inMiddlebury Magazine July 2016 by inMiddlebury Magazine

inMiddlebury Magazine P.O. Box 68 Middlebury, IN 46540

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Rolls off the production line

Jayco’s 1,000,000th 2016:

1968: Jayco’s first…

Celebrating Life in Middlebury, Indiana

JULY 2016

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JULY

Table of Contents

around town 04 Middlebury Milestones 05 Community Calendar 06 Boys & Girls Club: BBQ & Brew Fest 08 Outdoor Living: Milkweed and Monarchs 09 Middlebury Parks Department Update 16 American Legion Spotlight: Leonard Wisowaty 20 Chamber of Commerce 26 Someone You Should Know: Ron Chupp 28 Business Directory feature stories 11 Gloria Salavarria: A Ride Along a Quiet Country Road 14 Bike Patrol 17 Jayco: A Middlebury Landmark schools 22 Updates From Our Schools coupons 29 Deals in Middlebury July Cover: Derald and Wilbur Bontrager recently recreated a photo with Jayco’s one millionth unit, based on a 1968 photo of their father, Lloyd, with the company’s very first pop-up camper. Photo supplied by Jayco, Inc. What’s Happening Online

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Editor’s Note This spring was marked with a very large number at Jayco, Inc. – 1,000,000. The long-time Middlebury RV manufacturer rolled its one millionth unit off the line, an amazing feat for a company that has been an integral part of the Middlebury community since it began in 1968. inMiddlebury Magazine spoke with Derald and Wilbur Bontrager, who are tireless in their work to keep the company their father and mother, Lloyd and Bertha Bontrager, created going strong. And while camping in an RV is a great vacation, inMiddlebury photographer Gloria Salavarria shows that you don’t need to go too far to find some real beauty. But, as she shows, it helps to take a more leisurely pace around Middlebury to really discover some of these gems. Guy Thompson, Editor

CONTRIBUTORS PUBLISHER William Connelly

Advertising Carrie Boyer & Scott Faust

EDITOR Guy Thompson

CONTRIBUTING WRITER Dr. Carla Gull

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Sue Albert

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Russ Draper, Kris Mueller & Gloria Salavarria

Advertise with us Share your message with every home and business within the Middlebury School Corporation. We mail the magazine to over 10,000 addresses 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 August magazine is July 8 Interested in being a volunteer writer or photographer? Have an idea for a story? We’d love to hear from you! Need a logo or design project? Give us a call at 574-825-9112 or email editor@inMiddlebury.com JULY 2016 | inMiddlebury

Magazine 3

7/4 7/4 7/10 7/10 7/11 7/12 7/16 7/17 7/17 7/17 7/17 7/23 7/24 7/25

Dale J. Miller – 17 Don Schrock Dave Fry Ethan Fry – 8 Chlöe Thompson – Sweet 16! Jack Doebin – 6 Korrie Schrock Kyla Kauffman – 9 Braxton Lantzer – 3 Haley Piper – 14 Caleb Yoder – 7 Trentin Miller Taylor Coulter – 21 Ellie Shapiro – 1

7/25

Brad & Anita Fisher, 29th

Happy 1st Birthday, Ellie Shapiro!

Happy Sweet 16 , Chlöe Thompso n!

Have a Celebration in August? Let us know by July 8 1. Website: www.inMiddlebury.com/milestones 2. Facebook: www.Facebook.com/inMiddlebury. Click on the blue (Submit) tab 3. Mail: inMiddlebury Magazine: PO Box 68, Middlebury, IN 46540. Please include a phone number or email address in case we have a question. 4. Call us at: 574-825-9112

Russ Draper Photography www.flickr.com/photos/russ_draper

Happy 9th Bir th day, Kayla Kauffman !

Happy 3rd Birthday, Braxton Lantzer!

Looking for a place at the table? Stop in and visit! All are welcome!

CONTACT draperruss@gmail.com 574.361.3903

4 inMiddlebury Magazine | JULY 2016

Our worship service starts at 9:30 am. We offer a unique blend of traditional and contemporary music. St. Paul’s Lutheran Church

708 Wayne Street • Middlebury • 825-2280 • www.StPaulsMiddlebury.org

4th Annual

Middlebury TrailsFest – July 9 The Friends of Middlebury Parks will hold its 4th Annual TrailsFest from 5-9 p.m. on Saturday, July 9, at the Trestle Terrace behind Krider Gardens. The annual event raises awareness and funding for the Trails of Middlebury. This year TrailsFest includes an evening of live music, local food, craft brews and children’s games and activities.

