inMiddlebury Magazine P.O. Box 68 Middlebury, IN 46540
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Celebrating Life in Middlebury, Indiana
April 2018
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Customer Appreciation Days Friday, April 20 • 9-8 & Saturday, April 21 • 9-5
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Locally Crafted Solid Wood Furniture & Mattresses Refreshments served both days! Friday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Downtown Middlebury • 574.825.1902 • M-F 9 a-5 p, Sat 9 a-4 p other Middlebury Merchants participating for the
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2 inMiddlebury Magazine | April 2018
Dinner SpeCiaL Gnocchi
tossed with carrots, peas, onions, garlic, mushrooms, parsnips, broccoli, and topped with parmesan
Drink SpeCiaLS
Check out our new menu
Week-long
gift giveaWays at all FiRst state Bank locations
Boys & Girls Club, 6 Keystone Teen Center gets major upgrade Outdoor Living, 8 Red Squirrels Middlebury Parks Department, 9 German Students pay a visit to Middlebury,10
6 Scholar Athlete,13 Conner Utley Middlebury Literary Carousel,15 Introducing Nature Readers Book Club, 18 Show Choir Collage, 20
23 Northridge Athletes, 24 First State Bank School Spirit Program donations surpass $100,000, 26 Middlebury Chamber of Commerce, 27
Jayco celebrates 50th anniversary with 50 acts of kindness, 22 Meet the Teacher, 23 Northridge High School
April’s Cover: The NHS Show Choirs excelled again
this year, traveling to the state finals. On our cover are the Starlights performing at state. Check out their results and more photos by Carrie Norris on pages 20-21.
Advertise with us Share your message with every home and business within the Middlebury School Corporation. We mail the magazine to homes and businesses throughout the Middlebury School District 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
May issue is April 10.
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inMiddlebury Magazine | April 2018 3
Community Calendar April
2-6 Spring Break - No School 10 Purdue Club of Elkhart County Annual Meeting 12 Community Haystack Dinner 20-21 Customer Appreciation Days See page 2 for details 21 Hooley Classsic Car Auction See page 19 for details 27 Snow Makeup Day - No School 28 Middlebury Tree Auction See page 17 for details 28 Chamber Chat See page 27 for details
Weekly
Mon–Fri: Mon: Tues: WED: Fri:
REAL Services Lunch, Ages 60+, Greencroft Table Games, Greencroft – 6:30 p.m. Euchre, Greencroft – 6:30 p.m. Middlebury Exchange Club, Essenhaus – 6:30 a.m. Optimist Club Breakfast, Essenhaus – 6:30 a.m.
Correction
In the March issue on the contents page, the feature article was listed as the “Bristol Civic Theater.” It should have read the “Elkhart Civic Theater.” We apologize for the error and hope everyone still enjoyed the article and takes the opportunity to visit this community gem.
CONTRIBUTORS Publisher: William Connelly EDITOR: Guy Thompson GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Cori Vilardo Advertising: Scott Faust Contributing writers: Dr. Carla Gull, Stephanie Salisbury, April Givens STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS: Russ Draper, Kris Mueller & Gloria Salavarria 4 inMiddlebury Magazine | April 2018
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: A-Y-C-E Broasted Chicken by Auxiliary 4th Friday: Sandwich Baskets by SAL 5th Friday: Lasagna dinner by Boy Scout Troop 7 Last Saturday: Steak Grill – Call 825-5121 for more info. 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. 2nd and 4th Mondays Middlebury Lions Club - 7 p.m., American Legion Hall
Purdue Club of Elkhart County Annual Meeting will be April 10 at Meadow Valley Golf Club, Middlebury. Social hour begins at 5 p.m. followed by a buffet dinner at 6 p.m. April 3 is final day for reservations. Contact Dan Seltenright at danselt@bnin.net or 574.533.9425
Editor’s Note: As always, there is quite a bit going on in Middlebury. Maybe it’s the feeling of spring in the air. This month, we hear from some German students and their teacher who spent the last part of March in our community, learning first-hand what life in our part of America is like while sharing their own culture with the families who hosted them. It sounded like a great experience for everyone involved. Meanwhile, the Middlebury Then and Now Committee is working at full speed as they partner with the Middlebury Community Public Library for the first ever “Literary Carousel” that will help promote literacy. Several authors will be there to talk to, as well as a full-day of literary activities on May 5. The goal of inMiddlebury Magazine has always been to celebrate life in our community. And we want to extend our congratulations to Jayco, which is celebrating 50 years as part of Middlebury. They celebrated by doing 50 acts of kindness as their way of thanking the community, in return. We hope all of you find something to celebrate this spring! Guy Thompson, Editor
Milestones
Happy birthday Petunia! (Emily) Love, Mom, Will, Sam & Henry
Happy 4th birthday Paizley!
Happy birthday to a loving son and father. We are so proud of all you have accomplished.
