The Lakes West Magazine July 2024

Lend an Ear to Some Corn History - and a Few A-maize-ing Cooking

PUBLISHERS

JOHN & MANDI LEWANDOWSKI john@townepost.com mandi@townepost.com (574) 249-9217 KEY CONTRIBUTORS

MIKE DIKOS

APOCALYPSE The Whiting Oil Refinery Disaster of 1955

PAW PAIRINGS Puppy Connection Helps in Your Search for the Perfect Dog

MILITARY MATTERS U Matter 2 Seeks to Assist Veterans in Need

JUBILEE EDGELL CHRISTY HEITGER-EWING MATT KEATING

JEFF KENNEY

KARI LIPSCOMB

SARAH REYNOLDS

DARCIE DODDS SCHOTT

AMY LANT-WENGER

JULIE YATES

FOUNDATIONAL Executive Director of Community Foundation of Pulaski County Talks Background and Mission

TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. FOUNDER, CEO TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com (317) 496-3599 PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com (317) 810-0011 PRODUCTION COORDINATOR ERIN TURK CREATIVE DIRECTORS

TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. 8800 North Street, Suite 117 Fishers, IN 46038 Phone/Text: (317) 810-0011

THE FEST TURNS 40

CULVER GETS READY FOR LAKEFEST’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY

Writer / Darcie Dodds Schott Photography Provided

Four decades ago this summer, Lakefest began in the town of Culver, along the shores of Lake Maxinkuckee. In a town that enjoys celebrating tradition, Lakefest is indeed a pillar of summertime in Culver. To recognize the significance of 40 years of Lakefest, one only needs to turn back time to 1984, when the simplicity of an idea came full-circle into a town-wide event and the deep roots of Lakefest were planted.

The brainchild of a small group of determined and entrepreneurial residents serving on the Culver Economic Development committee, Lakefest began as a concept among local leaders who sought to bring awareness and visitors to Culver in support of local business during a time of economic downturn. Original members of the committee included Bob Tanguey and Roy Shepard, who also served as Lakefest’s first chairmen. The idea came out of the committee’s weekly Saturday meeting with about 20 people in attendance, and everyone offered their ideas on how to create a successful event.

A focal point of the first festival included more than 40 food vendor stations, managed by Clara Hamson. Other

activities included two-on-two basketball competitions, an arts and crafts show, the Miss Maxinkuckee and Miss Junior Maxinkuckee contests, and an antique car show that doubled as a fundraiser from the entry fees collected, thanks to the strategic thinking of Mike Maddox. According to Shepard, one other early activity was a “Burnout” contest, where participant drivers would disconnect their rear brakes, drive up to the grandstand and spin out their tires.

That might not pass today’s environmental guidelines.

Like many small-town celebrations, a parade was a signature part of Lakefest from the beginning, under the leadership of Connie Van Horn, and participants included the Culver Woodcraft and Upper Camp Bands, Culver Troop and other student marching groups. Fireworks were also a part of early Lakefests, managed by the fire department,

until it was agreed that certified fireworks operators would take over the activities. To advertise Lakefest in the early years, Shepard and others went on local television and approached other community festival organizers to learn their best practices.

Most of the original festival activities remain part of the program today, led by Lakefest President Andrea Canacci, events coordinator with the Culver Visitor Center. Canacci graduated from Culver Girls Academy in 2011, and went on to study Hospitality at St. Mary’s in South Bend and later at the University of Central Florida, with additional training in the Disney College Program, culminating in a keen understanding of guest services and experience. Canacci’s education and innovative approach to community service through models of organizations such as Teen Serve fostered her talent for helping Lakefest volunteers feel that their roles, whether big or small, all matter the same in putting together a great festival experience.

Today the mission of Lakefest points to the people who are the reason this community event is uniquely successful. The Culver Lakefest team is an all-volunteer, nonprofit group committed to giving back to the Culver community by raising funds to plan and host a weekend of family-friendly activities and entertainment, and by offering opportunities for community groups, civic organizations and businesses to raise funds to help them achieve their goals.

In addition to timely help from individuals, many organizations and groups have stepped in over the years. One example is when Canacci needed volunteers for Lakefest trash pickup, so she invited Culver Community Schools (CCS) football players to volunteer and have the funds raised by Lakefest go back to the football program. Another example is when the CCS girls volleyball team volunteered as shuttle drivers, again having the funds raised return to the volleyball program. This year the local boys basketball team will help with the hotdog eating contest during

FINEST

OUTDOOR LIVING

Lakefest. Canacci looks to local schools to get involved as volunteers, so that Lakefest visitors from surrounding communities can learn about Culver’s local schools and might find the Culver community a supportive and attractive place to live.

“Without these valued volunteers, the festival couldn’t happen,” Canacci says. “Whether the task at hand is trash pickup, event setup or breakdown, we are grateful to the many individuals and groups who show up for a few hours or a few months.” For the past two years Canacci has worked to attract visitors by appearing on WSBT’s “HomeTown Living” segment, and with posts on social media.

Planning for this year’s 40th Anniversary Lakefest is well underway, and there are openings for all kinds of volunteers and sponsors. In addition to the summer Lakefest, other events throughout the year include Fall Fest, Winterfest and other annual events, which are detailed at the Visitor Center and at findculver.com.

“Someone might have parents who had their own Lakefest memory from 40 years ago, and now this person is having their own experience,” Canacci says. “I’m grateful for a place like Culver that bonds us through shared stories based in multigenerational memories.”

What began in 1984 as a collaborative effort to breathe fresh ideas and fun into Culver’s summer season will take place this year July 19 through 21, carrying on many of the iconic festival events and honoring the volunteers who have been the key to Lakefest’s longevity.

For more info, go to culverlakefestival.com, and also email culverlakefest@gmail.com for questions and additional details.

Justin Turnage - Owner

ummer has officially arrived, and with it comes a sense of exhilaration and freedom. But those sentiments can derail in very short order when a household emergency arises, such as a plumbing crisis, a malfunctioning air conditioner or a faulty water heater.

Those worries can be alleviated by a company that is well-equipped to handle those unexpected nuisances, by a team of skilled technicians and staff that can be rallied to repair…just in time. That phrase also happens to be the name of the business.

