OCTOBER 2014
magazine
Celebrating Life in Middlebury, IN
Rich Utley,
New 4-H Fair President
Art ist s Autumn
@
the Boys & Girls Club
Meet the
President Of Next Year’s 4-H Fair
Middlebury Community
From the Heart of the RV Capital:
Grand DESIGN
Enrichment Council
Building Community
inMiddlebury Magazine P.O. Box 1314 Middlebury, IN 46540
Postal Patrons
2 inMiddlebury Magazine | OCTOBER 2014
OCTOBER
THIS MONTH’S COVER:
Kris Mueller photographed incoming 4-H President, Rich Utley, at the fairgrounds.
Table of Contents
around town
04 Middlebury Gives Back: Jason Kidd 06 Boys & Girls Club: Autumn Artists 08 Middlebury Milestones 09 Community Calendar 12 Fall Park Updates 13 200 Years of Hoosier History 22 Outdoor Living: Exploring Nature Through Leaf Art 23 Middlebury Community Enrichment Council featured stories
10 20
Rich Utley for President
The colored leaves are becoming artwork, and football and marching band are in full swing. It’s hoodie and bonfire weather, and the perfect time for pumpkin-spiced everything! Autumn is a spectacular time in the midwest, but especially here in our beautiful community. Roast some marshmallows and snuggle up at night with your loved ones; there’s no better place to be than Middlebury in the fall! - The staff at inMiddlebury Magazine
What a Grand Design!
schools
CONTRIBUTORS
14
Updates from Our Schools
24
Remember When: Drive-In Nostalgia
living well coupons
26
The inMiddlebury Magazine Staff pictured (L-R): Carrie Boyer, Katie Brenneman, Melissa Troyer, Stephanie Salisbury, Amy Kristoff, Carla Gull, Gloria Salavarria, and Kris Mueller. Not pictured: Russ Draper & Tammy Tilley.
Check Out Local Savings!
Publisher & Editor-in-chief Melissa Troyer
ACCOUNT MANAGERS Carrie Boyer, Amy Kristoff
STAFF WRITER & COPY EDITOR Stephanie J. Salisbury
Contributing writerS Tammy Tilley, Dr. Carla Gull
GRAPHIC DESIGN MANAGER Katie Brenneman
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Russ Draper, Amy Kristoff, Gloria Salavarria & Kris Mueller
OFFICE MANAGER Amy Kristoff
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around TOWN | Middlebury Gives Back
Jason Kidd:
Local Hero By Stephanie J. Salisbury
Photos by Kris Mueller
Jason Kidd graduated from Northridge early in January 1994, and wanted to jumpstart his career. Now, Technical Sergeant Kidd is retiring from the United States Air Force after twenty years of service and some pretty incredible experiences.
Guarding the President
Hand-selected for Presidential Duties in 1997, Kidd was assigned to Andrews Air Force Base, providing security for many dignitaries, kings, ambassadors, and former heads of state, including Bill Clinton and George Bush. “Guarding the President of the United States is an incredible story,” says Kidd. “I flew on Air Force One a handful of times. True professionals, the AF-1 team members were. I looked up to them.”
A Real Lifesaver
In his second tour to Iraq, Kidd’s primary job was “providing security/ route sweeping.” After completing a mission, one of their gun trucks was hit with an Explosively Formed Projectile. “This blast was strong enough to knock out the vehicle commander, crushing the humvee top so that it disabled our ability to utilize our machine gun, sending hot liquid copper inside the vehicle. We quickly provided a 360 security, and I was able to provide initial combat lifesaver care to A1C Brandon Byers, who was severely injured. My quick actions and the US Army medic that arrived later were credited with saving his life, which is a proud moment for me.”
4 inMiddlebury Magazine | OCTOBER 2014
Civilian Life
“I’m enjoying the simple things such as the choice of what I desire to wear, or sleeping in,” says Kidd on retirement, “but I shall miss working with some of the best men and women from around the world.” His wife, Lenaha, is also a TSgt in the USAF as a paralegal. Now in Germany, he’ll be taking on a new task. “I want to ensure she has nothing to worry about when she has long days at work. To cut down the extreme costs of day care, I will assume the role of stay-at-home dad – truly a blessed feeling!” Daughter Kelsey is off to medical school, and daughter Alexis, stepson Wil, and their youngest (Justice, age 3) all came along to Germany.
Good luck, Jason! We wish you the best in your new endeavors!
These Milestones a
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inMiddlebury Magazine 5
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around TOWN | Boys & Girls Club
Autumn Artists at the Club By Lindsay Saunders Associate Executive Director, B&G Club Middlebury
W
hile local farmers spend their days working on the fall harvest, Boys & Girls Club members are busy with a harvest of their own — gathering creative ideas to produce magnificent artwork each week in their brand new art program! The Boys & Girls Club of Middlebury launched the new art program this past summer, and is excited to see it develop this fall and throughout the school year.
The Middlebury Breakfast Optimist Club presented a check for $3000 from their trivia night fundraiser to the Club. Lindsay Saunders is shown accepting a check from Optimist member Ed Fergison.
“Already, Club members have accomplished so much in the art room,” says Ellen Schlabach, Art Director at Boys & Girls Club. “Fourthand fifth-graders kicked off the school year learning about Spanish artist Salvador Dali and just wrapped up their first prompted project — clock drawings inspired by Dali.”
