inMiddlebury Magazine P.O. Box 68 Middlebury, IN 46540
Postal Patrons
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE ECRWSSEDDM PAID Berne, IN Permit No. 43
Celebrating Life in Middlebury, Indiana
FEBRUARY 2021
MID-WINTER
SALE FEBRUARY4-22 Living • Bedroom • Dining
SonAalVl fuErnit1ur0e an%d mattress orders!
2 inMiddlebury Magazine | FEBRUARY 2021
Locally Made Mattresses Downtown Middlebury • 574-825-1902 M-F 9 am-5 pm, Sat 9 am-4 pm
15% OFF All Home Décor
TABLE OF CONTENTS Merry Christmas Tony Miller Painting
6
8
Outdoor Living, 6 Red is the color of love Middlebury Parks Department, 7 Celebrating Art: Online Art Contest, 8 Middlbury Boys & Girls Club, 9
10
20
Middlebury Librarian: Terry Rheinheimer, 10-12 Chris Wheeler Scholar Athlete: Jesse Ryman, 13 Elkhart County Tourism, 15-17 Shouts, 19 Give a shout of gratitude
CONTRIBUTORS: PUBLISHER:
27
Middlebury Art Teacher: Kristen O’dell, 21 Anita F. Boorda Scholarship, 22-23 Northridge Athletics, 24-25 Middlebury Chamber of Commerce, 26 Things That Go Bump in the Night, 27 Gloria Salavarria
On the Cover – Library Director Terry Rheinheimer, “Middlebury’s First Librarian,” retires after 40 years of faithful service.
Don L. Hurd
EDITOR:
Advertise with us
ADVERTISING:
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 260-463-1896.
Desirée Beauchamp-Boucher Scott Faust
GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Magdalena Franke
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Dr. Carla Gull, Chris Wheeler and Desirée Beauchamp-Boucher
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS:
Russ Draper, Linnea Wheeler and Desirée Beauchamp-Boucher
Advertising deadline for the March issue
is February 10.
inMiddlebury Magazine | FEBRUARY 2021 3
COMMUNITY CALENDAR Editor’s Note
FEBRUARY
WEEKLY MON: TUES: WED: FRI:
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.
MONTHLY AMERICAN LEGION DINNERS 5 -7 p.m., Public welcome 1st Friday: All-You-Can-Eat Fish by the Legion 2nd Friday: Grilled Smoked Pork Chops by Legion Riders 3rd Friday: Bottomless Soup & Sandwiches with Dessert by Auxiliary, 2 soups to choose from, $8 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.
- Desirée Beauchamp-Boucher
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
What’s Happening Online
inMiddlebury?
www.Facebook.com/inMiddlebury
While this holiday season was quite different for many of us I hope it went as well for your families as it did for ours. I believe we actually enjoyed the calmer and more relaxing atmosphere smaller gatherings fostered this year. That said, I am anxiously awaiting warmer weather so we can get out of the house more often. Between the cold outdoors and the limited activities in public settings, “cabin fever,” is an understatement for many of us. I hope you enjoy the stories within this issue. I loved learning more about Terry Rheinheimer, Middlebury’s First Librarian, through Chris Wheeler’s article. I feel there are so many people in our town with such rich histories whom I would love to learn more about as well. If you know of such a person, or have any ideas for stories you’d love to see featured in future issues please contact me via email. Delightfullyhere@gmail.com
Coupons
www.inMiddlebury.com/coupons
4 inMiddlebury Magazine | FEBRUARY 2021
Birthdays
Anniversaries
1/28 Willow Thompson, 16
2/15 Lotte Hersey, 90
2/1
Greg Wyatt, 74
2/17 Mary Schrock, 85
2/1
Clifton Rivers, 32
2/18 Abigail Lloyd, 18
Happy 90th Birthday Mom. Love Hope
2/22
Cari & Dan Bowman, 1
A belated Sweet 16 to Willow Thompson January 28th
Happy 18 Birthday Abigail! th
Have a celebration in March? Let us know by February 15.
inMiddlebury Magazine | FEBRUARY 2021 5
Bird photos by Carbon Gull
RED
OUTDOOR LIVING Red seems to be the color of Valentine’s Day. Red is seen in nature in February as the male Northern Cardinal (cardinalis cardinalis) flits from tree to snow covered tree. Let’s get to know this popular bird a little better! • Male cardinals are red. Female cardinals are pale brown, with hints of red in the wings, tail, and crest. This helps them blend in better while nesting. Both have a black face and orange beak. • Cardinals became Indiana’s state bird in 1933. It is also the state bird of several other states. • You can often find cardinals foraging on the ground and hop on low branches; however, they can also be found perched higher up as they sing and preen. • Cardinals are non-migratory. They stay in the same area year round. They can be found throughout the eastern and southern United States. • Cardinals often travel in pairs, though may be in flocks to forage in the fall and winter. • The cardinal’s crest will be raised when distressed or on alert; however, the crest lowers when the bird is at rest. • Cardinals mostly eat seeds and fruit. They feed their nestlings insects, as many birds do. • Attract cardinals to your bird feeders with black oil sunflower seeds, which attract many types of birds. They make frequent visits to bird feeders in the winter.
