The Lakes West Magazine April 2023

For advertising information, contact: PUBLISHERS JOHN & MANDI LEWANDOWSKI

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PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT

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PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

ERIN TURK

DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT

JOSH BROWN

CREATIVE DIRECTORS

TONI EADS

VAL AUSTIN

COPY EDITORS

JON SHOULDERS

NATALIE PLATT

Maxinkuckee Players and Singers Put on Variety-Packed Performances

12

PIZZA PASSION

Papa Farm Pizza Dishes Out Homegrown Flavor

17

IMPRESSIVE OUTFIT

Ella & Ava Boutique Brings Year-Round Styles and Unique Services to Plymouth

22

TAKE A BITE

New Owners of Jarrety’s Place in Rochester Are Excited About the Future

29

COMPASSIONATE CARE

Bilingual Nurse Practitioner Francisca Turen Burgos Joins Akron Medical Center

36

GEARED TOWARD GROWTH

L & M Ag in Topeka Helps Farms Thrive

41

PEDAL ON Lakeside Bicycle in Wolcottville Keeps Customers’ Wheels in Motion

46

NEW KITCHEN STORE Cooking Memories With Mom

48

NO PLACE LIKE HOME

Shipshewana Homes Helps to Bring Dream Homes to Life

55

THE STAGE IS SET

Wild Rose Moon Is an Ideal Environment for Artistic Performers

61

INDIANA AND ALL THAT JAZZ

The Hoosier State’s Unlikely Legacy of a Century of Household Music Names

66

PET PROJECT

Starke County Humane Society Gives Animals Hope for Forever Homes

70

CREATIVE CORNER

72

THE SWEETER SIDE

Olympia Candy Kitchen Is Keeping Things Tasty After Well Over a Century

77

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN APRIL AT THE LAKES

SHOW OF SKILL

MAXINKUCKEE PLAYERS AND SINGERS PUT ON VARIETY-PACKED PERFORMANCES

For many people in and around Culver, a summer performance by the Maxinkuckee Players, or perhaps a spring concert by the Maxinkuckee Singers, are favorite traditions. The Players organized in 1980 and the Singers formed in 1982.

Founding Board Member Dan Adams

says when the Players were formed, the focus was always to provide an environment that everyone could enjoy - both adults and children. That means every production is carefully screened and adapted to make sure there is nothing inappropriate for the general audience, which often includes multigenerational families or the children involved in the performance.

Fellow Board Member and Players Director Becky Liechty agrees. “We have never done a show that you wouldn’t feel comfortable coming to,” she says.

The first show put on by the Players in 1980 was “Paint Your Wagon.” “The Sound of Music” was the 2022 production. During the COVID-19 pandemic, performances were suspended.

As Adams recalls, the staff of Culver Community Middle/High School was asked by Mimi Kalt (Weirich) as director of the high school’s production of “Finian’s Rainbow” to participate as members of the cast. Adams was a

LOCAL REAL ESTATE AGENT

“I was born and raised in Winamac, spending my summers with family on Lake Maxinkuckee, Bass Lake, Lake Manitou and Lake Shaffer, so I am very familiar with the Local real estate area.”

Writer / Lois Tomaszewski Photography Provided

Maxinkuckee Singers 2022 Christmas Concert

math teacher. The success of that high school performance sparked the idea of a community theater and the Maxinkuckee Players was formed.

Maxinkuckee Players is a true community theater, Adams says. Everyone involved is a volunteer. Performers often make their own costumes or build sets.

Some performances happen with a handful of participants. Other productions require a cast of 60.

When it began, most of the organization’s board and participants were from Culver, but that has changed and the summer production draws performers from throughout the region.

“Our productions are comparable to the professional and semiprofessional theater groups in the area,” Liechty says. “There is a lot of talent in the small towns around here.”

While the summer performance at Culver High School has been something to count on since 1980, this year there will not be a production. A remodeling project at the high school is underway and the group has no other venue available.

It was a difficult decision, Adams says, but necessary given the circumstances. The summer play is expected to return next year.

For the Maxinkuckee Singers, however, rehearsals have started for their spring shows. The concerts feature a variety of musical genres, from standards, comedy, sacred, pop, and medleys of familiar numbers to some newer songs. Like the Players, the performances are entertaining and appropriate for all ages.

In addition to the spring concert schedule, the Singers perform seven public performances in the Culver and Plymouth area during December, offering

JOHNSON DANIELSON

a wide variety of Christmas selections. The group also performs upon invitation privately, schedule permitting, for various clubs and organizations that want entertainment at special functions.

“This year the musical director has selected music to fit into three sections,” says Wendy Wise, director and incoming president. “The concert will feature patriotic tunes, a variety of Broadway tunes and religious tunes.”

The concert schedule is still being coordinated and dates will be posted on the organization’s website. All concerts will take place in May and there is no cost to attend, although a free-will offering is appreciated, Wise says.

When the Players take to the stage next summer, the Maxinkuckee Players board hopes the audience experiences a quality performance.

“We are looking for the ‘Wow,’” Adams says. “That’s what we are shooting for.” Whether it’s a performance by the Maxinkuckee Players or the Singers, Adams, Liechty and Wise hope everyone attending comes away with an appreciation for the performing arts.

“Theater arts need to be supported,” Adams says. “That’s the role we have taken on.”

The success of the Players and Singers can be attributed to many factors, but most of all it’s because the group is relatable to the audience.

“People can relate to us because we are real people and we have fun doing this,” Adams says.

For more information on the Maxinkuckee Players and the Maxinkuckee Singers concert schedule, visit maxplayers.org.

Email maxplayersandsingers@gmail. com, and follow the groups on Facebook and Twitter.

Maxinkuckee Players

PIZZA PASSION

PAPA FARM PIZZA DISHES OUT HOMEGROWN FLAVOR

The first thing that hits you when you walk through the door is the warming aroma of something good coming from the kitchen. This is how customers are greeted upon entering Papa Farm Pizza, where there is an abundance of good things to satisfy the palate.

Owner Julie Dessalier, along with her husband and two sons, make sure you get the best they have to offer from their family-run restaurant. It was named with some help from their grandchildren, along with the family-run farm, which plays a huge role in the process used for food preparation. Grass-fed beef, pork and poultry are used throughout the menu. Eggs and tomatoes, basic kitchen staples,

are harvested along with herbs such as basil and oregano.

“Fresh does make a difference,” Dessalier says. “All meats are cooked and all vegetables are cut.”

Perusing the menu, one has a wide variety of flavor and freshness to choose from. The list of fare is comprised of appetizers,

Writer / Mike Dikos Photographer / Jubilee Edgell

Robyn Dessauer, Jacob Dessauer, Julie Dessauer, Lenny Dessauer, Joey Dessauer.

sandwiches and, of course, pizza. When enjoying an evening out, there is usually a craving to nibble on a little something before the entrée is served. Jalapeño poppers filled with cream cheese, and deep-fried cheddar cheese curds, are a just few of the appetizers.

