September 2013 Edition by Wabash Valley Living

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ABASH VALLE

SEPTEMBER 2013

FREE

LIFE IN ADAMS, JAY & WELLS COUNTY & NEIGHBORING OHIO COMMUNITIES

the young &

young at heart

Local Services & Products Especially for Kids & Families

Wabash Valley Living Readers’

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CONTENTS

Editor................................... Amy M. Orr Contributors....... Sharyl M. Calhoun Sylvia Marbach

SEPTEMBER 2013

Ashley Olson Tara Steffen Advertising.............. Raelene Hirschy Sharon Roberts

• COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF TARA STEFFEN •

Vol. 5, No. 9, September 2013 © Wabash Valley Living, 2013. Published monthly since June 2009. Material in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without permission.

Editorial office: 346 U.S. Hwy. 27 North, Berne IN 46711. Call (260)849-2187 for editorial or advertising.

It’s About Quality Time

Kits & Crafts for Kids

CALENDAR OF AREA EVENTS

We Love a Good Party

Inspiring and Enabling

A Time for Bouncing

Wabash Valley Living is printed by:

169 S. Jefferson Street, Berne, IN 46711 (877)589-2145 • www.EPGraphics.com

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS ABC Real Estate Adams Memorial Arm’s Auto Body Backyard Family Berne Antique Mall Bixler Insurance Blue Creek Sales Bluffton Tire Bluhm & Reber Bryant Combine CE Shoe Store Cardinal Construction Century 21 Advance Chain Reaction Classics Plus CR Design Crafty Corner CrownPointe dasMärit Market D & H Workshop Earthen Treasures East of Chicago Edelweiss Floral Engine House Quilt Fabric Store-n-More Family LifeCare From the Inside Out Garden Gallery Gersh’s Carpet GM Plants / Produce Heyerly’s Market Indiana Pancake House

9 48 37 15 30 32 15 37 40 4 6 44 7 45 18 31 8 32 41 28 21 12 18 38 33 34 30 25 4 7 2 38

Insurance Haus Karen’s Treasures Lehman-Bixler Eye Liechty Bros. M.C. Hilty Construction Meadowvale Niswonger Performing P & D Auto Pizza King of Decatur R & R RV River Terrace Estates RK Financial Schug House Inn Schwartz Blacksmith Schwartz Mfg Shaka Shack State Farm Insurance Swiss Country Store Swiss Heritage Village Swiss Village Swissland Cheese Touch of Country Town/Country Auctions TW Fable Restaurant Velocity Motors West Park Villas Willow Creek Store Willshire Home Wilmen’s Country Store Yager Interiors Zurcher’s Best One Tire

14 34 19 41 14 34 9 13 25 31 13 21 8 4 44 20 36 46 45 16 42 40 10 16 36 20 12 33 6 15 28

The Artists Inside Us

Art, Music Classes & More at Arts Place Centers

Reading Together Creates Love for Learning

Annie’s Projects Inspiring Creativity in Young & Old

Balloon Decorator Offers Excellence in Event Décor

Club Wants Kids to Realize Their Full Potential

D’s Brings Food, Fun & More to Downtown Bluffton

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the artists inside us

ART, MUSIC CLASSES & MORE AT ARTS PLACE CENTERS Article & photos by Ashley Olson

or some, retirement is more work than a full-time job.

Take Leslie Newton, for example, who’s been very busy at Arts Place in Portland, Indiana. After teaching K-8 within the Jay School Corporation for 36 years, she’s now a staff visual artist and curator for Arts Place, which also has centers in Hartford City, Indiana, and St. Marys, Ohio.

One of Newton’s recent tasks was helping out with the Summerfest celebration, which took place in Blackford County at the end of July. This annual event, a collaboration between Arts Place and Hartford City, is specifically held for the arts. “It was on the same weekend as their former high school’s 50-year alumni reunion – so it was huge,” says Leslie. She adds, “We had incredible comments about the quality of the work and the venue.

“We provided live music all day Friday and Saturday. We has lots of food, as well, and the city had a lot of vendors here. It took months to plan everything out.” Newton’s work isn’t all about helping run big festivals, though, since she has many dayto-day obligations at the Arts Place center in Portland. She and the rest of the staff spend a lot of time on both the ArtWorks and MusicWorks programs.

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MusicWorks has especially become popular throughout the Portland area. The center there currently has 115 music students. Amazingly, some of the students are as young as four years old – and, these preschoolers are learning to play the violin. Another service available to the youngest of students is Arts Place’s First Steps program. This class prepares children to become musical, and it is designed for joint

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participation of preschoolers and their parents. There are very few musical instruments for which Arts Place doesn’t offer instruction. In fact, says Leslie, the Portland center even offers harp lessons – and, one student drove from two hours away to take these classes. “People don’t have to live in this county to participate,” assures Leslie, “and, even if you’re not a member, you can be on our mailing list.”

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As for its ArtWorks program, Arts Place’s three area facilities offer a wide range of visual arts classes. Their most popular classes involve oil painting, although the potter’s wheel is a close second. It’s important to note, though, that these classes require at least six participants, so those interested in participating are encouraged to register ahead of time. In some instances, if a class has attracted a large number of participants, Arts Place may offer a second class to satisfy the demand.

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Newton has a big hand in trying to fill these classes. She calls interested parties about upcoming classes and distributes promotional materials. “Our classes are starting after Labor Day. In August, we worked hard to call people who might want to take classes.” Arts Place also holds large art exhibits from time to time, including an upcoming David Dale display. “Dale is opening September 7th in Portland, and he will run until October 27th,” says Newton. “He’s really well-known.

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“What really impresses me is that most of his pastels look like paintings. We’re doing a retrospective exhibit on him, even though he hasn’t passed away. We’re even getting some of his paintings on loan for the exhibit.”

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There’s certainly some work involved in planning events like David Dale’s exhibit or Summerfest. This is

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especially true when you consider that Arts Place is a non-profit organization with a limited budget. “When it comes to a project or preparing for the next event, nothing’s impossible, but it can be very difficult. Getting the Blackford County Arts Place ready was a challenge.

