The Lakes West Magazine December 2024 by Towne Post Network, Inc.

5900 S Range Rd. North Judson, IN 46366

Confections and Creativity

Hobart Celebrity Who Snuck to the World War I Front, 106 Years Ago This Month

Creations’

SMALL BUSINESS, BIG RESULTS

SECURE YOUR STRUCTURE WITH M & J’S SPRAY FOAM INSULATION SOLUTIONS

Writer / Amy Beaucham

Photographer / Sarah Reynolds

It is said that workmanship is best judged by one criterion: the result. Since 2018, Mike Craft and Jamie Murray of M & J’s Spray Foam Insulation Solutions have earned respect and praise for the results provided to their customers.

Their highly professional and attentive workmanship with closed-cell spray foam application has equipped homes, offices and other buildings in Pulaski and surrounding counties with healthier air quality, improved cooling and heating distribution, increased

structural strength, enhanced energy efficiency, and stronger protection from humidity, mold, wind, pests and insects.

Spray foam insulation is a versatile product that can seal small cracks and crevices, and

is particularly efficient at reducing energy costs. M & J’s utilizes a high-quality, closedcell spray polyurethane foam insulation, which is especially rigid and strong. It has superior density, with each air cell within the foam being completely sealed, resulting in advanced repellency to moisture and air infiltration. Its high density creates a higher resistance value (R-value) than other lessdense insulations. Closed-cell spray foam insulation has an R-value of 6 to 7, which is comparatively higher than other insulation products. The higher the R-value of an insulant, the greater its sealing power and provision of an airtight seal and moisture barrier. This R-value makes closed-cell foam highly efficient at keeping heat in or out of a structure. It is considered one of the most efficient insulating materials available, outperforming many other types of insulation.

From an application standpoint, the closed-cell foam used by M & J’s is designed to expand to 4 inches of thickness

when sprayed, with each inch offering an R-value of 7. Multiple applications can be applied to achieve higher total R-values. Closed-cell spray foam firmly adheres to walls, boards, studs, rim joists, metal siding, garage doors, stone, concrete slabs, masonry, brick and more. The highly secure barrier it forms keeps pollen, dust, insects and other allergens from entering the structure through cracks or crevices in wall assemblies. It specifically provides a vapor barrier, preventing any water in the air from leaking through porous masonry walls. The rigidity of closed-cell spray polyurethane foam also allows it to support structures already in place.

All of the above results are long lasting. The average lifespan of closed-cell spray foam insulation is between 80 and 100 years. Closed-cell spray foam is one of the most versatile insulation products. Not only can closed-cell spray foam be installed below grade in basements and crawl spaces, but it can also be installed in exterior walls, roofs and attics. It is ideal for meeting the insulation needs of pole barns, garages, well houses, water tanks, boilers, wood stoves, crawlspaces, roof decks, and projects such as home renovation and new construction. Spray foam insulation can be used to seal areas that commonly involve air leaks including plumbing vents, attic hatches, wiring holes, behind knee walls, basement rim joists, windows and doors, open soffits, recessed lighting, furnace flues and duct chaseways.

Before starting M & J’s, the owners were no strangers to hard work and dedication.

Quality Care, Closer To Home

Pulaski Memorial Hospital Medical and Surgical Group diligently works to provide groundbreaking services and compassionate care to our local communities.

Operating clinics in six convenient locations, our staff is dedicated to providing “Quality Care, Closer To Home.”

From routine check-ups to acute and chronic care management, the team at the Culver Medical Center is ready to keep you and your family healthy.

PULASKI

The clinic is staffed by Dr. Tim Day, a Culver native; Dr. Dan Anderson, a General Surgeon; Alexa Good, FNP-C, a Family Nurse Practitioner; Morgan Faanes, DPM, a Podiatrist; and Sandra Ringer, LCSW, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. They are ready to meet your primary care, surgery, foot care, and behavioral healthcare needs.

The Culver Medical Center is open Monday through Friday, and all providers are accepting new patients.

schedule your appointment, please call (574) 842-2476

Tim Day, MD

Alexa Good, FNP-C

Morgan Faanes, DPM

Sandra Ringer, LCSW-RPT-S

Dan Anderson, MD

Craft has long been involved with a threegeneration, family-owned dairy farm in Star City, where he continues to assist as needed. Additionally, he maintains a deep connection to the construction industry, as well as regularly helping with tasks on Murray’s family farm. Murray has built an impressive 15-year career in public health. Currently she serves as a state dairy specialist, with prior experience that includes two years as a state meat inspector and another two years with the USDA, before transitioning to her current role with the state. Both decided to add the spray foam business as a specialized undertaking after Craft became familiar with the process when assisting his brotherin-law with his construction business. Craft saw the benefits of closed-cell spray foam and recognized the need he could meet by providing high-quality insulation services in Winamac and surrounding areas.

Craft and Murray obtained training and certification from the Center for the

Polyurethanes Industry and American Chemistry Council, purchased a top-ofthe-line spray foam rig, and began what has proven to be a very successful business venture. Craft takes pride in his expertise in the science and process of applying closedcell spray foam.

In addition to continuing her role as a state inspector, Murray often accompanies Craft to jobs to assist with setup and completion

tasks. They are both very conscientious about leaving no mess behind. Instead they will leave you with reliable, measurable and conclusive results that you can enjoy for a lifetime.

For more information and to schedule an appointment, call 574-242-0463 or 574-595-0867. You can also visit mandjssprayfoam.com as well as their Facebook page.

CHRISTMAS CROCKPOT DROP COOKIES

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Chill Time: 2 hours

INGREDIENTS

• 2 pounds white almond bark

• 2 cups dry roasted salted peanuts

• 1 ½ cups mini pretzels roughly chopped

• 1 cup caramel bits

• 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows

• Holiday Sprinkles

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a slow cooker, place the almond bark, peanuts and chopped pretzels, 2 pounds white almond bark, 2 cups dry roasted salted peanuts, 1 ½ cups mini pretzels

2. Cover and cook on low for 1 hour. Do not stir.

3. Once the almond bark has melted completely, turn off the crockpot and stir the mixture to coat the nuts and pretzels completely.

4. Add the marshmallows and caramel bits and stir until the marshmallows have melted.

5. Line baking sheets with parchment paper and scoop 2 tablespoons of the mixture onto the parchment paper.

6. Immediately add sprinkles or other festive toppings.

7. Let the candy set for at least an hour until completely cooled (you can also place them in the refrigerator to to set quicker.)

8. ENJOY!

HAPPY HUNTING

The fall months mean a change in weather, embracing the holiday season and, for many, the opening of deer hunting season. Whitetail deer become the focus for many this time of year.

