EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Deb Patterson dpatterson@the-papers.com
EDITOR Lauren Zeugner lzeugner@the-papers.com
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Karen Johnson kjohnson@the-papers.com
Darlene Eichelberger deichelberger@the-papers.com Reagan Nichols rnichols@the-papers.com DIRECTOR
Jerry Long jlong@the-papers.com
Cover photo provided by Alanna Meersman.
Where did the summer go? Can you believe the kids will be back in school by the middle of this month? I remember as a kid relishing the idea of having another month off since school didn’t start until the day after Labor Day.
What do you think of our cover? Writer Julie Young caught up with Alanna Meersman who just completed her 10-year 4-H career. Julie wrote about Alanna back in 2021 for Michiana House and Home. Alanna’s mom thought it would be great to do a follow up. We thought so too.
When we were looking at cover ideas, it was suggested we use one of the photos Alanna sent to us to use with her story. Be sure to check out this incredible young lady’s chronicle.
In this issue we look at the start of a brand new school
year, whether you’re in grade school or heading off to college. BethAnne Brink-Cox wrote a story featuring area nonprofits that offer school supplies to either kids or teachers for free. Both programs, one in Elkhart County, the other in Kosciusko County, have been serving their communities for at least 30 years.
BethAnne continued the theme of a brand new school year with an article on setting up a dorm room so it feels like home away from home. Continuing the theme of moving out into your own space, Nicholette Carlson penned an article on deciding whether to purchase new or used furniture.
Nicolette also did an article about when to replace the water heater so that it doesn’t flood your basement.
I do a lot of container gardening since my yard has a lot of
Lauren Zeugner, Editor Lzeugner@the-papers.com
trees and the only space that gets any real sun is an unused part of my driveway. This year I planted a lot of basil. So when I went looking for a recipe to share, I found one for classic pesto which uses a ton of basil.
I do hope you enjoy this month’s issue as the summer winds down and we all look to school starting back up.
Enjoy!
Lauren
HOMELIVING
Customize your home with new or used furniture
When looking for new furniture for your home, the most important thing to consider is your budget. Buying new furniture is nice, however, it is best not to put it all on credit if used furniture can be found. While large items like mattresses and upholstered furniture, such as couches, tend to be recommended to purchase new, good deals can also be found for used items when hardly used with no rips, tears or stains from good pet-free, smoke-free homes. Even a couch with good bones can be stripped down and completely re-upholstered to become custom made. Some of the best deals when purchasing used furniture are solid wood pieces.
By Nicholette Carlson HomeLiving Feature Writer
Solid wood, not particle board, can be some of the best deals when buying used furniture. The trick to knowing if it is solid wood is looking for a dove-tailed side. While many people believe solid wood furniture is heavier, that is a common misconception. Particle board furniture tends to actually be heavier. If a person finds some solid wood furniture, but does not like the color or how it looks, it is easy to strip it down and re-stain or paint it to make it their very own. Some of the best solid wood pieces to find can be desks, dressers, bookcases, credenzas, hutches and a table and chairs.
One of the greatest items to find on a budget is a table and chairs that can easily be made their own. Chairs can be reupholstered or cushions purchased for wooden chairs. If the tabletop does not look the best, it can easily be covered with a tablecloth that can be changed based on seasons or likes. If a person is going to splurge on a new piece of furniture, choose a dresser. That is something that will be used and opened every single day so one should want good, working doors that will last.
If choosing to purchase new furniture, there are so many options to help make any piece customized to match the purchaser’s desire. It is no longer as costly to choose the design and finish of a piece of furniture and can even be completed in a short period of time. Choices include everything from the fabric to the type of leg on a piece of furniture or how many cushions. When it comes to England furniture, a buyer can choose their own look and get the completed product in a matter of weeks. While customers are able to be as picky as they want with a custom piece of furniture, the more custom an item is, the more expensive it is. The most cost effective option is for the buyer to choose their own fabric. Accent pieces in blue and green are popular currently. n
Water, Water Everywhere: Water Heater Replacement
By Nicholette Carlson HomeLiving Feature Writer
Any time a homeowner begins to see moisture around the water heater, it is a good idea to call a service professional because it could be a sign of a slow leak. Much of the leakage can occur at the bottom of the water heater. Without service, a small leak can grow into a large leak, which could eventually cause water damage. If there is a large swing in the water temperature, that could also mean the thermostat is going out and it might be time to replace the thermostat or the water heater. Another telltale sign of a water heater issue is the sulfur or rotten egg smell in the hot water.
