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February 24, 2017

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Carroll guard plays ‘Waiting Game’ By Garth Snow gsnow@kpcmedia.com

Winter guard helps develops connections and confidence, said Carroll junior and varsity guard member Rylee Holland. “It’s really amazing, all the hard work that people put into the show and hearing the audience clap for you is really amazing after every toss and every catch,” she said. “ … [you] feel like you’re a part of something. And yes, it’s a lot of pressure but you’ve put in so much to get to this moment and it’s really worthwhile.” Geoff Goelz directs the varsity guard. This year’s show is titled “Waiting Game.” Goelz said the show tells a story of longing for something, only to realize that it is something that was already available. Carroll’s three winter guard units will compete Saturday, Feb. 25, at the home gym. In all,

n Snider guard lifts ‘A

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Page A2

See GUARD, Page A15

PHOTO BY GARTH SNOW

Junior Rylee Holland rehearses with the varsity winter guard at Carroll High School, which also has fielded a junior varsity squad for the first time this season.

Ring 221 back at Byron for third Night of Magic By Garth Snow gsnow@kpcmedia.com

COURTESY PHOTO

Gerry Bailey baffles the audience at the 2016 Night of Magic at Byron Health Center.

five friends will continue polishing their acts Wednesday, March 8, at a community event at Byron Health Center. This will be the third Night of

Magic for Byron residents and friends. The show is open to the public; admission is free. Doors open at See MAGIC, Page A13

3306 Independence Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 46808

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James Mitchell has been confusing his audiences for just over 10 years. As he strolls among customers each Sunday night at Granite City, he leaves each guest with a playing card and a puzzled expression. He has polished his magic act, not with the mere tap of a wand but with a decade of dedication. “With any entertainment, the more you do the more experience you gain, and therefore you can deliver a more quality entertainment,” he said. “And from my standpoint, that means being able to read the audiences and providing them a real good, close, interactive performance that can be funny at times.” Mitchell and about

Byron Health eyes former YWCA site By Linda Lipp

Mother’s Prayer.’

64 winter guard units will compete that day. Because the event is a contest and not an invitational, host Carroll will compete with the visiting schools. Competition begins at 10 a.m. Admission is $6 per person, with children under 5 admitted for $3. Infants who will be held on laps will be admitted free. The Carroll Cadet Guard will compete at 10:35 a.m. Carroll has added a junior varsity guard this season; the unit will perform at 4:11 p.m. The Carroll Varsity will perform at 6:04 p.m. Performances continue until 7:34 p.m. Visit

The Allen County Board of Commissioners may be a couple weeks away from reaching an agreement to craft a master plan for redeveloping the 100 acres or more it owns at Lima and Carroll roads. The property includes the nonprofit Byron Health Center, which leases its facility from the county. Byron recently announced it is exploring the purchase of the former YWCA campus at 2000 N. Wells St. The potential move of its operation to a new site is a part of that - but, in any case, the commissioners have been discussing a sale for months. “We want to move that property. We don’t want to be in the business of development,” Commissioner Nelson Peters

said. The property that includes Byron is on the north side of Carroll Road; the county owns 50 acres south of Carroll that might be sold for redevelopment as well. The county property is in a high-profile location and is located in a part of the city that is growing rapidly. Peters envisions it becoming a mixed used development. The commissioners have been getting “nibbles and bites” from potential buyers, but want to develop a plan before entertaining any specific suggestions. “If we allow one thing to happen, then we would have to build around that,” Peters said. “We’d rather have a full plan.” New possibilities

The 25-acre campus See BYRON, Page A13

A2 • INfortwayne.com

Dupont Valley • February 24, 2017

Snider winter guard has touch of Northrop

By Garth Snow

gsnow@kpcmedia.com

As the Snider Varsity Winter Guard’s show unfolds across the gym floor, so does the the text that inspired the show. Bit by bit, the guard reveals words from Celin Dion’s “A Mother’s Prayer.” “She’s hoping God is watching over her daughter,” guard director Ryan Long said. The show’s title is “My Mother’s Prayer,” making the message even more personal. As the tarp unfolds and

Dion’s voice is heard, guard captain Kiersten DeLong can be heard, too. “She does voice-overs, which add a nice touch for her senior year,” Long said. The show is a reminder to go home and take time to be with those who mean so much to us, said guard captain Desmond Reynolds, a junior. It’s a reminder to thank that person for just cooking a meal, he said. “It’s about being appreciative of those we love,” said junior Kierstin Steinlight, the third guard captain. “The time will

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come when you won’t see them again.” The colors of the tarp are mirrored in the guard’s flags, and even referenced on the 18 uniforms. Guards from other schools return to the festival gyms to watch the show unfold, Steinlight said. The applause confirms that the show works. “They love us,” Reynolds said. “When they come back and they cheer for us we think, ‘Oh, they understand us.’ ” Snider needs a strong show once among Class A guards this season after finishing first last year in Divisional Finals. “So they bumped us up [a class],” said Trinity Meadows, assistant director. To reach the Indiana High School Color Guard Association finals in the new class, Snider will have to excel at the preliminaries, March 11 at Center Grove High School. The Top 16 Class A guard units will go to state, Meadows said. The guard has matched up with the Class A competition so far this year, placing third among nine schools in Round 1 on Feb. 11 at Greenfield Central High School, and third among six schools Feb. 18 at Goshen High School.

PHOTO BY JANE SNOW

Flags soar toward the roof as the Snider Varsity Winter Guard rehearses at the Shawnee Middle School gym.

This year’s Snider guard welcomes one varsity member and one JV member from Northrop High School, which did not field a guard this year. The guard rehearses at Shawnee Middle School, which is squarely within the Northrop attendance area. “We had the opportunity to practice here because of Northrop,” Meadows said. That success takes work, according to guard captain Steinlight. Competing among larger schools presents new

challenges, she said. The flag tosses are higher, and the behind-the-leg catches are more difficult. “We rehearse from 5:30 to 9 three days a week,” she said. “This show definitely has more advanced skills,” said Reynolds. “We’re really pushing the limits of the advanced skill set.” “It’s just gotten so much better each week,” DeLong said. “We love being together and building each other up.” Long said the guard meets its artistic goals and self-funds its

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expenses thanks to “a lot of supportive folks.” He thanked Snider band director Kevin Klee and assistant director Helen Hockemeyer, and Shawnee Principal Matthew Schiebel. Both Long and Meadows also work with the Snider marching band. Long said they began writing the winter guard show in November. Both the varsity and the junior varsity will compete Saturday, Feb. 25, at the Carroll High School winter guard festival.

Dupont Valley • February 24, 2017

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Youth council shares Fort Wayne’s success

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Fort Wayne’s Mayor’s Youth Engagement Council shared its success story at a statewide council of similar groups. Former Fort Wayne Mayor Paul Helmke also addressed the Accelerate Indiana Municipalities summit at Launch Fishers, in Fishers, Ind. Karen L. Richards, the Fort Wayne unit’s adult coordinator, said the gathering included breakout sessions at which students discussed ideas with the goal of forming a statewide network. Approximately 25 to 30 councils were expected to

participate. Richard is the mayor’s community liaison for special programs. She oversees a council that selects 22 students each year. This school year’s council represents 11 schools. Selections reflect diversity, Richards said. Candidates must apply for the council. The screening process involves interviews. “We get the cream of the crop,” Richards said. This school year, 10 students applied to return for a second year on the council. Doreen Benavente-Sickafoose is in her third year as volunteer

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The Fort Wayne Youth Engagement Council and advisers are: (front, from left) Emily Lahey, Jazmyn Hernandez, Hannah Benson, Alicia Speer, Joe Straley, Julia Andorfer, Emma Bailey, Lilli Hagadorn, (standing, from left) Doreen Benavente-Sickafoose, Karen Richards, Brandon Blumenherst, Antonio Menson, Carter Davis, Sana Ghazali, Kaleb McCague, Grace McGuire, Ryan Haffner, Deborah Choe, Justin Freeman, Adrianna McNab, Joshua Wolfe, Peyton Godfrey, Will Pape and Ivy McLimans.

coordinator to the group. “They are fabulous kids. They are all so smart and they have great ideas and they just surprise us all the time,” she said. “I don’t remember being like that when I was their age.” Sonya Snellenberger, project manager at Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership, visits the council’s Tuesday afternoon meetings at Citizens Square. “She comes in almost every week and teaches them something, and part of that is how to talk with each other, how to interview,” Benavente-Sickafoose said.

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I wouldn’t have met otherwise,” she said. The group becomes very close, said Lahey, who lives in southwest Fort Wayne. North Side High School senior Jazmyn Hernandez serves on the council’s advisory board. “This council has helped me be a real member of the community, and not just live in the community,” she said. For the third year, the Youth Council will work with the Dragon Boat Races as part of Riverpalooza on Saturday, June 24. Benavente-Sickafoose and Richards traveled to Knoxville, Tenn., to see visit the company that takes the dragon boats to fundraisers across the country, and then returned to Fort Wayne to seek sponsorships. “That first year the community really loved it and it just took off,” the volunteer coordinator said. Dragon boat race team registration opens March 1. For more information on sponsoring or participating, visit riverfrontfw. org.

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Brandon Blumenherst, a Homestead High School senior, is on the council for a second year, and is this year’s president. “Being president of this council holds a special meaning because you are elected by your peers, who are already carefully selected by the interviewing process in this council, which is extremely selective,” he said. “We all come from extremely different backgrounds and family lives and ethnicities, cultures and religions. In these divisive times we’re going through it’s really important that we stay unified as a group of younger individuals who are going to be the leaders of our country. “This group really embodies that message of cooperating with each other, collaborating, making sure that everyone feels included and everyone’s ideas matter.” Emily Lahey, a Concordia High School senior, serves as council vice president. “I’ve gotten to meet people

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Dupont Valley • February 24, 2017

‘Annie Jr.’ musical enlists area middle school talent By Louisa Danielson

led Concordia High School’s drama camp. He is passionate about the dramatic arts. “With cutbacks in the arts occurring in so many schools,” he said, “I wanted kids from various schools to get the opportunity to participate in a bigger musical with other kids who also enjoyed participating in drama. I also

For the Dupont Valley News

Chris Murphy has a crew of about 65 young students who are prepping sets and practicing their lines for a citywide middle school musical, “Annie Jr.” Performances will be given at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 17 and 18, at the Concordia Lutheran Elementary School Arena, 4245 Lake Ave., Fort Wayne. The admission price will be determined and tickets will be available at the door. Murphy issued the call for students from across the area to audition. “We invited students particularly from our Lutheran schools, but also students who attended Concordia [High School’s] summer drama camp, and others who heard about the show, to audition,” he said. “There are about 45 students in the cast and we will probably have another 20 or so involved in the set design, set crew and light/sound crew.” Students in Grades 6-8 auditioned for roles in the musical last September. Rehearsals are scheduled twice a week, to make sure everything is ready for the March performances. “There is [only] one cast,” Murphy said,

COURTESY PHOTO BY CHRIS MURPHY

The familiar story of an orphan during the Depression finds new moments in “Annie Jr.,” now in rehearsal for two shows at Concordia Lutheran Elementary School.