If you are a landowner, you might hunt deer on your own property, and that is where Tagout Technique LLC comes into play. Owner Derek Borkholder says he co-founded the business in 2018 with a vision “to inspire all that pursue the great outdoors to emerge victorious.” The company provides a comprehensive approach to planning a superior hunting and land management experience, through supplying high-performing hunting and land management products, as well as delivering strategic analysis and layout of

Writer / Darcie Dodds Schott

Photographer / Jubilee Edgell

a property to prepare for successful hunting. Part of the property design process includes recognition of natural growth patterns that ensure a sustainable environment for wildlife. The desired results of Tagout Technique’s customers are bigger bucks and healthier deer.

Borkholder notes that what sets Tagout Technique apart from some other, larger hunting businesses is the deep understanding of the quality products they offer. “We use the products we sell, so we know them well for a variety of scenarios,” he says. “We can answer most questions and advise property owners based on firsthand knowledge of a product’s field performance.”

Borkholder is also a whitetail habitat consultant under Don Higgins of Higgins Outdoors. For the property owner, Borkholder’s services include detailing a complete land management plan for you and your hunting property, based on your goals. This includes strategic planning of food plots, bedding cover, native warm-season grasses, enter and exit paths, tree-stand and hunting blind locations, and more. For the non-hunter, a blind is a place where the hunter positions to watch for wildlife, and the placement and construction of the blind are critical to a deer hunter’s optimal results.

The property consultation process begins with a meeting on the property with the owner to understand goals, and what the property offers as far as terrain, cover, food, and neighboring hunting pressure. From there, Borkholder creates a 10- to 12-page write-up on the property, detailing a map and a management plan. Borkholder works closely under Higgins Outdoors to evaluate the plan, leveraging the insight and expertise of industry icon Don Higgins, who Borkholder looks to as a mentor.

There is a big-picture perspective in the way Tagout Technique designs deer-hunting properties. “We maximize the potential of a property without deer feeling hunting pressure, creating a lowimpact environment that gets better throughout the season and over the years,” Borkholder says. “We want to build a long-term plan so that in five years the property holds deer that the owner never thought possible.”

For those who want to manage their property on their own,

which makes up the majority of Tagout Technique’s business, Borkholder has a call-in/mail-order company with all the products needed to set up a productive deer-hunting property. Tagout Technique began the mail-order company by carrying products they knew and believed in from experience, and the selection has grown from there. The Tagout Technique team guides an owner through the process to make sure the hunting experience and the wildlife will continue to flourish.

Borkholder brings to his business a lifetime of hunting knowledge. He grew up on a deer farm and began hunting deer at 11 years old, with a passion for watching his father use a bow to hunt deer. Now, as a father of three young children himself, Borkholder hopes to soon usher his own children into a world of appreciation for outdoor activities.

The company’s stated mission is to “provide outstanding products and services with integrity, honesty and dedication, so that the

relationships with our customers become valuable to their hunting experience.” Developing meaningful customer connection is an important element of Tagout Technique’s business model. One example of this is an event that Tagout Technique hosts each September, attended by many of their customers and members of the community. The annual Hunters Bash is an evening of motivational speakers and dinner at Claywood Event Center in Nappanee. An auction with items donated and sponsored by community members and businesses raises funds, with 100% of the net proceeds benefitting a designated need that changes from year to year.

In February, Borkholder coordinates an outdoor trade show called the FAE Midwest Sportsmen Classic at the Michiana Event Center in Shipshewana. Look for more details on this event in upcoming issues of The Lakes.

Tagout Technique’s service area is Northern

Indiana and lower Michigan for consulting and field management. The retail business ships nationally from coast to coast and everywhere in between.

For more information or to request a free catalog, contact the Tagout Technique team at tagouttech@gmail.com, or by calling 574-248-9667.

New and previously issued military gear from WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and contemporary theatres. We are an authorized Dealer of new military spec gear from Rothco, including boots, camping, and survival items. Come out and see us! Open Thur. & Fri. 9 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Sat. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Come out and see us! We are an authorized Dealer of new military spec gear from Rothco, including boots, camping, and survival items. We are Dealers for Readywise foods!

Mon 11-5 | Tues-Fri 9-6 | Sat 9-4

Neighbors Mercantile

BREATHING NEW LIFE INTO A NAPPANEE LEGACY

s the city of Nappanee celebrates the 150th anniversary of its founding, the downtown sector that was destined for promise and prosperity all those years ago is now as vibrant and bustling as it’s ever been.

And while there are countless stories and legendary visionaries to which that success can be attributed, it seems that one enduring strategy has been the key to decades of community vitality - embrace the

ideas of the future, and honor the people and places that have gone before.

That was precisely the challenge that was presented to local entrepreneurs Marcus and Debra Miller several years ago, with the closure of the historic landmark business known as Martin Hardware, a longtime fixture on the East Market Street business landscape. The business was owned and operated for several decades by multiple generations of the Martin family, most recently by Dennis Martin.

The Millers were keenly aware that the departure of a beloved family enterprise would be bittersweet, leaving an emptiness that would be nearly impossible to rebuild.

Neighbors Mercantile is the result of a long-nurtured vision brought to fruition by the Millers. They spent two years lovingly renovating the revered building prior to its official opening in June of 2022. Both husband and wife saw beyond the open space, realizing the potential to create something that would be both family

STEVE

“The

Blind Guy

Writer / Amy Lant-Wenger

Photographer / Jessica Whitehead

Owners Debra & Marcus Miller

Laramie (manager), Ashley (manager), Heidi, Holly, Issac

focused

“We wanted to make sure we maintained the integrity of the building and space, as there are many family members, staff and customers that remember the space as Martin Hardware, and we didn’t want to remove that important part of history from the downtown,” Debra Miller recalled. “We wanted to build off of that foundation, while creating something that would hopefully be accepted and useful for the people who live in Nappanee today.”

Miller said she recently had a memorable encounter with a longtime customer of Martin Hardware. While wandering through the three-story structure, he could remember exactly which products were located in various spots around the building. He shared with the Millers that he was happy to discover that Neighbors had successfully retained that familiar, hometown atmosphere.

“We felt it was important to have it recognizable, and for that reason, we have the baking and cookware, for example, on the same wall that the hardware store did,” Miller said. “We have the fishing and the camping products upstairs, similar to how it was previously as well. While a lot of it has changed, we tried to honor the space wherever we could.”

The Millers are quite well-versed in the subject of downtown revitalization. The couple also owns and operates the Main Street Roasters group of businesses, including the immensely popular coffee house and restaurant. The lively social hub is literally at the heart of the city, on the northeast corner of U.S. Highway 6 and Indiana State Road 19.