Northern cardinal eggs are brown or gray speckled with a white, gray or greenish hue. • Cardinals can often be found in backyards. They like dense shrubs, such as forest edges, landscaping, and undergrowth. • A pair of cardinals work together to find a good nesting site. The male often supplies nesting materials as the female builds. They prefer to nest in dense shrubs and vines, constructing layers of twigs, leaves, grapevine bark, and then grasses and pine needles. The nests are usually used once. • Cardinals have 1-2 broods a season, with 2-5 eggs per clutch. • Pairs often stay together at least through winter and often into the next mating season. Read more about cardinals at allaboutbirds.org. Watch for a flash of red in your backyard this February! Dr. Carla Gull blogs at www.insideoutsidemichiana.com and podcasts as Loose Parts Nature Play. She is often seen with her four tag-along explorers in the greater Michiana area.
A female cardinal eats black oiled sunflower seeds at the feeder. 6 inMiddlebury Magazine | FEBRUARY 2021
Carsten Gull (age 8) drew a picture of our state bird.
I SPY
in Krider World’s Fair Garden • Go bear hunting…can you find the rock that resemble a bear prowling through the park?
WE NEED YOUR ASSISTANCE! Middlebury’s Riverbend Park turns 40 years old in 2021 and the Parks and Recreation Department plans to celebrate this milestone during the Riverfest celebration on Saturday, August 28. We are reaching out to the community asking you to share your Riverbend Park and Trails remembrances such as photographs, written memories, newspaper clippings, or anything you feel is appropriate to build our history file on Riverbend Park, as well as for future inMiddlebury articles leading up to Riverfest. Please send your memories to chapman_ej@yahoo.com or Park Department, 418 N. Main, Middlebury IN 46540.
Groundhog’s Day, Feb. 2, marks the half-way point between the first day of winter and the first day of spring, so pop out of your holes, look around and enjoy the sights and sounds of Middlebury Parks during the quieter season. Notice the days are lengthening, the sunshine growing warmer and the birds starting to sing the songs of territorial rights. Quit casting a shadow on your sofa and explore the seven town parks and many connecting trails here in charming Middlebury.
• And then, take a safari…identify the trees whose trunks look like elephant’s legs. • Have a seat on a time machine…seek out the sweet old green garden bench that was part of the original World’s Fair display in the 1930s. • It’s history! Check out the story of Krider World’s Fair Garden by reading the interpretative sign. • Answer fast…how many toadstools are in the park? Go count and take some cool pictures. (But please don’t sit or climb on the toadstools!) • Take a trip down our community’s memory lane by seeking out and reading the many memorial plaques on trees, benches and plantings donated for us all to enjoy. Say “Thank you!” • Count the fish in the pond. • Find the “hidden” path that goes down to the river.
LANDSCAPE CHANGES AT KRIDER
A few areas in Krider World’s Fair Garden may look a little different this coming season. The park staff has removed a hedge of burning bush shrubs that had gotten too large for the area and was causing blind spots for pulling out of parking spaces. The removal of these bushes also creates a view of the famous toadstool statues. Trees and invasive shrubs are being removed along the entrance drive to the park as well. The invasive honeysuckle shrubs were removed to help prevent these unwanted interlopers from invading the main garden. THIS PAGE SPONSORED BY
SAFE
TIMELY
DEPENDABLE
inMiddlebury Magazine | FEBRUARY 2021 7
Winter Beven Redding Photography
Celebrating Art:
Celebrating A
The Middlebury Arts Council is recognizing a Congratulations to these participants:
ONLINE ART CONTEST
The Middlebury Arts Council is recognizing artwork submmitted as part of their online winter art contest. Congratulations to these participants.
