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October 2026

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HOMELIVING LIVING

Winterization Fall Festivals & Fun www.homelivingplacesandspaces.com

Backsplashes

WarsawCustomCabinets.com

contents Fantastic Fall Festivals

Regular Maintenance To Prepare Your Furnace For Winter

Community Cornerstones: Samuel Brings His Long History with Disc Golf to Goshen College

Around Michiana FreedomSystem.Org Celebrates 10 Years of Service

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FreedomSystem.org

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October 2026 VOLUME 2

NO. 10

IUSB’s Michele’s Little Hearts Theatre Celebrating 60 Years of Delighting Children

Corn Mazes, Pumpkin Patches, and More, Oh My!

Choosing a Kitchen Backsplash

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Did You Know? Easy Eats - Dolly’s Recipes Book Nook

Cover photo: shutterstock.com

HOMELIVING PO Box 188 • 206 South Main St. Milford, IN 46542 800.733.4111/Fax 800.886.3796 Editorial ext. 2311 & Advertising ext. 2328

www.homelivingplacesandspaces.com Member of:

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BUSINESS MANAGER Annette Weaver aweaver@the-papers.com

EDITOR Lauren Zeugner lzeugner@the-papers.com

FEATURE WRITERS BethAnne Brink-Cox Nicholette Stout Julie Young

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Karen Johnson kjohnson@the-papers.com HomeLiving Places & Spaces is a newsmagazine with emphasis on lifestyle, exploring the community, travel and home decor and design. HomeLiving does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial content, nor does HomeLiving or its staff assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial content appear in any publication.

HomeLiving reserves the right to determine the suitability of all materials submitted for publica-

tion and to edit all submitted materials for clarity and space. HomeLiving has not independently tested any services or products advertised herein and has verified no claims made by its advertisers regarding those services or products. HomeLiving makes no warranties or representations and assumes no liability for any claims regarding those services or products or claims made by advertisers regarding such products or services. Readers are advised to consult with the

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advertiser and/or other home repair and renovation professionals regarding any such claims and regarding the suitability of an advertiser’s products. No reproduction of HomeLiving is allowed without express written permission. Mailed subscriptions are available, prepaid with order at $54 for one year; and $91 for two years. Mail the order form, along with your check to HomeLiving, P.O. Box 188, Milford, IN 46542. Your cancelled check will serve as your receipt.

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Fantastic Fall Festivals By Julie Young HomeLiving Feature Writer

After the dog days of summer, there’s nothing like a fall festival to bring a community together, and northern Indiana is second to none when it comes to celebrating the season. “People like to get out and enjoy that last bit of good weather before the temperatures drop, and what better way than at a fall festival?” said Darin Lursen with the Syracuse Parks Department.

St. Joseph County is ready to celebrate

OCTOBER 1: Zombie Preparedness Festival at the University of Notre Dame (Gate E at Notre Dame Stadium) from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sponsored by the Notre Dame Police Department, this event welcomes faculty, staff, students and the community to learn practical preparedness skills, including CPR, first aid basics, fire extinguishers and AED use. Free. For more information, visit police.nd.edu/events/2026/10/01/ zombie-preparedness-festival-1/. OCTOBER 9-10: Boo Bash at the St. Joseph County 4-H Fairgrounds, 5117 Ironwood Road. The St. Joseph County 4-H Fairgrounds is the site of this homespun artisan market as well as a haunted house, food vendors, trunk or treat and more. For more information and tickets, visit facebook.com/ St.JosephCounty4HFair/posts/you-asked-we-listened-boo-bash-returns-in-2026-october-9th-10th-5001000pm-st-jo/1441193844710814/. OCTOBER 17-18, 23-25: Zoo Boo at Potawatomi Zoo, 500 S. Greenlawn Ave. in South Bend. Celebrate Halloween with this beloved community event! Trick-or-treat with the Zoo’s community partners and enjoy the animals and Halloween décor throughout the grounds. Hours vary depending on the date. For more information and tickets, visit potawatomizoo.org/zooboo/. OCTOBER 17: Halloween in the Park, Newton Park in Lakeville. Grab your costumes and come out to the park from 6-8 p.m. for an evening of spooky family fun. Whether you’re a princess, pirate, superhero, ghost or goblin, everyone is welcome for a safe and fun-filled Halloween celebration! Free. For more information, visit newtonpark.org/page/show/9284717-halloween-in-the-park. OCTOBER 23: Candlelight, A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics, will be presented at the Scottish Rite, 427 N. Main St., South Bend. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit feverup.com/ m/188852?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=impact&utm_campaign=188852&utm_content=4738271_ Event%20Vesta&irclickid=yoxRxaWPexyZWb70HoRukV5uUkr2BCQhRRWvTg0&irgwc=1&afsrc=1. OCTOBER 24-25: Fall Artisan Market, Century Center, 120 S. Dr. MLK Blvd. in South Bend. Get ready to shop with more than 150 vendors featuring a curated selection of local makers and creatives. Hours Saturday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free admission. For more information, visit southbendartisanmarket.com.