Dipping sauces such as ranch and blue cheese make for the perfect accompaniment. Peppers and cheese - who can refuse that combination? Iconic classics of the sandwich world, Italian beef and chicken Parmesan, are just two of the selections one can make from Papa Farm’s menu - seasoned beef au jus and peppers, or tender chicken, sauce and cheese. Made with the freshest ingredients and served alongside handcut fries, the choice between these two legends can be truly difficult.

The foundation for any pizza is the crust. At Papa Farm, the dough is hand tossed, thus creating the perfect base. One of the

most requested variants is the Diablo. Just as the name implies, it carries a bit of heat. Whether you’re neck-deep into that novel that has you in the middle of the desert without an oasis in sight, or you are glued to a movie that has you standing at the gates of the underworld surrounded by flames, the Diablo can put you into a comparable state. This flaming masterpiece is created by combining a spicy sausage with the heat of habanero, jalapeño and crushed red peppers, along with a house hot sauce. If you’ve ever had the desire to run off and join the circus to become a fire eater, then this one’s for you.

Another tasty pie is the Pig Apple. With traditionalists ready to resort to fisticuffs over the audacity of using ham and pineapple as toppings for a pizza, when they are combined with a flavorful sauce, olive oil and mozzarella cheese, the result is quite rewarding.

When famished, herbivores can also curb their hunger. The delectable Veggie Marinara comes topped with fresh herbs, garlic and vegetables. The result is homegrown goodness that satisfies all the taste buds. In addition to traditional, deep-dish and stuffed pizzas are available. When warmer temperatures prevail, Papa Farm uses a wood-fired oven to produce their culinary marvels.

Papa’s wings are also popular. Baking the wings to caramelize the sauce produces a flavor that makes them quite unique. With a variety of sauces to choose from, an order of Papa’s wings is a meal in itself. Also, if you so desire, a salad bar is available on Fridays and Saturdays, stocked with the freshest items available.

For those patrons who desire a cold one with their meal, a selection of beer is available, both bottled and draft. Popular brands such as Yuengling and Angry Orchard are available on draft, and Miller Lite and Coors Light are available in bottles. In addition, Coke and Barq’s are just some of the soft drinks that you can choose from. A customer loyalty program is also offered. Repeat patrons are rewarded with points used toward discounts, to show Papa’s appreciation.

When the big game is finally over, and you and your clan are starving and parched, a trip to Papa Farm would be well worth it. A phone call in advance can make sure accommodations are available. When the need arises, Papa can come to you. Equipped with a wood-fired oven, a pizza trailer is able to bring sandwiches and pizza to your special event.

To get your catering needs in order, give them a call or just stop by. Delivery via DoorDash is also an option for those times when you just can’t leave the house. The freshest ingredients, along with the touch of homemade care, make Papa Farm Pizza worth a try. Find out more at papafarmpizza.com and on their Facebook page. They are located at 10 North Main Street in downtown Knox, and can be reached at 574-772-5888.

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It takes more than a fair share of ingenuity and inspiration to launch a business from home. Alicia Davis understands this quite well.

When she decided it was time to move her small enterprise into a storefront ensconced

in Plymouth’s historic downtown business district, she took a genuine leap of faith, in more ways than one.

Nearly four years ago Davis was in an enviable place in her life, as a wife and mother of three. As she and her husband were discussing her possible return to the workforce once all the children were in school, she knew she would be able to make exceptional use of her Ball State education, where she earned a degree in fashion merchandising and marketing, as well as a minor in entrepreneurship. So in August of 2019, she crafted a business model that would facilitate her vision of working from home while simultaneously holding down a side job as a commercial painter, with the latter providing enough funds to help offset startup costs. Undaunted and undeterred by the complex business climate at the time, Davis forged ahead with establishing

Writer / Amy Lant-Wenger Photographer / Jubilee Edgell

customer relationships rooted in trust, starting out with a modest inventory of fashionable clothing.

“What started as two racks of clothes slowly started to spill into three rooms of our house,” Davis recalls. “At that point we began to look at the prospect of a space outside our home, and taking the business from more of a hobby model to full time.”

That opportunity arose in late 2021 when the Davises purchased a location on West Laporte Street in Plymouth, where they have remained. As for an official name for the new shop, it was definitely a family affair. Ella & Ava Boutique is named for the two Davis daughters, for a most unique reason.

“Both girls have wildly different personalities and styles, and I try to make my buying selection a representation of

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multiple styles while staying on trend,” Davis explains. “While our current focus is on women’s clothing, small to 3X, and accessories, we try and offer a nice mix of home and gift items as well.”

Less than two years after the official brick-and-mortar unveiling, Ella & Ava Boutique is constantly evolving and adding new features to draw in and delight customers. In 2022 the store added a service called House of Color, which is, as Davis describes it, “an individualized process of discovering what colors harmonize best with the undertones of our skin, so we know which colors look best to enhance our natural beauty.” Davis has also added an online storefront and is planning an upcoming trip to Dallas to learn more about the color analysis field. Davis anticipates hosting private shopping parties this year, and has already begun Friday Happy Hours weekly from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., with refreshments and sales specials.

While Davis is ecstatic to belong to a vibrant and dynamic downtown shopping thoroughfare, she is also very aware of where her greatest gratitude lies.

“My personal faith in Jesus Christ has really helped shape my mindset and vision of what success in this small-business space looks like,” she says. “I have learned to focus on the relationships I’m building first and foremost, because I believe that God has called me to love others and that looks a little bit different every day here. It’s most often in conversation, but sometimes it’s simply through a smile. It’s a joy to get to encourage women of our community, and be an example of positivity every single week.”

Ella & Ava Boutique is located at 105 West Laporte Street in Plymouth. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram, and visit ellaandavaboutique.com for more info.

Brice Romine remembers going to Jarrety’s Place restaurant in Rochester as a youngster, growing up on the family farm in Mentone. In February of 2022, he and his wife, Katlyn, became the owners of the long-established breakfast and lunch stop. They also own what used to be known as The Other Side, which has been rebranded as Arlington Public House.

His familiarity with the restaurant and being friends with the previous owners played in his favor. He calls it a “huge benefit,” in that he had firsthand knowledge of the history and what made the restaurant successful for all those years. He has a history with the restaurant, having worked there and played sports at Rochester High School with the restaurant’s namesakes - Jarret and Tyler.

After graduation in 2007, Romine headed off to college planning to major in construction management. That changed when he started working in restaurants in Indianapolis and later Lafayette. He changed his major to hospitality, majoring in restaurant management. He studied culinary arts and began formulating a 10year plan to open his own restaurant.