The rotten egg smell indicating an issue with the water heater is typically caused by the breakdown of the sacrificial anode rod. The sacrificial anode rod attracts the corrosive elements in the water like a magnet. Once the sacrificial anode rod breaks down, those corrosive elements then begin to attack the tank, eventually leading to tank failures. Kozon Plumbing and Heating will now quote all new water heaters with the option of a powered anode rod instead. As long as they are powered, powered anode
rods do not break down. If a powered one is not possible, it is recommended to have the anode rod checked annually and replaced if depleted.
Depending on the age of the water heater, if it is near the end of its life, one might also choose to replace a water heater if the capacity need has changed. For instance, more people are living in the home and a larger capacity water heater is needed or less people are in the home so a smaller capacity water heater is needed. Tankless water heaters are recommended to be serviced each year so the heat exchanger can be descaled and to ensure there are no leaks inside the cabinet.
With so many different kinds and sizes of water heaters on the market, many plumbing companies are recommending tankless water heaters when budget allows since it works as an on-demand water heater. Tankless water heaters are less likely to have leakage issues and take up significantly less space since they are able to be hung on a wall. Some plumbing businesses who specialize in new construction are even seeing 85% of their new homes going with tankless water heaters.
Water heaters should be serviced any time something seems or feels out of the ordinary. A typical tank style water heater tends to have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. A tankless water heater has an expected life expectancy of 20 years, particularly if serviced annually. While most people will not replace a water heater until absolutely necessary, there are some warning signs to look out for that a replacement may soon be necessary.
Installing a water softener can also help the life of a water heater since its job is to remove the hardness of mineral deposits. Contaminants fall to the bottom of a water heater where the heat source is located and, as those deposits get thicker and thicker, the water heater has to get hotter and hotter in order to get through the deposits to the insulator. Softeners remove calcium, magnesium and chlorine from the water. Any removal of contaminants from the water heater is a positive thing. It also feels nicer on the skin and helps with hair health. It is suggested to get a water softener right from the beginning in order to increase the life of the water heater and keep as many contaminants out of the water as possible.
Moving on
Alanna Meersman is ready for a new era
By Julie Young HomeLiving Feature Writer
After 10 years as a member of the St. Joseph County 4-H program, Alanna Meersman, 18, has said goodbye to the show ring and hello to life’s next chapter. It is a bittersweet moment for the recent high school graduate who was first introduced to readers in the July 2021 edition of Michiana House & Home.
At that time, Meersman, was a 14-year-old freshman who had undergone a difficult spinal fusion surgery and endured a long recovery process. Despite the setback, the go-getter came back stronger than ever. She resumed her gymnastics career and was able to compete with skills she’d never done before. She continued her work with 4-H and eventually got a job at Old Navy. Meersman not only survived, she thrived and now, she has plans to help others.
“I received my Certified Clinical Medical Assistant certification while I was in high school and I am currently enrolled in classes at Ivy Tech, where I plan to get my associate degree in nursing (ASN),” she said. “After that, I am going to transfer to Indiana University South Bend to get my bachelors degree (BSN) and I hope to eventually specialize in neonatal or NICU care.”
Meersman said she has always been drawn to babies and in a way, the desire to be in patient care is an extension of her work within the 4-H program. She said being in 4-H taught her to care for something beyond herself and how direct effort on her part can improve the quality of life in something else.
“I don’t know how I figured out that I wanted to be a nurse. It seemed there was a project at school and it just kind of came to me, but it makes a lot of sense,” she said. “I love being around babies and I want to help them any way I can.”
As she reflects on her time in 4-H and the road ahead, Meersman said she learned so much through the program and she encourages every young person to get involved. While she has primarily shown goats and completed static projects, she did branch out at one point to raise cows.
“That was a lot more work than the goats and they kept me pretty busy, but I loved it because I love working,” she said, noting that in addition to her 4-H work and part-time job she also babysits her cousins frequently.
This year, Meersman has had the pleasure of watching one of her cousins, 8-year-old Daxton Thompson participate in his first year as a 4-H’er. She said he’s been exhausted trying to wrangle his two pigs (which are notoriously more trouble than goats) and although she remembers being tired at that age, she also remembers all of the fun.
“Being a 4-Her has been worth it. Yes, there is a lot of work involved, but it’s fun too and it’s important to soak up every minute because it all goes by pretty fast,” she said. n
aroundmichiana
YEAR ROUND | MIDDLEBURY TRAIL TALES
Bring the family outdoors to read a children’s book while walking a short path at Riverbend Park; book pages are placed in special kiosks along the path. New books are installed monthly. Event partners are the Middlebury Public Library and Middlebury Parks Department.