Solitude Michael Chastain Photography
Winter Village - S Shelley Weltz Mix Media
Celebrating Art: Online Winter Art Contest The Middlebury Arts Council is recognizing artwork submitted as part of their online winter art contest. Congratulations to these participants:
Solitude - Photography Michael Chastain
Fun Peace -Winter Photography Kristen O’Dell Marla Wallace Krider Painting
Winter Fun Kristen O’Dell Peace Painting Marla Wallace Krider Photography
Winter - Photography Beven Redding
Interested in having your artwork featured? The next online contest theme due by March 31, 2021. A rtwork submitted should be inspired by and/or Peace - Photography Winter Fun - Painting Artists may enter any art which can be submitted as a still digital image Winter Marla Wallace Krider Kristen O’Dell Beven Redding collage, etc.) The subject of the photo must be created by the artist. Fo Photography Interested in having your artwork featured? your The Bright Dream of Winter artwork, visitBright the Middlebury Arts Council’s Facebook page. Dream of Winter next online contest theme is “Spring” and submissions are due by March 31, 2021. Artwork submitted should be inspired by and/or represent the spring theme. Artists may enter any art which can be submitted as a still digital image (painting, sculpture, drawing, collage, etc.) The subject of the photo must be created by the artist. For more information and to submit your artwork, visit Middlebury Arts Council’s Facebook page.
8 inMiddlebury Magazine | FEBRUARY 2021
Savannah Cale Painting
Bright Dream of Winter - Painting Savannah Cale
Merry Christmas Tony Miller Painting
Savannah Cale Painting
Winter - Photography Beven Redding Merry Christmas
Solitude Tony Miller Michael Chastain Painting Photography
Club of Middlebury since 2013 and attends regularly. Carson has been involved in many programs such as our Character & Leadership program: Keystone Club. Carson will now move on to the County-Wide Youth of the Year competition. We are so proud of Carson and excited to see him go through this fun and rewarding program.
Meet Laci Johnson! She is a senior at Northridge High School and chose to complete her work experience class at the Boys & Girls Club. She is doing a fantastic job and our Club members adore her and look forward to seeing her every day. Laci is always ready to
work and help however she can. Every Friday Laci runs our Club buck store and does a great job at making it fun for Club members while they learn all at the same time. The Boys & Girls Club of Middlebury is grateful to have Laci as part of their team!
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB
Congratulations to Carson Simmons on winning Middlebury Club 20202021 Youth of the Year! Carson did a fantastic job sharing his speech with the judges and answering interview questions. We were all very impressed with him! Carson is 15 years old and is in 9th grade at Northridge High School. He has been attending the Boys & Girls
By Chris Wheeler, Photos by Linnea Wheeler Terry Rheinheimer never intended to work in a public library. Her experience was in school and university libraries. Nevertheless, on the first day of January 1979, she found herself single-handedly launching the Middlebury Community Public Library (MCPL). And just recently, at the tail end of December 2020, Terry embarked on a welldeserved retirement from her work as Library Director, having guided the library through just shy of forty-two years of vital service to the community. Terry was born in Puerto Rico and grew up in a suburb of Miami, which was unserved when it came to libraries. At the time, if you didn’t live in the zip code, you weren’t allowed to use the library, so Terry used and eventually worked at her school library starting in the 6th grade. From there she worked in the library at the University of Florida, where she earned her bachelors in library science and a minor in Latin American Studies. This latter interest was one of the reasons a flyer for a semester-long study program at the University of the Andes in Colombia caught her eye. The study program was not the only thing at the University of the Andes that caught her eye. It was there that she met her husband, Dennis, who happened to be from a small, snowy town in northern Indiana named Middlebury. “We always joked that he married me because my family lived in Florida, and we would have a place to go on vacation,” she says with a laugh. Appropriately, when she and Dennis first married and moved to Shipshewana, he owned an ice route. Not long after, he completed his elementary education degree and took a position in South Bend teaching children of migrant workers, then teaching 3rd grade at Harrison Primary Center -- a job he would hold for 30 years. 10 inMiddlebury Magazine | FEBRUARY 2021
Even after forty years of frigid Indiana winters, Terry is still tropical at heart. When we talked, she had just arrived for an extended stay with her daughter and 7-month old grandson in Guatemala. When not visiting warmer climates, Terry lives with her other daughter and her two other grandchildren (10 and 6) in Middlebury. Dennis passed away in 2015. Upon arrival in Indiana, Terry initially took a job in the library at Goshen College, where her boss encouraged her to pursue her masters. She earned her Masters in Library Science at University of Indiana, Bloomington in August of 1978, just in time to take up the mantle of Head Librarian at the newly minted MCPL. At the time, the laws had just been changed to allow smaller towns like Middlebury to have their own libraries, and the people of Middlebury were eager to get started. Accordingly, the library and the community it fostered grew at a rapid pace. From the beginning, Terry was determined that the library would be both accessible and welcoming. She recalled the university libraries she worked in being very formal and austere, with high desks and strict dress codes.