Owners Brice & Katlyn Romine and their Children Sloane & Quinn

Writer / Lois Tomaszewski Photographer / Jubilee Edgell

That switch in major was motivated by watching and participating in Indianapolis’s hospitality coordination for the Super Bowl. He liked the planning and setup, and he also liked the money he made. He saw the possibility that a career in hospitality could offer him.

Acquiring Jarrety’s was, he says, “perfect timing.”

Romine did not change much of the menu for Jarrety’s. With a history of serving breakfast and lunch, that continues.

Restaurant patrons can choose from traditional breakfast meals and omelets, or opt for house specialties like Eggs Benedict, the Strawberry and Cream Pancake Combo, or the Loaded Avocado Toast. There are breakfast sandwiches, quiches and breakfast pizzas. Of course there is also something for the sweet tooth, with a selection of muffins, cinnamon rolls and scones.

The restaurant is known for its paninis, with 10 different options for diners. The Loaded Baked Potato soup and the Carrot Cake are options for lunchtime diners. Wraps, cold and

hot subs, pizzas and several salad choices round out the lunch menu.

The coffee bar, which he helped set up, also remains unchanged. Beverage aficionados can enjoy their favorite hot or cold beverage - frappés, cold brews, teas, hot chocolate and smoothies.

The decor is nuanced, as Romine explains it. He wanted to evoke a bistro feel to the dining experience. Colorful walls and

natural light brighten up the dining experience. Work from local artists hangs on the walls, and a friends’ couch makes conversation with a cup of coffee flow easily. These changes brighten up the space and give it a big-city kind of vibe.

It is a challenge to offer a coffee bar in a town that has multiple options to choose from. There are at least five other coffeebar concepts nearby. However, Romine found a way to set his establishment apart.

“We offer more sugar-free options than anyone else,” he says. For Arlington Public House, Romine wanted it to have its own personality - that of a nice steakhouse restaurant. The decor evokes a steakhouse ambiance, with an industrial design style. It offers casual fine dining, Romine says.

The steaks and chops he offers are locally sourced as much as possible. As both a small-business owner and a farmer, Romine wants to support farmers and other small businesses in the area. “I am a fourth-generation farmer,” Romine says. “I like to know where my food comes from.”

Arlington Public House offers fresh seafood, which is flown in two times per week. Steaks and chops are on the menu. Diners can order small plates, sandwiches, salads and starters, as well as desserts.

Another addition to the spaces between the two restaurants was the creation of the Caddy Shack. This private room houses sports simulators and is available for private parties. The idea behind the Caddy Shack is to provide a place for families, friends and groups to get together and have fun. Like many small towns, there aren’t always a lot of choices in recreation. Romine saw this as a way to supplement local entertainment options in a family-friendly way.

Jarrety’s Jarrety’s

Catering is also available from both Jarrety’s Place and Arlington Public House, as well as a third location, Knucklez BBQ. Each location offers different menu items, with Jarrety’s focusing on soups, salads, sandwiches, box lunches, and trays of muffins and scones, among other selections. Arlington Public House’s catering menu includes an extensive selection of hors d’oeuvres, sides and desserts.

Catering can be provided off-site, for the banquet room, or for the Caddy Shack.

For Romine, fulfilling his 10-year plan by opening a restaurant in his hometown was unexpected. The opportunity to grow a business in this community is special indeed. He sees it as a chance to build his community.

“We are unique,” he says. “This is really good food for the area. We are an active small business that is doing things.”

Jarrety’s Place is located at 701 Main Street in Rochester.

Arlington Public House is next door at 703 Main Street. For more information, call 574-223-7101 or visit jarretysplace.com.

Arlington Public House

Arlington Public House

COMPASSIONATE CARE

Bilingual Nurse Practitioner Francisca Turen Burgos Joins Akron Medical Center

Writer / Amy Lant-Wenger Photographer / Jubilee Edgell

Over the past few years, the principles of medical care have been broadened and redefined. More than ever, it has become imperative that the relationships between professionals and their patients are rooted in empathy and trust.

Francisca Turen Burgos knows this

philosophy very well, and bears that in mind with every individual she attends to. Becoming a medical professional is the culmination of a dream she has harbored since childhood. She has been so dedicated in the pursuit of this goal that she has traveled the world to achieve it.

Burgos has joined Akron Medical Center as a family nurse practitioner, and has been a member of the staff since October

of 2022. She works with patients for diagnoses and treatments within a range of health conditions, from common to chronic. When necessary, Burgos can also provide referrals for more complex issues, and she is able to offer consultations with patients about a diverse array of measures for preventative, individualized care.

“I am the go-to person when somebody has an acute illness, and I manage the

Francisca Turen Burgos

treatment of chronic conditions such as diabetes, elevated blood pressure, thyroid problems, etcetera,” Burgos says. “One of my favorite parts of primary care is preventative medicine. Patients are encouraged to schedule an annual wellness visit with the purpose of assessing their current health status and personalized care, with the goal of preventing illness and promoting health lifestyles in order to improve their quality of life.”

Burgos carries an extensive knowledge earned on a truly global scale. She is bilingual thanks to her Chilean upbringing, and is fluent in Spanish. She is also very immersed in the heritage and culture, and is thankful to be able to transcend the language barrier that may be an intimidating factor for those in the Spanishspeaking community.

“The health care system is very difficult to navigate, especially when they do not

speak your language or do not understand your needs,” Burgos says. “Having a health care provider who speaks your language alleviates anxiety about communication and increases trust, which is an essential part of the therapeutic relationship between patient and health care provider, while patient satisfaction and health care outcomes improve.”

Burgos’s formal medical training began in her native Chile, where she studied nursing and midwifery, ultimately graduating from Catholic University of Chile in 2012. She then began working in neurological rehabilitation in a surgical unit for a Chilean charitable foundation called Teletón, specifically caring for young patients. Realizing that she would need to learn English in order to move forward professionally, she moved to New Zealand on a working holiday visa. There, she continued working alongside patients with disabilities for three years, mastering English along the way. She also met the man who would become her husband.

After spending some time in Chile once again to be closer to her family, Burgos’s new husband was able to secure a job in Indiana. Upon settling in the Hoosier state, she studied tirelessly for her boards and was successful in transferring her licensing credentials to America. She worked as a registered nurse in the medical-surgical and intensive-care units at a hospital in Plymouth, while simultaneously studying for her Master of Science in Nursing degree.

“The experience was emotionally, physically and mentally draining, but I was happy to be there helping others, and especially being there for the Latinx community in Plymouth,” she says. Upon graduating from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis

in 2022, she then accepted her current position in Akron, where the clinic is an affiliate of the Woodlawn Hospital network.

Striving to achieve this career milestone was a rewarding accomplishment for Burgos in itself, but was definitely a greater challenge against the backdrop of the coronavirus outbreak. Ultimately, however, Burgos says it revealed a new perspective on the importance of being ever mindful of her patients’ needs.

