11:30 - 12:45 Dave Kauffman - How to understand yourself and others better
1:00 - 1:45 Indian Trail Tax Prep with Dennis Hershberger - Financial Statements Mini-Workshop
2:00 - 2:45 Gehman Accounting with Ken Nisly - Overhead & Payroll
3:00 - 3:45 Tyler & Associates with Don Tyler - Solutions to Common Challenges and How to Get Started
4:00 - 4:45 Sycamore Systems with Leon Yoder - Productive Leadership
FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2025
9:30 - 10:45
Dave Kauffman - 12 Essential Ways to Grow Your Business 11:00 - 11:45 ....................................... Fraud Aware with Darryl Weaver - Scams, Scams & More Scams
12:00 - 12:45 Sycamore Systems with Leon Yoder - 6 Types of Working Genius
1:00 - 1:45 Tyler & Associates with Don Tyler - How to Handle Common Objections in the Sale Process
2:00 - 2:45 Gehman Accounting with John Zook - Cashflow & Inventory
3:00 - 3:45 Anabaptist Financial with Richie Lauer - Setting Your House in Order 4:00 - 4:45 Koble Systems
SATURDAY, JANUARY 25, 2025
9:00 - 9:45
Dave Kauffman - Leadership: How to increase your influence as a leader
10:00 - 10:45 Indian Trail Tax Prep with Dennish Hershberger - Financials with a Vision
11:00 - 11:45 Sycamore Systems with Leon Yoder - Productive Leadership HEALTH & WELLNESS EXPO
THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2025
11:30 - 12:45 His Saving Grains with Chris Bihn - Health concerns when our body is not properly nourished 1:00 - 1:45 Precious Tots Diapers with Lynda Miller
4:00 - 4:45 NucleoGenex with Laura Oblon - Gut health, DNA testing & “RED” Coffee
5:00 - 5:45 ............................ Better World Botanicals with Israel Combs - Why is the thyroid important?
FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2025
9:30 - 10:45 Northern Nutrition with Jerry Christner, ND - Build your own First Aid/Health Survival Kit
11:00 - 11:45 Juice Plus with Dr. Mitra Ray (video), Orchestrated by: Velda, Mary Lou & Elnora Fuel Your Day Right & Feel the Difference
12:00 - 12:45 Immunity Therapy Center with Dr. Carlos Bautista - Alternative Medicine Treatments
1:00 - 1:45 Vista Life with Dr. Lebron & Corrinna Long - Find out how to help prevent open heart surgeries & heart attack
2:00 - 2:45 Better World Botanicals with Israel Combs - Parasites and their Dangers
3:00 - 4:45 The Wellness Way with Andrew Coblentz, Health Restoration Coach - Hope for Hormones! How to understand & properly test them
SATURDAY, JANUARY 25, 2025
9:00 - 9:45 Northern Nutrition with Mark Byler, ND - A “Round Up” of Health Hazards caused by weed killers in our foods
10:00 - 10:45 Versiti Blood Center of Indiana - The Current State of Blood Supply
11:00 - 11:45 Vista Life with Dr. Lebron & Corrinna Long - Find our what happens to a pill before you get it
3 DAY SHOW!
SoVan Media Can Level Up Your Marketing Game
Find the Parts You Need at Paul’s Auto Yard
Steve Williams Is Building Great Products and Great Relationships With Shades to Shutters
Local
Owner Implements Philanthropic Concept for the Holidays
jeanne@townepost.com (317) 810-0011
MARKET MAESTROS
SOVAN MEDIA CAN LEVEL UP YOUR MARKETING GAME
Having an online presence is crucial for most businesses looking to grow and thrive. The expertise of SoVan Media, LLC in the field of marketing is unmatched.
The founder and CEO of SoVan Media is Sarah VanVactor. She took her passion for marketing to the next level when she began SoVan Media in 2023. With years of knowledge under her belt, VanVactor and the team at SoVan Media are confident in their ability to help businesses stand out
from the competition.
Most people understand the need for having an online presence, but oftentimes day-to-day tasks make it difficult to maintain that growth. Some of SoVan Media’s customers know how social media works, but staying consistent is easier said than done. With platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, X, Instagram and others, the task can be daunting. SoVan Media knows the struggle and takes care of the heavy work for you.
There are many options for choosing a social media marketing company to help handle advertising. However, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to having a growing business. This is where SoVan Media shines. Their approach is unique to each customer and their industry.
Take a quick look at their website and you will instantly find peace in knowing you will be in good hands. For example, they have worked with customers from more than 26 countries. It all begins when
Writer / Ali Schneider Photographer / Tony Straw
Owner Sarah VanVactor
SoVan Media has a one-on-one meeting with a potential customer. This allows the team to get to know the goals of the customer, and helps to increase positive results.
The goal of social media marketing is to take potential customers and help them enhance their online presence. In return, customers can expect to increase their brand’s identity and showcase relevant information about their business. Ultimately, this helps to increase sales and give their business a positive connection to their audience.
An audience wants to trust your business, but may not even know you exist. SoVan Media uses this as the backbone of their model, by creating authentic content to help you advertise on different social media platforms. This is achieved by the team at SoVan through creating captivating, real-life photos instead of stock images. They also provide services
Here When You Need Us
HOURS & LOCATION
New Location
Effective 9-7-2021!
