inMiddlebury Magazine P.O. Box 68 Middlebury, IN 46540
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Celebrating Life in Middlebury, Indiana
AUGUST 2016
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AUGUST
Table of Contents
around town 04 Middlebury Milestones 05 Community Calendar 06 Boys & Girls Club: Help! Homework is Coming 08 Outdoor Living: Middlebury Then & Now 09 Middlebury Parks Department Update 14 American Legion Spotlight: Steve Rathka 22 Chamber of Commerce 23 Someone You Should Know: Kevin Miller 27 Business Directory feature stories 10 Quilts of Valor 11 9/11 Remembrance Rescue Project 12 Sam Grew Makes Rio 13 Wheels for Kmoney 15 Gloria Salavarria: Touching IT with a 10-Foot Pole 16 Bontregers Selected as Summer Festival Parade Marshals 18 Life Served Beyond Themselves 20 Middlebury Native Competes in Tank Competition 26 Bontrager Family Foundation schools 24 Back-To-School coupons 29 Deals in Middlebury August Cover: The 2016 Middlebury Summer Festival arrives soon, along with a new event – 3-on-3 Basketball. We hope everyone gets out to enjoy and participate in all of the fun at SummerFest. What’s Happening Online
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Editor’s Note Good stories have a beginning, a middle and an end. In this month’s inMiddlebury Magazine, we look at one couple’s story and how they used the middle portion to benefit the community. Lowell and Nancy Miller have a very long list of organizations and activities they gave a lot of their time to, with an eye toward helping the youth of Middlebury. Maybe it was sports or reading, but the number of lives they have touched is almost incalculable. They serve as a great example of what we can do to make our world better. Two others featured this month are making the most with their stories. Sam Grewe continues to reach higher as he has been named to the 2016 Rio Paralympics U.S. team. And NHS graduate Logan Bontrager is at the top of his game, but in a U.S. Army tank. We hope these stories inspire you to create your own compelling story. –Guy Thompson, Editor
CONTRIBUTORS PUBLISHER William Connelly
Advertising Carrie Boyer & Scott Faust
EDITOR Guy Thompson
CONTRIBUTING WRITER Dr. Carla Gull
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Sue Albert
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Russ Draper, Kris Mueller & Gloria Salavarria
Advertise with us Share your message with every home and business within the Middlebury School Corporation. We mail the magazine to over 10,000 addresses and publish it online. Your ad can reach each home for as low as 1.5¢ per address. Design is free with purchase of your ad. Our Account Managers are here to help, just give us a call at 574-825-9112.
Advertising deadline for the September magazine is August 12 Interested in being a volunteer writer or photographer? Have an idea for a story? We’d love to hear from you! Need a logo or design project? Give us a call at 574-825-9112 or email editor@inMiddlebury.com AUGUST 2016 | inMiddlebury
Magazine 3
8/2 8/2 8/5 8/12 8/13 8/31
Ryan Hershberger, 15 Justin Mast Sydney Bell, 16 Kennedy Troyer, 11 Sadie Curtis-Cameron, 17 Olivia Gabrielson, 12
8/6 8/7 8/10 8/19
George & Kathy Klepack, 50 Jim & Sharon Wyse , 45 Pete and Jeanne Fore, 25 Eugene and Barbara Bontrager, 50
Happy 50th Anniversary, Eugene & Barbara Bontrager!
Have a Celebration in September? Let us know by August 8.
, Happy 11th Birthday Kennedy Troyer! Happy 12th Birthday , Olivia Gabrielson!
rsary, Happy 50th Annive ack! George & Kathy Klep
Russ Draper Photography www.flickr.com/photos/russ_draper
1. Website: www.inMiddlebury.com/milestones 2. Facebook: www.Facebook.com/inMiddlebury. Click on the blue (Submit) tab 3. Mail: inMiddlebury Magazine: PO Box 68, Middlebury, IN 46540. Please include a phone number or email address in case we have a question. 4. Call us at: 574-825-9112 4 inMiddlebury Magazine | AUGUST 2016
Happy Sweet 16, Sydney Bell
CONTACT draperruss@gmail.com 574.361.3903
Ducks Unlimited
Corn & Sausage Roast The 31st Annual Crystal Valley Chapter of Ducks Unlimited AllYou-Can-Eat Corn & Sausage Roast will be held on Thursday, Aug. 4 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the American Legion in Middlebury. Tickets are $35 (single) or $50 (couple) and include dinner, membership, beverage, and one raffle ticket for a door prize. There will be 14 guns raffled off. The building is air conditioned & smoke free. Sign up to be a sponsor ($250 or $20.84 per month). Tickets are available from: Wayne Andrews: 825-9855, Roger Hellinga: 825-2606, Brian Mueller: 536-2969, and Bob Roth: 533-1265.
Riverfest ’16 ‘Because we all live down river’ Outdoor fun and adventure waits for you and your family in Middlebury on Saturday, Aug. 27, in the wet, wild and wonderful Riverbend Park! From 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., Riverfest ’16, invites the community to discover the fascinating world of water and the amazing plants, animals, people and history surrounding our own local treasure, the Little Elkhart River. Join an expert-led tree hike that will dig deep into cool facts about the water, soil and earthworms under your feet. Help dedicate the “Learning Tree,” an Eagle Scout-led project. Understand just how much water one tree can transpire daily. You may even go home with a free tree sapling. Experience a pioneer camp with demonstrations from period reenactors. Tour the Ethos Sci2Go Bus, a state of the art science training center that gives students and adults the opportunity to explore science in new ways and look at their world through the eyes of a scientist. See the fish populating our waters and the tiny beneficial insects and animals that share their habitat. Enjoy a kayak ride to the Krider World’s Fair Gardens. At 1 p.m. be in the big tent to see the “Take Flight” program featuring creatures that utilize trees. You can see tree frogs, pigeons, a vulture, a hawk and a sugar glider. Other than nominal fees for kayak rides and lunch served by an Amish school, all events are free of charge. Games, crafts, environmental exhibits and activities will take place all day. Join the Middlebury Parks and Recreation Department for fun and adventure right here in Middlebury’s beautiful parks.
Community Calendar MONTHLY AMERICAN LEGION DINNERS, 5:30 - 7 p.m., Public welcome 1st Friday: All-You-Can-Eat Fish by the Legion 2nd Friday: Varied menu by Legion Riders 3rd Friday: All-You-Can-Eat Broasted Chicken by Auxiliary 4th Friday: Sandwich Baskets by Sons of American Legion 5th Friday: Lasagna dinner by Boy Scout Troop 7 Last Saturday: Steak Grill – Call the Legion at 825-5121 for more information. 1ST & 3RD MONDAYS: Town Council Meetings at Town Hall – 6 p.m. 1ST & 3RD WEDNESDAYS: Middlebury Men’s Club Meetings at the American Legion – 7 p.m.
