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Northridge Lacrosse
Meghan Cawood Celebrating Life in Middlebury, Indiana
December 2017
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2 inMiddlebury Magazine | DecEMBER 2017
Table of Contents 04 Calendar 05 Milestones 06 Boys & Girls Club: Happy Holidays 07 Lion’s Club Photos 08 Outdoor Living:
09 10 14 16 18 21
A Holiday Offering
Middlebury Parks Department Meghan Cawood: Northridge Lacrosse Loveway seeking volunteers Grand Design RV Thank You Dinner Middlebury Food Pantry: What’s New? Generations of Generosity Community Foundation of Elkhart Co.
24 Northridge Athletic Photos 27 Middlebury Chamber of Commerce 28 Business Directory 29 Coupons 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
January issue is December 10
What’s Happening Online
inMiddlebury? December Cover: Meghan Cawood on this month’s cover was one of the first females to play lacrosse in Middlebury. Now she’s about to be the first to play Division I Lacrosse. Cover photo by Russ Draper inMiddlebury Magazine | DecEMBER 2017 3
Community Calendar December
CONTRIBUTORS
Nov. 24 -Dec. 16 E.O.C. - A Christmas Chamber Theatre at the Essenhaus Dec. 1
Publisher: William Connelly EDITOR: Guy Thompson
Tree Lighting 6:30 p.m at Memorial Park
GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Cori Vilardo
Dec. 25- Jan. 5 Christmas Break - No School
Weekly Mon–Fri: Mon: Tues: WED:
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.
Fri:
Optimist Club Breakfast, Essenhaus – 6:30 a.m.
Advertising: Scott Faust Contributing writer: Dr. Carla Gull STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS: Russ Draper, Kris Mueller & Gloria Salavarria
Editor’s Note:
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 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.
The Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season is often an opportunity to look at what we have as well as what others may not have, leading many of us to do something to help those less fortunate. The Middlebury Food Pantry works on this yearround, now in their new location. The community, too, supports this venture throughout the year, with students volunteering time and civic organizations lending a hand as well as donating to the pantry. Learn more about this wonderful community asset in our feature story. Middlebury continues to produce residents who excel, as exemplified by Meghan Cawood, who recently signed to play Division I lacrosse, as well as study pre-med, at Kent State University. Interested in learning more about this unique and growing sport? Want to sign up? Find more information in this month’s inMiddlebury Magazine. We hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas, and we look forward to seeing you in 2018!
Guy Thompson, Editor 4 inMiddlebury Magazine | DecEMBER 2017
Milestones Birthday Wishes
Happy 8th Birthday Colby Kauffman!
Happy 5th Birthday Jacob Wever! We love you!
Happy 2nd Birthday Finleigh Lacey!
Happy 1st Birthday Remington XOXO
[
Have a Celebration in January? Let us know by December 10. 1. Website: inMiddlebury.com/milestones 2. Facebook: 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.
12/3 Tyler Pedroza, 32 12/3 Justus Burkholder 12/4 Colby Kauffman, 8 12/4 Jacob Wever, 5 12/7 Jessica Wyse, 37 12/7 Finleigh Lacey, 2 12/8 Denise Henke 12/8 Eva Schlabach 12/8 Payton Konecny, 9 12/10 Gloria Burkholder 12/10 Tricia Bryan 12/12 Hadassa Schlabach 12/15 Carrie Mayers, 39 12/16 Drew Kiser 12/20 Ester M. Artley, 89 12/21 Lucy Petersheim 12/22 Remington Cripe, 1 12/23 Isabella Furfaro, 11 12/23 Preston Konecny, 7 12/25 Ronald K. Troyer, 75 12/28 Alyssa Grahl, 4 12/29 Kellie Jones, 25 12/30 Paris Bryan
Anniversay Wishes 12/20 Ronald K. & Linda L. Troyer, 48 years 12/29 Dan & Berneita Smucker, 65 years
4. Call us at: 574-825-9112 inMiddlebury Magazine  | DecEMBER 2017 5
around town | Boys & Girls Club
As we enter the holiday season, Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County is grateful for another successful year serving children and teens across our community. When it comes to impacting lives, 2017 has been nothing short of amazing. Whether it’s turning around a failing grade through extra homework help or a boost of confidence inspired by a caring adult, Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County programs and staff are changing lives every day. From expanding our facility in Goshen to opening our very first full-service club in Elkhart, our team remains dedicated to one ambitious goal: to serve our community’s youth, especially those who need us most, through quality programs and mentoring relationships. To that end, we continue to expand programs and services to meet the unique and growing needs of our club members and their families.
OUR TEAM
In the four years he’s served as athletic coordinator at the Goshen Club, Tyler August has never missed a day of work. His motivation for perfect attendance is simple—the children he serves. “I know so many of our members face inconsistency in the home for a variety of reasons,” he said. “While they may not know whether or not they’ll see mom or dad every day, I want them to know that, when it comes to club, they will always see me.”