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“Being a non-profit means you might not have money for things. We had a nice place, but nowhere to sit! So, we did a chair drive and earned money for some chairs. “We had to organize that and everything else – like making sure the facilities are in good shape and having an electrician come in and fix whatever needs fixed.” Fortunately, Arts Place has been blessed with enough funding to operate their non-profit programs. The Portland center is most capable of hosting a variety of events because it includes space for classes, exhibits, music, and even a theater that seats almost 300 people. The local civic theater sometimes rents out Arts Place’s theater. Doing so allows them to present shows for both children and adults in a spacious facility. Because of the theater’s size, Portland has been very successful at attracting some famous acts. “We have our own performance series that we put on here. Peter Yarrow (from Peter, Paul and Mary) performed at our theater,” says Newton. Arts Place also hosts a summer concert series at Portland’s Hudson Family Park, where a spacious outdoor amphitheater and plenty of room for seating awaits visitors. The amphitheater series is open to all ages, too.

While the Arts Place facilities in Hartford City and St. Marys aren’t quite as big as Portland’s, the centers still offer a variety of services in these communities. For example, Arts

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Place in St. Marys features art classes, ceramics and exhibits. Seeing children and adults take classes is one thing that really inspires Newton. “My favorite part of this work is seeing other people enjoy themselves while being creative. But, it’s always a battle to make these classes happen when you’re at a non-profit center.” Luckily, her years of teaching and arts experience have proved invaluable in helping make classes happen in the Jay County area. Newton has also found success with her own artistic endeavors. In fact, she recently returned from China after exhibiting her own work there. She displayed oil paintings and collages, mainly inspired by the Southwest and its Native Americans. Newton says the artistic bent runs in the family. “My family is brimming with artists. My mother, her mother, her sister – they did sculpture, painting, jewelry and ceramics.”

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The leadership at Arts Place in Portland is certainly pleased that Newton has followed in her family’s footsteps. She and the rest of the staff are integral parts of making the CreativeWorks programs function.

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You, too, can support these programs by taking a class at Arts Place or by catching a performance. By becoming a member, you can further your involvement in the local arts programs and be a part of the growing arts centers in our region. WVL

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itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about quality time

READING TOGETHER CREATES LOVE FOR LEARNING Article & photos by Tara Steffen

ocated just south of downtown Bluffton, the Wells County Library offers a wide variety of services to local families. Several of those services are geared toward children in the community, from newborns to teenagers.

It is more important that the child spends this time learning and reading from a parent, rather than an educational TV program, because there is love involved, and the child will learn to love reading, as a result.

The main goal of the library is to promote quality family time spent together. When reading to a child, a parent forms a special bond with a child. This not only promotes closeness in the relationship, but also a love for reading and language.

Studies show that when a parent spends time reading to their child daily, the child, in return, will excel much more rapidly in school because the child has been introduced to thousands of different words and phrases. If a child has never heard a word, it is much more difficult to learn

how to spell it. Too many times, and child will enter school with an extremely limited vocabulary of only 60 words, when, in fact, it should be closer to 6,000 words. One of the reading programs offered through the Wells County Library is the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten. The program encourages parents to read this number of books to a child before he begins school. Through local libraries, the program offers those books in a variety of topics that help broaden the scope of learning.

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There are currently 442 children enrolled in this program in Wells County – and parents have read them a total of 105,000 books, so far. Parents can begin the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten when the child is still an infant and continue over the next 5 years. Children receive a small incentive for every 100 books read to them. This may seem like a daunting goal, but if parents read just one book before bedtime each night, reading all 1,000 can be accomplished in about three years. The library considers this one of its most critical programs.

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One of the Wells County Library’s most popular activities is the Summer Reading Program. This summer, the library signed up 1,400 children for participation, with age groups ranging from birth through 6th grade. Participants earn points by keeping track of time spent reading. For the infants group, this also includes keeping a record of playtime involving both parent and child. They can choose from a variety of activities. Small incentives are awarded for certain goals met along the way, but the main goal is the realization of learning and enjoyment that come from reading. Everyone is given a book of their choosing as the final prize, along with an invitation to a celebration party at the end of the summer. Another program offered at the library is called Wee Read. Parents, grandparents, or guardians can bring an infant into the library on a Friday morning, and the child will be read to by a librarian. Wee Read also includes fun activities like finger plays. A similar program, called Toddler Time, is also offered for children ages 2 and 3. Toddler Time might include stories, finger plays, and songs. Sometimes, the children make a craft they can take home, or the finished craft may be left at the library for decoration. During the Story Hour program, children ages 4 to 6 can listen to a story. They can also enjoy videos, finger plays, and crafts that go along with the story read that day. Kids Club is a fun and educational program designed for children ranging in age from kindergarten through grade 3. This program includes activities specifically for children in elementary school. Bookrelated arts and crafts are offered, as well as fun games that coincide with the story read. JL Crew is geared more for older children in grades 4 through 6 and is held in the evening. During each meeting, a specific theme is introduced, which is designed for this particular age group. Children set out in search of this theme anywhere within the walls of the library. Past themes have included a Washington Monument

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adventure, a ocean-side beach party, and even a search for archeological treasure. Each February, the library offers a Family Reading Program, encouraging families to read together. Reading material may include books for children or adults, magazines, newspapers, etc. The library offers a wide variety of topics to choose from, such as fables and fairy tales, sports books, or, perhaps, poetry. Every family member has a chance to read something of interest. Librarians often make visits to local preschools during the school year to provide a story time for the children. A teacher may also call into the library and request a bag of books about a topic the teacher is focusing on that week. The Wells County Library’s website offers TumbleBooks, another service helpful to teachers and their students. Children may choose an animated, talking picture book from the TumbleBookLibrary. The book is read out loud, illustrations come to life, and the book’s text is highlighted as the words are read. The United Way of Wells County partners with the Wells County Library in a reading program established by one well-known celebrity. Once they’ve registered for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, young children in the county may choose a free book each month to add to their collection at home. This program is available to children from ages birth until they turn five. The Wells County Library offers a host of programs for both young and old, designed to encourage learning through reading – and, many of the same programs are available in other local libraries. Visit your library to see what it has to offer you and your family! WVL