6 inMiddlebury Magazine | OCTOBER 2014
Photo by Kris Mueller
Plentiful Programs Members also had the opportunity to join several specific art programs this year. Programs offered include Drawing Club, Jewelry-Makers, Theatre, and a teen program, ArtSPEAK, which provides members the opportunity to explore the world of persuasive art and design their own advertisements and political campaigns. “My goal is to provide Boys & Girls Club members with unique, hands-on experiences, as well as a well-rounded knowledge of different forms of art,” explains Ellen. Ripe with Creativity Day by day, the art program is doing just that! From constructing colorful friendship bracelets in JewelryMakers to learning the concept of color-blocking in Drawing Club, Club members are exploring new types of art each week after school. “I love that I can draw at the Club now,” says nine-year-old member Lexus. And she’s not alone! “The art room has been full each day,” says Ellen. “There’s not an empty seat in the house!” Excited children, amazing new projects, and no empty seats — proof that the Boys & Girls Club’s new art program isn’t just helping Club members harvest creativity this fall, but is allowing them to build new skills and creating an environment where Middlebury kids truly want to be.
Business Spotlight:
Dogtown Resort was originated as a rescue center by Russ and Kay Culver in 2001, and has been owned and operated by Carolyn Manley since 2009. Now expanded to include pet boarding and dog daycare, there are nine play yards and two kennels filled with dogs of all ages, energy levels, shapes, and sizes. During the past six months, 29 rescues have found their forever homes through the outreach of Dogtown adoption events, and several more dogs are now in foster homes. The dogs boarding at Dogtown receive exemplary service and quality care from experienced staff members including a veterinary technician, college and high school students, and senior citizens all sharing a deep love of dogs. Volunteers augment the staff’s efforts to maintain a clean and safe environment. For information on volunteering, or to see adoption stories and rescues in need of forever homes/fostering, see www.Facebook.com/DogtownResort.
At IU Health Goshen Heart & Vascular Center, we have the strength to help you overcome a heart attack or a blocked artery. But we’d prefer it if you never have them in the first place. That’s why our team works together to provide classes, screenings and seminars for our community. Because we’d rather see you healthy than see you as a patient. For the whole story, visit GoshenHeartandVascular.org THe sTrenGTH iT Takes.
Goshen Heart & Vascular Center IUH 0340 HV WELLNESS Ad_inMiddlebury.indd 1
OCTOBER 2014
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2/17/14 9:247AM inMiddlebury Magazine
IUHG-1092 = Heart &
Prepared by Todd Allen
Don’t wait until you get sick to get healthy.
Middlebury
Have a celebration in NOVEMBER?
Milestones Birthday Wishes to: 10/1 10/1 10/1 10/2 10/2 10/2 10/4 10/4 10/4 10/5 10/5 10/5 10/6 10/7 10/7 10/7 10/8 10/8 10/8 10/8 10/9 10/10 10/10 10/11
Vernon Themm Jared Yoder Barb Haarer Jennifer Fry Stan Oyer Randy Grewe Aaron Scholl David Regan Alyssa Eash Holly Stutzman Kyle Klunder Jami Stamm Reese Holland Olivia Rush Kent Bush Marlys Stutzman Brady Scholl Kathy Smith Essie Ellis Rachel Scroggins Stefanie Hickman Keturah Stoltzfus Elizabeth Berkey Dick Berkey
10/11 10/11 10/11 10/12 10/12 10/13 10/13 10/14 10/14 10/14 10/15 10/15 10/18 10/22 10/24 10/24 10/25 10/25 10/25 10/26 10/27 10/28 10/30
Rich & Jane Milewski Rodney & Nylene Miller Harold L. & Elaine Yoder Laban & Agnes Hochstetler Roger & Judy Polly Cary & Felecia Dygert Sam & Christina Tokar Chuck & Linda Pieri Kevin & Jo Fulmer John & Margaret Shoup Al & Deb Miller Dean & Janet Martin Cam & Carrie Boyer Greg & Dilynn Puckett Andy & Mary Lehman Joe & Rebecca Yoder Vernon & Joyce Themm Gary & Nean Smith Allen & Katie Stoltzfus Tam & John Stephens Leland & Becky Barksdale Denny & Sherri Tavernier Steve & Amy Kristoff Kevin & Betsy Crowder Michael & Carly Woods
8 inMiddlebury Magazine | OCTOBER 2014
1. Website: www.inMiddlebury.com/milestones; 2. Facebook: www.Facebook.com/inMiddlebury Click on the blue (Submit) tab;
Rich Milewski Sayra Cerna Sean Gannon Pamela Tomlinson Chaney Tami Osborne Dick Zook Julie Schumachet Elsie Short Dean Martin Fran Miller Dena Deal Brooke Miller Aiden Miller Brent Miller Jessica Gannon Jerry Floor Christy Fisher Becky Fogle Stevin Yoder Moe Miller Doretta Janowski James Hickman Andrea Yeager
Anniversary Wishes to: 10/2 10/3 10/3 10/4 10/4 10/5 10/8 10/6 10/9 10/9 10/9 10/11 10/13 10/14 10/15 10/18 10/20 10/20 10/22 10/23 10/27 10/27 10/27 10/30 10/31
Let us know in 1 of 3 ways by Oct. 10:
3. Mail: inMiddlebury, PO Box 1314, Middlebury, IN 46540.
Happy 60th birthday, to Parts! Dick Berkey of Dick’s Au
Happy 6th birthd Brooke Mil ay, ler!
