inMiddlebury Magazine P.O. Box 68 Middlebury, IN 46540
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Celebrating Life in Middlebury, Indiana
fEBRuary 2020
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www.facebook.com/BargainWright-Middlebury 2 inMiddlebury Magazine | fEBRUARY 2020
Monday Tuesday: 9 a.m. IN - 5 p.m. 500 Spring Valley Rd. •&Middlebury, 46540 Wednesday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Between Margaritas and Flower Basket) Saturday: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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Table of Contents
8
10
12
14
18
Building Imaginations, 12
Outdoor Living, 6 Great Horned Owl Boys and Girls Club, 8 Middlebury Parks Department, 9 Northridge High School, 10-11 Newsies
Button Show and Competition, 17
Riverbend Park, 20-21
Contributors: Publisher:
William Connelly
Editor:
Desirée Beauchamp-Boucher
ADVERTISING: Scott Faust
GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Cori Vilardo
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Dr. Carla Gull, John McKee, and Desirée Beauchamp-Boucher
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS:
Scholar Athlete, 23 Turner Koch
The Great Paint Off, 14-15 Lions Club, 18 Mari Mumford
Russ Draper, Carrie Norris, Carla Gull, Carbon Gull, and Desirée Beauchamp-Boucher
23
Northridge Athletes, 24 -25 Middlebury Chamber of Commerce, 26 Shouts, 27
February’s Cover: Ethan Kercher (in the role of Davey), Samuel Norris (in the role of Les), Meredith Dorbin (in the role of Katherine Plumber) and Connor Schroeder (in the role of Jack Kelly) take the stage in the Northridge High School production of Newsies. Photo taken by Carrie Norris
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 March issue is Febraury 12. inMiddlebury Magazine | fEBRUARY 2020 3
Community Calendar February
Weekly Mon: Table Games, Greencroft – 6:30 p.m. Tues: Euchre, Greencroft – 6:30 p.m. WED: Middlebury Exchange Club, Essenhaus – 6:30 a.m. Fri: 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: Our Winter Menu 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
What’s Happening Online
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4 inMiddlebury Magazine | fEBRUARY 2020
Editor’s Note I continue to be amazed by the exceptional skills and talents of our community. When I moved away from Elkhart County over 20 years ago to pursue an education in the arts, I had no idea I would find myself immersed in such a deep well of artistry right back here in Northern Indiana later in life. From our youth being nurtured to their fullest creative potential to the adults inspiring and being inspired by those same youth, we have a plethora of enrichment and activity. The high school musical this month was one “Wow!” moment after another as students delivered lines and solos that exhibited skills far beyond their years. The fine art displayed during the Youth Art Exhibit at West on Warren was likewise mesmerizing. We are also happy to have local artists helping us plan for future visions and pursuits within our community parks through blueprints of possibilities as well as the talents of Linda Pieri, who is literally bringing arts into our parks through free painting classes funded by a Little Big Idea Grant through the Vibrant Communities effort. There is plenty happening and coming soon to get plugged in, keep an eye out for all of the up and coming opportunities. - Desirée Beauchamp-Boucher
Milestones Birthay Wishes 2/3
Brandon Kerns, 6
2/4 Darrell Rider
Happy Birthday Brandon!
2/8
Jade Kauffman
2/15 Bastian Vilardo, 13 2/15 Gabriel Vilardo, 13 2/21 Rocky Yoder, 11 Happy Birthday! We love you! Mom, Lucy, Nan and Grandpa Joe 2/27 James Anderson, 9
Have a celebration in March? Let us know by February 12.
Happy Birthday James!