WEEKLY MON–FRI: TUES: WED: FRI: SAT:
REAL Services Lunch, Ages 60+, Greencroft Euchre and Table Games, Greencroft – 6:30 p.m. Middlebury Exchange Club, Essenhaus – 6:30 a.m. Optimist Club Breakfast, Essenhaus – 6:30 a.m. Farmers Market, 8 a.m. –1 p.m.
AUGUST:
3 4
Jefferson Elementary Registration Crystal Valley Chapter of Ducks Unlimited Corn & Sausage Roast – American Legion – 5:30 p.m. 8 Jefferson Elementary Open House 10 First Day of School 12-13 Middlebury Summer Festival 25 LoveWay’s Gallop for the Green at Elcona Country Club 27 BBQ & Brew Fest 27 Riverfest - 10 a.m. at Riverbend Park 27 RETA Golf Outing - Meadow Valley Golf Club
RETA Golf Outing Aug. 27 – RETA Outing: Meadow Valley Golf Club in Middlebury is the site for the 10th annual event. Registration begins at 7 a.m. for an 8 a.m. shotgun start to a four-person scramble. Cost is $60 per individual or $240 per team. Entry deadline is August 15. Cost includes 18 holes with cart, lunch and door prizes. For more information, contact RETA at 574-522-3888, reta@retaforlife.com, or Bonnie Freshour at 574-596-5351, bjfresh6@msn.com. AUGUST 2016 | inMiddlebury
Magazine 5
around TOWN | Boys & Girls Club
Help!
Homework is coming. by Lindsay Saunders
“My brother said math in middle school is so hard. I’m a little scared.” – Macee, age 11 Meet Macee. Like a lot of 11-year-olds, she is getting ready for a big transition. School is about to start and for the first time ever, Macee is going to be in middle school! At the Boys & Girls Club, we look forward to the start of each new school year and the excitement new beginnings like these bring our club members. However, we also know how scary it can be to start a new school, a new grade, or both! That’s why we make every effort to ensure youth in Middlebury have access to academic programs, homework help, and tutoring. These are services all club members, just like Macee, can take advantage of any time.
Life in the learning center “I visit the learning center a couple of times every day,” said Macee. “I usually go there to read and do my homework.”
Club member Macee Woodworth, age 11, stands in front of the Readbox in the Boys & Girls Club Learning Center.
In the Boys & Girls Club Learning Center, club members are met by Education Coordinator Amy Fields, who organizes small group academic programs for the Boys & Girls Club and is the first person available to answer questions about tough homework.
“Those are my favorite subjects,” she says. “I really enjoy reading fiction. Moby Dick is my favorite book.”
“Amy is really nice to talk to,” explains Macee. “She is just a really great person.”
Although she is nervous about entering the sixth grade, Macee does have great advice for her peers who might be feeling the same way:
While in the learning center, club members aren’t just provided the opportunity to receive help with their homework, they are also encouraged to help others who might be struggling. For Macee, that means assisting her peers with social studies and English.
Advice to Remember
“When you’re having trouble, just take a deep breath and focus,” she says. And when that doesn’t work, don’t forget to visit the Boys & Girls Club Learning Center!
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AUGUST 2016 | inMiddlebury
Magazine 7
Outdoor LIVING
Middlebury
Then & Now by Dr. Carla Gull
Have you checked out the Middlebury Then & Now series celebrating the Bicentennial? We found it was a great way to connect to nature and the past. Darla Kauffman, Hannah Walsh, Diane Kauffman, and Kim Clarke are the main committee members. Darla gave me a copy of the brochure and shared insight of finding these great historical spots. It is truly a labor of love and took significant work to pull together. Pick up a free brochure at the Middlebury Chamber of Commerce and other participating establishments.
Watch for the Then & Now signs throughout our community!
As part of the initiative, I talked to the Crystal Valley Clovers about basics of hiding a geocache, types of geocaches to hide, and regulations for the outdoor sport in January. The 4-H group selected a few spots, gathered resources, and had a blast setting out geocaches in May and June. I took my boys to find the sites in northern Middlebury. We used the geocaching app on my phone, doing an advanced search for Celebrate Middlebury. There is a free “lite” version as well. The geocaches we found were hidden in fairly easy to find spots. The boys and I talked about the historical significance of the various spots as we found each landmark. We also took time to look at nearby nature, finding wild grapes, butterfly weed, a lake, huge sycamore trees, and a hiding spot for horses. In just about an hour, we found all three of the Celebrate Middlebury geocaches north of town, plus a few others. We stopped at one, meeting geocachers from Tennessee and Texas who were just a couple of geocaches from finding a geocache in all 48 continental states. We rounded out our excursion with a stop at Yup’s for a treat. Enjoy your own walk down Middlebury’s memory lane by exploring the past, geocaching, and finding nature while you’re out! What a great way to celebrate Indiana’s Bicentennial!
Geocaching
geocaching.com Use advanced search to find “Celebrate Middlebury”
Brochure
issuu.com/essenhaus/docs/bicentennial_booklet_web Geocaches from Celebrate Middlebury helped our family connect to nature, the past, and each other! 8 inMiddlebury Magazine | AUGUST 2016
Dr. Carla Gull blogs at www.InsideOutsideMichiana.com. She is often seen with her four tag-along explorers in the greater Michiana area.
Upcoming
arks
epartment
Making Life Better
Parks Events by the Middlebury Park Board
Fishing Tournament Come out to the Essenhaus pond from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15, for the Fishing Tournament. The tournament is open to age groups 0-5, 6-10, and 11-15. Prizes will be awarded for biggest fish and most fish caught for each age group, plus overall biggest fish. Participants should bring their own fishing equipment and bait.
Garden with a Cause Check out the “Garden with a Cause,” which is a special ribbonshaped garden in the Krider World’s Fair Garden in Middlebury that changes annually to support or bring awareness to a local cause or charity. This year’s cause is Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness, which is represented by a purple colored ribbon. The 2016 garden is a cooperative project with the Middlebury Parks and Recreation Department and Firefly Home Care.
Middlebury Park Board The Middlebury Park Board sets priorities and goals for maintenance and improvements of the town’s nine parks and trails. Board members are appointed to four-year terms by the Middlebury Town Council. Board meetings are usually held on the third Wednesday of the month at 6:00 p.m. in the Middlebury Town Hall and are open to the public. The park board welcomes the public’s suggestions and comments. They can also be contacted through the town email system, info@middleburyin. com, by adding “att: Park Board” in the subject line. The current board members are pictured from left to right: John McKee, Monica Yoder, Michelle Miller, and Elma Chapman.
August 27, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Save the date for this year’s Riverfest and come to the festival with Edutainment! Organizers combine education with entertainment to provide a fun, free event for families. In addition to the scheduled events there will be environmental exhibits, games, crafts, kayak rides and Amish-made food. Scheduled Events 10 a.m. 11 a.m. Noon 1 p.m.