OUR MEMBERS
At the Nappanee Club, teen member Brooke has found a place to belong. “I love helping younger members with homework and planning student-led activities in Keystone Club. The staff will always listen to me if I need someone to talk to. At the club, I’ve learned that it’s okay to be myself.”
OUR PARENTS
Candy Williams is just one of hundreds of parents in Elkhart who feel the impact of the Boys & Girls Club firsthand. “If the club wasn’t here, life would be so much harder. As a single working mom, I’m not sure that I could financially support other options for my son after school and into the evening while I work. It’s remarkable all that is made available to him at the Boys & Girls Club.”
OUR ALUMNI
Though it’s been years since she attended the Middlebury Club, Alumna Natasha Grove says the Boys & Girls Club left an impact that will last a lifetime. “The club helped me find self-confidence and my voice,” she stated. “It helped shape me into who I am today and inspired me to pursue my Master’s degree in social work.”
This article is brought to you by:
CARDINAL BUSES a Middlebury family-owned business since 1923
574-825-9405 www.cardinalbuses.com 6 inMiddlebury Magazine | DecEMBER 2017
Members of the Middlebury Lions Club helped serve at the Middlebury American Legion’s fish fry recently, right. The Middlebury Lions Club welcomed five new members. Joining the Lions, below, were (left to right) Melissa Bontrager, Andrea Fry, James Cameron, and Ross Jackson. Not pictured is Walter Cortes.
inMiddlebury Magazine  | DecEMBER 2017 7
Outdoor LIVING
A
Holiday Offering
While birds can survive the winter without our help, it can be fun to provide a little treat to draw them where it is easier to see the birds or to help during severe winter weather. The holidays can be a great time to make special treats to decorate a tree out front. Here are a few ways to make festive treats for the birds: •
The popular pinecone covered in peanut butter and birdseed is a classic. Tie a string on and hang it from a tree branch. We have also done this with cardboard shapes and toilet paper rolls for another effect.
•
Make your own suet – grab some beef fat or lard from the butcher. Melt two parts animal fat over low heat, adding one part peanut butter and two parts cornmeal. Pour into molds.
•
Hollow out an orange half and fill it with birdseed, tying strings for hanging.
•
Make your own bird biscuits.
•
Use a Bundt pan to make a “wreath” for the birds. Mix melted rendered suet, peanut butter, birdseed, and dried fruits and fill the pan. When solid, tie to a tree with a ribbon.
•
Mix one part peanut butter with five parts cornmeal. This can be smeared on a tree trunk or put into holes in a drilled-out log and hung.
•
Hang dried fruit such as orange or apple slices on a tree.
•
String popcorn and berries (like cranberries) on a string to hang up as a garland. Avoid fishing line as it causes issues for birds.
•
Use a package unflavored gelatin with 2 tablespoons water. Add 1/3 cup boiling water to dissolve. Stir in two cups birdseed. Press into cookie cutters sprayed with cooking spray, making a hole in the mixture with a skewer for a string.
•
Using a Bundt pan, add fruit and birdseed to the bottom. Add water and freeze. Tie with a ribbon in a tree.
A fun book to read from the Middlebury Library is Night Tree by Eve Bunting. A family adopts the same tree to decorate for the animals each holiday season. They visit the tree at night, with popcorn strings and dried fruit ornaments. They drink hot chocolate, sing holiday carols, and tell stories as they enjoy the crisp winter air. Forest animals visit the tree. Start a new family tradition this year by leaving treats for the birds in a special tree outside.
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 | DecEMBER 2017
Generous Giving Flower fund donors
A donation to the Middlebury Parks Department’s Flower Fund is a gift to yourself, your loved ones, your neighbors, and your community. One hundred percent of the cost of our town’s lovely light pole petunias is paid for by private contributions. Without your generous support, our charming main street would cease to bloom summer long. Individuals, families, groups, neighborhoods, clubs, and businesses are encouraged to join in caring for our hometown. All sizes of donations are welcomed and tax deductible. Gifts in the name of loved ones make a perfect present or thoughtful memorial. Our warmest thank you to those who share their hometown spirit and pride in our community. To donate, please contact parks@middleburyin.com.
Tree Lighting
December 1 • 6:30 p.m. Memorial Park
Join us for cocoa, cookies, and a craft as we flip the switch to light the decorated tree in Memorial Park. We’ll sing a few carols and enjoy the lights. In the spirit of giving, we encourage you to bring a donation for the Middlebury Food Pantry.
arks
epartment
What’s Happening in the Parks by the Middlebury Park Board
Looking Back at 2017
It was a very busy year for Middlebury parks! • The Boardwalk in Riverbend Park was completed. • A spur and bird blind were added to the Boardwalk. • The cannons in Memorial Park were refurbished. • Ridge Run Trail was completed. • TrailsFest added a new event – the Trailsfest Track Down • Riverfest attendance was up and the Swamp Stomp was added. • Summer Fun had increased attendance and a successful program. • Guided tours of Krider Garden were held each Thursday during the summer. • Three free movies were shown at dusk in Riverbend Park. • 1st graders did Sensory Walks in Riverbend Park. • 8th graders did water quality testing of the Little Elkhart River. • 8th grade volunteers cleaned up Krider Garden for the winter.