Birthday Wishes 4/2 Paizley Noel Wyse, 4 4/2 Marcus Jon Yutzy 4/2 Branden James Troyer 4/6 Sabrina Bontrager, 19 4/7 John Alan Troyer
4/15
4/10 Regina Rose Miller 4/11 Isabelle Bontrager, 10 4/11 Levi Huff, 1 4/12 Angela Dawn Troyer 4/16 Emily Knox, 14
4/20 Gary O’Dell, 83 4/22 Kris Brown 4/22 Mary Owens 4/24 Dee Brown, 75 4/24 Bradley Wickey, 31
Anniversary Wishes
Bob and Carol Sutter, 40 years 4/30
4/23
Gary and Janell O’Dell, 63 years
Joe and LaVera Stutzman, 20 years
Have a Celebration in May? Let us know by April 10. 1. Website: inMiddlebury.com/milestones 2. Facebook: Facebook.com/inMiddlebury. Click on the blue (Submit) tab 3. Call us at: 574-825-9112
4. Mail: inMiddlebury Magazine: PO Box 68 Middlebury, IN 46540. Please include a phone number or email address in case we have a question. inMiddlebury Magazine | April 2018 5
around town | Boys & Girls Club
Keystone Teen Center gets major upgrade
Aaron’s and Progressive Leasing surprise teens with new space Aaron’s, Inc. and its divisions, Aaron’s and Progressive Leasing, surprised local teens in February with a newly renovated Keystone Teen Center at the Middlebury Boys and Girls Club of Elkhart County. Through a partnership with Boys and Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) and input from the teen members, Aaron’s associates and club officials worked to decorate and furnish a multi-purpose space at the club. On February 22, local Aaron’s associates and club officials revealed the new space, which is now equipped with new technology, sectionals, tables, chairs, and sound systems. “The Middlebury Boys and Girls Club provides a space for Elkhart County teens to grow as leaders in the community and cultivates an atmosphere of positivity and encouragement,” said John Robinson, CEO of Aaron’s, Inc. “On our 26th Keystone Teen Center renovation, Aaron’s is proud once again to foster and support our relationship with Boys and Girls Clubs of America by providing teens with the resources and technology that will allow them to excel.” In 2015, the Aaron’s Foundation, Inc. announced a three-year, $5 million national partnership with Boys and Girls Clubs of America’s Keystone Program, helping teens develop their character and leadership skills in hopes of helping them reach their potential and creating positive change in the community. Keystone Club teen centers provide members ages 14-18 an environment to plan and participate in activities that focus on community service, academic success, career preparation, and teen outreach. “Teens who participate in the Boys and Girls Club Keystone program see significant improvements in grades and graduation rates, setting them up for bright futures,” said Dan Welch, unit director of the Middlebury Boys and Girls Club of Elkhart County. “Thanks to Aaron’s Inc.’s hard work, our transformed space now has the tools and confidence our Keystone teens need to achieve academic and future professional success.” 6 inMiddlebury Magazine | April 2018
around town | Boys & Girls Club Also in attendance was Elkhart County Commissioner Mike Yoder. “Middlebury is a special town and we’re thrilled that Aaron’s and Boys and Girls Clubs of America selected us for a first-class renovation,” he said. “With this makeover, more teens will be excited about coming here every day, helping to boost membership and create community leaders.” The makeover at Boys and Girls Club of Middlebury includes an additional in-kind retail donation valued at $26,000. The 25 previous Keystone Club makeovers have included Boys and Girls Clubs in cities such as Baltimore, Los Angeles, San Antonio, Nashville, Las Vegas, Chicago, and Milwaukee. Keystone teen members of Boys and Girls Club of Middlebury said the program inspires them to take ownership of their choices to build the lives they deserve. •
“Keystone has helped me enhance my ability to problem solve and to give back to my community more than I have ever before.” DJ T., 17
•
“Keystone has helped me become a better person by shaping my perspective on the world through the different activities we do together.” Ashlynn R., 15
• “Keystone has helped me create ideas for the advancement of my community.” Cainan K., 17 •
“Keystone has given me the opportunity to learn how to become a better leader and how to give back to my community.” Jonathan S., 15
This article is brought to you by:
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574-825-9405 www.cardinalbuses.com inMiddlebury Magazine | April 2018 7
Outdoor LIVING
Pineys eat conifer cones, black walnuts, and other foods they might find. Notice the tall ear tufts, white ring around the eye, and long whiskers.
Photos by Carbon Gull
Red Squirrels Piney? Chickaree? Barking squirrel? There are many nicknames for the American Red Squirrel, part of the pine squirrel family. These small squirrels, slightly larger than a chipmunk, are aptly named, with a reddish fur and a white belly. They have a characteristic white eye ring and are quite vocal, warning of intruders, chattering with neighbors, growling, and screeching. We have been watching the red squirrels in our backyard and getting to know their characteristics, including their sounds. My eight-year-old son, photographer for this piece, mentioned, “Their sound freaks me out!” While traditionally eating seeds of conifer cones, they are finding food in deciduous forests more. We
find many cones stripped bare and black walnuts eaten by pineys. They also eat opportunistically, feeding on spruce buds, mushrooms, leaves, catkins, and even bird eggs, insects, rabbits, or mice. Additionally, pineys enjoy maple sap by biting through the bark, allowing the water to evaporate for a few days, and returning to lick the resulting sugar. Red squirrels will stash food during the fall in a midden (piles) under a log or in an underground cache. Some mothers will help prepare a midden for their offspring before they are sent on their way to establish their own territory. Red squirrels may make grass nests in tree branches or holes in the trunks of hardwoods such as walnut, poplar,
or spruce. Nests may also be made of twigs and leaves. About three to four pink, hairless babies are in each litter. Nursing for about 70 days, they quickly grow to adult size in 125 days. Unfortunately, only about one-fifth of the juveniles make it to one year. Pineys have many predators in our area, such as bobcats, coyotes, crows, great horned owls, red-tailed hawks, red fox, gray fox, and weasels. Listen for the red squirrel’s alarm call or barking this spring! Find more about red squirrels and other Indiana mammals at the Nature of Teaching: https://www. extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/FNR/ FNR-413-W.pdf.