Interestingly, it was the feedback from customers that served as a source of inspiration for the Millers to pursue the new endeavor that became Neighbors.

“We often heard our guests at Main Street ask what else they can do, or where they can go after they were done having coffee or meeting for lunch,” Miller explained.

Inspiration, she noted, was not far away at any given moment.

“We love how the town of Nappanee is slowly developing and, one by one, buildings are transforming, especially in the downtown area,” she said. “Our goals were to create another retail place to visit in the downtown area. We are continuing to expand and develop our outdoor and camping gear, cookware, children’s apparel, and specifically excited about our general store section where we stock seasonal products and fun, limitededition affordable finds. Our goal is to always provide quality and unique items, to make sure we stand out with great service, rewards programs and helpful staff.” She adds that much of this cannot always happen at big-box stores, or when

purchasing items online.

The Millers have been exceptionally grateful to able to build out this venture in a town that has welcomed them and encouraged their growth. “It is amazing, and we feel the Nappanee community is unique in that way and we thank God for it,” Miller says. “We want to thank the community for their continued support as Neighbors develops and takes shape. A new business is something that everyone has to take a chance on, and we are still finetuning and discovering what we’re missing,

and what we’re getting right. Our goal is to provide excellent hospitality and service, whether it’s your first time, or you visit once or twice a week. We hope you feel like a neighbor, and you feel welcomed and loved at every visit.”

Neighbors Mercantile is located at 151 East Market Street in downtown Nappanee. They can be reached via phone at 574-773-7039. Visit their detailed website of products and services at neighborsmercantile.com.

WONDERFUL WORKS

SWISS FURNITURE & KRAFTS SPECIALIZES IN CUSTOM WOODWORKING

Writer / Natalie Platt

At Swiss Furniture & Krafts, Manager Jacob Schwartz knows that the quality of each product speaks for itself. Customers know good quality when they see it - and they know when they don’t, too.

Schwartz focuses on quality and craftsmanship to give his clients the best piece possible, whether it’s made from oak, maple or hickory. Using his experience from the cabinet shop he’s worked in for the last handful of years, he uses techniques to ensure your custom piece lasts for generations to come, just like the furniture in his own home, passed down from his grandparents.

While rural areas often see young talent moving away for better job opportunities, many Shipshewana natives remain, held mostly by the Amish tradition of staying near the community. So, when Schwartz and his father, Marvin, had the opportunity to purchase the already existing woodworking business, they didn’t hesitate.

“I grew up around woodworking and played around with tools ever since I was a kid, and did some small projects,” Jacob Schwartz says. “When my dad and I had the chance to buy this, we jumped on it.”

Marvin has always dreamed of work for himself, just like his son. They both currently still work full-time jobs, with the younger Schwartz at a cabinet shop a few days a week and running Swiss Furniture on the other days. His goal is to work at his shop full time and hire four to five employees. The goal for his dad, as well, is to join him full time at the shop.

Right now, Schwartz accepts custom orders and would like to pick up a few wholesale accounts. The pieces he’s focusing on the most are coffee bars, hat boxes and hall towers - and soon, chandeliers.

“The hat box, designed for the Amish to

keep our good hats in good condition, has a small cabinet with room for one hat and a small glove box underneath,” Schwartz says. “The coffee bar has room for your coffee maker, grounds, decor, and has six hooks hanging from the shelf for all your cups. There’s also room for decor if you want that as well. I love making these and can really customize it however a customer wants.”

Schwartz also wants to work a mini refrigerator into the design of his coffee bar, perfect for storing creamers. The coffee bars range from $1,800 to a little over $2,500, depending if the piece is made from oak or maple.

Schwartz is always ready to meet customers and display his craftsmanship.

“My favorite part about Shipshewana and the community is the people,” he says. “There’s always neighbors all around, wherever you go, and I’m always meeting

AgriculturA L

-Equ

Resid entia l -Hous es -Gar ages -P

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friends and building relationships.”

Schwartz emphasizes the laser focus he has on making every single piece the best piece possible, ensuring that it’s put together to stay together, with a great finish to preserve the color.

“Our pieces will last years - for generations,” he says. “We have exceptional assembly and know we can offer quality pieces that you’ll have in your family for decades to come.”

Swiss Furniture & Krafts is accepting custom orders for the holidays and will also accept pieces already built that need a little extra customization.

Readers can find examples of the pieces Schwartz makes at the Midwest Home and Yard Show at the Michiana Event Center in February. To speak with him about custom orders, call 574-825-4277.

DECEMBER CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Black caller

Cause of trembling

Groundless

Ram’s ma’am

Tie up

Junk in the box?

Provided

Isn’t serious

Celebrity, briefly

Alphabetizes, e.g.

Fragrant wood

Grant

Loser to Lewis

Domestic

Foreign dignitary

Medal contender

Adolescent development

Cartoonist’s supplies

Pro

___ to riches

Function

Hardly extroverted

4. Hopper 5. Takes in

Sour

7. Danger signal

8. Drive forward

9. Keynoter’s spot

10. It’s picked from pockets

11. Lodge fellows

16. Live in the past?

19. Wears out

20. Yen

21. Miffed

22. Make-up artist? 24. Emulated Jack Horner 26. Evening hour 28. Angler’s attachment 29. Liberal pursuits

30. Top

32. “___ not!”

34. Romance, e.g.

37. Copper finish

39. Hearts

40. Military standings 42. Eye drop?

43. Pantomimed disco title

44. Do a number

46. Halloween purchase

48. In shape

49. Possibilities

50. Mi, fah, ___, lah 51. Really test

Pricing word

CELEBRATING PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE HOLIDAY SEASONS

Writer / Phyllis Wille

We start to remember Christmas and what it means to each one of us this time of year. I always reflect about times past at our annual open house at New Kitchen Store. This year we decided to change it up a bit, and set the tables to reflect different countries and their new traditions, as well as some of the old traditions.

At our house when I was young, we traveled to Tennessee to enjoy our relatives. We never saw snow and could have summer clothes on in December. My cousin had a pet groundhog and he didn’t have to worry about going in a hole, as he never worried about his shadow on such pretty days - and for sure didn’t worry about being eaten.

Everything revolved around church and food - making sure neighbors had plenty, and waiting on the peddler truck to come around for fresh oranges, apples, peaches and nuts. That is what our stockings would hold - fruit, nuts and a

few peppermint candy canes, as we were so excited to have them, and it was a special treat. I would sit and listen to all the old stories of past Christmases, and catch up on where any missing family might be. We had the same feather bed

Those of you who have Tennessee relatives know that we all like to talk,

that John Denver sang about, and all my cousins and I loved to go there to bounce and stay warm.

and the louder you talked, the more you might get heard. Hopefully you have a storyteller in your family to keep passing down your favorite stories. One of my favorite stories involved my uncle Luke. He drove a school bus in the 1960s and they were having their first ice on the road. He told all the kids getting on the bus to watch him and be careful. About that time, he slid under the bus and the whole class whooped and hollered. You

simply have to have experienced snowy days in Indiana to appreciate that.