Happy 65th anniversary, Joe & Rebecca Yoder!
Happy 40th birthday, Dr. Regan of Crystal Valley Family De ntistry!
Community Calendar
OCTOber MONTHLY 1st & 3rd Fridays: Fish Fry @ American Legion – 5 - 7 pm thday, Happy bir k! Dick Zoo
Happy 65th anniversary, Laban & Agnes Hochstetler!
James Hiatt Retires Congratulations to James Hiatt on his retirement at the end of this year from 32 years as president at First State Bank of Middlebury. Mr. Hiatt will remain actively involved, continuing to serve on the Board of Directors of the corporation and the bank.
1st & 3rd Mondays: Town Council Meetings @ Town Hall – 6 pm
Weekly Mon – Fri: REAL Services lunch for ages 60+ @ Greencroft Tues: Euchre Night @ Greencroft – 6:30 pm WED: Middlebury Exchange Club @ Essenhaus – 6:30 am Fri: Optimist Club Breakfast @ Essenhaus – 6:30 am
2
Tree Board Meeting
5
Middlebury Walks for a Cure at Orchard View Elementary
8, 14 Curbside Town Recycling Pickup 14
Meet the Candidates Night at Library
15
Park Board Meeting
16
NMS Love Our Librarian Trivia Night
17
3rd Fridays Pumpkinfest Downtown Middlebury
20
American Red Cross Blood Donation at First Mennonite Church
21
K-3 Parent/Teacher Conferences
22
Grades 4-8 Parent/Teacher Conferences
23
Redevelopment Commission
Real Estate Auction
Monday, October 14, beginning at 6 pm. Located at 52186 SR 13, Middlebury. 18.29 acres, house, garage, pole barn. 2 parcels. The public may inspect real estate 3-5 pm on October 2 or by appointment with auctioneers. Chupp Auctions 574.536.8005
Oh, what a treat! Trick-or-Treating will be on October 31st from 5:30 - 7 pm. Crystal Valley Exchange Club will be sponsoring the Halloween Parade at 7:15 pm October 31st. This will be held at the Middlebury Fire Department.
23
Overflow: Grades K-8 Parent/Teacher Conferences
24-27 Fall Break, No School 31
Happy Halloween! Trick-or-Treating – 5:30 - 7 pm OCTOBER 2014
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inMiddlebury Magazine 9
Rich Utley
Feature Story
Rich at the fairgrounds, where he’ll be spending most of his time in the upcoming year.
for President!
Elkhart County 4-H Fair President 2015 By Stephanie J. Salisbury
Born in Elkhart County in 1947, Rich Utley has spent most of his life in this area (besides the six years he served in the US Army Security Agency both in the states and overseas). He was a graduate of Goshen High School, and he and his wife Linda married in 1971. In Rich & Linda Utley ‘79, they moved to southern Jefferson Township and then to Middlebury in 1996, where they currently reside. They’ve been blessed with one daughter, Jennifer, and a granddaughter, Kayli, who have both been involved in 4-H.
In the Beginning
"I was never in 4-H as a youth," says Utley, "but jumped into that with both feet when Jen began 4-H in the 'Room 4 U' club in Jefferson Township. We served on the advisory board for that club for a couple of years. Jen started in the 4-H Poultry Club a year or so later where she was also a member until she finished her ten years in 4-H. I served as Poultry Club barn superintendent and later became chair of the Poultry Club Advisory Board. Jen is currently on the fair board as the director in charge of our Youth Fair Board Apprentice program."
Photo by Kris Mueller
Utley’s goals for the upcoming year include:
* Trying to upgrade the internet/cell technology on the fairgrounds; * Continuing to work toward an entrance/exit for the fairgrounds onto CR 36; * Enhancing the utility infrastructure on the grounds for future growth.
Their granddaughter has completed around 140 projects in her six years of 4-H thus far and, according to Rich, she "seems to have a goal of completing the most non-livestock 4-H projects in her ten years!" 10 inMiddlebury Magazine | OCTOBER 2014
“
There is so much to do and plan each year. It is not possible for one person to do it all and every fair board president has to depend on each fair board member and the fairgrounds staff to do their individual jobs. Without that happening, our fair would not be what it is today. -Rich Utley, Fair President 2015
�
Photo by Kris Mueller
After his daughter volunteered him to help coordinate the receipt and delivery of items that arrive at the fairgrounds during the fair back in the mid-nineties, Rich became involved with the fair board. He began assisting with camping during the fair in 1997, and currently schedules and places nearly 300 4-H, fair, and commercial exhibitor campers. He also helps with many other things during the fair, including serving six years on the Fair Board Long Range Planning Committee and over 20 years on the 4-H Expansion and Review Committee.
2015 and Beyond
"We have thought long and hard about my theme for the 2015 fair, and really focus on planning for the future since I had spent most of my working career in that function," says Rich, who worked for 40 years and eight months at Homecrest Corporation in a number of capacities, but finally settling into production and inventory planning for most of those years. "Our fair is currently experiencing growth because of our property purchase in 2011, and we know that we want to maintain the importance of 4-H and our youth in the area of that growth."