Community Calendar MONTHLY AMERICAN LEGION DINNERS, 5:30 - 7 p.m., Public welcome 1st Friday: All-You-Can-Eat Fish by the Legion 2nd Friday: Varied menu by Legion Riders 3rd Friday: All-You-Can-Eat Broasted Chicken by Auxiliary 4th Friday: Sandwich Baskets by Sons of American Legion 5th Friday: Lasagna dinner by Boy Scout Troop 7 Last Saturday: Steak Grill Call the Legion at 825-5121 for more information.

The Tumbleweed Jumpers describe themselves as an Americana band featuring “folk music with a little extra groove.” There will also be delicious food from Old Hoosier Meats and a variety of craft beer selections from Goshen Brewing Company along with other local food and drinks.

1ST & 3RD MONDAYS: Town Council Meetings at Town Hall – 6 p.m.

The Friends of the Middlebury Parks encourages all of those attending to ride their bike to the event. Bike riders will receive special discounts at the event to be used for food and drinks. Pumpkinvine Cyclery will have a tent available to check all children’s bikes for safety and are raffling off a bicycle.

WEEKLY

All funds raised during TrailsFest will be used for the construction of the Ridge Run Trail system.

1ST & 3RD WEDNESDAYS: Middlebury Men’s Club Meetings at the American Legion – 7 p.m.

MON–FRI: TUES: WED: FRI: SAT:

REAL Services Lunch, Ages 60+, Greencroft Euchre and Table Games, Greencroft – 6:30 p.m. Middlebury Exchange Club, Essenhaus – 6:30 a.m. Optimist Club Breakfast, Essenhaus – 6:30 a.m. Farmers Market, 8 a.m. –1 p.m.

JULY:

Trails of Middlebury Celebration

AUGUST:

3 Jefferson Elementary Registration 8 Jefferson Elementary Open House 27 BBQ & Brew Fest 27 Riverfest The Middlebury Summer Festival will be held Friday and Saturday, Aug. 12-13, in the downtown area. Bring your family to meet old friends and new, with live music, festival food, crafters, children’s activities and more! Wholesome family entertainment can be found at this fun small town festival that hosts the largest small town parade in the area. The parade starts at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 13, and travels from Middlebury Elementary School to the fire station on Main Street.

There’s still time to join the parade! We’re looking for parade participants. Applications and information can be found at MiddleburyFestivals.com. Applications need to be in by August 5.

Join Our Team!

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Advertising Sales Representative with strong communication skills and a desire to succeed to sell advertising either full-time or part-time for our Magazine. If you are interested in joining the inMiddlebury Magazine team, please forward your resume and cover letter to: Advertising@LaGrangePublishing.com JULY 2016 | inMiddlebury

Magazine 5

around TOWN | Boys & Girls Club

Coming August 27

Middlebury’s First-Ever

BBQ & Brew Fest There’s a new event on its way to Middlebury! BBQ & Brew Fest will take place on Saturday, Aug. 27, at Patchwork Quilt Inn on CR 2. The event will provide our community with the opportunity to come together and enjoy local food, drinks, and live music. With doors set to open at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27, BBQ & Brew Fest has a schedule of events that will appeal to guests of all ages. An area featuring bounce houses and entertainment for children will be available for young families, while adults can enjoy live music and drinks inside the beautiful Patchwork Quilt barn. Micro-brew from Middlebury’s own Wedgewood Brewery and Goshen Brewery will be available to guests along with Nelson’s Chicken and live music performances throughout the day, including a highly anticipated performance by country music band Billy Croft & the 5 Alarm of Chicago, Ill. at 6:30 p.m.

Country music band Billy Croft & the 5 Alarm will perform live at this year’s BBQ & Brew Fest on August 27 at Patchwork Quilt Inn.