Electofishing Demonstration Pioneer Reenactment DNR Rescue Dive Demo and Tree Hike “Animals in the Trees” Live Animal Program
All new events include “Animals in the Trees” live animal show, “Trees of Riverbend Hike,” “Wormology” and to celebrate the Indiana Bicentennial, historic reenactors set up an 1800s camp on the Little Elkhart River. Annual favorites such as the Fish Stunning Program, the DNR Dive Demo and the fascinating ETHOS Bus return as well, along with kayaking, fossils, art crafts and games… and great Amish food! Outdoor education with the fun of a festival. Learn, laugh and re-live Middlebury’s heritage while celebrating the value of fresh water and the Little Elkhart River at this free, family-friendly event.
Parks Page Sponsored By:
AUGUST 2016 | inMiddlebury
Magazine 9
Quilts of Valor by Kayla Williams
Local Veterans Honored with Quilts String-A-Long Stars and Stripes, Quilts of Valor Foundation group from Valparaiso, Ind., hosted a day-long sit-n-sew featuring executive board member Marianne Fons and a presentation to eight veterans from the Middlebury and Shipshewana area on June 24.
in 1987. His specialties during service with the U.S. Air Force, Army and Army National Guard included air assault, small weapons repair, vehicle operations and vehicle management. Wasson is a member of Middlebury American Legion Post 210.
At the 2016 Shipshewana Quilt Festival, the following veterans received a quilt: Lt. Philip Jakubowicz, Eric Houser, Richard Stutz, Harold Wasson, Douglas Weaver, Leonard Wisowaty, and Michael Swallow. A surprise quilt was awarded to Jack Cook.
Douglas Weaver served in the U.S. Army as a Spec 4 in Vietnam. He entered service March 1969, was trained at Ft. Polk, La., and arrived in Vietnam in July 1969. He was wounded in action in February 1970 and discharged from the Army March 1971. Weaver was awarded a Purple Heart along with other medals and awards. He is a member and Post Commander of Middlebury American Legion Post 210.
Sewing machines were provided by The Cotton Corner of Shipshewana for free use at Yoder’s Shopping Center. Marianne Fons, who is well known to quilters everywhere who watch “Love of Quilting” nationwide on public television and as a founding editor of the popular magazine Fons and Porter’s Love of Quilting, was on-site for sewing and signing autographs, as well as to help present the veterans’ quilts. Quilts of Valor recipients ranged from active duty members to WWII veterans. The first veteran to be honored was Lieutenant Philip Jakubowicz, who is currently deployed in the U.S. Navy and serving with the U.S. Marines Dental, stationed in Okinawa. He is a member of Middlebury American Legion Post 210. His parents, Fred and Tena Jakubowicz, represented him in the ceremony and received his quilt and certificate. Eric Houser served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1986-1993 and participated in Desert Storm. He also served in the Persian Gulf from 1990-1991 as a combat engineer. He served in Somalia, Africa, in 1992 as a part of Restore Hope. Houser is currently serving in the U.S. Army Reserves Military Police as an instructor and he is a member of Middlebury American Legion Post 210. Richard Stutz served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a sergeant. From 1943-1945 Stutz was a mechanic with the 3rd Armored Division in Africa and France under General Patton. He also served in Korea from 1948-1951 as a U.S. Army Staff Sergeant with the 439th Engineering and Construction Battalion. He is also a member of Middlebury American Legion Post 210. Harold Wasson served in the U.S. Air Force as a sergeant in Iraq and Afghanistan. He entered as an active duty member 10 inMiddlebury Magazine | AUGUST 2016
Leonard Wisowaty served in the U.S. Army as an E-5 sergeant in Korea. He served in the European Theater of Operations as assistant chief operations and fire direction section. Wisowaty received the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Army of Occupation Medal (Germany). He is a member of Middlebury American Legion Post 210. Michael Swallow was in the Navy Construction Battalion from 1966-1970. He also served in Vietnam for two six-month terms. Jack Cook was also recognized for his efforts in helping to organize the presentation. Cook was surprised with the award he helped others to receive. Cook is the Middlebury American Legion Post 210 First Vice Commander and membership chairman. He signed up and volunteered for Vietnam as a radarman, then was a mechanic for diesels and later became a boatswain trainer, serving from 1967-1971. Cook has been involved with the American Legion and started up American Legion posts in the Michigan City Prison as well as others in Indiana. Quilts of Valor Indiana State Coordinator Christine Clifford Hurley was also in Shipshewana for the presentation. Quilts of Valor Foundation started in 2003 with the mission to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor (QOV). Catherine Roberts founded QOV after she had a dream of a despaired soldier brought to healing by a quilt. Roberts began the startup foundation in her home shortly after and it became known across the nation by word of mouth and the internet.
The Shipshewana Quilt Festival, held annually in the heart of Indiana’s Amish Country, is the region’s largest event of its kind featuring a quilt and vendor show, educational workshops and lectures, a quilter’s schoolhouse, Backroads Shop Hop, and more. The Shipshewana Quilt Festival has
been named a 2016 Top 100 Event in North America by the American Bus Association (ABA) for the second year in a row and has been honored as a 2016 Indiana Bicentennial Legacy Project.
9/11 Remembrance Rescue Project at Middlebury Summer Festival The 9/11 Remembrance Rescue Project and “Rescue 4,” one of the fire trucks dispatched to the World Trade Center during the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, will be at the Middlebury Summer Festival and Parade on Saturday, Aug. 13, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. It will be at the Middlebury Fire Station, 117 N. Main St. The 48th Annual Middlebury Summer Festival and Parade kicks off at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 12, with food vendors, kids’ activities and entertainers in Memorial Park, 105 N. Main St., and East Park, 108 N. Main St. The parade steps off at 9 a.m. on Saturday, heading north on Main Street from Middlebury Elementary School. The parade is one of the longest-running in the state, dating back to 1968. Registrations are now being accepted for parade entries and 3-on-3 basketball teams. Find entry forms and more at middleburyfestivals.com. The Remembrance Rescue Project is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization created by firefighters to restore, preserve and share Rescue 4 and Rescue 5 from 9/11 as educational tools, historical artifacts and memorials. The project involving former FDNY Rescue 4 and Rescue 5 is an educational effort focused at society, especially youngsters who were too young to actually understand the events of September 11, 2001 and what that day means to members of the fire service and the country as a whole. To learn more about the Remembrance Rescue Project, visit remembrance.co. AUGUST 2016 | inMiddlebury
Magazine 11
Sam Grewe
Makes Paralympics Team Photos by Russ Draper
Sam Grewe is going to Rio. The Northridge High School senior earned a spot to participate in the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games. Grewe will join 65 other athletes from the U.S. team at the international competition on September 7 and 8. Grewe finished 3rd in the high jump at the United States Trials in Charlotte, N.C. Grewe jumped 1.71 meters (5 ft. 7 inches). This will be Grewe’s first trip to the Paralympics. In October 2015, he won the gold medal in the IPC Athletics World Championships in Doha, Qatar, where he jumped 1.81 meters (5 ft. 11 inches). Caleb Cripe of Middlebury competed in swimming at the Paralympic Trials, but did not advance to compete in Rio. 12 inMiddlebury Magazine | AUGUST 2016