Tim Yoder, immediate past President of the fair board, shakes Rich Utley’s hand at the annual dinner held at the Lerner Theater in September. This event commemorated the new board roles.
A New Logo
You can see the logo here, and Rich explains beautifully what it means. "My logo shows 4-H at the center of a bright beginning to a new day, and includes a farm and urban skyline to show that 4-H isn't limited to one or the other lifestyle. The silhouette of a girl sitting on a fence represents 4-H not being limited to boys, but also [being open] to young ladies. 'Planning Toward a Bright Future' not only means planning the future growth of Elkhart County Fairgrounds, but applies to the training, experience, and character qualities that are gained through 4-H involvement for our youth today." Of course, his design means something to Rich personally as well: "The logo points out that I spent many years in production planning, and that we have a daughter that was involved in Poultry [Club] and, now, a granddaughter actively involved in many different 4-H projects and activities."
What 4-H Means to Rich Utley
4-H is "a life-changing undertaking for the youth of our world," says Rich. "These youth learn many valuable aspects of life through the 4H program: responsibility, integrity, satisfaction from their achievements, community involvement, becoming a good citizen. They also make friends that last a lifetime. 4-H isn't just good for the youth; the family becomes involved, too, and that grows the family closer." Being president of the Elkhart County 4-H Fair means a lot to Utley. "It's such an awesome responsibility to represent one of the best 4-H fairs in the nation," he says. "It's scary and mind-shattering to think about. I'm so honored to have been chosen to be the 2015 President. Sometimes I just can't believe it's true." Jayco family barn today
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inMiddlebury Magazine 11
around TOWN | Parks Mini-Golf at the Library Fore! This could be one of the last times of the year to grip your golf club and take in 18 holes. Just imagine the experience: you and your club, the beautiful course, the luscious greens, the smell of books ...what?
Fall Park Updates
Yes, it is back: the very popular Mini-Golf at the Library! The one time of the year where you can swing a club and knock around a golf ball without getting thrown out of the library.
By Tom Enright, Park & Recreation Manager
Bring the whole family out to the Middlebury Community Public Library to enjoy 18 of the most cleverly-designed holes you may ever play. It’s a blast, and your green fees will help support three great organizations. The Middlebury Community Enrichment Council, comprised of The Friends of the Middlebury Library, The Friends of Middlebury Parks, and the Middlebury Community Historical Museum, are the organizers of this event. The course is open to the public on Saturday, November 1st from 10 am - 5 pm. Prices are $5 for adults and $3 for kids 12 years and under. New Improvements at Krider Gardens Park staff and volunteers led by Renee Betcke have continued landscaping around the pond and waterfalls.
RTV is an Excellent Tool for Park Staff! Please be aware of the new vehicle being used by the Park Department. This vehicle is a work vehicle for the town. The RTV is used in our daily maintenance activities. It is extremely helpful for watering town flowers and using the dump bed to haul wood chips, soil, and debris Don’t be alarmed if you see the RTV on town streets and trails!
New steps connecting waterfall area to overlook.
New fountain in concrete pond. We are planning to have an Asian theme in this area.
12 inMiddlebury Magazine | OCTOBER 2014
The Park Board and staff would like to thank StarFleet for sponsoring the Park Page this year!
Local Organizations:
Chamber | around TOWN
We Need YOU to Help Celebrate! 200 Years of Hoosier History
Do you have a program or organization that is an integral part of our community? If so, in 2016, Indiana will be having its 200th birthday, and the state’s Bicentennial Commission is looking for more involvement. The state has asked each county to participate!
Our own countywide committee is collaborating with the Elkhart County Government, Redevelopment, Convention & Visitors Bureau, Parks Department, and local downtown organizations.
home
goals: • Encourage each community to have an approved event; • Have Elkhart County be a standout among the 92 Indiana counties; • Have a Legacy memorial project to honor the Bicentennial. The 4-H Fair and the Quilt Gardens have both achieved Legacy status already, but you can apply for endorsement and submit events on the Bicentennial website. If endorsed, your program or project will be listed on the website and have use of their logo, along with receiving a letter of endorsement from the commission.
For more information, the local Middlebury contact is Diane Kauffman, owner of Affairs to Remember in downtown Middlebury; you can reach her at 825-1404.
Jayco is proud to call Middlebury
We’ve been building quality recreation vehicles right here in Middlebury since 1968. This community has not only had a hand in shaping us, but also shares the same “old-fashioned” values which have helped us grow. The Jayco family works every day to be a caring neighbor that supports community and society today and for generations to come.
Healthy Pets
Check out the state’s Bicentennial Website for application information. There are several deadlines throughout the end of the year, but the final deadline is December 31. You can find all the information at www.Indiana2016.org. Questions about endorsement can be directed to Endorsements@Indiana2016.in.gov or call 317-234-8686.