Playing bluegrass music, singing and buck dancing all fell in the holiday spirit of fun and happy times. Of course, we received gifts. We had as much fun giving as we did receiving. I still remember being in the church drama group every year growing up, celebrating the birth of Jesus, the greatest gift of all. We went caroling afterwards, visiting all the

Providing Virtual Care to ALL of Indiana

members who couldn’t come that night to see the play.

With the open house, it’s that same kind feeling of thankfulness for the many years you have supported us. We want to show our appreciation, so we take this one event each year to have food, music and happy times to express our gratitude for how loyal you have been in shopping and getting to know us. We even have a few

carolers

Have

FIVE STARS INDEED

FIVE STAR PAINTING GETS JOBS BIG AND SMALL DONE THE RIGHT WAY

Writer / Ali Schneider Photographer / Jessica Whitehead

For Anthony Kulikowski, painting has always been more than a hobby.

Kulikowski picked up painting in high school when he learned from his future wife’s grandfather the tips and tricks of the trade. Her grandfather was a true master of his craft, and in fact he started painting before the paint roller was ever invented.

Fun fact: The paint roller was invented in 1940.

As advances in painting continued to grow, so did the ways that artists practiced this sometimes-tedious skill. The more time Kulikowski spent learning and practicing his painting, the more his love for it grew. This led him to open his own company, through which he served the local community.

In 2017 Kulikowski took on a new business endeavor when he joined Five Star Painting. He opened his own franchise of the business, which aims to help customers with painting projects in the area. These projects range from residential to commercial, interior and exterior, and no project is too big or too small.

Anthony Kulikowski & Justine Kulikowski - Owner

Making the switch to open Five Star Painting was an easy process for Kulikowski, as he and his team were able to utilize even more industry-leading techniques and tools to serve their customers. Although it is a franchise, anything that individuals see locally with the Five Star Painting name was done by

their team of professionals.

For potential customers, the process is quite simple. You are able to reach out to a Five Star representative to schedule a free estimate. They can provide information over the phone, and schedule a day and time for a team

member to come look at your project in person. Typically, this process involves a quick turnaround time.

Once the team member arrives, they will walk through the space with you and get a feel for what you are looking for. Whether you are looking for a whole-

building paint job or a single room, Five Star Painting can assure you the quality will remain the same.

Not sure what look you are going for when it comes to your home? No problem. Their team members can provide samples and suggestions to spark your interest. Additionally, their website is full of paint jobs they have completed. There you will find images such as white kitchen walls, bright foyers, painted railings, exterior decks and fences, bathrooms, basements, full exterior painting and more.

Perhaps you are looking to freshen up your office space. Five Star Painting prides themselves on quality commercial paint jobs as well. Some of their most popular jobs include dentist and doctor offices, warehouses, churches, fitness centers, schools, and virtually any other type of commercial building.

Exquisite ELEGANCE

BRASS DOORS & DRINK RAILS

Anthony Kulikowski - Owner Justine Kulikowski - Owner Alexander Skordas - Sales leader Daniel Boussom - Estimator Jon Howard - Estimator Matt Krallman - Project manager Joshua Kulikowski - Project manager Leslie Wentworth - Admin (NOT in sequence order)

Teddy

At the local Five Star Painting, Kulikowski says they have between 40 and 50 employees, which includes professional painters and a variety of team members. “Right now, the most popular style is bright whites with black,” says Kulikowski. He says farmhouse style is still in high demand both for interior and exterior paint style.

Most customers who choose Five Star Painting are not looking for a complete renovation, but rather a change in style and paint color. Kulikowski describes how a simple change in wall color or exterior paint can completely freshen up a home or building.

One of the most rewarding parts for him and his team is taking old homes and

freshening them up with a new coat of paint.

“I love taking an old home that has been neglected for too long and bringing it back to life,” he says. “It creates a sense of pride.” Additionally, he loves seeing the changes in the painting business and watching the members of his team grow. He has seen them become first-time homeowners, buy a first or new vehicle, start

families, and develop into well-rounded individuals.

If you are looking to change the feeling of your indoor or outdoor space, look no further than Five Star Painting. You can find all of their locations and more information by visiting fivestarpainting.com.

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

RIVERSIDE PINES CHRISTMAS TREE FARM

WHERE MEMORIES AND TRADITIONS GROW

At Riverside Pines Christmas Tree Farm in Ligonier, Christmas trees and holiday magic grow side by side. Founded by John and Shelly Altimus, Riverside Pines has marked a new chapter for their 147-yearold family land, which once served as a livestock farm. Today, this family-owned haven invites visitors to wander rows

Writer / Amy Beaucham

of evergreens, find the perfect tree and create unforgettable holiday memories.

With the scenic Elkhart River flowing nearby, Riverside Pines provides guests with a picturesque backdrop where the beautiful rows of evergreens add to the charm and beauty of each visit. Guests

can explore a variety of Christmas tree types, from Fraser and Canaan firs to Scotch and white pines, and more. Trees range in height from 6 to 12 feet, making it easy to find the perfect match for any home. The family’s year-round dedication includes planting, mowing and shearing each tree to ensure they look their best

Founders John & Shelly joined by Children & Grandchildren.

during the holiday season. With pines ready in five to seven years and fir trees taking up to a decade to mature, each tree represents a genuine labor of love.

Opening each year on the Friday after Thanksgiving, Riverside Pines welcomes visitors to enjoy a range of seasonal activities. Santa makes a special appearance on the first Saturday of December, delighting young visitors. Adventurous guests can join a “Where’s Waldo?” ornament hunt for a chance to win a gift certificate, adding a fun, interactive element to the experience. In addition, the farm’s gift shop is filled with holiday treasures, offering handmade ornaments, locally produced maple syrup, honey, and wreaths.

For those interested in a hands-on holiday experience, Riverside Pines also hosts wreath-making workshops. Guests can craft their own wreaths from a variety of fresh greens, choosing from festive

additions such as ribbons, pinecones and berries. Many companies and social groups book private sessions, turning the workshops into ideal gatherings for friends, family or colleagues. The workshops, held in the farm’s newly built rustic barn, combine seasonal charm with a creative experience, making them a favorite among visitors.

Beyond offering holiday cheer, Riverside Pines is dedicated to sustainability and giving back to the community. After the holidays, customers are encouraged to return their trees for recycling. These returned trees are chipped into mulch, which is used to enrich the soil and control weeds across the farm, supporting the health of future trees. Riverside Pines also contributes to the Trees for Troops program, supplying trees to military bases and spreading holiday joy to service members.