Wheels for
Kmoney Kamarion (Kmoney) Willis, son of Stacey (Brown) Willis and Charles Willis Jr., is an 8-year-old student at Bristol Elementary School. He is the grandson of Sharon Brown of Middlebury, Jim and Donna Brown of Bristol, Mickey and Thomas Irving of Elkhart and Ann and Charles Willis Sr. of Elkhart. Kmoney was born with a rare genetic muscle disorder, X Linked Myotubular Myopathy, which affects the skeletal and respiratory muscles in 50,000 male births worldwide. Of those, only 50 percent make it to their 2nd birthday. The majority of those who survive infancy use a ventilator for assistance to breath and do not walk due to the lack of strength in the muscles. Cognitively they are not affected, they are smart and funny boys in a body that doesn’t work quite right. In April 2014, the family started a fundraiser named “Wheels for Kmoney,” to purchase a handicap-accessible van to travel to Riley Children’s Hospital, therapy appointments in South Bend and activities. In April 2015, just before his back surgery for scoliosis, a van was located. Kmoney’s family was able to get temporary financing to purchase the van and have it in time to transport him after the back surgery, while continuing to raise funds to pay for his van. When his power wheelchair was ordered in 2015, the family learned insurance would not cover a lift feature which would allow Kmoney to rise up to reach things in a non-handicap accessible environment, a $2,800 feature. The family decided the lift was needed and added the cost to the fundraiser goal. Funds raised above the goal will be used for interest on the loan, maintenance and upkeep on Kmoney’s van. Donations can be made at GoFundMe.com/ WheelsForKmoney or checks payable to Wheels For Kmoney can be sent to Mutual Bank, Attention: Pam Lewis, 25990 CR 6, Elkhart, IN 46514. The family can be contacted at wheelsforkmoney@gmail.com, or www.facebook.com/ wheelsforkmoney. An upcoming fundraiser for Kmoney featuring Nelson’s Chicken will be held Saturday, Aug. 27, 2016 at O’Reillys Auto Parts on Cassopolis Street in Elkhart. AUGUST 2016 | inMiddlebury
Magazine 13
American Legion
Veteran Spotlight
by Guy Thompson
Steve Rathka
Steve Rathka continues to serve through Middlebury American Legion Post 210 as Post Historian and as a member of the Color Guard.
Steve Rathka graduated from Goshen High School in 1960 and Ball State Teachers College in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and was exempt from the draft while in college. He got married in September 1964 in Elkhart.
On August 26, 1965 the married exemption ended and only those married with children kept their exemption from the draft, Rathka explained.
Memories of Service:
Rathka in 1967 at Basic Training in Ft. Campbell, Ky.
“In late 1965, my draft number was low, so on January 28, 1966, I enlisted in the Indiana Army National Guard for a six-year commitment,” Rathka stated. For the next six years, Rathka drilled at the Elkhart Armory one weekend a month. In the summer of 1966, he went to Camp Atterbury for two weeks of training.
Community Service: Rathka spent his working career as a banker and retired as senior vice president at Valley American Bank in Mishawaka, Ind.
In April 1967 he was sent to Ft. Campbell, Ky., for basic training and then to Ft. Sill, Okla., for AIT (Advanced Individual Training).
For the last 10 years Rathka has been a member of Mark L Wilt American Legion Post 210 in Middlebury, where he has served as the Post Historian and a member of the Color Guard.
After leaving Ft. Sill in October 1967, he came back to Elkhart and became the company clerk. “My commitment ended January 27, 1972. I was an E-5 at that time. I had three more summer camps at Camp Atterbury and one at Camp Grayling, Mich.,” Rathka said.
“I am a Vietnam Era Veteran, not a Vietnam Vet. I am proud to have served my country and would have gone where directed, as all veterans would do and have done,” Rathka noted. “Thanks to all the men and women who have served and will serve, especially all that gave the ultimate sacrifice.”
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Touching IT with a 10-foot pole Mom was a city girl and Dad was a country boy who fearlessly fought the Japanese clear across the Pacific during WWII. The Devil Dog Marine in him was offended by weakness. He didn’t want his kids to embarrass him by being afraid of anything and for the most part we grew up as good Marine Corps country kids – except for at least one critter. With me, it was any naked caterpillar, grub or maggot-like creature and in this category, the obscenely big, fat tomato hornworm was the worst. “You see that horn at the end,” Dad said, pointing to an ugly five-incher who was audibly gnawing its way through a tomato plant. “Just pick it up by the horn like this and then mash it!” Dad was determined to force me into overcoming my fears – “Now I want you to start at this end and work your way through the garden and I want you to kill every last one of ‘em before supper.” Tomato limbs gnawed bare of leaves stood mute testimony to the fact that the hornworms were there and they had to be stopped. Dad didn’t have just a little family garden patch. He gardened on an industrial scale and so his ordering me to go pick the tomato plants clean of all hornworms on a large plot was at least a half-day chore. I went into the garage and came out ready to do battle – with a 10-foot bamboo fishing pole. I figured I’d stand on the outside of the garden and flick those green devils into eternity. I spotted a fat one that I could get clean and neat with the flick of my fishing pole. I pulled back on the tip and once I had what I thought would be enough arc, I let go and with beginner’s luck I managed a solid strike that sent the horrible creature flying through the air to land in an equally satisfying green splat on the side of the garage. So what if it meant a part of the tomato plant got decapitated in the process? The rest of the row wasn’t as easy to clean but I managed to drop and kill without touching and that suited me just fine. The row of tomato plants was the worse for wear though but a nine-year-old with a self-appointed Marine drill sergeant for a father doesn’t think of anything but following orders – and my orders were to kill those green uglies. When I ran out of garden perimeter, I went back into the garage for some shears. The inner rows would be the hard part and my plan was to cut these obscenities in half. There was no way I’d touch ‘em. I found that I had to scrunch down, listen for the sounds of
by Gloria Salavarria
their munching and then stare hard in the direction of the sound, and then I could see them. These worms were so well camouflaged that they’re more often than not invisible to the casual glance. For the better part of the afternoon I snipped my way through the bushes – trimming and pruning tomato plants as well as killing tomato hornworms. The day was humid and sweat rolled down my forehead in spite of the shade of the bushes. I wished I were anywhere but where I was – down on my hands and knees, and then rising up and then down in an effort to see these hidden horrors, listening carefully for their chewing sounds to give their location away, looking for telltale signs of denuded branches, and the sign of dark green pellet poop from the worms themselves. Suddenly I felt something plop down on the back of my neck. The next thing I knew I was outside the garden and somebody was screaming real loud and that somebody was me. Dad came out to see what was going on and what he saw didn’t please him. His belt started to slither out of his pants loops and so I sobered up and saw what he was seeing. I stood there festooned in uprooted tomato plants, support stakes dangling down and behind me and there was a path of near total devastation through the middle of the garden. I knew I had to talk fast. I raised my right hand and the green remains of a hornworm dripped from it. I had done what he asked – I had killed a tomato hornworm with my hands. Both Dad and the belt stopped dead in the dust, and then Dad had to take a while to think about it. It took him five long minutes of thinking and then his fingers slowly worked the belt back into its proper position around his waist. After he finished buckling the belt, he grabbed me by the shoulders and told me to go into the house to see if Mom needed any of my kind of help. He stood for at least a half hour surveying the devastation and he never again asked me to do anything with tomato hornworms. There are just some things that are better left well enough alone. AUGUST 2016 | inMiddlebury