903 South Main Street | Middlebury, IN 46540 www.jayco.com OCTOBER 2014
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inMiddlebury Magazine 13
SCHOOLS | NHS
Fall Updates from NHS By Steve Troyer, Vice Principal
NHS Participates in School Safety Week Northridge High School participated in the MCS School Safety Week during the week of September 15th -19th. The event was designed to bring awareness to safety-related issues like emergency response, social etiquette, and bullying prevention. Special events at NHS included presentations on acts of kindness/compassion, school/personal safety drills and survival skills, volunteering, and a celebration of Raider Pride. The home football game on Friday night gave all students in the district the chance to show their commitment to bullying prevention, as the theme for the night centered on the OLWEUS Bullying Prevention Program. Recent Graduate Receives AP Honor 2014 NHS graduate Valeria Skorobogatko received the designation of AP Scholar with Honor. This distinction is awarded to students who receive an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. Congratulations to Valeria for her high academic achievement during her time at Northridge!
Upcoming Events at NHS October 5 – Ball State University Singers (NHS Auditorium - 4 pm) October 17 – Homecoming October 24 – Fall Break Weekend
14 inMiddlebury Magazine | OCTOBER 2014
Mr. Harms, Mr. Wood, and Mr. Troyer accepting the Ice Bucket Challenge for raising awareness for ALS from Ms. Wilfong on August 29, 2014. Community Recreation Opportunities at MCS Middlebury Community Schools has a special Community Recreation program designed for any resident of the MCS district. These programs include racquetball, recreational walking, pool lap swimming, aqua zumba, aqua arthritis, and open gym and swim. Programming times and cost information is available by clicking the Community Recreation tab at www.NasaSwimming.org. Additionally, free outdoor recreation opportunities include the use of the tennis courts, the track on the southwest side of Northridge Middle School, and the sand volleyball courts providing that they aren’t being used for school or scheduled community events. We encourage the usage of Middlebury Community Schools’ facilities and hope you enjoy these opportunities. For more info: 574-825-2142 • www.Facebook.com/nhsraiders
NHS
Athletics
Honoring Todd Woodworth
Leading the Field in Local Soccer Northridge has only had one boys soccer coach, the man who started the program here, and he was honored for his hard work with a surprise ceremony Saturday, August 30, when the soccer fields were named in his honor. The new sign that reads “Welcome to Todd Woodworth Field� is installed on the press box. Woodworth is appreciated by many, as shown by the large number of alumni players (pictured right) who came to play a reunion game in August. He plans to retire at the end of this, his 24th season. In addition to starting the high school program, he started the feeder program with the Middlebury Magic.
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inMiddlebury Magazine 15
SCHOOLS JEFFERSON ELEMENTARY’S FALL FLING Jefferson’s annual Spring Fling fundraiser has changed to a new Fall Fling that will be held on Saturday, October 18th from 11 am - 3 pm at Jefferson Elementary. The fun-filled day will offer a variety of carnival games, a bake sale, a luncheonette, and a live silent auction. There will also be a dessert bar, popcorn, and cotton candy for those that just want a light snack. We will also be incorporating some fun outside activities including a dunk tank. Fall Fling will continue to be Jefferson’s only fundraiser, so please come and help support our school!
ORCHARD VIEW ELEMENTARY No Bullying!
‘MGM’ with OVE School Pledge in the background
OVE kicked off their ‘Safety/No Bullying Week’ a bit early because they were able to have Motivational Speaker Maureen Gail Mulvaney (MGM). OVE had all K-3 students listen to MGM, who is passionate about schools and children, speak about kindness and doing what is right because it’s the right thing to do to be a Super Star Student. She talked about, and showed examples of, how to be kind to one another and to lead by example. The Orchard View students enjoyed every minute of her presentation, and the students left the assembly excited to be kind and do the right thing! MGM also visited classrooms and the lunchroom, getting to know our students and spread her joyful attitude with them. Orchard View had MGM present to parents in the evening regarding the same topics. The parent night also had a dinner and book fair. Thank you to the PTO for assisting with funds for this opportunity for our OVE family.
From left to ri ght: Isabella N Closson, Land ickell,Taryn on Troyer, Kass id y Meyer, Luca Wensel, McCla s in Miller
Maureen G. Mulvaney & Jodie Clark – Principal
Beth Horner, renowned sto ryteller
YORK ELEMENTARY York had the pleasure of welcoming Beth Horner, a renowned storyteller from Chicago, to excite and entertain us on September 5th. She had students laughing and gasping as she told old tales as well as stories from her youth. The favorite was Time to Take a Bath. Students were shocked to hear that not all homes had a bath with running water and a bathtub. Mrs. Horner painted a vivid picture of her and her siblings walking out behind the barn to the pump to have a cold shower. Boys and girls were laughing at the thought. Mrs. Horner performed at the Bristol Storytelling Festival on the weekend.
MIDDLEBURY ELEMENTARY School is back in full swing at Middlebury Elementary School. One of the great things about elementary school is that we get to learn about nature. Students are wide-eyed as they look at leaves, talk about plants, and watch caterpillars turn into butterflies. Mrs. Brandenberger’s classroom is no exception. Students collected Monarch caterpillars and put them into a butterfly viewing capsule. Soon after, the caterpillar formed a chrysalis. The students got to watch it hatch and then released it. What a great way to learn about the life cycle of Monarchs!
NORTHRIDGE MIDDLE NMS raised $1669 for the Helping Hands Fund during our 8th Grade Trivia Night. We are hosting another trivia night to help raise funds for our librarian, Teri Schmidt. This will be our ‘Love Our Librarian’ trivia night. The date is October 16th, beginning at 6:30 pm, but teams should arrive before 6:15 pm. Cost is a minimum $5 donation per person to participate. Concessions will be sold during the competition. The event will end between 8:30 - 8:45 pm. Teams can be anywhere from 2 players to 6 players in size and may be adults, students, or a combination of both.