“no understudies.” The musical “Annie Jr.” looks very much like the traditional “Annie” musical. The website for Music Theatre International, a licensor for musicals and plays in New York City, explains that Annie Jr. is “…based on the popular comic strip and adapted from the Tony Award-winning Best Musical….” The original script for this musical is set during the Great Depression of the 1930s. Annie is an orphan, left at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage in New York City. Annie is subjected to a life of drudgery until a wealthy

businessman volunteers to have an orphan stay at his home for Christmas. Then, the real adventures begin for the little orphan who wants to find a home. Audience members who are familiar with either the comic strip or any of the “Annie” movies will recognize characters like red-headed Annie, kindly Grace Farrell, billionaire Oliver Warbucks, and Sandy, the little dog. Musical numbers include solo parts and group singing of tunes like “Maybe,” “Hard-Knock Life” and “Tomorrow.” While there will be no adults who appear

onstage as actors, Murphy explained that he has a staff of three teachers who are helping him pull the production together from across the city. “Natalie Reynolds [a teacher at Lutheran South Unity] is our music director,” he said. “Erin Mickelini is our choreographer and … a teacher at Concordia Elementary School.” Completing the list is Angie Owen, who “is set designer and assistant director.” Owen teaches at Concordia Elementary School. Murphy also works as the artistic director of drama at Concordia High School and last summer

wanted students to have the opportunity to get to know students from other schools.” Murphy hopes to continue holding large-scale musicals. “Depending on our individual schedules at our elementary schools, this will either be an annual or bi-annual production,” he said.

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Dupont Valley • February 24, 2017

USF to show, sell part of Keltsch art

By Garth Snow

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Maurice Keltsch was a good judge of art, said friend and artist Betty Fishman. One of Fishman’s woodcut pieces is among the more than 30 works that will go on exhibit at the University of Saint Francis. Those works will be for sale, with some of the proceeds going to support USF creative arts student scholarships. Keltsch’s family has partnered with the school on the project. This exhibition will have an opening reception from 6-8 p.m. Friday, March 10, at the Goldfish Gallery in the Rolland Center for Art and Visual Communication at the University of Saint Francis, 2701 Spring St., Fort Wayne. The exhibition will continue through Sunday, March 19. The exhibit is free and open to the public. Goldfish Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Keltsch’s art collection has been part of the Fort Wayne landscape for years. Keltsch, who owned several pharmacies for over 40 years, died Aug. 22.

COURTESY PHOTO

A woodcut piece by local artist Betty Fishman is part of the Keltsch art collection on exhibit and for sale at the University of Saint Francis.

“For anybody who will have an opportunity to see it, it’s a pretty remarkable show,” Fishman said. And a last opportunity, she said. Fishman was the director of ArtLink for 18 years. Keltsch served as president of the board for two years, she said. “I knew him well because he was a neighbor and a friend,” she said. She does not recall the story behind the woodcut that Keltsch purchased. “He liked my art and he bought it,” she said. In a statement, the university said, “Keltsch and his family amassed an eclectic collection of artworks both locally and from around the world. Notable pieces include works by Norman Bradley, George McCullough, Victor Vasarely, Marc Chagall and

many others.” Keltsch supported the local arts, including ArtLink, the Fort Wayne Museum of Art, Arts United, and the USF School of Creative Arts. He earned the Sagamore of the Wabash award in 2004. Fishman said she appraised Keltsch’s collection about 10 years ago and has helped to plan the exhibit. “Since his death I’ve gone over lots of his work with his daughter and it’s an excellent collection,” she said. “He had a good eye, bought a lot of good pieces – not only mine but a lot of other people’s – and I think it’s going to be a very interesting exhibit.” Visit art.sf.edu for more information on the USF School of Creative Arts exhibits and events.

INfortwayne.com • A7

Dupont Valley • February 24, 2017

Garden guru: Save water, don’t pay to replace it

By Garth Snow

gsnow@kpcmedia.com

Frustrated gardeners watch the topsoil wash away with the rain and then try to figure out how to water their hard clay gardens. So says longtime gardener Art Stahlhut, who shares his energy and advice promoting composting, raised bed gardening and hoop houses throughout Allen County. “The deal is, the program is called drought-resistant soil,” he said before a recent program at the Botanical Conservatory. “With approximately 1 percent organic matter added to your soil, you can save approximately 16,000 gallons of water on one acre. “Folks keep complaining about how are we going to hold the water in Allen County. There are many different ways, and nobody wants to do it because there’s a four-letter word associated with it, and that’s called ‘work.’ “ If you get the clay loose and get the compost in the soil, then the garden will hold water, he said. Stahlhut said a hoop house can do more than produce bedding plants for spring; it can actually produce produce in March. “I start the plants in the house in February, and we transplant them in March,” he said. Lettuce and spinach can be harvested several times. Spread the plants about 4 to 5 inches apart, he said. Cut the outside leaves and let the inside leaves keep growing, he said. “We found out we can get three cuts off it before it starts to bolt,” he said. Stahlhut is working with Catalpa Street Inc., formerly Kelley House, installing raised beds to be

GARDEN CALENDAR

• Fort Wayne Home & Garden Show. March 2-5. Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne. Admission $10 for adults. Hours 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m-9 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. The Allen County Master Gardeners will sell seeds for 50-cents a packet. The small containers are intended for the backyard and urban gardeners. Offerings include vegetables, flowers, herbs, some grasses and ornamentals and common milkweed to encourage butterflies. More than 20 Master Gardeners will lead seminars and discussions. Visit home-gardenshow.com for details. • Easy Care Flower Favorites. Monday, March 13, 7 p.m. Allen County Extension Office on the IPFW Campus, 4001 Crescent Ave., Fort Wayne. An Allen County Master Gardener will instruct a class on beautiful flowers that require a minimum of care. No charge. No advance registration. • Annual 4-H plant sale fundraiser. Orders due March 31 for pickup in May at the Allen County Fairgrounds. Order patio planters, potted Gerbera daisies, hanging baskets, and tomato and pepper plants. Find details and a link to order at extension. purdue.edu/Allen. • Settlers Inc. annual plant sale and open house. Friday, May 5, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday, May 6, 9 a.m.-noon. The Historic Swinney Homestead, 1424 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne. The annual plant sale will be in the basement with perennial diggings on the back lawn. • Mother’s Day Plant Sale. Friday, May 12, 4-7 p.m.; Saturday, May 13, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, May 14, noon-4 p.m. McMillen Park Community Center, 3901 Abbott St., Fort Wayne. Hundreds of kinds of plants will be available for purchase from the Botanical Conservatory. Visit BotanicalConservatory.org for a list of plants intended for sale. The selection includes the Butterfly Weed, which was named 2017 Perennial Plant of the Year by the Perennial Plant Association. • Spring plant swap. Saturday, June 3, 10-11 a.m. Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne. Bring at least one plant of any kind to share and take home starts from other gardeners. Seating is limited to 50 so call to register. No fee. For details and to register, call (260) 427-6442.

PHOTO BY GARTH SNOW

Art Stahlhut adds soil to a raised bed in a hoop house at Catalpa Street Inc., formerly Kelley House. Stahlhut, an Allen County Master Gardener, promotes the use of organic materials to retain water in the soil.

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tended by the men who live at the Culbertson Street address as they rebuild their lives. “I’m going to a couple lectures this summer that will take me out of production,” he said. “I’ve acquired a following on this stuff I do, like selling at South Side Market. There are a lot of people who tell me my vegetables are the best they’ve ever tasted. “This is the first year I’ve not done anything with my raised beds,” he said. “I enjoy it, but this year I’ve got so much I want to do. That takes a lot out of you, and those beds have

been there 14 or 15 years and that’s about the life of pretreated lumber.” Stahlhut’s mid-January lecture at the Botanical Conservatory drew an audience of about eight. Gardeners have another opportunity to hear about raised bed gardening. Advanced Master Gardener Pam Snyder will lead the program at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 25, at the Allen County Extension Office, on the IPFW Campus, 4001 Crescent Ave., Fort Wayne. No registration is required. Direct questions to Vickie Hadley at the Allen County Extension Office, (260) 481-6826.

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Dupont Valley • February 24, 2017

Tours help share lessons and sites of local history By Louisa Danielson

For the Dupont Valley News

Linda Huge is passionate about history. An elementary school teacher turned historian and local history instructor, Huge has been working to preserve Fort Wayne’s history for about 40 years. “They weren’t doing anything for local history,” she explained, saying that she created local history tours as a result of her experiences in education. While children in fourth and fifth grades are required to take state and national history, Huge felt that there was a gap when it came to the past and the hometown. Tours of Fort Wayne sites were her remedy. Her identification card

for Southwest Allen County Schools officially lists her as the “Schoolmarm,” and she’s proud of that title. Dressed in a white shirtwaist and long, black skirt (typical dress for teachers from 1880s and 1890s), Huge has taught local history for Southwest and Northwest Allen County Schools, as well as Canterbury School. What fuels her passion? The beauty and the significance of the places she has helped to restore. “It belongs to everybody,” she said. “We want it to stay not only for today but also for tomorrow!” The Settlers Inc. tour on March 23 will cover the Swinney House, lunch, and the Allen County Courthouse. Both locations are loaded with

PHOTO BY RAY STEUP

The Swinney House survives as a reminder of Fort Wayne’s history. Settlers Inc. will serve a lunch as part of a tour of the mansion and the Allen County Courthouse.

interesting details and provide plenty of food for

thought. “The Swinneys were

some of the richest people to ever hit Fort Wayne,” Huge said. Thomas Swinney was 23 years old when he met his future wife, Lucy Taber, here in Fort Wayne. Miss Taber, the daughter of a wealthy Boston clipper ship captain, had come to Fort Wayne with her family — mother, father, and two brothers. While Lucy Taber’s family eventually moved out of the region, she stayed in Fort Wayne and married Tom Swinney, bringing with her the 250 acres that her father had left when he moved away. Those 250 acres were the site for the Swinney homestead. What started out as a cellar and firstfloor humble abode turned into a three-story, 14-room mansion, which still stands today. A stone cellar houses the kitchen, and tour meals are usually prepared on site. This tour will only be of the interior of the house, not any of the outdoor

gardens or the log house. While meals are usually prepared on-site for tour guests, this time the meal will be catered by Goeglein’s, as the regular cook is unable to attend. The luncheon will be eaten in the two dining rooms of the Swinney house, which are beautifully decorated. “Everybody has to see it!” Huge exclaimed. The lunch will be completed in time for tourists to get themselves to the Allen County Courthouse by 12:30 p.m. This is usually when the courts are not in session. Huge has been pivotal in helping to restore the interior of the courthouse, so seeing that others appreciate the beauty — and the history — of the building is important to her. “I realized a lot of grownups hadn’t been to the courthouse,” she mused, in thinking about spreading the word on local history. So, she guides adult tours — such as the one on March 23 — that focus on the glass ceilings, imitation marble, and the historic paintings inside the courtrooms, “the gorgeous ones I want everyone to see!” she added. Reservations are required to join the tour. Lunch will be at the Homestead, 1424 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne. The tour will last from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.. A $25 reservation per person is required, and payment is due by March 16. Transportation is not included. Tourists should be age 14 and older. This tour is limited to 25. Call (260) 747-1501 or (260) 747-1229 for more information. Proceeds support the maintenance of the Historic Homestead.