“After these difficult years of the pandemic, it is only worth noting this as an opportunity for all of us to reflect on the value of life, our health, and the health of our loved ones,” she says.

Prospective patients are welcome to contact Burgos and the staff at Akron Medical Center at 574-598-2020. The clinic is located at 105 State Road 14 in Akron.

L & M AG IN TOPEKA HELPS FARMS THRIVE

When Vernon Lambright speaks about his profession, there is a palpable sense of fascination. There is much respect as well, for Lambright is very well-versed in environmental matters and how they influence agriculture. Listening to him talk about the mission of L & M Ag, one easily comes away educated and mindful

Writer / Amy Lant-Wenger

Photographer / Kari Lipscomb

of the intricacies involved in maintaining a successful farm.

The L & M Ag team steadfastly believes in and practices the philosophies of maximizing soil fertility and livestock nutrition. “We help to improve your livelihood by improving the soil and livestock of your farm,” Lambright says. “The life in your soil is the most important thing on your farm.”

In the first of numerous approaches that Lambright employs, L & M Ag conducts an in-depth soil analysis, “focusing on the life in the soil,” as Lambright explains. By assessing the biological composition of the soil, he notes, steps can be taken to enhance it.

Once the soil samples are taken and the results are received, Lambright provides a consultation about the specific goals of the farm. “We discuss the best kinds of crops to grow and we see what rotation

the farm is in,” he says. The protocol is meant to assess the farmer’s needs and the best manner for distribution, including supplementation methods tailored to the type of produce or crop.

This process cycles directly into taking care of the dietary requirements for farm animals, as their presence on the land is a significant part of what blends and tends the soil. For example, Lambright helps farmers determine the best type of hay to use, and provides guidance on feeding routines for pigs, horses and other farm animals, with customized feeds and mineral packs.

L & M Ag, which is centrally located in Topeka, has spanned three generations of familial commitment since it was launched in 2009. Lambright and his wife, Erma, joined a venture with Erma’s father, Glen Mast. Upon Mast’s retirement in 2018, son-in-law Lavon Mast began assisting and is

now involved in managing production. Erma and daughter, Deborah, oversee bookkeeping and billing on the clerical front.

Lambright also notes that his work is not exclusive to crop farming, as L & M Ag is qualified to conduct consultations

and soil sampling analyses on produce farms, gardens, and other types of foodand plant-bearing acreage. Recently, Lambright was a featured guest speaker on the topic of soil fertility and livestock nutrition on a per-farm basis at the 2023 Northern Indiana Grazing Conference, a grand-scale event held at the Michiana

Event Center in nearby Shipshewana.

To learn more about L & M Ag and the services they offer, contact Lambright at 260-768-7375. L & M Ag is located at 7345 West 100 South in Topeka.

PEDAL ON

Writer / Amy Lant-Wenger Photography Provided

Like an intricately woven tapestry, northern Indiana features rolling ribbons of farmland intertwined with rural-influenced cityscapes. Oftentimes cars can seemingly become a bit of a novelty, and the noise gives way to the peaceful hum of bicycles and buggies meandering along gravel-strewn lanes.

Situated on one of those countryside thoroughfares, visitors can find Lakeside Bicycle, a longtime family enterprise of Maynard and Miriam Miller. Nestled in a peaceful settlement near Wolcottville, the Millers have been immersed in the business of bicycle sales and repair for more than 10 years.

In the heart of a region where non-motorized travel is common, Maynard Miller’s services are greatly appreciated. Miller’s expertise is all the more remarkable when he admits that he had never even owned a bicycle himself until after he was married. Now, as a husband and father of four sons, he is fully capable to tap into a finely honed set of skills that he was not originally aware of.

Lakeside Bicycle is designed as a sales and service outlet for any kind of bicycle and any brand, ranging from the traditional, two-wheeled styles to tandems and tricycles, for youngsters and

adults. Customers can also bring in pre-owned bicycles as trade-ins for newer models. More recently the shop began handling repairs on battery-powered electric bikes, although Miller works on those far less frequently.

The workshop and retail spaces are exceptionally organized and tidy, and there is a wealth of accessories to browse and buy. From water bottles to lights to safety apparel, there are plenty of options

days

Upon crossing the threshold into the quaint storefront, it is instantly apparent that the Miller family is very invested in the business. No fewer than four members of the household are there to greet guests.

Maynard Miller, reflecting on the evolution of Lakeside Bicycle, explains that the family was initially intent to embark on a woodworking business. However, one of the children was

experiencing allergy issues, which forced the Millers to consider other options. An opportunity arose for them to purchase the current building in which the business is housed, and the wheels were literally set in motion.

“We’ve worked hard to get it to where I can just work at home to serve you better,” Miller says. “This is a family operation. My wife, Miriam, does all the book work, and the boys help a lot during the

busy season. They put together a lot of new bikes, but I still do the fine tuning.”

The Millers are also happy to be situated in an ideal location, where they can be of assistance to clients in both Indiana and Michigan.

They are delighted to engage in conversation with residents and travelers alike, and they have been busily preparing for the warmer seasons, which will bring an upswing of folks engaging in bicycle riding. “We enjoy living close to the lakes and we meet a lot of friendly people,” Miller says.

Another perk of visiting Lakeside Bicycle? “Brenda’s Ice Cream is just down the road from us,” Miller adds.

For those in the market for a ride upgrade, Lakeside Bicycle will offer a 10% discount on the purchase of a new bike through the month of April, by mentioning the advertisement in The Lakes.

Maynard shares a bit of sage advice that relates to his line of work as well as the passage of time itself.

“Life is like riding a bicycle,” he says. “To keep your balance, you must start pedaling.”

Lakeside Bicycle is located at 820 West 700 South in Wolcottville. To set up a consultation, or to simply inquire about the shop, call 260-854-9456, ext. 1.

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NEW KITCHEN STORE COOKING MEMORIES WITH MOM

girl, and she cooked every meal from scratch. We always had fresh baked goods, from donuts, cookies and cakes, to jellos and puddings.

So, moms are you teaching your boys how to cook? If not, you should be teaching them both how to cook and to bake.

This will help your sons to eat better and healthier their entire lives. This will teach them how to shop and budget food. This could lead to a lifelong love of good food and cooking.

How my mom taught me, was to bring me into the kitchen with her. I was about eight years old when my mom started teaching me.

She would have me with her at the kitchen table, and, as she was making the dishes, I remember the lettuce, egg, and pea salad, in particular. As she added and mixed in each ingredient, and spice, she would have me taste the dish, so that I could understand what each spice tasted and what it would add to the total taste of the dish.

She would have me read the recipe, and get out all the items, spices, and sauces, then start putting them together. This was back in the very early 1970s. My mom was an Indiana farm

Mom always had a crock of sour kraut fermenting in a corner of the kitchen.