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SCHOOLS
Heritage Intermediate Caps for Benches
Heritage Intermediate is partnering with Green Tree Plastics, an organization that works with schools and other organizations to provide them with environment-friendly, fullyrecycled benches and tables. This is in return for their participation in projects of collecting plastic caps to recycle! Heritage’s goal is to build a six-foot-long bench from 400 pounds of recycled caps. If you wish to help, save your CLEAN plastic caps and lids and bring them to the Heritage Intermediate School office.
Left to right: Kayla Wolfe, Marcus Stutzman, Blake Jacobs, Jacqulyn Gates
lastic caps and lids: p le b ta p ce ac f o s le Examp caps bottles, milk, and juice
water, soda, drink cream, and Drink items - bottled e, cottage cheese, sour ais nn yo ma ly, jel r, tte bu Food items - peanut , mustard, pickles, etc.) up tch (ke ray bottle lids condiment lids gent, fabric softener, sp ter de ry nd lau iptions lids Household goods profen, vitamins, prescr ibu in, pir as er, ion dit on ampoo/c Personal items - sh
Hacienda Night! Have a craving for chips and salsa? Mark your calendar! Hacienda is hosting a give-back night November 6th at the Linway Plaza location in Goshen. A percentage of all proceeds will be donated to the school. What an easy (and delicious) way to support Heritage!
Staying Fit and Strong
Celebrate National Physical Therapy Month Join us for a Lunch & Learn at Greencroft Middlebury Monday, October 20 at 11:30 a.m. Join us for an educational and informative event brought to you by Greencroft Middlebury and Healthcare Therapy Services at the Greencroft Middlebury Senior Center. Reservations are required and a $4.25 donation is suggested for lunch. Seating is limited so please RSVP before October 13 by calling 825-6785. Free balance testing will be offered, too.
Greencroft Middlebury is located off Wayne Street east of Das Dutchman Essenhaus. 18 inMiddlebury Magazine | OCTOBER 2014
From left: Rachel Pladson, Brian Ramirez Photo credit: Stacey Diamond
Raider Marching Band Community Performance In a show of appreciation to the community for their support, the NHS marching band will be giving a community performance at the football field at 7 pm on October 23rd. The show is called Age of Progress and features contemporary music and complicated marching formations, LED lights and P-bones. (A P-bone is a plastic trombone... you’ll have to come out and see for yourself!)
Hometown
Holidays
November 21, 2014, 4 - 8 pm
USDA Guaranteed Rural Housing Loan No money down, with a loan amount up to 100% of the appraised value on the purchase of a new home.
First Federal Savings Bank
Available to eligible borrowers 2926 S. Main St., Elkhart • 574-524-8989 on homes in USDA eligible 800-251-2618 • www.firstfederalbanking.com communities. Borrowers must meet underwriting guidelines. A delivery fee may be applicable to the loan. A loan originator can provide more information on how any delivery fee may impact the loan’s annual percentage rate. NMLS # 399927. Member FDIC.
Middlebury’s favorite evening of the year, the Hometown Holiday event, is sponsored by the Middlebury Chamber of Commerce this year. Instead of the traditional envelope full of coupons, next month you’ll find all of the specials in a pull-out section in our November magazine. Want to advertise? Call 574-304-3913 or email info@inmiddlebury.com by October 8th.
Investments • Retirement • Insurance LeRoy Miller INVESTMENT ADVISOR REPRESENTATIVE
(c ) 574.358.0178
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. TFG002367-01\14.
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What a Grand Design! W
hat do you get when you have a newer, smaller company with three co-owners who each have over 25 years of experience in the RV industry and spend time in the plants with the workers honing, steering, fine-tuning, and creating alongside of them?
By Stephanie J. Salisbury
The Power of Smaller
You get connectivity, according to Don Clark, President and Co-Owner of Grand Design Recreational Vehicles. Coming from larger companies, he missed the connectivity with customers, dealers, suppliers, and the people in the shops. “Big, lethargic companies can’t move to where the customers are,” he explains. “We can go with
Pictured Left to Right: Ron Fenech (Co-Owner), Don Clark (President/Co-Owner), and Bill Fenech (Co-Owner)
“This is our passion. We’re committed.” -Don Clark, President & Co-Owner, Grand Design Recreational Vehicles
20 inMiddlebury Magazine | OCTOBER 2014
Grand Design Milestones
April 2013
Fall 2012
Don Clark, Ron Fenech, and Bill Fenech acquire a 450,000 square foot manufacturing campus located on 67 acres in Middlebury.
Indiana Governor Mike Pence visits Grand Design RV to celebrate the 100th employee hired and the 100th Solitude Fifth Wheel delivered.
November 2013
January 2013
Grand Design receives the prestigious RV Dealer Association’s Quality Circle Award at the Louisville RV show.