Scanning
115 E. 7th Street
Rochester, IN 46975
Health & Wellness Coaching Jennifer Criddle, RN 574.540.2549 | Wellness.essentials6@gmail.com 101 N. Michigan street, Plymouth, IN 46563
evansagencyrochester.com
Tel: 574-224-6988
Tues & Wed 10 AM - 5 PM | Thru 10 AM - 7 PM Fri & Sat 10 AM - 3 PM
Fax: 574-224-6925 Hours Monday-Friday
8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Saturday By Appointment Evenings By Appointment
Here When You Need Us
HOURS & LOCATION
Here When You Need Us
New Location
Effective 9-7-2021!
Here When You Need Us
HOURS & LOCATION
New Location
115 E. 7th Street Rochester, IN 46975 evansagencyrochester.com
Effective 9-7-2021!
HOURS & LOCATION
New Location
115 E. 7th Street Rochester, IN 46975 evansagencyrochester.com
Effective 9-7-2021!
Tel: 574-224-6988
evansagencyllc.com
115 E. 7th Street
Fax: 574-224-6925
Rochester, IN 46975
Hours
Tel: 574-224-6988
evansagencyrochester.com
Monday-Friday
Fax: 574-224-6925
Tel: 574-224-6988
Hours
8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Fax: 574-224-6925
Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Saturday By Appointment Evenings By Appointment
Hours Monday-Friday
Saturday By Appointment Evenings By Appointment
8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Saturday By Appointment Evenings By Appointment
for graphic design so that your posts and advertisements are authentic to your business. Are you looking to advertise both online and in person? No problem. SoVan Media can assist in creating banners, flyers, brochures and other marketing materials to ensure you are covered.
One of the biggest hangups for businesses is coming up with ideas for
• Oncology
• Outpatient Infusions
• Radiology
• Rehabilitation Services
• Specialty Clinics
• Surgical Services
• Swing Bed/Skilled Nursing
• Wound Care
what to post. With the world of social media, it is easy to get caught up in the chaos. In order to avoid this, the team at SoVan Media will use their creative talents to come up with content for your business. As a small team of dedicated marketers, SoVan Media is able to spend time in person with customers each month and make any adjustments to the marketing strategy. Additionally, they will provide customers with detailed insights of how their campaigns are performing.
If you are ready to take your business to the next level, consider partnering with SoVan Media. They can be reached at 574-316-0389, and at sarahangelillo@gmail.com. To learn more, simply visit their website at sovanmedia.com.
Taste of the Town
EXPERIENCE TOWN SQUARE TAVERN & EATERY
Writer / Darcie Dodds Schott
Photographer / Jubilee Edgell
“When the lights are on, it means the door is open and we’re here for you,” says Town Square Tavern & Eatery Owner Mike Faylor.
Since June 2023, Faylor has been welcoming folks from near and far for warm conversation and delicious dishes that keep people coming back for more.
The tavern offers daily specials that play on seasonal ingredients and superior culinary technique. Faylor says the most popular of these specials is Friday Night Walleye, which draws in foodies from as far as Fort Wayne. For Sunday breakfast the doors open at 8 a.m., and Faylor finds the same people from evening dining at the same tables, ordering morning comfort food to help finish off their weekend. Faylor considers many of the regular customers more like friends than simply people who frequent his tavern. This kind of small-town friendliness is just the way Faylor likes to do business, where people come in for a meal and walk out with a full heart.
With a focus on barbecue throughout his menu, the variety includes prime rib, wings, ribs, chicken and, of course, walleye. Beyond the barbecue, which is slow-cooked to a flavor-packed
Owner Mike Faylor
finish, the menu includes starters, salads and kid-friendly fare. Faylor has recently added a mainstay from a restaurant he owned and ran years back in Culver called Guido’s Pizza. But don’t expect the typical cheese or pepperoni. These pies boast an innovative twist with toppings such as prime rib, Philly cheesesteak, and chicken Alfredo with asparagus.
Faylor has enjoyed success in a variety of culinary quests. In addition to Guido’s Pizza in Culver, Faylor ventured into the food-truck boom during the pandemic, and then began answering the call for catering, which remains a thriving piece of his business today. Local organizations and companies come to Faylor for their fundraisers and corporate events.
“The town of Argos is very supportive of the tavern,” says Faylor, who eagerly participates in town gatherings such as donating pulled-pork sliders at a recent tree lighting ceremony. Faylor’s reputation for delivering a premium menu reaches beyond city limits, including a catered prime rib dinner for a Rochester company’s annual staff event.
Faylor credits his advertising in The Lakes for helping to reach people beyond Argos, and he enjoys talking with guests who visit the tavern after reading about it in the magazine. Many of these visitors come back again and again for the Friday Night
Town Square
Tavern & Eatery
Walleye, Sunday breakfast or maybe Thursday night bingo, which takes place in the event space adjacent to the dining room.
Advertising aside, the eatery’s popularity is no accident. Holding the kitchen, the staff and himself to the highest standards is Faylor’s priority. “I’m a part of every dish that comes out of this kitchen,” he says. When a request is made for well-done prime rib, Faylor explains, “there is a right way to do that. Instead of just grilling the meat, the more sensitive method is to use au jus
JOHNSON DANIELSON
to
Faylor
“We’re
up their sleeves and have some fun brightening someone’s day with a great meal,” he says.
The tavern will once again offer a festive New Year’s Eve menu of surf and turf, and if you’re looking for an inviting place to meet friends to ring in the new year, look no further.
Town Square Tavern & Eatery is located at 110 South Michigan Street in Argos. For more information, call 574-281-4188.