USDOT
inMiddlebury Magazine | DecEMBER 2017 9
Lacrosse field leads to college opportunity
by Guy Thompson
“The first time I played, it was weird. It took some getting used to.” But it didn’t take Northridge High School senior Meghan Cawood long to get the hang of her new sport – lacrosse. She first played as a freshman and last month signed to play lacrosse at Kent State University, becoming the first lacrosse player from Middlebury to sign for a NCAA Div. I program. Cawood will be part of the first women’s lacrosse team at the university, which is fitting since she was one of the first to play on the women’s lacrosse team in Middlebury. She got started four years ago after talking with Gregg Eash, who had started a men’s lacrosse team in the community, and was looking to start a women’s team as well. “I was unsure at first,” Cawood admitted. I wanted to do track to stay in shape for other sports.” But she decided to give lacrosse a try, and found that she enjoyed this new sport. “Playing other sports like soccer and basketball helped out. But it plays its own way, too. It’s very fast-paced,” she stated. She noted that the women’s games are more about finesse in how they are played, compared to the men’s games, which tend to have harder contact. Still, “some think it’s aggressive enough,” Cawood said of the matches. The sport involves a lot of coordination, as the stick, which includes a net to carry or cradle the ball, becomes an extension of the player’s arm. Watching a game, one may see similarities to others sports such as basketball in the way players move around the net. Or soccer, as players run and pass the ball up and down the field. The net is forward of the end of the field, like a hockey net, allowing for play behind and around the net. “It’s very unique,” Cawood noted. For Coach Eash, the rise in popularity of lacrosse locally came with a lot of time and effort. But he’s seen plenty that, once they play, they’re hooked. “It’s fast-paced. High scoring, especially in the women’s games. They’ll score 13
10 inMiddlebury Magazine | DecEMBER 2017
Meghan Cawood works hard on and off the field, becoming a much sought after women’s lacrosse player. With 43 colleges seeking to sign her, Cawood chose Kent State University, which also has a top-rated pre-med program.
Lacrosse or 14 goals on average in a game,” Eash said. “There are more players on the field, too,” noted Meghan’s dad, Brendon. “More kids get to play. Players are all sizes and levels.” They don’t have to be just tall, or big, as in other sports. For Meghan’s parents, Brendon and Nicole, the new sport was a little tricky to follow at first, but like their daughter, got into it. “As a parent, it’s a great sport. We’ve spent hours helping her practice. She even got me my own stick for Christmas,” Brendon said. There is also less expense for equipment. As lacrosse is still a club sport in Middlebury, players furnish their own equipment, which includes the stick, goggles, and mouth guard. That’s it. The local program is still growing, with Eash working to get younger players started in 4th through 8th grades. The men’s team, which started in 2013, has had as many as 62 players. A middle school team started in 2015, with around 40 players at that level. In all, there are around 120 players this season. Practices begin in mid-January, indoors at the Sports Center in Elkhart and Heritage Intermediate School’s gymnasium. In early March, the practices move outside and games start in mid- to late March. The season runs until Memorial Day, with 13 or 14 matches in all. Only a few area schools have a lacrosse program, so travel is necessary to find teams to compete against. Concord High School in Goshen is the closest. Other schools include those in Fort Wayne and near South Bend. The Middlebury team travels to LaPorte County and down to Indianapolis. Eash noted that often two teams will travel to a third school so they can play multiple games at one location. Women’s lacrosse is also spreading fast into the college level. Before Thanksgiving, Meghan had been contacted by 43 different schools, wanting her to play for their women’s lacrosse teams. In July, Meghan and her mom went to a showcase in Rockford, Ill., where 1,700 female players showcased their talent, with 140 colleges represented, all looking for players. “We had to contact a team in Michigan that was open to other girls playing with them,” Nicole said, as taking a
inMiddlebury Magazine | DecEMBER 2017 11
Building a team – Lacrosse in Middlebury