She would have me prepping all the vegetables, so at an early age I learned what all the veggies were, and how to prepare them in various ways, depending on what we were making.

She taught me to fry chicken, do a pork shoulder roast, or a chuck roast. After I learned my way around the kitchen, and stove, she taught me how to bake.

I made my first Boston Crème Pie, from scratch, without supervision, when I was nine years old.

Mom always had fresh baked bread on hand. Once a year she would make her famous peach jam. There is nothing better than fresh baked bread slathered in sweet cream butter, with homemade peach jam on it. All in all, she gave me a very solid foundation for cooking almost

anything. She used cast iron pans. I have five or six of her old cast iron pans, that I still use every time I cook.

Being able to cook gave me several advantages as a young man.

Women love when a man knows his way around a kitchen, and can plan and cook, and clean up, while cooking, a complete meal.

It has saved me thousands and thousands of dollars, throughout my life on restaurant meals.

When you can cook, it is so much cheaper to buy the ingredients and prepare and cook your meals at home. When you are buying and cooking your meals, you can control exactly how much of what goes into your meals.

You can make each meal customized to you and your family’s tastes and needs. Your meals will be much healthier and better tasting then almost everything you can get at your local restaurants.

When you are eight and nine years old, working in the kitchen with your mom, you are both making memories that will last a life time. You are spending some serious quality time with each other.

So come on down to the New Kitchen Store, and get all your cooking needs including spices and herbs, along with advice on meal preparation for cooking all those delicious home cooked meals.

When my mom passed a few years ago, while I was cleaning out her house, I found her original thin-walled 1960s stainless steel mixing bowls with her aluminum measuring spoons, that we used in the 1960s and 1970s at home.

My mom teaching me to cook and bake at a very early age led me to a lifelong appreciation of good food and cooking.

I still bake my own bread, and my chocolate brownies are a work of art. I make all my own stocks and cook almost everything from scratch.

All in all, I’m much healthier for doing so. I also have some really great memories of my mom and me cooking together in the kitchen.

NO PLACE LIKE HOME

SHIPSHEWANA HOMES HELPS TO BRING DREAM HOMES TO LIFE

For over three decades, Shipshewana Homes has helped families near and far bring their dream home to life.

Beginning in July of 1977, the team at Shipshewana Homes had a vision to provide customers with a unique option for homebuilding. Manufactured homes are at the forefront of the business, but their approach is quite different. Compared to other manufactured homes in the industry, Shipshewana Homes provides an alternative to stick-built homes, which simply refers

to the construction of the home’s frame being built on-site with basic lumber and nails. What sets Shipshewana Homes apart from the competition is the style of manufactured homes they offer, along with the process they use to build them.

When Shipshewana Homes and JM Quality Construction joined forces in 2002, the idea of building dream homes for their customers took off. Joe Miller, founder of JM Quality Construction, is focused on combining the highest caliber of workmanship possible with customer service. This combination has made them one of the most trusted and desired residential and commercial homebuilding companies in the region.

When Miller had the opportunity to purchase Shipshewana Homes in April of 2014, he knew he wanted to focus on providing excellent customer service. Today much of their business comes from word of mouth from previous happy customers.

Shipshewana Homes utilizes a state-of-the-art engineering process in a climate-controlled environment. Unlike traditional stick-built homes that are built on-site, their modular homes are built using a unique assembly-line technique, and then shipped to the building site. Once the modular home arrives at the site, it is erected by a competent

Writer & Photographer / Ali Snyder

team of builders, staff and subcontractors. When the home is completed, you can tell no difference when comparing it to a typical home built on-site.

Building a modular home is an art form in itself. The design process starts with state-of-the-art computer technology. This helps customers get a vision of what their new home will look like. It also aids in providing the team and customers with drawings and a list of materials needed throughout the building process.

When it comes to the actual building process, customers’ homes are assembled in a modern factory setting. As each customer’s home goes from station to station, quality technicians and builders use their skills to bring the vision of the home to life.  One of the many benefits of this type of building process is that there are no issues due to weather, since the home is assembled indoors. Customers can rest assured that their home is qualitymade, as all homes are inspected, up to code and of the highest craftsmanship.

Shipshewana Homes offers more than 800 high-quality and aesthetically pleasing stick-built modular homes to choose from. They work alongside premium homebuilders including Rochester Homes and Ritz-Craft Custom Homes. Partnering

WELCOME TO SHIPSHEWANA

We

with these companies has allowed Shipshewana Homes to be a leader in the industry with fast build times, affordability and quality of service.

An additional benefit of choosing a stick-built modular home is the high efficiency. The Shipshewana Homes team prides itself on always using energy-efficient building materials and

methods. From the exterior walls to the insulation to the thermopane, low-emissivity glass windows and exterior doors, customers are sure to be comfortable in their home while also saving on costs.

Shipshewana Homes keeps their official website up to date with their latest models, 3D tours, a gallery of prior home builds,

financing information and an extensive FAQ section. All of this is especially helpful if you are getting familiar with the stick-built modular industry and trying to decide if this is the route you want to take. You can also visit the website, shipshewanahomes.com, to schedule a tour to see their homes in person.

If you are in the market for a new home, look no further than

Shipshewana Homes.

Shipshewana Homes is located at 725 South Van Buren Street in Shipshewana. They can be reached at 260-768-4040. You can follow them on Facebook @shipshewanahomes where you can find their popular “Set Day Giveaway!” and enter to win fun and exciting prizes.

THE STAGE IS SET

Wild Rose Moon Is an Ideal Environment for Artistic Performers

Writer & Photographer / Lois Tomaszewski

Performance is only one part of music. The second and, some would argue, most important part, is the experience of the listener. In the heart of downtown Plymouth, there is a place that creates the ideal environment to enjoy music as it is intended.

Wild Rose Moon occupies part of a historic building on Michigan Street. The building was once owned by George Schricker’s great-grandfather, who had a shoe store in an adjoining space. Schricker is the founder and artistic director of Wild Rose Moon.

Wild Rose Moon opened as a nonprofit six years ago. Schricker said his goal was to open an art center for the community that would meld performance and production. He has met that goal, and both aspects continue to evolve and grow.

“This is a great listening room,” Schricker says. “I prefer to perform in places where people listen.”

Wild Rose Moon is the kind of place where talented performers of all types come to share their original music with the community. Original material is what creates the one-of-akind performance that Schricker and his team curate.

“It is difficult to present original work in a bar,” says Schricker, a musician himself.

The performances are recorded by the production team. These recordings serve as a musical archive, such as the recording

Director Maggie Kubley and Artistic Director George Schricker

of local act Girl Named Tom, who performed at Wild Rose Moon before becoming famous as the winner of the musical competition show “The Voice.” These videos are available on their website.

The decor of the first-floor performance space is warm and welcoming. It is quiet and intimate, the kind of place that invites a person to relax and enjoy what is happening there. It can accommodate an audience of up to 80 people who sit in an arc in front of the elevated stage. The ambiance sends the message that this place was indeed designed for the audience as well as the performer.