AUTO-MATICALLY GREAT SERVICE
FIND THE PARTS YOU NEED AT PAUL’S AUTO YARD
As an alternative to the purchase of a new automobile, many people have taken the path of repairing their existing car. At times, however, even a minor repair can easily turn into a costly one. Regardless, the cost of new components and parts to keep one’s car running can be quite expensive. However, a visit to Paul’s Auto Yard in Knox can provide an economical option through the use of quality and affordable used parts.
Often overlooked or at times not even considered, the auto yard can be the place to get your classic car up and running, or the
place to keep the family vehicle operational. “New versus used is a choice that people sometimes need to make,” says Scale House Operator Tiarah Hatfield. The appearance of a used part does not compromise its integrity, but does provide another way to keep or get a vehicle serviceable.
Having been in operation for two years, Paul’s Auto Yard has a selection of vehicles that date back as far as 1953. With such a time span, chances are good that a used part could be found and salvaged to fit your need, thus providing considerable savings compared
to the purchase of a new part. In addition to familiar parts such as calipers, drums, starters and alternators, items can be found that are less common but just as significant for vehicle operation. Voltage regulators, headlight switches or windshield wiper motors, just to name a few, play vital roles and can be purchased by the consumer.
In addition to mechanical parts, oftenoverlooked cosmetic parts can be acquired to enhance the appearance of your vehicle. Taillight or headlight lenses, decorative trim, wheels and hubcaps, when damaged or
Writer / Mike Dikos Photographer / Jubilee Edgell
Tiarah Hatfield- Office Manager Oscar Escalante- Non-ferrous Manager
missing, can detract from the overall look of your vehicle. Full sets of tires, wheels, aluminum rims and even used batteries can be purchased well below brand-new costs.
If you possess the ability, you are allowed to pull your own parts from their yard.
However, when necessary, the skilled crew is equipped with a compressor, torch and impact gun to pull your part in a timely fashion. Having 13 yards spread across Northern Indiana, three of them local in Knox, DeMotte and Westville, chances are good that the part to fit your need can be
found. With computerized inventory and tracking, your part can be located, pulled and shipped to the yard nearest you.
Along with quality used auto parts, Paul’s Auto Yard offers you the ability to recycle your scrap or unwanted metal. Scrap is paid out by the pound, thus offering individuals a way to remove items that are unwanted or no longer beneficial. Recycling also benefits the community by aiding in the removal of items that detract from its overall appearance.
All scrap or unwanted metals are accepted at Paul’s for recycling. From lengths of
wire to aluminum cans, as well as items such as lamps or door knobs that have outlived their usefulness, it can all be recycled if it’s metal. Brass, aluminum or copper are just a few of the examples of metals that can be recycled. Appliances and junk cars are also accepted to be recycled. Along with benefitting the individual, recycling benefits the local economy.
“Being a part of the Rochester Iron and Metal family, Paul’s Auto Yard is one of the suppliers to local steel manufacturers,” says Regional Manager Lonnie Knight. Breathing new life into a product that has seen better
days, as well as helping the environment, are just two of the advantages that recycling provides. Even on a small, individual scale, the effort that one makes to do their part by recycling does have an impact on the economy and environment.
When the time or need arises to update that classic or repair that everyday car, consider a used part from Paul’s Auto Yard, as compared to the alternatives. They are conveniently located, affordable, and the staff is courteous and knowledgeable. Also, consider recycling
Accent your kitchen with a beautiful metal range hood. Fully customized to your specs and style.
your metallic scrap before you just dispose of it in the trash. Recycling will benefit both you and the community.
Paul’s Auto Yard is located at 10775 East State Road 8 in Knox, and can be reached at 574-772-4042. They can also be found on Facebook and www.paulsautosalvage.com.
Other locations include:
Elkhart North, 29332 County Road 10 Elkhart, IN 46514, 574-264-9222
Elkhart South, 1750 Lusher Ave Elkhart, IN 46517, 574 -522-5865
South Bend, 3300 S. Main Street South Bend, IN 46614, 574-289-1900.
Providing Virtual Care to ALL of Indiana
SHADES OF GREATNESS
STEVE WILLIAMS IS BUILDING GREAT PRODUCTS AND GREAT RELATIONSHIPS WITH SHADES TO SHUTTERS
Most people think about slowing down as they approach their golden years, but not Steve Williams. At 80 years young, he’s proving that age is just a number by continuing to grow Shades to Shutters, the thriving business he started two years ago, and offering unparalleled personal service to
his customers.
His passion for design and helping others transform their homes inspired him to launch Shades to Shutters, a business that provides customized window treatments with a focus on quality and care. His energy and enthusiasm are
evident in every aspect of the company, from the initial consultation to the final installation.
At an age when most are ready to relax, Williams is proving that ambition knows no expiration date. On his 80th birthday, he and his wife, Diane, celebrated the
STEVE
“The Blind Guy
L-R Suzanne Briggs, Kirk Altimus, Diane Williams, Steve Williams and Jim Gibson.
grand opening of their business’s new location in Syracuse, Indiana. It was a milestone moment, marking a fresh chapter in Williams’ lifelong journey of hard work, dedication and service to his community.
While the ribbon-cutting ceremony marked an exciting milestone for Shades to Shutters, it wasn’t the true beginning of their journey. In fact, the business had been operating successfully for a year before the grand opening of its official location. The event symbolized not just the start of a storefront, but also the culmination of a year of hard work, dedication and growth in the community.