It takes a team to play lacrosse. Northridge Lacrosse seniors include (left to right) Madison Cumberland, Sophie Erekson, Haily Dudek, Paige Schemernauer, Emma Hansell, Alexa Lambright, Meghan Cawood, and Madison Christ. Middlebury team wasn’t possible. “She met with them. Got a jersey and was thrown in the game. She got a lot of playing time.” By the end of the showcase, coaches were coming up to Meghan, asking her to play for them. But Meghan had already visited one school, Kent State in Ohio. “I really liked it,” she said. “I went to a lacrosse camp there, which gave me a chance to see how the coach worked.” They had been leaning toward Kent State anyway, Nicole noted, as it has a top-ranked pre-med program and would be starting a women’s lacrosse team in 2018-2019. Meghan also liked the size of the school. “The coach gave her a tour and sat down with her to tell her she wanted Meghan to play at Kent State,” Nicole said. At the end of the showcase in Illinois, as other schools approached her, Meghan got a call from Kent State Coach Brianne Tierney. Meghan recalled she only had one question for the coach. “I asked if anyone else had committed to Kent State yet. I wanted to be the first. She said we’ll start the program together,” Meghan said. Four other women players from Middlebury have gone on to play in college, along with eight from the men’s team. Gregg Eash’s son, Alex, plays for Hanover College in Southern Indiana. Colleges are hungry for lacrosse players, Brendon noted. And for Meghan, the idea to try out a new sport has led her to the opportunity to study and play at a Division I school, a great example for others looking to play, like her sister Ashlyn, who is in 5th grade and taking part in the lacrosse camp, as well as helping Meghan practice in the backyard. Ashlyn is already looking forward to playing in high school and beyond, just like her older sister. Meghan Cawood, seated center, signed with Kent State University to play lacrosse. At the signing were (left to right): Seated - Brendon Cawood, Meghan Cawood, Nicole Cawood. Standing - Landon Cawood, “Grandpa” Bruce Fortin, Ashlyn Cawood. (Photo by Kris Mueller) 12 inMiddlebury Magazine | DecEMBER 2017
The idea for a Middlebury lacrosse team started with Gregg Eash’s son wanting to play and Eash, who didn’t know much about lacrosse, decided to start a team here instead of sending his son to St. Joseph County to play. “I went and recruited as many as I could. We had 20 the first year. Recruiting wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be,” he said, adding that the contact aspect of the sport was appealing to players. His son was invited to play with a travel team out of Notre Dame and Eash helped coach the team for two seasons, which gave him the opportunity to learn more about the sport. On business trips, he took the opportunity to watch college teams play and practice. “My wife even bought me a ‘Lacrosse for Dummies’ book,” he said. Online coaching clinics and videos helped to round out his lessons. “I watched clinics from Duke, Notre Dame and North Carolina State. If they’re good enough for them, they’re good enough for Northridge,” he added. Eash had played different sports at Northridge and found lacrosse was a combination of different sports. While lacrosse is spreading, it is not an IHSAA sport yet, as the state organization is waiting for more schools to have teams. Currently, the Middlebury team is a club sport, but Eash noted that the team gets “great support from the administration.” Meanwhile, Eash continues to work on building up the teams, and expanding into the lower grades. The team is self-funded with player fees and through donations and fundraisers. The club is a non-profit organization. The team also has scholarships to help players join the team by covering part of the fee. “We have to pay officials and rent the fields. Paint the lines on the field. Get nets, balls and other equipment,” Eash listed. The Middlebury women’s team has a new coach this season, as former Trine University player Anne Mammel joins the program. The lacrosse teams also hold a fundraiser, “LAX-Out Childhood Cancer,” set for May 5, which raises money to benefit Riley Children’s Hospital. For more information or to join Northridge Lacrosse, visit their website at northridgelacrosse.com or email Eash at MILAX@gmail.com.
Childcare Ministry
Now ENrolliNg ages 6 weeks-5 years old
located at waypoint Community Church off of US 20 Projected start date: Monday, January 8 Projected hours: 5:30am-5:30 pm Phone 574-825-3600 x100 tinytown@waypointcommunity.com Check us out on Facebook inMiddlebury Magazine  | DecEMBER 2017 13
Seeking volunteers Loves kids? Love horses? LoveWay is looking for volunteers to help with its therapeutic equestrian programs for people with special needs. Many volunteers serve as side walkers and horse leaders in LoveWay’s classes. Other volunteers help with morning and afternoon feeding, maintenance, mowing, and office work. Still others work with the horses as horse buddies and schooling riders. LoveWay is located at 54151 CR 33 in Middlebury. For more information about becoming a LoveWay volunteer, call (574) 825-5666 or visit www.lovewayinc.org.
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We deliver softer skin. 14 inMiddlebury Magazine | DecEMBER 2017 P-HWT-014 = Soft Skin Size: 7.375” x 1.5”"
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Holiday Centerpieces, LIVE
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A christmas chamber theatre Nov. 24 - Dec. 16
Gift Items, Albanese and South Bend Chocolates, Balloons and more!
Enjoy a Christmas play unlike any other. Act One is the Biblical account of Jesus’ birth. Act Two journeys back to modern days where newlyweds & expecting parents, Jan & Doug, plan to take on extra jobs during the Christmas season to make ends meet. Alongside the laughs is a touching message that prompts all to share the joy of Christmas with a world that needs it most.