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Dupont Valley • February 24, 2017

INfortwayne.com • A9

Developer to purchase GE Fort Wayne campus By Lucretia Cardenas lcardenas@kpcmedia.com

A Maryland developer is purchasing the General Electric campus on Broadway Street in Fort Wayne — all 31 acres — and hopes to begin construction on a more than $284 million revamp at the site as early as this fall. “I think this is the greatest thing that could happen to Fort Wayne,” said Darrell Kindschy, who has lived within walking distance to the campus since 1974. “It will help the neighborhood. … Everyone is talking about it.” The announcement of the purchase and plans on Feb. 13 was indeed what everyone seemed to be talking about that day. “This is a big win for the Broadway neighborhood and the south side of Fort Wayne,” said Eric Doden, Greater Fort Wayne Inc. CEO, during a press briefing Feb. 10. State, regional, county and local officials, as well as residents and nearby business owners gathered Monday in the gymnasium of the GE Club on the site to hear the official word that redevelopment would take place. “Everyone knew, myself included, that there was some potential here,” said Tom Smith, a former Fort Wayne councilman who has worked with Councilman Geoff Paddock and a coalition of residents to seek a new future for the property. Gov. Eric Holcomb was present Monday to celebrate the announcement and plans for the GE campus. He called the project “pivotal” for Fort Wayne and all of northeast Indiana. The iconic GE sign that stood atop one of the buildings for years was a symbol of prosperity, he said. Now, the new vision being built will once again bring prosperity to the community. Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry emphasized a project of this magnitude will benefit the entire northeast section of Indiana. “We have to enhance the core of our city — the downtown section of Fort Wayne — if we truly are going to remain the type of leader that we want to be,” Henry said. He added that the development plan complements other investments underway in the city that help it become a destination. Cross Street Partners,

COURTESY PHOTO

Rendering of the redevelopment Cross Street Partners is planning for the 31-acre General Electric campus on Broadway Street in Fort Wayne.

PHOTO BY RAY STEUP

Cross Street Partners is in the process of purchasing the 31-acre General Electric campus on Broadway Street in Fort Wayne from GE. The company has a nearly $300 million redevelopment plan for the campus.

based in Baltimore, plans to redevelop 1.1 million square feet to create a place to live, work, play and learn, Doden said. The company’s chief investment officer, Josh Parker, first saw the old manufacturing facility in December 2015, when he came to visit Fort Wayne on the advice of a mutual contact he and Doden share. “I saw the GE campus and I was in love,” Parker said. Cross Street has developed historic properties like the GE campus across the nation. It has a focus on urban revitalization. A brief look at the company’s website — crossstpartners.com — shows several ongoing and recently completed projects. Many of the projects the developer takes on are similar to the GE campus — the main building(s) are manufacturing relics that have sat vacant for years. As such, the company is prepared for the remediation that is likely required on the campus after years of industrial work. On Monday, Parker spoke to the energy and enthusiasm he felt from the community’s leadership. He also noted that he believes Fort Wayne’s future is bright. “I think we are arriving right before the tipping point,” he said. In a couple of weeks, the final documents will be signed and a sale price will be available. In the meantime, Cross Street is coordinating with a number of local agencies and government bodies to line up financing and begin planning the next steps so the company can break ground this year. The preliminary breakdown for the campus is planned as follows: • 277,000 square feet for education space; • 137,000 square feet for retail;

• 131,000 square feet for office space; • 342,000 square feet for residential; • 120,000 square feet for hospitality; and • 64,000 square feet for amenities. Funding for the project is expected to include about $70 million in federal tax credits, a $92 million loan, $41 million in equity and additional incentives from state and local government entities, Doden said. Also, the city of Fort Wayne has agreed to seek a new tax increment financing district that will apply to this area, a Greater Fort Wayne Inc. statement said. Once a final agreement is reached, Cross Street is expected to seek input from the community, secure commitments from future tenants, obtain financing and incentives and complete construction drawings. Construction could begin in the fall of 2017 and See GE, Page A10

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Dupont Valley • February 24, 2017

GE from Page A9 be completed in three to four years. “There is much work to be done; we will need your help,” Parker told the audience. Reaching this point in the redevelopment of the GE campus took a collaborative effort between the community, Greater Fort Wayne and local, state and federal officials, Doden said. “This is the most transformational project I’ve worked on in my career,” Doden said. Doden said Greater Fort Wayne reached out to GE about the property in March 2014. In May 2015, a neighborhood coalition formed to consider options for the campus. The group submitted a presentation to GE in November 2015. A community focus group was led in

A number of residents, officials and business leaders attended the announcement Monday that Cross Street Partners plans to redevelop the 31-acre General Electric campus on Broadway Street in Fort Wayne.

PHOTOS BY LUCRETIA CARDENAS

Greater Fort Wayne Inc. CEO Eric Doden introduced students from Fairfield Elementary during the announcement that Cross Street Partners plans to redevelop the 31-acre General Electric campus on Broadway Street in Fort Wayne. The event took place in the gymnasium of the GE Club on the site.

February 2016, followed by GE issuing a request for proposals in May 2016. Developers from across the nation

submitted proposals by July and GE narrowed down the selection in the fall. Cross Street and GE began formalizing an agreement early this

year, Doden said. U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly, D-Indiana, worked with GE and Norfolk Southern so that the entire 31 acres

could be included in the purchase. A section of the campus is owned by Norfolk Southern and leased to GE. Despite all the work that has occurred up to this point, Monday’s announcement “is not a ribbon cutting” and “it is not a ground breaking,” Doden emphasized. Once due diligence has taken

place and agreements are signed, the developer can begin making more concrete plans. Cross Street established a website for the project where anyone can sign up to be added to an email list to receive updates. The website is: fortwayneelectricworks. com.

Indiana Teach Plus picks 5 from Fort Wayne area Teach Plus has named five northeast Indiana teachers as fellows of the inaugural Indiana Teach Plus Policy Fellowship. Local honorees are: • Dominique Barnes of Mabel K. Holland Elementary School in Fort Wayne; • Chris McGrew and Jean Russell of Haverhill Elementary in Southwest Allen County Schools; • Robert McKerr of Carroll High School, and; • Jessica Carlson of Garrett Middle School in Garrett. The 20 teachers chosen statewide teach in urban, suburban and rural districts. Fellows

are leaders in their K-12 schools and communities. The Indiana Teaching Policy Fellowship is an opportunity for 20 teachers to deepen their knowledge of education policy and gain a voice in decisions that affect students and the teaching profession. During the 12-month program, fellows will look to magnify the impact they have in their classrooms through personal interactions with education leaders and opportunities to advocate for policies around key state-level issues, such as the creation and expansion of career pathways for teacher leaders.

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INfortwayne.com • A11

Dupont Valley • February 24, 2017

Family-friendly beer hall replaces grocery market By Bridgett Hernandez

teds market

bhernandez@kpcmedia.com

Housed in a former church on the corner of Coldwater and Union Chapel roads, teds market is in the final stages of another conversion: from neighborhood grocery store to family-friendly beer hall. While the change might seem like a leap, owner Brian Hench describes the process as “an evolution.” After all, teds market hasn’t had to close its door through any of the changes. So how does a grocery store become a beer hall? The concepts sound as different as day and night, but it has been a smooth transition, Hench said. And it hasn’t happened overnight. Hench opened teds market about a year and a half ago as a neighborhood grocery store with a deli and coffee bar, with a small seating area on the ground floor and a 21-and-over wine bar in the lower level. The wine bar was a hit, but the grocery store was not as successful as he had hoped. In addition, the upstairs seating area kept getting bigger, people were demanding more restaurant-style food and parents wanted a space that they could take their kids and still enjoy a glass of wine or a pint of beer. “With the wine bar downstairs being 21 and over, there were a number of people asking for a more family-friendly venue where they would be able to have their entire family join them,” he said. It didn’t take him long to realize that the grocery store was getting in the way of something better. “We decided that it was time to go in one direction

hours: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday teds wine bar hours: 5 p.m. to midnight Thursday-Saturday address: 12628 Coldwater Road phone: (888) 260-0351 website: www.teds-market.com

PHOTOS BY BRIDGETT HERNANDEZ

Teds market and teds wine bar is located on the corner of Coldwater and Union Chapel roads.

and one direction only,” he said. And that direction was a family-friendly beer hall. A space for all ages Upon completion, the restaurant will house long, wooden, community-style tables where families can share a meal, adults can enjoy an alcoholic beverage and patrons can watch sports on big screen TVs. On one end of the long room, a stage is being constructed for live entertainment and events. The space used to be a church, so it should lend itself to great acoustics, Hench said. On the other end, a bar area is partitioned off for patrons 21 and older with 16 beers on tap and more than 50 bottled varieties. The outdoor space will include a beer garden. Hench envisions a community-centric, festive vibe. It’s a concept that’s partly inspired by his travels. After graduation, he worked as an engineer and traveled around the world for work. “I got to grab a beer in a lot of different places,” he said. The beer halls of Germany made a special impression on him.

“They’re big, and they’re open and there are lots of people just enjoying each other’s company,” he said. “You can sit down next to a complete stranger and have a discussion with them. It was a fun, community environment, and I like that idea.” During the day, teds market offers craft beer, lunch sandwiches and a coffee bar that serves gelato and select baked goods. In the evenings, the restaurant offers a wider menu selection including burgers, brats, pizza and wings. teds market is known for its quality baked goods, Hench said. While it will continue baking for in-house use, baked items will be available for retail sale Saturdays only. The downstairs wine bar will remain a 21-and-older venue open Thursday through Saturday in the evening with a quieter, more intimate, lounge-like feeling. Making it work Hench credits the smooth transition to the creativity of the 35-person staff. “We’re always looking for ways to make this place a little better,” he said.