AUG. 1-17 | ELKHART HIGH DIVE TOWER TOURS
High Dive Park
511 Baldwin St., Elkhart 4:30-6:30 p.m. first and third Sundays Climb to the top of this iconic structure for a one of a kind view. Come for the climb, stay for the view.
AUG. 1-31 | SOUTH BEND SOUTH BEND FARMERS MARKET
Indoor market featuring homegrown produce, dairy products, meats, eggs, maple syrup, jams and jellies, handcrafts, artwork, jewelry and more.
7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday Free admission.
A host of local musicians and bands gather to pick, play and sing bluegrass, country and gospel in an informal jam session. Meets the first Thursday of the month.
6:30-9 p.m.
Doc Able Pavilion
116 W. Waterford St. Downtown Wakarusa, 1 block west of stop light.
Free Admission, free will offering. (574) 862-2200 wakarusabluegrassjam.com
AUG. 7 | SOUTH BEND STUDEBAKER SOCIAL DANCE
7-10 p.m.
The Hammer & Quill, 613 E Jefferson Blvd.
Vintage Swing South Bend hosts Studebaker Swing Dance. Beginner lesson starts at 7 p.m. with dance to follow. No experience or partner necessary. Cover charge is $10.
AUG.
9
| WARSAW FERIA GUADALUPANA
10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Our Lady of Guadelupe Church 225 Gilliam Drive
There will be folk dances, live music all day, more than 20 food stalls, family games and activities, raffles and much more.
For more information call (574) 267-5324.
AUG. 12 | NEW CARLISLE MARSHMALLOWS & METEORS: PEAK NIGHT!
9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Van Paris Shelter
56960 Timothy Road
New Carlisle
Join the St. Jospeh County Park Department on Carlisle Hill for a captivating night of meteor watching during peak activity of the Perseid meteor showers! Bring a blanket and bug spray. Marshmallows will be provided at the campfire. *Weather and clear sky permitting. Registration required by Aug. 8.Admission is $5 per person.
AUG. 23 | WINONA LAKE CANAL DAYS
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Park Avenue,
This annual end of summer event will include craft and art booths, kids activities and cardboard boat races.
For more information call The Village at Winona at (574) 268-9888.
AUG. 31 | PIERCETON HEIRLOOM TOMATO FESTIVAL
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Brower Park
105 E. Martket St.
The Heirloom Tomato Festival includes a judged Agricultural Art Show with people’s choice, a 5K run/walk, an exhibit of over 100 heirloom tomatoes, complimentary tasting, live music, a kid’s area, guest speakers, crafts vendors, and food vendors featuring fried green tomatoes and homemade ice cream. Join in on the tomato baking, tomato eating, and largest heirloom tomato contest. n
Nonprofits, service clubs help teachers, students with
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
By BethAnne Brink-Cox HomeLiving Feature Writer
Hard to believe, but it’s true: school will begin this month for most children. And there’s always so much to buy!
Clothes, shoes, backpacks, coats and boots and winter gear (especially odd when it’s still so hot outside, but there it is–winter WILL come.) Prices have risen a lot and it’s put quite a strain on many families when they’re budgeting, especially when they have more than one child.
Teachers are feeling it, too, with budget cuts. There are so many things needed in the classroom for the children who will be there every day, and a lot of teachers have had to buy things that were once supplied as part of the job. Many of them find it a difficult task of choosing what is most needed, rather than being able to get everything they once would have.
So what are we all to do? Well, there are several options. Just this past week it was announced that grades K-8 would have basic supplies provided in Wawasee Schools; parents would only have to provide things like backpacks, gym shoes and water bottles.
And the Maple City Kiwanis Club of Goshen has been essential since 2002 in a program known as Tools-4-Schools. (Tools-4-Schools.com) Kiwanis member and Tools-4-Schools Committee Co-chair Lonnie Troyer was overjoyed to share all that they do. “A gentleman had a teacher who wanted certain supplies; we put some money into child services for that, and one by one more teachers
goes for Fairfield, some of the Amish schools and preschools in town. Schools can’t ask for certain things anymore because of state government cuts.”