The first Solitude Fifth Wheel is delivered to Dandy RV Superstores, Anniston, Alabama.
the market, give the customers what they want.” This connectivity makes it easier to see a trend and then immediately become a leader in that trend. Ron Fenech, Co-Owner, discusses how Grand Design came about. With their combined experience, the three decided to think about what it would look like to re-design a company from the ground up. “The market has changed,” he says. “The customer has changed. The internet has changed the dynamic of how people buy.” He believes that their size has made them more efficient and has brought a higher level of quality to the business. “We’re Main Street, we’re not Wall Street,” says Bill Fenech, the third co-owner. “At the end of the day, we’re trying to build a great company.” He says the experience has been humbling. They only do business with one dealer in the marketplace, so they are “creating partnerships and trust levels other manufacturers can’t achieve.”
Raising The Bar on Quality
“There’s a reason why our product is standing head and shoulders above the pack,” says Don Clark. Every single unit goes through a thorough inspection, not just a spot check, and then on to a final finish before it’s shipped out. Then it goes to another part of the plant where it is re-checked and re-final finished. Only then will it be ready for shipping. “Our word truly is our bond. When we say something, we do it, and we stick to it,” says Bill Fenech.
March 2014
Grand Design opens third plant, increases its workforce to over 500 employees, and becomes the third largest producer of Fifth Wheels in the RV industry.
Financially Solid
“Grand Design has no debt,” explains Don Clark in a humble manner. “We paid for the facility in cash and I’m pleased to say, early on, even after our first year of business, we’re firmly in the black and we don’t have any of the shackles of debt that would inhibit our growth. It’s a healthy company and we’re fortunate to be in the position that we are.”
It’s All About the People
“In order to build a great company, you’ve got to have great people,” Don Clark tells us. “We were very intentional about the initial employee base that we were building.” “We deliberately chose the Middlebury area as our manufacturing home because of the outstanding workforce in the area,” says Marty Friend, Marketing & Communications Manager. “We are extremely proud of our craftsmen and the fine product they create. Every day they invest exceptional care, focus and precision into each stage of our manufacturing process.” It is sometimes difficult to find dedicated, hard workers, but not in Middlebury, Indiana. “Much of our workforce is drawn from the Amish community, well-known for their core values of faith, family, hard work,” says Friend. “In our workplace, these values translate into a harmonious, cooperative work environment and yield a superior end product for our customers.” From size to stability to connectivity, Grand Design is pleased to present a superior quality product each and every time. OCTOBER 2014
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outdoor LIVING
Exploring Nature through
Leaf Art By Dr. Carla Gull
B
efore composting the leaves in the yard, try a little nature fun with them. The vibrant changing colors of fall leaves make it a perfect time to explore textures, colors, creativity, and sound. Here are a few simple ideas:
• Try freeform leaf art. Gather leaves, sort by color, and CREATE! We’ve made vibrant butterflies, bees, and suns! • Using crayons, do leaf rubbings on blank paper. Put the veins face up, cover with the paper, and rub a crayon lengthwise over the paper. A watercolor painting over the crayon rubbing is an added effect. • While making leaf piles, use the leaves to make interesting art on the driveway. We start with a few ideas, like a star or leaf face, and then let people explore their own creativity. I find using leaves on a larger scale works well with this, creating a basic outline and filling in with leaves. • Using fresh leaves, cover the leaf with a thin coat of paint on the veined side. Use this to make prints on blank paper. • Garlands are all the rage! Punch a hole through leaves, thread them on string, and display them for all to see. You can even watch as they naturally recycle! • Make nature faces. We either use natural clay from the local craft store to ‘glue’ pieces of nature like leaves to the side of a tree to make a face, or make a big circle on the ground with sidewalk chalk and add in leaf features for the eyes, ears, nose, hair, etc.
This fall, take a moment to connect with nature through art exploration and the wonderfully changing leaves! How do the leaves inspire you to create? 22 inMiddlebury Magazine | OCTOBER 2014
For more info visit Dr. Carla Gull’s blog: www.InsideOutsideMichiana.com. She is often seen with her four tag-along explorers in the greater Michiana area.
Charting the Course of our Town
MIDDLEBURY COMMUNITY
Enrichment Council Middlebury Community Enrichment Council (MCEC) is comprised of the Friends of Middlebury Community Public Library, the Friends of Middlebury Parks, and the Middlebury Community Historical Museum. Main objective: Fundraising Most successful fundraiser: Annual Mini-Golf at the Library (Saturday, November 1, 9 am to 4 pm)
MIDDLEBURY COMMUNITY HISTORICAL MUSEUM GOAL: Collect, preserve, and present history of Middlebury area for education and enjoyment of present and future generations.
FRIENDS OF THE MIDDLEBURY PARKS Goal: Assist in maintaining and developing an exceptional system of parks, trails, and recreational programs that result in “Making Life Better”. 2013 projects included: Building sections of boardwalk for Riverbend Park, planning for new trails, repairing Krider Windmill. (This group is different from the Parks Board, which is responsible for oversight/management of all parks and recreation including physical facilities, funding, and planning for special events.)