Dr. Carla Gull blogs at www.insideoutsidemichiana.com. She is often seen with her four tag-along explorers in the greater Michiana area. 8 inMiddlebury Magazine | April 2018
FUN DAY The Summer Fun Day Camp is a free program offered by the Middlebury Parks and Recreation Department, in partnership with Middlebury, Jefferson and York townships. Children ages 5-12 living in these three townships are eligible for the camp. Summer Fun is held Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Riverbend Park, 511 East Warren St. The dates are June 11 through July 20, excluding the week of July 2-7. Attendees will have planned daily activities and take exciting field trips to local attractions. The camp is limited to 40 children, so register soon by contacting the parks department office at 825-3283.
epartment
What’s Happening in the Parks
from your Middlebury Park Board
Planned field trips: Bowling at Strikes and Spares Learning about animals at Potawatomi Zoo Discovering nature at Elkhart Environmental Center Swimming at the Kroc Center
Thank You
wish to honor:
arks
to the donors who are giving generously to the town flower fund in memory of or in honor of someone. We will continue to list donors and their honorees on this page. If your donation is not recognized this month, please check in the following months. Here are some of the donors and the person(s) they
Adeline Graber for Alvin Kauffman, Charles W. Lorenz for Betty J. Lorenz, Jim and Karen Pletcher for Milo and Wilma Graber and Jean Pletcher, Rajeanna Troyer for her parents, Gerry Warstler for Dean Warstler and Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Varns, Edwin and Eileen Burkmire for all veterans, James and Cathy (Smucker) Morgan for Farver and Mary Smucker, Kent and Ginger Bush for Vera Stapleton and Evelyn Bush.
Reminders:
•
Marsh marigolds are blooming in Riverbend Park.
•
Now is the time to enjoy the frogs singing in the ponds and lakes.
•
Renew your membership in the Friends of the Middlebury Parks. Membership runs from April 1 through March 31.
inMiddlebury Magazine | April 2018 9
German students pay a visit to Middlebury
German and American students learned a lot from each other during a three-week exchange program that saw 15 German students living and studying in Middlebury in late March. NHS German teacher Stephanie Zachar is looking to take NHS students to Straubing, Germany in the next couple of years. For three weeks, 15 students from Ludwigsgymnasium in Straubing, Germany, are getting a taste of life in an American high school and Midwest town. The group, led by teacher Stefan Felber, arrived in mid-March and were set to depart April 2. While here, the students shadowed their host-siblings around Northridge High School and got an opportunity to travel through the area with their host families. “I think it’s a different experience than taking a vacation in a country,” observed German student Leonie Baier. “We get to know daily life in America.” Holger Frieser said he is enjoying experiencing the life of a student. “We’ll never get to experience it again,” he said. The 15 students are part of a special course at the gymnasium, the German equivalent to a high school, 10 inMiddlebury Magazine | April 2018
called “Test the Midwest.” The students prepared for months for the trip, meeting weekly and studying American culture and books. The idea is to give students the chance to see the things that aren’t part of the textbooks. NHS German teacher Stephanie Zachar said that one of the surprises a German student noted right away was on the highway traveling back to Middlebury. “They saw that here, cars can pass on the right,” she said. It’s something we don’t think about here but in Germany, it is against the law to pass on the right. “With this experience, they can get a good view of Indiana,” Felber said. “Nothing can beat first-hand experience.” Family life, having meals, watching television, visiting friends, and even going to church services are all being
seen through fresh eyes. German student Christiana Lehner found church service here “more like a show or concert.” Felber pointed out that in Germany “churches are more reserved and traditional.” He added that there are normally only two options for churches in Germany – Catholic or Lutheran. Baier had the opportunity watch the NHS show choirs compete and found it to be amazing. She had seen the idea of a show choir in American movies, “but I didn’t know it actually existed. They were very good. I got goosebumps watching,” she said. American food is a big topic with the students, too. And Middlebury is well-known for food, with one of Indiana’s largest restaurants – the Essenhaus – here. Several of the students have experienced meals there, as well as at other area restaurants, and even there find things to be surprised at, even though Americans take it for granted. Like free refills, something that is uncommon in Germany, Baier said. Max Mannes has found shopping here to be a new experience as well, noting how friendly people are in the stores. The German students have also enjoyed their experiences being part of a family, including family get-togethers. Mannes added he enjoyed watching college sports on television the first weekend he was here. And both the American and German students agree that the differences carry on through everything from music to their sense of humor. But that doesn’t keep them from sharing a good laugh and having a great time together. T h e two teachers, Felber and Zachar, noted the differences between the schools as well, as Felber pointed out that “the schools are more comprehensive
inMiddlebury Magazine | April 2018 11