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LUNCH: TUES. -- FRI. 11:30 TO 2 LUNCH: LUNCH:TUES. TUES. -FRI. FRI.11:30 11:30TO TO2 2 DINNER: TUES. THURS. 5 TO 9 DINNER: TUES. - -THURS. 55TO 360 N. MAIN STREET, BLUFFTON DINNER: TUES. THURS. TO99 FRI. - SAT. 5 TO 10 FRI. FRI.- -SAT. SAT.55TO TO10 10

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kits & crafts for kids

ANNIE’S PROJECTS INSPIRING CREATIVITY IN YOUNG AND OLD Article & photos by Sylvia Marbach

avid McKee, CEO of DRG in Berne, Indiana, says, “We’re a company that celebrates traditional values, both in what we produce for people and how we run the business – how we treat employees and each other. That’s our goal.”

is: “Celebrating home, family, and the creative spirit.”

DRG is comprised of two smaller companies – Strategic Fulfillment Group and Annie’s. Much of David’s focus is concentrated on Annie’s, a publishing company that specializes in an everexpanding variety of crafts, kits, and fabrics for creative people. Annie’s company motto

“But, Annie’s Attic was our strongest branch, so we thought we’d take that brand, just make it ‘Annie’s’ to give it a little newer yet familiar feel, and group everything under it. And, the change has really helped us gain a lot of recognition in our industry.”

“It was just last year that we renamed the company Annie’s,” David says. “Before that, we just operated under all these different brands.

David continues, “One of the ways that we serve families – to include children – is a couple of products we have geared to children. One is called Creative Girl’s Club, and the other is called Young Woodworkers Kit of the Month Club.

“It is the same process with Young Woodworkers. So, in that way, we’re serving the younger audience and their parents. We also have some books that are geared toward children, like I Can Crochet.”

“The Creative Girl’s Club has a different set of crafts that is mailed every six weeks, two kits to each shipment,” David explains. “Membership is something usually given as a gift by a parent or grandparent to a child, a girl aged 7 to 12.

According to David, many of Annie’s other products serve children and families, as well. “The kind of products that people buy from us are things that people can make with their hands,” he says. “These products, purchased by those who

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crochet and knit, are materials that they use, in turn, to make a gift for their children or grandchildren.” David explains, “We sell a lot of patterns for baby products, like baby afghans. So, in fact, when people are knitting or crocheting sweaters, or they’re making quilts, or they’re giving cards...a lot of those things are going to friends or family, young and old.” Some of Annie’s products and services include magazines, fabrics, crafting kits and instructional videos. Videos are available online or on DVD. “Roughly a third of our business is magazines,” David says. “We have nine of them.” A few of these are Quilter’s World, Creative Knitting and CardMaker. Annie’s magazines are offered on newsstands, by subscription, and online. Annie’s publications focus heavily on crafts and nostalgia. “A third of our business is in continuities,” David continues. “Continuities are something you sign up for. You become a member, then get regular shipments. “These are largely kit continuities. We have craft kit continuities that include instructions and materials.” Annie’s also offers continuities of books, including a family-friendly, craft-focused mystery series for youth. David adds, “There’s a nostalgic continuity called Live It Again.” According to the product website, Good Old Days magazine and The Saturday Evening Post collaborated on this series to offer a look “back in time at the ‘current’ events” from a certain year. Live It Again’s images, ads and comics reveal “how people dressed, what was important to them and everything else that made that year so special.” “The third category of our business is catalogs or online store. We have thousands of different products that we offer through our online store. A lot of what we sell in our catalogs and through Annie’s are products we get from outside manufacturers – yarn and fabrics, tools and supplies…

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“But, a healthy chunk of it is stuff we create in-house. We also sell to traditional retail stores – Jo-Ann Fabrics, Hobby Lobby, and individual quilt shops and yarn shops – who distribute some of our products, too.”

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Annie’s has experienced much success, due to the intuitiveness and creativity of its team. “It’s new ideas that drive our business,” says David. “We’re just always looking out for the next thing the customer wants. We try to be very customer-focused, in terms of pleasing them and providing them with the products they’re looking for.” In fact, Annie’s instructional videos have been a growing success. “That’s something we’ll be expanding fairly dramatically over time,” David comments. “And, we have 40 websites – one for each of our continuity programs.” He continues, “We added a lot of new things last year through acquisition. And, we think we can expand our categories. “We’re always looking for companies we might acquire that would strengthen us in the areas that we’re in – crafts, mainly – and now, with Country Sampler magazine, which was a large acquisition, we’re in home décor, as well.” Annie’s services are not limited to print publications, mail order and Internet offerings. David explains, “We recently acquired a TV-show on PBS. It’s actually on the local Fort Wayne PBS station, as well as the Create Network, which is a PBS Network. The show is called Knit and Crochet Now.” The employees of Annie’s and DRG aim to serve their customers in manner consistent with the company motto – “Celebrating home, family, and the creative spirit.” David concludes, “That’s our slogan, and that’s who we are in all that we do.” WVL

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AREA EVENTS CALENDAR

1st

4th

8:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m. Van Wert Co. Fairgrounds Van Wert, Ohio www.vanwertcountyfair.com

9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Adams Public Library Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

Van Wert Co. Fair Continues

Adams County Needles, Hooks & Pins

Farmers Market 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Highway 1 Pennville, Indiana (260) 731-2244

7th

Gymanfu Ganu

Library Bookworms

dasMärit Farmers Market

3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Adams Public Library Geneva, Indiana (260) 368-7270

8:00 a.m. - Noon First Mennonite Church Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2936

2nd

Farmers Market

Crafts & Conversation

Farmers Market

7:00 p.m. Salem Presbyterian Church Venedocia, Ohio (419) 667-2408

Mom’s Suppport Group 1:00 p.m. Adams Memorial Hospital Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2145

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Dutch Mill Plaza Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6412

8:00 a.m. - Noon Dutch Mill Plaza Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6412

4:00 p.m. Berne Public Library Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2809