Elkhart offerings

OCTOBER 10: The sixth annual Artisan Market at Prairie Camp, 63526 CR 9 (in the church retreat center), will feature a wide range of vendors who specialize in unique handmade, vintage and homegrown items. Free. For more information, visit facebook.com/events/63526-county-road-9-goshen-in-46526-unitedstates/2026-artisan-market-at-prairie-camp/1320622769686774/. OCTOBER 10: Island Park Trunk or Treat from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 200 E. Sycamore St. Sponsored by the Elkhart Parks and Recreation Department, this event features costumed characters, decorated vehicles, games, candy and plenty of Halloween spirit. Free. For more information, visit cityofelkhartin.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/ events/trunk-or-treat/. OCTOBER 10: Middlebury Pumpkin Race. Which gourd will come out on top? Design your pumpkin and purchase a race kit to find out if your pumpkin will take the top prize. All proceeds will go to a local nonprofit organization. For more information, visit middleburythenandnow.org. OCTOBER 17: Not So Haunted Wood Walk in Pinewood Park from 6-8 p.m., 3439 Newton Drive, Elkhart. This unforgettable event offers an evening stroll through the woods with kid-friendly “frights.” Costumes and trick-or-treat buckets are encouraged. For more information, visit froggy1027.com/fall-fun-without-the-fright-elkharts-pine-not-sohaunted-woods-walk-is-perfect-for-families-this-weekend/.

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“Fall” in love with Kosciusko County OCTOBER 2-31: Soul Takers Acres Haunted House at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds, 1400 E. Smith St., Warsaw. Be here every Friday and Saturday night when Indiana’s favorite haunted house returns for its 13th season. The Soultaker will once again wreak havoc on Lake City, featuring more twists, turns and darkness than ever before. For more information and tickets, visit soultakersacres.com. OCTOBER 3: Syracuse Fall Harvest Fest, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Lakeside Park, 1031 N. Long Drive. This family-friendly event is held alongside the final date of the artisan and farmers market and will feature several fall-themed activities. Free. For more information, visit syracusein.org/departments/parks/ special_events/harvest_festival.php. n

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HOMELIVING

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REGULAR MAINTENANCE

and tips for preparing your furnace for winter months By Nicholette Stout HomeLiving Feature Writer

While the temperatures may still be warm enough for beach trips and to make air conditioning a necessity for many, soon the colder temperatures and winter weather will hit and one of the most important things to prepare is your furnace. The best way to ensure your furnace will be ready for winter weather is regular maintenance. Having equipment serviced regularly helps to maximize efficiency, decrease the likelihood of costly repairs, save money on energy bills and extend the life of the system.

Kozon Plumbing and Heating, Cromwell, has high standards when it comes to servicing equipment. “Kozon Plumbing and Heating ethics have always been based on the foundation of helping our customers achieve the ultimate level of service by providing quality products, installed by trained and skilled professionals,” Jess Michael, Kozon marketing and service coordinator, stressed. Installing a reliable, quality furnace with regular maintenance keeps homeowners warm and secure during winter months. They also offer a home protection plan with service options. “Our extensive list of inspections and cleanings can protect you from unwanted breakdowns during the hot summer months and cold winter months. Our technicians follow a precise checklist of over 25 points to ensure proper functioning and longevity of your home systems.” When having a system maintenanced, it is important to check the thermostat operations, test the condensate pump, clean the condensate drain or tap, clean the flame sensor, assess the blower wheel and check the blower wheel capacitor. This helps to ensure it will not shut down during the coldest months. The biggest way a homeowner can help is to ensure they keep a clean air filter and change it regularly. Oneinch air filters should be changed monthly and thick media filters should be changed every six months, though how often it needs changed can vary based on pet dander, dust and environmental conditions. “For our seasonal residences that are not inhabited all year, we recommend Wi-Fi thermostats that have the ability for the customer to check in on the temperature any time and anywhere,” Michael suggested. “These devices provide a great peace of mind for lake homeowners and also have the ability to send alerts if the temperature drops or other predetermined settings are detected.”