Launched in March 2023, Shades to Shutters specializes in custom window treatments, including blinds, shades, plantation shutters and motorized exterior awnings. Williams has also expanded his offerings to include garage door screen installation, helping
When Quality Counts
homeowners transform garages into functional spaces for entertainment, work or relaxation.
“Garage door screens are often overlooked, but they can make a huge difference in a home’s usability and curb appeal,” Williams explained. “Whether
it’s for storage or creating an inviting space, a quality garage door screen can do wonders.”
With a showroom located at the front of Arrow Electric, the family business Williams founded decades ago, the new venture has quickly grown into a
community favorite.
Williams’ career began in 1963 as an electrician working alongside his father. Over the years he built homes, apartments, and even iconic restaurants like Shoney’s and Applebee’s across the Midwest and the South. A natural entrepreneur, he pivoted to Shades to Shutters after noticing a need for personalized and affordable window treatment services.
“After retiring from electrical work and construction, I realized I wasn’t ready to slow down,” Williams said. “This business started as a way to stay busy, but it’s become so much more. Every week brings new clients, new challenges and new friendships.”
With Diane as administrative assistant, and Kirk Altimus and Jim Gibson handling installations, Shades to Shutters offers everything from interior blinds
to motorized exterior screens. “We keep it simple; give people great value, treat them right, and they’ll keep coming back,” Williams explained.
Williams prides himself on delivering high-quality products at fair prices, ensuring clients receive the same level of
care regardless of their budget. “Whether it’s a millionaire from Chicago or a local homeowner in Kosciusko County, they get the same price and the same attention,” he said. “That’s how you build trust.”
He also credits much of his success to
word-of-mouth referrals. “I don’t spend much on advertising,” Williams said. “Our customers are our best promoters. They know we’ll take care of them.”
Sandy Speicher, one of Williams’ clients in Indianapolis, shared her experience.
“Steve Williams does all the blinds and shades for me as well as my clients here in the Indianapolis area,” Speicher said. “The quality of his products is the best. Also, he is so accurate with his measurements and his installations are flawless. His customer service skills and communication are great, and that is so important to me with my clients. He’s great in making sure the customer understands his plan, with all the different window configurations. I would highly recommend him to anyone interested in his services with his blinds and shades.”
“I’ve known Steve Williams since childhood,” says Ann Cavender, a Shades
to Shutters customer. “I’m remodeling my home on Pappakeechie Lake, and adding an addition on the lake side with many windows and sliding doors. I chose Steve because I knew him personally and his work ethic. He had a wide variety of products and knew what was available on the market, and I trusted him to help guide me through the process. Steve again was very easy to work with. I’m extremely happy with my new blinds.”
Beyond business, Steve and Diane have created a legacy rooted in family and community. Together they raised five children. Their son, Steve, helped start Arrow Electric, and his son has joined the family business, representing a fourth generation at Arrow Electric.
Williams’ connection to Syracuse runs deep. A graduate of Syracuse High School, he spent his childhood summers on Lake Wawasee before his family made the area their permanent home. Today, Shades
•
• Pier
• Gutter
• Fence Cleaning
to Shutters serves clients from Syracuse to Noblesville, as well as travelers and lakefront property owners from Chicago.
Williams shows no signs of slowing down. His vision for Shades to Shutters includes expanding services while maintaining the personal touch that has defined his career. With a growing team and a commitment to excellence, he continues to prove that success is as much about building relationships as it is about business.
“I’ve worked my whole life,” Williams reflected. “This business is the next chapter, and it’s turning out to be a pretty good one. The best part is I’ve made some great friends along the way.”
For more information about Shades to Shutters, visit the showroom at 1101 South Huntington Street, Suite 1 in Syracuse, or call Williams at 574-527-2403.
WELLNESS AT WOODLAWN
WOODLAWN HEALTH EXEMPLIFIES COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY
Writer / Darcie Dodds Schott
Photographer / Sarah Reynolds
You’d have to look back more than 100 years to find the historical beginning of today’s Woodlawn Health in Rochester. The storied beginning dates back to 1905, when the doors opened as Fulton County’s first hospital, offering access to medical, surgical and obstetric aid. That first county hospital went through numerous updates over 120 years, the most recent being the rebrand of Woodlawn Hospital to Woodlawn Health, to better reflect the expanded scope of services offered by the
clinics and specialists. Despite the many changes over the years, the core philosophy of delivering excellent medical care remained constant.
Today’s Woodlawn is known for serving the community with superior care. Some of the signature services include maternity care (with one of the few birthing units in a rural hospital in the greater area), pediatric care, orthopedics, and a bilingual Spanishspeaking provider. An important addition
to the medical team is podiatrist Dr. Eric Rindlisbacher.
Before arriving at Woodlawn, Rindlisbacher served as the associate director of residency at Saint Joseph Hospital in Mishawaka for 10 years, where he trained residents in the areas of foot and ankle surgery. “It was an excellent time for a lot of learning and teaching,” he says. At Woodlawn, Rindlisbacher and others on staff perform surgical procedures in
Doctor Eric Rindlisbacher, DPM
addition to comprehensive patient care.
Originally from Alaska, Rindlisbacher grew up the son of a podiatrist, which he credits for directing his own career path into medicine. “Growing up around the profession, I began to understand the good that could be done and the tremendous need for foot and ankle care,” he says. His Alaskan childhood meant spending time outdoors, often rafting, hiking and fishing. Rindlisbacher participated in the Boy Scouts and earned his Eagle Scout award. He says Alaska “helped shape me into the person I am. I love the outdoors, and that has carried over to my life here in Indianaa lot less elevation, but my family and I find a lot of fun hiking and fishing at the state parks and in nearby states.”