8:00 a.m. - Noon Courthouse Portland, Indiana (260) 726-2565

8:15 a.m. McDonald’s Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2327

Senior BINGO

8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Jay County Fairgrounds Portland, Indiana (419) 586-2894

8:00 a.m. - Noon Webster Depot Dunkirk, Indiana (765) 768-6877

3rd Blood Pressure Checks

8:30 a.m. McDonald’s Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2327

Blood Pressure Checks 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Muselman Wellness Pavilion Berne, Indiana (260) 589-4496

Red Cross Bloodmobile 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. South Adams Senior Center Berne, Indiana (260) 589-8877

Homeschool Computer Club 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Wells County Library Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-1612

LEGO Club

3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Adams Public Library Geneva, Indiana (260) 368-7270

Buckeye Vintage Scooter Meet Begins

LEGO Club

3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Adams Public Library Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

Forensic Science

6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Wells County Library Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-1612

6th

Childbirth Class

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Adams Memorial Hospital Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2145

Creature Feature

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Limberlost State Site Geneva, Indiana (260) 368-7428

Chuck Wagon Gang w/The Jubilees 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Gospel Barn Bluffton, Indiana (651) 269-2120

Loblolly Days Begins

Star Gazing

10:00 a.m. Downtown Bryant, Indiana (260) 997-6476

8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Lancaster Park Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

Hot Air Festival Begins

8th

3:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. Van Wert County Fairgrounds Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-4551

Market on Main / First Fridays 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Downtown Main Street Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-6911

Farmers Market

National Neighborhood Day 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Kehoe Park Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

SPECIAL SECTION - AREA COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR

9th

Cozy Christian Readers Book Discussion 10:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Adams Public Library Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

Chamber Luncheon 11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Woodcrest Campus Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2604

Mom’s Support Group 1:00 p.m. Adams Memorial Hospital Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2145

Poetry Coterie

3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Adams Public Library Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

Girls Book Club 4:00 p.m. Berne Public Library Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2809

10th

Blood Pressure Checks 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Muselman Wellness Pavilion Berne, Indiana (260) 589-4496

Boys Book Club

4:00 p.m. Berne Public Library Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2809

Book Signing w/Kaye & Tony Mellencamp 7:00 p.m. South Adams Senior Center Berne, Indiana (260) 589-8877

Adams County Needles, Hooks & Pins 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Adams Public Library Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

Library Bookworms 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Adams Public Library Geneva, Indiana (260) 368-7270

Farmers Market

Crafts & Conversation

Farmers Market

Bark Before Dark

Farmers Market

Dig and Seek

Catch Your Breath 8K & 5K Run/Walk

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Dutch Mill Plaza Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6412

4:00 p.m. Berne Public Library Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2809 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Roush Park Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Roush Park Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

12th

JL Trekkers

3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Adams Public Library Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

Who Picked This Book? Book Discussion 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Bailey’s Coffee Shop Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-1612

Market on Main

10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Downtown Main Street Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-6911

Farmers Market 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Highway 1 Pennville, Indiana (260) 731-2244

Corn Maze Opens

7:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. Kernel Cooper’s Van Wert, Ohio www.kernelcoopers.com

8:00 a.m. - Noon Dutch Mill Plaza Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6412

8:00 a.m. - Noon Courthouse Portland, Indiana (260) 726-2565 8:00 a.m. - Noon Webster Depot Dunkirk, Indiana (765) 768-6877

9:00 a.m. River Greenway Trailhead Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2145

Guided Tour of the Loblolly Marsh

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Limberlost State Site Geneva, Indiana (260) 368-7428

Jeff & Shari Easter

w/Journeymen Quartet 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Gospel Barn Bluffton, Indiana (651) 269-2120

Miche Fambro Concert 9:00 p.m. Black Swamp Bistro Van Wert, Ohio (567) 259-3064

15th

Bluegrass Jamboree 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Limberlost State Site Geneva, Indiana (260) 368-7428

16th

Blood Pressure Checks

14th

12:30 p.m. South Adams Senior Center Berne, Indiana (260) 589-8877

8:00 a.m. - Noon First Mennonite Church Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2936

1:00 p.m. South Adams Senior Center Berne, Indiana (260) 589-8877

dasMärit Farmers Market

Free Senior BINGO

SPECIAL SECTION - AREA COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR

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LEGO Club

3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Adams Public Library Geneva, Indiana (260) 368-7270

Boys Book Club

4:00 p.m. Berne Public Library Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2809

Craft It

6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Wells County Library Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-1612

Free Street Fair Grand Opening Parade 7:00 p.m. Midway Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-4351

18th

Adams County Needles, Hooks & Pins 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Adams Public Library Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

Library Bookworms 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Adams Public Library Geneva, Indiana (260) 368-7270

Farmers Market

Mom’s Support Group 1:00 p.m. Adams Memorial Hospital Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2145

All Books Considered Book Discussion 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Adams Public Library Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

Girls Book Club 4:00 p.m. Berne Public Library Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2809

17th

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Dutch Mill Plaza Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6412

Senior BINGO

Crafts & Conversation

8:30 a.m. McDonald’s Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2327

4:00 p.m. Berne Public Library Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2809

Joint Chamber Industrial Luncheon

19th

11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Micromatic, LLC Berne, Indiana (260) 589-8080

Blood Pressure Checks 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Muselman Wellness Pavilion Berne, Indiana (260) 589-4496

Seniors Dinner & Show

@ Beef & Boards, Indianapolis 9:30 a.m. Jay Community Center Portland, Indiana (260) 726-6477

Seniors Theater Thursday 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Wells County Library Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-1612

SPECIAL SECTION - AREA COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR

LEGO Club

3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Adams Public Library Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

CHRISTNER’S (260)728-2151

Old Fashioned Canal Days Begins Various Delphos, Ohio (419) 695-1771

20th Jewelry Class w/Anita Miller 9:00 a.m. South Adams Senior Center Berne, Indiana (260) 589-8877

Market on Main

10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Downtown Main Street Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-6911

AMH Golf Event

SMORGASBORD Lunch: Monday thru Friday 11a.m. - 1p.m.

310 E. Monroe Street Decatur, IN

Sunday 11a.m. - 1:30p.m.

www.pizzakingofdecatur.com HOURS:

Dinner:

Sunday thru Thursday 10:30a.m. - 9p.m.

Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday 5p.m. - 9p.m.

Friday 10:30a.m. - 10p.m. Saturday 4p.m. - 10p.m.

10:45 a.m. Cross Creek Golf Club Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2145

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Farmers Market 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Highway 1 Pennville, Indiana (260) 731-2244

21st

dasMärit Farmers Market 8:00 a.m. - Noon First Mennonite Church Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2936

Farmers Market 8:00 a.m. - Noon Dutch Mill Plaza Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6412

Farmers Market 8:00 a.m. - Noon Courthouse Portland, Indiana (260) 726-2565

Farmers Market 8:00 a.m. - Noon Webster Depot Dunkirk, Indiana (765) 768-6877

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SPECIAL SECTION - AREA COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR

AREA EVENTS CALENDAR 26

Harvest Hustle 5K & Kids Run 9:00 a.m. City Gym Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6069

Free Car Seat Safety Checks 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Kinder Haus Daycare Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2364

Fish Fry

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Jay Co. Conservation Club Portland, Indiana (260) 726-9548

Twilight Adventure

7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Loblolly Marsh Pavilion Bryant, Indiana (260) 368-7428

Common Ground w/Dedication 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Gospel Barn Bluffton, Indiana (651) 269-2120

Ice Cream Social / Active Aging Week Begins 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Muselman Wellness Pavilion Berne, Indiana (260) 589-4496

23rd

Mom’s Support Group 1:00 p.m. Adams Memorial Hospital Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2145

Fall Prevention Program 2:00 p.m. Muselman Wellness Pavilion Berne, Indiana (260) 589-4496

24th

Farmers Market

11:00 a.m. Muselman Wellness Pavilion Berne, Indiana (260) 589-4496

Crafts & Conversation

Active Aging Week Community Tour

Blood Pressure Checks 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Muselman Wellness Pavilion Berne, Indiana (260) 589-4496

Networking Luncheon 12:00 p.m. Jay County Hospital Portland, Indiana (260) 726-4481

Active Aging Week Hearing Seminar

3:00 p.m. Muselman Wellness Pavilion Berne, Indiana (260) 589-4496

Boys Book Club

4:00 p.m. Berne Public Library Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2809

25th

Adams County Needles, Hooks & Pins 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Adams Public Library Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605

Walk Like a Naturalist Preschooler Event 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Limberlost State Site Geneva, Indiana (260) 368-7428

Senior Luncheon 12:00 p.m. SA Senior Center Berne, Indiana (260) 589-8877

K123 Club

Singles & Separates Support Group

Girls Book Club

Library Bookworms

3:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. Adams Public Library Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2605 4:00 p.m. Berne Public Library Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2809

2:00 p.m. Muselman Wellness Pavilion Berne, Indiana (260) 589-4496 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Adams Public Library Geneva, Indiana (260) 368-7270

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Dutch Mill Plaza Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6412

4:00 p.m. Berne Public Library Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2809

26th

Reaching for Stellar Service Workshop 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Jay County Chamber Portland, Indiana (260) 726-4481

Walk Like a Naturalist Preschooler Event 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Limberlost State Site Geneva, Indiana (260) 368-7428

27th

Market on Main

10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Downtown Main Street Van Wert, Ohio (419) 238-6911

Soft Shoulders 10:30 a.m. Swiss Village Berne, Indiana (260) 589-3173

Farmers Market 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Highway 1 Pennville, Indiana (260) 731-2244

Community Days Begins 5:00 p.m. Varios Convoy, Ohio (419) 513-0220

28th

Health Fair

7:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Muselman Wellness Pavilion Berne, Indiana (260) 589-4496

dasMärit Farmers Market 8:00 a.m. - Noon First Mennonite Church Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2936

SPECIAL SECTION - AREA COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR

Farmers Market 8:00 a.m. - Noon Dutch Mill Plaza Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6412

Van Wert County Fair Opens

Farmers Market 8:00 a.m. - Noon Courthouse Portland, Indiana (260) 726-2565

8:00 a.m. VW County Fairgrounds Van Wert, Ohio www.vanwertcountyfair.com

Discover Nature Homeschool Event

Farmers Market 8:00 a.m. - Noon Webster Depot Dunkirk, Indiana (765) 768-6877

10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Limberlost State Site Geneva, Indiana (260) 368-7428

Farmers Market

Hoosier Harmony w/Resurrection 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Gospel Barn Bluffton, Indiana (651) 269-2120

Jill Jack Band

29th

9:00 p.m. Black Swamp Bistro Van Wert, Ohio (567) 259-3064

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Dutch Mill Plaza Bluffton, Indiana (260) 824-6412

30th

Mom’s Support Group 1:00 p.m. Adams Memorial Hospital Decatur, Indiana (260) 724-2145

Girls Book Club 4:00 p.m. Berne Public Library Berne, Indiana (260) 589-2809

include your event – Please send details to the address below no later than the 15th of the month PRIOR to the event.

**** Send to: calendar@ wabashvalleyliving.com OR Call us at (260) 849-2187.

2013 LEHMAN PARK

HARVEST FESTIVAL

A Day of family Fun to raise funds for repairs & much-needed PLAYGROUND improvements at the park FUN ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS AND GROWNUPS! ~GREAT FOOD~

Saturday, October 5th 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

LEHMAN PARK - BERNE, INDIANA Intersection of US Highway 27 & Park Street

For more information: (260)849-2187 amyorr@wabashvalleyliving.com

1st

annual

HARVEST 55K

bike RIDE 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

RIDE BEGINS @ LEHMAN PARK Cost is $20 per participant. Water & snack provided. Pre-register to guarantee free t-shirt.

SPECIAL SECTION - AREA COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR

See sales associate for complete details.

(800) 589-6172 101 North Polk Street Monroe, IN 46772

Only at participating location(s). Cannot be combined with other offers, promotions, or special pricing.

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BALLOON DECORATOR OFFERS EXCELLENCE IN EVENT DECOR Article by Ashley Olson

t the corner of East Second Street and Canal Street in Delphos, Ohio, sits a brightly-painted building with shiny and colorful balloons in the window. The wooden door and inviting decorations are just a couple things to love about Celebrations party supply store. There are rows and rows of festive party supplies neatly displayed from floor to ceiling, and the atmosphere causes a slight sense of wonderment in all who enter.