Take home Christmas Dinner Order by 8 pm, Dec. 20 Pickup by 7 pm, Dec. 23
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inMiddlebury Magazine | DecEMBER 2017 15
Jeff Wogoman, Middlebury TWP Fire/EMS Chief, Don Clark, President & Co- Owner of Grand Design RV
Thank You Dinner
Kevin Miller, Middlebury Town Marshal, Don Clark, President & Co- Owner of Grand Design RV
Don Clark, President & Co- Owner of Grand Design RV, helps serve dinner to the Middlebury TWP Fire/EMS, and Middlebury Police Monday night.
inMiddlebury Magazine  | DecEMBER 2017 17
y t i n u mm o C y r u y b r e t l n d a P d Mid o o F What’s
New?
by Stephanie J. Salisbury photos by Kris Mueller
For several years now, the Middlebury Community Food Pantry has been a staple for people in our area. After the economic decline in 2008, the old location on East Lawrence Street was quickly outgrown with a need to serve more families than ever before. Now located in the Pleasant Oaks building at 13307 CR 16 across from the Essenhaus Inn and Conference Center, the efficiency of the food pantry has grown exponentially.
Earlier this fall, students from Orchard View Elementary walked up to the Middlebury Food Pantry, loaded down with food they had collected. 18 inMiddlebury Magazine | DecEMBER 2017
In February of this year, the move-in began and in May they were officially licensed to operate. Pam Bingaman, who is the director of the Middlebury Community Food Pantry along with her husband Ward, shared some insights into the differences between the old location and the new one.
While they have been extremely grateful for the ability to operate out of the East Lawrence location and to the First Mennonite Church next door for opening their fellowship hall to use for clients waiting to fill out paperwork, the new location provides the opportunity to remain under one roof, spending more one-on-one time with guests and forming closer relationships with those who are being served. “At the old food pantry, we would have work night every Wednesday night where we Cub Scouts and leaders from Pack #770 of Middlebury present the Middlebury Food Pantry would unload a truck of food with a check for $1,000 to purchase turkeys for those in need this Thanksgiving. The Middlebury by hand, and store and pack pack has approximately 90 scouts, ranging in age from 6 to 10½ years old. Their next project is food packages on the second on December 12, when they will be “Caroling for Cans.” They will be singing in Middlebury to floor at the top a very old and collect canned goods for the food pantry. Presenting the check are (left to right): Front - Ethan narrow stairway,” explains McDonald, Ethan Swartz, Ethan Miller, Caleb Kreuter. Back - Lori McDonald, Kyle Swartz, food Pam. “We still have work pantry volunteer Ted Williams, Matt Miller, Erich Kreuter. every Wednesday night, but Civics class and sometimes the Northridge High School now we unload a truck of food using roller tables so the swim team; Thursday morning ADEC Middlebury Days food basically just rolls down off the back of the truck one program who packs family-size pre-packs; MDC Goldenrod case at a time and we direct it where it needs to go. We clients who repackage bulk food items, pack kids’ packs have wide open spaces and are able to store bulk food on when available, and get fruit ready to serve clients at skids…and there is not one step in the place! The whole Saturday morning breakfast; first and third Thursday shutnew setup is just so incredibly efficient that, when we in ministry to gather food requests, make lists, shop, pack start at 8:30 a.m., it is not unusual to be able to serve 80 and deliver groceries to local elderly and disabled clients; to 100 families by 10 or 10:30 every Saturday morning.” and so much more. Doors still open at 7:15 a.m. every Since the new pantry shares the building with Pleasant Saturday morning to friends who need a little help feeding Oaks Preschool, the school has offered to share their their families that week. “We still carry their food to their playground with the children of clients every Saturday cars for them, we laugh with them, we cry with them, morning, so children will have something fun to do while and oftentimes we pray with them, because we care for waiting. them,” Pam says. All of the wonderful things from the old pantry location are still in effect – work night every Wednesday with volunteers from the Northridge Middle School 8th Grade
“There are usually more than 60 regular volunteers that come together to make the Middlebury Community Food Pantry work in any given week,” Pam tells us, and inMiddlebury Magazine | DecEMBER 2017 19
y t i n u mm o C y r u y b r e t l n d a d P Mi d o o F she knows them all by name! “And these numbers do not even account for all the people that walk in just to offer a helping hand on any given Saturday morning.” Pam said that future updates to the pantry include, hopefully, “A door leading into our warehouse that would accommodate full skids of food so we wouldn’t have to unload them to get them in the building. And we are looking for someone to sponsor the cost for the purchase and installation of a 48-inch door. Expanded parking out behind the food pantry for our volunteers is a project that is already in the works via First Mennonite Church [FMC] of Middlebury, funded mostly by a generous Donald Schrock and Ted Williams, volunteers at the Middlebury Food donation from Middlebury Township. FMC is Pantry, count the “pre-packed” bags of food that were provided by also looking for quotes for AC units to go into Northridge Middle School. A food drive was held November 3-16 and the building to help us to regulate summertime ended up collecting enough food for 42 Thanksgiving meals. temperatures in our food storage area per USDA On October 29 the community was invited to an licensing requirements. Another item on our wish list is Open House at the new location and around 100 were park benches so that our guests can have a seat while they in attendance. Pam says the invitation is always open – wait in line on Saturday mornings. And I would like to put anyone can stop by for a tour at any time and staff would in a Giving Tree to honor the donors and sponsors who be happy to show them around. have provided so much for the Middlebury Community Food Pantry.” “We hope our guests know that they are loved, they are Many clients have requested financial counseling to learn simple basic household budgeting practices, English and Spanish language classes, and to learn how to garden. “These and more are some of the programs we hope to be offering in the year ahead,” says Pam. “We already have some volunteers and teachers lined up, but are always on the lookout for more. It has also been requested that we offer a non-denominational Bible study, open to the community at large.”