for all people. MCPL’s current motto is “Connect, Discover, Explore,” and they provide a safe and open environment in which to do all three of those things. Upholding intellectual integrity and freedom has proven to be revolutionary through the years, such as when librarians across the country spoke up against aspects of the Patriot Act that infringed on their patrons’ privacy and freedom to read and investigate what they wanted. “[For that] we were called subversives... If education is subversive, so be it!” During her time as Library Director, Terry spearheaded an extensive building project to expand the library into what it is today. She also introduced one of the longestrunning discussion and lecture series in Indiana, the ongoing “Let’s Talk About It!” program, in 1987. This program started out meeting at Berkey’s Country House Restau“We couldn’t change the height of the desks, otherwise adults would be leaning over, but we made the conscious decision to not dress so formally so we could be more approachable… Libraries are confusing to people; we know where everything is, but they don’t. Ever since day one, it’s been: what can we do to make people feel welcome and comfortable? And that’s what we’ve done.” During the pandemic, she and her staff at the library have innovated ways to keep books and resources accessible to patrons, scheduling individual appointments and pickup opportunities -- including packing cheerful bags full of handselected children’s books. The culture that Terry and her colleagues at the library have worked so hard to develop reflects a guiding principle of librarians: to create and nurture a public space providing unfettered access to information and services
inMiddlebury Magazine | FEBRUARY 2021 11
rant, which graciously allowed the participants to use their pop machine free of charge. They had 30 people show up for the first session, and every one of them wanted to do it again. Terry made sure that happened, leveraging overwhelming support from the community, grant money, and collaboration with other libraries to obtain the books they needed to keep going. MCPL’s strategic location made it possible for her to book lecturers from institutions like Notre Dame, Goshen College, IUSB, and Bethel. Terry served for 12 years representing Indiana with the American Library Association on their governing body. She also made multiple trips to Washington, D.C., as part of the Indiana delegation during National Library Legislative Day, and regularly met with both state and federal legislators on issues concerning libraries, such as literacy. According to the National Assessment of Adult Literacy, around 70% of all incarcerated adults cannot read at a 4th grade level, meaning that prisons can effectively predict future incarceration rates by elementary school literacy tests. “Why don’t we flip that and say, if we know that this many kids are struggling with reading and that’s going to pose a problem for them later on, perhaps our money would be better spent in teaching them how to read.” For Terry, serving in the library at Middlebury has always been about the people. “I love the number of people that come in and just visit, and tell us that we are a lifeline and a blessing to them. What’s gratifying is when you see some people who you remember as little kids, coming in with their children because it was important to them.” She recalls hearing from one mother who broke the news to her daughter that they were going to Disney World by saying, “Imagine the most exciting place in the world. We’re going to go there on vacation!” Her daughter’s eyes got big and she said, “We’re going to the library?!” Terry is particularly proud of the collaboration the library has had with other libraries and schools in the area, as well as with the Friends of the Library, Parks, and Museum. Middlebury itself has proven to be a caring, welcoming ally. “I was fortunate to be in a town that supported the library and still does, to work with boards that supported the library, and a great staff. All the stars aligned, and it’s been good. People are good and generous here, and they have been to me and to the library. Forty years, who knew? I look around the library and think, wow, we did this!” Caption for picture of Terry holding lots of books: Terry has too many favorite books and authors to choose just one! Some of her favorites are mysteries and historical fiction 12 inMiddlebury Magazine | FEBRUARY 2021
NORTHRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL
SCHOLAR ATHLETE OF THE MONTH JESSE RYMAN My name is Jesse Ryman and my parents are Chris and Tim Ryman. I’m a senior at Northridge. I currently participate in both baseball and basketball. There are many aspects of being involved in these sports that I enjoy. The best part is being a member of a team and playing for something bigger than myself. I’ve gained many friendships and like having something positive to do with my time. Additionally, I’m a member of the Northridge National Honor Society. I’m very thankful for all the teachers, coaches and members of the community that have helped me in both my academic and athletic careers. Outside of school, I enjoy attending youth group at Maple City Chapel and helping out on the youth leadership team. After High School, I plan to attend Indiana Wesleyan University and pursue a degree in either sports management or political science.
We make you feel at home. (Because you are.) LEARN ABOUT ONLINE AND MOBILE SERVICES AT INTERRACU.COM/ELECTRONIC-SERVICES Your savings insured to $250,000 per account. By members’ choice, this institution is not federally insured and if the institution fails, the Federal Government does not guarantee that depositers will get back their money.