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He seems to have brought the same qualities that make a great engineer to the restaurant business: a desire to figure things out, creativity, mechanical skills, an ability to find innovative solutions and a knack for repurposing materials. He and the staff made the most of the furniture at teds market, much of it from reclaimed wood. Some of the tables were built with spare pieces that were left over from a flooring project. The glass cases behind the bar containing beer and wine used to be the dairy cooler. When they had to have 16 trees cut down in order to put in a driveway off Union Chapel Road, they had the wood cut into boards and used the

Brian Hench, owner of teds market and teds wine bar, chops firewood for the wood-burning fireplace.

lumber to build tables and the front of the upstairs bar. Hench has been chopping the rest of it for the wood-burning fireplace in teds wine bar. “If we’re forced to cut down a tree, we’re going to find a way to use it,” he said. Ready for business Hench expects the entire space to be fully operational by late February. He’s holding off celebrating a grand opening

until the beginning of March. In the meantime, teds market and teds wine bar are still open for business. As for the name, teds market is named after Hench’s grandfather who opened a chain of supermarkets in Ohio. “Somebody would have to come up with something really good” for him to consider changing it. Besides the cost and hassle of rebranding, teds market has a story. And, for now, he’s sticking to it.

A12 • INfortwayne.com

Dupont Valley • February 24, 2017

FWA, PAWS partner for therapy dog program By Megan Knowles

mknowles@kpcmedia.com

The Fort Wayne International Airport and Pets Assisting Well-Being Inc. teamed up to create what they hope to be a doggone good time for travelers. Since October, two to four teams of handlers and their therapy dogs have come to the airport at least once a week, greeting guests and helping them relax before their flights. The idea was inspired by similar programs at larger airports. PAWS Director of Placement Services Kay Anderson said she first read about a similar program at the Los Angeles World Airports. “I could envision a therapy dog to be able to be of help in almost any setting,” Anderson said. “It just makes sense.” Later, FWA Marketing Specialist Katie Robinson learned about the program at a conference, but her team didn’t know how to get it off the ground. “When Kay reached out it was kind of like the perfect storm; we had the same idea,” Robinson said. “We were super excited about it and defi-

A Fort Wayne International Airport guest pets Haley as PAWS therapy dog handler Diana Kuebler looks on. PHOTOS BY RAY STEUP

Children pet one of the Hospitality PAWS therapy dogs at the Fort Wayne International Airport. See video at INFortwayne.com.

nitely ready to bring it to Fort Wayne.” It took several months to get all the wheels in motion. Robinson had to make sure FWA’s entire staff was on board so there wouldn’t be issues with safety or terminal activities, she said. Anderson, meanwhile, had to select PAWS members, two-legged and four-legged alike, best suited for the role, where they would encounter security and other animals they might not see in other settings.

PAWS is a nonprofit that serves Allen and surrounding counties. It consists of 30 to 35 handler-dog teams that do everything from working with children with autism to participating in reading programs to visiting people in hospice and long-term care. “We specialize in therapeutic interventions,” Anderson explained, adding PAWS teams usually work one-on-one. Once everything was in place, the dogs

made their debut during the airport’s October customer appreciation week under the name Hospitality PAWS. People quickly warmed up to the idea, once they got used to dogs they could play with at the airport, as opposed to service or Transportation Security Administration animals. “It’s better than we thought,” Robinson said. “People know the dogs and the handlers are good at knowing when people want to interact

and when they don’t.” The teams are able to connect with people during what can be a stressful time for some. “They’ve had people come up at the airport who are terrified of flying, and having the dog there helped them. Dogs are comforting and relieve anxiety in any setting,” Anderson said. “Now when we’re out… people recognize the dogs from having seen them at the airport and tell us what an impression it’s made on them. Even if they don’t have anxiety it’s nice to have someone to interact

with.” Both Anderson and Robinson said families as well as business travelers have reacted well to the dogs at FWA. “Of course the kids light up, but then you come up to business travels who are focused on their emails and phones and they set their computers aside” when they see the dogs, Robinson said. “Those phones are away except for taking pictures,” Anderson said. “(People start) interacting with the teams and handlers and are talking to each other.”

NACS picks engineer for $800,000 school upgrades Homestead By Lucretia Cardenas lcardenas@kpcmedia.com

Northwest Allen County Schools is already preparing for summer capital projects. The district expects to schedule roughly $800,000 worth of heating and air conditioning related projects over the summer months.

The school board last week approved of hiring Primary Engineering, of Fort Wayne, to complete the budgeted work. Primary’s engineering services will cost $61,790. In addition, the board approved publishing a legal ad for bids for a new chiller for Carroll High School. A chiller is

estimated to cost about $240,000, said William Mallers, NWACS business manager. “This will replace one of four chillers at the high school,” he said. Bids will be due 11 a.m. March 13. In other business, board members approved accepting a $42,340 planning grant from the

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serve students from a career counseling perspective, he said. Also, board members accepted two grants from local parent teacher organizations: $1,000 from Perry Hill PTO and $4,000 from Cedar Canyon PTO. (Read the full report on this meeting at kpcnews.com.)

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Students from throughout the area are invited to attend the Homestead College & Career Fair, from 6-7:30 p.m. Monday, March 6. Homestead High School is at 4310 Homestead Road, Fort Wayne. There is no admission charge, and prior registration is not necessary. Students or their parents may visit with representatives of about 80 four-year universities, two-year colleges, and vocational schools from across the country. “We have invited representatives from various careers to participate, as well as the armed services and financial institutions,” the school said in a statement. “It gives students a chance to see what colleges are out there,” said Rachey Bracey, guidance counselor. “It gives them a chance to talk with a lot of representatives about college and career options all in one place.” At about 7 p.m., a drawing will be held to award a $200 scholarship. The winner must be present for the drawing.

INfortwayne.com • A13

Dupont Valley • February 24, 2017

BYRON from Page A1 Byron is eyeing is owned by Virginia-based Schoolhouse Finance and is currently home to Horizon Christian Academy. School officials could not be reached by phone, but responded to a query about the school’s future through Facebook. “We’ve talked to the potential new owners and agree that it would be a win-win for both parties for Horizon to remain on that campus,” Superin-

tendent Tammy Henline wrote. It has been more than a decade since the YWCA sold the campus, which was built beginning in the late 19th century as the St. Vincent Villa orphanage. The subsequent owner, charter school operator Imagine Schools, sold it in turn to a subsidiary, Schoolhouse Finance, and then leased it back. Imagine later lost its operating charter from Ball State University, and its campuses on Wells and Broadway were

taken over by a private school, Horizon Christian Academy, which then also had a school on Coliseum Boulevard. Horizon closed its Broadway and Coliseum schools at the end of last year, and consolidated everything at the Wells Street campus. Although the Wells Street buildings are as old as or older than Byron’s current building, they may be in better shape. A number of updates, such as the installation of new windows, were made

under the YWCA’s ownership. A tipping point

The facility Byron leases from the county is out of date and maintenance costs are too high. Parts can no longer be obtained for mechanical systems, and because of the way the building is configured, the nursing home cannot close off unused parts to save on costs. “It becomes a tipping point where it is not financially feasible to keep doing those things,”

said CEO Deb Lambert. Byron celebrated its 50th anniversary as a nursing home last year. But the site’s history goes back much further, and was also once used by the county as an orphanage. Lambert said she loves the “parallel histories” of the two properties. Byron Health has architects, contractors and other experts looking at the property as part of its due diligence, and also is analyzing historic considerations to determine what may be

changed and what cannot. “It may end up being that there are so many historic restrictions…that it may not work out,” Lambert acknowledged. Byron also plans to seek feedback from neighborhood associations, city and council officials and Wells Street constituents. Byron’s patients include residents from their 20s to their 90s with medical and/or developmental issues. It currently has 150 residents whose care is covered almost exclusively by Medicaid.

MAGIC from Page A1

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6:30 p.m., and seating is limited. The magic begins at 7 p.m. Byron Health Center is at 12101 Lima Road on the north side of Fort Wayne. For the Fort Wayne Magic Club, this isn’t their first time shuffling the deck. “We are part of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, and we’re the local chapter of that,” said Mitchell, the president of Ring 221. “On any given night we’ll have a dozen people at a meeting. “We get together to fellowship, to challenge and grow, and really to continue to shine a light on the art of magic.” Mitchell described the group as a “mix of hobbyist magicians, part-time performers and those who make the bulk of their living with magic.” As for Mitchell, he described himself as “a part-time professional.” One of the magicians used to work at Byron, did a magic show for the residents, and then asked his friends to join in. “It’s a little fundraiser for us; they make a donation to the club,” he said. “And we rally around and give both the residents and the staff and families a little bit of a show.” He said the event also serves to educate the public on what Byron has to offer. As the new director of Life Enrichment at Byron, Nichole Miller arranged the show. “It’s an opportunity for our residents and for the members of the community to have an evening out, watching magic,” she said. “It’s a time for our residents to share with the wider Fort Wayne community. Our residents enjoy getting to visit with members of the community.” She said there will be some refreshments, probably popcorn from the magic popcorn maker. Seating is limited, so Byron recommends that guests arrive early to get a good spot. The magic and comedy will fill about an hour. Mitchell and friends are happy to help. “We’d like to keep the tradition going,” the Ring 221

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Dupont Valley • February 24, 2017

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ACRES preserves acres and acres of beauty By Megan Knowles

FOR DETAILS

mknowles@kpcmedia.com

The ACRES Land Trust office in Huntertown has a view unlike any other. “Here, when you come up a long drive and you’re driving in the woods, you get to the top of the hill and you’re overlooking an 80-foot ravine, a unique vista in northeast Indiana,” ACRES Land Trust Outreach Manager Lettie Haver said. “Suddenly, when you’re here you’re in it, you understand preservation in that way.” This being ACRES’ home office was no accident. The office is in the home of two of the organization’s founders, Tom and Jane Dustin, nestled in a preserve bearing their name that connects to the nearby Robert C. and Rosella C. Johnson and Whitehurst nature preserves. These combine for more than 88 acres of diverse land along the

ACRES preserves are open from dawn to dusk. For more information on the organization, work days and other events, visit https://acreslandtrust.org.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ACRES LAND TRUST PHOTO BY MEGAN KNOWLES

Clockwise from left, Julie Hughbanks, Michael Dick, Tina Puitz, Charles Enea, ACRES Land Trust Outreach Manager Lettie Haver and Al Diefenbach work to remove vinca during ACRES’ work day recently.

Cedar Creek corridor, one of only three Indiana Scenic Rivers, a state designation. Along with the Izaak Walton League, area Girl Scouts and Metea County

Park, more than 1,500 acres along the river are protected, Haver said. “People really want to roll up their sleeves and pitch in,” Haver said about the Dustin preserve

PHOTO BY RAY STEUP

Elmhurst High School, built in 1929, has stood empty since 2010. The Fort Wayne Community Schools Board has begun considering the possible sale of the building and some of the adjacent property at 3829 Sandpoint Road.a

Elmhurst on the block; alumni hope for final visit By Garth Snow gsnow@kpcmedia.com

Rhonda (Hosler) Dennon kept busy among the scholars, athletes and musicians of Elmhurst High School. “I was a baton twirler and marched in the band. I didn’t play in the band, but I marched,” she said. Then came Graduation Day, 1967. Rhonda said goodbye to about 355 classmates.