Some favorite activities Rindlisbacher enjoys with his family include hiking in the Kentucky Red River Gorge, spending time on the river in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and hiking in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
New Year New Feet call today to schedule your Appointment with Doctor Eric Rindlisbacher, DPM 574-223-9393
Recently Rindlisbacher and his wife rode in and completed the Tour of the Scioto River Valley 100-mile ride in Ohio, the largest bike ride of its kind in the nation. The couple has four children. Their oldest son is a senior at Penn High School, and after graduating he plans to serve a two-year mission for their church before attending Brigham Young University. They have another son at Penn, and daughter in junior high who recently competed in the state spell bowl. Their youngest son carries on the family’s affinity for sports but also finds time for video games.
Serving the community extends beyond Rindlisbacher’s podiatry work at Woodlawn. He serves in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Mishawaka as the bishop of their ward, or geographic region. Part of his role over the last year has included working with the church’s youth groups doing service projects and activities. His wife also serves in the church planning activities for young women.
Rindlisbacher fits right in at Woodlawn Health, where commitment to community is at the heart of the center’s activities. This past November marked the first carseat clinic that Woodlawn hosted at the hospital, where the team assisted parents in need of a car seat, and instructed parents on how to make sure the seat is properly installed to ensure their child is safe while riding in the seat. Woodlawn also hosts a free sports physical night at the hospital’s clinic in partnership with local schools, to make sure all students have an opportunity to participate in sports throughout the school year.
The team goes out in the community during the summer months, participating in the Marshall County, Miami County and Fulton County 4-H fairs, as well as the Akron Fourth of July Parade and Argos Start of Summer Parade. Throughout the year the Woodlawn team is active in the Argos TGIF events and the Fulton County Ladies in Leadership lunches/breakfasts. The Plymouth Health Fair and Fulton County Health Fair are mainstays on the Woodlawn Health community events calendar.
Welcome Back
Woodlawn Health supports the next generation of health care professionals by introducing high school and college students to the medical field through internships, which involve experiences ranging from clinical observation to administrative support. Woodlawn also welcomes local school groups to tour the facility.
Currently Woodlawn Health serves five rural counties and has seen close to one million patients over the past 20 years. There are plans underway to further expand primary care services within Fulton County in the new year. Rindlisbacher describes the staff as “fantastic. Woodlawn is a place where everyone is here to help the patients.”
Rindlisbacher is currently accepting patients for podiatry needs, and you can schedule an appointment with him at 574-223-9393. For more information, visit woodlawnhospital.org.
AgriculturA L
Resid entia l
-Co
SEWING THE SEEDS OF SUCCESS
Writer / Phyllis Wille
The holidays are winding down, with just a few get-togethers in January. I don’t know how each year seems to go by so fast. I was thinking about the new year’s resolutions I have made, and can’t help but laugh at some of the things I have wished for: exercise classes, improved diet, getting up before 12 p.m., a new job, a hair and clothes makeover, increased visits to family, learning how to cook, training a puppy, and so many more. Now my resolutions look like: “No need to exercise, as I am too old,” “You only live once, so diet tomorrow,” “Sleep in until at least 6 a.m.,” and “Visit family a little less and let them cook a little more.” You can see how my life has changed over the last 50 years.
Trying to solve leftover problems, I spent some time using Souper Cubes. They are portion-sized freezer cube trays for leftovers, and you can pop them out and put them in freezer bags to heat up for a meal. I can now have my Thanksgiving, Christmas and birthday meals any time of the year, one cube at a time. I have stuffing cubes, potato and gravy cubes, sweet potato cubes and so much more, ready to pop in the microwave or pan to reheat. It is like having a TV dinner with your choice of foods. Now that the leftover problem is solved, I am ready to move into thinking about spring.
I want to start looking at seed catalogs and ordering those important flowers that remind me of my youth: marigolds, zinnias, impatiens, pansies, sweet Williams and others. What are your favorites? I couldn’t wait for the seed catalogs to come in and spend hours pondering over which ones would be best to start early. Up until the last couple of years I have focused on vegetables, but now the thought of brilliant-colored flowers, bouquets for the house, and butterflies are so much more important.
January is the month to clean up the holiday decorations, but I just can’t take down the tree early. I just want to leave it up another week. At New Kitchen Store we have a beautiful Fraser fir from McCormick’s at 66488 Sycamore Road in North Liberty, and it’s just too beautiful to take down. Then my mind goes right back to spring and planting the flowers. I have expanded to having
SANTA WAS GOOD BUT DID HE BRING WHAT YOU REALLY WANTED?...
checkout program for taking the current catalog for Baker Creek Seeds. We order weekly starting the first week of January, and go until the first week of May. There are several ways to save with us, so please think of us when ordering your seeds this spring.
I think this year’s resolution needs to be that I will plant more flowers than vegetables. I better plant some edible ones to add to my salads, such as borage and nasturtiums, so I can say to myself, “You can take the time to smell the roses and eat them as well.”
Have a happy new year! Visit New Kitchen Store at 1100 Roosevelt Road in Walkerton. Go to newkitchenstore.com for more info.