Justin Time Plumbing and Heating, based in Plymouth, is named for the founder and owner, Justin Turnage. For Turnage, it’s not simply a touch of whimsy that compelled him to name his company. It is also a reminder of his humble beginnings, and the tenacity and drive that has launched a longstanding career. Justin Time Plumbing and Heating is a leader in the installation and service of home comfort products such as air conditioning, furnaces,

heat pumps, and whole-home generators. They are also fully versed in various forms of plumbing issues and concerns, including ADA-compliant restroom facilities, general

plumbing, and water heater repairs and installations.

Turnage learned well and learned early from

his father, who was also a connoisseur in the trade. When Turnage realized that he wanted to continue the family tradition, he was determined to do so on his terms and launch

a self-made enterprise, without financial reliance. So he started out small, working from one lone van, taking service calls as they came in.

“If I didn’t have the money to do the job, I just didn’t do it,” he recalls. Eventually, his commitment to making the business soar began to take hold, and folks soon noticed a difference.

“We value our customers and we use the best, quality products we can find, made in the U.S.A. whenever possible,” Turnage says. “Everything we do is about planning for the long term, because we are always looking for products that will last.” With that pledge in mind, Justin Time offers a 12-year warranty - something that is challenging to find in the region.

Turnage notes that now is an ideal time to consider modifications to residential, commercial and industrial properties, as there are rebates and incentives currently available

Here When You Need Us

HOURS & LOCATION

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Tel: 574-224-6988

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Hours

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Saturday By Appointment Evenings By Appointment

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to make facilities more energy efficient. In many cases, he adds, the financial rewards will significantly reduce the customer’s costs, both in terms of installation and savings on utilities. For example, Justin Time Plumbing and Heating can assist with maximizing the best avenues for heat pumps and cooling systems. They can work with the innovative mini-split method as well as a dual fuel setup.

Another trend that has grown in popularity with customers is the tankless water heating concept. Without the use of bulky, cumbersome water tanks, the tankless method is gaining considerable momentum for its ease of use, longevity and durability, and the promise of unlimited and uninterrupted heated water.

Justin Time Plumbing and Heating has an extensive coverage area, servicing much of northern Indiana. They offer free estimates, and are available to address needs and concerns 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information on their products and services, as well as scheduling appointments, visit justintimeplumbingandheating.com.

AMERICAN FLAG LAYERED TACO DIP

Ingredients

• 32 ounces refried beans

• 1 packet taco seasoning (1.5 oz.)

• 2 cups guacamole

• 2 cups sour cream

• 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)

• 3 cups tomatoes diced

• 2.25 ounces black olives (sliced)

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine the refried beans and taco seasoning. Stir until smooth.

2. Spread the refried beans in the bottom of a 13 x 9 baking dish.

3. Top with a layer of guacamole.

4. Spread a layer of sour cream over the guacamole.

5. Using the diced tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and black olives, create a flag pattern.

6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Asolid roof above our heads, and a firm foundation beneath our feet.

These are but a few elemental tenets of a structure that is symbolically and literally powerful and enduring, representing shelter and strength.

And it’s what the folks behind D & L Metal Sales are best known for. The company, which started 15 years ago small and young in numbers and experience, now has a stellar reputation bolstered by the skills of nearly 50 individuals.

Situated in the rambling, rolling tranquility of LaGrange, Daniel Schwartz is the founder of D & L Metal Sales, and it was his motivation and inspiration that laid the groundwork, in a sense, and led him to forge a career path of his own. After having spent a spell of time working to build pole barns, Schwartz decided that he was well-educated in the trade, enough to launch a promising business venture.

Schwartz’s brother, Jake, has worked for the family institution for the past 10 years, and while he occasionally finds a moment of gentle humor in working with his sibling, he notes that he wouldn’t have spent 10 years there if his brother hadn’t given him countless reasons to stay. Schwartz reflects on those early Exit 233 from 31 to LaPaz Ready Picked, U-pick, Frozen, and Wholesale available

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7 days (weather permitting) 8-5:30 M-F | 8-3:30 Sat/Sun

618 S. Michigan St., LaPaz Ready Picked Berries

7 days (weather permitting) 10-6 M-F | 10-4 Sat/Sun Call 574-784-3331 to order or stop in.

Frozen Berries in 5lb and 10lb bags and Freezer Beef by the quarter or buy packages per pound, available year round in our store by contacting 574-292-5586

days of the business with a hint of awe in his voice.

“He had a vision that he could make his own materials and do more custom work,” Jake Schwartz says. “We started out with very little, and where we are now is mind boggling.”

Where they are now includes a broad range of accents for a number of properties and outbuildings. Among the products offered are complete pole-barn packages of materials and installations, metal roofing and siding, trusses, heavy equipment rentals, and garage doors and windows. They also have machinery that enables them to provide blown insulation for buildings both old and new. D & L Metal Sales also features reputable powertool product lines such as Milwaukee, Makita and DEWALT. They are willing and fully qualified to provide free quotes for prospective projects.

Workers prepare to build a truss

Rolls of sheet metal in storage

• Gold Jewelry

• Sterling Silver Jewelry

• Platinum Jewelry

• Turquoise Jewelry

• Dental Gold

• Service Pins

• Pocket Watches

• Sterling Silver Flatware

• Dimes - 1964 & Before

• Quarters - 1964 & Before

• Halves - 1970 & Before

• Dollars - 1935 & Before

• Proof & Mint Sets

• Firearms

• Old Paper Money

• Old U.S. Coins

• Foreign Coins

• Gold & Silver Coins

• Gold & Silver Bullion

• Pennies - 1958 & Before

• Nickels - 1938 & Before

• Nickels - 1942-1945

Arial view of D & L Metal Sales Facility

As the company has grown, D & L Metals Sales has expanded its service area, a long way from the times when “two hours was considered a long trip,” Schwartz says. Now, he says, it’s not uncommon for them to accept jobs that take them as far south as Indianapolis, and they’ve also traveled as far as Wisconsin.

To discover more about the potential that awaits from a consultation with D & L Metal Sales, call 260-463-6425, or send an email to retaildlmetal@outlook.com. The business is located at 100 North 250 West in LaGrange.

TRIANGLE

An insulation trailer that is available to rent. A standing seam trailer available for rent.