And then she kept on keeping busy. “I’m married and I have 13 grandkids and I stayed in Fort Wayne all my life,” she said. She and her sister operated The Posey Shoppe Florist and Gifts through the final 15 of its 70 years, finally closing the doors at the Village of Coventry. From time to time, the Class of ’67 would reunite. “We haven’t had a reunion in a while. The

last one I went to was the 25th,” she said. “I know they had one with some mixed classes, like three years together, and I didn’t have any interest in going to that one. It’s been probably 10 years since we’ve had a reunion, and that’s why we have lost contact with so many of the classmates.” This is the big year, See FINAL, Page B3

and other ACRES properties, totaling more than 6,000 acres in Indiana, Ohio and Michigan. “It’s just something inside them, they want to contribute and be a part

Part of the Cedar Creek Corridor protected by ACRES Land Trust is shown.

of it.” About 10 people had an opportunity to do just that during one of ACRES’ recent work days. The crew was handpulling the invasive, non-native vinca, more

commonly known as periwinkle. “We’re clearing the area so we can get some species that are natural to the area to grow,” outreach team member See ACRES, Page B4

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Dupont Valley • February 24, 2017

Two-day FAME Festival to feature Chinese opera

FIRE AND ICE

PHOTO BY MEGAN KNOWLES

The 2017 FAME Festival will celebrate “Destination China.” More than 15,000 children and adults are expected to perform or attend. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, March 18, and noon-5 p.m. Sunday, March 19. Admission is $5 for adults; ages 18 and under are admitted free. The Grand Wayne Convention Center is at 120 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne. Parking is available at the Hilton and Harrison Square garages and at the Anthis Career Center. FAME, in collaboration with Fort Wayne Sister Cities, will present the Taizhou Launtan Opera from Taizhou, China. The troupe will perform at 11 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. Saturday. The Taizhou Chinese

An attendee takes a picture of one of the ice sculptures at Weather the Fort on Feb. 11. The downtown Fort Wayne event, in its third year, featured music, food and winter-theme activities. It was sponsored by the Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana, Lutheran Health Network, Alt 99.5 and the Downtown Improvement District.

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Opera is a 100-year-old opera company. Elaborate costumes help to tell the story in this ancient art form. Find a full description at famearts.org. The opera also will be presented at 6 p.m. Sunday, March 19, at the Embassy Theatre, 125 W. Jefferson Blvd. Tickets are $20 or $45, and are available at fwembassytheatre.org, at the Embassy box office, through Ticketmaster. com or by calling (800) 745-3000. The Foundation for Art and Music in Education will welcome children in kindergarten through eighth grade from northeast Indiana school districts. Highlights include: • 60 schools displaying art and sculptures, with over 6,000 pieces of art. • 45 choir, band, dance and drama performances by local schools and organizations representing over 3,000 student performers. • The Imaginarium, an area where many hands-on art projects will be set up for families to create their unique cultures. There will be 15 make-and-take projects for the kids to do in the Imaginarium. Hours are Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, noon-4 p.m. • The Instrument Playground, where children may try out new instruments from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 1-4 p.m.

Sunday, with Quinlan & Fabish. Children also can learn to rock ‘n’ roll at the Sweetwater Rock Academy, sponsored by Sweetwater Sound and Mynett Music. • At 3 p.m. Sunday, the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Youth Symphony and Youth Orchestra and Fort Wayne Children’s Choir in collaboration with FAME and the Fort Wayne Ballet Youth Company will perform the Celebration of Youth Concert. • A world premiere will be presented of “Twelve Chinese Animals,” composed by David Crowe and FAME fourth-grade musicians, who were part of the FAME composition project, and choreographed by the Fort Wayne Ballet Youth Company with original choreography by Lauren Ettensohn. • Fusion of Concert Colors promotes arts understanding by encouraging students to draw emotional connections between music and visual arts. Art and music educators guide students to create artwork inspired by music within the scope of FAME’s cultural focus. FAME then assembles a public exhibition of the student artwork, and the FAME Fusion concert is performed by the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Youth Symphony and Concert Orchestra.

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INfortwayne.com • B3

Dupont Valley • February 24, 2017

First Food Waste Summit ‘made a dent’ in problem

By Garth Snow gsnow@kpcmedia.com

People representing every stop in the food supply chain shared ideas recently on how to speed more food to those in urgent need and divert more food from the landfill. The 80 people who gathered at The Mirro Center on the Parkview Regional Medical Center Campus did not resolve every obstacle, but they advanced the conversation. That networking will continue, according to Jodi Leamon, the business technical coordinator for the Allen County Solid Waste Management District, which organized the conference. “We made a dent,” Leamon said. The conference drew four times the number who attended the initial focus group in October. The dialogue will expand even further, Leamon said. “We try to make the connections.” Educated consumers will not overspend, not overserve, and not send as much material to the landfill, she said. Panelists detailed progress on on-site composting,

FINAL from Page B1 though — 50 years. Dennon and a reunion committee are trying to reassemble the class that walked the Elmhurst halls a half-century ago. Nostalgia mingles with sadness as the committee searches for contact information to advertise an Aug. 26 reunion just blocks east of the now-shuttered school. The building that has stood empty since 2010 has at least been something of a monument on Ardmore Avenue. That seems likely to change. After a public hearing on Feb. 13, the Fort Wayne Community Schools Board voted to offer the building for sale. FWCS Public Information Officer Krista Stockman explained that the properties to be sold are the high school property and a plot of farmland to the west. The athletic fields north of the school building and the South Transportation Center are not for sale. Dennon and other alumni have seen the stillness envelop their alma mater. They watched as the furniture and the band uniforms were auctioned off in 2012. They have not supposed that the building would continue to stand unoccupied. But Dennon expressed a hope on behalf of the Class of 1967. “We’re hoping that [the sale] doesn’t go through right now because we’re hoping to have a tour of the school with our class reunion,” she said. Meanwhile, the

how to distribute produce and other groceries in a timely manner, and how to direct excess food from catered events to the agencies that provide hot meals to the needy. The audience will continue researching regulations and efficiencies. John Wolf, the chief executive officer of Community Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Indiana, said the Tillman Road food bank strives to ensure that all usable food is distributed instead of wasted. He stressed in-house training; a few bananas with a few spots still are edible and still can be frozen for baking. He stressed public education. “It was great to receive the butternut squash, the acorn squash, the spaghetti squash. The problem is a lot of people don’t know how to prepare it,” he said. Rob Harmon, director of the host Mirro Center, said the events center has begun exploring ways to direct leftover, prepared food to outlets such as The Associated Churches, The Salvation Army, and the Simply Serving ministry that distributes meals and clothing in downtown Fort Wayne each Saturday.

reunion committee moves forward. “There are around 355 classmates that we’re trying to locate,” she said. “So far, out of those, we’ve got 25 that are deceased.” The search for contact information proceeds on Facebook and by word of mouth. “You get ahold of one classmate and they might know about somebody else,” she said. “We’ve had a committee established for over six months, and we’ve had monthly meetings going on and we’re just struggling. Nowadays you don’t have a phone book, and it you try to look

“We were just throwing it away,” Harmon said. Initial efforts since the October conference have revealed time limitations due to health codes. Participants said they will continue the research and efforts, something of a pilot program. Harmon also raised the question of how to deal with food that has been plated or touched, and how to return the organic material to the soil. Rebecca Eifert Joniskan, section chief of the Indiana

Department of Environmental Management Office of Land Quality, said her agency encourages on-site, small scale composting. The process requires only registration, not a permit. The process ensures attention to issues such as the water table, odor and pests but does not throw up a barrier to composting. Leamon asked the panel about curbside composting programs. “It can take a lot of capital to get something like this up and running,”

said Sean Daley, a sustainability specialist for Waste Management. On the other hand, current operations allow food to be placed in a landfill to decompose and generate gas that can be sold to industry within four weeks. “GM powers the entire plant with it,” he said. Suzanne Lindsay-Walker, director of corporate sustainability for Kroger, said the company’s 1,400 stores are pursuing a goal of zero waste by 2020. “Waste energy is not considered part of that intent,” she said. Lindsay-Walker noted diversions of unused food to animal feed. “It is absolutely a cost-effective outlet,” she said. She said the corporation is looking for more outlets for organic materials. She called attention to the efforts of the Food Waste Reduction Alliance. “If we can work together we can figure this out,” she said. Kroger and other stores donate unsold produce to Community Harvest. “Kroger, Walmart, Meijer — we pick up food every day,” Wolf said. Holsum Bread delivers bread three times a week, and donated 138,000 pounds of bread

it up on the computer it wants to sell you the information.” Anyone from the Class of ’67 is asked to contact Dennon at rldennon@hotmail.com. With or without a school tour, and regardless of number, the Class of ’67 will gather Saturday, Aug. 26, at Park Edelweiss Reception Hall. “It’s the old Luntz barn on Elmhurst Drive,” Dennon said. “A lot of the classmates might remember the old Luntz barn.” The classmates also might remember the DJ. Rick Hughes was a radio announcer back in the

day, with WLYV, which celebrated its own 50th anniversary in 2016. “He’s going to be playing our ’60s music, a nice variety,” Dennon said.

The details of the celebration are taking shape. The main topic, though, seems certain — the fate of the school building itself.

PHOTO BY GARTH SNOW

Jodi Leamon of the Allen County Solid Waste Management District moderates the discussion at the Food Waste Summit at the Mirro Center. The agency’s motto is Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

last year, he said. Those who need assistance receive vouchers to pick up a set weight of food at the Tillman Road center, which is set up similar to a grocery store. Clients also are allowed to choose produce and bread from the “free weight” shelves of food. “So a person may receive 50 pounds of food and they may get 20 more pounds of food and bread,” he said. Wolf said Community Harvest distributed food to 21,100 clients each week last year and gives away an average of 250,000 pounds of food each week. Panelists and audience members continued networking after the formal presentation. Further requests for contact information can be directed to the Solid Waste Management District, which did not announce specific plans for the next step in the conversation. It’s all part of the district’s broader mission, according to Leamon, who helped to spearhead the program and gather the panelists and pop and cookies, and who dismissed the conference. “The recycling is right next to the food tables for your cans,” she said.

“It’s kind of sad to see the building go,” she said. “You don’t want to see that happen to your old stompin’ grounds.”

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Dupont Valley • February 24, 2017

Garrett Museum of Art show to open March 10

Garrett Museum of Art will open its annual members show with a reception from 6-8 p.m. Friday, March 10. This event is free to the public. The museum is at 100 S. Randolph St., Garrett. Works remain on exhibit through April 9. Museum hours are 5-8 p.m. Friday, 4-7 p.m. Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sunday.