Once a month, Wild Rose Moon is the site of a radio broadcast show on public radio station WVPE. It airs at 7 p.m. on the first Monday of the month. The show is often recorded in front of a live audience. Recordings of these hour-long

shows are also archived by the production team.

“We are in a moment of growth,” Executive Director Maggie Kubley says. “We continue to expand the radio program. People are interested in supporting local artists, technology, video and event production from our media lab.”

These archived performances show off local talent and are good for the area, she says.

Wild Rose Moon is named after a song Schricker wrote for his wife. The couple used to play at the Wild Rose Moon Festival in Middlebury, which was a fundraiser for the local equine-assisted service organization LoveWay. He loved the name of the festival and decided to use it as the name for his facility.

Music is not the only art form on the menu at Wild Rose Moon. The Moonitics, a comedy team, have been honing their craft twice monthly. They will soon be moving toward public performances.

Vera Tiani Shuppert gestures toward her husband Dan Shuppert while performing in the comedy improv group, Moonitics.

Wild Rose Moon has also produced four videos that highlight artists, art centers and art events in Marshall County. The series is called Arts & Artisans. Schricker says they are looking for other interesting artists to continue the series.

To those who may not have yet experienced a performance at Wild Rose Moon, Kubley is waiting to welcome them.

“I hope that they leave feeling warm, entertained and edified,” she says. “There is a real sort of good-for-your-soul, good-foryour-heart [experience] that happens with art. I invite people to come in and experience it. It’s a fun, welcoming space with highquality entertainment. It’s for everyone.”

Wild Rose Moon is located at 115 North Michigan Street in Plymouth. For more information including upcoming shows, send an email to info@wildrosemoon.com or visit wildrosemoon.com.

Sean Hasty, one of the production consultants for Wild Rose Moon

Mark Dvork performs in concert at Wild Rose Moon

INDIANA AND ALL THAT JAZZ

The Hoosier State’s Unlikely Legacy of a Century of Household Music Names

Writer / Jeff Kenney Photography Provided

When many of us think of jazz music, particularly from some of the peak periods for the genre, understandably Indiana may not initially come to mind.

Some have called jazz, originally an African American musical form that first grew to prominence in the New Orleans area in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, “America’s classical music.” And while the world of jazz might be most often associated with areas like the aforementioned New Orleans or New York City, it may surprise many in the lakes area to learn that the Hoosier state had quite a role to play in the early years in the recording and propagation of jazz, not to mention the origins of a number of seminal figures in the genre.

Starting in 1917, Gennett Records (pronounced “jennett”) became an unlikely powerhouse as a jazz recording studio in Richmond, Indiana, producing and distributing some of the earliest recorded works of the likes of Louis Armstrong, King Oliver, Bix Beiderbecke and Hoagy Carmichael, as well as titles by Jelly Roll Morton, bluesmen like Blind Lemon Jefferson and Charley Patton, and country legend Gene Autry, among others.

The Great Depression hit Gennett hard, and in spite of a few attempts to recapture its success, its glory days were behind it by the 1930s.

Those interested in the legacy of the label, however, can visit the Gennett Walk of Fame, established in 2007 in Richmond at the site of the Starr Piano Company. It is part of a regional trail system connecting to the American Discovery Trail, America’s only coast-to-coast, non-motorized recreational trail.

One of the best-known Hoosier jazz singers of the 1920s was the aforementioned Hoagy Carmichael of Bloomington, whose early introduction to the genre was hearing a recording by Red Nichols, who, while not a native of Indiana, attended lakes-area boarding school Culver Academies (one of several renowned figures in the music business to attend the school or one of its summer programs, including big-band legend Horace Heidt, Broadway giant Joshua Logan, and more contemporary jazz singer Kurt Elling and country star Dierks Bentley).

Carmichael’s song “Stardust” became a hit when recorded in 1930 by Isham Jones and His Orchestra. It has since become an American standard, as it remains today. He went on to write or co-write hits like “Lazy

Bones,” “Lazy River,” “Rockin’ Chair,” and a mega-hit popularized years later by Ray Charles, “Georgia” (or “Georgia on My Mind”). Carmichael also became a Hollywood fixture as an actor and songwriter for a number of movies.

Jazz Cole Porter on Lake Maxinkuckee

Cole Porter, another household name throughout much of the 20th century, was born in 1891 in Peru, Indiana (though he spent childhood summers on Lake Maxinkuckee, a familiar site to most readers of this magazine).

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Porter, credited with bringing an air of lyrical sophistication to the genre, composed music and lyrics for a number of Broadway and Hollywood movie hits, as well as a host of songs that also became American standards, such as “In the Still of the Night,” “Night and Day,” “I Love Paris,” “I Get a Kick Out of You,” “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” and “It’s DeLovely.”

Unlike Porter, today’s audiences have largely forgotten a once-prolific and high-profile novelty/comedy act, the Hoosier Hot Shots. The group was formed in Arcadia, Indiana, some 20 miles north of Indianapolis. Utilizing unusual instruments such as clarinet, washboard, bass, slide whistle and guitar, the Hot Shots combined a loose variation on swing jazz with rural comedy, recording over 250 songs and appearing in more than 20 films from the 1930s into the early 1950s. The group, whose comedic hits included titles like “From the Indies to the Andes in His Undies” and “I Like Bananas (Because They Have No Bones),” performed with stars like the Three Stooges, Gene Autry, Merle Travis and Dale Evans.

Around the same time, huge hit-making vocal group the Ink Spots were formed in Indianapolis in 1934. Five years later the group had a runaway hit with “If I Didn’t Care,” with many more following in subsequent decades.

Among the Ink Spots’ many hits in the 1940s were “My Prayer,” “Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall” and “To Each His Own.” The Ink Spots later split into a few different lineups, and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989.

One of the greatest jazz guitarists in history, Wes Montgomery, hailed from Indianapolis (which is also where he lived when he died of a heart attack at just 45 years old, in 1968). Known for his distinctive playing style and sound, and as a veritable icon in the jazz world of the 1950s and ‘60s, he heavily influenced a long line of legendary guitarists who followed him.

Freddie Hubbard made his name as a

Jazz Ink Spots

jazz trumpet player (having begun in his school band at Arsenal Technical School in Indianapolis) around the same time period as Montgomery. Hubbard worked in the bebop style and collaborated with Montgomery, as well as working in the 1960s with the likes of Sonny Rollins, Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, and Quincy Jones (who, though not a native Hoosier, graduated from Indiana University and went on to produce albums like Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”).

One Indiana legend working in the jazz and rhythm and blues genres has likely been heard by many lakes-area readers, even if they aren’t necessarily aware of it. Benjamin “Scatman” Crothers started in music as a teen in Terre Haute, going on to perform, mainly as a vocalist, on a number of recordings.