Magazine 15
Bontregers Selected as Parade Grand Marshals photo: Kris Mueller Kent and Becky Bontreger have been named the 2016 Summer Festival Parade Grand Marshals. The Middlebury couple has two daughters and five grandchildren. Kent has always lived in Middlebury and played on the first football team at Northridge High School. Becky moved to Middlebury during her high school years. “Our roots go deep into the Middlebury area and so do our hearts,” Becky said. They own Middlebury Produce, which was started by Kent’s grandfather in 1929. This is the only place Kent has ever worked. “We are the third generation and we are very grateful there will be more generations to come,” Becky added. Their daughters are the fourth generation to be a part of the business and on a busy day, you just might find the fifth generation answering phones and helping out. “We feel very blessed to have our family not only as part of our business but as our neighbors, too. A few years ago, both of our daughters purchased part of our land and built houses beside us. We call it ‘The Compound.’ In today’s world, many families are separated by many miles and we have the awesome privilege of having our grandchildren in our backyard,” Becky stated. The Bontregers love to help the community at every opportunity. Becky serves on the Boys and Girls Club Board as well as the Community Foundation of Elkhart County Vibrant Community Grant Committee. The family enjoys volunteering at the food pantry and they have had the privilege of sponsoring/supporting many activities that were a part of Middlebury Community Schools. “The Middlebury Summer Festival was where we first met so of course, it holds a special place in our hearts,” Becky said. “The festival has changed quite a bit since then but so have we!” And they’ve seen Middlebury change and grow through the years but the things they like the most about Middlebury hasn’t changed. “Every trip to the post office or the bank or the store, there’s a good chance you will see a friend,” Becky explained. The couple loves to travel and have been to many amazing places all over the world. Kent’s bucket list is to stand on all seven continents. It may sound cheesy but, after seeing so many wonderful places, there’s still no place like home. “There’s no place better for us than Middlebury,” Becky said.
2016 Summer Festival The Summer Festival Parade will begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 13. Road Run & Walk will be Saturday, August 13. The 4th Annual ECBOR 5K benefits the Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., with the race starting at 8:30 a.m. Registration and race start are at the Middlebury Fire Station on Main Street. 3-on-3 Basketball Tourney will take place on Saturday, August 13 This is the first year for the 3-on-3 Basketball Tourney, with games played next to the Middlebury Fire Station. There are three student divisions, with trophies for 1st and 2nd place in the student divisions. There will be cash prizes for the open division. Boys and girls divisions will be made up of the following age groups: 10-12, 13-15, 16-18 (ages based on age as of August 13.) In the open division, there will be registration up to noon on August 13. First place team will win $200 and $100 for second place. Entertainment will be in the tent on Brown Street Friday, Aug. 12, and Saturday, Aug. 13 afternoon/ evening. Food, crafts, and other vendors will be on site both days.
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11096 CR 16 • Middlebury, IN 46540 • (574) 825-2177 16 inMiddlebury Magazine | AUGUST 2016
MIDDLEBURY SUMMER FESTIVAL
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LaGwana | P.O. Box 70, Shipshewana, IN 46565 | Ph: 260.463.4901 AUGUST 2016 | inMiddlebury
Magazine 17
Life Served Beyond Themselves by Guy Thompson
The list of activities that Lowell and Nancy Miller have been involved in that was written up for the 2015 Book of Golden Deeds Award is lengthy, to say the least. The Middlebury couple has been married for 43 years and seem to have spent a lot of that time helping others in and around the area. “We want others to know how important it is for people in the community to volunteer in anything and everything,” Nancy said. “You get to know people that way if you’ve moved into the area. You get to know your schools and the churches.” The list of their volunteer work includes working the Jr. Miss program, the Summer Festival, Northridge athletics, Middlebury Exchange Club, park board, coaching basketball, and starting the Friends of Middlebury Parks, to name a few. “People don’t volunteer that much anymore,” Nancy observed. “They expect to get paid. But the benefits you receive are greater than what you give.” Service to the community was an easy fit for the couple. Lowell’s professional life included serving the Middlebury area, starting off as the first full-time town marshal in 1973. He served in that capacity until late 1988. He served on the Middlebury Town Board in 1995 and was soon hired as the town manager, which he did until 2008. He was also a volunteer fireman for 26 years. Nancy was a fixture at Smucker Drugs for 30 years, often at the coffee bar, a place to meet and stay in touch with most of the town’s population. All of the activities that they volunteer for were an extension of their interest in the community. They saw no reason to stop with just work, with a special affinity for the kids in the community. “Kids miss the basics of life,” Lowell said. “The things that’ll be important later in life.” Those things are what he and Nancy worked to impart on those they helped. Lowell helped start the Middlebury Little League and umpired games. The couple were members of the first adult Booster Club for Northridge and loved to take chilled watermelon pieces to the players at practices on hot days. 18 inMiddlebury Magazine | AUGUST 2016
“How they appreciated that,” Nancy said. “What can be more satisfying than that?” Following retirement, Lowell helped with Northridge’s freshman basketball team. “A lot I did in life related back to playing basketball in high school,” he said. “The coaches teach more than the game.” One coach, he recalled, told the players to “Think big. Be big. Set goals and then do the things you need to get there.” Nancy was a “Mom” for Jr. Miss contestants for 10 years. When interviewed for the Book of Golden Deeds Award last year, she noted that a few of the girls still call her mom. “The payback is more than you put into it,” Nancy reiterated. And that has proven true after Nancy was diagnosed with cancer. “With the illness, it has amazed me the support I’ve gotten from the community,” she said. “It’s been overwhelming.” Still, even as they are recipients of love and help from others, they look to encourage the community to keep working to make it a better place. “Anything you can do for the schools, you should do it,” Nancy said. “If you can read, you can help them.” Sports, too, Lowell noted, need volunteers. All of that helps kids. And that, for the Millers, is the goal when living in the community – help make it better than it was. Something both Nancy and Lowell have accomplished. And then some.
Every Mile Tells A Story ...