NHS students welcomed German students into their homes for three weeks in March, Above are (left to right) Jade Kauffman, Holger Frieser, Leonie Baier, Autumn Claude, Christiana Lehner, Claudia Labhart, Gabriella Mahoney, and Max Mannes. here.” In Germany, the schools are often separated into different branches, depending on the level or area of study. “The really big difference is, I have multiple grade levels in each class,” Zachar said. “I’ll have two, three, or even four grade levels in a single class. That would not happen in the German gymnasium.” There, one class would study the same subject at the same hours and with the same teacher through their 11th year. The last two years of school, students can begin to pick different courses, such as the class to study in America for three weeks. “This (experience) is to improve their English,” Felber said. “Get rid of the inhibitions to speak English. And to open their minds. They see that people are people.” Zachar’s students are also getting a great opportunity to work on their own German through conversations with the visiting students. “They also see how well they (Germans) speak English,” she noted. One lesson there is, it’s not just foreign language teachers like herself who can benefit from
12 inMiddlebury Magazine | April 2018
knowing multiple languages. Zachar added that the Northridge students are also getting something out of the exchange as well, “They see the German students aren’t strange. They (NHS students) seem to be more interested now in going to Germany. They have a desire to see the country.” Zachar is looking ahead to taking a group on a visit to Straubing, perhaps as early as next year, but hopefully by 2020, when Straubing students are set to return to Northridge. Middlebury students will then be able to go there later in the school year. She knows, though, that several of the students who are hosting are already looking forward to going to Germany on their own. For more information on Straubing, visit www.straubing. de, or see Ludwigsgymnasium at www.ludwigsgymnasium. de.
The Scholar Athlete Mentoring Spirit, Mind, Body
Photos by Russ Draper
Conner Utley
l
Football and Basketball Connor Utley is a senior at Northridge High School and the son of Tim and Karmin Utley. He plays football and basketball for the Raiders. Connor’s favorite class is Sports and Recreation. “I get to play sports all class with all of my friends and I get to hang out with Coach Wogoman and Coach Logan. I just love going to it every day,” he said. Connor is a member of the National Honor Society. Outside of school, he enjoys hanging out with friends as well as playing golf and other sports whenever he can. Following high school, he is looking to start at IUPUI and then transfer to Butler University. “I plan on studying pre-health sciences, which I am hoping will get me into chiropractic school,” Connor stated. After high school, he said he doesn’t plan play any organized sports in college. “Other than intramurals,” he added.
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Literary Carousel comes around to promote literacy by April Givens The Middlebury Library and Middlebury’s Then and Now Committee have partnered to bring a new exciting and fun event to the town of Middlebury. The first Middlebury Literary Carousel is planned for Saturday, May 5, with sessions and activities appealing to all ages in a variety of interests.
Librarian Victoria Gutschenritter. “Reading is a base for all further education. The idea of the Literary Carousel is that literacy is not just reading with your eyes, it is also being a literate speaker, getting hooked on the idea through storytelling or music. It leads to the creation of a stronger, vibrant community.”
With the creation of the Middlebury Literary Carousel, families, children, teens and adults come together in a fun and enjoyable atmosphere which emphasizes the importance of literacy for lifelong learning. This event also fills a void left by the discontinuance of the Young Authors Conference previously held for children. “We want to promote literacy,” stated Media/Programming
Bring your pencil or pen and a notebook and sample the joys of reading and literacy at the carousel’s programs. The Middlebury Literary Carousel starts at 9 a.m. and ends in late afternoon with “Dinner and a Book.” You can find the schedule at the library’s website and at various Middlebury locations. Sessions, classes, and presentations throughout the day will be approximately
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Literary Carousel comes around to promote literacy an hour long. Everything is free except for Dinner and a Book, which has a nominal fee payable at the library when making your reservation. You can begin this adventure on the carousel at the library with a variety of sessions. Philip Gulley, a Quaker pastor, writer, and speaker from Danville, Ind., will be one of the authors. He is author of 21 books, including the Harmony series recounting life in the eccentric Quaker community of Harmony, Ind., the best-selling Porch Talk essay series, and the new Hope series. Bruce Langton is an internationally known contemporary artist from Granger, Ind. He has illustrated six books and designed a series of wildlife stamps for the U.S. Postal Service. He will be providing “Learn to Illustrate” classes for all ages. The Mid-Michigan Romance Writers of America will provide a panel of local romance authors to answer questions on how to write and get published. Marc Tyler Nobleman, author of books for all ages including Bill the Boy Wonder: The Secret Co-Creator of Batman, Boys of Steel: The Creators of Superman, and Fairy Spell: How Two Girls Convinced the World That Fairies Are Real, appeals to comic and superhero lovers. A local author meet and greet will also be a sight to see. Come meet your neighbor who may have written a book! A bookmark contest, sponsored by First State Bank, will be fun for all. Templates and contest guidelines, provided by the Middlebury Community Public Library and First State Bank, will be available in mid-March. The Boys and Girls Club kids will be writing stories and reading them as well. If you have an elementary student who wants to write a story and read a portion of it at this session, feel free to participate. Hop back on the carousel and take a spin to the Krider Gardens where Shari Wagner will be providing a poetry writing workshop. She is Indiana’s fifth Poet Laureate and the author of two books of poems. Her workshop, open to 12 people ages 12 and up, is two hours long. Attendees will create a completed poem that is naturebased. Step outside and have some fun with Chalk the Block. Sections of the sidewalk at East and Memorial parks will