inMiddlebury Magazine | FEBRUARY 2021 13
INDIANA TRANSPORT
Your Transportation Solution • Family owned and operated since 2009 • Committed to driver retention • Most aggressive reload program in the industry • Highest percentage of overall loaded miles • Proud Community Sponsor
2311 S. Nappanee St. • Elkhart, IN • 574-293-3642 www.indianatransport.com
14 inMiddlebury Magazine | FEBRUARY 2021
ELKHART COUNTY TOURISM IMPORTANT TO LOCAL, STATE ECONOMIC RECOVERY
From attractions to restaurants to arts and cultural institutions, Elkhart County’s tourism and hospitality businesses stepped up in a big way in the 2020 despite the challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic. Tourism and hospitality businesses are uniquely poised to support our communities’ recovery, both economically and socially, in 2021. The Elkhart County Convention & Visitors Bureau (ECCVB) and our fellow members of the Indiana Tourism Association are calling on state, county and local officials to invest in tourism. “Theater and concert venues, attractions, parks, lodging, and restaurants are the foundation of what makes Elkhart County a special place to live, work and visit. These quality-of-place assets have rallied as best they can amid a difficult 2020 and we will need them ever more as we emerge into a hopeful 2021,” said Jon Hunsberger, executive director of the ECCVB. Elkhart County receives $550 million or more annually in economic impact from tourism and hospitality, the bulk of it from money spent by visitors at stores, attractions, hotels and campgrounds, arts and cultural venues, and restaurants. More than 6,000 local jobs are supported by Elkhart County tourism and hospitality. While those numbers sadly dipped in 2020, as it did in most of the world, tourism and hospitality are significant contributors to economic vitality. According to Rockport Analytics/Tourism Economics, Indiana tourism still generated more than $6million for Hoosier communities. inMiddlebury Magazine | FEBRUARY 2021 15
Indiana Tourism Association video was released on economic impact of tourism on the state economy. The self-guided Heritage Trail driving tour and Quilt Gardens helped draw visitors from around the region in 2020, providing needed enjoyment for families needing safe opportunities for fun and relaxation. In turn, those visitors also experienced the special qualities of Elkhart County – the creativity, pride and craftsmanship that our residents put into everything that is done here. From recreational vehicles hand-crafted in Elkhart County to stunning artistic creations of our talented residents to delicious meals, treats, and beverages, Elkhart County never stopped being well crafted in 2020. As the 2021 General Assembly session proceeds, the Indiana Tourism Association is urging legislators to boost Indiana communities by aggressively funding Indiana tourism. The investment is the clearest path to reclaim local community tax revenues and relieve unemployment. The Indiana Tourism Association’s mission is advocating the value of tourism in Indiana and supporting the best practices of its members. Established in 1980, the association partners with the Indiana Destination Development Corporation, Indiana Restaurant and Lodging Association and other statewide associations to support tourism and promotion as an economic contributor to the state.
16 inMiddlebury Magazine | FEBRUARY 2021
We deliver softer skin. Are you comfortable in your skin or does a shower leave you feeling dry? Hawkins Water Tech can help.
HawkinsWater.com
P-HWT-014 = Soft Skin Size: 7.375” x 1.5”"
inMiddlebury Magazine | FEBRUARY 2021 17
Prepared by Todd Allen Design, Inc. 574.295.8866 InMiddlebury
The regions premier one stop shop for embroidery, screen printing (over 200 colors to choose from), textile laser embroidery, laser engraving, direct to garment, heat transfer, wide format printing, car, wall & window decals, vehicle wraps, yard signs, banners, and rhinestone designs.
James Schmucker
260 585 7454 Ozone Water Purification Iron/Sulfur Units Water Softeners
Distributor of Vesta Products
INSTALLING QUALITY WATER TREATMENT EQUIPMENT AT A FAIR PRICE
Can’t afford to buy outright? Ask about our rent-to-own program.
Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filters Whole House Filters
Champion woman owned business
Phone 260-463-7373 | Fax 260-463-4950 4425 W US Highway 20 | LaGrange, Indiana 46761
Dairy/chicken barn filter & rental units
106 W. WARREN • P.O. BOX 157 MIDDLEBURY, IN 46540
Valentine’s Specials February 13, 2021
DINNER
Ribeye Steak............................................................ $22.99
Auto glass repair and replace Shower enclosures Plexiglass Glass that fits your needs Screen repair Mirrors 9216, 400 N Main St, Middlebury, IN 46540 (574) 825-2225 • Mon. - Fri. 8-5 p.m. 18 inMiddlebury Magazine | FEBRUARY 2021
with choice of two sides
Chicken Breast ........................................................ $14.99 with creamy garlic mushroom sauce and choice of two sides
INN
Stay & Dine ..................................................................$199 Dinner for 2 at the Restaurant, a night’s stay for 2 at the Inn, chocolates, a single rose, and sparkling grape juice
Stay ...............................................................................$149 A night’s stay for 2 at the Inn, chocolates, a single rose, and sparkling grape juice
Subject to availability. Excludes, tax, meal tip, dessert, & beverage. Valid 2/13/21 only.
240 US 20 Middlebury, IN • 800.455.9471 • www.essenhaus.com
I would like to give a “shout-out” to the kind gentleman who offered to pay for my purchase at Varns and Hoover. I had walked to the store, remembering to take my mask, but forgetting my wallet. You touched my heart. It’s persons like you who can change the world by thinking of others without hesitation.