Grill Master Grill-Off And that’s not all that makes BBQ & Brew Fest a guaranteed good time. To kick off the event, teams representing local businesses will compete to grill the area’s best burger in a grilling contest. The public can vote for the “2016 Fan Favorite” team online at www.bbqandbrewfestival.com as well as during the event. Votes are cast in increments of $1 and proceeds raised from the competition will support the Boys & Girls Club of Middlebury. A panel of local food critics and celebrity guests will judge the winning burger and award the “2016 Judge’s Favorite Award.” Guest judges this year include local food editor Marshall King and Victoria Brenneman of Edible Michiana Magazine. All-Inclusive Admission

Local businesses will compete in a burger grilling contest raising funds for Boys & Girls Club of Middlebury. Interested in entering a team? Email Lsaunders@bgcelkhartcounty.org.

Wristbands for BBQ & Brew Fest are available online at www. bbqandbrewfestival.com. Adult admission starts at $35 and includes appetizers catered by Rulli’s Italian Eatery, dinner by Nelson’s Port-a-Pit Chicken and drink tickets. Children under age 12 are free and students just $10. Child and student admissions also include Nelson’s Chicken and drinks.

This article is brought to you by:

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Magazine 7

Outdoor LIVING

Milkweed and Monarchs! by Dr. Carla Gull I know many associate milkweed with the tall, scraggly plant at the end of summer with the pods opening for the seeds to spread in the wind; however, have you ever smelled milkweed blossoms? I started taking notice about three years ago and found the smell intoxicating – it ranks right up there with lilacs! As a child I remember spreading the seeds in late fall. I was just exploring wind as I watched and chased the windborne seeds. Little did I know I was also helping the monarch butterfly! As the seeds spread and find a new spot to germinate the next year, the new plants become a host site for monarchs returning to our area in the summer. The adults lay eggs on the host plant, milkweed. The caterpillars have food ready to eat. The slightly toxic milkweed makes the butterfly distasteful to birds. My children also spread seeds as they play with the floating seeds, populating our own yard with milkweed plants. Last year we found a few caterpillars. Knowing only 10 percent of monarch caterpillars make it to butterflies, we decided to care for them indoors, giving them fresh leaves and cleaning the cage regularly. They got bigger and bigger until they started with the J hook shape hanging from the Milkweed flowers

Monarch butterfly release on asters lid. We were lucky to catch the transformation from the letter J to the chrysalis. It was truly a metamorphic process – I still can’t quite believe my eyes! A few weeks later, a butterfly emerged, needing a few hours to dry and straighten its wings before taking flight off our late summer flowers. What an experience! I hope my children’s children can continue to see this transformation, so for now, I will let my children play with milkweed seeds, spreading hope for the butterflies!

Tips: • Allow milkweed to grow in yards and along roadsides. • Plant milkweed and other plants the butterflies need for food. • Look for milkweed plants at farmer’s markets and smaller, local nurseries. • Join groups to understand more about monarchs and milkweeds. I like the group: Monarchs and Milkweed. Facebook.com/ groups/688389397869570 • Create a Monarch Waystation. MonarchWatch. org/Waystations • Tell others about the need to plant and preserve milkweed plants. • After learning more about monarchs, consider raising a caterpillar or two. MonarchButterflyGarden.net/how-toraise-monarch-butterflies-inside Dr. Carla Gull blogs at www.InsideOutsideMichiana.com. She is often seen with her four tag-along explorers in the greater Michiana area.

8 inMiddlebury Magazine | JULY 2016

Upcoming

arks

Parks Events

epartment

Making Life Better

by the Middlebury Park Board

Ridge Run Trail Update The Friends of the Middlebury Parks are preparing to request quotes for construction of the trail system. Soon the Trails of Middlebury will expand due to funding support from the Das Dutchman Essenhaus, Greencroft Middlebury, the Corson Family Foundation, the Middlebury Parks Department, Friends of the Middlebury Parks members, grants from the Community Foundation of Elkhart County and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, and donations from supporters of the Trails of Middlebury. The goal is to award the contract and complete construction of the trail this year. Thank you to all that have committed time and money to this community project. Proposed Ridge Run Trail System

Middlebury Schools Campus

Wayne Avenue

Essenhaus Campus Greencroft Middlebury

Save the date for this year’s

Riverfest! Saturday, Aug. 27

10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Riverbend Park in Middlebury US

Trail Legend Ridge Run Trail Essenhaus Connector Trail Greencroft Connector Trail Existing Pumpkinvine Nature Trail Existing Wayne Avenue Trail

Parks Page Sponsored By:

All new events include “Animals in the Trees” live animal show, “Trees of Riverbend Hike,” “Wormology,” and to celebrate the Indiana Bicentennial, historic reenactors will set up an 1800s camp on the Little Elkhart. Annual favorites such as the Fish Stunning Program, the DNR Dive Demo and the fascinating ETHOS Bus return, too, along with kayaking, fossils, art crafts and games….and great Amish food! Outdoor education with the fun of a festival. Learn, laugh and relive Middlebury’s heritage while celebrating the value of fresh water and the Little Elkhart River at this free, family-friendly event.