In November 2023, Riverside Pines contributed to decorating the Indiana Statehouse by donating a tree to the capitol building as part of a program organized by the Indiana Christmas Tree Growers Association. This donation brought holiday spirit to the heart of the state, showcasing Riverside Pines’ dedication to spreading joy and celebrating the season in meaningful ways.

With nearly 30,000 trees across 32 acres, Riverside Pines has grown into a cherished destination for families and friends who seek a traditional, hands-on experience. John and Shelly’s commitment to creating a welcoming environment shines through in every

Welcome Back

aspect of the farm, from the warm greetings visitors receive to the assistance provided in selecting and preparing trees for transport. Their dedication to quality and community makes Riverside Pines much more than just a place to buy a tree; it’s a place to embrace the season and feel the warmth of family traditions.

Visitors are encouraged to bring their letters to Santa, with the chance of receiving a response if they include a return address. The farm also offers family photo opportunities and educational experiences to share the art of Christmas tree farming with younger generations, fostering a deeper appreciation for nature. Riverside Pines’ scenic landscapes, enhanced by the nearby Elkhart River, make it an ideal setting for holiday photos, capturing cherished moments and memories against a beautiful backdrop. This October, Riverside Pines hosted its first wedding, celebrating the marriage of

ALFALFA PELLETS

Riverside Pines is more than just a tree farm; it’s a place where traditions are built, nature is celebrated and the season’s joy is embraced. Every visit to Riverside Pines offers guests a chance to be part of the farm’s 147-year history that now meets a special holiday need - finding

• HAY PELLETED FOR BETTER DIGESTIBILITY

• RESEARCH PROVEN & TESTED

• PELLETING INCREASES DIGESTIBILITY BY UP TO 80% AND AN INCREASE IN WEIGHT GAIN OF 10% TO 30%

• LESS WASTE

• BETTER ABSORPTION

• LESS HAY USAGE

that perfect tree. At Riverside Pines, the holiday season isn’t just a passing moment; it’s a feeling that stays with visitors long after they leave.

Riverside Pines Christmas Tree Farm is located at 10090 North 250 West in Ligonier. They are open through December 18. Call 260-221-4383 for more info.

Barndominium

260-593-2713

John and Shelly’s niece, Chloe, on the picturesque grounds.

CARVED CREATIONS

GOSHEN-BASED BUSINESS BUILDS

BEAUTIFUL, CUSTOMIZED WOODEN PIECES

Writer / Natalie Platt

If you’ve shopped in retail clothing stores with beautiful, wooden display tables, you might be browsing items that are sitting on top of customized pieces from Carved Creations in Goshen. And if you’re in an Abercrombie & Fitch, you’re guaranteed to see a piece that Myron Schlabach and his brother, Dean, helped customize.

“I’m pretty sure Abercrombie doesn’t have any idea who we are or that part of their display tables come together from a little shop in Goshen,” Myron Schlabach says. “But that’s what we do. We manufacture specific pieces of wood, maybe a nice arched piece or a beautiful wooden frame, and send it off to another manufacturing company who will assemble the final product that eventually ends up in Abercrombie, among other stores.”

Though this is an impressive fact on its own, the fact that Schlabach and his brother have nearly doubled the Carved Creations client base in just over a year might be even more impressive. The brothers bought the company in the fall of 2023 while Myron was still working in the RV industry, and they have built a fastgrowing company that relies mainly on

word-of-mouth advertising and carrying a reputation of outstanding quality and great service.

“For our company motto, I always say, ‘We will do our best and let God do the rest,’” Schlabach says. “We always want to offer great service, quality and products, making sure that each manufacturer is very pleased.”

Carved Creations also works with pontoon manufacturing companies and buggy shops, providing both with pieces routed via computer numerical control (CNC) that the manufacturer may not be able to produce on their own - mainly because some manufacturers don’t have the room or budget for CNC machines. Schlabach notes that by outsourcing to Carved Creations, the manufacturers are ensuring they’ll receive quality pieces while saving on time and labor.

The brothers have expanded their already

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Remember not only do we have antiques, we have old stuff, furniture, custom jewelry, collectibles, jams, South Bend Chocolates, jellies, local crafted wreaths, soaps and even some downright ugly stuff.

close relationship into a successful business model. Myron oversees engineering and production while Dean manages sales and accounting. Dean has been self-employed for several years, and knew Myron would be interested in investing in a company to be able to work for himself as well.

“I was ready to move on from the RV industry and ready to get out on my own,” Schlabach says. “I was all ears right from the get-go when Dean approached me. Two months or so after we had possession of the company, I was ready to leave the industry for good and join Dean full time at our new company. It was the right move for me at the time and we’re where we are today because of working together.”

Schlabach explained that Carved Creations isn’t a retail shop, and they’re a working shop that’s open from 5 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. And yes, if you stop by their shop in the

early morning hours to discuss a project or have a meeting, they’ll have some coffee going for you.

“This has been a great experience,” Schlabach says. “I love what I’m doing and building here in Goshen.”

Carved Creations is located at 13752 County Road 34 in Goshen. For sales and accounting questions, you can reach Dean at 260-593-2135. For production and engineering inquiries, you can reach Myron at 260-463-1559.

THE ROLLING SCONE

CULVER-BASED BAKERY IS WHERE COMMUNITY, CONFECTIONS AND CREATIVITY RISE

The Rolling Scone, a bakery that started in Emma Bennett’s home in January 2024, has quickly become a beloved fixture in the Culver community. Bennett, a former first-grade teacher at Culver Elementary School, began baking cupcakes, cakes and scones for family and friends on weekends. Word spread, and soon she took regular orders from people in the surrounding area. As demand grew, she left teaching to pursue her bakery business full

time, opening her own storefront on 2024’s Fourth of July weekend.

Finding a location for the bakery wasn’t easy. Bennett explored her town, scouting buildings and prices, and eventually connected with the owner of a promising space that was formerly Culver Cabana. Within a week, she had a contract. Fortunately, the space required minimal remodeling. She focused on sourcing

equipment. While she hopes to add a new cooler for more storage, her setup currently allows her to manage custom pickup orders for cakes and cupcakes. Her popularity often has clients booking three months in advance.

In addition to special orders, Bennett’s goal is to have more grab-and-go options, especially during the summer. Currently she requires at least a week’s notice for custom orders,

Writer / Amy Beacham

Photographer / Jubilee Edgell

Emma Bennett - Owner

but would love to increase her capacity for spontaneous orders. She also offers delivery in the Culver area, including local events like weddings and baby showers. Her growing team of five employees works hard to keep the bakery running smoothly. One of her bakers taught her the secret to frosting doughnutswarm frosting and a bit of patience.