Chart your next adventure along the Heritage Trail Visitors come from all over the country and around the world to discover the many things to do, see and enjoy in Elkhart County and the surrounding area. Heritage, history, arts, culture, beauty and outdoor recreation just to name a few. Whether you were born and raised here or relocated to the area, it’s time to rediscover why we love to work, live and play right here! Hit the road and let the Heritage Trail audio driving tour guide you to surprises at every turn. See it and do it all traveling country roads stopping at family-operated shops filled with hand-crafted and home-made goods, or catching the action along the downtown main streets of Elkhart, Goshen, Middlebury, Nappanee, Bristol, Wakarusa and Shipshewana. You’ll find surprises at every turn and soon discover why it’s considered one of the country’s most scenic drives. Summer along the Heritage Trail is ideal for outdoor activities. Whether you enjoy biking, hiking, kayaking or simply a walk through nature or a family outing to the park. The Pumpkinvine Nature Trail, MapleHeart Trail, Millrace Canal Trail, Bonneyville Mill County Park, Wellfield Botanic Gardens, the Elkhart Riverwalk, Central Park and the St. Joe river all offer a respite from the hectic pace of life. The good ‘ole summer time in Elkhart County is also chock-full of great festivals and events. For a complete listing, visit HTadventures.com.
Quilt Gardens ... along the Heritage Trail Discover more than a million vibrant blooms in 19 gigantic gardens along with 21 hand-painted super-sized murals in all 7 welcoming communities now through October 1. The Quilt Gardens along the Heritage Trail joins quilting, gardening and art into a one-of-a-kind event. This colorful patchwork of quilt inspired gardens and quilt-themed murals is linked by the roads that form the Heritage Trail. Every Quilt Garden and Quilt Mural has its own intricate pattern and unique story inspired by Indiana’s Bicentennial. For location information, visit QuiltGardens.com. For more information on fun things to do and see and to pick up a Heritage Trail CD, stop by the Elkhart County Visitor Center (in Elkhart at Exit 92 behind the Cracker Barrel), call 800.262.8161 and talk to our concierge or visit us online at HTadventures.com. We’re here to help!
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Share your #HTadventures today! Elkhart Goshen Middlebury Nappanee Bristol Wakarusa & Shipshewana
AUGUST 2016 | inMiddlebury
Magazine 19
Middlebury Native Competes in Tank Competition by Guy Thompson Photos by Patrick A. Albright/MCoE PAO Photographer – Ft. Benning, GA
Specialist Logan Bontrager enlisted in the U.S. Army after graduating from Northridge High School in 2014. He knew he wanted to go into the service, and selected the Army as it allowed him to choose the job he wanted to train for. He picked tanks. According to Bontrager, he was going to sign up for another job but saw a video about working in the armored divisions of the Army. “I could see how cool it was driving around,” he said recently while visiting home on leave. Bontrager, the son of Troy and Angela Bontrager, knew that was what he wanted to pursue. He went to training at Ft. Benning, Ga., and became a tank crewman. He trained for over 16 weeks, which included both basic training and tank training. There are four positions on each tank crew: driver, loader, gunner and tank commander. Bontrager was the driver on his team. “The view is very small,” he noted. The first time he drove the tank through the motor pool, around the other vehicles, was a little nervous. But the experience was even better than he thought it would be from watching that first video. “And the first time you feel a round go off is pretty intense,” he said. Bontrager was stationed at Ft. Riley, Kan., as part of the 1st Brigade, 3-66 Armor Battalion, Bravo Co. Along with their normal duties, Bontrager and his tank crew began doing additional training for a special competition, the Sullivan Cup, a competition held at the Maneuver Center of Excellence, the U.S. Army Armor School at Ft. Benning in Georgia. The competition pits teams from the U.S. Army, U.S. Marines, National Guard and international teams in a series of events to find the best tank crew. This year’s contest was held May 2-6, and at the end of the contest Bontrager and his crew were second, with a single missed target the difference between them and first place. “It starts with the physical competition,” Bontrager said. “There are different stations, lifting rounds, a one-mile run, 20 inMiddlebury Magazine | AUGUST 2016
moving the track pads 40 yards and stacking them.” There were also maintenance challenges such as changing the tank track pads. Then the contest turned to the range, where crews were tested over several days on time and accuracy in hitting targets. Only the top five teams moved on to the final shootoff. The winning team, a National Guard tank crew, hit 14 targets in the final shoot-off. The crew from Ft. Riley hit 13, Bontrager said. As the winning team was with the reserves, the placing meant that his crew was the top active duty tank crew in the U.S. Army. “The most challenging part was the range,” Bontrager said. “It was so huge compared to Ft. Riley and had a lot more vegetation.” Some of the targets the crew had to hit were around 2 kilometers away. “It’s harder to see them with the hilly terrain,” he added. “Plus, there are moving targets.” But the crew works very well together, he said, and the four of them had clicked quickly when they started. Following the competition, an awards banquet was held where the crew met with generals and officers. Shortly after the competition, Bontrager was promoted to Specialist. The competition has also helped him decide to remain in the Army for now. “It’s a big step in my career,” he said. Following his leave in July, Bontrager was looking ahead to training in the Mojave Desert in Southern California. In October, he will be deployed to South Korea. “I got used to being away from home,” he said as he prepares to go overseas for the first time with the Army. “I feel it will be a good experience.” And he’ll always have the award from the Sullivan Cup as he moves ahead in his career with the U.S. Army. The Sullivan Cup includes tank maneuvers, top right, and physical tests, middle right. Specialist Logan Bontrager, second from left in the lower photo, and his team took second place in the international competition.
The Sullivan Cup The 2016 Sullivan Cup Precision Gunnery Competition was hosted in May by the Maneuver Center of Excellence at Ft. Benning, Ga. The competition is a physically and mentally demanding world-class event that tests U.S. Army soldiers, U.S. Marines, and international partners in tank crew maneuver, sustainment and gunnery skills.
Competitors Sixteen teams competed over five days. The teams represented the U.S. Army, U.S. Marines, U.S. National Guard, and the Canadian Army.
Competition Events The Sullivan Cup evaluates physical fitness, problem solving, and tactical and precision gunnery skills to identify the top tank crew. Physical Event – The Physical Event tests the fitness level of the competitors by evaluating how well the individual and crew can negotiate various physical tasks that replicate situations that a tank crew may face in the field. The Tank Crew STX tests the proficiency of the crew in mounted maneuvers and mastery of tank crew fundamentals. Crew LFX has crews completing a scenario that scores them on their ability to shoot, move and communicate in both offensive and defensive postures. Shoot-Off – The top six crews, based on overall score at the end of the fifth day, compete in a scenario that tests their skills on the range.
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AUGUST 2016 | inMiddlebury
Magazine 21
Join us for our
Grand Re-Opening
Thursday, Aug. 27 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
August 30 • 2-4 p.m.
Middlebury Community Public Library 101 Winslow St. – Room #1
At Our New Location:
RSVP by Aug. 25 middleburyINchamber.com
Middlebury Chamber of Commerce
201 S. Main Street, Middlebury
Cost: $10/member or $15/non-member includes lunch.