JULY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

6. Eventuated

Was obliged to pay

Ship’s spine

Lump of turf 13. Water 14. Door handle 15. Muslim temple 16. Dance nightclubs 17. Painters’ tripods

18. Stick (to)

19. Loved excessively, ... on 20. Prejudiced person

IT’S A WRAP

GREAT LAKES PLASTICS IN GOSHEN IS ENJOYING GROWTH

Writer / Matt Keating

Photography Provided

Owner Nevin Zimmerman

Nevin Zimmerman, owner of Great Lakes Plastics, is fortunate because he enjoys the work he does.

Zimmerman’s positive attitude about his work has also helped his business grow. The story of Zimmerman’s involvement in Great Lakes Plastics began when he moved to Goshen.

“I grew up in Sauk Centre, Minnesota, and in 2019 I married my wife, Kaitlyn, who was from Goshen, Indiana,” Zimmerman said. “Kaitlyn moved to Minnesota, and in March of 2020 I started working at Blue Lake Plastics in Sauk Centre, Minnesota. In the few short years I was there, I learned a lot and really enjoyed the work and talking to different people. We moved to Goshen in December 2022. The following summer, the owner of Blue Lake Plastics reached out and wondered if I would be interested in starting my own business, selling his products in this area, and thus Great Lakes Plastics was born.”

Zimmerman said he likes working with Kaitlyn at Great Lakes Plastics.

“I am the owner of the business, although Kaitlyn is involved and hopes she can be more as the business grows,” Zimmerman said.

Zimmerman also enjoys working with different manufacturers.

“Since Great Lakes is still fairly new, the success is still a work in progress, but one thing I can say is that Blue Lake Plastics has been in business for over 15 years and has developed good relationships with some of the top manufacturers in the world,” he said. “Everybody loves the product, and we guarantee everything we sell. Good customer service is top priority, and taking good care of the people that do business with me is important.”

Zimmerman noted that Great Lakes Plastics sells a wide variety of products.

“We sell net wrap, which is used for round [hay] bales,” Zimmerman said. “It is what holds the bale together, and the net wrap helps shed water.”

Great Lakes Plastics also sells baler twine, which is a net-like material used to wrap and secure bales of hay among other products.

“Baler twine is also used for round bales as well as square bales, and there are many different sizes depending on the application,” Zimmerman said. “Poly and sisal twine are also available. We also have bale wrap, which is used for wrapping wet hay bales. It can either be done as individual bales or tube wrapping.”

Zimmerman said bale tubes are like wrapping. “They are similar, but a bale tube is a tube that requires a different machine for the application,” he said. “Silage/grain bags are used for storing forage and grain. Again, different sizes are available. Bunker covers are a large sheet of plastic used

to cover piles of forage. There are many different sizes available to meet the needs of the farmer.”

Zimmerman said the products at Great Lakes Plastics help farmers.

“These products are necessary for good, quality hay and forages,” he said. “These products are made from high-quality resins and are very durable to withstand the elements. Another way we can help farmers is by having products readily available to meet their needs.”

Great Lakes Plastics also handles hay preservatives and forage inoculants.

“Boat shrink film has also been a growing market, which I am excited about,” Zimmerman said. “Many boats get wrapped every year and we have different sizes/ colors available.”

Great Lakes Plastics also offers shipping.

“Shipping is available on all our products,” Zimmerman said. “It doesn’t matter where you are located. Getting product to you is the easy part. If customers have any questions about any of the products, please call. I am happy to assist in any way I can. I look forward to establishing good relationships with producers in the area.

I am still learning a lot every day, and am happy to grow with my customers.”

For more information on Great Lakes Plastics, located at 60726 County Road 11 in Goshen, call 574-301-5608, or email greatlakesplastics@outlook.com.

IMPRESSIVE IMPACT

Writer / Matt Keating

Photography Provided

Wayne Beechy, co-owner of Natural Impact Pads, said his business was started by helping a friend.

“We have a good friend named Verlin Yoder who is with Yoder Stone Racing, and he is a horse trainer in Kentucky who needed help,” Beechy said. “His horses had sore feet, so to help them, he invented these pads to help the horses. They were great for the horses and they really work well.”

Beechy said Yoder later needed help as he was so busy because of his hectic schedule.

“My brother, Lester, and I agreed to help Verlin, and we said we would make the horseshoe cushions for him that are used to help pad and correct issues during the horseshoeing process,” Beechy said. “We deal with the same thing he does, so we made a deal to make more of the impact pads. It worked out well for everyone. A lot of horse owners need the pads and we have been able to get a lot of orders.”

Beechy said the pads have been popular with horse owners.

“A problem a lot of people have is you always had to scrape the excess stuff off your pads,” he said. “We found a product that is more durable. There is a part on the horseshoe called a frog that is a tad bit spongy, and these pads have helped the horses a lot. When a horse is barefoot, every step they take pumps the blood up their legs. Our impact pads increase their circulation, and the biggest thing our pads do is help their hooves.”

Beechy noted that Natural Impact Pads has many different sizes to choose from.

“We have many different sizes from zero through five that are very good for the horse,” he said. “We also have different features on different pads that our customers have liked. We also have different styles. It depends on the horse’s needs and the support they need. We have different options on the pads that we can talk to customers about. We have been very fortunate to get a lot of repeat business from satisfied customers who tell their family and friends about us. We are happy that we have

been able to help a lot of people out. It’s been great.”

Beechy said Natural Impact Pads also offers 3D printing, which has been popular with customers.

“We can do custom 3D printing, and we are very creative when we are coming up with something for our customers,” he said. “We started offering that in late 2022.”

Beechy loves working with the 3D printer.

“I can create anything with the 3D printer,” he said. “It’s nice to be able to use your imagination and create something your customers can really enjoy. It’s amazing what we can do.”

Beechy noted that several other products are also available.

“We have waterline brackets available, as well as game boards,” he said. “We also make parts for sewing machines, which are called treadles. We also have insulators for the shocking fences to keep animals on a property. We also have shrink-wrap dispensers, light brackets and plastic drinking glasses. We also make pleaters, which are for the caps that Amish women wear. We have a nice group of regular customers.”

Beechy said he loves living in Wolcottville with his family.