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  | fEBRUARY 2020 5
OUTDOOR LIVING
Great Horned Owl in Northern Indiana
Photo by Carbon Gull Great Horned Owlet
Photo by Carla Gull Adult Great Horned Owl, part of Middlebury Parks collection
T
he Great Horned Owl (GHO) is one of many yearround resident owls, probably hatching babies this time of the year. Fun facts about the Great Horned Owl include: • Great Horned Owls are large birds with a 4-5 foot wingspan. • GHO have large yellow eyes. If they were the size of humans, their eyes would be as big as softballs. They cannot move their eyes in their sockets yet can turn their heads more than humans can. • GHO are relatively common and can be found across most of North America. • GHO are nocturnal, mostly hunting and being active at night; however, they might be seen at dawn or late afternoon as well. • GHO faces are disc shaped, funneling sound to their ears. GHO have great hearing and can hear tiny squeaks 900 feet away. • The “ears” or tufts we see are really not ears, but just feathers. They help the GHO stay camouflaged. • GHO are really strong! Their talons, or sharp feet can be 10 times stronger than a human hand. • GHO generally eat mammals and other birds, watching from a perch until they can swoop in for a tasty treat. • There are no real predators of Great Horned Owls; however, humans are a threat due to habitat loss
and the use of pesticides and insecticides. Eggs may be scavenged by foxes, raccoons, coyotes, or other raptors. • Great Horned Owls are one of the few predators of skunks! They do not have a very developed sense of smell and have extra, clear eyelids to protect their eyes from the skunk’s spray. • GHO are nearly silent. Their fringed feathers help them be quiet in flight. GHO will also typically glide in the night sky. • GHO do not make their own nests! They use a large cavity in a tree or take over a nest made by other animals, like a red-tailed hawk, herons, squirrel, or crow. We saw nesting GHO in the heron rookery near Riverbend Park one year. • GHO eggs are spherical and white. They lay 1-4 eggs a season. • GHO start nesting in January with babies hatching in about a month. Babies are well protected and taken care of. • GHO owlets explore outside the nest around 6 weeks and start flying around 9 weeks old. They may stay with their parents until October. Listen for the deep hooting of the Great Horned Owl this winter. Find out more at: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/ guide/Great_Horned_Owl
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. 6 inMiddlebury Magazine | fEBRUARY 2020
A BETTER BANKING EXPERIENCE AWAITS YOU.
Introducing Side-by-Side banking! Our community is important to us, and we continually strive to provide the best service at the most convenient locations. Side-by-side banking allows us to serve you in a distinct way by allowing our bankers to work more closely with you for a better, more collaborative banking relationship. Stop in between February 3rd-5th for customer appreciation gifts. Now located at 809 West Wayne Street, Middlebury, just east of the Essenhaus.
1stsource.com | Member FDIC inMiddlebury Magazine  | fEBRUARY 2020 7
This past November, the Boys & Girls Club of Middlebury and Middlebury Arts Council invited youth ages 6-18 to submit artwork for a juried fine art exhibit at West on Warren Gallery and Grill. Twenty-three works of art were selected by members of the Middlebury Arts Council to be included in the exhibit, based on artistic merit. The exhibit was on display at West on Warren from November 18 through December 28, 2019. During this time, members of the community were invited to view the exhibit and vote for their favorite.
The People’s Choice Award was given to “Wild Hare Don’t Care” by Mia Crist, age 12, who received 12 of 125 votes. Runners-up were: “Structured” by Abigail Checkley, age 16, (11 votes); “Intrusive Thoughts” by Kyah Troyer, age 18, (11 votes); and “Self Portrait” by Damian Johnson, age 15, (10 votes).
Artists whose artwork was selected for the Middlebury Youth Fine Art Exhibit were invited to bring their families to West on Warren for an art reception in their honor. Before the reception, there was a V.I.P. Hour for anyone interested in purchasing artwork. This offered those who chose to come an opportunity to have first choice of what artwork they wanted to purchase. A total of four pieces of art were sold. The sale of these pieces provided each artist who sold artwork with a cash prize. Purchase Award winners: “Self Portrait” by Dameon Johnson Day “Dreaming” by Evie Hunsberger Wild “Hare Don’t Care” by Mia Crist Dragon “World” by Michael Crist The Boys & Girls Club of Middlebury and Middlebury Arts Council would like to say THANK YOU to the following sponsors. Little Big Idea Grant West on Warren Middlebury Chamber of Commerce Mimsy Toys
Tepens Smart Savings Art by CarrieJoy Interra Credit Union Joyfully Said Home
McCarthy Insurance Optimist Club Cinnamon Stick Pumpkinvine Cyclery
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8 inMiddlebury Magazine | fEBRUARY 2020 P-HWT-014 = Soft Skin Size: 7.375” x 1.5”"
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Ideas? Questions? arks
What would you like to see in the parks? We received a lot of good ideas in our survey last year, but we are always open to new suggestions. Do you have questions about our programs, parks, or trails? To contact the Middlebury Parks and Recreation Department, call 825-1499, email parks@middleburyin. com, or write: Middlebury Parks and Recreation Department, 418 N. Main St., Middlebury, IN 46540.
epartment
What’s Happening in the Parks from your Middlebury Park Board
Coming Summer 2020…
Pasture Performances - In the Parks
“Pasture Performances – In the Parks” is a series of performing arts events hosted by the Middlebury Arts Council and the Friends of Middlebury Parks. These performances are designed to offer the audience a unique experience, inspiring us all to look beyond the four walls of a theater to support local performers, and to promote the arts while enjoying the great outdoors. Join us for a free concert by the renowned regional musical ensemble “The Bergamot” in picturesque Krider World’s Fair Garden and enjoy a rollicking performance by the Notre Dame Touring Shakespeare Troupe in Riverbend Park. Check upcoming issues for performance details and plan to enjoy all the events offered in your community parks: arts, music, culture, nature and recreation coming together and “Making Life Better” in Middlebury.