JULY 2016 | inMiddlebury

Magazine 9

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SHIPSHEWANA A change in the wind May 3 - July 12

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A Ride Along a Quiet Country Road Story and photos by Gloria Salavarria

Until I moved here, my guy cats had a bad habit of living not much beyond the age of four – simply because they didn’t look both ways to see whether a car was coming. Last week, my guy cat Taz celebrated his 13th birthday and so moving to this neighborhood eight years ago was a good move for him, too. I thought I’d show you why it was also a good move for me as well. When I’m not running errands in downtown Middlebury, I head out onto CR 116 to explore the roads through Amish farm country as part of my daily exercise routine – especially when the weather is sunny and there’s no rain in the immediate forecast. I prefer to travel with my camera during the hours before 10:30 a.m. or after 2 p.m., when the lighting is right for photography. I also keep an eye out for anything that’s interesting.

THE VILLAS OF RIVER PARK

CR 43

nother plus is that my cats are far less tempted to cross the street and far more tempted to go prowl the woods and the Little Elkhart flood plain behind my home – a place just teeming with mice. It’s there that my cats can play to their hearts’ content and I can stop worrying about my guy cat crossing the street.

CR 16

CR 116

I like to ride out into the countryside so my move to the Villas of River Park, which is next door to quiet country roads on the east side of Middlebury, was a definite plus.

The driveway out of the Villas of River Park subdivision onto CR 116.

CR 116

CR 116 is a quiet country road that runs south off of CR 16 (the Middlebury/Shipshe road). It then turns east, south, and then east again before intersecting with CR 43, which also runs south off of CR 16.

For all the times that I’ve been up and down this road, there’s never been a dull ride so far. In the eight years I’ve lived at the Villas I’ve never once found CR 116 a dull road to travel. The road is less than two miles long but there’s always something interesting that I’ll see while traveling this road. A change of light often highlights something that I may have missed on earlier rides. Or, as in JULY 2016 | inMiddlebury

Magazine 11

the case of the man and his team mowing alfalfa, I just happened to be at the right place at the right time. Traveling slower, and with a camera in hand, forces one to see what’s going on around one. I highly recommend it!

This is what I saw during a recent ride…

At the end of the driveway, a view of a freshly planted field.

The irrigation system has been moved out onto the field to begin its work.

I usually head south on CR 116 to get out into the farm countryside.

Along the way I pass flower gardens planted by Amish women to provide color to gladden the eye.

Smooth Bromegrass seed heads waving in the wind also catches my eye as the wind moves it and the sunlight hits it just right. CR 116 has three right-angle bends which follow farm property lines but also serve us well in slowing down vehicular traffic. Amish are the main residents along this road but pickup trucks come once in a while to deliver supplies and pick up produce. 12 inMiddlebury Magazine | JULY 2016

More flowers to gladden the eye.

Bromegrass isn’t the only variety of grass thriving on roadside deposits of horse manure which is itself filled with grass seed. We also have orchardgrass as well.

The Amish hang their laundry out to air-dry.

This Jersey cow has discovered that the gate is a good place for a chin rub.

One also can more fully appreciate a view of an Amish farm house and outbuildings from across a neighbor’s garden. Just before CR 116 ended on CR 43, I stopped and watched an Amish man and his team of draft horses mowing a field of alfalfa with a gas-powered harvester. The Amish combine the best of the old and new technologies in their farming. JULY 2016 | inMiddlebury

Magazine 13

Middlebury Police Department:

Bike Patrol by Stephanie J. Salisbury

Middlebury Police Department Deputy Marc D. Cockburn began the bike patrol unit back in 2012. Six patrol officers, including Cockburn, work within the city of Middlebury and also along the Pumpkinvine Trail. Often they patrol on their own, but they are also dispatched to calls. Many advantages for bicycles “Officers are not only more approachable on bicycles,” explains Deputy Cockburn, “but a police officer can see and hear more without the restrictions of being in a patrol car. We can smell the odor of marijuana or cigarettes, we can hear verbal or physical arguments within a home, and we can travel under the cover of darkness to gain access to areas where we would not want people to be alerted by incoming motor vehicle traffic.” There are many crimes that have been halted by bike patrol officers when it would have been a hindrance to be in a patrol car. For instance, in public parks, stealth and speed can be essential in drug arrests whereas an incoming police car might alert the perpetrators and send them running before the arrest can be made. “There has been an arrest of a fleeing subject on the Pumpkinvine who had a warrant for his arrest and was on a moped,” Deputy Cockburn recalls. “Officers have also responded to medical calls on the Pumpkinvine where the injured person was located, and we were able to get EMS on location faster.” Getting to know the community Additionally, it’s easier for the patrol officers to make casual contact with the public without being inside of a patrol car. It’s important for the community to understand that all patrol officers are there to help make things safer, and it’s oftentimes simpler to start a conversation with a bicyclist than an officer driving a car down the road. “I am frequently stopped by residents who thought it more convenient to flag a bicyclist down and inform me of activity and thank me for my service,” said Deputy Cockburn. Traffic and crowds One of the most important uses of a community bike patrol is during a festival or big event. Sometimes, roads are blocked 14 inMiddlebury Magazine | JULY 2016

off to traffic so cars are not able to use the same patterns they usually do, but bikes are not hindered by this and a patrol officer on a bike might have a much easier and faster time locating a missing child, assisting someone with a disability in the crowd, dispatching medical help, and more. “Bicycle patrol units are a huge asset to any department where heavy traffic and crowd control can become an issue,” explains Deputy Cockburn. With their ability to cover far more ground than officers on foot during a parade or festival, it’s much simpler for a bike patrol to pass along equipment, information, and assistance to the community. Thank You, Deputy Cockburn! Marc Cockburn’s last day with the Middlebury Police Department before moving across the country to Idaho was May 28. We want to especially thank him for all he has done for our community to ensure our safety in the time that he was with us!

The most unique nonprofit organization in Elkhart County needs quality people to serve as Volunteer Side Walkers. The Side Walker’s job is to support their rider physically and emotionally. No experience with horses needed, we provide a two hour training session for all new Side Walkers. LoveWay asks that you commit to at least one semester of our Therapeutic Riding program (1 semester = 13 classes at 1.5 hrs. per class). Classes run in the mornings and evenings. All volunteer trainings held at LoveWay. Dates are: • • • •

Tuesday, Aug. 9, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11, 6 - 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 16, 6 - 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18, 10 am - 12 pm

Our fall semester of Therapeutic Riding classes begins early September - Don’t forget your boots! Volunteer Side Walkers must be 16 or older and able to walk on uneven ground for 45 minutes.

LoveWay serves about 300 disabled and special needs riders every year. Our Volunteers corps is a tremendously appreciated group and vital to the success of our programs.

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Middlebury, Indiana – Since 1974 JULY 2016 | inMiddlebury

Magazine 15

American Legion

Veteran Spotlight

by Guy Thompson

Leonard Wisowaty Leonard R. Wisowaty served in the U.S. Army, 26th Field Artillery Battalion, 9th Infantry Division. He earned the rank of Sergeant and served from July 1954 until May 1956 in Schwabach, Bavaria, Germany, and received the Army of Occupation (Germany) Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. His father, Leonard A. Wisowaty, was a Sergeant in the U.S. Army A.E.F. (American Expeditionary Forces) in WWI, 19181919, in St. Nazare, France. His brother, Richard Wisowaty, was a seaman in the U.S. Navy during WWII.

Memories of Service: “I remember the constant tension and frequent deployment of the battalion to defensive positions, relative to living in one of the primary invasion routes that the Soviet Army would use to invade Western Europe if they chose to, making the ‘Cold War’ become the ‘hot war’,” Wisowaty noted.

Leonard Wisowaty when he joined the U.S. Army, above left, and more recently, above. Top right, Wisowaty takes a moment to enjoy his time stationed in Schwabach, Bavaria, in Germany. Bottom right, Wisowaty at the 26th Field Artillery Battalion, 9th Infantry Division headquarters.

During his time in Europe, he took 14 days of leave to tour major cities, including a public Papal Audience with the Pope in Rome.

After Service: Wisowaty was married for 38 years after a “seven-year courtship,” but was widowed 21 years ago. He and his wife adopted two children.