If you know of a community member or group of people whom you would like to offer out a SHOUT of gratitude in a future magazine, please send your nomination to our editor Desirée Beauchamp-Boucher at Delightfullyhere@gmail.com
Thank you – S Harshbarger “Growing up, I was that kid who would bring two-foot stacks of books up to the counter at the library and be back in a week for more. We all knew it was a safe place and if we needed anything we could just ask the librarians. The culture Terry and the staff created was truly welcoming (and is even more so now!), and it’s one reason I am a voracious reader. It’s a cool full-circle thing that my kids are now the ones bringing twofoot stacks of books to the counter. To all the librarians at MCPL: you are awesome and we love you! “ – Chris Wheeler
Over the last month I have experienced two separate occasions of people paying it forward. First when in line at Harding’s the gentleman in front of me offered for them to ring up my few items as well and paid for them. Then a few weeks later when I arrived at the pay window at the McDonald’s drive-thru I was told the car in front of me had already paid my tab. Both times it lifted my spirits to experience such generosity. Thank you to those anonymous strangers. – Desirée Beauchamp-Boucher
I would really like to thank the Middlebury Animal Clinic for the safety precautions they have taken throughout this year. While Only allowing pets inside the building may be a slight inconvenience for some, it is comforting to know they are doing everything that they can to keep their staff, us and our fur families safe. – Anonymous
Thank you to the Middle school and High school choir who came caroling on Lawrence Street. They rang our door bell and politely asked if we would like to hear some carols. In the season of isolation it was such a beautiful act of kindness and so appreciated! What a memory to cherish. – Char and Ed Swoveland
inMiddlebury Magazine | FEBRUARY 2021 19
Congratulations Kristen O'Odell
Kristen O'Dell Art Educator "The two mediums I tend to focus more on are ceramics and drawing, although I do paint, sculpt and do printmaking. I would say those are my top five. As an arts educator, I do a little bit of everything but me personally, that would be my pecking order. I like abstract but in the way that it still makes you think about what you’re looking at rather than making it so simplistic you’re trying to guess what it is. And in my drawings, I take an object and then I create a story and it’s got a lot
of tangles and designs in it, a little more complex in thinking. I teach at Northridge High School in Middlebury and primarily I teach Intro to Art, Drawing all levels, Ceramics all levels, Photography all levels, Printmaking, Sculpture and that’s about it right now. As an artist, I’ve enjoyed being part of community settings and being able to collaborate and work with others. I tend to want to put myself in the background rather than stand out, to my own detriment sometimes, but as a teacher, I think I’ve been a little bit more outgoing in that way and the other year I got Teacher of the Year for High School Art in Indiana and that felt really nice. I absolutely love Goshen and its art and how everybody is helping make connections, whether it’s for a novice, a hobbyist, or someone who actually is developing an art business or a program. I take classes different places and I offer classes. I’ve gotten involved in the guilds also. I’m involved with both the Painters and the Photographers Guild currently. I help in those capacities for those two guilds. For the Photography Guild, I’m Vice President there and for the Painter’s Guild, I’m co-chair there. Again, it’s just trying to find opportunities to help bring in some of my talents as well as connections to make things better.”
Celebrating
CELEBRATING
110 YEARS of caring for your Firsts.
20 inMiddlebury Magazine | FEBRUARY 2021
YEARS 1910-2020
www.YourFirstMatters.com
PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS IN THE
Bridal Section Promote your business in over 10,200 households by advertising in our
ANNUAL BRIDAL SECTION
coming in the March issue of the inMiddlebury Magazine.
Contact Scott Faust advertising@inmiddlebury or call 260-463-1896
Celebrating Life in Middlebury, Indiana
inMiddlebury Magazine | FEBRUARY 2021 21
ANITA F. BOORDA SCHOLARSHIP FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS (Application due Monday, March 1, 2021) The Anita F. Boorda Scholarship for the Performing Arts aims to support high school seniors who plan to pursue a degree in Performing Arts, Music, Theatre, Dance or Production. ELIGIBILITY Students must: • Be a resident of St. Joseph, Elkhart, Marshall, Kosciusko, Fulton, Pulaski, Starke or LaPorte Counties in Indiana or Berrien or Cass Counties in Michigan; • Graduate with a minimum G.P.A. of 2.5 (4.0 scale) from an accredited high school by June 30 of the year of application; • Plan to attend an accredited tax-exempt college or university to pursue a degree in Performing Arts, Music Theatre, Dance or Production through a full-time course of study; • Preference will be given to students engaged in the performing arts during their high school career. 22 inMiddlebury Magazine | FEBRUARY 2021
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS • Complete the Boorda Scholarship application found online at: https:// www.grantinterface.com/Home/ Logon?urlkey=cfsjcscholarship • You will first need to create an account through the system. Then, navigate to the “Apply” page and you should see a place to enter an access code in the upper right hand corner. Please enter the access code “boorda2021” to access the application. • Official transcript through senior year, fall semester (7th semester). This should be uploaded by a school official into the online scholarship system. APPLICATION SUBMISSION GUIDELINES • Additional information that has not been requested will not be accepted. • Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. There will be no exceptions. • Online application must be complete and submitted by 5:00 p.m., Monday, March 1st, 2021. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure the application is complete and all materials are received on or before the deadline.