Education & Action: Proper Pruning Practices Workshop Join the Middlebury Tree Board for an “Education and Action: Practical Pruning Workshop” at 10 a.m. on March 28 in Riverbend Park. We will learn when to prune, how to make proper pruning cuts, and how to select which branches to prune and which to remove to promote good structure. Most young trees planted and grown in open areas require pruning over a period of years to attain sound structural form. Pruning young trees annually or biennially as they grow will result in strong trees with an aesthetically pleasing form. We will also discuss different pruning tools and which ones work best. Bring your hand pruner if you have one for some hands-on practice. See you there! THIS PAGE SPONSORED BY
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inMiddlebury Magazine | fEBRUARY 2020 9
Newsies
Photos taken by Carrie Norris
I’d like to give a Shout out to Dr. Ellen Augustine and Nicole Deckert for their beautiful examples of hard work, respect for others, and dedication to musical theater in the high school production of “Newsies.” Thank you for creating a safe, fun, loving theater family for our high schoolers and middle schoolers and for guiding them in creating a show that brought so much joy to the audience and which they will remember forever. Your time, talent, and love has made and continues to make a positive and meaningful difference in our students’ lives. Thank you! – A grateful parent CAST Emma Brabender, a senior, took the stage as the spirited Ms. Medda Larkin. Next year she plans to continue her music and academic careers as a psychology major at Grace College in Warsaw, Ind. She would like to thank her parents, Marcie and Andrew Brabender, the directors and the cast and crew for making this show what it is. “Where better to escape trouble than the theater” – Medda Larkin. Josiah Cross, a sophomore, embraced the New York accent as the quick-witted Race and was thrilled to perform this role. He is an avid performer in both theater and choir. His future plans include attending college at either Butler, Rocky Mountain College, or Baylor. “I would like to thank my parents for raising me to be myself, for bringing out my true personality. My time on stage has helped shape who I am as an individual.” Meredith Dorbin, a junior, graced the stage as Katherine Plummer. She is also an avid performer, being both a theater troupe member and hybrid for show choir (performing in both Starlights and Northern Lights). She plans on majoring in
musical theater with her sights set on Broadway someday, but is unsure of what college is the best fit right now (AMDA, Interlochen and Berklee are all in the running). We encourage you all to “Watch What Happens” with her as we’re sure it will be worth it. Meredith would like to thank her parents, Shirley and John Dorbin, for supporting her dreams, and her directors Augi and Nicole for helping her fulfill them. “The stage can be a wonderful partner in the process of self-discovery.” – Mrs. Darbus HSM3 Nathan Gibson, a junior, commanded the stage in the role of Joseph Pulitzer. He was thrilled to be performing in his first show for the theater department this year! He plans on attending college to major in engineering while continuing his work with theater and music. His parents are Melanie and Dan Gibson. “I want to thank my parents for all of their support, and my directors (both theater and choir) for all of their hard work. I especially want to thank my friends for pushing me to audition. It has truly been an amazing experience!” Ethan Kercher, a senior, seized the day in the role of Davey. Ethan first
10 inMiddlebury Magazine | fEBRUARY 2020
joined the theater program his sixth grade year and has since performed in EVERY SINGLE production possible, including two high school shows while in middle school (that’s 20 Northridge shows, only student to have ever done that). On top of that he performs at Premier Arts in Elkhart and is the theater troupe president. Not only on the stage in “Newsies,” but in every sense of life, Ethan is a Davey. He’s calm, cool, and collected while being incredibly intelligent, friendly and wise. He has taken the younger thespians under his wing and been a mentor to them. He’s been the voice of reason when everyone else is discouraged, he’s organized countless events for the troupe, and he has completely embodied what it means to be an all-around performer. He’s not just a great actor, he’s a great person and it pains us to think about losing him next year. However, no matter where he ends up, we know he’ll “Seize the Day.” Paula and Dave Kercher are his parents. “Theater was my first love. I can’t take the theater out of me, and I wouldn’t want to. To me, it’s home.” – Jim Parsons Samuel Norris, a seventh grader, played his first large role in the part of
Les. He has stepped out of his comfort zone this year to perform both with the high school marching band and the theater program, landing parts in both “Newsies” and “High School Musical 2” at the middle school. (We think his older brother Caleb might have had some influence on that!) Sam has proven himself time and again on stage through rehearsals and we are thrilled to see what he does on stage. Carrie and Todd Norris are his parents. “I’d like to thank my family for supporting me, and I’d like to apologize to Nicole for giving her a panic attack when I threw myself off my brother’s shoulders during rehearsals!” Canyon Penner limped around the stage in the role of Crutchie. Canyon has been another one we’ve seen grow up before our eyes as he joined the theater program at the middle school his sixth grade year. He’s unsure of what his future holds, but we’re pretty sure it will include making movies with Dom and wearing crocs. Marlene and Kevin Penner are his parents. “This show has been a blast to rehearse and perform. This cast has been amazing to work with and I hope you all enjoy the show!”