The proud owner of Celebrations is Tammy Corzine, whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an award-winning balloon artist and party decorator in Delphos. She and her mom, Kim Strickler, entered the event planning industry by accident after taking a class. Tammy recalls, â&#x20AC;&#x153;In 1990, I was engaged to be married and wanted to do my own wedding decorations. I took a class at Vantage Career

Center in Van Wert on decorating with balloons and flowers. “I caught on fast and ended up working for the instructor at her business. It really worked out for me because she taught those classes and found employees in her students.” In 1996, Tammy and her mother began working together, starting their own home-

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based decorating business called K.T.’s Creations. By 2004, they had launched a retail business and purchased a store in downtown Delphos. The mother-daughter duo had expanded and moved to their current location by 2009. Now, the pair decorate for a variety of party events, which include everything from proms and weddings to birthday parties for kids.

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Walking into Celebrations, it’s easy to see why they’ve become the area’s leading party store with their vast selection. Some of their most popular items include Disney, superhero and princess-themed products, although they have plenty of other themes to choose from. The retail side of Celebrations serves as a nice compliment to the party decorating and Tammy’s balloon art. Celebrations isn’t some run-of-themill, big-box party shop. “When you compare us to a place like Party City or other chains,” Tammy says, “we listen to our customers more, and really try to find out what they want. “We aren’t limited like other stores who carry only one line of product. We can vary things some. For instance, if you are having a tractor-themed party, we can build a tractor balloon sculpture and provide tractor plates and napkins, or whatever you might need for the event.” Although, Tammy didn’t set out to get into retail and party planning, she doesn’t have regrets. She says it is especially fulfilling to see familiar faces return to her business. “The most satisfying aspect of it all is probably seeing the repeat customers come in.” She continues, “You know, maybe we decorated for the wedding...then their baby shower...then their kid’s first birthday...and, eventually, the graduation party. It’s fun just following some of the families that we’ve had come in for a long time.” But, Tammy gets even more excited when she receives a phone call from an area business. “I’d have to say my favorite events to be a part of are the

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corporate events,” she explains. “We do an event for Proctor and Gamble that’s fun. They give us a theme and a budget, and we just kind of get to be creative.

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“When you do corporate events, you tend to have more creative rights, than, say, when you’re working for a bride. A bride usually has in mind exactly what she wants and has been thinking about this for a while. “Corporations, on the other hand, will tell you they want a centerpiece, dance floor, entrance piece, and specific areas that they want decorated. But, then it’s up to you to take it from there.” Away from the store, Tammy also offers instruction at balloon decorating competitions and conventions. And, these events can be pretty demanding, especially in regard to meeting deadlines. “We do competitions at conventions, and some of these are really tough. One time, a crew of six of us spent almost two days working on a project. You get a six-hour break, so we slept, then came back and finished.” Conventions are held in cities across the U.S. And, Tammy has served as an instructor at many of these locations. Tammy was even named 2010 Designer of the Year at the FLOAT Convention in St. Louis, Missouri. She recalls, “The last class I did was on retail decoration sales. I showed the people in the class different things they can sell besides just balloons.

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“For instance, brides tend to shy away from balloons, but lanterns are popular, so they could sell the lanterns for weddings, instead.” Tammy is just as happy to travel when decorating for Celebrations customers. “Kenton (one hour away) is probably the furthest that we’ve gone to decorate

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While Tammy is definitely a busy woman with her retail store and partydecorating business, she still finds time for her husband and their three children. The Corzines have a boy and two girls, ages 5, 7, and 9, respectively. And, with a mom like Tammy, you can bet these kids have some great birthday parties thrown for them! WVL

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Now, Tammy and her crew are preparing for the annual Canal Days, held in Delphos from September 19th through 22nd. Tammy will be primarily working on floats for the parade and the pageants. Families are welcome to come watch the parade and enjoy the festivities during the weekend.

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“We come in as facilitators and just guide them on how to do certain things. We provide other area schools with supplies for their proms, and then they decorate themselves. That’s how most schools are.

Graduation party season is generally pretty busy for Tammy. And before that this past spring, she helped with decorations for the Ottoville prom. “It’s really fun getting to work with the kids and being creative with them,” she says.

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Tammy adds, “Typically, most of our business is within half-an-hour from Delphos. We have colleagues in Cincinnati, so I’ll go down there and help them out sometimes, too.”

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inspiring and enabling

CLUB WANTS KIDS TO REALIZE THEIR FULL POTENTIAL Article & photos by Tara Steffen

t is the mission of the Boys and Girls Club of Adams County “to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens.” The club aims to accomplish its mission through focusing on its core beliefs and four smaller goals based on those beliefs. First, the Boys and Girls Club of Adams County endeavors to provide “a safe place to learn and to grow.” The club also works to “establish ongoing relationships with caring, adult professionals,” to

present “life-enhancing programs and character development experiences,” and to offer “hope and opportunity.” Learning is a priority at the Boys and Girls Club. For instance, during the first hour of the day, children at the club must participate in Power Hour, where everything is strictly educational. Staff members and volunteer tutors are available to help with homework during Power Hour. The staff plan other educational activities for the first hour when club participants have no homework.