THE LOVE WORTHY FOUNDATION
GUIDED BY FAITH, DRIVEN BY LOVE
Writer / Amy Beaucham
For Melissa and Devin Edwards, the journey to create The Love Worthy Foundation began with an unexpected and life-changing moment. Melissa recalls the day she first came across Reece’s Rainbow, an organization advocating for the international adoption of children with special needs. “I was scrolling online and stumbled upon their page,” she says. “I saw photos of these beautiful children, read their stories and cried as I learned about their situations. These were children living in orphanages, many confined to cribs, overlooked simply because of their disabilities. My heart broke and I couldn’t ignore it.”
For days, Melissa wrestled with what she had seen, knowing it would require a complete transformation of her life to make a difference. She shared what she had learned with Devin, who at first felt hesitant but eventually trusted her conviction. Together they took a leap of hope and love. Guided by faith, they began the process of adopting with determination to provide a special-needs child from another country with the essentials they believe every child deserves - love, family and a home.
The profound impact of their adoption experience inspired Melissa and Devin to help others take the same courageous step.
With unwavering faith in their heartfelt mission, they established Love Worthy. Today the foundation serves as an active and meaningful resource of support for families who share their compassionate desire to offer orphaned, special-needs children from around the world a home to call their own. To date, The Love Worthy Foundation has awarded 12 adoption grants, each representing a life forever changed by the gift of family.
In January 2022, Melissa and Devin adopted Givens, a little boy born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, from Bulgaria. Like most orphans in Eastern Europe, Givens had spent his early years
confined to a crib in an underfunded orphanage. He was malnourished, his medical needs were neglected and he had missed key developmental milestones.
“When we brought him home, the next six months were a whirlwind of medical chaos,” Melissa recalls. “We addressed his most severe medical needs, but the trauma and effects of neglect are challenges we’ll continue to face for years.”
Despite his early struggles, Givens has become a source of joy and inspiration for everyone around him. “Disability is full of joy, hope and potential,” Melissa says. “At 7 years old Givens has overcome more than many of us will in a lifetime. He is a son, a brother and a light in our family.”
Givens’ older brother, a high school senior, adores him and has taken on a protective role.
“Watching them together is
heartwarming,” Melissa shares. “He takes time to make Givens laugh and feel included.” Givens also shares a special bond with his sister.
“They laugh, play and support each other in ways that melt our hearts,” Melissa says.
Before their adoption journey, the Edwards family advocated for a girl they called Bethany, a child with special needs living in an orphanage. Melissa and her family organized fundraisers and shared Bethany’s story on social media, hoping to help her find a family.
“I’ll never forget the day we got a message from a family who was considering adopting Bethany as part of their current adoption,” Melissa recalls. “We had spent so much time fighting for her to be seen. When they committed to her, it was an overwhelming moment of joy.”
Melissa and Devin were later able to visit
this family after they brought Bethany and another child home from Ukraine.
After their adoption of Givens, Melissa and Devin knew they wanted to do more. In May 2022 they established Love Worthy LLC, a charitable business
that provides grants to families adopting children with disabilities internationally. They began funding these grants through donations, fundraisers and their own personal contributions.
“We wanted to help families who said yes to the call of special-needs international adoption,” Melissa says. “We believe that no one can do everything, but everyone can do something. And there is nothing more worthy than helping to bring these children out of orphan care.”
Over time, as interest and support grew,
Love Worthy transitioned into a nonprofit foundation with a functioning board. Now operating as a 501(c)(3), The Love Worthy Foundation continues to provide financial assistance to families adopting children with special needs.
Devin often reflects on their adoption journey and offers advice to families considering it. “Planning is everything,” he says. “We had to make sure we had enough bedrooms, medical resources and financial stability to handle the unexpected. It took months of preparation but it was worth it. Don’t let fear hold you back. If you plan and trust the process, you’ll find the strength to move forward.”
He also stresses the importance of open communication between spouses. “Be honest with your partner about your fears, and don’t be afraid to lean on each other,” Devin advises. “You don’t have to know everything going in. Just take it one step at a time.”
On December 3 The Love Worthy Foundation participated in Giving Tuesday, a global day of generosity. Melissa and Devin invited supporters to donate the equivalent of about a month’s worth of coffee - just $40. “Imagine the difference $40 could make to a family trying to adopt,” Melissa says.
Thanks to the generosity of donors, the foundation added to their growing list of grants that have helped families bring children home.
The foundation also participates in the Reece’s Rainbow Miracle of Adoption Christmas Campaign (MACC), an annual effort to raise adoption grants for waiting children. This year the MACC has already helped five children find families. During the campaign, Love Worthy raised funds for Anne, a young girl waiting for a family. Donors who contributed $20 received a Christmas ornament as a thank-you, helping to make adoption possible for
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Participants log 60 miles and receive a T-shirt for their efforts.
volunteering or simply sharing their message can make a difference.
Through the foundation, Melissa and Devin have learned that small contributions can create big changes. Volunteers play a vital role, helping with events, bake sales and spreading awareness.
Love Worthy also encourages spiritual support. On Orphan Sunday, the foundation invited others to join them in prayer for vulnerable children.
The foundation relies on fundraising events to support its grants. Some of their most popular events include:
• Fishing Derbies: Held annually in September, bringing communities together for a cause.
• Virtual Races (Miles That Matter):
• Mommy and Me High Tea Banquet: Scheduled for February 22, 2025, in Plymouth, featuring silent auctions, guest speakers and children’s activities.
Melissa hopes to inspire others to act. “Not everyone can adopt, but everyone can do something,” she says. Donations,
Melissa and Devin know the work is far from done. Thousands of children remain in orphanages, waiting for families to see their worth. But they believe in the power of kindness to create change.