Conner Schroeder, a senior, went out with a bang as he says goodbye to the Northridge stage in the role of Jack Kelly. We have known since his sixth grade year when he was a quirky little kid with glasses and a bow tie that he was going to do wonderful things, and he has not disappointed. From playing his roles phenomenally well on our stage to winning the Best Supporting Actor Award at regionals two years in a row to scoring a perfect on his solo at ISSMA contest to qualifying for Nationals with his musical solo at State last year, there is no place Conner belongs more than on a stage singing his heart out. We have no doubt that you will see his name in lights in a few years on Broadway, where he will truly become a King of New York. His parents are Missy and Randy Schroeder. Note from the Directors Last year when we originally started discussing what show to do this year, “Newsies” wasn’t even on the table. Then we started counting the number of guys, specifically the number of SENIOR guys we would have on stage. Once we realized that, Nicole out of comic frustration more
than anything, said “Well then we should just do ‘Newsies.’” And once it was said, it was hard to get it out of our minds. We were terrified. The set is massive, the choreography is unthinkable, the blocking is intricate, the music is difficult, and on top of it the story is historical so we wanted to do the characters and the participants in this strike justice. The phrases “We bit off more than we can chew,” “I can’t do this,” “I don’t know how this is going to work,” and “Augi, I don’t tap,” have been uttered more than once. This show is the compilation of blood, sweat, tears, stress and a lot of prayers. We want to thank our community and school corporation for their support, but especially the parents of the cast and crew. You have shaped and formed these kids into what they are, and they have been incredible to work with this year. Thank you for putting up with us and our schedule changes, buying tap shoes, driving to rehearsals, scouring Goodwill racks for vests, and ultimately for sharing your kids with us. They are the reason we do what we do. – Augi and Nicole
inMiddlebury Magazine | fEBRUARY 2020 11
Building imaginations through
Fifth graders at Heritage Intermediate School recently created their own magnetic games, immersing themselves in engineering design, manipulating materials, time management, teamwork, and advertising their games to other classes. This multi-disciplinary approach allowed students to work on a variety of skills that are critical for the innovation and ingenuity prevalent in our area. Beyond learning more about the properties of magnetism, children experienced hands-on opportunities to design a game, carry out a plan, work with tools and materials, experiment with the process, collaborate with others, and share their games with other classes. Under Mr. Hamilton’s guidance, students from Mr. Hamilton, Mrs. Friesner’s and Mrs. Yoder’s team created the games based on training from Purdue’s INSPIRE, a pre-college engineering program using the engineering design process. Students were able to explore the magnets, understand magnetic properties, create an initial concept plan on paper, execute their plan, test and trial their creations, make adjustments, and showcase their magnetic game to an audience. Other classes were invited to try out the games. Students really took ownership of their projects, with some bringing additional supplies and
tools from home, using 3D printers outside of class, and becoming masters of glue guns and duct tape. Using scrap cardboard, metal, wood, and lots of magnets, the students created interactive features. As I talked to children in the room, I asked what they thought of their experience. Most thought it was challenging; however, they preferred learning that way. “It was pretty hard trying to get the things to stick on,” Dylan Mullet said. “It was definitely worth it.” They really had to build perseverance. “It helps kids learn tough choices so when they are older they are better at things like school, projects, and stuff,” Hayden Robertson stated. Erica Cash noted, “We were able to create it. We were engineers. We had to problem solve and fix it, fix it again, and fix it again.” They also worked on collaboration and teamwork, getting to know others they might not have worked with previously. It was an imaginative process as they brought books, holidays, and interests to life through magnetic games. Games varied, with many magnetic fishing options, others based on sports like soccer or baseball, and some with literary connections like a collaborative Harry Potter maze game. Ramps were used in a Christmas Tree Crash game and Megaramp skateboard design. Students often put their own twist on games they knew like skeeball, sports, or darts.