And, this past summer, the Boys and Girls Club of Adams County joined in the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) reading program. To participate, each child set a personal goal for themselves, not only in reading, but also in a physical activity – i.e., completing a certain number of push-ups or sit-ups. This program is not competition-based, but individual-focused, with the main goal of bettering oneself. Children who attended all four sessions and completed the FOP program received

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a backpack stuffed with all the necessary school supplies for the new school year. This program is sponsored by the Adams County Community Foundation. Learning at the Boys and Girls Club extends beyond school books to personal values and character development, as well. Each month, club members review one trait from the “Attitude of Champions.” For example, club staff focused on the word “respect” in July. Children learned the meaning of the word, as well as how to recognize

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when someone is putting the word into practice. Afternoon’s R.O.C.K. (Recreation, Object lessons, Culture and values, and Knowledge) is a Boys and Girls Club program geared toward older children and teens. Emphasis is placed on a variety of techniques for youth ages 10 to 14 to say “no” to drugs, alcohol, and other pressures facing them. While education is a priority, the Boys and Girls Club also provides a variety of fun activities aimed at promoting creativity or physical fitness. At the Decatur club, a large games room offers free play in a series of activity stations. This room promotes more imagination playing. In the games room, children have created a very large LEGO® model of the City of Decatur. Specific landmarks are actually recognizable, as the children attempted to replicate buildings or sculptures around town. Every building is labeled for identification. To further encourage creativity, the Boys and Girls Club also offers an art room – a colorful place with numerous artistic displays. The children have their own art gallery, in which they can display any of their creations. The artwork is often on display at other locations in Decatur, as well. Physical activity is also promoted at the Boys and Girls Club. Kids may play ping pong in the game room. In the gymnasium, the gym director plans interactive games with the children. Most often, the kids are put into groups by age. During a game of kickball, when a child is “out,” they might have to spell a word in order to return to play in the game. If they miss the word, they can either try again later, or ask for a new word. This keeps the children engaged and adds an educational element. Summer break brings a new routine to the Boys and Girls Club. Along with the fun and educational activities, the club serves lunches during the summer. Between Decatur and Berne, the club serves around 1,800 meals a month, plus snacks. These

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are healthy, full meals that are nutritionally sound. Once the school year begins, the club offers a dinner instead of lunch to ensure that kids are getting something good to eat. The club’s Dare to be Healthy program teaches kids about nutrition and portion control. One activity the kids enjoy over the summer is painting flower planters outside the club. Each child gets a small space to paint on the planter. Once flowers are planted in the containers, the children have the responsibility of caring for them.

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Field Trip Friday is one of the highlights for kids at the club. These field trips to nearby destinations are close enough that the kids can walk from the club. One field trip this past July was to Rick’s Bike shop to learn about fixing bicycles. Another was the trip kids had waited for with eager anticipation – a trip to the ice cream shop.

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Wacky Water Wednesday is always a hit – and even brings in extra kids. The club staff takes the children, dressed in bathing suits, outside to play in the lawn sprinklers.

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The Boys and Girls Club also started a bird watching club this year, after receiving a donation from a local school to buy feeders, identification books and binoculars. The children learn about different species of birds and about recognizing their gender, as well.

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With the start of a new school year last month, club routines have adjusted accordingly. You can be sure the staff at the Boys and Girls Club of Adams County is hard at work, planning a variety of activities aimed at helping area children “reach their full potential.” WVL

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a time for bouncing

D’S BRINGS FOOD, FUN & MORE TO DOWNTOWN BLUFFTON Article & photos by Tara Steffen

onald and Donna Deschaine were lifelong residences of the beautiful state of Alaska, but Donna felt God leading them to relocate. She placed a large map on her kitchen table and said, “Ok, God, where do you want us to go?”

packed her bags, caught a plane to Fort Wayne, and drove down to Ossian.

Donna brought her hand down toward the map, index finger extended, and pointed at random to a spot in the lower fifty. Her finger landed on the state of Indiana and the small town of Ossian.

Although Donna liked the feel of Ossian and thought it was pleasant enough, she drove south a few more miles and came upon the courthouse in downtown Bluffton. She fell in love with the old Romanesque building immediately and decided to explore the city. After staying in Bluffton for a few weeks, she decided that this is where God wanted the pair to move.

Donald asked Donna if she knew anyone from Ossian. She answered, “No.” So, he suggested that she take a vacation to visit and spend some time in the community, just to see what it was like. Donna

In Alaska, Donna’s work was in home healthcare, and she kept busy almost 24 hours a day, seven days a week. With the move to Bluffton – and, retirement, her busy lifestyle came to a halt. In

her new home, Donna was bored most of the time, until her husband kindly suggested that she find something to do. When an old building on West Market Street came up for sale, Donna decided to take a look at it. She really didn’t know what God wanted her to do with it, but when as she saw the mural of a castle on the back wall, and the spacious play area, she began to get a small notion. This would make a great place for entertaining families. And so, the idea was born for D’s Leisure Time. When you first walk into the shop, you find

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bookshelves lined with used books for sale. Donna offers a wide variety of titles and authors. There are a few comfortable chairs available, also, if you care to sit and read. Across the way, other shelves display collectibles and gift items. Donna buys many of the knick knacks, china and art glass items at estate sales. There is something here for almost everyone. Donna also has a working kitchen, where she bakes a wide assortment of goodies – including double chocolate cupcakes, Amish pineapple bars, turtle cookies, and red velvet cupcakes stuffed

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with cream cheese. After many customer requests, Donna has also begun serving soups and sandwiches for lunch. She offers a special for each day of the week, too. D’s also features a full coffee shop, complete with espresso machine. In the center of Donna’s building, there are two large inflatables. One is a tall slide, and the other is a 5-in-one bouncer – meaning, those playing can choose between five different activities: bouncing, playing basketball or volleyball, jousting, or boxing. One more than one occasion, parents join in the bouncing and playing, too. Donna even climbs the slide once in awhile. In the back room at D’s, Donna has set up an arcade for older children. Donna’s main goal for her shop is to provide a place for children and parents in the Bluffton area to play, but she says that people come from all over to play. She’s had some from as far away as Anderson book a party here. Birthday parties are one of the biggest draws for Donna. She can book up to three parties on a Saturday, although party times are available any day of the week. Donna prepares two pizzas and a cake for each party, and she reserves a special room for the guests. During a party, kids can play on the inflatables and enjoy the arcade. Donna says most guests find out about her parties from either attending one or hearing about one. Then, they book their own party.