For more information about The Love Worthy Foundation and how you can help, visit theloveworthyfoundation.org.
children like Anne.
A FINE FORAGE
ELITE FORAGE PELLET MILLING PRODUCES THE BEST IN EQUINE NUTRITION
Writer / Natalie Platt
Samuel Schrock grew up on a dairy farm right across from his current business, Elite Forage Pellet Milling. Although he owns the business, he credits his wife, Loretta, for being the brains behind everything. Already owners of Schrock’s Feed & Harness, located at the same address, the Topeka couple had the idea for their new business about five years ago.
“There’s a lot of different hay pellets on the market that are sold as a protein
source,” Schrock says. “We were the first company in the U.S. to make a pellet that also had enough fiber to give the horse as their main forage, and not just as a supplement or additive to their diet. We’re providing this nutrient-dense forage without mostly any grain.”
Schrock says they also make some of their own equipment used in the manufacturing process for the pellets.
Feed pellets have become a popular
choice in equine nutrition due to their ability to support optimal digestion and overall health. These nutritionally balanced, compacted feed forms are designed to address the unique digestive needs of horses, which stem from their evolutionary development as grazing herbivores.
One of the primary advantages of feed pellets is their uniformity in composition. Horses have sensitive digestive systems that thrive on consistent nutrient intake,
so a pellet like Schrock has developed ensures every bite delivers an equal balance of protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. This consistency is especially beneficial for horses with dietary sensitivities or those prone to colic and gastric ulcers, as it helps maintain a stable digestive environment.
Feed pellets also aid in predigestion. During the pelleting process, raw ingredients are finely ground and subjected to heat and steam. This mechanical and thermal treatment breaks down starches, making them easier to digest and absorb in the small intestine. Enhanced starch digestion reduces the risk of undigested material reaching the hindgut, where it could potentially disrupt the gut’s microbial balance.
Schrock adds that pellets are also great for horses with jaw injuries or dental issues. Unlike whole grains or textured feeds, pellets are softened and can be
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• PELLETING INCREASES DIGESTIBILITY BY UP TO 80% AND AN INCREASE IN WEIGHT GAIN OF 10% TO 30%
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8375 West 300 South Topeka, Indiana 46571 Phone: 260-593-2713
soaked into a mash if need be, ensuring easy consumption and digestion without compromising nutrient delivery. Overall, feed pellets are a practical and nutritionally balanced solution that support a horse’s overall health, ensuring that they thrive while reducing any nutritional challenges.
Elite Forage uses different types of hay to produce the pellets, mainly from large farms (some 2,000 acres or larger) west of Indiana, all the way to Iowa or Colorado. Grass hay and grass alfalfa are the most common types, along with mixed grass and alfalfa. The most popular pellet the Topeka-based business sells is the grass-alfalfa mix, because of the balance of calcium and phosphorus that makes it an elite forage for horses, versus alfalfa only, which is too high in calcium or phosphorus. Customers can also buy hay at Elite Forage along with pellets.
Most importantly, Schrock stresses that
Elite Forage is all natural.
“The biggest thing about pellets is maintaining their natural color,” he says. “We don’t use binders or additives or coloring. Most pellets on the market
today will see all three of those. Ours are as-is. It’s all natural.”
Schrock says anyone interested in seeing the pellet-making process is welcome to take a tour of the facility, and asks that those interested call the store to set up a time.
Though not available online, customers can find Elite Forage at 8370 West 300 South in Topeka.
THE LAKES MAGAZINE EAST & WEST EDITIONS ARE MAILED FREE WITHOUT SUBSCRIPTION MONTHLY/ 12 TIMES A YEAR, TO VALUED HOMEOWNERS AND BUSINESS OWNERS WITHIN EACH TERRITORY. MAGAZINES CAN ALSO BE FOUND MONTHLY ON RACKS AND SHELVES AT OVER 150 LOCAL LOCATIONS. WE ALSO PROMOTE THE LAKES MAGAZINE AND OUR ADVERTISERS DIGITALLY ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES AND WEBSITE.
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it’s more important to give back than to receive,” she said. “How sometimes in life you have something that has touched you or your family in some way, shape or form. Then leaving behind that chapter that forever touched your heart and leaves behind the memories, bad or good. When you have always said, ‘If I had the extra funds I would donate to this cause because it means so much to me.’
Dawn Verhaeghe, owner of CleanRite Cleaning Service, had an epiphany one evening as sleep eluded her. It led to a philanthropic concept she’s implementing
for the holiday season at CleanRite.
“One night when I couldn’t sleep, the idea of Giving Back 2024 came to mind - how
It was important for me to receive some feedback from the CleanRite crew on my thoughts before we went forward. As a team we all agreed it was a great idea.”
She sent a text to each CleanRite crew member in October stating, “This year I am not doing the 12 Days of Christmas. Instead, we are going to bless 12 days of nonprofit organizations within the 60mile radius we serve.”
She told the crew to submit their picture and a write-up on why they chose an organization to support. They each had $200 available to donate to one organization, or they could split the amount between two different organizations. Below are the nonprofit organizations and the staff members who picked them.