Dr. Carla Gull blogs at www.insideoutsidemichiana.com and podcasts as Loose Parts Nature Play. Find a podcast episode about this experience on your favorite listening device. 12 inMiddlebury Magazine | fEBRUARY 2020
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inMiddlebury Magazine | fEBRUARY 2020 13
New “Great Paint Off” painting program announces 2020 event dates Free events are hosted by local artist
Linda Pieri
and funded by Vibrant Communities’ Little Big Ideas Grant Event dates for the brand new “Great Paint Off” painting program have been officially announced. Funded through Vibrant Communities’ Little Big Ideas Grant, the program will host five events in 2020 at various locations across Elkhart County that are free to the public for ages six and up. The “Great Paint Off” program provides the local community with the unique opportunity to work with professional art materials and techniques that have been used throughout the ages. During each event, attendees with enjoy a fun, relaxing, and guided experience while exploring their passion for painting. Each event will focus on painting a different local scene from the beautiful town of Middlebury and is great for all painting levels. All events will be led by local artist Linda Pieri, a skilled and masterful professional artist from Northern Indiana. Over the past decade, Pieri has instructed more than
1,800 students in acrylic painting and graphite drawing. In addition to giving private lessons, she teaches at various homeschool groups and large gatherings, as well as at prominent locations statewide. Attendees do not need to register for the event, but only 50 spots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Doors will open 10 minutes before each event. Supplies including acrylic paint, canvas, brushes, and smock will be provided for each guest.
The full 2020 event schedule for the “Great Paint Off” is as follows:
Saturday, Feb. 22 2-3:30 p.m.
Middlebury Food Pantry 708 Wayne St. Middlebury, IN 46540
Saturday, April 18 2-3:30 p.m. Middlebury Community Library 101 Winslow St. Middlebury, IN 46540
Saturday, June 27 2-3:30 p.m. Waypoint Community Church 56893 CR 29 Goshen, IN 46528
These events are funded through a Little Big Ideas Grant, which is awarded by Vibrant Communities to remarkable individuals who inspire fun, love, creativity,
14 inMiddlebury Magazine | fEBRUARY 2020
Saturday, Aug. 8 10-11:30 a.m.
Middlebury Summer Festival at Memorial Park SR 13 and Main St. Middlebury, IN 46540
Saturday, Oct. 17 2-3:30 p.m.
Middlebury Greencroft 701 Windridge Drive Middlebury, IN 46540
and community by offering new programs, events, and projects that celebrate life in Elkhart County. Vibrant Communities is a movement in Elkhart County focused on the connection between economic growth and quality-of-place initiatives. It is co-sponsored by the Community Foundation of Elkhart County and Elkhart County Convention and Visitors Bureau. For more information on these events or the artist, contact Linda Pieri via email at lindapieriart@gmail. com or visit her website at www. lindapieristudio.com. Please do not contact the venues hosting “Great Paint Off” events.
5 events 5 locations 50 people each time and it’s all
FREE! brought to you by the little BIG IDEA Grant!
April 18
Feb. 22
Middlebury Public Library 2:00 - 3:30
Middlebury Food Pantry 2:00 - 3:30
101 Winslow St.
13307 County Road 16
June 27
Waypoint Comm. Church 2:00 - 3:30 56893 CR 29
Aug. 8
Middlebury Summer Festival 10:00 - 11:30 Entertainment tent
Oct. 17
Greencroft / Middlebury 2:00 - 3:30 701 Windridge Dr.