Across the street from the Post Office
13th Annual
Golf Outing Meadow Valley Golf Club Friday, August 19 11:30 a.m. Lunch 12:30 p.m. Shotgun Start
ONLINE REGISTRATION NOW OPEN middleburyINchamber.com
The mission of the Middlebury Chamber of Commerce is to promote economic opportunity through education, business and community leadership and to enhance the social and civic environment of Middlebury. CONTACT INFORMATION: Executive Director Grace Bonewitz • 825-4300 • Director@middleburyINchamber.com middleburyINchamber.com • www.Facebook.com/MiddleburyChamberOfCommerce
2016 LEGACY MEMBERS GOLD MEMBERS: Jayco, Inc. • L & W Engineering, Inc. SILVER MEMBER: Meijer BRONZE MEMBERS: Edward Jones of Middlebury • Forks County Line Stores • Hawkins Water Tech • Legacy Home Furniture • Middlebury Produce 22 inMiddlebury Magazine | AUGUST 2016
“It’s the greatest job in the world.”
Kevin Miller Middlebury Town Marshal
Position: Middlebury Town Marshal since September 2014 Hometown: Middlebury Education: Graduated from Northridge High School. Served in the U.S. Air Force from 1974-1978, stationed at Grissom Air Force Base in Peru, Indiana. Previous work: Hardings Market in Middlebury, wholesaler for grocery stores for 16 years, worked as a Middlebury EMT.
About the job: Miller began as a Reserve Officer in 1993 and became a full-time officer with the Middlebury Police Department in 1996. He was ready for a change from working with the Middlebury EMS, and other officers suggested he join the department. “I always respected the police department,” Miller said. He held every rank in the department in the 20 years before he became town marshal. “I enjoy working with the other
officers and the staff. It’s a family and I’ve become very close with them,” Miller stated. One of the best things about working with the police department is the ability to touch the community through the department. “I feel there is a really good relationship with the community,” Miller added. Miller said that he is grateful for the support from the Middlebury Town Council. “They do everything they can to keep us supplied with what we need,” he noted. One of the challenges in working in a small town is that everybody knows everybody, Miller said, which makes it hard dealing with an incident that involves someone the officers know. “But I wouldn’t change this job for the world,” Miller said. “It’s the greatest job in the world.”
AUGUST 2016 | inMiddlebury
Magazine 23
Middlebury Community Schools
Back-to-School
First Day of School: Wednesday, Aug. 10
Northridge High School
Jefferson Elementary School
Registration: Wednesday, Aug. 3rd: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Freshman Orientation: Friday, Aug. 5: 12:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Registration: Wednesday, Aug. 3: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 and 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Middlebury Elementary School
Northridge Middle School Registration: Wednesday, Aug. 3: 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. or Thursday, August 4: 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Back-to-School Night: Tuesday, Aug. 9: 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Heritage Intermediate School Registration Day: Wednesday, Aug. 3: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Back-to-School Night: Monday, Aug. 8: 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (We recommend fourth graders visit from 6:00-6:45 and fifth graders from 6:45-7:30 in order to help with traffic flow in the parking lot and hallways.)
Registration: Wednesday, Aug. 3: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 and 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Back-to-School Night: Monday, Aug. 8: 5:15 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Orchard View Elementary School Registration: Wednesday, Aug. 3: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 and 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Kindergarten Walk-In: Wednesday, Aug. 3: 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Back-to-School Night: Monday, Aug. 8: 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
York Elementary School Registration: Wednesday, Aug. 3: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 and 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. York Open House: Monday, Aug. 8: Stop by anytime between 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
New Principal at Middlebury Elementary Marion Hostetler, back left, was hired as the new principal at Middlebury Elementary School. He was joined at the July 5 school board meeting by his family, wife Ina and children Elijah, Isaiah, Ava and Alayah.
SPIRITED
First State Bank is pleased to offer our School Spirit Debit Card Program. The School Spirit Debit Card can be used at ATMs or for purchases, just like a regular debit card. By using this card, First State Bank will make a donation to your school each time you swipe, press credit, and sign. There is NO cost to you or your school!
www.FSBmiddlebury.com Goshen • Elkhart • Middlebury • Mishawaka • South Bend 24 inMiddlebury Magazine | AUGUST 2016
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Magazine 25
Bontrager Family Establishes Foundation Fund to Give Back to the Community Even before Jayco Inc. was founded in 1968, Lloyd and Bertha Bontrager committed themselves to tithing and giving to charitable causes. Following the sale of Jayco to Thor Industries for $576 million, the family’s new Bontrager Family Foundation will perpetuate giving for generations to come as part of the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. “We wanted to continue our ability to support charities as we have in the past,” said Wilbur Bontrager, chairman of the board and a member of the second of three generations involved in the business and its giving. Pete McCown, president of the community foundation, said the Bontrager family has been involved with the community foundation for many years, but the establishment of the family foundation creates a new chapter in this relationship. “We are honored the Bontrager family saw the community foundation as an instrument to accomplish their charitable goals,” he said. “I have the highest regard for them as a family and their heart for generosity.” “The creation of the Bontrager Family Foundation allows our family to continue its tradition of giving,” Bontrager stated. “Family members will determine where to give gifts from the foundation. It’s really a continuation of what we’ve done in the past.” When Lloyd and Bertha Bontrager founded the company to build fold-down campers, it had just a few employees and sold 132 units in its first year. Last year Jayco sold more than 50,000 recreational vehicles. Throughout Jayco’s decades of production and growth in Middlebury, the family always remained committed to tithe (a biblical practice of giving 10 percent) from its profits. The family often supported Mennonite schools, colleges, universities, and church organizations as well as national, international and local charities. The new family foundation is one of 84 personal foundation funds that are part of the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. The community foundation helps with oversight and logistics, but a family, individual or group of people acts as advisors to recommend how to give from the fund or its earnings. 26 inMiddlebury Magazine | AUGUST 2016
In the 2014-2015 fiscal year, which ended June 30, 2015, the foundation had a total of $16.9 million in donor advised funds and distributed $2.28 million in grants from them. Final numbers for the most recent fiscal year are not yet available. Family foundations such as the one the Bontragers created are becoming more common with community foundations, McCown noted. There’s a national trend toward families or groups capitalizing on how community foundations help manage the resources and distribute grants, he said. The Bontragers chose to have the Community Foundation of Elkhart County help oversee its foundation because of the logistical support. “The community foundation is focused primarily on our Elkhart County community and has insights that can assist us in our gifting decisions,” Wilbur Bontrager said. “I think it’ll be very helpful as future generations get increasingly involved in the giving and discernment process.” Bontrager said he believes his late father, who died in a plane crash in 1985, would be pleased with this step for the family. He gave and modeled that for his children. “The community has been good to the family and it really makes sense to continue to support our community. It’s where we live,” he said.
About Community Foundation of Elkhart County Community Foundation of Elkhart County partners with donors to leverage their philanthropy in ways that transform lives. Since 1989, the community foundation has connected the generosity of donors with community needs by providing scholarship opportunities to local students and making grants to non-profit organizations working to improve Elkhart County. The community foundation has awarded approximately $62.5 million to more than 400 local nonprofit organizations, including more than $10.5 million in 2015. It’s with strength and hope the community foundation seeds the local landscape, supporting plans, programs and ideas that potentially stand the test of time. The community foundation strives to be a local entity known for inspiring good and impacting success. To learn more about the community foundation and its services, go to InspiringGood.org or call 574-295-8761.