“We are very happy here,” he said. “It’s very calm and peaceful. It’s a great place to live.”

For more information, call 260-499-5273, ext. 1, or email Beechy at lwwwood@yahoo.com.

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.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FREE ADMISSION

• Farm Equipment

• Local School Memorabilia

• WWII Artifacts

• Early Household and Farming Tools

• Several Unusual Exhibits

Museum Hours:

May-October Friday & Sunday 1:00pm - 6:00pm November-April by Appointment Only

Contact Brenda Gilsinger for Inquiries or Appointments (574)595-7851

5641 S. Main St. Winamac, Indiana

Kernel of Truth

LEND AN EAR TO SOME CORN HISTORY - AND A FEW A-MAIZE-ING COOKING IDEAS

Story & Photography Provided by New Kitchen Store

Who doesn’t love corn? Be it on the cob, in bisque or as a side dish, the sweet golden kernels are among the most loved of all vegetables.

These is a story I heard at New Kitchen Store: “I can remember the first time I went to a neighbor’s house and we were having grilled corn. I wanted butter for mine and saw her dump the melted butter into water. She had a hard time of convincing me to dunk my corn in the water. I knew I was going to have wet soggy corn, but not so - I had lots of butter.”

When my youngest was in first grade, his teacher was going to show popcorn popping without a lid, and she picked a pan that was too small. It went all over the classroom. My son and the other kids thought it was great.

Let us know if you have a funny corn story!

Corn has been around for 10,000 years. The Mayans, an ancient Meso-American civilization, were pioneers in corn cultivation. They developed sophisticated agricultural techniques including the construction of terraced fields and the use of irrigation systems, to maximize corn production. Mayans recognized the importance of corn in their society, and it held deep religious and symbolic significance for them. They believed that humans were created from corn, and corn deities played a central role in their mythology and rituals. Humans created from corn? Well, to each his own.

According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service Indiana field office, the state of Indiana consumed 1.08 billion bushels of corn in 2023. That’s a lot of corn!

Corn is the world’s most productive and dominate crop. It’s involved in everything from fueling vehicles and feeding our barnyard animals, to sipping on a bourbon cocktail and finally making its way into almost everyone’s kitchen, as it can be boiled, steamed, baked, microwaved, grilled and of course popped.

One of our favorite recipes for grilled cream corn is a family favorite. It’s delicious with anything barbecued.

This is what you’ll need to make this dish:

8 large ears of grilled, charred, softened, cooled corn

2 tbsp. unsalted butter

2 tbsp. all-purpose flour

1 ¼ cup milk (any kind will do)

3 tbsp. cream cheese

1 tbsp. sugar

½ tsp. salt

½ tsp. ground black pepper

1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper (or a little more for a kick!)

Remove the kernels from the cob. Scrape the cob to get all of that sweet, pulpy corn milk. In a cast-iron skillet, melt the butter and whisk in the flour until combined and foaming. Slowly whisk in the milk and cream cheese, whisking constantly until that sauce is smooth and thick. This should take about two to three minutes. Then add the remaining ingredients: sugar, charred corn kernels, salt, pepper and cayenne pepper. Cook all of that together until it’s nice and heated through. Serve it right away! Follow the instructions and you’ll have a family favorite.

Here at New Kitchen Store, we carry everything you need for a big bowl of delicious popcorn. We have popping oil, hull-less white tender popcorn, several different microwave poppers, and the original Whirley Pop popcorn popper. We also have the following:

Terra Spice nacho blend for sprinkling on popcorn

Frontier Soups Red Pepper Corn Chowder

Anderson House Foods Nonna’s Cheesy Baked Polenta Mix

OXO Good Grips Corn Prep Peeler, and eight-piece corn holder set Dreamfarm Brizzle. Put it in a bowl of melted butter and spread on a corn cob.

Thanks for reading - you’re a-maize-ing!

New Kitchen Store is located at 1100 Roosevelt Road in Walkerton. For more info, call 574-586-2745 or visit newkitchenstore.com.

NORTHWEST INDIANA’S APOCALYPSE

THE WHITING OIL REFINERY

DISASTER OF 1955

Writer / Jeff Kenney

Photography Provided

North American Safe North Safe

“THE

SAFEST PLACE IN TOWN”

The Hammond Times newspaper of Aug. 28, 1955 covers the catastrophic explosion of that morning at the Whiting oil refinery.

Many residents of Whiting, Indiana, thought a nuclear bomb had exploded in or near their town - perceived as a real and present threat in 1955, when the Standard Oil Company’s Whiting refinery was destroyed after a massive explosion and fire 69 years ago next month, on August 27, 1955.

Described later as northwest Indiana’s 9/11 and by others who thought the sun had exploded or the world was coming to an end, the disaster left two dead (a surprisingly low number given the scope and magnitude of the situation) and 26 with serious injuries. The entire Stiglitz Park neighborhood was so damaged that it was eventually demolished and completely eradicated. A grocery store was crushed by nearly 200 tons of steel, train cars melted, cars were turned over, and every window within a three-mile radius was destroyed. More than 700 residents were evacuated in the wake of the event and many were left homeless in the $10 million-plus disaster.

In the early morning hours of August 27, night workers at the refinery had been trying to restart a fluid hydroformer; instead, an explosion destroyed the 26-story “cracking” unit (believed to be the largest in the world at the time), creating an 8,000-foot mushroom cloud that obscured the sun, and smoke visible over 60 miles away. The resulting fire burned some four million gallons of high octane gasoline over the next several days, destroying a significant portion of the plant area. Inside the refinery, more than 3,000 workers initially fought to contain the fire.

This widely-circulated aerial photo of the aftermath of the Whiting refinery explosion only hints at the extent of the damage wrought by the disaster.

One worker, 61-year-old Foreman Walter Rhea, was one of the two who perished, dying of a heart attack as he arrived at the disaster scene, according to the Hammond Times newspaper.

Worker Al Plant, who had served 21 years with Standard Oil, was less than 20 feet away from the unit when it exploded, somehow escaping with only a few scratches to his face. The Times wrote that Plant, speaking with the paper from his home the night of the explosion, was reflective, noting that his own father was killed in a similar explosion at the refinery 33 years earlier.