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As word continues to spread about Donna’s shop in downtown Bluffton, she is considering the addition of two more party rooms upstairs, along with a laser tag room to give older kids something more to enjoy. WVL

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sweets to nibble on

SHOP BAKES UP CUPCAKES, CHOCOLATES & MORE Article & photos by Ashley Olson

ravis Tribolet was born and raised in Van Wert and is now a proud business owner in the downtown area. His shop, Simply Irresistible, specializes in cakes, cupcakes, chocolates and other baked goods. As a small business owner, Travis loves that he has more creative freedom. “I love having the ability to do whatever I want,” he explains. “I worked for the bakery in a retail chain and in a couple of other groceries. “The grocery bakeries are very cookie-cutter, like this many cakes have to have yellow frosting, this

one has to have red frosting. But now, I can make everything blue if I want – just have a blue day.” Aside from being able to do as he pleases with the products, Tribolet also loves chatting with his customers. “I love the interaction with both the young and old people who come in. Many bring in recipes that they don’t have time for, and we make them.” Tribolet began honing his baking skills in his home economics class at Van Wert High School. He worked extensively with his teacher, Arlene Hurless, to help her prepare for class.

The 1997 VWHS graduate also draws cooking skills from his family, which includes a long line of bakers. Tribolet describes his grandma on his mother’s side as being “an amazing baker.” His grandma on his dad’s side was a talented fudge-maker. “I remember sitting there for hours, watching them in the kitchen.” With this lineage, it’s no surprise that Tribolet quickly got into baking following high school. In fact, he already owned a home-based bakery back in 2001, when he started out by selling cupcakes and chocolates.

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Travis recalls, “I moved to Pittsburg, where I opened a couple restaurants. One was a Greek restaurant, which was fun. I kind of bounced back and fourth between Pittsburg and Van Wert, but finally moved back here in 2010. “That’s when I got more into baked goods. I opened in this location October of last year.” Pittsburgh was actually the site of one of Tribolet’s most challenging tasks as a baker. He was received an order for a wedding cake for the mayor’s daughter and really wanted to make it special.

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“I had a lot of fondant and hours and hours of work,” he remembers. “At the same time, it was probably one of the most intriguing cakes I’ve ever worked on. It was for an important person in Pittsburg, so I didn’t want to screw it up. “Along with the huge cake, we had to make 500 mini cakes so all the wedding guests could take one home.” His mother’s 60th birthday cake turned out to be another challenge for Tribolet. He chose to decorate her cake and cupcakes with flowers because she is a botanist and nature lover. Travis’ mom comes in at night, sometimes, and bakes for his shop. One day last summer, Tribolet had a cake order to fill when the electricity went out, throwing a wrench into his plans. Amazingly, Tribolet was able to complete a 3-foot-tall, 4-tier cake during the outage. “We did all of the decorating by candle light,” he says. “Needless to say, it was a challenge.” Luckily, not everything that Tribolet does is as hectic or stressful. Most of his duties at Simply Irresistible involve serving Van Wert area customers with fresh cupcakes, doughnuts, candy, noodles and chocolates. The shop features a wide variety of chocolates, including chocolate-covered cherries, crickets, jalapeños, cherry tomatoes and maple bacon. As Tribolet says, “We’ll dip just about anything in chocolate, if we can find a way to.” He encourages customers to try something new. “You might not like something like a chocolate jalapeño, but you’ll never know, unless you try it.” Of course, it’s hard to turn down Tribolet’s cupcakes when they’re so reasonably priced in comparison to other bakeries. His typical cupcake price is $1.25. “I try to keep everything very cost-efficient – I’m not out to gouge people. I get a reward out of giving people what they want and can afford,” he says.

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At the moment, Tribolet is working very long distance with a bride-to-be in Korea. The woman is originally from Van Wert and moved to Korea years ago. She plans to have her wedding reception back in the states, though, and found Simply Irresistible

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online. Because of the incredible distance, Tribolet has been limited to emailing the bride-to-be back and forth about the details of her wedding reception. Once this job is finished, Simply Irresistible will be preparing for some important fall events. “We will be having activities for kids around Halloween and, probably Christmas,” says Travis. “We’ll be decorating cookies. It will cost $1.25 per cookie, and the kids can decorate their cookie however they want. We’ll try to spend a few minutes with each kid and show them different techniques. Last year, we had the kids make monster cupcakes, and around 85 kids came through and decorated. “We also offer tours for local classrooms,and help with the YMCA summer food program. For one summer program, we held a scavenger hunt where kids had to find chocolate-covered bacon, and kids came in and got to try chocolate bacon.” Tribolet will also be attending a food show at the Country Kitchen in Forth Wayne. He thoroughly enjoys watching other bakers and their techniques. It’s no wonder he also watches YouTube videos to pick up new tips and tricks. Simply Irresistible offers an astounding 110 cake flavors. With this kind of selection, customers should have no difficulty finding their favorite flavor, whether it be for a wedding cake or just a simple cupcake. As far as special orders go, Travis says his bakery can do pretty much anything. He asks, though, that customers place orders at least two or three days ahead of time so you’re sure to receive the quality service that Simply Irresistible has come to be known for. WVL

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5 OFF

per Night at

HISTORIC SCHUG HOUSE INN 706 W. Main Street

any purchase

Karen’s Treasures 444 E. Main Street, Berne

(260)589-2002

$1.00 OFF Any Short or Long Beverage

1 coupon per visit

Berne, Indiana

Expires 09/30/13

with any $20 purchase when you present this coupon.

—with this coupon—

EXPIRES 09/30/13

EXPIRES 12/31/13

143 E. Jackson Monroe, IN

I N T R O D U C I N G

Dr. Lindsay

Hardley Coming Soon to a Surgical Suite Near You!

Adams Memorial Hospital is pleased to announce a second surgeon has been successfully recruited to join Dr. Anthony Nigliazzo in the practice of general surgery. Dr. Lindsay Hardley graduated from Manchester College in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and chemistry. She graduated from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Bradenton, Florida, in 2008. Dr. Hardley is completing her residency from Doctor’s Hospital in Ohio and will begin seeing patients at our hospital in September 2013. Dr. Hardley received the “Resident of the Year” award in 2010-11 from the Department of Pediatric Surgery at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus. Her office will be located in the Adams Medical Complex located adjacent to the hospital. To schedule an appointment call 260-728-3982.

Exceptional Care! Close To You! 1100 Mercer Avenue Decatur, IN 260-724-2145 www.adamshospital.com