16 inMiddlebury Magazine | April 2018
be marked off for people to create their own book covers right there on the sidewalk. A local artist will oversee it. Back on the carousel, the next stop at the museum will host a Genealogical Society of Elkhart County session on how to write family history as a narrative. There will also be a photo preservation and journaling segment, assisting people in maintaining and recording their family’s events. Richard Smith will tell local stories at the museum also. Take another spin on the carousel to stop by East Park, where Lou Ann Homan will tell Northern Indiana stories. The last stop of the carousel adventure will be a WNIT Dinner and a Book session with Gail Martin at the library. She will prepare and share how to make church supper-type food while talking about Home to Harmony by Philip Gulley. Attendees will receive samples of the food and it will cost $5 to participate. Keep an eye on the library’s website to see how to reserve a seat and pay your deposit! “We couldn’t have done all of this without the grant support, the donations, as well as the cooperation from the local groups,” Gutschenritter explained. The Middlebury Literary Carousel Committee consists of Middlebury Community Public Library Director Terry Rheinheimer, Victoria Gutschenritter, and Middlebury Then and Now volunteer Kim Clarke. Several local organizations have collaborated with the Middlebury Community Public Library and Middlebury Then and Now to make this event a reality. The partners to date include Middlebury Community Historical Museum, Middlebury Parks and Recreation Department, Friends of Middlebury Parks, Friends of the Library, Middlebury Community Enrichment Council, Greencroft Communities, Das Dutchman Essenhaus, First State Bank, and Harding’s Market. Donations and grants were received from Indiana Humanities, Bontrager Family Foundation, Community Foundation of Elkhart County, Oakes Family NE Foundation, Midwest Tape, ARI Legacy Sleepers, and Everence Financial Services. With inquiries from as far as four hours away to hear some of these authors, we know that this will be a great event for the community.
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State Street Maple, Autumn Flame Red Maple, Autumn Blaze Red Maple, and two Red Sunset Red Maples. These larger trees will sell at approximately NOON Be on time! There will be approximately 200 plants at this auction. Height of trees will be approximatley 3-15 feet. Roots will be balled and burlapped and/or potted. Bobcat loading available at the end of sale free of charge. Bring your trucks and trailers! Delivery service is available and at fair rate. Beautiful and larger trees at AUCTION prices! Plan now to attend. We’ll see you at the auction! Announcements made on the day of the sale have preference over previously released information, printed or otherwise. TERMS: Cash or Good Check. Portable Restroom, 7% IN sales tax. Not responsible for accidents. Concession Wagon
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inMiddlebury Magazine | April 2018 17
Introducing Nature Readers Book Club The Elkhart County Parks Department will be offering its first meeting of the Nature Readers Book Club to discuss Freckles by Gene Stratton Porter from 6-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 17, at Ox Bow Haus in Ox Bow County Park.
meeting will be led by a facilitator, who will guide the discussion and keep conversation flowing while allowing all to contribute and share. Snacks will be provided.
At Nature Readers Book Club, participants will dive into local nature-based books through reading and thoughtful discussion on the third Tuesday of every month. Books genres for the club will vary from month-to-month and will cover a variety of different topics. Each title will be announced the previous month to allow ample time to read before the discussion date. Each
May 15 Triumph of Seeds by Thor Hanson June 19 A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson July 17 H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald
18 inMiddlebury Magazine  |  April 2018
Upcoming books include:
There is no cost to attend Nature Readers Book Club, but preregistration is required by the Friday before each meeting. For the first meeting, pre-register by Friday, April 13. To pre-register, call 574535-6458 or visit the Elkhart County Parks Administration Office at 211 W. Lincoln Ave. in Goshen. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. More information, including a schedule of upcoming events and directions to Ox Bow County Park, can be found at elkhartcountyparks.org, on the Elkhart County Parks Facebook page, or by calling the administration office at 574-535-6458.
Insurance • Investment • Retirement Eugene Bontrager INVESTMENT ADVISOR REPRESENTATIVE Branch Office Manager
(c) 574.537.2534 426 N. Main St. • Suite 4 Middlebury, IN 46540 Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through Transamerica Financial Advisors, Inc. (TFA), Transamerica Financial Group Division - Member FINRA, SIPC, and Registered Investment Advisor. Non-Securities products and services are not offered through TFA. TFG001880-10/13.
Russ Draper Photography www.flickr.com/photos/russ_draper
DinE-in or Carry-out
Community
HaystaCk Dinner Hosted by the Middlebury Elementary PTO
thursday, april 12, 2018 Middlebury Elementary School Gym
CONTACT draperruss@gmail.com 574.361.3903
Hooley
4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Cost: Donation
April 21
CLASSIC CAR AUCTION
Best Little Classic Car Auction in the Nation!