seen and heard, we care about them, and that our doors are always open, and we are always willing to listen,” Pam says. “You are always welcome at our table. Spending time with other people that are going through difficult circumstances or hard seasons in their lives helps all of us to put things into a better perspective. I have struggled with feeding my family in the past, so now that I’m back on my feet, what could be better than to help someone that I can identify with? They bless me beyond measure and I thank God for them every single day!”
• Please follow the Middlebury Food Pantry on Facebook for current needs and breaking news. • The pantry is asking for donations of turkeys for clients to cook. • Each year they are bombarded by winter coat requests, with boys’ coats as the biggest request. 20 inMiddlebury Magazine | DecEMBER 2017
Generations of Generosity Robert Weed started the Bristol company in 1966 and as he built the company, he and his wife Peggy believed in giving back. They looked for ways that encouraged people to enjoy the arts, such as helping the Midwest Museum of American Art offer free admission on Sundays and being the first to fund the Wellfield Garden project. “Any time there was an opportunity to support the arts or a more vibrant community, they did so,” said their son, David Weed. “We just thought it was good for the community and we enjoyed it,” said Peggy Weed, who created an endowed fund in her and Robert’s name with the community foundation to support the executive director position at Wellfield Botanical Gardens. Will says he watched his grandfather’s care for others as he interacted with employees and willingly gave to help food drives or other fundraisers Will was involved in as a student. Robert and Peggy found a myriad of ways to be generous, including a business scholarship at the University of Akron where he attended, which now helps three or four students a year. Recipients regularly reach out to show appreciation to the family. “He really did care,” Will said of his grandfather. Peggy and Robert lived and
gave as a team even after he became ill in 2005 and died two years later. She continues connecting to community causes by orchestrating donations to help Indiana University South Bend establish an Elkhart location, and supporting numerous capital campaigns for local non-profits. For her, giving back is simple. (L to R) Will Weed, the late Robert Weed (mural), Peggy Weed, David Weed. “If you can, why don’t you?” she with adopting their daughter, other teams build walls for other said. Habitat for Humanity houses. Valerie. David joined his father’s “Giving people an “The goal ultimately is every company in 1974 and continues opportunity and seeing them employee becoming involved adding links to the family’s chain flourish. That trips my trigger,” in the community,” said Will. of giving. Since the origins of David stated, who is a second- The Weeds believe that having the Elkhart Jazz Festival in the generation advisor on the a spirit of caring adds value 1980s, Robert Weed Plywood family’s donor advised fund to their overall employee has been a sponsor. The family with the community foundation satisfaction. company also invested in the and is a member of the The family’s creative soccer program at Northridge foundation board. “There are approach to giving took a new High School by sponsoring so many individuals who don’t form in August when Will and lights for the field, a new have opportunities.” his bride Sarah asked guests at scoreboard, and a multi-purpose David and his son Will are their wedding to make donations building. David’s family started working together to maintain to a donor advised fund at the a scholarship for seminary a culture created by Robert of community foundation rather students at Ashland University philanthropy, not only within than give conventional gifts. as a way of saying thank you to their family but also within They will donate the funds to a pastor who helped their family the family business. Through a cause they choose as they Will’s increasing efforts, he start their life together. Their has encouraged their 400 new fund is one more way employees to give back to the they are using the community community. They form teams foundation to continue a legacy to bowl for Big Brothers Big of generosity and sharing with Sisters of Elkhart County, rake others. leaves for those in need, have As Peggy said, “You reap teams of women participate in what you sow. It’s as simple as a Habitat Women’s Build, and that.” www.InspringingGood.org inMiddlebury Magazine | DecEMBER 2017 21
Accepting New Patients Dr. Dunham received her medical degree from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Medical School for International Health in Israel and completed her residency at Memorial Family Medicine Residency Program. Dr. Dunham provided medical care overseas, including in New Guinea, Nepal, Ethiopia, Paraguay and a medical rotation in Jordan at the Annoor Sanatorium for Chest Diseases where tuberculosis is treated. She is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians. Rachel Dunham, MD Family Medicine
Accepting New Patients Including OB