The other death was that of 3-year-old Richard Plewniak, who died just after 6:14 a.m., when the explosion sent a 10-foot steel pipe through the roof of his family’s home on Schrage Avenue in Whiting. Richard’s 8-year-old brother, Ronald Plewniak, had one leg severed off by the pipe.

Young Ron took months to recover sufficiently to return to school, though his recovery was aided by his young cousins, who lived in the neighborhood, according to the Times. Ron’s parents opted to

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stay in the Whiting house despite the tragedy, with Ron later noting that his mother, though obviously deeply pained by the loss of her son, remained a cheerful and steadfast person for the rest of her life. The Whiting-Robertsdale Historical Society’s website, wrhistoricalsociety.com, includes a detailed story on Ron and his family, including his father Frank, who served in the invasion of Normandy during World War II. Ron died at age 72 in 2020, having lived a life, despite the tragedy, that he said “went very well.”

Not surprisingly, hundreds were injured as a result of the explosion, including a number of residents with feet cut by the broken glass from their windows, since most were awakened from sleep by the blast and hurried to investigate while still barefoot.

In the days following the explosion, the Standard Oil Company sent some 700 firefighters to battle the ongoing blaze, relieving firemen from Whiting and a number of surrounding communities. Among other incidents during the course of the firefight, a threemillion-gallon tank exploded, though luckily it gave enough visual warning of the impending explosion to allow the firefighters time to escape. Fires burned at the site for more than eight days following the initial explosion.

Two hundred National Guardsmen were sent to the area to quell looting of local homes that had already begun by August 29, and the equivalent of martial law was declared. Temporary aid shelters were set up to accommodate the many refugees from the

community while widespread support from across the region came in the form of volunteers and donated goods and services. Chicago Mayor Richard Daley sent the city’s fire boat amid fears that the Indiana Harbor and Ship Canal would catch fire.

Fears also persisted for a time that the fuel spilling into Whiting’s sewers would lead to underground fires or even explosions (with manhole covers projected skyward like shrapnel), though nothing of the sort took place.

At the time of the explosion, Whiting was home to some 10,000 residents, many employees of the refinery, though today its population (as of the 2020 census) is listed at 4,559. The town’s oil refinery, which today is still the sixth-largest in the U.S. (producing more than 400,000 barrels per day) dates to 1889, when the Standard Oil Company, recognizing the area’s proximity to Chicago and an ever-growing number of rail lines, “along with large parcels of cheap, ‘unusable’ land,” according to the WhitingRobertsdale Historical Society, concluded Whiting was “an ideal location for John D. Rockefeller’s ‘world’s greatest refinery’” (by 1890 it was the largest refinery in the world).

The website, noting that the refinery even had its own fleet of boats, reports that “in the first 10-and-one-half months of 1919 the Whiting refinery shipped more gasoline by boat than was exported in 12 months from the customs district of New York, and half as much as was exported from the entire United States during the same 12-month period.”

Part of the 1910s boom in the oil refining industry could be traced to the technical innovations of the Whiting plant, which by then was connected by pipeline not only to eastern plants, but those in Kansas and Oklahoma as well, though by the latter half of the 20th century Texas, Louisiana and California became the leaders in the industry. Standard Oil changed its name to Amoco in 1985 and merged with BP, under whose name the refinery operates, in the late 1990s.

Not surprisingly, for those who remember the 1955 explosion, it stands in their memory as something akin to the assassination of President Kennedy or the September 11, 2001 attacks.

To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the event in 2015, the Whiting-Robertsdale Historical Society produced a 30-minute documentary about the disaster, “One Minute After Sunrise: The

Story of the Standard Oil Refinery Fire of 1955,” which includes interviews with 80 people, including many who remember the incident firsthand. Author John Hmurovic published a book of the same title, which is available online.

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PAW PAIRINGS

PUPPY CONNECTION HELPS IN YOUR SEARCH FOR THE PERFECT DOG

Writer / Julie Yates Photographer / Puppy Connection

Puppy Connection is dedicated to helping people find a puppy that is a perfect fit for their family. It partners with a select group of small-scale, northern Indiana breeders to ensure that the dogs offered on puppyconnection.com are of the highest quality. Owned by Amber and Luke Blakeslee, the online business allows individuals seeking a new furry family member access to puppies they would never know were available.

“We have a lot of customers across the United States,” says Amber Blakeslee. “Our goal is to make the process of getting a new puppy as easy and stress-free as possible. The dog breeders we work with are families with children. We step in and take care of

photos, advertisements, and put our fingers out on the internet. The breeders can focus on their families and raising puppies. We provide information about each puppy and can set up video calls with the prospective buyer and the breeder.”

Blakeslee has been a dog lover for most of her life, and has been directly involved with dogs since she was 7 years old. She currently has an Irish wolfhound named Ritter and a Brussels griffon American Kennel Club champion, Gidgett, who has had two litters of her own. Blakeslee has strict criteria when deciding which breeders Puppy Connection works with, and not every breeder makes the cut.

“There is an art to it doing it the right way; it’s very special,” she says. “We work with breeders as far north as Shipshewana and as south as Rochester. Most specialize in only one or two breeds. People can learn about the characteristics of a breed and read breeders profiles on our website. We look for breeders that provide tons of socialization for the puppies. We offer about 20 breeds at any given time. We encourage the breeders to do genetic testing so dogs can enjoy a long lifespan with little health issues. No family wants to go through the heartache of problems with a 3-year-old dog. We want to provide a family member that is happy, healthy and well-rounded.”

Blakeslee shares that the breeders trust the photography and videos that Puppy Connection produces. To help people see the personality of the puppies as much as possible, the Blakeslees bring their four children along with them on the shoots when the animals are roughly four weeks old. Seeing the kids interacting with the dogs helps individuals make decisions on the best fit for their family.

Puppy Connection has evolved since it began in 2012. After the Blakeslees were married, the couple worked together to revamp the business into what it is today. Two years ago they acquired a transportation company, which was a decision they feel positive about.

“Furry Freight is the safest way to get a puppy to its new home,” says Blakeslee. “We can stand behind it and know dog is getting the best care possible. There are drivers for both the east and west coasts. In our specialized vans, the crates are never nose to nose, and each one has a plush puppy with a heartbeat in it. We make sure the puppies are in good hands.”