At each session, local artist Linda Pieri will lead the first 50 people in painting a scene of Middlebury. We will be using professional grade materials: acrylic paints, palettes, brushes, brush containers, canvases, easels, and even paint aprons! Doors will open 10 minutes prior to painting. (No sign up for events, must be between the ages of 6 - 96.) www.lindapieristudio.com / lindapieriart@gmail.com
inMiddlebury Magazine  | fEBRUARY 2020 15
February is Pet Dental Health Month 515 E. Warren St. • Middlebury, IN
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Celebrating Life in Middlebury, Indiana 16 inMiddlebury Magazine  | fEBRUARY 2020
79 ANNUAL INDIANA STATE BUTTON SHOW & COMPETITION TH
Thursday, March 12 Friday, March 13 Saturday, March 14 4:00-6:00 P.M. 1:00-5:00 P.M. 9:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M. Theme: ROARING ‘20 s - “The Bee’s Knees of Buttons” Learn more about art and history through collecting and preserving clothing buttons
The 2020 show will be held at the Essenhaus Conference Center and Inn, 240 US 20 in Middlebury, IN. Call 1-800-455-9471 to reserve Indiana State Button Show Rooms until February 12, 2020, for group price of $115 per night. Invite family and friends and share the fun! PUBLIC WELCOME - $5 Contact: Pat Cooper at 317-4319693 or cooperltc@myninestar.net or Dianne Chmidling at 574-3493561 or diannemarie7@gmail.com. Clothing button enthusiasts and collectors from all over Indiana and Michiana will hold a three-day Indiana State Button Show at the beautiful Essenhaus Conference Center in Middlebury. Anyone who has an interest in buttons is invited to attend this large event, and there will be button dealers from various states offering beautiful buttons for sale. Eighteen competition awards will be judged on Friday morning and displayed Friday and Saturday, and raffle tickets will be offered for items donated by dealers and other members. There will be various button related programs, including “The Roaring ‘20s and the Art and History
through Buttons” scheduled at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 14. Many of the same people who participated in Button Expo events in 2018 and 2019 will be there! After the 2018 Button Expo, a new “Button Keepers” club was formed in Nappanee, Ind., and they have grown to 23 members so far. There are two other button clubs in Indiana – the Indianapolis Button Club and the Wabash Valley Button Club in Terre Haute, Ind. Various members in the local clubs give educational programs on art, history, culture, fashion, politics, military, religion, and materials such as mother-ofpearl, beautiful glass, horn, bone, enamel, porcelain, metals, Bakelite, china, etc. At the shows, there are banquets, programs, and sometimes entertainment. The National Button Society was formed in 1939. It now has more than 3,000 members on four continents, with 39 of the 50 states represented by state and local button clubs. People travel from all over the country (and a few internationally) to participate in annual national button shows. State
button societies have spring and/ or fall shows at hotel conference centers, where awards are given to members for their creative and historic button card entries. The Indiana Button Society’s first show and competition was held in 1941, just a year after the first National Button Society competition awards was held in Chicago, Ill., so this year Indiana celebrates their 79th show! Although the National Button Society now has grown to over 3,000 members, in 1940 it had only about 200! The National Button Society annual show will be held in Springfield, Illinois, August 1-8, 2020. See the NBS website for details
“The Bee’s Knees of Buttons”
When people refer to something as “the bee’s knees,” it means that it is of excellent or very high quality. Some believe that it refers to the fact that bees carry pollen in sacks on their knees, and that the expression therefore alludes to this concentrated goodness.
Check out these websites for more information about button collecting: Indiana Button Society – www.indianabuttonsociety.org National Button Society – www.nationalbuttonsociety.org National Button Society Facebook Page –www.facebook.com/NationalButtonSociety Button Keepers Facebook Page – www.facebook.com/Button-Keepers-Nappanee-Indiana313069796052956/?modal=admin_todo_tour
inMiddlebury Magazine | fEBRUARY 2020 17
Mari Mumford, a 6th grade student at Northridge Middle School, has taken the first step toward becoming an internationally recognized artist by winning a local competition sponsored by the Middlebury Lions Club. Mumford’s poster was among more than 450,000 entries submitted worldwide in the annual Lions International Peace Poster Contest. Lions Clubs International is sponsoring the program to emphasize the importance of world peace to young people everywhere. “If you look inside yourself, you can find peace. When you do this, you spread that peace to others around you,” the 12-year-old from Middlebury said. The poster was selected by the members of the Middlebury Lions Club for its originality, artistic merit and portrayal of the contest theme. Middlebury Lions Club President Sopheap Long said she was impressed by the expression and creativity of the students from the Boys and Girls Club. “It is obvious that these young people have strong ideas about what peace means to them,” Long said. “I am so proud that we were able to provide them with the opportunity to share their visions. Mumford’s poster will advance through the district, multiple district, and international levels of competition if she is to be declared the international grand prize winner.” Locally, Mumford was honored for her participation by the Middlebury Lions Club on December 9 at Middlebury American Legion Post 210.
18 inMiddlebury Magazine | fEBRUARY 2020
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inMiddlebury Magazine | fEBRUARY 2020 19
Riverbend Park Lejla Mecavica Riverbend Project Exterior View
Written by John McKee A future facility at Riverbend Park may have design influences from Ivy Tech students This is a strong desire from Char Swoveland, a Middlebury resident and member of the Middlebury Parks and Recreation Department’s Landscape Committee. “We are always dreaming of what our parks could be in the future,” she said. “Ways in which we can serve the community and teach the children about the joys of nature.” Swoveland is also an educator in the Environmental Designs Department at Ivy Tech Community College in South Bend, Ind. Swoveland was aware of the recent parks and recreation master planning conducted by the Middlebury Park Board. Public surveys suggested that several improvements could make Riverbend Park even more appealing, including a larger pavilion with enclosed restrooms and a nature center building. “I thought it would be a great project for our budding designers who have to pick a multi-use space for their Advanced Design Class,” she noted. Swoveland
suggested the park board to submit a project to the Environmental Design Class. “The parks department would receive free conceptual designs from students enrolled in the Environmental Designs classes and my students would get experience working with a local organization by compiling research to create a design that matched the park’s desires,” she stated.