inMiddlebury Magazine | FEBRUARY 2021 23
24 inMiddlebury Magazine | FEBRUARY 2021
inMiddlebury Magazine | FEBRUARY 2021 25
Thank you local businesses
So many businesses stepped up and went above and beyond for our community this year, numerous businesses have struggled through adversity and yet rallied to success. Many have had to redefine what success looked like to them in 2020. The Middlebury Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center Board of Directors and staff thanks all of you new and dedicated for your resiliency and determina-
Winter Bucket List
• Build a snowman • Make hot chocolate • Have a cozy movie night in • Go ice skating • Make a bird feeder • Make paper snowflakes • Celebrate Chinese New Year • Make snow angels • Hide in a blanket fort • Make handmade Valentine’s card • Have a snowball fight • Do spray-painting in the snow • Play a new board game • Go bowling • Try snowshoeing • Make frozen bubbles • Go for a winter walk • Walk a snow fort • Take a sleigh ride • Create Valentine gifts • Bake snowflake shaped cookies • Have a pajama day • Go to a hockey game • Visit the library • Make a snowy sensory bin
26 inMiddlebury Magazine | FEBRUARY 2021
tion. Your chamber will continue to work hard to promote your business small or large, to keep you informed and educated, to ensure that your voice is heard at all levels of government. We will help drive economic development and prosperity for our entire community. Please remember with your chamber working for you, you never have to go it alone.
Love Local Shop Local IN MIDDLEBURY FOR YOUR SWEETHEART
Email: carmencarpenter@ inmiddleburyinchamber.com Email picture of your “local” gift for your sweetheart and you could win a $25 Gift Certificate for West on Warren
#middleburysweetheart #shoplocal
A New Covid-19 Crisis: Domestic Abuse Rises Worldwide Movement restrictions aimed to stop the spread of the Coronavirus may be making violence in homes more frequent, more severe and more dangerous. By Gloria Salavarria Domestic Violence Survivor Mom and Dad thought we kids were asleep but they were wrong. Trouble travels well through the early hours of the morning. Walls and floors are no barrier to the words, the sneers, the angry voices or the blows. A child's mind sees what is hidden and imagines the worst. The nightmare always came after midnight—after the swing shift—when Dad came home. Dad dreamed great dreams only to see his limitations in the light of the whiskey glass before him. It made him angry. It made him hate. Mom worked all day for the money we needed to make ends meet. She was tired but he was her number #1 job because he said so. She washed his dirty glasses with a smile whether she felt like smiling or not. She watched the level in the bottle of whiskey sink lower and lower. It would be only a matter of time. The strain of a mortgage, car payments and the needs of growing children weighed heavily on my parents. We never had enough money and no hope of more. Dad could see that clearly in the glass. It was her fault—our fault. Dad brooded and let the monster fester in his mind until he could contain it no more. Then the monster erupted forth, a vile vomit of ethnic slurs and fists. Dad took care not to hit Mom where it would show. Her sobs and his sarcasm kept us kids awake each night. Dad was clever to cover his tracks, but not clever enough to see the tracks he laid across the minds of his children. As we kids listened to our parents fight, I thought, "Mom, if only you would not say certain things nor do certain things when he's in that mood. You know it sets him off. You know we walk around like we can't breathe. We're carrying nitroglycerin in our hands because Dad's in one of his moods. Just cruising for a beating." When it happened, it was almost a relief. Whether it was Mom, my sister or brother or me, I hated Dad just as much. When he hit them, he hit me and he was too stupid to see it. Just wanted to relieve his hurt feelings by taking it out on what's his. He had a right. A God-given right.