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Besides ensuring air filters are replaced regularly, homeowners can also ensure that the space around the furnace is clean of debris to improve both safety and airflow. Outdoor vents can also be checked to ensure there are no clogs or obstructions.

When it comes to outdoor faucets, make sure to disconnect and drain all hoses. Many faucets can be covered or water can be shut off to the outdoor faucets for the winter after ensuring the water line is cleared. For pipes in unheated areas, heat tape or pipe sleeves can be put on to keep them warm. Cabinet doors can be left open to ensure heat is circulating to the pipes under sinks, which can be easiest to do in the evenings. If particularly cold temperatures are expected, it is recommended to allow water faucets to flow, even a small trickle, since running water is far less likely to freeze. n

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COMMUNITY CORNERSTONES

Samuel brings his long history with to Goshen College

DISC GOLF When the topic of Elkhart County disc golf comes up, there is one name almost always connected Jason Samuel.

By Nicholette Stout HomeLiving Feature Writer While a student at Goshen College, he played object golf with friends, throwing lids at trees, statues and, most commonly, trash cans. While disc golf officially became an organized sport in 1976, he didn’t do much with it after graduation. However, in 1999, during Thanksgiving celebrations in Knoxville, Tenn., he learned there was a disc golf course nearby. “I was terrible, but I was hooked,” Samuel admitted. “All it takes is one good throw.” He started looking for a course close to home and discovered Oxbow Park had a course. He learned about the Professional Disc Golf Association on a bulletin board, called and learned about a doubles event the club had in February. While he didn’t have a partner, he played the event alone and earned a trophy. With all the passions he has had in life, once he sets his mind to something, he goes all in. He became extremely involved, going to professional events and traveling for competitions and tournaments. However, by 2007, he had completely retired from disc golf. During the pandemic, Samuel’s son mentioned he looked unhappy and asked him to come out and play a few rounds. “I was throwing and I was terrible,” Samuel stated. “But I got one good one. The next day I went out alone and threw. I went out the whole weekend over Memorial Day weekend and played about 80 holes.” Sore and hurting, Samuel realized he was back in the disc golf game. Around Christmas 2020, he recalled his start playing that February fundraiser and decided he wanted to hold an Ice Bowl fundraiser to raise money for food pantries. He shared the event on social media and opened it to the community and raised $17,000. Goshen Mayor Jeremy Stutsman heard of his hard work and presented Samuel with a key to the city.

Jason with Eagle Award — Jason Samuel is the second person awarded the Indiana Eagle Award for disc golf leadership and excellence.

The fundraiser continues every year and, this past January, broke the record raising $43,000. That makes a little over $177,000 raised to help feed the hungry since 2021. This fundraiser is close to his heart since he remembers what it was like to be hungry when he was growing up in Philadelphia and relying on others’ generosity. Samuel has been a professor at Goshen College for 24 years now. While many know him for his work at The Globe, running the radio station, he has now taken a step back to become the head coach of the college disc golf team for its inaugural year. “Disc golf was a hobby I turned into a job,” he said. Goshen College’s disc golf team is a split season between fall and spring since they compete

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R E S O U RCE G U I D E

Regular maintenance and tips for preparing your furnace for winter months Kozon Plumbing and Heating Cromwell (260) 856-2225

What to consider when choosing a kitchen backsplash

As a gift to his wife, when Ox Bow Park’s disc golf course was being redone, Jason made sure there was one hole that was 420 feet to symbolize April 20, the day he married his wife Jenni. She is shown at the sign for the hole for them.

Warsaw Custom Cabinets (574) 267-5794 Photos provided by Jason Samuel

against both large and small schools in conferences and regional tournaments across the country. In the disc golf team’s first year, they will have six events this fall and Oxbow Park will host the Great Lakes Regional.