He has been a Boy Scout since 1945, earning the rank of Eagle Scout. His son also became an Eagle Scout. He served as Charter Organization Representative of Middlebury American Legion Post 210 to Boy Scout Troop 7 and Cub Scout Pack 770.

He graduated from Illinois Institute of Technology with a degree in business. He retired after 38 years in purchasing management.

Wisowaty has been a member and Past Adjutant of Middlebury American Legion Post 210, the Middlebury Men’s Club and the V.F.W.

This article is brought to you by: Proud to be a part of our community’s past, present, and future since 1929. We encourage students to submit an application and ask us about our 4-year scholarship program for college or trade school.

11096 CR 16 • Middlebury, IN 46540 • (574) 825-2177 16 inMiddlebury Magazine | JULY 2016

Jayco: A Middlebury Landmark

he Jayco brand has been a part of Middlebury since its founders, Lloyd and Bertha Bontrager, made their first RV on their farm south of town in 1968. And this spring, as the company closes in on 50 years, it rolled out its 1,000,000th unit. “The farm was three miles from here. And dad bought the land here,” Chairman of the Board Wilbur Bontrager said, sitting in the corporate headquarters on SR 13 just south of US 20. “It’s where we grew up,” added company President and CEO Derald Bontrager. The two are sons of Lloyd and Bertha, and have grown up with the company. Over the years, the Jayco campus has grown, too, and is the largest privately held RV manufacturer in the U.S. There have been other sites, with a plant opened in 1971 in Kansas and Ontario, but the energy crisis that hit a couple of years later brought all of the production back to Middlebury. The support from the town and community, paired with the labor

market in the area, made the perfect combination for the company to grow in Middlebury. It has grown to a campus of 60 buildings spread out over 600 acres. “This is a desirable place to work,” Wilbur said. “There are many employees with 20 years or more of service here,” Derald added. “We have more than 214 with 20 years or more. They are loyal, hardworking people and we couldn’t do this without them.” The company not only draws from Middlebury and beyond for its work force, but for its components, as well. The Bontragers said that around 90 percent of the components for its RVs are made within 40 miles of Middlebury. There are more people employed overall on the supplier side than just at Jayco. Add to that the transporters and drivers who come and go through the town, and it’s easy to see how the company has a tremendous impact on the community. “Area restaurants and stores ask how busy we are,” Wilbur noted. Business comes and goes based on how busy a major employer such as Jayco is at any given time. “Thirty percent of Elkhart County’s Gross Domestic Product is in RV manufacturing,” Derald pointed out.

wn 1971 Jay Series Fold Do

As the recession in 2009 showed, that can hit the area hard. “We’ve weathered a handful of recessions over five decades,” Derald stated. And getting through those comes back to the people working for them, he added. It’s the loyalty and team effort that gets them through. When the company was young and hit its first recession in 1973, they remember management team members going out on the line to help. This past recession, the company was down to around 1,100 employees, about 40 percent of the previous workforce. “One key to survival is changing where change is needed,” Wilbur said. “That’s what takes a lot of manufacturers out.” The last downturn, he noted, took JULY 2016 | inMiddlebury

Magazine 17

the most number of businesses out. Now the outlook for the industry is looking healthy once again, with tracking numbers predicting sales of 400,000 or more units industrywide in 2016. Over the past few years Jayco has added to its stable, including Entegra Coach in 2008, which added Class A motorhomes, and then Highland Ridge in 2014. The Highland Ridge plant in Shipshewana has just begun a major expansion. The Starcraft brand was added back in 1991.

1972 Sportster Truck Camper

In all, the company now employs 3,300 people across all of the brands. The company is looking ahead as growth is expected in the industry. “We’re not too far away from half a million units sold a year, industrywide,” Derald stated. “The market is there. We see some room to expand in Middlebury, but some expansion further west, too.” Around 30 percent of the market is west of the Rockies, he pointed out. “It’s in our DNA to explore and travel,” Wilbur said. “That desire drives our industry. And until the economy changes to reduce that confidence, we’ll remain strong.”

And as the company grows, that will mean good things for the area. “The town, the county and state have all been good for us to work with,” Derald said. “The town in particular has been a great partner. It’s a great place to have a business.” “It’s another thing that creates a good workplace environment, having good neighbors,” Wilbur agreed. “It’s a community we’re proud of and we hope the community is proud of us.”