Ami Pitt, case manager for Project Independence and Hand-Up Programs in Warsaw, has been involved in a similarly named program called Tools for Schools. “The program is 30 years old this year and I have been here for 30 years!” Pitt agreed that rising costs have created difficulties. “Fund raising has been a bit of a struggle. I am very thankful for the Morning Optimists, for purchasing all our full sized book bags, and Meijer for being our biggest supporter. We have received donations from other companies and individual donations. What is needed now are donations of supplies, so if anyone wants to pick up some extra crayons or markers and so on when out shopping, we could sure use them!”
Troyer agreed. “Anyone can donate! My son created a program to keep track of our inventory and my daughter is a teacher in Indy. Three times a month, we open up and we have liaison teachers who let the teachers know when we will be open. They can sign into our app, and use a cart and get, say, 50 pencils. They can get calculators, rulers, tape and glue; markers, banners, notebook paper. We have one teacher who needed things for five different classrooms and another who needed a big rug for her kindergarten room floor. Our biggest fundraiser each year is at the Elkhart County Fair, selling tenderloins and fried fish, and this year we had 15 to 18 teachers volunteer to help, be-
Pitt said, “People can bring items or monetary donations into Combined Community Services on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or send mail to 1195 Marniers Drive Warsaw In, 46582. The morning before our event, we will be setting up at Lakeview Middle School from 9 a.m. to noon. The event was scheduled for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in at Lakeview Middle School.
And best of all, because crayons break and pencils wear down, supplies are available throughout the school year, as needed. CCS also is the heart behind Toy Time, and there just might be a donation jar sitting by the checkout to help with this
Your dorm room should be
HOME HOME away from
By BethAnne Brink-Cox HomeLiving Feature Writer
Every generation takes a few more essentials with them when setting up a dorm room or an apartment. While you have to keep the college rules in mind, most students these days really want a fridge and microwave of their own and this is the time of year when so many of those things go on sale! Amazon has a list of 48 pages, everything you could want to set up a room, from extension cords to linens, some kinds of furniture and every kind of organizer you can imagine. The website Apartment Therapy lists just 10 essentials, all available from IKEA.
And Neighbors Mercantile in Nappanee is just stuffed with so many wonderful things it would be impossible to walk out empty-handed (I can’t wait to put that to the test.)
Isaiah Stevenson is one of the management team in the lovely store and said yes, “I have heard customers talking as they browsed, heard them mention this would be for my dorm room.” What would ‘this’ be? Stevenson said most often what he’s seen and heard has been the artificial plants (always a good choice, because you don’t have to worry about watering them and if they’re getting enough or too much sun.) Their selection is beautiful! He said he’s also seen that happen with mugs. Much more fun than scavenging from Mom’s kitchen. (Although keep in mind Mom might want you to do that, so she can get new dishes and mugs for herself!)
Finley Taylor, known as Finn,
is halfway through his studies at Ball State University. He will earn a biology degree, with concentrations in Zoology and Wildlife Conservation, graduating in 2027. When asked how long before moving he began his preparations, Taylor answered “A week at most. Over the summer I had started to think of general things that I would bring with–of course the necessities, but sometimes I would take notice of something in my room and go “Oh! I should have this in my dorm!” and make a note to pack it.”
Speaking as we were, earlier, about fridges and microwaves, Taylor laughed. “I did have a roommate, and yes! It made things so much easier to plan ahead and bring utilities that we both owned. I have a teeny-tiny microwave, so I was relieved when my roommate offered his nice one!” It’s always great when roommates can share like that. He continued, “I really did like it! Aside
extraspace.com architecturaldigest.com
from the lack of space, of course. I’m very big on personalization, by the end of the school year the walls were plastered in photos and memories of the past two semesters. I take pride in being good at decorating and creating a comfortable living space.”
Some students will stay in the dorm throughout their college experience; many schools require at least the freshman year on campus. Others will move into off-campus houses or apartments, sharing expenses with other friends, which saves a lot of money. Taylor said he’s beyond excited to move into “my first ever studio apartment. I’m looking forward to curating my living space and decorating however I wish!”
So then, basically and to begin with, figure on bedding, towels, personal care items. Think about the things you need
for your physical comfort and for entertainment when you’re in your room (remember, there will be lounges in the buildings as well as lots of on and off campus activities, too!) A lamp and a fan will be most useful. You may well find once you get settled in that there’s a lot more you wish you’d brought, but you may also find that minimalist suits you just fine. n
TRENDS TO AVOID
FARMHOUSE OVERLOAD
Although the modern farmhouse look is still “in” avoid the overkill and instead choose authentic vintage items that suit your personal style.