The bakery’s summer debut was a hit, with lines forming before the doors opened and products selling out quickly. As Bennett and her team gained their footing, they adjusted production to better meet demand. Customers have their favorites, with the blueberry lemon scone consistently selling out. Other popular menu items include Oreo doughnuts, cinnamon rolls, and homemade biscuits and gravy, which are available on weekends. Making these treats from scratch requires an early start; Bennett arrives at 5 a.m. to get everything ready. Her personal favorite items on the menu are the Oreo cupcake and the jalapeño cheddar scone.

The bakery has become a cherished part of the community, especially among young customers. Every Friday her children, Hoyt, Jade and Allivia, join her before school, creating a beloved weekly ritual that many parents in town share with their own kids. Most customers opt for grab-and-go, but Bennett has created a welcoming space with tables, chairs and couches, where families can linger on Friday and Saturday mornings. Foot

traffic has become a significant part of her business, especially with locals stopping by on morning walks with their dogs.

Beyond baking, Bennett has embraced the business side of her venture, handling everything from forming an LLC to managing finances with the help of an accountant. Her husband, Levi, has been her biggest support, encouraging her dream and helping her

brainstorm new ideas. A union laborer, Levi pitches in with child care on weekends, allowing Bennett to balance work and family life. Bennett also volunteers weekly at her children’s school, finding fulfillment in using her teaching skills.

Bennett’s recipes are inspired by her mother and grandmother, both of whom passed down a love of cooking and baking. While she enjoys baking, Bennett has a particular passion for cooking and providing meals for others. Her kids, as well as her extended family, have been integral to her journey; her siblings frequently offer support and ideas, and even help her with cake decorating suggestions.

The bakery, cleverly named The Rolling Scone is a nod to Bennett’s love of music, and reflects the creative spirit of her and her family, who bond over baking and music. The shop’s atmosphere is casual and family friendly, with quiet music playing when customers are present. On weekends, Bennett and Levi often play guitar together, carrying on a family tradition of music that extends to their children, each of whom has their own guitar.

Bennett also values giving back. Her bakery supports local sports teams and clubs, and she donates products and funds to community events like festival days. For Halloween, she collaborated with the city for a “find a pumpkin at The Rolling Scone” event, and looks forward to celebrating Christmas with a planned snack-cake event for kids. She even takes school birthday dessert orders, where parents can send a special treat for their children’s classrooms. When they have leftover items, she donates them to the local police department, nursing homes

and schools to give back to the community.

Though she was new to business ownership, Bennett took on the learning curve with determination. Each week she adjusts her baking plans based on customer feedback, seasonal ingredients and demand trends. Her degree in elementary education has also served her, enhancing her skills in time management, communication and adaptability. She enjoys being able to meet her customers’ needs, much as she once met the individual needs of her students.

As her first fall in business transitions into winter, Bennett is already planning her holiday menu, with seasonal flavors like mint and dark chocolate. She also hopes to introduce protein balls (a recipe from her mom) and is exploring options for gluten-free items to accommodate customers with dietary restrictions. She and her team are meticulous about cross-contamination, especially when working with allergens like peanuts, ensuring a safe experience for all patrons.

For Bennett, the bakery is more than a business; it’s a testament to her resilience and passion. She has poured her heart into The Rolling Scone. She is proud to offer customers not only quality baked goods, but also a sense of community. Every visitor can expect a warm greeting, excellent service and the promise of something delicious. The Rolling Scone has brought Bennett’s dream to life, and it’s a place where family, friends and good food come together in perfect harmony.

Visit The Rolling Scone at 115 East Jefferson Street in Culver.

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THE UNLIKELY HEROINE

THE HOBART CELEBRITY WHO SNUCK TO THE WORLD WAR I FRONT, 106 YEARS AGO THIS MONTH

Writer / Jeff Kenney

‘Twas the Christmas Eve edition of The Lake County Times newspaper 106 years ago this year that carried the remarkable and unlikely story of a popular entertainer who defied the odds - and the rules - and snuck to the front lines of World War I to aid and comfort allied troops…which ended with the Hobart, Indiana, resident convalescing in an “invalid home,” recovering from her injuries.

If the word “her” above caught your attention, you’re not alone. But first, some background. Sarah Mildred Wilmer was a welleducated and nationally renowned entertainer known for her skills in the then-popular art of elocution, performing dramatic readings and presentations of literary works in an age before not only the internet, but television and widespread radio as well. Examples of her success abound: 10,000 people attending a Chautauqua event to hear her; a newspaper in Kansas describing her as “the greatest reader of the present generation”; a similar publication in Wisconsin dubbing her “one of the greatest artists on the platform today.”

And, as an article from the Indiana History Blog in 2022 notes, “She was also glamorous, dressing in fine clothes and staying in the best hotels. It would have been difficult for her adoring fans to imagine her dressed as a soldier, wading through mud, and dodging

Wilmer’s parents, Benjamin and Ida Wilmer, had ensured that their daughter, born around 1881 in Buffalo, New York, and her sister both received the best education possible. Even as a child, Sarah was delivering public dramatic readings.

According to the “American Women in WWI” website, Wilmer met physicians William and Lena Sadler in 1907, Lena being the

shells only a few years later…Wilmer would return from France to her parents in Hobart, Indiana, in a wheelchair and celebrated as a hero.”

niece of John Harvey Kellogg, co-inventor of corn flakes cereal. The three would appear together on the Chautauqua circuit nationally. Chautauquas, named for the pioneering endeavor on Lake Chautauqua in New York state, emerged across the U.S. in the late 1800s and into the early 1900s, typically featuring Christian preaching, a variety of music, more educationally oriented and cultural programming, and the like. Among others, nearby Lake Maxinkuckee in Northern Indiana was home to two successful Chautauquas and Fountain Park Chautauqua in Jasper County boasts the oldest continuing Chautauqua in the Hoosier State.

In 1912 Sarah Wilmer married Edward Bond, a Christian minister, at the Sadlers’ Chicago home, though Sarah’s husband died just three years later, in 1915, from heart problems.

Wilmer continued to be a sought-after performer, often visiting her parents, who had moved from Chicago to nearby Hobart, while in the area. In the summer of 1918 it was announced that she would entertain troops fighting in the Great War overseas with the YMCA, turning down a salary and canceling a 10-week Chautauqua contract to do so.