I never brought friends home. I stayed out as much as possible and counted the days until I graduated. When I left home, I knew things would be different for me. I'm smart and I can control things, say the right thing, do the right thing. But I was wrong. I dated Karl because he was good-looking in a tough kind of way. All the other guys had long hair, and there he was with a Marine Corps buzz cut, fight scars on his chin and a Devil Dog tattoo on his forearm. He was a high school drop out who got his bachelor's degree and taught history to kids in an inner-city school. I admired him for that. Karl was Dad all over again. He was familiar, and he was comfortable. I knew how to handle him—or so I thought. We would succeed where my parents had failed. Then I heard his car drive by at night. Or was I imagining this? No. The next day he asked me where I had been that night. Then he asked me about the guys in my classes. How can I not see guys in my classes? School is full of 'em and I'm not interested in them. I love Karl. But Karl isn't buying this. He's sure I'm seeing someone on the side. I'm damned if I do, damned if I don't. I can't win. No amount of love on my part gets through to this guy. He's so insecure, and I'm helpless to stop it. He measures how long it takes for me to return home and he asks me to account for every second of my time. He doesn't believe me. He thinks I'm too smart for my own good. He hasn't hit me yet but I know he will. I can see the nightmare happening all over again. But Karl didn't figure I'd cut my losses so early in our relationship—before we married and had kids. It was Dad in me that did it. I just got angry. Very angry. I focused on my rage, and then Karl found himself on the outside of my life looking in. I left town with no forwarding address. In time, the regrets disappeared. I sought men who were not Dad, who were different. I no longer feared the unfamiliar. I didn't want to repeat my mistake and I didn't. I was one of the lucky ones. Many kids don't make it. They repeat the mistakes of their parents because that's the only life they know. They marry back into the nightmare they swore they'd never repeat because it's so familiar it's what's expected. And so, another generation of kids will lie awake at night and listen to the monster that goes bump in the night. inMiddlebury Magazine | FEBRUARY 2021 27
LOCAL BUSINESS DIRECTORY Global Tax & HealthyPets accounTinG Jan Plummer, CPA
O:574-825-2277 • F: 866-385-7177 globalcpa@aol.com PO Box 1135 Middlebury, IN 46540
574.971.2020 328 N Main St Middlebury, IN 46540 www.DrivenAutoShop.com
/ TCC 851 US 20 Next To Rulli’s Middlebury 574-358-0146
Flower Basket
500 Spring Valley Plaza Across from Northridge High School
825-7673 (ROSE)
Pet Food and Accessories
851 US 20 • Middlebury 574-825-3238
Chris Gunn Groomer
574-849-6401
NISLEY
Home Improvement
202 W. Spring St. • Middlebury, IN
Specializing in Residential Interior Painting Steve Nisley 574-849-4788
Advertise in our Business Directory for as low as $50 a month! For more information call 574-825-9112 or Advertising@inMiddlebury.com
28 inMiddlebury Magazine | FEBRUARY 2021
deals
Easy cut-out page! The
inMiddlebury
$10 off
HEATING SEASON CLEAN & CHECK EXP: 02-28-21
HEATING & COOLING A Fusion of Technology & Service
203 Wayne Street • Middlebury • 574-825-8824 • elementmasters.net
Bundle includes:
$5 OFF
• 5# Ground Turkey • 5# Ground Chicken • 5# Ground Italian Chicken • 2# Italian Chicken Brats All wrapped in one-pound packages
Chicken & Turkey Bundles* Regular price $52 Exp: 2-28-21 *Must present coupon
3000
$ Call For Appointment. *must present coupon to redeem offer.
101 Wayne St. Middlebury • 574-825-2940
OIL CHANGE Free Brake Check Exp: 02-28-2021
Independent $45
The Middlebury
3-YEAR SUBSCRIPTION Call or Send Check with Coupon.
*Valid to residents of Elkhart, LaGrange and St. Joseph counties only.
PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS
to over 10,200 homes and businesses! Place a coupon for your business today! Call Scott at 260-463-1896 inMiddlebury Magazine | FEBRUARY 2021 29
deals
Easy cut-out page!
inMiddlebury Call now for a free quote on a Trane System
The
HEATING & COOLING A Fusion of Technology & Service
203 Wayne street, Middlebury
574-825-8824
elementmasters.net
13024 US 20 • Middlebury, IN
574-825-2965
...smoked meats, cheese, and one nice butcher!
Independent
The Middlebury
260.463.2166 • PO Box 148 • LaGrange, IN 46761
PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS
to over 10,200 homes and businesses! Place a coupon for your business today! Call Scott at 260-463-1896 30 inMiddlebury Magazine | FEBRUARY 2021
“Neal always wanted kids to have the opportunity to live a good and productive life...” — DIANNE MYERS
The Neal Myers Scholarship is one of dozens the Northridge Dollars for Scholars awards to Middlebury students annually.
INSPIRINGGOOD.ORG | (574) 295-8761
851 US 20, Middlebury • 574-825-3238
Groomer - Chris Lead Groomer
With 20 years of pet grooming experience, Chris is loved by her customers and their pets.
• GRADE A FOODS • HEALTHY TREATS • LEASHES & COLLARS • TOYS
Call her at
574-849-6401
for an appointment.
851 US 20 • Next To Rulli’s • Middlebury • 574-358-0146