Typically, Puppy Connection assists between 70 and 100 families each month. Puppies are ready to be placed in homes when they are eight to 10 weeks old. Talking with a puppy matchmaker is available through the live chat feature on the website or through texts and calls. Guidance is given on which breeds need a lot of exercise, or which type of dogs do well in an apartment setting. Families with younger children might be surprised to learn that

Bernese mountain dogs are good with youngsters, as are golden retrievers and goldendoodles.

“There is such pressure these days to get a rescue dog, but there is joy in having a puppy that is well-suited to your family,” says Blakeslee. “It’s OK to get a dog from a breeder. When you get a dog from one of these small breeders, you are supporting another family. With rescues you don’t know what they have been through. As a mom, having healthy dogs with great personalities is important to me.”

“We really enjoy this business,” she adds. “It’s so special to us because we love every aspect of dogs. Several families have reached out to thank us. Our kids have grown up with it. It has been such a blessing.”

For more info, visit puppy-connection. com, call or text 574-221-0326, or email info@puppy-connection.com. Also view them on Facebook and Instagram.

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MILITARY MATTERS

U MATTER 2 SEEKS TO ASSIST VETERANS IN NEED

Writer / Mike Dikos

I’m hungry. I need to see a doctor. I’m alone, and I just want someone to talk to.

For many men and women returning home from deployment, these are situations that they face on a day-to-day basis. For countless veterans, this perpetual struggle is just the daily routine called life. Sometimes the challenges of life can be quite daunting to overcome by one’s self, and for veterans who need assistance, U

Matter 2 is a place to turn to for a helping hand or a friendly voice.

As a veteran having served in the Army for 21 years, drawing from her own personal experiences, Public Relations Officer Ruth Dilts knows firsthand the endeavors that life can throw at you. What started as a simple act of volunteering (if you call making a quilt by hand simple) turned into a passion. Sylvia and Chad King, Founders

of U Matter 2, saw the devotion in Dilts and asked her to come on board.

“Volunteering has given me a purpose and raised my self-esteem,” Dilts says.

In 2016, Sylvia and Chad organized a ride to help local veterans who needed assistance. With each passing year the event grew, and now into its eighth year, the ride is an annual event dedicated

Photographer / Sarah Reynolds

U Matter 2 Volunteers

to providing help to veterans in need. Sponsors, donors and volunteers make this yearly ride crucial in the accomplishment of their mission, which is simply to help one veteran at a time. “When a veteran calls, we respond,” Dilts says. “No one is ever turned away.”

This year’s ride will take place on August 17.

U Matter 2 is a nonprofit organization that provides material instead of monetary assistance. They will assist in providing or locating the resources necessary to help one take or get to that next step. The idea is to help the vet get or stay on their feet, thus giving them a purpose and raising selfconfidence. “Most vets need a purpose,” says Austin Dilts, one of the U Matter 2 volunteers.

Some of the types of services provided are usually taken for granted. The simple act of putting on your glasses can be a challenge

for someone who needs them but doesn’t have them. Started in 2024, the mission of Operation Sight is to get glasses to a vet in a week.

Another task most people take for granted is to jump in the car and head off to a destination. However, when transportation is lacking, this can be a significant challenge. With the help from U Matter 2, vets have been provided with the resources to gain transportation, and in some cases provided with assistance to repair their own vehicle. Having their own transportation allows them to get to work, the grocery store or a doctor’s appointment.

Simple, daily actions to many are not as simple to one in need. Food on the table, a roof over your head, reliable transportation and a steady job are just some of the challenges that our veterans can face daily. “My father was a vet so I know what veterans need,” says Margret Rzepczynski, a U Matter 2 volunteer.

In addition to the Annual Ride, the AllAmerican Campout is another way for

Your Journey to Overcoming Cancer Starts Here

Pulaski Memorial Hospital’s cancer treatment program specializes in providing compassionate care, in a comfortable, local setting for our patients.

We understand the challenges you’re facing and are here to provide unwavering support every step of the way. From personalized treatment options, to educational resources, we are here to help you navigate every step of your treatment plan.

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Food, housing, automobile repairs and employment are just a few of the benefits that U Matter 2 provides to needy vets. Every call is important, and every call is answered. Though staffed for northern Indiana, their reach is quite far. They have helped vets from as far away as Florida and Texas.

Christmas for Veterans, Operation Sight, the Annual Ride and the All-American Campout are just a few of the events that U Matter 2 organizes, in addition to providing essential items for our veterans. With the standing motto of “Helping one veteran at a time,” they truly care and provide.

U Matter 2 can be reached at 574-3278095, umatter2-2022.square.site, and umatter2022@yahoo.com.

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IT’S FOUNDATIONAL

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF PULASKI COUNTY TALKS BACKGROUND AND MISSION

Writer / Matt Keating

Photographer / Jubilee Edgell

Leeann Wright, executive director of the Community Foundation of Pulaski County (CFPC), said the organization improves the lives of county residents.

“The CFPC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves donors, awards grants and provides leadership for community engagement,” Wright said. “CFPC was established in 1997 by a group of volunteers who cared deeply about the quality of life in Pulaski County. From our humble beginnings, we have grown to become the philanthropic leader serving our communities. Recognizing over two decades of experience, CFPC builds resources, engages people and inspires generosity to enrich lives in Pulaski County. We believe that collaboration is the key to enhancing the quality of life in our communities.”

The CFPC is governed by a volunteer board of directors composed of members across Pulaski County.

“Board members serve terms of three years, which are renewable up to nine years,” Wright said. “The foundation also houses several committees, one of which is our Grants Committee. Our competitive grants are reviewed by the Grants Committee, composed of board members and community volunteers.”

Since 1997 the foundation has awarded over $2,600,000 in community grants, nearly $1,500,000 in scholarships to local students, and almost $6,400,000 to designated local nonprofits and charitable causes in the community.

Wright said the CFPC provides a grants program to help nonprofits and charitable causes fund projects and programs.

“We administer over 43 scholarships for local students,” Wright said. “CFPC is also a thought partner for individuals in the community who want to make an impact, but do not know where to start. If a community member is motivated to solve a problem or passionate about a cause, the foundation is a great place to get connected to resources and others who might be interested. We are happy to discuss with individuals and families their philanthropic goals, whether through estate planning, complex gifts such as stock and securities, or through annual giving. The foundation is a great place to ensure that your passions and interests are met through your giving, whether you start a fund here or simply want to learn more about the nonprofits and causes in our community.”