Full-Time Reporter

This year’s show will feature cash prizes for first, second and third places and for the top student artist. “Our membership’s work has grown over our four years to actually fill every wall in the gallery,” a museum spokesperson said in a statement. “Growth in content, skill, scale and media is what any true art gallery wishes to happen.” The museum shows

works of local and regional artists, and regularly hosts artists and speakers from other states and Canada. Shows also feature children’s art. Professional art teachers work with the children regularly. Each member may exhibit two pieces of artwork for a single entry fee of $5. Both 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional art will be accepted. A $25

annual membership entitles the member to participate in the annual shows and to receive discounts to participate in other exhibitions. Find more information at garrettmuseumofart. org. See samples of work entered in the members show at the Garrett Museum of Art page on Facebook. For more information, call (260) 704-5400.

ACRES from Page B1

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Kelly Shepherd said. The work days, which take place at different ACRES properties each month, have been growing, with more than 20 people attending some of the events, Shepherd said. These work days are beneficial not only for the land ACRES owns but also for the people working, allowing them to “gain knowledge and be invested in the preserve so they know what it takes to keep them going,” she said. Volunteers include ACRES members and other area residents interested in preserving the land. But volunteers present this day knew they weren’t just toiling for satisfaction or the good of the land, but rather on behalf of people from all over the region

PHOTO BY MEGAN KNOWLES

ACRES Land Trust Outreach Manager Lettie Haver, left, and volunteer Tina Puitz fill trash bags with invasive vinca during an ACRES work day at Tom and Jane Dustin Nature Preserve in Huntertown.

who enjoy the trails and natural beauty of these outdoor spaces. Volunteer Linda Miller was helping for the second time, and said

she is eager to attend more work days. “I think it’s important we preserve and protect our natural areas and ACRES is a great

resource,” she said. “They work to protect land and provide it so that everybody can come out and enjoy it.”

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Community Calendar

INfortwayne.com • B5

Dupont Valley • February 24, 2017

Fort Wayne Women’s Mid-Day Connection. Orchard Ridge Country Club, 4531 Lower Huntington Road, Fort Wayne. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. The cost is $18, includikng of luncheon. Diane Dickson’s topic is “keeping fit and strong and flexible after 40.” Make reservations by Feb. 21 by calling Meredith at (260) 672-3414. Free child care is available by prior arrangement with reservations. The Fort Wayne Women’s Mid-Day Connection is associated with Stonecroft Ministries. Holocaust historian lectures. USF Business Center, 826 Ewing St., Fort Wayne. 7 p.m. Free and open to the public. Professor Mark Roseman from Indiana University will look back on the events surrounding the Holocaust and Nazi Germany. His topic is “The Wannsee Conference and the Holocaust 75 Years On.”

March

Community Calendar 2017

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1

Ash Wednesday at Parkview Field. On the concourse of Parkview Field, 1301 Ewing St., Fort Wayne. 11:15 a.m.-1:15 p.m. Trinity English Lutheran Church will take Ash Wednesday to the people. Pastor the Rev. Gary Erdos will offer the imposition of ashes to anyone who wishes to participate.

February

Community Calendar 2017

SATURDAY, FEB. 25

Midwinter barn sale. Park Edelweiss, 3355 Elmhurst Drive, Fort Wayne. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Open to the public. German food and drink available. Contact Patti Knox, (260) 444-3634, to reserve a spot. Design of Life Spring Auction. Ceruti’s Diamond Room, 6601 Innovation Blvd., Fort Wayne. 6:30 p.m. $50 per person, $600 for a reserved table of 10. This event benefits Cancer Service of Northeast Indiana, which benefits local people battling cancer. Each ticket includes a complimentary ticket to the Fort Wayne Home & Garden Show. Get tickets at cancer-services.org or at Cancer Services, 6316 Mutual Driver, Fort Wayne. Preview auction items online, too. Cinema Center Sings the Oscars. Cinema Center, 437 E. Berry St., Fort Wayne. Advance tickets are $30 per person, $50 per couple and $25 for students. The annual Oscars party and fundraiser begins at 6 p.m. in the Spectator Lounge, with a red carpet walk and a chance for photos by a professional photographer. There will be a silent auction, cash bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres and a live auction. At 9 p.m., see a free screening of “Singin’ in the Rain.” Buy tickets and get more information at cinemacenter.org.

SUNDAY, FEB. 26

Cast and crew call-out. Allen County Public Library, downtown Fort Wayne. 2-4 p.m. Windsong Pictures seeks bands, musicians, singers, dancers, actors, arts and technical staff for “Musical Movie Magic” and “Cinderella.” Visit WindsongPictures.com for details. Chicken noodle lunch fundraiser. Bethel United Methodist Church, 8405 Lima Road, Fort Wayne. 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Chicken noodles, mashed potatoes, green beans, dessert, coffee or lemonade. Free-will offering to dine in. Get take-home chicken noodles for $4 a pint or $8 a quart. Karl Hinkle — Ministry in Music. Cornerstone Alliance Church, 5833 E. County Road 900, Roanoke (across from the GM Union Hall.) 10:30 a.m. A free-will offering will be accepted. Hinkle, of Carmel, Ind., has been sharing ministry through music for more than 30 years. Visit karlhinkle.com for details A day of special music. Trinity English Lutheran Church, 450 W. Washington Blvd., Fort Wayne. At 4 p.m., the Valparaiso University Chorale will sing, along with guest singers from the Fort Wayne Children’s Choir. Adults, 10; students 18 and under, free. Tickets available at valpo.chorale@valpo.edu or at the door. Also, during the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. services, the Chancel Choir will present excerpts from “Lux Aeterna,” as part of the festival of Transfiguration. Potluck and more. American Legion Post 47, 601 Reed Road, Fort Wayne. 6-9:15 p.m. $7 cover charge. Includes DJ, cash bar and potluck. For more information call Doug at (260) 704-3669. Book sale. First Presbyterian Church, 300 W. Wayne St., Fort Wayne; in the small dining room. Before or after the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. services. Inspirational books from the First Presbyterian Book and Gift Shop will be sold at half the retail cost.

TUESDAY, FEB. 28

Rotary Big Easy Feast. Lincoln Financial Event Center, Parkview Field, 1301 Ewing St., Fort Wayne. $30. Lunch, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., with cash bar; dinner, 4-8 p.m., with cash bar. This is a benefit for the Rotary Club of Fort Wayne’s Riverfront Development Project. To buy tickets, visit fortwaynerotarymardigras.eventbrite.com. Tickets will be available at the door, but advance ticket purchases are encouraged. Fort Wayne Area Community Band concert. John & Ruth Rhinehart Music Center on the IPFW Campus, 2101 E. Coliseum Blvd., Fort Wayne. Downbeat 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, and students under 18 are free. IPFW students are admitted free with student ID. Conductor Scott Humphries and assistant conductor Susan Jehl have chosen a varied program that includes “American Riversongs,” “Three Celtic Dances,” “Death or Glory March,” “Abracadabra,” a Spanish march called “Amparito Roca” and more. Parking is free in the garage across from the Music Center.

Allen County Soil & Water Conservation District Annual Meeting will be held on March 23, 2017 at the Parkview Mirro Center located at 10622 Parkview Plaza Drive Fort Wayne, IN 46845 beginning at 6pm (free-will offering dinner provided) Robert Barr will be sharing about our local rivers and how changes in landscape can affect water quality. Ticketed Event - RSVP Required by March 6

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THURSDAY, MARCH 2

Art exhibition reception. University of Saint Francis, Rolland Art Center, Leesburg Road, Fort Wayne. Reception 6 p.m., awards ceremony 7 p.m. The 41st annual artwork exhibition continues through March 19. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Country artist Thomas Rhett. Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne. 7 p.m. Tickets $25, $49,75 and $54.75. Visit memorialcoliseum.com to buy tickets or for more information. Concert also features Kelsea Ballerini, Russell Dickerson and Ryan Hurd. Disorderly Bear Den. Fort Wayne Community Center, 233 W. Main St., Fort Wayne. 6:30 p.m. Visitors are welcome to this business and social meeting. This public charity provides teddy bears to children and lonely adults in the Fort Wayne area. The club also accepts of new bears and bears in almost mint condition. Direct questions to tdbear7@comcast. net. “ReNEWal: Art of All Abilities.” First Presbyterian Church Gallery, 300 W. Wayne St., Fort Wayne. The exhibit opens today, with a public reception at 5 p.m. in the McKay Foyer. The exhibit featuring the work of northeast Indiana artists who have disabilities continues through April 23. For hours and information, visit firstpres-fw.org. IPFW bands with guest artist Gail Williams, horn. Auer Performance Hall, IPFW Campus, 2101 E. Coliseum Blvd., Fort Wayne. 7:30 p.m. $7 for adults, $6 for ages 60 and over, $4 for non-IPFW students, and free for IPFW students with ID and students 18 and under. Williams, a Northwestern University professor and formerly with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, will perform with the IPFW Symphonic Wind Ensemble. A brass performance is scheduled, too. Daniel Tembras conducts. “The Ballad of 423 and 424.” IPFW Campus, 2101 E. Coliseum Blvd., Fort Wayne; in Studio Theatre in Kettler Hall. 8 p.m. $5. This fast-paced, 30-minute play is based on William Shakespeare’s 23rd Sonnet. When Eric moves into Apartment 424, he is challenged with getting to know his next-door neighbor Roberta in Apartment 423. Chance Parker directs

Great Entertainment Value

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Adults: $8 • Seniors: $7 • Students Under 18: Free IPFW Students Free with ID FREE PARKING IN GARAGE ACROSS FROM MUSIC CENTER

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FRIDAY, MARCH 3

“The Ballad of 423 and 424.” IPFW Campus, 2101 E. Coliseum Blvd., Fort Wayne; in Studio Theatre in Kettler Hall. 8 p.m. $5. This fast-paced, 30-minute play is based on William Shakespeare’s 23rd Sonnet. When Eric moves into Apartment 424, he is challenged with getting to know his next-door neighbor Roberta in Apartment 423. Chance Parker directs this play by Nicholas C. Pappas.

SATURDAY, MARCH 4

Mensa admissions test. First Presbyterian Church, 300 W. Wayne St., Fort Wayne. Registration begins at 9:30, testing begins at 10 a.m.Park in the lot at the corner of Webster and Berry streets on the north side of the church. $40 and photo ID required; must be age 14 or older. Reservations or prior notification not necessary. For details, contact Dan Klopfenstein (260) 710-0030. Comedian Tim Hawkins, with special guest Jonnie W. First Assembly of God, 1400 W. Washington Center Road, Fort Wayne. 7 p.m. Tickets $23-$75. Visit TrinityCommunications.org for tickets and details. Saints Alive! dinner and auction. Bishop Dwenger High School gymnasium, 1300 E. Washington Center Road, Fort Wayne. 6:30 p.m. $350 per couple. Reserve seats and get details at bishopdwenger.com/Saints-Alive.

