company’s commitment to its

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customers is laid out on its website. That commitment means helping customers find the boat they are looking for, personalizing products, servicing each customer, and providing world-class support and service after each sale.

Just as the lure of lakeside living attracted Tippecanoe Boat Company’s founder almost a century ago, it is still bringing families to the lake and attracting the next generation of boaters.

Owning a boat has several benefits.

According to Pierce, it’s a great way to enjoy leisure time, and provides an opportunity to engage in water sports. After all, getting outdoors and on the water can be a healthy, active pursuit for all ages.

Tippecanoe Boat Company is located at 301 EMS T46 Lane in Leesburg. For more information, visit tippecanoeboatcompany. com or call 574-834-2271.

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10661 CR 32 Middlebury, IN 46540 nate.rockbottomresale@gmail.com | 574-312-5661 TheLakesMagazine.com / MAY 2021 / THE LAKES / 83

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TheLakesMagazine.com / MAY 2021 / THE LAKES / 85

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