Wright said the history of the CFPC goes back to the early 1990s.

“In 1994 Pulaski County citizens gathered to create our community foundation,” she said. “For two years these leaders worked closely with a similar group in adjoining Starke County. In late 1996 both counties decided to become affiliates of the Northern Indiana Community Foundation, which already

consisted of Cass, Fulton and Miami counties.”

Marking 1997 as the inception date, the Pulaski County Services Committee completed Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT) phases sponsored by Lilly Endowment Inc.

“Like many community foundations throughout Indiana, ours was made possible by Lilly Endowment, Inc.’s GIFT initiatives,” Wright said.

In 2000 the Pulaski County committee unanimously voted to become self-standing, and a local office was established in Winamac in 2001 with a part-time staff.

“The board of directors was increased and the organization applied for 501(c)(3) status,” Wright said. “Also in 2001, CFPC won a $5,000,000 educational [Community Alliances to Promote Education] grant for Pulaski County, forming the PACE

organization that continues as a grant-making entity today.”

On March 31, 2002, Wright said the Pulaski County Community Foundation officially became an independent organization. Its first independent granting cycle was offered that year, awarding over $12,000 to local projects and organizations.

A full-time executive director was hired in 2003, and the foundation continued to grow. The office was moved to 127 East Pearl Street in Winamac in 2006, and by its 10th anniversary, total assets of the foundation exceeded $6.5 million.

In early 2023 the foundation began a strategic planning process, which resulted in reworking their mission statement: “To build resources, engage people and inspire generosity in Pulaski County, Indiana.”

“With our new mission, we also landed in a new home, and our offices are now

permanently located at 221 North Monticello Street in Winamac, Indiana,” Wright said. “With our new home, we chose to update our look, rebranding and aligning our website with our new mission and look.”

At the end of the year, Lilly Endowment Inc. launched GIFT Phase VIII, opening the door for a $2 to $1 match on gifts to their unrestricted community funds, which support their community grants program. “Our goal is to raise $375,000 by December

31, 2025, to maximize our match,” Wright said.

Wright noted that there are many upcoming events.

“We have some community listening sessions at 5:30 p.m. Thursdays, from May 23 to June 20 at various locations,” Wright said. “We have grant applications that are ongoing/ year-round. We also have a Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship that opens in August.”

Wright noted that scholarship applications open in early 2025.

“We have an annual meeting in the fall at a time, date and location to be determined,” Wright said. “In January 2025 we will have our annual agricultural event. Last year we partnered with Keller Advisory Group and Dobbs & Folz to present Farm Succession Planning. We are also working on additional offerings around grant workshops, estate

planning and other events.”

Wright said the CFPC is always looking for more help.

“Contact us at info@cfopc.org, call us at 574-946-0906, or stop from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at our office at 221 North Monticello Street, Winamac, Indiana,” Wright said. “We would love to chat with you about what you might be interested in doing, whether it’s to discuss philanthropic goals, volunteering in the community, serving on our board or one of our committees, or simply just to learn more about our community.”

Wright said people in need of help can also contact them.

“Our door is always open,” she said. “If office hours are not convenient, we are also open by appointment. We are proud to serve Pulaski County and encourage all to follow our hashtag: #lovewhereyoulive!”

Six years ago, Jennifer Coy-Rash was busy raising her two young children when she began noticing that her mother could no longer find her way to her house or to the local library. She observed other odd behavior, too, so she had her 64-year-old mom evaluated, and she was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. A couple years later, CoyRash’s dad received the same diagnosis.

While Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for 60 to 80% of cases, other types include dementia with Lewy bodies, frontotemporal, and vascular.

When we think of the word “dementia,” we tend to think of memory loss, but it’s actually much more than that. According to Jessie Hillock, owner and founder of The Memory Compass, dementia is a loss of executive function.

“We’re doing a disservice by thinking of

dementia as memory loss,” says Hillock, a dementia care specialist. “A person may be able to name the day of the week and the president of the United States, but they can’t operate their cell phone or their microwave oven.”

It’s important to recognize the difference between normal aging and mild cognitive impairment. With normal aging, you may see changes in one’s ability to multitask, slowed thinking speed, occasionally struggling to find the right word, and sometimes forgetting names and appointments but remembering them later. Also with normal aging, the individual experiencing these issues is the only one who notices them. Mild cognitive impairment, however, is when others take notice. In this instance, an individual’s memory loss disrupts life. They experience confusion with time or place, they misplace things and are unable to retrace steps, and they may struggle with understanding visual images and

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spatial relationships, which can result in car accidents. Also, dementia patients lose their filter.

When communicating with someone with dementia, Hillock recommends joining the person in their reality, rather than trying to invite them into yours. For example, say your mother passed away five years ago and your father, who has dementia, asks you where his wife is. Rather than reminding him that she’s been deceased for years, it’s better to say, “I think she’s at the store right now,” or, “What would you like to tell her?”

Some people think taking their loved one to the gravesite will help them grasp reality, but that news just serves to confuse and overwhelm them.

Another common scenario with dementia patients is realizing that it’s best, for the well-being of all concerned, to take their car keys away. In this instance, what do

you do if they keep asking for their keys?

Rather than stating that it’s no longer safe for them to drive, it’s better to say, “I took your car to the shop,” or, “Your grandson needed to borrow your car.”

“This one is great because if they feel they are helping someone, that makes them feel useful,” says Hillock, who calls these little white lies “therapeutic fiblets.”

Karen Rogers (name changed to protect identity) says that providing her husband

with a fake set of keys keeps him happy.

“Holding those keys makes him feel independent,” says Rogers.

One common complaint from families of dementia patients is their refusal to eat or drink. Asking them if they’re hungry or thirsty will likely be met with an upturned nose. If, however, you hand them a plate of food or a glass of water, they’ll often eat or drink it.

“Lead them to food and sit down with them,” says Hillock.