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One way he has made sure to structure the disc golf team is to allow the men and women players to participate in multiple extracurriculars. While willing to work around schedules for other activities, Samuel and his assistant coaches, Nate and Tim, tell the players to give their best every time they come out to practice. “We need a strong program with a healthy roster,” he described. “It is hard work and new territory learning the unknown unknowns. I encourage the team to be present in the moment. No regret about the past or anxiety about the future. The frisbee is only in this moment and it doesn’t remember how well it threw at the last hole or know how it will throw this hole.” He simply asks for the absolute best a person can give on that day at that time. All three coaches show this by example as well, with all three qualifying for the masters world championships this year in their divisions. Currently Samuel is an Indiana state coordinator for disc golf, helping to approve events within the state. This is his second time in the position as he also held it 20 years ago. He was the second person awarded the Indiana Eagle Award for disc golf leadership and excellence. He has lived in Goshen with his wife, Jenni, since the 1980s and their son lives in South Bend. “God has blessed me immeasurably and I try to do a lot of reflection to be grateful,” Samuel shared. “Intentions are so important and helps to remind you why you’re doing something. I want to do things that have lasting value. But none of this happens without my wife and her steadfast support.” As a gift to his wife, when the course at Oxbow Park was getting redone, he made sure there was one hole that was 420 feet long to celebrate their wedding day on April 20 with a plaque on the hole for them. n | HomeLiving Places & Spaces | October 2026 | 11

around

michiana

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. OCTOBER 1 | WAKARUSA

BLUE GRASS JAMBOREE

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, one block west of the stop light. Free admission; freewill offering (574) 862-2200 wakarusabluegrassjam.com OCTOBER 2-31 | WARSAW

SOUL TAKERS ACRES HAUNTED HOUSE

Kosciusko County Fairgrounds. 1400 E. Smith St. See kcfair.com for more information. OCTOBER 3 | SYRACUSE

FALL HARVEST FEST

OCTOBER 17-18 & 23-25 | SOUTH BEND

Food Trucks, hayride, more than 40 vendors 63526 CR 9, Goshen, church retreat center. (574) 293-1332

Zoo Boo is the Potawatomi Zoo’s annual safe trick-or-treating event, complete with pumpkins, lights and decorations, candy, a haunted train ride and enchanted carousel rides. This decades-old tradition brings thousands of guests to the Zoo annually. Come decked out in your Halloween costume and visit treat stations set up throughout the Zoo! Regular admission fees apply.

ARTISAN MARKET AT PRAIRIE CAMP

OCTOBER 10 | ELKHART

ISLAND PARK TRUNK OR TREAT

Bring the kids in costume and enjoy a funfilled afternoon of candy, creatively decorated trunks and festive Halloween activities in a safe, family-friendly setting. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. North Main Street and East Sycamore Street Hosted by Elkhart Parks and Recreation. OCTOBER 10 | MIDDLEBURY

PUMPKIN RACES

West Warren St. 1-3:30 p.m. The winner of the races selects a local nonprofit to receive the event’s proceeds. OCTOBER 10 | WARSAW

FAMILY PUMPKIN PAINTING CLASS

Pete Thorn Gym 800 N. Park Ave. 10 a.m. to noon $5 per person / per pumpkin.

ZOO BOO AT POTAWATOMI ZOO

OCTOBER 20 | NORTH WEBSTER

SCIENCE CENTRAL SHARK DISSECTION LAB

North Webster Community Center 301 N. Main St., Suite 121 Students will dissect a dogfish shark and discuss the similarities and differences between shark and human anatomy. Free. OCTOBER 23 | SOUTH BEND

CANDELIGHT: A HAUNTED EVENING OF HALLOWEEN CLASSICS

Scottish Rite, 427 N. Main St., South Bend. Call (402) 249-2445 for more information. OCTOBER 24-25 | SOUTH BEND

FALL ARTISAN MARKET

Century Center, 120 S. Doctor M.L.K Jr. Blvd. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $5 per day. Parking is an additional $5. For more information, visit southbendartisanmarket.com/. n shutterstock.com

Lakeside Park 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Across from the Syracuse Community Center, 1013 N. Long Drive.

OCTOBER 10 | GOSHEN

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FreedomSystem.Org celebrates 10 years of service “10 years! Can you believe it?” said Kenny Holmes as we sat down to discuss how far his nonprofit, FreedomSystem.Org, has come. By Lauren Zeugner HomeLiving Editor Editor’s Note: Lauren Zeugner serves on the board of directors for FreedomSystem.Org. FreedomSystem.Org has two beginnings. The first was in 2007 when two veterans began imagining a place where military experience could be discussed without being filtered into the usual public narratives. The second was in 2015 when personal loss transformed that long-running idea into a nonprofit. Holmes never expected FreedomSystem. Org to last 10 years, and he thought he would have handed the leadership reins over to someone else by now. FreedomSystem.Org tread water for a number of years as it struggled to find the best way it could to serve veterans of Elkhart County. Cami Morris, one of the newest board members, said she thought FreedomSystem. Org survived due to the friendship among the board. “It just clicks. FreedomSystem is a family,” she said. “I think it went so well because we are a family,” Holmes said. FreedomSystem.Org started with Holmes, his wife, Sarah, Andy Bujalski, Josh Elliott, Brandy Elliott and Jeff Schrock in 2016. At the time, all board members were required to be veterans or the spouse of a veteran. Sometime in 2016, Schrock called me asking to do an article for ‘the PAPER’ on FreedomSystem.Org in an attempt to let Elkhart County veterans know the organization existed. In 2017, I was formally invited to come on the