Janet received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Goshen College and master’s in nursing along with a family nurse practitioner degree from Ball State University. As an international board certified lactation consultant she helped establish the lactation department at Elkhart General and co-founded a community-based breastfeeding clinic located in the Dunlap area. She has more than 20 years of experience at EGH in mother-baby and NICU. Accepting New Patients Janet Kercher, RN, MSN, NP-C, IBCLC Family Nurse Practitioner
Anna Kragt, MD Board Certified in Family Medicine Dr. Kragt earned her medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan. She completed a Family Practice Residency at the Toledo Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program, Toledo, Ohio. Dr. Kragt joined the Elkhart General Hospital Medical Staff in 2013. 206 W. Warren St. | Middlebury, IN 46540 574.825.2146 BeaconMedicalGroup.org 22 inMiddlebury Magazine | DecEMBER 2017
Not Accepting New Patients
L I V E N A T I V I T Y
Area churches to host Live Nativity Event takes place December 1 and 2 A Live Nativity, sponsored and coordinated by six Middlebury area churches and organizations, will take place from 5-8 p.m. on December 1 and 2 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 708 W. Wayne St. in Middlebury. This outdoor guided walking tour follows the Nativity story from the census to the stable. The tour features drama, music and live animals. The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. Live Nativity sponsors include First Mennonite Church, First United Methodist Church, Griner Mennonite Church, MDC
Goldenrod, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Middlebury, and Zion Lutheran Church in Bristol. Handicapped parking will be available in St. Paul’s parking lot. Additional parking will be available just across the street from the church at Greencroft Middlebury. There will also be parking west of the church in several Wayne Street parking lots. A free shuttle service will be available from these lots. Parking signs will be posted. For more information, contact St. Paul’s church office at 574-8252280.
inMiddlebury Magazine | DecEMBER 2017 23
Northridge Athletes
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photos taken by Russ Draper
Northridge receiver Kyle Carson stretches for the reception during the Raiders’ sectional matchup with Culver Military Academy. Northridge quarterback Julius Graber and Coach Brian Fisher during pregame of the sectional football game versus Culver Military Academy.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>
2017-2018 Northridge girls swim and dive team.
24 inMiddlebury Magazine | DecEMBER 2017
SPIRITED
>>>>>
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2017-2018 Northridge swim and dive seniors.
2017-2018 Northridge Raiders boys swim and dive team.
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 | DecEMBER 2017 25
Glen Oaks COMMUNITY COLLEGE 62249 Shimmel Rd. • Centreville, MI 49032 glenoaks.edu (269) 467-9945
26 inMiddlebury Magazine | DecEMBER 2017
Associate Degree and Certificate Programs
Congratulations to Middlebury Chamber of Commerce Member Heritage Ridge Creamery
Welcome New Member
Premier Sporting Optics & Furniture Retail - Myron Yoder Randy Mooney (left), chairman of the NMPF, presented the Grand Champion Cheese award to MMPA General Manager Joe Diglio (center) and President Ken Nobis (right) during the closing luncheon of the federation’s annual meeting in Anaheim, Calif. on November 1.
Heritage Ridge Creamery pepper-jack tops Championship Cheese Contest Pepper-jack cheese produced under the Heritage Ridge Creamery brand at Michigan Milk Producers Association’s (MMPA) cheese plant in Middlebury was recently named Grand Champion Cheese. The award was presented by the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) at the federation’s annual meeting in California, held October 30-November 1. The annual contest includes cheese made by dairy cooperatives belonging to NMPF. A record 194 entries totaling 3,070 pounds of cheese products were submitted in the 2017 contest. Heritage Ridge Pepper-Jack placed first in the hot or spicy cheese category and then went on to win the overall best cheese prize. This is the first year MMPA has entered a product in the cheese contest. “We are honored our product was recognized nationally, a testament to high quality milk from our farms and the craftsmanship of our cheesemakers,” said Jim Feeney, senior director of sales for MMPA. “We strive to exceed our customers’ expectations every day with the quality products in our portfolio.” The Heritage Ridge Creamery brand markets cheese produced at the Middlebury plant and sold in the on-site retail store. The cheese plant produces Colby cheese, a softer, milder flavored cheddar cheese, in addition to cheddar, pepper-jack, Amish creamery cheese, and other flavors. Heritage Ridge Creamery is a brand of Middlebury Cheese Company, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the MMPA. The farmerowned cooperative acquired the facility in 2016 and is currently reviewing options to increase capacity and expand product offerings. The Michigan Milk Producers Association was established in 1916 and is a member-owned and operated milk marketing cooperative and dairy processor serving approximately 1,700 dairy farmers throughout Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Indiana. In addition to the cheese plant in Middlebury, MMPA operates two SQF Level 3 dairy ingredient plants in Michigan, producing butter, nonfat dry milk powder, condensed skim milk, cream, and whole milk powder.