20 inMiddlebury Magazine | fEBRUARY 2020
A total of five students over the course of several semesters have completed conceptual designs. The students were required to do a series of drawings, including elevations and 3D drawings, organize a landscape schedule, material list, and lighting schedule as well as samples and examples of furniture, fixtures, equipment, lighting, plantings, and finishes.
Riverbend Park The park board liked certain aspects of each student’s work. “Hopefully someday we can use some of the students’ designs to move forward with a project that will help to make life better in Middlebury.” For more information regarding a degree in Environmental Designs (interior/exterior designs with sustainable practices) contact program chair Cheryl King at 574-2897001 ext. 6367 or email cking@ivytech.edu. inMiddlebury Magazine | fEBRUARY 2020 21
Valentine’s Specials February 14, 2020
INN
DINNER
Stay & Dine ................. $199 Prime Rib ................. $24.95 Dinner for 2 at the Restaurant, a night’s stay for 2 at the Inn, chocolates, a single rose,and sparkling grape juice
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with twice baked potato and choice of side
Chicken Breast .......... $14.95 with creamy garlic mushroom sauce, twice baked potato, and choice of side
Chicken Breast .......... $14.95 with honey dijon sauce, twice baked potato, and choice of side
*Subject to availability. Excludes, tax, meal tip, dessert, & beverage. Valid 2/14/20 only.
Train Show February 22 9am-2:30pm
march 18–April 11 LIVE e
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9216, 400 N Main St, Middlebury, IN 46540 (574) 825-2225 • Mon. - Fri. 8-5 p.m. 22 inMiddlebury Magazine | fEBRUARY 2020
For more information about these events visit our facebook page@westonwarrengrill or instagram page@westonwarrengrill
574.358.0045
200 W. Warren St. • Middlebury, IN 46540
The Scholar Athlete
Mentoring Spirit, Mind, Body Photo by Russ Draper
Turner Koch Senior Turner Koch is the son of Tim and Micki Koch. In addition to his participation on the Northridge High School Swim Team, Turner is also the senior class and executive student council secretary, a member of National Honor Society, participates in Science Olympiad, and is a full International Baccalaureate (IB) candidate. To answer what he likes best about being involved with NHS sports, Koch says, “I really enjoy the competitive spirit of high school sports; having others to push you to achieve your goals is an incredible feeling. I also love having the opportunity to meet athletes from other schools in the NLC and elsewhere. The ability to establish a lasting friendship with someone outside of Northridge is something that’s truly special to me, and sports at NHS allow that to happen.” Outside of school Koch has participated in several youth productions at Elkhart Civic Theater as well as volunteered as a teacher’s assistant and role model at York Elementary School. He also works part-time as a barista at Starbucks. After high school Koch plans on attending college to major in either biochemistry or political science with a minor in Chinese.
If your favorite donut has an unusual nickname.
CHECK OUT OUR CHECKING ACCOUNTS AT
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We get it. We live here too. inMiddlebury inMiddlebury Magazine Magazine || fEBRUARY fEBRUARY 2020 2020 23 23
photos by Russ Draper
24 inMiddlebury Magazine  | fEBRUARY 2020
inMiddlebury Magazine  | fEBRUARY 2020 25
cordially invites you to their
17th Annual Dinner Tuesday, March 10, 2020
Event will be held at Northridge High School Cafeteria, 56779 Northridge Drive, Middlebury. Enter through door #15 or door #21.
Invite your spouse, family, friends, key employees and special guests Reservations must be received by March 1 , 2020
In order to be included in the marketing material, please register no later than February 25, 2020. Registration will be available online, by phone or mail. Please contact the office at 574-825-4300 for online registration information, phone registration or if you have not recieved confirmation of registration by March 1, 2020.