Helping dementia patients find purpose is key. Hillock knows of a lady who leaves the same basketful of laundry for her mother to fold over and over because her mom wants to feel like she’s helping. You may have heard of dementia patients who are given a baby doll or a stuffed animal to “care for.” While this works beautifully in some cases, Hillock points out that it can be anxiety-provoking for others if they are concerned that someone has abandoned their baby or their pet.

In 2021, 11 million Americans reported providing 16 billion hours of unpaid care for loved ones with dementia.

Furthermore, the Central Indiana Council on Aging reports that one in six millennial caregivers who cares for someone living with dementia struggles with mental, physical and financial hardships because of their caregiving role. Therefore, it’s important that we acknowledge the importance of caring for

the caregiver as well.

Jean Crane, a counselor at Care to Change, says this entails meeting physical, mental, emotional and social needs. This includes eating nutritious foods, engaging in proper exercise and getting adequate rest. It’s also crucial for a caregiver to cut out negative selftalk.

“Be less judgmental and more compassionate to yourself,” says Crane. Also curtail your “what-if” thinking, which only stirs anxiety. It’s better to focus on today, in the given moment.

It’s also wise to practice self-gratitude. “It’s impossible to be anxious and grateful at the same time,” says Crane.

Emotionally, you should identify, express and process your feelings. In other words, if you’re stressed, breathe.

If you’re angry, punch a pillow. If you’re disappointed, confide in a trusted friend. Also, tend to your soul needs.

“What brings you rejuvenation?” asks Crane. “What fills your tank? You can’t give if you have nothing left inside.” A dementia diagnosis can be a scary thing, but keep in mind that there are resources available to help you.

Coy-Rash ended up connecting with a lot of great resources, many through the local senior center, which helped her navigate this new life with her parents. She now is well-versed in Medicaid waiver payments including eligibility criteria, finding providers, and the services that are covered.

“Connecting with the proper resources is so helpful,” says Coy-Rash.

Visit seniorcitizensorg.org for more information.

TIPS FOR HELPING THOSE WITH DEMENTIA

• Be patient when their memory fails by letting them try again, and reminding them of what they were talking about.

• Make your conversations meaningful rather than just engaging in small talk. When you enter into “their world,” they may have a lot to say. Let them guide the conversation, rather than asking them, “Remember when?”

• Avoid letting them read thrillers or watch crime shows before bedtime, because they may wake up thinking they are part of the scene. Stick with lighthearted books and shows in the evenings.

• If they are struggling to find the correct word, ask them to point to an object or gesture in order to communicate.

• Avoid towering over them so they don’t feel intimidated. Bend down to meet them at eye level.

• Speak slowly and clearly, and wait patiently for a response, as it may take 20 or more seconds for them to process what you said.

JULY

KOONTZ LAKE/WALKERTON/ GROVERTOWN

ALL Times Listed Are Central

Every Monday BINGO

Doors open at 5 p.m., early bird starts at 6 p.m., and regular games start at 6:30 p.m. at the Koontz Lake Association (KLA) community building.

Every Thursday

NEW KITCHEN STORE FARMERS MARKET

4p.m. – 6p.m.

Every Saturday

PICKLEBALL AT LION’S PARK (May-Oct) – 9a.m. – Noon

16

KOONTZ LAKE CONSERVANCY DISTRICT

MONTHLY BOARD MEETING

6 p.m. - The meeting will be held at the sewer district building located at 10625 East Prairie Avenue

4

KOONTZ LAKE FIRE DEPT. PANCAKE BREAKFAST

7am – Noon

6

4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION

Kayak Race at Kramer Beach - 8am – Bring your life vest and kayak. Make sure you have your entry form/waiver turned in by June 24th. Contact Roger (574) 279-2083 with questions.

Golf Cart Parade- 10:30am – starting at 11958 E Woodbine Ln, Walkerton, IN 46574. Gold carts must be registered and decorated with Superheroes themed. The parade will leave promptly at 10:30. Make sure your entry form/waiver is turned in by June 24th and at the address listed above at 10am. PT and the Cruisers - Noon – 3p – An amazing band from LaPorte will be at Kramer Beach. Bring your lawn chair and beverages.

KNOX/STARKE COUNTY

ALL Times listed are Central Time

5

Knox Alumi Reunion (Open to Public – All Classes) at Wythogan Park. Beer Garden starts at 4p and Pointin’ Fingers Band at 7p.

6

2pm - Family Fun Day & Fireworks at Wythogan Park. Fireworks 9:30pm.

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13

3pm – Creed Fisher Concert at Wythogan Park. VIP and General Admission tickets at Eventbrite.com.

26-28

BASS LAKE FESTIVAL

See Facebook for list of Events.

BREMEN/LAKE OF THE WOODS

ALL Times Listed Are Eastern

4

1pm - LOWPOA Golf Cart Parade, starts at 9087 North Shore Drive.

6

8am – Run Walk Roll at the BCC building (lake residents only) 10:30am – dusk – BCC building Crafts & goods, food, water slide & surf, and a band at the gazebo 7p-10p.

Dusk – Professional RKM Fireworks show at Rupert’s Resort.

20

9am – BCC Monthly meeting at the BCC Building.

28

BCC Day at the Lake – water slide, food, activities and events throughout the day including Rescue Release Repeat (Live Mammals) presentation at 1pm, and Steve Forseman 5:308:30p at the gazebo.

LAKE MAXINKUCKEE/CULVER/ MARSHALL COUNTY

ALL Times Listed Are Eastern 6

9am – 11am – Grab N Go Breakfast at the Culver Lions Club. Fourth of July Fireworks. 12

Ann M. Smitson Moonlight Serenade.

18-19

Adaptive Water Ski Clinic.

19-21

40th Annual Culver Lake Fest. 27

4:30p – 7p – The Culver Lions Corn Roast at the Depot. All the corn you can eat with delicious hamburgers. July 27th – 5p – 8p – Culver Fireman’s Festival with carnival games for all ages.

Knox - Winamac Community Health Center

Monday 9:00am - 4:00pm

Tuesday 9:00am - 4:00pm

Wednesday 9:00am - 4:00pm

Thursday 9:00am - 4:00pm Friday 9:00am - 4:00pm

Roger Farris, NP

Walter Fritz, MD

John Bulger , MD

Lesley Metts, NP Lori Truesdell, LCSW