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 • 825-4300 Director@middleburyINchamber.com • middleburyINchamber.com www.Facebook.com/MiddleburyChamberOfCommerce 2017 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 | DecEMBER 2017 27
Local Business Directory Advertise in our Business Directory for as low as $50 a month! NISLEY
Home Improvement
AT TORNEY
202 W. Spring St. • Middlebury, IN
Specializing in Residential Interior Painting Steve Nisley 574-849-4788
(574) 370-4002
HealthyPets
or email
Chris Gunn Groomer
Fay S chw ar t z (5 7 4 ) 8 2 5 - 2 8 8 0
Divorce • Wills • Trusts • Probate • Guardianship DUI / OWI • Criminal Defense Corporations • LLC’s • Real Estate Licensed in Indiana & Michigan 103 N. Brown Street • Middlebury, IN
/ TCC
For more information call
574-825-9112
Pet Food and Accessories 851 US 20 • Middlebury 574-825-3238
Retaining Walls • Outdoor Kitchens • Fire Pits Paver Patios & Walkways • Landscaping Decorative Concrete Curbing
Advertising@inMiddlebury.com
851 US 20 Next To Rulli’s Middlebury 574-358-0146
574-849-6401
Insurance • Investment • Retirement
Russ Draper Photography www.flickr.com/photos/russ_draper
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.
28 inMiddlebury Magazine | DecEMBER 2017
CONTACT draperruss@gmail.com 574.361.3903
deals
Easy cut-out page! Shipshewana
Lower level of the Davis Mercantile
260-768-7764
www.HeadOverHeelsLLC.com
25% off
one regular priced item. Must present coupon. Expires 12-31-17
Sparkle for your nailS Shellac
$
25
Hair Salon
Walk-ins welcome until
4pm!
102 N. Chaptoula • Bristol, IN 46507 • 574-848-4955
41° North
Free Non-Alcoholic Drink with Purchase of $20 or more.
$5995 Exp: 12-31-17
Electric Pineapple
Stylists:
Special
*must present coupon to redeem offer.
Hours: Tues: 11 am-7 pm (by appointment) Wed: 7 am-4 pm (Later by appointment) • Thur-Fri: 7 am-4 pm Saturday: 7 am-12:30 pm
expires 12-31-17
Happy Holidays! Alignment Call For Appointment.
Everyday Prices
Women’s haircut - $15 men’s haircut - $13 Perms starts at - $58 shellac - $25 all over color starts at - $50
Nerium Representative
• Karlene • Morgan • Janele • Brittany
inMiddlebury
Limit one per group. Valid December 1-31, 2017.
104 S. Main St., Middlebury, IN • (574) 358-0314
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422 South Main, Middlebury • 825-2565
Come in and see us for
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Tuesday: 50% off Build
Your own Pizza wednesday:
$5 Burger nighT
EXP: 12-31-17
Heating season
15% off
Clean & CHeCk
HEATING & COOLING
Exp: 12-31-17
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Come in and check out our new menu!
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A Fusion of Technology & Service
homem’s ade ic e cr e a m
Merry Christmas Thanks for your patronage.
All Varieties of Nature’s Way Sambucas Exp. 12-31-17
Independent $45
The Middlebury
3 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION Call or Send Check with Coupon.
*Valid to residents of Elkhart, LaGrange and St. Joseph counties only.
12/31/2017
inMiddlebury Magazine | DecEMBER 2017 29
deals
Lower level of the Davis Mercantile
260-768-7764
Women’s haircut - $15 men’s haircut - $13 Perms starts at - $58 shellac - $25 all over color starts at - $50
25
www.HeadOverHeelsLLC.com
Hours: Tues: 11 am-7 pm (by appointment) Wed: 7 am-4 pm (Later by appointment) • Thur-Fri: 7 am-4 pm Saturday: 7 am-12:30 pm
Electric Pineapple
expires 12-31-17
Nerium Representative
Stylists:
• Karlene • Morgan • Janele • Brittany
Shipshewana
Everyday Prices
Sparkle for your nailS Shellac
$
Easy cut-out page!
inMiddlebury
Hair Salon
Walk-ins welcome until
4pm!
102 N. Chaptoula • Bristol, IN 46507 • 574-848-4955
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. 12-31-17
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
203 Wayne street, Middlebury 108 S Main St, Middlebury In the Middlebury Mercantile
574-825-8824
elementmasters.net
Independent
The Middlebury
260.463.2166 • PO Box 148 • LaGrange, IN 46761 30 inMiddlebury Magazine | DecEMBER 2017
HealthyPets Pet Food & Accessories
Chris Gunn Groomer 574-849-6401
Open House Saturday, December 9 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
santa will be here 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Bring your pets, children & cameras!
Free Nail Trims 9:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. Refreshements & Drawing
851 US 20 • Middlebury • 574-825-3238
/ 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