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Need a door installed? Give us a call!
• Free Estimates • Repairs on all makes and models
Big and Small, we do them all.
Wayne Nisley Lic. #AU11200090 574-825-3191
Gerald Nisley 574-312-0926
NISLEY
Rod Hohman Agent/Owner
Home Improvement
202 W. Spring St. • Middlebury, IN
Specializing in Residential Interior Painting Steve Nisley 574-849-4788
Home • Auto • Life • Commercial
New agent for the Middlebury/Goshen area
• Fixtures • Faucets • Water Heaters
Jim Pletcher has 29 years of experience!
574-206-4757
rhohman@farmersagent.com
Call for your FREE estimate! Locally Owned and Operated for 3 Generations! • COMMERCIAL & • SEALCOATING RESIDENTIAL PAVING • GRADE & GRAVEL WORK • DRIVING INSTALLATION & • TAR & CHIP ADDITIONS • CRUSHED RECYCLED • PATCHWORK ASPHALT www.buddyyoungasphalt.com
A State Registered Business
Middlebury: 1.888.711.3715 Fort Wayne: 1.260.481.5868 AUGUST 2016 | inMiddlebury
Magazine 27
Hours: Monday - Saturday 8:00 - 4:00
s e ’n S hine i R
For those who want value .. and know where to find it.
Market Place 11585 W 250 N ~ Middlebury, IN 46540
Location: 3 places west of the cheese factory, where the cinnamon caramel donut was born.
Erma’s
Eatery
New & Used
Furniture
Unique Gifts
Christian
Bookstore
Delectable
Confections
Daily
Garage Sales
28 inMiddlebury Magazine | AUGUST 2016
Soft pretzels, pig ‘n pretzels, pretzel bun sandwiches, Homemade rootbeer and iced coffee. The best pretzel around or it’s free!
New, scratch and dent Furniture. 40 - 70% off regular prices! Book shelves, desks, chairs, accent cabinets, sofas and more.
A small section of hand crafted gifts made from the Midwest local. Looking for neat things? We have it for you!
From Bibles, inspiring non-fiction, to hunting books. Mention this ad for a once and only 15% off 1 book. Check it out, more than just books. Offer good thru August.
Candy, snacks, snack mixes and fine chocolates. “Always free samples!”
Bringing in truckloads of appliances, hardware, sporting goods, baby items and general merchandise. This is new, overstock, shelf pulls and some returns from major Department stores priced at 40 - 70% off normal retail, 100% satisfied or your money back. Inventory changes daily.
Garage Sale Today N Ite ew ms
deals
Easy tear-out pages!
Dogtown
Vic
homem’s ade IC E CR E A M
422 South Main, Middlebury • 825-2565
Tuesday: 50% off BUILD
YOUR OWN PIZZA Wednesday:
$5 BURGER NIGHT
Original owner is back. Look for our new menu coming soon!
EXP: 08-31-16
Offering grinders, pizzas, burgers, salads and MORE...
Resort 574-849-0844
Poncho
Grilling Special $1
...smoked meats, cheese, and one nice butcher!
Limit one per group. Valid August 1-31, 2016.
104 S. Main St., Middlebury, IN • (574) 358-0314
The
$10 off
COOLING SEASON
off
CLEAN & CHECK
a box of patties Expires 8-31-16
*Limit 1 coupon/person
101 Wayne St. Middlebury • 574-825-2940 •
Baby Girl
Free Non-Alcoholic Drink with Purchase of $20 or more.
One Regular Priced Item of apparel*
*Excludes Brighton. Offer cannot be combined with other sales or discounts. Must present this coupon at time of purchase. Expires 08-31-16.
Here are a couple of great dogs looking for their forever homes…
41° North
30% off MIDDLEBURY, INDIANA
inMiddlebury
HEATING & COOLING
EXP: 08-31-16
A Fusion of Technology & Service
203 Wayne Street • Middlebury • 574-825-8824 • elementmasters.net
10% OFF
Shipshewana
Lower level of the Davis Mercantile
260-768-7764
www.HeadOverHeelsLLC.com
25% off
one regular priced item. Must present coupon. Expires 08-31-16
Come visit our expanded showroom Expires 8-31-2016
Alignment Special Call For Appointment. *must present coupon to redeem offer.
$5995 Exp: 08-31-16
Naked Bee Lotions, Shampoos and Body Wash
Independent $45
The Middlebury
3 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION Call or Send Check with Coupon.
*Valid to residents of Elkhart, LaGrange and St. Joseph counties only. Exp. 08-31-2016
AUGUST 2016 | inMiddlebury
Magazine 29
deals
Easy tear-out pages!
inMiddlebury
Dogtown
Loveable dogs are waiting. Can you help them find their forever homes?
Resort
Exemplary boarding, daycare & rescue facility
50% off
Doggie Daycare 1st visit with ad EXP: 08-31-16
574-849-0844 • 11925 CR 10 Middlebury
Vic
homem’s ade IC E CR E A M
422 South Main, Middlebury • 825-2565
Buy ONE Cone, Get the second one HALF OFF Exp. 08-31-16
41° North Restaurant & Bar
102 South Main Street Middlebury Phone: 574-825-7725
(with family dining)
MIDDLEBURY, INDIANA
104 S. Main St., Middlebury, IN • (574) 358-0314 facebook.com/41degreesnorthIN
Like us on Facebook!
“Call now for a free quote on a Trane System”
The
...smoked meats, cheese, and one nice butcher!
HEATING & COOLING A Fusion of Technology & Service
203 Wayne Street, Middlebury
574-825-8824
elementmasters.net
Shipshewana
Lower level of the Davis Mercantile
260-768-7764
www.HeadOverHeelsLLC.com
HOURS: M-F 9a-5p, Sat 9a-2p
108 S Main St, Middlebury In the Middlebury Mercantile
Independent
The Middlebury
13024 US 20 • Middlebury, IN
574-825-2965 260.463.2166 • PO Box 148 • Lagrange, IN 46761 30 inMiddlebury Magazine | AUGUST 2016
HealthyPets Pet Food & Accessories
851 US 20 • Middlebury • 574-825-3238
OPEN HOUSE
Chris Gunn Groomer
574-849-6401
Saturday, August 20 15% OFF STOREWIDE
rt DogtownpRtaebsleodogs
will have ado rever ” homes fo “ r fo g in k o lo . 10 a.m. – 2 p.m
Grade A Cat Food Kaytee Food
• Diamond • Premium Edge • Indoor & Active • Taste of the Wild
• Rabbit • Guinea Pig
Grade A Dog Food • Diamond • Taste of the Wild • Premium Edge • Holistic • Eagle Pack • Wellness Select
/ TCC Time for the Newest Tablets, iPads, Samsung and Ellipsis 8
New Plans Can Save You Money! * New Data Plans that Offer 30% More Data * No Overages * Carryover Data Tablet monthly plans as low as $10/month
851 US 20 • Next To Rulli’s • Middlebury • 574-358-0146