FSO has also provided bikes to vets. Below is Victoria Molnar, an Air Force veteran from IM Vets with other riders on an FSO bike ride. FSO provided Victoria with her bike.

2023 and 2026, FreedomSystem.Org programming expanded with a peer-to-peer counseling group for area veterans. Several board members are involved and have been specifically trained by NAMI for this program. The mountain biking program has expanded to include a road biking program for those vets and their families who aren’t interested in mountain biking, but are still looking for camaraderie. VFW Post 985 is still an important part of FreedomSystem.Org, as it hosts a regular Bible study program offered by FreedomSystem. Org. The Common Veteran podcast is now in its fourth season with Holmes, Schrock, Casey Hendrickson, Dr. Fred Schlock and Tony Buoscio discussing a wide range of topics important to veterans. As FreedomSystem.Org closes out its first decade, it looks to continue to move forward. In the next 10 years, Holmes sees FreedomSystem. Org moving into its own space, a veterans’ community center where vets can participate in FSO programming, space to host its own events and storage space for its supplies. “We’ll be helping veterans coming back from combat. The current geopolitical climate ensures there will be vets needing help,” Holmes said. n

board as a de facto board member. I was also the first board member who had no connection to the military. That year, FreedomSystem.Org hosted its first major fundraiser “Speak Free-ly”, now called “Remember,” with Jim Bontrager as the featured speaker. The event became an annual event, raising funds for FreedomSystem.Org’s programming, until COVID shut everything down. In 2021, the organization went back to hosting an annual dinner at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 985 in Goshen. As the years went by, FreedomSystem.Org tried a number of programs it thought would be of interest to veterans, Photos provided by FreedomSystem.org such as an adaptive combative program, since several board members have a martial arts background, mountain biking, a podcast and sponsoring local Little League teams. By 2023, FreedomSystem.Org’s signature fundraising event, “Remember,” had outgrown the VFW and moved to the Northern Indiana Event Common Veterans podcast - clockwise from left, Fred Schlorke, Tony Buoscio, Jeff Schrock and Kenny Holmes Center in Elkhart. Between

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IUSB’s Michele’s Little Hearts Theatre

celebrating 60 years of delighting children

This year, Michele’s Little Hearts Theatre is celebrating 60 years of children’s theatre at Indiana University South Bend. To celebrate, Michele’s Little Hearts Theatre has brought back the play that launched the program in 1966, “Winnie-the-Pooh.” By Lauren Zeugner HomeLiving Editor Michele’s Little Hearts Theatre also provides hands-on learning for IUSB’s theatre students. Students are required to audition for a certain number of productions a year. For “Winnie-the-Pooh,” about nine students make up the cast, while 20 make up the crew. The plays used by Michele’s Little Hearts Theatre are pulled from a reading list geared toward children in kindergarten through second grade. Danielle Wilborn, program director, explained that the theatre tries to have five or six plays in rotation. With “Winniethe-Pooh,” the production started from scratch since the last time Michele’s Little Hearts Theatre performed it was in 1980. “For the 60th (anniversary), we had to bring it back,” Wilborn said. Wilborn said the biggest change since Michele’s Little Hearts Theatre launched in 1966 is that “we have great-grandparents and grandparents who are now chaperones, who remember when they attended.” For many of the children who attend school-sponsored field trips to the performances, this is their first experience watching live theatre. Prior to the show, the theatre sends an activity packet to the teachers who will be bringing their students to a performance. The packets contain a snippet of the play, an activity to do before the play and then follow-up questions for afterward, such as how the book compares to the play and discussions about emotions.