ALL WHITE KITCHENS
Yes, they look pristine, but a little color never hurt anyone.
IMPRACTICAL STORAGE AND TECHNOLOGY
Rather than hide those appliances you use every day, create functional entertaining zones that give you access to the tools you need. n
what’s cookin’? kitchen trends for 2025
By Julie Young HomeLiving Feature Writer
The kitchen is the heart of the home and blending natural elements with modern aesthetics to create a warm and functional space is at the heart of kitchen design trends for 2025. From multi-functional areas and must-have amenities to monochromatic color schemes, moody palettes and exciting backsplashes, homeowners are looking for ways in which to create a place that reflects their needs and lifestyle.
MIXED MATERIALS
Christine Doncaster of Doncaster Flooring & Design Center in Mishawaka said today’s kitchen offers a mix of materials in a multifunctional space. Combining materials such as stone, metal and wood offer warmth when pairing cabinetry with bold accents. Rounded edges, arches and curved islands with fluted or rounded trim offer unique charm to a traditional feature.
“People are also looking for islands that serve as a multifunctional space whether that is a prep area, a dining spot, workstation or storage center,” she said. “Homeowners are designing multi-zones to help support cooking, entertaining and remote work activities.”
While some homeowners still embrace statement backsplashes with textured tiles, metallic accents, and geometric shapes, others are installing smaller, plainer tiles for a cleaner, simpler look.
“A lot of people think less is more when it comes to backsplashes,” said Rusty Riley at Brouwers Carpet & Furniture in Warsaw. “Ceramic tiles are still also popular choices for kitchen flooring as is luxury vinyl plank.”
GROUNDED TONES, CUSTOMIZATION AND INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGY
For the past few years, homeowners have cultivated a monochromatic color scheme to allow their kitchens to look bigger and while that is still a popular choice, others are infusing rich, moody earth tones to create inviting, cozy spaces. Both Doncaster and Riley say emerald green, navy and other grounded tones are being used alongside natural woods and soft neutrals to give their kitchens an extra pop.
Smart technology is another must have feature in today’s kitchens including voice-controlled ovens, app enabled appliances, motion sensor faucets and integrated charging ports not only meet a family’s needs but also enhance convenience throughout the room.
“A lot of families use their kitchens as extensions of the home office so there is a need to be able to plug in and take care of business, but they also want to enjoy the latest technology when it comes to their appliances, storage and organizational systems,” Doncaster said.
Above all, today’s homeowner is looking for a way to personalize their kitchen from the rest. They are looking to infuse designs ideas that reflect their unique tastes through bespoke details that go beyond functional and showcase a personal style.”
“It’s an exciting time for kitchen design and with so many options to choose from, homeowners will have no trouble finding something that fits their lifestyle,” Doncaster said.
Looking for a pasta sauce that’s not red or maybe heavy like Alfredo can be? Look no further than Pesto. And if you’re growing basil in your garden, this is a great way to use it.
— Lauren
INGREDIENTS:
q 3 cups lightly packed basil leaves
q 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
q 1/4 cup pine nuts
q 2-3 cloves of garlic, chopped
q 1/4 cup olive oil
q Kosher salt
DIRECTIONS:
Combine the basil, parmesan, pine nuts and garlic in a food processor and pulse into a course paste. While pulsing the food processor, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Taste and season with salt. Serve with your favorite pasta. n
Water Everywhere: Water Heater Replacement Kozon Plumbing and Heating (260) 856-2225
Service Clubs Help Teachers, Students With School Supplies Tools-4-Schools (Goshen Maple City Kiwanis) tools-4-schools.com
Your Dorm Room Should Be Home Away From Home Neighbors Mercantile (574) 773-7039
Did You Know?
On Aug. 18, 1920, the 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, which granted women the right to vote.
By Nicholette Carlson HomeLiving Feature Writer
On Aug. 31, 1997,
in Paris.
thAugust was originally the sixth month of the Roman calendar, called Sextilius, and later renamed to honor Emperor Augustus.
Aug. 1 was traditionally known as Lammas Day, an old festival celebrating the annual wheat and corn harvest. It also marks the midpoint between summer sol stice and autumn equinox.
Aug. 1-7 is National Clown Week.
Aug. 13 is International Left-Handers Day
In August 1945, the U.S. dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima during World War II, leading to the surrender of Japan.
Aug. 10 is National S’mores Day
In August 1492, Christopher Columbus set sail with the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria, leading to his exploration of North and South America.
In August 1959, Hawaii officially became the 50th state in the United States. n