Family Winter Bucket List Bake homemade bread Make snow ice cream Donate old towels/blankets to animal shelter Build a snowman Have a snowball fight Host a football party Play a board game Make a snow globe Go to a hockey game Make snow angels Have a family movie night Make chicken noodle soup Shovel a neighbor’s driveway Camp out in the family room Make apple cider Enjoy a reading day
26 inMiddlebury Magazine  | fEBRUARY 2020
Donate winter gear to a homeless shelter Make personalized mugs Enjoy hot cocoa in your new mugs Bake cookies Visit museum Go ice skating Go bowling Do a winter scavenger hunt Take pictures in the snow Have a pajama day Go sledding Curl up by the fire Collect pine cones Make a bird feeder Build a snow fort
Welcome to our SHOUT page!
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 A huge thank you to Mr. Nisen who leads MathCounts before AND after school giving up many Saturdays for competitions. Our children LOVE math as a result of his great teaching! –Carla Gull
A huge thank you “Shout Out” to the businesses in Middlebury who sponsored the 30 face cutouts that I was privileged to paint for the town.
Suzi Thome for helping my husband pick out a wonderful Christmas present this year. – Monica Cummings I’m grateful for the town’s beautiful Christmas lights this year. They were especially nice this year.
– Linda Pieri
Thank you to the community members who came out to West on Warren to vote for the People’s Choice Award for the Student Art Show. – from MAC
I’m grateful for the Middlebury Schools Technical Department for working so hard to get the school computers and network back up and running after the snafu.
– Anonymous
I would like to say thank you to my customers and co-workers at Pak-a-Sak/Taco Bell. And a HUGE shout and thank you to my amazing kids, Terry Ray & Cheyanne Barrett, and my mother, Brenda Barnett. I have been going through some hard times and everyone has been an amazing support to me. They have helped me to better myself in many ways. My customers always lift me up. Very thankful to serve my customers and meet new amazing people. Also many friends whose names I won’t list because I know they are modest people. – Lori Ray (The lady with purple hair)
– Brandon Schwartz
I’d like to give a big shout out to all the volunteers who helped with the high school musical “Newsies.” It was a fantastic performance and the kids were outstanding! Thank you everyone who made it happen! – Christy Taylor
Thank you to the wonderful people who keep are streets plowed. – Heather Cameron
I am grateful for my children, my awesome co-workers, and the children I work with. They make every day interesting, new and keep me on my toes. My life would be unfulfilling and empty without them. – Rebecca Hatfield I feel very blessed to be surrounded by wonderful neighbors on West Lawrence Street. When I was ill last fall they all came to my rescue, I’m so grateful for all of you! – Char Swoveland
Shout out to Tom Zimmerman for being a wonderful mentor to my husband. – Monica Cummings inMiddlebury Magazine | fEBRUARY 2020 27
Local Business Directory Global Tax & Everyday Prices HealthyPets accounTinG Walk-in welcom s e until
4pm! Women’s haircut $17 • Perms starts at $63 • Men’s haircut $14 All over color starts at $50 • Shellac $25
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Hair Salon
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102 N. Chaptoula • Bristol, IN 46507 • 574-848-4955 Hours:
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Pet Food and Accessories
851 US 20 • Middlebury 574-825-3238
Chris Gunn Groomer
574-849-6401
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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
Now Leasing: Crystal Valley Manor 114 Krider Drive, Middlebury, IN 46540
Crystal Valley Manor is a friendly community serving residents 62+ and handicap/disabled individuals regardless of age. We offer 1 and 2-bedroom apartments. Our spacious layouts are newly rehabbed and include all utilities in rent. Rental Assistance may be available.
Contact us for more information or to apply! (574) 825-5161 / 800-676-3777(V/TTY) crystalvalley@wodagroup.com
THIS INSTITUTION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER.
28 inMiddlebury Magazine | fEBRUARY 2020
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Open the door to 25+ scholarships with one application
One application unlocks consideration for more than 25 scholarships for high school seniors planning on higher education after graduation. Learn more by visiting us online.
INSPIRINGGOOD.ORG | 574 295 8761 inMiddlebury Magazine  | fEBRUARY 2020 31
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. Call her at 574-849-6401 for an appointment.
Groomer - Haylie, New Groomer We are excited to welcome Haylie to Healthy Pets. She can give your pet a great grooming experience, along with lots of hugs and snuggles. Call her at 574-202-3923 for an appointment.
Store Manager - Melissa
Greeting each customer and their pet as if they are family, Melissa has answers to your pet questions. Carrying only Grade A food and treats, she can point you in the right direction. Need a sweater or jacket to keep your pets warm, she has them! Looking for the right toy, talk with Melissa. Call her at 574-825-3238.
/ TCC It’s a
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all your favorite smartphones! 851 US 20 • Next To Rulli’s • Middlebury • 574-358-0146