The 2017 Models: Designer

Melbourne

18 inMiddlebury Magazine | JULY 2016

Alante

JayFlight

Jayco History

(Courtesy of the Jayco, Inc. website)

“Our Mission: We will build superior quality and highly valued products. We will treat every situation with the highest level of integrity in a timely manner, and continually work to achieve acceptable returns on our investment.” Jayco, Inc. was founded in 1968 by a man of strong faith and vision. The late Lloyd J. Bontrager, family man and inventor, felt he could build the world a better RV. He longed to create a company of his own, one that clearly reflected his ideals: a company where everyone would be treated as "family" – from the factory to the front office, salespeople to suppliers, and their customers to their community. With encouragement from his wife Bertha, Lloyd started Jayco in two chicken houses and a barn on their farm. He developed his own prototype camping trailer and a unique lifter system for fold-down campers, the basic design of which is patented and still in use today. By the end of 1968, his fledgling company of 15 employees had sold 132 fold-down camping trailers. Today, Jayco's "family" of employees has grown to nearly 1,600 people, with more than 25,000 people joining their "extended family" of customers each year. Blending Old World Amish craftsmanship with innovative technology, Jayco is the nation’s largest family-owned and operated RV manufacturer today, developing a full lineup of recreation vehicles at the company’s headquarters in Middlebury. And while the product line has grown considerably, every unit built is still guided by Lloyd’s vision and a humble desire to help make it easier for families to explore together and relax together. With a history dating back to 1968, Jayco's mission remains unchanged – to build exemplary RVs and provide customers with extraordinary service after the sale. It’s what separates them from other RV manufacturers.

Tour Jayco, Inc. Tours of the company’s fifth-wheel manufacturing plant are available Monday through Thursday at noon. Tours are offered by appointment only. To make an appointment for a tour, call 1-800-785-2926. Tours of the motorhome manufacturing plant are by appointment only. Call 1-800-517-9137 to schedule a motorhome factory tour. JULY 2016 | inMiddlebury

Magazine 19

Middlebury Chamber of Commerce

New Office Location 201 S. Main Street

Grand Re-Opening in August! How to Get the Most Out of Your Chamber Membership Thursday, July 28 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Middlebury Community Public Library 101 Winslow St. – Room #1

Congratulations Don Clark of Grand Design!

RSVP by July 26 middleburyINchamber.com Cost: $10/member or $15/non-member includes lunch.

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Value 20 inMiddlebury Magazine | JULY 2016

Photo Credit: Elkhart Truth

Ernst & Young Entrepreneurship of the Year

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Built by Nicholas Custom Homes, this property was completely remodeled in 2015. A former Parade Home, it is returned to glory and boasts four bedrooms and four bathrooms in 3,700 sq. ft. The open concept kitchen features maple cabinets and flows into the living room, with hardwood flooring. Tray ceilings with accent lighting showcase the aesthetic achievements of this home on both levels. The basement is also open concept with a huge family room and gas log fireplace. Also an exercise room, a classroom, full bathroom, and your very own wine & cigar bar with a Château backdrop. The home is no smoking, but there is a humidor and a patio area for enthusiasts. Include a built in generator, iron-out irrigation system, and carbon filter on the water softener; this home really does have it all. $449,900

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Magazine 21

Congratulations

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22 inMiddlebury Magazine | JULY 2016

SPIRITED

First State Bank is pleased to offer our School Spirit Debit Card Program. The School Spirit Debit Card can be used at ATMs or for purchases, just like a regular debit card. By using this card, First State Bank will make a donation to your school each time you swipe, press credit, and sign. There is NO cost to you or your school!

www.FSBmiddlebury.com Goshen • Elkhart • Middlebury • Mishawaka • South Bend JULY 2016 | inMiddlebury

Magazine 23

Elementary Schools Middlebury Elementary School celebrated the end of school for the summer with several fun events during the last week of the school year. Middlebury firemen helped one day by serving students during their cookout. The MES PTO provided slushies, perfect on a warm day at the end of the year, and great for turning tongues blue. Students also participated in several activities for a field day, with most of those involving water!