His work in film and television is probably his greatest claim to fame, however. He portrayed Louie on “Chico and the Man”

on television, and Dick Hallorann in the film “The Shining,” as well as a number of roles in voice work in animated features and shows. This included significant, ongoing roles in “Transformers” and the “Harlem Globetrotters” series, and the lead character in the “Hong Kong Phooey” animated series.

Disney fans may recognize him as the voice of Scat Cat in the movie, “The Aristocats.” As many Lakes readers may know, Indiana

has produced musical legends in other genres, including more contemporary rock and pop (the likes of Michael Jackson and Axl Rose), which merits a future article of its own in the pages of this magazine. For now, Hoosiers can take some regional pride in knowing their home state has produced a parade of jazz stars who influenced the entire world through much of the past century up to today. Not a bad legacy for a state that’s not New York or Louisiana.

PET PROJECT Starke County Humane Society Gives Animals Hope for Forever Homes

Honey Girl was a pit bull terrier that arrived at Starke County Humane Society (SCHS) in horrible condition, with an injury that prevented her from walking. Honey Girl could only drag her back legs and was severely emaciated, according to SCHS Director Shanna Lloyd.

“We were not sure if she would survive,” Lloyd says. “The veterinarian told us that surgery would not be an option, but that we could try physical therapy. Through a lot of love and time, we were able to help her regain the use of her hips and rear legs.”

Lloyd says she knew Honey Girl would not be completely healed and would require special care. That’s where the animal-loving community stepped in. One person donated a mobility cart to assist Honey Girl when she became too tired on her walks. Then Honey Girl found her human, who had a wheelchair ramp for access to a backyard for play.

“This made life so much easier for this sweet dog and she was able to help her adopter with companionship,” Lloyd says.

Writer / Lois Tomaszewski Photographer / Jubilee Edgell

Lloyd has many success stories. These are the stories of the pets that find a home with people who will care for them. That is the important work of the shelter’s part-time employees and numerous volunteers. Every adopted pet is celebrated as a success, she says.

“Animal shelters across the world play an important role within their communities,” Lloyd says. “Our mission here at Starke County Humane Society is to provide aid, shelter and humane care for lost, abused, neglected or unwanted animals. We strive to reunite lost pets with their families and place homeless animals with responsible owners through adoption.”

SCHS was formed in 1980 and opened in 1990.

“We have been blessed to serve thousands of homeless animals,” Lloyd says. “We are so very grateful for the continued support of animal lovers within and outside of our community.”

The shelter is always at capacity, Lloyd says, with long waiting lists of cats and dogs waiting to come to the shelter. There are times when less-common pets are housed at the shelter such rabbits, guinea pigs, reptiles and birds.

“A common misconception is that we are a high-kill animal shelter,” Lloyd says. “In fact, euthanasia is reserved for animals that pose a danger to public safety or animals that are extremely ill. We do not euthanize for space, and animals will stay with us until they find their new home.”

There are many advantages to adopting a shelter pet. For each pet that finds a home, another one can take its place and start the quest to find a human. People who adopt are also giving a second chance to an animal in need.

“Not only are you saving a deserving animal in need, there are real health benefits from being a pet parent,” Lloyd says.

Those benefits can include a decrease in blood pressure and the stress hormone cortisol, just by spending time with pets. Pet ownership can also increase exercise, and pets can reduce loneliness and the negative impacts of depression, Lloyd says.

The organization is a nonprofit and is not affiliated with the county. It relies solely on donations from the community for monetary support, but there are other ways people can help.

“We depend heavily on supply donations as well,” Lloyd says. “We are always in need of dog, puppy, cat and kitten food. We

also rely on donations of cleaning supplies such as bleach and Dawn dish soap. We also accept donations of kitty litter, paper towels, newspapers and trash bags.”

Another way to help is to volunteer. Volunteers must be 15 years old, and Lloyd says they have the choice of what they would like to do. Some of the needs include cleaning, socializing the animals, assisting with animal care, helping with fundraising

events and supervising dogs in the exercise area.  Starke County Humane Society is located at 0104 West State Road 10 in North Judson. For more information, call 574-8965060 or visit starkecountyhumanesociety.org, and find the organization on Facebook. Donations, a volunteer form, details on adoptable animals and upcoming events are listed on the website.

Free Subscriptions

Residents and business owners in any of the communities being served by the Towne Post Network can now subscribe to our monthly print magazines for FREE! While we try to mail to as many people as possible, some are left out due to their proximity, demographics, or most recently COVID-19 restrictions on public racks. Now, anyone who wants our monthly print magazines can get them.

EASTER BUNNY COCONUT TAILS

As tasty as they are pretty, Easter Bunny Coconut Tails are a nobake, easy, kid-friendly recipe!

Prep Time30 mins

Total Time1 hr 30 mins

Servings 24

INGREDIENTS

• 5 cups unsweetened coconut, medium shred

• 2 cups unsweetened coconut, fine shred

• 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/4 cup confectioner’s sugar

• liquid food coloring

INSTRUCTIONS

In a large bowl, whisk together the condensed milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Add the 5 cups of medium coconut and the confectioner’s sugar. Stir well until well combined.

RECYCLED PLASTIC FLOWERS

SUPPLIES NEEDED

• Clear plastic plates, cups, bowls, shot glasses, etc.

• Sharpies

• Cloth covered stem wire, 18 gauge

• Glue gun

• Scissors

• Terracotta pots, floral foam, vases for display (optional)

MAKE YOUR FLOWERS

Preheat the oven to 350 ºF.

Color your plates, cups & bowls with Sharpie marker. I found that it helps to color them as completely as possible, especially in the very center because that’s where the glue to hold the stem goes. The glue shows if you don’t color that part.

Cut slits in the sides of each using scissors. Careful as

Chill for 15 minutes.

Place 1/2 cup of the fine coconut into a mixing bowl. Add 3-4 drops of liquid food coloring.

Use a hand-held mixer to beat until well combined and coconut has a consistent color. Repeat this step for each color you want to use.

Once the cookie batter is chilled, portion the cookie batter into 1 1/2 teaspoon portions. Roll into balls and then roll into coloured coconut of choice. Place on a baking sheet. Once all rolled, place the baking sheet in the fridge for one hour to set and firm up.

Keep balls refrigerated. Remove desired amount from fridge a few minutes before serving. Can be piled into a food-safe container after left to set for one hour.

sometimes plastic pieces go flying.

Place plastic pieces on foil covered baking sheet and bake for 2-5 minutes. Be sure to watch your pieces in the oven, both because it’s cool to see them melt and curl up, but also to make sure you don’t leave them in too long. Also, it’s a good idea to put the fan on or open a window for ventilation because melting plastic can get a little smelly.