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“We do everything from coloring sheets to math and science,” Wilborn said. “We try to pull in all the subjects. We try to have an activity the class can do together to bring to the performance, usually paper headbands the children can wear. It’s amazing how something so small can have such a big impact.” For the theatre students on stage, their favorite part of performing is the excitement and feedback they receive from their young audience. Wilborn explained that many of the children have never seen live theatre before, but will interact with the cast by yelling a warning about a potential danger that a character on stage may not be aware of. The scariest part for the theatre students is facing a crowd of 800 children or even a smaller group and keeping up the energy for the performance. “This particular group that is performing ‘Winnie-the-Pooh,’ I’ve never seen them break,” Wilborn said. Over the years, IUSB has tried a variety of different pricing models to keep performances affordable for

the schools bringing their students. Wilborn said ticket prices are kept nominal so the schools only have to worry about providing transportation. Now the issue is a lack of both school buses and drivers to transport the children. “We keep the price as low as we can,” Wilborn said. Michele’s Little Hearts Theatre serves approximately 6,000 students in 62 schools in 25 districts located in nine counties across northern Indiana and southern Michigan. Anyone interested in donating to Michele’s Little Hearts Theatre may do so by sending a check to Indiana University South Bend, Office of Advancement, 1700 Mishawaka Ave., South Bend. Checks should be made payable to IU Foundation. Put Cogan 370007955 in the memo line. n Photos provided by Danielle Wilborn

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CORN MAZES, PUMPKIN PATCHES, AND MORE, OH MY!

A trip to a pumpkin patch is a great place to stage a family photo, engage in seasonal activities and make cherished memories that you won’t soon forget. Whether you are visiting your favorite local haunt or searching for something new, these local growers are ready to welcome you to an end-of-season celebration that you won’t soon forget!

ELKHART COUNTY Kercher’s Sunrise Orchards Farm Market

By Julie Young HomeLiving Feature Writer

If you are looking to welcome the Great Pumpkin this Halloween, you’ll want to make a trip to your local pumpkin patch. These venues are the perfect place to spend a mid-fall day and offer plenty of activities for families of all ages and stages while also instilling an appreciation for our agricultural heritage. While many of these family-owned and -operated businesses charge admission to visit, they give you plenty of bang for the buck. In addition to the opportunity to pick your own pumpkin (or choose from an already-picked inventory), they also offer amenities such as hayrides, corn mazes, petting zoos, refreshments and more!

knollbrook farm

knollbrookfarm.com kerchersorchard.com

19498 CR 38, Goshen. Specializing in homemade and locally grown Indiana products, Kercher’s offers U-Pick apples and pumpkins through the last weekend in October. Don’t miss their apple butter and cider, which is rumored to be the best in the state. For more information, visit kerchersorchard.com. kerchersorchard.com

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15463 CR 46, Goshen. Knollbrook Farm is a great place to create family memories whether you are enjoying the 12-acre corn maze, pumpkin patch, 50-foot slide and more during its fall harvest weekends throughout the month of October. Admission is $10 per person and includes a cow train, hayrides, a bounce pad and pig racing (weather permitting). For more information, visit knollbrookfarm.com.

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ST. JOSEPH COUNTY matthys farm market

agreatpumpkin.com

stanton road pumpkin patch

facebook.com/matthysfarmmarket

57754 Crumstown Highway, South Bend. Matthys has been a family-operated farm for decades and a local favorite as well. During the fall season, Matthys offers already-picked pumpkins, a pumpkin patch, hayrides, a corn maze and a petting zoo. For more information, call (574) 287-1935.

26390 Stanton Road, Walkerton. This simple, family-owned and -operated pumpkin patch was founded in 2011 and offers U-pick pumpkins, barrel train rides, a corn maze, café, photo-op sets, a pumpkin wash area, as well as a play area for the kids. Open Friday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free general admission. For more information, visit agreatpumpkin.com.

facebook.com/matthysfarmmarket

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thistleberryfarm.com

Thistleberry farm

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61391 Mayflower Road, South Bend. Fall fun for everyone can be found at Thistleberry Farm. From pedal cars to jumping pillows, super slides, a cow train, a corn maze, a storybook walking trail and more, families will have no trouble finding plenty of activities for all ages. For more information, visit thistleberryfarm.com. n | HomeLiving Places & Spaces | October 2026 | 17

warsawcustomcabinets.com

What to consider when choosing Backsplashes have been around longer than I realized. I couldn’t remember any kitchen when I was growing up that had one, just a painted surface that had to be scrubbed clean every so often. But they’ve been in kitchens in various forms for almost 100 years, originally narrow, sometimes no more than four inches high, and running all around the room, with the intent of keeping the wall clean behind and above the stove and sink. They’ve evolved from basic function to decorative and trendy tile, matte stone and subway tile. kitchensetcinc.com

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By BethAnne Brink-Cox HomeLiving Feature Writer What’s the trend these days? Tim Mundinger has owned Warsaw Custom Cabinets since 1978, and you’ve undoubtedly seen his work all around the area — in fact, if you visit the children’s department at the Warsaw Public Library, that’s his beautiful desk! Mundinger says what’s requested most is “Full height, so the customers don’t have to deal with grout and chips and all that. More than the majority are full height. But we do still install some of the old four-inch style for the customers who prefer that look.”