She sailed in August 1918 to entertain the American Expeditionary Forces, arriving in Bar-le-Duc, France, on September 4. According to The Lyceum magazine, Wilmer’s experience in “surgical

work” (which no source seems able to account for, based on her biography up to that point) qualified her to work in hospitals, where she would also give daytime performances, entertaining soldiers in camps by night. It was noted her well-known play readings would be combined with special programs she’d prepared for the soldiers.

Speaking to the Lake County Times for that Christmas Eve 1918 article, Wilmer, wearing a gold chevron “wound stripe” on her right sleeve and a service chevron on her left, described her arrival in France and added that, “Twenty minutes later I was in a jitney on my way to the front.”

“Right here let me say,” she continued, “that God never made men like the Yankees, bless them. And I’ve seen them all. I once [was] asked what was the most remarkable thing I came in contact with at the front and I replied it was the Yankee smile. In all that misery, amid those terrible surroundings and facing the gravest danger, the Yanks would smile. It was wonderful.”

When warned of the dangers of going close to the front, she reportedly responded, “That is what I hoped for. How’d I get to the front line? Well, I heard a young officer say: ‘Oh, it’s terrible up there tonight; a lot of the boys have been killed and wounded and there’s not nearly enough men to care for them.’ ‘Can’t you take me

up there?’ I asked him. He told me I was a woman, that it would be breaking rules. ‘Well get me some men’s clothes and I’ll be a man,’ I replied. He hesitated and finally gave me a complete outfit: breeches, blouse, puttees, hobnails and all. And I went up. That’s all there was to it.”

The Times noted that Wilmer went to the front lines nine times, a feat believed accomplished “by no other woman,” according to the paper.

She reported that she would don the soldier’s uniform and accompany the ambulance corps to the front in the dark of night.

Surrounded by “cooties” (lice) and vermin (“rats - oh, plenty of them,” she recalled, “big as cats, that would scamper all over the place and me at night, and snuggle down in my warm blankets… one morning, as I woke, eight of them jumped from my bed!”), death and misery, Wilmer would later confess to being “scared to death every time I went up to the line,” asking herself why she had come. “And then I would begin to sniffle and sob. But every time something would happen to show me why I had gone up there.”

The reasons, of course, were to lend aid and comfort, which she did, assisting medical staff at first-aid stations and comforting soldiers as she could.

“I was frightened, oh, so frightened,” she told the Chicago Tribune in a December 22, 1918, article, “but I did not dare to let that be known, for I was supposed to be a man. I helped with the boys who were brought in, and saw vividly the horror of it all, the lads dying and suffering, and had to remain quiet.”

“One night I ran in front of the guns. They were shooting overhead. It was dark. I threw my hand flashlight on litters. I smoothed one lad’s hair. ‘My God, it feels like a woman’s hand,’ he whispered. I ran away. No one but the officer was to know I was up that far. ‘Orderly, bring him some water. He’s going fast,’ I was told. The lad was gasping. He strangled. ‘You’ll be so comfortable soon,’ I told him. ‘My God, a woman’s

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voice,’ he stammered again. ‘What are you doing here?’ he asked. ‘Your mother wanted me to come,’ I told him. ‘My mother. Oh, yes, I understand - lady won’t you say something from the Bible?’ And I did. I began a passage and then began to cry aloud and the tears came down my cheeks. The lad sank back in my arms - dead.”

The Times article went on to note that, at one time, Wilmer read to 15,000 men at one session, “after which they shouldered their packs and entered the line. And later, when some returned, they murmured hysterically her Godspeed remarks through the anesthetic.”

Wilmer recalled being present at the Argonne during the MeuseArgonne Offensive, part of the final allied offensive of the war, on October 29, when she was dressed as a dough boy (the nickname for U.S. soldiers) as a barrage was underway.

There, she said, she felt suddenly ill and smelled “burning cabbage and bad onions and then I realized it was chlorine. Gas shells were breaking all around me.”

Chlorine gas, first developed by the Germans, caused coughing, choking and, in some cases, severe lung damage, with Wilmer’s exposure contributing primarily to her post-war recovery needs. As she grew sicker, Wilmer said she grew faint and stumbled into

an abandoned German dugout where she lay for some five hours before hearing voices and walking out to find stretcher bearers, who she joined. It was her second time being gassed, though the first time, October 18, was far less serious.

Undoubtedly, Wilmer was suffering on an ongoing basis from the effects of the gas burning her lungs, though she noted she would not give up her work and continued to entertain the soldiers via her readings at the base camp, rather than the front, despite her discomfort.

She recalled the fateful day, commemorated each year even today as Veterans Day, November 18, when a colonel appeared, smiling, and reported that word had come over the radio that the Armistice had been signed and the war would end.

“Immediately a mighty cheer went up, and then those 2,000 lads sang the doxology as I never heard it sung before - and never expect to again. And then this officer said to me: ‘Miss Wilmer [sic], if you have a breath left in you, will you recite the salute to the flag?’”

She did, after which the soldiers sang “The Star Spangled Banner” and “My Country ‘Tis of Thee.”

Wilmer recalled, “One young fellow said: ‘Gee, ain’t it great?’ And

of the Dec. 24, 1918

then, in a sorrowful tone, ‘And my buddy killed only this morning and can’t be here for it.’”

Wilmer sailed for home, hiring a nurse, Mrs. Jane Redfield Vose, while in New York to assist in her care, as her injuries continued to plague her. She then headed for Chicago to visit the Sadlers, though even by then her condition necessitated that she be carried by two men into the house, according to the Indiana History blog, which added: “Once inside, Sadler’s two young children ran to greet their adopted aunt Sarah. Wilmer then needed restoratives to allow her to speak to reporters.”

And though the Chicago Tribune article reported she received the French Croix de Guerre medal for her service, that was not confirmed in YMCA publications listing decorations received by Y personnel.

After spending time with her parents in Hobart, Wilmer was sufficiently recovered by April of 1919 to deliver a speech in Indianapolis titled, “My Experiences in War.”

She continued to speak through the 1920s with her July 14, 1949, obituary noting that she opened a confectionary shop selling sweets in 1928, though it failed during the Great Depression. Her obituary also reported she had a married daughter named

Elizabeth Ann Wales, who would have been born around 1921 or 1922. The “Women in WWI” site suggests the daughter was likely adopted, given her busy touring schedule in the 1920s (a granddaughter, Dianna Kathleen Wales, was also listed).

Sarah Wilmer also continued to serve others the rest of her life through social work, including work with the deaf, besides joining the home front effort during World War II, where she worked in war production on the graveyard shift at the General Motors factory near her Rochester, New York, residence at the time. It was a fitting continuation of the remarkable work of a one-time Hoosier girl and nationally renowned star.

Jeff Kenney serves as museum and archives manager for Culver Academies and on the board of the Culver Historical Society in Culver, Indiana.