DAY 1: $BAPSkittles - Bikers Against Predators & Ronald McDonald House, chosen by Debra Leake and Linda BakerHouin
DAY 2: Ronald McDonald House, chosen by Debra Leake and Linda BakerHouin
DAY 5: Marshall County Community Leon Verhaeghe Agricultural Scholarship & Zac Mago Foundation, chosen by the Verhaeghe family
DAY 3: Neighborhood Center & Humane Society, chosen by Pat Pranger
DAY 4: American Red Cross, chosen by Rebecca Bierly
DAY 6: Marshall County Neighborhood Center, chosen by Melanie Larrison
DAY 7: Ronald McDonald House,
chosen by Patricia Koch
9: Oak Knoll Vet Clinic, chosen by the Verhaeghe family DAY 10: Ober Baptist Church, chosen by Sherry Hagenow
DAY 11: Marshall County Community, chosen by Breanna Lemler Memorial Scholarship - Verhaeghe family
DAY 12: Marshall County Community - Michael Albert Memorial Scholarship, chosen by Manda Albert
For more information about why each organization was chosen, and donation information, visit CleanRite Cleaning Service, Inc. on Facebook.
A NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION GUIDE
Writer / Devon Dean
“I am gonna make it through this year if it kills me.” -The Mountain Goats, “This Year”
2024 is in the history books, and we’re now collectively bundled up and ready to tackle 2025. Each time the ball drops in Times Square and people uncork the Korbel, it’s a chance to reset the balance and state some good intentions for the next 365 days.
A recent study by the American Psychiatric Association showed some 76% of adults in the U.S. will make resolutions this year, and more than a quarter of these (28%) are focused on mental health, with many of us setting our sights on improving wellness through both mental and physical/habit changes:
Dr. Anne Mary Montero is a licensed clinical psychologist and director of behavioral health at IU Health North. She says change can be elusive, particularly when it comes to lifestyle.
“Certainly, there are excellent mental health benefits to setting and achieving goals for change toward wellness, but it is helpful to anchor goals in a few ways to maximize both the psychological benefits, and to minimize risk, including if we don’t achieve everything we set out to do,” she says. “Psychological risks to goals that are unrealistic or too harsh can be demoralizing and even lead to anxiety or depression, but envisioning change, and being motivated to try, is the first step toward mental health support for yourself, helping you see the change you want to create with your resolution.”
plan to exercise more.
plan to meditate.
plan to focus on spirituality.
plan to see a therapist.
plan to take a break from social media. plan to journal. plan to use a mental health app.
Keep goals anchored in values. What is most important to you will help you stay motivated when initial enthusiasm may wane, and the impact of achieving your goal will mean the most to you when you reach it.
Stay positive with a healthy balance of discipline and self-compassion; even the most driven people benefit from grace, and you can support yourself best if you stay in a positive frame of mind. In fact, studies of happiness show that we are not only in a better mood, but we
are actually more productive and effective when we keep a positive outlook. Also, keep in mind that self-care is critical, particularly with winter in full swing.
Consider counting steps. A large goal can be less overwhelming if broken into components or sequential steps, even micro steps, toward change. While it’s healthy to dream, we want to set our sights on a balance of vision and achievability to keep positive success realistic and within our reach.
Write goals and progress down. You will not only keep yourself accountable, which usually serves to help with motivation, but you can count steps toward progress that support and reinforce the excellent impact your efforts can have.
“Another critical strategy can be to ask for help,” Montero says. “Telling your plans to someone who cares about you and asking for a regular check-in about this can serve both as an accountability check and a built-in reminder.”
Montero’s final piece of advice is to use positive self-talk. She says reminding yourself of your power and emphasizing your progress can be especially powerful. “You are the ultimate authority on what you are feeling and how you expect to move forward,” she says. “You are aware of your efforts against all the forces that challenge you, and you can uniquely and authoritatively acknowledge the good you have done.”
Using high density polymer materials. Never needs painting refinishing will not rust rot swell chip or delaminate.
JANUARY
Submit Your Events!
KOONTZ LAKE/WALKERTON/ GROVERTOWN
ALL Times Listed Are Central Time
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
KLA Board Meeting at the KLA Clubhouse is the 3rd Tuesday of the month. Meetings are open to the public and start at 6:30pm. Come and join us and find out how you can volunteer in the community. You can also find out what is going on around Koontz Lake.
Koontz Lake Lions Monthly Meeting is the 3rd Thursday of the month at 6p at the KLSD building located at 10625 Prairie Ave.
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KOONTZ LAKE CONSERVANCY DISTRICT
MONTHLY 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.
Rent the Koontz Lake Clubhouse for your next party! The rental fee is $100 for non-members, $75 for members with a $65 deposit that is refunded if no damage occurs to the clubhouse. If interested, please contact Cathy at 219-229-4424. The facility holds up to 100 people and has a fully equipped kitchen.
BREMEN/LAKE OF THE WOODS
ALL Times Listed Are Eastern Time
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BCC MONTHLY MEETING
9am – BCC Monthly meeting at the BCC Building. January 25th – BCC annual fishing derby at BCC Building. (February 8th is the alternative date) Lake Maxinkuckee/Culver/Marshall County – ALL Times listed are Eastern Time.
LAKE MAXINKUCKEE/CULVER/ MARSHALL COUNTY
ALL Times Listed Are Eastern Time
Every Saturday
CULVER FARMERS MARKET
10a – 1p – Culver Farmers Market. The farmers market is held in the Culver Union Township Public Library through the end of April.
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TOWN OF ARGOS RESOLUTION RUN
2pm - Town of Argos Resolution Run. Kick off the New Year with a great start! Join us for our annual 5K Run and Walk at Argos Community Park Entry Fee: Non-Perishable Food Item(s). All donated food items will be donated to the Argos UMC Shepherd’s Food Pantry