At the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds, Goshen, IN 100 Classics, All Indoors Auction Conducted By
Bartel & Company Auctions #AU09200009
Brad B. Hooley, Owner, Auctioneer & Consignments • 574-825-2155 Email:hooleycarauction@gmail.com
574-825-2115
• Call for entry forms, terms & information or visit our website • Inventory lists available on our website
Like us at Hooley Classic Car Auctions AUCTION HOTLINE 1-800-860-8118 • WWW.BARTELANDCOMPANY.COM
g n i r p S Think
Get your Spring Flowers, Plants, and Baskets! Order Today !
Flower Basket
500 Spring Valley Plaza • Across from Northridge High School
825-7673 (ROSE) inMiddlebury Magazine | April 2018 19
Northridge Show Choir
Photos by Carrie Norris
Show choirs compete at state finals Both the show choirs from Northridge High School made it to the Indiana Small School State Show Choir Finals March 17, sponsored by ISSMA (Indiana State School Music Association). The all-girls Starlights choir placed second overall in the unisex division. The Northern Lights choir placed third overall in the mixed choir division. The Northern Lights Orchestra, the band that accompanies the show choirs, comprised of Northridge students, received the Best Band Award at state for the mixed choir division. The director of both show choirs is Preston Shafer, and the director of the Northern Lights Orchestra is Brook Janowski. Assistant directors of both show choirs are Audra Rittenhouse and Catherine Yoder. 20 inMiddlebury Magazine  |  April 2018
Jayco Celebrates 50 Anniversary with 50 Acts of Kindness th
Kicking off the company’s 50th anniversary celebra- values and thanking those who have supported us for tion, Jayco, Inc. utilized the 50th day of its 50th year in the last 50 years,” stated Derald Bontrager, Jayco presibusiness to share 50 acts of kindness in the communi- dent and CEO and part of the founding family. “We unties which help support the organization. derstand that the support of our employees, dealers, Jayco employees suppliers, customers, from campuses in and the communities Middlebury, Topeka, in which we operate and Shipshewana in played a key role in Indiana as well as Twin our success.” Falls, Idaho, performed Jayco is celebrating its golden anniveracts of kindness in their respective comsary throughout 2018 with 2019 model year munities on behalf of products sporting the company February 19. A core value special 50th anniverof the organization sary badges. Founded dating back to 1968, on the family farm by Lloyd and Bertha Bon“contributing to community” is the perfect trager, Jayco has been way to kick off Jayco’s a staple in the Middlebury community since 50th anniversary. Several examples of the 1968. The company efforts include providlogo, designed to reping stuffed animals to resent Lloyd’s vision pediatric wards at lo“to be free as a bird cal hospitals, providand fly away without J. Jay the Jayco Mascot pumped gas for motorists at a Middlebury gas ing coffee and donuts any cares,” has bestation as the company worked on 50 Acts of Kindness to celebrate its to local police, fire, and come synonymous 50th anniversary. public works departwith quality, integrity ments, donating supplies and support to local school and generations of family fun. What started as a 15-emdistricts, providing playground equipment and trees to ployee operation producing camping trailers has grown local parks departments, supporting the local Boys and into a family of over 4,000 employees spanning four Girls clubs, donating books to local libraries, and giving campuses, producing a full line of recreation vehicles. away tanks of gas to motorists in the community. To join in the celebration and learn more about Jayco’s “Jayco has always been guided by the golden rule. history, visit www.jayco.com/50th/. These acts of kindness are our way of living out those 22 inMiddlebury Magazine | April 2018
Northridge High School The school has seen an increase in engineering and manufacturing classes over the past few years. “We’re trying to get kids involved in real-world skills,” Hembree noted.
NHS teachers Eric Highley, left, and Kyle Hembree, right, work to give their students real-world skills. “I selected Kyle and Eric due to their outstanding teamwork in providing our students with real world learning experiences in their classroom. Along with their great work with Project Lead the Way, they have also partnered with a local business, Arbor Industries, to begin engineering and production of actual product for Arbor customers. Our students found ways to improve the process along the way.” – NHS Principal Andrew Wood Northridge High School teachers Kyle Hembree and Eric Highley have classes that don’t necessarily overlap, but certainly tie into each other. The two teachers tackle a variety of engineeringbased classes. Highley has manufacturing, civil engineering and CAD classes, while Hembree takes on engineering technology, including the super-mileage car project.
Part of those real-world skills involves reaching out to local businesses, both for the super-mileage car project and manufacturing. One business is Arbor Industry. “We got a CAD file for a part and had to redraw it and figure out how to make them on one sheet of plywood,” Highley explained. The students delivered on the task, and now work to make around half of what Arbor Industry uses each week. The project included communicating with engineers and others back at the business, which, Highley noted, made the students a little nervous at first. Hembree has classes focused on the upcoming super-mileage car competitions, one in Indianapolis, followed by one in California later this spring. They are running two cars again this year due to the interest of students. “It’s great to see the students take total ownership and totally run with it,” Hembree stated. “They find better ways to do something.” The cars, in the end, wind up being “totally their cars,” he added. For Highley, he sees students who may not find success elsewhere in school find it in his classroom. “I like finding those kids that don’t like traditional school, but find a passion here and take off on that subject,” he said. And he sees how his students grow in their problem-solving skills as they work through hands-on projects. “A senior told me the best thing he ever did in class was to think for himself,’ Hembree said. “That was cool to hear.”