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Cover

Lake County Times newspaper featuring an extensive story on Sarah Wilmer’s recollections of her harrowing experiences at the front during WWI.

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FROM BARREL TO BEAUTY

EXPLORE WILDWOOD RUSTIC CREATIONS’ UNIQUE FURNITURE

Writer / Amy Beaucham

Nestled in Topeka, Indiana, Wildwood Rustic Creations stands as a beacon of craftsmanship, sustainability and rustic elegance. Established in 2022, this familyowned business transforms reclaimed whiskey barrels and pallet wood into oneof-a-kind furniture that adds warmth and character to any space. From tables to wine racks, each piece reflects a commitment to quality as well as the vision of its founder, Gary Lambright, and his dedicated team.

Lambright’s journey to founding Wildwood Rustic Creations began with growing up in a fine-furniture shop owned by his parents, where he developed an appreciation for quality craftsmanship from a young age. After exploring various trades, including blacksmithing and running a kennel, he returned to his roots in fine furniture as well as his love of woodworking, to create a business in which his nine children could actively participate. Wildwood Rustic Creations began part time and quickly grew into a full-time venture, fueled by Lambright’s dedication to quality and innovative design.

Wildwood Rustic Creations specializes in furniture made from reclaimed whiskey barrels, blending functionality with visual appeal. Their bestsellers include 54-inch barrel tables with lazy-Susan options, halfbarrel wine racks with shelves for glassware storage, and even full-barrel vanities with functioning sinks. Each piece is crafted with precision, ensuring durability and a distinct rustic charm.

The furniture is not only attractive, but also highly customizable. Wildwood Rustic Creations encourages customers to bring their unique ideas to the workshop where concepts are brought to life. Lambright and his team enjoy collaborating with customers to create pieces that reflect individual tastes and styles.

In addition to custom orders, Wildwood Rustic Creations supplies fine-furniture stores across the U.S., ensuring that their pieces reach customers nationwide. From end tables and chairs to rustic sinks with

• Whiskey Barrel Tables

• Chairs

• Coffee Tables

• End Tables

• Wedding Decor

• Gifts

vanities, each item is designed to meet the specific needs of discerning clients looking for premium rustic furniture. While Wildwood Rustic Creations focuses primarily on wholesale, they also accept retail orders, welcoming customers to visit their Topeka location by appointment.

The team ensures that only the best barrels make it into their creations. By sourcing quality barrels that will stay in premium condition in low-humidity environments, Wildwood Rustic Creations guarantees that their furniture will stand the test of time.

They are meticulous about every aspect of the business. From personally handling relationships with store owners to constantly refining designs, the team ensures that Wildwood Rustic Creations consistently delivers products of the highest quality.

Wildwood Rustic Creations isn’t just about furniture; it’s a creative hub where ideas evolve and take shape. Lambright frequently experiments with new products, many of which arise

from customer suggestions. For example, he began making rocking chairs from whiskey barrels after a client requested one, and they have now become popular items in their catalog.

The business also continuously adapts to seasonal demand. With spring on the horizon, the business is considering launching a line of outdoor furniture, tapping into the growing market for highquality, rustic lawn pieces. This forward-thinking approach keeps Wildwood Rustic Creations at the forefront of the rustic furniture industry, appealing to a diverse clientele that appreciates both functionality and beauty in furnishings.

Lambright’s faith is a cornerstone of his work. He attributes the success of Wildwood Rustic Creations to God, expressing gratitude for the journey that brought him to this point. This guiding belief infuses his work with a sense of purpose, motivating him to create pieces that bring joy to others.

For those interested in adding a touch of rustic elegance to their home or business, Wildwood Rustic Creations offers a wide array of products and customization options. From reclaimed whiskey barrel furniture to unique outdoor pieces, their creations are crafted to enhance any space.

You can reach out to Wildwood Rustic Creations by phone at 260-593-0028, via email at gary@wildwoodrustic.net, or at their Topeka shop by appointment, located at 8625 West 600 South.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

KOONTZ LAKE/WALKERTON/ GROVERTOWN

ALL Times Listed Are Central Time

DECEMBER AROUND THE COMMUNITY, 2024

Submit Your Events!

Every Monday BINGO

Doors open at 5p, early bird starts at 6p, and regular games start at 6:30p at the Koontz Lake Association Community building.

Every Thursday

FARMERS MARKET

4p - 6p, New Kitchen Store Farmers Market. Please visit our online store and don’t forget to like us on Facebook! @NewKitchenStore

BOARD MEETING

6p - Koontz Lake Conservancy District Monthly Board Meeting. The meeting will be held at the Sewer District building located at 10625 E Prairie Ave in Koontz Lake. Interested parties may join remotely by calling (240) 591-0378 and entering the code 385729# when prompted.

KLA CHRISTMAS TREE DECORATING

KLA Christmas Tree decorating and lighting with Santa and hot chocolate.

BREMEN/LAKE OF THE WOODS

ALL Times Listed Are Eastern Time

SANTA AT THE LAKE

6pm-8pm – Santa at the Lake. Come see a live reindeer as well as Mr. & Mrs. Claus!

BCC MONTHLY MEETING

9am – BCC Monthly meeting at the BCC Building.

KNOX/STARKE

COUNTY

ALL Times listed are Central Time

PEPPERMINT PARADE

3:30pm – City of Knox Peppermint Parade

LAKE MAXINKUCKEE/CULVER/ MARSHALL COUNTY

ALL Times Listed Are Eastern Time

BEGINNING TO SOUND A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS!

7:30pm – The Maxinkuckee Singers Present “It’s Beginning to Sound a Lot Like Christmas!” at the Bremen Community Performing Arts Center.

BEGINNING TO SOUND A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS!

7:30pm – The Maxinkuckee Singers Present “It’s Beginning to Sound a Lot Like Christmas!” at the Argos United Methodist Church.

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CULVER HOLIDAY WEEKEND

Culver Holiday Weekend. For more information, visit findculver.com

BEGINNING TO SOUND A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS! The Maxinkuckee Singers Present “It’s Beginning to Sound a Lot Like Christmas!” at the Rees Theater.

BEGINNING TO SOUND A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS! 7:30pm – The Maxinkuckee Singers Present “It’s Beginning to Sound a Lot Like Christmas!” at the Plymouth Church of the Brethren.

BEGINNING TO SOUND A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS! 7:30pm – The Maxinkuckee Singers Present “It’s Beginning to Sound a Lot Like Christmas!” at the Culver Grace United Church of God.

CULVER CHRISTMAS BASKET PACKING

9am-Noon – Culver Christmas Basket Packing at the Culver High School.

CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR & CRAFT SHOW

9am-2:30p – Christmas Spectacular & Craft Show at the Culver Elementary School.