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Cameron Hess is a salesman at Kitchen Etc. Inc. in Elkhart. He says the trends are “Kinda all over the place! We’re using subway tiles, mosaics and so many different looks and styles. And yes, the full height makes a cleaner, more modern look, with minimal grout. Customers want the same style in the kitchen and the bath, all throughout the house, really, that continuity.” If you’re choosing a look, what should you keep in mind? Some things will “date” faster than others; as much as I loved certain

warsawcustomcabinets.com

looks (ceramic tile with herbs and vegetables and their names, especially), I can understand this. Especially if you are planning to flip the house in the near future. But you also want to fit your choices to the age and style of the architecture of your house. Mine is more than 100 years old, so the sleek brushed metal surfaces would be all wrong. And you want to consider texture — will it be hard to keep clean? Kitchen grease can be stubborn and sticky, so think about how often you might have to clean certain areas, especially

around the cooking area. Think, too, about how much you might keep on your counters. How much of your backsplash area will be showing? Some like a lot of things, like cookie jars and small appliances and cookbooks, in view, close at hand for convenience, and some want their kitchen to be just about as minimal as a hospital surface. The choice is entirely yours, and so you can have a good time choosing what is exactly “you,” whether you want to follow trends or not. n

A KITCHEN BACKSPLASH kitchensetcinc.com

| HomeLiving Places & Spaces | October 2026 | 19

Did You Know?

By BethAnne Brink-Cox HomeLiving Feature Writer

Here we are in the final quarter of the calendar year!

How did that happen? October is the 10th month of the year, with 31 days, and its name comes from the Latin word octo, meaning “eighth,” because it was the eighth month in the early Roman calendar, even though it is the 10th month now.

A few interesting moments? Baseball player Reggie Jackson earned the nickname “Mr. October” for his clutch hitting in World Series games. The landmark first sound-equipped feature film, The Jazz Singer, opened in New York City on Oct. 6, 1927.

Orson Welles panicked listeners with a radio adaptation of The War of the Worlds on Oct. 30, 1938. The very first 007 film, Dr. No, premiered in London on Oct. 5, 1962.

What does October say to you? Sweater weather! After months of wearing what is minimally decent, thanks to the heat, the cooler temperatures and breezes mean the sweaters you love most— old favorites you’ve had for decades or something new just because you fell in love with that style and that color—feel really good. Pumpkin flavor everything. And pumpkins for decor, tumbling into piles among straw and apples, or hollowed to hold fall flowers; even the tiniest ones can hold candles on your table. Friday night football! There is something extra special and exhilarating about high school football, when everything seems possible and you are watching kids you know, even kids you don’t know—filled with health and strength and exuberance. Halloween costumes! So much fun to try and outdo what you did the year before. If you go out with your littles, do you dress up too? The year our small daughter went out as Dorothy, with a stuffed puppy in a basket, her daddy went as the Scarecrow. Apple picking! The smell of an orchard in the fall when the fruit is ripe and perfect for picking has a particularly fresh, crisp scent. And you tell yourself you’ll only get “this” many. But then you see yet another beautiful specimen you just have to have, and before you know it, that basket is overflowing. images: shutterstock.com

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Bonfires! That wonderful smoky smell. And toasting marshmallows, however you like them—perfectly golden or black and smoldering—nothing tastes better (and that’s even without the chocolate and graham crackers). The first hot chocolate. The first glass of apple cider, or a mug if you prefer it heated. And candy corn! It’s a love/hate kind of candy. Watching squirrels bury nuts Oktoberfest! Oktoberfest began on Oct. 12, 1810, as a royal wedding celebration, beginning with a large festival on the fields outside the city gates and ending five days later with a massive horse race. It’s held in September now, though, to take advantage of warmer and longer days, although the historic name remains. Flowers. Yes, there are spring and summer flowers, and we love them all, but there’s something about the last burst of color and fragrance in the fall—the sharp scent of chrysanthemums especially. And to go along with them, of course, is the glorious palette of autumn leaves. And let’s not forget the Great Pumpkin! Have you been good? Will he bring you toys? n

... and now you know!