Looking for a car? LOCAL LENDING. COMPETITIVE RATES.
interracu.com/auto inMiddlebury Magazine | April 2018 23
Northridge Athletes
>>>>>>>>>>
photos taken by Russ Draper
The Northridge Swimming Cheer Block donned some colorful swim caps as they cheered on the boys at the Concord Sectional championships.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>> Northridge Senior Tyler Overmyer gets pumped up for the start of the 200 Medley Relay finals at the recent sectional championships held at Concord High School. 24 inMiddlebury Magazine  |  April 2018
>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>> >>>>>
Top Right: Northridge Sophomore Turner Koch swims the butterfly leg of the 200 Medley Relay at the recent 2018 IHSAA Swimming Championships held in Indianapolis. Top Right Bottom: Northridge Junior Michael Vancoppenolle swims the breaststroke leg of the 200 Individual Medley at the recent 2018 IHSAA State Swimming Championships held in Indianapolis.
The Northridge Raiders placed first in the 200 Medley Relay at the recent sectional championships held at Concord High School. Pictured are (back row, left to right) Joey Garberick, Michael Vancoppenolle, (front row, left to right) Tyler Overmyer, Turner Koch.
Northridge Senior Trevor Sallee swims the butterfly portion of the 200 Individual Medley at the recent 2018 IHSAA Boys Swimming Championships held in Indianapolis.
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
inMiddlebury Magazine | April 2018 25
First State Bank School Spirit program donations surpass $100,000
First State Bank has announced that donations to local schools for their School Spirit Debit Card program surpassed $100,000 since the program’s inception in February 2013. The program has grown to 12 partner schools and over 3,500 spirit cards being used. “Reaching the $100,000 donation benchmark is an exciting achievement and reinforces our dedication to our partner schools, customers, and the communities we serve,” said D. Joe Caffee, president and CEO of First State Bank. “The School Spirit Debit Card can be linked to any of our benefitrich checking accounts. Customers can support their local school by using this card.” To learn more about the First State Bank School Spirit Car program, become a participating school, or to get a School Spirit Debit Card, stop in at any First State Bank location or visit Bfirst.bank.
Independent
Homeland
Gardens
3-year
subscription Call or Send Check with this ad. *Valid to residents of Elkhart, LaGrange and St. Joseph counties only.
260.463.2166 • PO Box 148 • LaGrange, IN 46761 26 inMiddlebury Magazine | April 2018
H
45
$
Gardomeland ens
The Middlebury
Greenhouses
NOW OpeN
10% off Hanging Baskets
CUSTOM PLanters
ExpirEs April 30, 2018
Bring y o or purcur own hase
• Seeds • Organic Seeds • Strawberry Plants • Seed Potatoes • Onion Sets & Plants • Annuals • Perennials
HOURS: Mon 8a-7p • Tues-Sat 8a-5p 59800 SR 13, Middlebury • (574) 825-7978
Middlebury Garage Sale Days May 18 – 19, 2018 Register online at: MiddleburyINChamber.com An event map will be posted on the Chamber’s home webpage a week before the event. FOR QUESTIONS OR MORE INFORMATION Contact director@middleburyINchamber.com or call 574-825-4300
Rosealene Long received the Volunteer of the Year Award from Chamber Board President Kent Yoder.
West on Warren was recognized at the Chamber’s annual meeting for business beautification. Above are Cindy Sleppy, Kemberly Soucy, Carrie Boyer, Board President Kent Yoder, and Brittney Lehman.
Middlebury Chamber of Commerce
Mother’s Day Celebration Moms and Muffins
Saturday, May 12 • 8:30-10:30 a.m. at West on Warren
Remember to wear a fun hat for a photo! Cost is $12 per person
Moms receive a special gift Please call the Chamber at 574-825-4300 for additional information. Seating is limited. Registration deadline: May 7
Chamber Chat
Join us at Middlebury Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center 210 S. Main St.
Saturday, April 28 The coffee will be hot at 9 a.m. Northridge High School art will be on display
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 Sheri Howland • Community Outreach Coordinator Carmen Carpenter • 574-825-4300 Director@middleburyINchamber.com • middleburyINchamber.com • www.Facebook.com/MiddleburyChamberOfCommerce 2018 Legacy Members: GOLD MEMBERS: Jayco, Inc. • L & W Engineering, Inc. • BRONZE MEMBERS: Edward Jones of Middlebury • Forks County Line Stores Hawkins Water Tech • Legacy Home Furniture • Middlebury Produce inMiddlebury Magazine | April 2018 27
Local Business Directory Advertise in our Business Directory for as low as $50 a month!
NISLEY
/ TCC
Home Improvement
202 W. Spring St. • Middlebury, IN
Specializing in Residential Interior Painting Steve Nisley 574-849-4788
HealthyPets Pet Food and Accessories 851 US 20 • Middlebury 574-825-3238
Chris Gunn Groomer
574-849-6401
851 US 20 Next To Rulli’s Middlebury 574-358-0146
Retaining Walls • Outdoor Kitchens • Fire Pits Paver Patios & Walkways • Landscaping Decorative Concrete Curbing
(574) 370-4002
Crystal Valley Wellness Center, LLC Come try a session on us! 801 Wayne St. #6 Middlebury, IN 46540 (574) 358-0275 www.crystalvalleywellness.com
AT TORNEY
Fay S c hw ar t z (574) 825- 2880
Divorce • Wills • Trusts • Probate • Guardianship DUI / OWI • Criminal Defense Corporations • LLC’s • Real Estate Licensed in Indiana & Michigan 103 N. Brown Street • Middlebury, IN
For more information call 574-825-9112 or email Advertising@inMiddlebury.com
Raider Nation Football
Golf Outing & Raider Night Out Saturday, June 9, 2018 Meadow Valley Golf Course Registration at 12:30 p.m. Sack Lunch & Tee Time: 1:00 p.m.