Let cool and hot glue gun your covered floral stem to the back center of the flower. You can also glue on an additional pieces of plastic that you want to add to the flower. I used one of the shot glasses to make a center petal trumpet like a daffodil’s.

The Sweeter Side Olympia Candy Kitchen Is Keeping Things Tasty After Well Over a Century

The rich history of Olympia Candy Kitchen dates back to 1912. That’s when Greek immigrant Nicholas Paflas found a corner store on downtown Main Street in Goshen. As a true entrepreneur, Paflas began making his in-house candies and chocolates, and operating a soda fountain. As the customer base grew, so did the line of confectionaries they offered.

Fast-forward to today, more than 111 years later, and the tradition lives on. The business has been passed on for over four generations in the family, and is a place where locals and visitors continue to gather.

As you step through the door you will immediately smell the fresh-brewed coffee and experience the comforting vibes from the staff. When you look around you will see a fast-paced yet relaxed environment as the cooks, servers, chocolatiers and other team members work together to make it a wonderful gathering spot for all. Whether dining alone at the retro-style bar or meeting a group at one of the cozy booths, you will feel welcomed and at home.

Writer & Photographer / Ali Snyder

Kare Anderson, 4th Genertaion Operator at Olympia Candy Kitchen

Looking to grab breakfast or a fresh beverage in the morning? Olympia Candy Kitchen has you covered. As you take your seat you will notice a team member continuously squeezing in-house, fresh orange juice. The coffee is always hot and is served to customers in custom Olympia Candy Kitchen mugs.

When you sit at the old-time counter you can watch the cooks make delicious breakfast items. Some of their popular breakfast plates include biscuits and gravy, eggs with sausage, ham, bacon and cheese, and the Olympia Special omelet, which features ham, sausage, onion, green pepper and tomato. You can choose from other breakfast items like French toast, pancakes and potatoes.

If you are in town for the afternoon lunch rush you will find many options to choose from as well. They offer a wide variety of toasted sandwiches, salads, grilled items and homemade soups. Fan

favorites include the BLT, chicken and tuna croissant, egg salad, tuna à la carte, breaded tenderloin and more. Quench your thirst as you eat your meal with specialty drinks like the fruited lemonade.

Still craving more? Add an old-fashioned sundae, soda or shake. They also offer a variety of hand-dipped ice creams including vanilla, strawberry, butter pecan and mint chip.

Once you are done with your delicious breakfast or lunch, you will want to stick around to browse the extensive selection of candies, chocolates and gifts. When Olympia Candy Kitchen was first started, the owners devoted themselves to making the highest-quality handmade chocolates and candies. That legacy lives on today, and can clearly be seen as you head over to the candy counter. Taking up nearly half of the store, the vast selection of candies includes their famous turtles with homemade caramel, as well as gummies,

sweet-and-sour candies, jelly beans, licorice, chocolate-covered peanuts, and the widely popular chocolate-covered cherries. In fact, the cherries are so popular they were served at the inaugural balls of Presidents Reagan and Bush.

Not a chocolate lover? No problem. Olympia Candy Kitchen has a seasonal, rotating candy kitchen that features caramel apples in the fall, gift baskets for special holidays, and curated candy boxes that make for a perfect gift any time of the year. If you or a loved one have a sweet tooth but are out of town, no problem. They ship all around the country, and make it easy to browse and order on their website.

Fourth-generation Owner Kare Anderson has kept the tradition of the business going, along with help from the friendly team members. As you peruse the restaurant there are photos, articles and paintings that cover the walls. Each one holds a special piece of history and a story.

Olympia Candy Kitchen has much to

offer those young and old, and as their tagline says, it’s “the sweetest little place in town.”

You can contact them by visiting their shop at 136 North Main Street in

Goshen, or by calling 574-533-5040. You can find their full menu or place your delivery order online by visiting olympiacandykitchen.com. They are also on Instagram @olympiacandy and on Facebook @homemadechocolate1912.

Whats Happening at the Lakes

FOR UPDATES REGARDING EVENTS PLEASE CHECK THE LAKE ASSOCIATION’S/ ORGINAZATIONS FACEBOOK PAGES/WEBSITES.

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.

KLA Board Meeting at the KLA Clubhouse are the second Tuesday of the month. Meeting are open to the public and community support is needed! Come to a board meeting to see if you might be interested in helping as there are several positions available to be filled!

April 4th - 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 $50. If interested, please contact Cathy at 219-229-4424. The facility holds up to 100 people and has a fully equipped kitchen. Like us on Facebook! – Koontz Lake Association

KNOX/BASS LAKE

ALL Times listed are Central Time.

April 1st – 9am - The Bass Lake Property Owners Meeting at the BLPOA Building

Bremen / Lake of the Woods

ALL Times listed are Eastern Time.

April 1st – 9a – LOWPOA meeting at the BCC building

April 15th – 9a – BCC Meeting at the BCC Building

April 22 – Earth Day Lake Clean Up. Bring your grabbers, gloves and get out around the lake to clean up trash and debris. Food Trucks will be available and open to the public.

LAKE MAXINKUCKEE / CULVER MARSHALL COUNTY

ALL Times listed are Eastern Time.

April 7th – 4p – Til sold out – Tyner Odd Fellows Fish Fry at the Plymouth Wesleyan Church located at 11203 N. Michigan Road, Plymouth, IN.

April 8th – Culver Park Easter Egg Hunt at the Culver Park. Culver Union-Township Fire Dept will have trucks there for everyone to see and pictures with the Easter Bunny from 10a – 1p. Ages 0-1 will hunt at 11a, ages 5-8 will hunt at 11:15a, and ages 9+ will hunt at 11:30a.

April 8th – Firemen’s Easter Breakfast at Gallery on West in Argos

April 8th – Easter Egg Hunt at Memorial Park in Argos

April 10th – 3p – 10p – Dyngus Day at the Culver VFW Post 6919.  Polish cuisine, Music with open mic at 6, $1.50 domestic can beer, shuffleboard, pull tabs, and a raffle. A $5 donation is appreciated.

April 15th – 7:30a – 11a – Culver VFW Post 6919 monthly breakfast located at 108 E Washington Street, Culver, IN

April 22nd – 9:30a – Free yoga class at the Culver Beach Lodge

April 28 &29 – Town-Wide Garage Sales

April 28th – 4:30p – 7p – The Culver Lions Hand Breaded Tenderloin Sandwich with sides, dessert, and a drink at the Train Depot in Culver. Dine in or carry outs available.

April 29th – 4p – Til sold out – Tyner Odd Fellows Fish Fry at the Tyner Community Building located at 4836 French Street.

FULTON COUNTY

ALL Times listed are Eastern Time.

April 15th – 8a – 3p – Gun Show at the Fulton County Museum, 37 East 375 North, Rochester, IN. Sponsored by FOP Lodge 143, Admission $4, 12 & under free with adult. Call Darlene, 574-936-4431