CONTACT: Dick Cook Ph: 596-3802 rockfish45@live.com
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY GOAL: Help raise funds, assist with events, and support activities of the library. Meet the Candidates Night Tuesday, October 14 Library Community Room
This is a group of community citizens with a desire for preserving history of Middlebury community including townships of Jefferson, Middlebury, and York. Website: www.mchm.org CONTACT: Richard Smith Ph: 825-0978 rsmith@mchm.org
website: www.mdy.lib.in.us CONTACT: Jackie Landaw jet1962@gmail.com If you’re interested in including a non-profit organization in an upcoming article, contact Melissa@inMiddlebury.com. OCTOBER 2014
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REMEMBER when
Drtiavleg-iain Nos
By Stephanie J. Salisbury
ris He leased it to Ch by Norm Fisher. ilt bu a ni as or w lif In eCa e on the Dog & Suds Driv entrated his tim nc co ly ris Back in 1963, a te Ch na ce io r, affect of Goshen, but sin e and Leta Yode Jo to ds Su and Sadie Yoder & d g Do oppe ereafter, they dr n, Norm sold the d guests. Soon th Drive-In in Goshe an s ee the Little oy by pl op em & Pops’ to e-In’. This st iv om Dr s ‘M e’ as ‘Jo n it ow ll s. kn cided to ca le for many year moniker and de a downtown stap as w ) the Dog & Suds w no is s here Royal Motor Elkhart River (w
“I worked there every summer until I left for college in ‘69,” says Larry Yoder, son of Joe and Leta. He and many others have such fond memories of their place of employment that they recently had a Joe’s Drive-In reunion, sharing memories, pictures, and laughs together. “I was involved all the years they owned it,” says Marti Bontrager, daughter of the beloved Mom and Pops. “Sometimes I worked as a carhop, and sometimes I worked as a prep cook. The batter-dipped onion rings were a secret batter, and people came just for those onion rings. I know it by heart, and still make them for my husband,” she smiles.
Mom and Pops
Respect meant a lot back then. “Dad had a philosophy,” says Marti. “The customer was always right, even when they weren’t! We treated each person with respect and made sure when they left they were thinking about a return visit. But he was also very stern with customers that seemed to be giving an employee a bad time. I remember a few of the young men that were asked to leave the premises and given strict orders not to come back until they could be respectful,” she laughs. When it became a used car lot, the contents and fixtures were sold at auction. “The first time I came home to visit and saw the drive-in gone, it brought tears!” Marti says. “So many fond memories of customers who became friends – some of them lifetime friends. So many people met there for the first time and, later, became a couple, and then marriage and a family.”
This article is brought to you by: Over 35 years of
experience
Landmark Realty Group, Inc.
24 inMiddlebury Magazine | OCTOBER 2014
Vicki Myers
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Kent Miller, GRI, CRS, ABR 104 North Main, PO Box 466 Phone: 574.536.3999 E mail: C21KMiller@aol.com www.KentMillerHomes.com
Yoder
deals
1965 inMiddlebury
Became Joe’s Drive-In
1963 Built as Dog & Suds
1964 Mom & Pops bought Dog & Suds
1982 Pops (Joe) passed away
1973 Sold to Mel Troyer, became Raider Drive-In
1992 Vonda Pitgen purchased drive-in
1989 Gordon & Sally Nusbaum purchased drive-in
Easy tear-out pages! 2014 First Joe’s Drive-In reunion
2000 Mom (Leta) passed away
Timeline
iller Sherk
Glenda M
Front: (left) Rich Yoder, Larry Yoder. Seco nd row: (left) Ada Yoder, Alice Rickey, Betty Steele, Marti Bontrag er, Connie Knepp. Third row: (left) Nancy Hagenbuch, Vicki Myers, Eliza beth Barone, Steve Rickey, Wanda Cross, Pete Miller, Cindy Yoder, Ernie Knepp.
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Easy tear-out pages!
Local Business Directory Call to ask about advertising in our Business Directory for as low as $50 a month!
SueAlbertDesign@gmail.com
825-1275 Invitations • Brochures Posters • Flyers • Business Cards
26 inMiddlebury Magazine | OCTOBER 2014
For more information call 574-304-3913 or email info@inmiddlebury.com
Easy tear-out pages!
deals
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inMiddlebury
inMiddlebury Magazine 27
deals
inMiddlebury
28 inMiddlebury Magazine | OCTOBER 2014
Easy tear-out pages!
Easy tear-out pages!
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“The prettiest little store I’ve ever seen!”
825-9146 • 103 Crystal Heights Blvd. • Middlebury, IN • 825-7011
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deals
inMiddlebury
103 Crystal Heights Blvd. Middlebury, IN 825-9146 • 825-7011
30 inMiddlebury Magazine | OCTOBER 2014
Easy tear-out pages!
GROW WITH US MIDDLEBURY. • December 2008—RV and Automotive Industry Veteran Kelly Rose Launches EverGreen Recreational Vehicles, LLC, in Middlebury, Indiana • January 2009—Rose acquires first 125,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Middlebury, Indiana • December 2011—EverGreen expands into second facility in anticipation of launching the new Lifestyle Luxury RV Division • December 2013 –EverGreen is the fastest growing company of the top 15 manufacturers in the towable RV segment for 2013 for both unit growth, at 85.5 percent and market share growth at 60.4 percent • June 2014 – EverGreen Recreational Vehicles Commits One Million to a New Customer Service and Parts Center in Middlebury
Thank You MiddleburY!
EverGreen Recreational Vehicles, LLC was founded by Kelly Rose in Middlebury, Indiana in December of 2008. Today, EverGreen’s 14 brands and over 350,000 square feet of manufacturing space under roof, employing 350 members of the community, stand testament to the positive business environment of Middlebury, Indiana.
www.GoEverGreenRV.com 1-574-825-4298
www.LifestyleLRV.com 1-574-825-5578
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