SUNDAY, MARCH 5

History lecture. The History Center, 302 E. Berry St., Fort Wayne. 2 p.m. Free and open to the public. Blake Sebring presents “Indiana’s All-Time Greatest Sports Stories.” The lecture is part of the 23rd annual George R. Mather Sunday Lecture Series. Free public lecture. University of Saint Francis, 5201 Spring St., Fort Wayne; in the Brookside Ballroom. 3 p.m. Open to the public. Dr. John Bequette presents “Christianity, History and the Common Good.” Presented by the Department of Philosophy and Theology.

TUESDAY, MARCH 7

Appleseed Quilt Guild meeting and annual garage sale. Classic Cafe, 4832 Hillegas Road, Fort Wayne. Social time begins at 6 p.m., followed by the meeting at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit appleseedquiltersguild.com or contact appleseedquilters@yahoo.com.

THURSDAY, MARCH 9

Disney On Ice: Dare To Dream. Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne. 7 p.m. Tickets start at $15.50. Buy tickets at memorialcoliseum.com. “The Children’s Hour.” First Presbyterian Church, 300 W. Wayne St., Fort Wayne. 7:30 p.m. $12. First Presbyterian Theater presents this 1930s drama “confronts the bigotry perpetrated against the LGBT community.” The production begins tonight with a preview performance and a special $12 rate for all seats. The production continues at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, March 10-25, at $20 general admission, $18 for patrons 65 and older, a limited number of free tickets for students, and group discounts. Visit firstpresbyteriantheater.com for details.

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Coldwell Banker Roth Wehrly Graber (260) 435-6334 FAX (260) 710-2026 GERRY CELL (260) 710-4085 PAT CELL pllydy@aol.com

Call for free home estimates.

Hope to see you soon. Thurs., Fri., Sat. 10 am - 5 pm Col. City 30E Or By Appointment Coesse School

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Send news of your group to gsnow@kpcmedia.com by March 16 for the March 24 issue. Items will be selected and edited as space permits.

this play by Nicholas C. Pappas.

ST Rd 9

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B6 • INfortwayne.com

FRIDAY, MARCH 10

Männerchor fish fry. Park Edelweiss Reception Hall, 3355 Elmhurst Drive, Fort Wayne. 4:30-7 p.m. $9 for adults, $5 for kids 12 and under. This dinner is presented by Fort Wayne Männerchor/Damenchor, a men’s and women’s choir dedicated to the preservation and promotion of German heritage as expressed in choral music. The meals are served the second Friday of each month, September through May. Association musicians play guitar and accordian and other instruments, singing mostly German music. The meal includes all-you-can-eat fish, sides, coffee and dessert. Drinks are available for purchase. Visit fortwaynemaennerchor.us for more information on the history of the association. Show choir invitational. Bishop Luers High School, 333 E. Paulding Road, Fort Wayne. 7 p.m. $5. Six middle schools compete tonight. Disney On Ice: Dare To Dream. Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne. 7 p.m. Tickets start at $15.50. Buy tickets at memorialcoliseum.com. Comedy theater. Waynedale United Methodist Church, 2401 Church St., Fort Wayne. 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; no reservations. $8 for adults, $5 for children. Fortney Enterprises presents “Hello and Goodbye ... Feelbetter Hospital” written and directed by Monte and Rae Ann Fortney.

SATURDAY, MARCH 11

Pancake and sausage breakfast. Leo Masonic Lodge No. 224, 13711 Leo Road, Leo-Cedarville. 7 a.m.-noon. $5 donation. Jeremy Camp and Hawk Nelson. First Assembly of God, 1400 W. Washington Center Road, Fort Wayne. 7 p.m. Tickets $22-$50. Visit TrinityCommunications.org for tickets and details. “A Day of Growth.” Waynedale United Methodist Church, 2501 Church St., Fort Wayne. 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. $15 including lunch, or $5 without lunch. Reservation deadline March 1. Call (260) 489-4513 for information. Pastor Stacy Downing will present “Hanging on the Vine.” Bishop Luers 43rd Annual Show Choir Invitational. Bishop Luers High School, 333 E. Paulding Road, Fort Wayne. Tickets, sold at the door, are $15 for all day, $10 for students. Seventeen high schools will compete. This is the longest-running show choir competition in the nation. Jesters spring performance. University of Saint Francis North Campus Auditorium, 2702 Spring St., Fort Wayne. 6 p.m. Tickets $10; call the USF School of Creative Arts at (260) 399-7700, ext. 8001, for information. This year’s show, “Truth Be Told,” examines the veil between lying and truth telling. Performers use music, dance, theatre, visual art and Green Screen technology to explore lies of deception, white lies, lies of omission and differences in perception. Radio Control & Model Hobby Show. Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $5. Disney On Ice: Dare To Dream. Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne. 11 a.m., 3 p.m., 7 p.m. Tickets start at $15.50. Buy tickets at memorialcoliseum.com. Gun & Knife Show. Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $7 for adults, $2 for kids 6-12.

SUNDAY, MARCH 12

Disney On Ice: Dare To Dream. Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne. 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Tickets start at $15.50. Buy tickets at memorialcoliseum.com. Gun & Knife Show. Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $7 for adults, $2 for kids 6-12. Auto Swap Meet. Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $5. Jesters spring performance. University of Saint Francis North Campus Auditorium, 2702 Spring St., Fort Wayne. 3 p.m. Tickets $10. See

March 11 calendar for details. Sunday Night Singles Dance. American Legion Post 47, 601 Reed Road, Fort Wayne. 6-9 p.m.; doors open at 5 p.m. $7 cover includes disc jockey, cash bar and potluck carry-in. For more information, call Doug at (260) 704-3669.

SATURDAY, MARCH 18

“God-Given ‘You’niqueness.” Saint Joseph United Methodist Church, 6004 Reed Road, Fort Wayne. 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. The United Methodist Women invite all women to hear Lisa Meiners with Deeper Still Ministries. The event will include worship and a service project. Register by March 13. Call (260) 485-9681. “The King and I.” Blackhawk Christian Elementary School, 7400 E. State Blvd., Fort Wayne. Doors open at 6:30; show at 7 p.m. $8 for adults, $6 for students. Blackhawk Christian Theatre presents this play based on Margaret Landon’s book “Anna and the King of Siam.”

FRIDAY, MARCH 17

“The King and I.” Blackhawk Christian Elementary School, 7400 E. State Blvd., Fort Wayne. Doors open at 6:30; show at 7 p.m. $8 for adults, $6 for students. Blackhawk Christian Theatre presents this play based on Margaret Landon’s book “Anna and the King of Siam.” The Texas Tenors. Embassy Theatre, 125 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne. 7:30 p.m. Tickets $43. $53 and $65. Get tickets at the STAR Bank box office, ticketmaster.com or by calling (800) 745-3000, or follow the link from fwembassytheatre.org. The trio debuted on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.” The show is a blend of country, classical, Broadway and pop music.

SUNDAY, MARCH 19

Old Fort Coin Club Coin & Currency Show. Allen County Fairgrounds, 2726 Carroll Road, Fort Wayne. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission and free parking. Food available. The show features over 50 tables of numismatic material.

THURSDAY, MARCH 23

Guided history tour and lunch. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Settlers Inc. member and educator Linda Huge will lead a guided history tour of the Allen County Courthouse and historic Swinney Homestead with lunch at the Homestead, 1424 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne. $25. Reservation and payment due by March 16. Transportation is not included. For ages 14 and older. Limited to 25 attendees. Call (260) 747-1501 or (260) 7471229. Proceeds support the maintenance of the Historic Homestead. Visit settlersinc.org for details. Winterjam 2017. Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne. 7 p.m. $10 donation at the door and a love offering inside. Featuring Crowder, Britt Nicole, Tenth Avenue North, Andy Mineo, Sadie Robertson, Colton Dixon, Thousand Foot Krutch, Newsong and more. Parking $5, or $8 for premium parking. Visit TrinityCommunications.org for full details. IPFW Faculty and Friends Showcase Concert. IPFW Campus, 2101 E. Coliseum Blvd., Fort Wayne; in Rhinehart Recital Hall. 7:30 p.m. $7 for adults, $6 for ages 60 and over, $4 for non-IPFW students, and free for IPFW students with ID and students 18 and under. Chamber music will feature music faculty members along with professional musicians from the region. Instruments and voices showcase collaborative talent. Taizhou Luantan Traditional Chinese Opera demonstration. IPFW Campus, 2101 E. Coliseum Blvd., Fort Wayne; in the Rhinehart Recital Hall. 3 p.m. Admission free for everyone. Students are treated to an hour of opera singing and movement featuring a visiting troupe in authentic costumes. For information, call the IPFW Department of Music at (260) 481-6714 or visit ipfw.edu/music.

Dupont Valley • February 24, 2017

FRIDAY, MARCH 24

Fish fry. Fort Wayne Sport Club, 3102 Ardmore Ave., Fort Wayne. 4:30 p.m. $9 for adults, $4 for children 6-10, younger children eat for free. Dinner includes dessert, all made by members of the Sport Club. School play, “Emma.” East Allen University, 6501 Wayne Trace, Fort Wayne. 7 p.m. Tickets available at the door; $8. Fish and chicken strips dinner. Cornerstone Youth Center, 19819 Monroeville Road, Monroeville. 4-7 p.m. $10 for adults, $6 for ages 6-10 and free for children 5 and under. Burns Catering & Fish Fry will provide the fish and chicken. Drive-thru and carryout meals are available for adult meals only. The Real Group. Auer Performance Hall on the IPFW Campus, 2101 E. Coliseum Blvd., Fort Wayne. 7:30 p.m. General admission $25 in advance, or $30 at the door. Student and VIP rates also available. Visit ipfw.edu for tickets. This a cappella vocal group from Sweden has been performing jazz for three decades. Presented in conjunction with Heartland Sings.

SATURDAY, MARCH 25

School play, “Emma.” East Allen University, 6501 Wayne Trace, Fort Wayne. 2 p.m. Tickets available at the door; $8. 4-H fish fry, carnival and silent auction. IPFW Alumni Center, 1528 E. California Road, Fort Wayne. 4-7 p.m. Advance sale tickets are available at the Extension Office, 4001 Crescent Ave., Fort Wayne, for $8 for adults or $5 for youth tickets. Each ticket will be $2 more at the door. The Alumni Center is located off Coliseum Boulevard, to the west of the IPFW Campus. The menu will include all-you-can- eat fish and tenderloin, sides, dessert and a beverage. Food will be served from 4-7 pm. or until sold out. This event is a fundraiser for Allen County 4-H Clubs Inc. Shipshewana on the Road. Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. $4 for adults; children 12 and under admitted free. Beekeeping School. Classic Cafe, 4832 Hillegas Road, Fort Wayne. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. $125, which includes materials for a hive, plus instruction and materials. Payment and registration deadline is March 15. Class size is limited. Call (260) 728-2613. Sponsored by the Northeastern Indiana Beekeepers Association. Percussion and spaghetti. Carroll High School, 3701 Carroll Road, Fort Wayne; in the Alumni Gym. (Enter off Bethel Road and enter at Door No. 10). 4-7 p.m. $15 per person in advance, or $20 day of show. (Performing students and children 3 and under are admitted free.) Featuring the Carroll High School Indoor Percussion Ensemble and the Maple Creek Middle School Steel Drum Band. The Indoor Percussion Community presents this fundraiser on behalf of the Carroll band program. Email secretary@carrollbands.org for information on advance tickets.