NOT a GOLFeR?
Join us for Raider Night Out after Golf
$10 ticket includes Happy Hour and Silent auction Starting at 5:00 p.m. Dinner from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Followed by a Live auction with the coaches at 7:30 p.m. For more inofrmation and to register go to www.raider-nation.squarespace.com 28 inMiddlebury Magazine | April 2018
deals
Easy cut-out page! Shipshewana
Lower level of the Davis Mercantile
260-768-7764
www.HeadOverHeelsLLC.com
E v E r y M o n d ay
KIDS EAT FREE 1 child under the age of 10 per paying adult
12-Piece chicken Dinner
25% off
one regular priced item.
Meal includes salad and fresh baked bread.
Must present coupon.
41° North
$2 OFF ANY BURGER
59
Exp: 04-30-18
It’s time to GRILL!
www.rullispizza.com • 574-825-7222
Alignment Special 95 $
*must present coupon to redeem offer.
2399
$
Hours: Sun.-Thurs.: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri. & Sat.: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Expires 04-30-18
Call For Appointment.
inMiddlebury
Limit one per group. Valid April 1-30, 2018.
104 S. Main St., Middlebury, IN • (574) 358-0314
Vic
1 off
$
package of brats!
(4 or more per package) Regular, jalapeño and cheese, Italian, Hawaiian, green onion. Also chicken brats: Italian, Hawaiian, or spinach and feta. Expires 4-30-18
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
EXP: 04-30-18
Come in and check out our new menu!
101 Wayne St. Middlebury • 574-825-2940 •
Offering grinders, pizzas, burgers, salads and MORE...
The
CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAYS!
$10 off
Heating season
Fri., April 20 • 9 to 8 & Sat., April 21 • 9-5
Clean & CHeCk
HEATING & COOLING
Exp: 04-30-18
A Fusion of Technology & Service
203 Wayne Street • Middlebury • 574-825-8824 • elementmasters.net
Giveaways & Refreshments
Buy any 2 Chupp’s Brand Products Get 1 FREE 10% OFF Everything Else
Give your plants a healthy start this Spring!
15% off the following fertilizers on
April 26, 27 & 28
HyR BRix foR: Vegetables Sweet corn fruits & Berries tomatoes
Jack’S PRo feRtilizeR foR floweRS: Petunia feed Blossom Booster all Purpose
Boost root system transporting with Root Stimulator
04/30/2018
inMiddlebury Magazine | April 2018 29
deals
Easy cut-out page!
inMiddlebury E v E r y M o n d ay
Shipshewana
KIDS EAT FREE
Lower level of the Davis Mercantile
260-768-7764
www.HeadOverHeelsLLC.com
1 child under the age of 10 per paying adult
12-Piece chicken Dinner Meal includes salad and fresh baked bread.
2399
$
Hours: Sun.-Thurs.: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri. & Sat.: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
www.rullispizza.com • 574-825-7222
41° North Restaurant & Bar
13024 US 20 • Middlebury, IN
(with family dining)
574-825-2965
104 S. Main St., Middlebury, IN • (574) 358-0314 facebook.com/41degreesnorthIN
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
...smoked meats, cheese, and one nice butcher!
Exp. 04-30-18
Call now for a free quote on a Trane System
The
HEATING & COOLING A Fusion of Technology & Service
HOURS: M-F 9a-5p, Sat 9a-2p
108 S Main St, Middlebury In the Middlebury Mercantile
203 Wayne street, Middlebury
574-825-8824
elementmasters.net
Pretty Petals Greenhouse greenhouse opening thursday, April 19
• Bedding Plants • Hanging Baskets • Vegetables • Organic Mulch • Perennials
• Herbs • Sphagnum Peat Moss Organic • Organic compost
Martha Bontrager • 825-9565 ext 4 • 54244 CR 43 • Middlebury, IN 30 inMiddlebury Magazine | April 2018
inMiddlebury Magazine  | April 2018 31
HealthyPets
Pet Food & Accessories 851 US 20 • Middlebury 574-825-3238
Chris Gunn, Groomer 574-849-6401
We only carry Grade A pet food, including: Best Breed- Grain Free, Earthborn-Grain Free, Taste of the Wild- Grain Free, Diamond, and Eagle Pack. See us for treats, carriers, beds, leads, collars, toys and grooming supplies. Seresto collars
5.00 off
$
with manufacturer mail-in rebate pluS additional
5.00 off in store.
$
/ TCC
• Newest phoNes • superior Customer serviCe • Best Network stop in and ask how we can help you! 851 US 20 • Next To Rulli’s • Middlebury • 574-358-0146