Nolan Lawson Award

Logan Schrieber and Ashlyn Cawood, front, were named the Nolan Lawson Award winners at Middlebury Elementary School. With the awardees are Nolan’s family, David, Keli and Hunter Lawson. The award, given in memory of Nolan, who was a student at the school, honors “all of the good things that Nolan was,” Principal Scott Miller said. 24 inMiddlebury Magazine | JULY 2016

News from CANOE RENTAL RULES Jefferson Elementary 1. One person must be at leastSchool 18 years old

Open 7 Days

Just a sample of the river previously known as Crooked Creek River.

School mayto berent closed, but there is a lot happening at canoes or kayaks. Jefferson over the summer.orThe front entrance 2. Elementary No underage drinking excessive and office are under construction. The JES office will reopen alcohol use. on August 1. Should you need anything over the summer, For environmental reasons, no styrofoam please3. direct questions to the Middlebury Community Schools Administration Centerballoons, at 574-825-9425. coolers, rubber or glass

containers allowed. Aug. 3. Our nurse, Mark your calendars for Wednesday, bookkeeper, Mrs. must Friesenbe willsecured be at JESin to water help parents 4. Alland items crafts with registration paperwork for ALL returning and new at all times. students to JES. Students will find out who their teacher is You must beyear! off river bycan dusk. for the5. upcoming school Parents pay book rental fees, add money lunch accounts, talk to the nurse about (plantoaccordingly) any health concerns, and fill out registration paperwork. 6. You must stay incan your kayak. Any updates to transportation be canoe made ator this time too. Thebeland the9 water ways private The office will openby from a.m. until noonare andallagain properties. (so respect others) from 3-7 p.m. on August 3.

POLICY Open House Jefferson Elementary All School Open Housecannot will be If you, or anyone in your group, Monday, Aug. 8 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Families can meet their follow the rules, please do not contact T & L child’s new teacher and drop off school supplies.

Canoe Rentals. We are a family owned and Classroom supply business lists can bethat found by visiting: mcsin-k12. operated caters to family fun org/jes/supplies. and nature trips.

Watch for updates on the office renovation and upcoming events on the Jefferson Elementary Facebook page.

Joseph Mauck Character Award

T&L

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Third graders J.D. Rupp, left center, and Ariana Potts, center right, received the Joseph Mauck Character Award at York Elementary School. The award was presented by John and Julie Schwartz, left and right. Julie is Mauck’s daughter. The award includes a $4,000 scholarship upon graduation from Northridge High School. JULY 2016 | inMiddlebury

Magazine 25

“…we currently have one of the best group of town employees we have ever had, and this makes this a great place to be.”

Ronald E. Chupp

Position: Chupp has been the Middlebury Water Superintendent for 22 years. Hometown: Middlebury Training: Technical Advanced Water Treatment Previous job: Truck driver

About the job: Chupp came to the town for employment close to home and was offered the opportunity to pursue a water license at the town. Getting the license was a two-year process. Once his licenses were obtained, the town offered Chupp the position of water department superintendent. “I accepted, and have been the superintendent for almost 20 years,” Chupp said. “The position requires continuing education every year to maintain licenses. In this position, I’m

responsible for the town’s water quality/ treatment as well as the wells, plant, and water towers. It is a very challenging and demanding job that I meet head-on daily.” Chupp and his department never know what the day may bring and issues that have to be dealt with immediately, ensuring there is no interruption in service for the town’s residents. “Over the years I have had excellent mentors, like Gregg Fore, former council president, and Lowell Miller, the former town manager. I have always had the support of the town council, which is a big part of this position, and I very much appreciate them all. It is my opinion that we currently have one of the best group of town employees we have ever had, and this makes this a great place to be. I’m proud to be a part of team,” Chupp stated.

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26 inMiddlebury Magazine | JULY 2016

MIDDLEBURY SUMMER FESTIVAL

all games will have refs!

3-ON-3 BASKETBALL TOURNEY

Saturday, Aug 13, 2016 T-shirts for everybody!

Trophies for 1st and 2nd place teams in Student Divisions Also, top two teams in 16-18 Division may play in the Open Division FREE! Cash Prizes for Open Division! See specifics at bottom of the page.

Next to the Fire Station Entry Deadline: July 27, 2016 Student Teams $50 | Open Division $60 Division Boys

Girls

Open*

Ages+

13-15

16-18

10-12

Team Name: Contact Person: Phone #

Age

Check Shirt Size

as of Aug. 13th

Age

Address: Name 2:

as of Aug. 13th

Name 3:

Age as of Aug. 13th

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Age as of Aug. 13th