NOTICES / REGISTRATION / MULTIPLE DATES / TICKETS ON SALE

Civic Theatre presents “Memphis.” Arts United Center, 303 E. Main St., Fort Wayne. Tickets are $29 for adults, $25 for seniors, $17 for ages 23 and under. Remaining show times are: Friday, Feb. 24, 8 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 25, 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 26, 2 p.m. Call (260) 424-5220 to buy tickets or for box office hours, or buy tickets online at fwcivic.org. Winner of four 2010 Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Original Score. Production directed by Leslie Beauchamp. Rummage and bake sale. Forest Park United Methodist Church, 2100 Kentucky Ave., Fort Wayne. In the Fellowship Hall, in the church basement. Thursday, April 27, 4-7 p.m.; Friday, April 28, 9 a.m.-noon is the regular sale; a $2 a bag sale is 1 p.m.-3 p.m. All proceeds benefit mission work.

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Dupont Valley • February 24, 2017

INfortwayne.com • B7

PAID PAIDADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISMENT

(ALLEN COUNTY) The nationwide credit

crisis may have turned “the American dream” into an extended nightmare for many Indiana home buyers and sellers. Banks and mortgage lenders (who are not going out of business) have tightened up their lending requirements to the point where many home buyers today can no longer qualify for a mortgage. Record foreclosures, rising unemployment, losses in the financial markets and the current credit crunch have not only reduced the number of buyers who can buy but have also increased the number of houses that sellers need to sell. Prices are under pressure as home sellers lower their asking price to attract a buyer, and as lenders resell their foreclosed homes below market value. And it’s turning into a vicious cycle -- as many buyers need to sell their current home first -- and many sellers (unless they plan to rent) need new financing to get into their next home. As a result, a sea of real estate agents, mortgage brokers and home builders are going out of business. These professionals are in the business of serving buyers and sellers. But that’s hard to do with the credit crisis when the entire real estate industry traditionally relies on mortgage lending to finance buyers and get houses sold. What can homeowners do to sell their homes? How can buyers get financing if they can’t meet the tougher lending criteria on credit scores, income verification, down payment amounts and debt ratios?

There’s one local real estate professional who has found a way to make things work even with the present banking crisis. Mike MacDonald is the president of Summit City Investments, Inc. Since 1999, his private investment company has been buying houses throughout the Allen County, IN region without ever relying on banks. MacDonald’s company takes over existing mortgages or brings in private lenders allowing him to pay homeowners all cash for the properties. He then offers his properties for rent or “for sale by owner” using a variety of unique seller financing programs. By taking a long term approach and never relying on banks, business has never been better for MacDonald and his company. “Most sellers are unaware of the options we offer. What they need most is a qualified buyer... and we might just be that buyer. We can buy houses in as-is condition, pay top dollar and close in just a few days… or whenever they’re ready.”

Mike says it’s normal for people to think

they must be desperate before calling him to buy their house. “It’s a very common misconception. But until I look at a house and do some research, I won’t know my game plan for the property or what I can offer. But after a single visit to the property and meeting with the homeowners I can let them know exactly what I can do. My offer is good for 7 days and it’s only at that point, with my offer on the table, that a seller can decide if I’m going to become their buyer.” In fact, price is not an issue for MacDonald. As an investor, what’s important to him is the determination of what income the property can produce. “It’s easy to determine. I also do an appraisal and look at the recent comparable sales. Then I do whatever I can to offer a seller up to full price today -- or about what they might net sometime in the future pursuing a more conventional route. What I can pay depends on the condition, location and financing options available for that type of property. It only takes about 10 minutes to prescreen a property over the phone and to set an appointment. We typically buy 1 out of every 4 properties we see. In fact, for about half of those I have purchased, the seller pursued their other options and then came to realize that my offer was the best all along.” MacDonald believes the three biggest reasons a house doesn’t sell are: 1) it is overpriced, 2) it is poorly marketed, or 3) it is not fixed up to show well. “I can pay a fair price on a home that needs work. I might even plan to increase the value or marketability by adding a bedroom or bath, finishing a basement or installing a new heating system. Brand new carpet and paint will go a long way to attract a qualified buyer. But I understand that many sellers don’t have the time, inclination or money to remodel a house... just to get it sold. We solve that problem for sellers.” Overpricing a home could be the biggest mistake. Listing agents sometimes suggest (or a seller might decide) to ask for a higher price than needed. This might be to test the market or leave wiggle room to negotiate. However, this can backfire if the seller wants (or needs) a quick sale, or when the “days on the market” stacks up causing buyers to wonder what’s wrong with the property. Another misconception about how Mike MacDonald buys houses is the idea that he’s probably looking for sellers in financial distress. “Look, when a seller is out of time or out of options, then I’m usually their best solution -- if their property is not over-financed. But most people headed for foreclosure are either overleveraged or actually looking to save their house. If I buy the house the seller must move. They really need to get into a more affordable home... but sometimes I can help by swapping properties.” MacDonald warns about companies and real estate investors who target distressed homeowners. “Recent laws have been passed in Indiana that apply to any business and investor who targets people in foreclosure. Be cautious, do your research and perhaps seek legal advice when anyone wants to charge you an upfront fee for helping to get your loan modified, or... if they’re promising to lease the home back to you. That rarely works out like the borrower expects and can lead to accusations of fraud. Perhaps rightly so.” What does a real estate investor like Mike MacDonald do with the houses he

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buys each month? What about the hundreds of houses his company has bought throughout Allen County, Indiana over the last 14 years? Simple. He rents them out or resells them. “We’re usually managing 80 to 100 properties at any given time -- making us one of the largest owners of single family homes in the area. Each month we may have 10 to 15 houses for sale. Some we’ve owned for years and others we have recently bought.” With a reasonable down payment, MacDonald says he can sell you one of his properties using his popular owner financing programs -- even if you have damaged credit or a short job history. His most popular owner financing “If you can afford a first month’s rent, a last month’s rent and a security deposit, then I can probably sell you one of my houses.”

out some sellers who have found themselves in over their head.” “We do everything we can to get our buyers permanent bank financing. It’s a win-win because we pay sellers all cash and fund our deals with private lenders. Our lenders are mostly local individuals seeking alternatives to low bank CD rates. They earn 8 to 10% interest on real estate notes well-secured by our properties. When we get our buyer cashed out, we finally make our money and can payoff our investor. These investors usually want to reinvest allowing us to buy even more houses.” Unfortunately many of the mortgage programs once available are now gone. It’s reported that 75% of the available lending disappeared when FHA changed their rules last October and again early this year. But, if you have money to put down and can prove your income, there are still loans available now. In fact, some rural development loans and VA loans still allow qualified buyers to borrow with no money down. “We help all of our buyers get a bank loan as quickly as possible... or we finance them ourselves. But we’ve never relied on banks. That keeps us in control and maintains our sanity. But we get those loans done every chance we get. In fact, sometimes a buyer can qualify and doesn’t even know it. Other times they can qualify but need a flexible seller. We’re one of the most creative and flexible sellers you’ll ever find,” says MacDonald. Does buying or selling a home have to be difficult? Maybe not! “President Obama says today's economy is the worst since the Great Depression and it may take many years to recover. Unfortunately I think he’s right and so do many sharp economists.” Interested in selling your property quickly and easily? Looking to buy a new home without bank qualifying? It may be worth checking in with Mike MacDonald and his staff at Summit City Investments, Inc. Call them at (260) 267-0760 485-9437 or visit them online at www.SummitCityInvestments.com. They’re in a unique position to help buyers and sellers overcome the new challenges created by the recent mortgage market meltdown and credit crisis. And if you’re looking for a conservative way to earn 8-10% interest on your idle cash savings or retirement funds, call and ask for info on becoming one of their private lenders.

program includes the opportunity to build “sweat equity.” Before repairing or remodeling a newly acquired house, MacDonald offers it in “as-is” condition to his buyer’s list. This allows his client to do the work (to suit their own preferences) in exchange for all or part of a down payment. “I have a lot of buyers who check my website each week looking for these ‘fixer upper’ deals. But if the home is not under contract within 10 days or so then I’ll hire my contractors to fix it up completely.” His next most popular program is a down payment assistance plan. Many buyers turn to MacDonald’s company because they don’t have the down payment required by today’s cautious lenders. Mike helps buyers build up equity or a down payment over time with his rent-to-own (or lease with the option to buy) program. In this program you can rent the property you’ve decided to buy, but have the option to close anytime over the next 1, 2... or even 5 years. A portion of the rent each month is credited toward buying. Additional amounts can be paid monthly for more rapid equity build up plus other promised amounts can be made later... like proceeds from the sale of another property or a pending tax refund. Once the buyer has enough “skin” in the deal, MacDonald can close with owner financing at the predetermined, mutually agreed upon price and terms. Or the buyer SUMMIT CITY INVESTMENTS, INC. is can close with a new bank loan. According located at 2200 Lake Avenue, Suite 123 in to MacDonald, “There are so many reasons Fort Wayne, IN, holds a Certificate of my buyers like some time before qualifying Good Standing from the Indiana Secretary for a mortgage. They may need to sell their of State, and is a BBB Accredited business house, work on their credit, establish more with the Indiana Better Business Bureau time on a job or establish two years of with an A+ rating, provable income on tax returns when self-employed. All our buyers are put in Mike MacDonald is the President of touch with a sharp mortgage broker who Summit City Investments, Inc. He is a creates a plan for them. We can recommend an affordable credit repair company that can 37-year resident in the local community, do unbelievable things given even a short 6 to and has been a long term partner in his 12 months to work on a file. This also helps family’s independent insurance agency and tax & accounting firm (G. A. MacDonald Associates, Inc.)

260-344-4663 REP: 75md DSR: bw

For more information or to view a list of properties for sale, just visit www.SummitCityInvestments.com 2200 Lake Avenue, Suite 123 Fort Wayne, IN 46805 (260) 485-9437 Phone (260) 267-0760 -----------------

B8 • INfortwayne.com

Dupont Valley • February 24, 2017

Monday, Presidents Day, February 20, 2017 • 6:30am - 7:00pm

March 2-5