—— E A S Y E A T S —— Rustic Chicken and Dumplin’s Rachel Parton George made this rustic chicken dish for her sister, Dolly Parton, every year on her birthday. By Dolly Parton & Rachel Parton George Recipe from Allrecipes.com

Hands On Time: 30 mins Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins Servings: 8

INGREDIENTS: q 1 1/2 tsp. salt q 1 tsp. black pepper q 1 1/2 c. carrots, cut into 1-in. pieces q 1 1/2 c. stalks celery, cut into 1-in. pieces q 1 1/4 c. flour, plus more for dusting q 1 tsp. baking powder q 1 egg q 1/2 c. whole buttermilk, well shaken q 1/2 c. butter, chilled and cut into thin slices q Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

allrecipes.com

DIRECTIONS: Season chicken pieces all over with the Morton’s seasoning blend. Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, skin sides down, and cook until golden brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Turn chicken pieces and brown again, 6 to 8 minutes more. Add broth and water; bring to a boil over high heat. Add onion, poultry seasoning, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, 20 minutes. Add carrots and celery. Leaving pot partially covered, continue simmering over low heat until vegetables are almost tender, about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, sift flour, baking powder, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt together in a large bowl.

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together egg and buttermilk. Cut chilled butter into dry mixture using a pastry cutter or two forks. Blend well to a crumbly consistency. Add buttermilk mixture and gently stir with a wooden spoon until combined. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 30 minutes. Turn out dough onto a floured surface. Using your hands, pat dough to approximately 1-inch thickness and gently fold outer edges into center. Continue to gently fold—do not knead—until it comes together. Pat dough out again to approximately 1-inch thickness. Remove cooked chicken from Dutch oven (an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part of chicken should register 170 degrees F /76 degrees C) remove chicken from the bones and put it

on a plate. Cover with foil to keep warm. Skim fat from broth. Bring broth to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Using a knife, cut dough into 9 (2x2-inch) squares. Gently drop each square, one at a time, into boiling broth. Lower heat to medium and simmer, uncovered, until all dumplings rise to top and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, about 10 minutes. Return chicken to pot and simmer an additional 5 minutes. Spoon chicken and dumplings into bowls. Garnish with parsley. n

shutterstock.com

q 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces (drumsticks, thighs, and halved breasts) q 1 tsp. Morton Nature’s Seasons seasoning blend q 3 tbsp. butter q 1 (32 oz.) carton low-sodium chicken broth q 2 c. water q 1/2 onion, minced q 1 tsp. poultry seasoning q 1 tsp. minced garlic

Dirt Road Martini Dolly Parton and Rachel Parton George share their unique twist on a classic martini in their cookbook “Good Lookin’ Cookin’.” In addition to olives, the sisters add in iced tea and pickled vegetables.

allrecipes.com/Jim Wright

INGREDIENTS: q Ice as needed q 2 ounces vodka q 2 ounces unsweetened tea q 1/4 ounce brine from Mezzetta Italian Mix Giardiniera

DIRECTIONS:

q Spanish Queen martini olives (pitted or stuffed), for garnish q Vegetable pieces from Mezzetta Italian Mix Giardiniera, for garnish

Combine vodka, tea, and brine in an ice-filled mixing glass; stir well to chill. Fill a lowball or rocks glass with ice. Strain martini over ice. Garnish with olives and vegetable pieces. n

| HomeLiving Places & Spaces | October 2026 | 21

k o o N k o o B The

Want to suggest a book for Book Nook? S end the title, author, a brief synopsis of the book and why you liked it to lzeugner@the-papers.com.

This month’s selections are centered on Halloween. Do you have a favorite author when it comes to horror?

THE BEWITCHING

by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

A chilling multigenerational horror tale, three women across different eras grapple with danger and witchcraft.

COFFIN MOON

THE HAUNTING OF PAYNES HOLLOW

by Kelley Armstrong

Samantha Payne’s grandfather leaves her the family lake cottage if she can manage to remain there for a month. But shortly after arriving, her aunt disappears, strange sounds are heard from the woods and shapes are seen crawling out of the lake.

NEVER FLINCH

by Keith Rosson

by Stephen King

Duane Minor is back home after a tour in Vietnam, a bartender just trying to stay sober, save his marriage and connect with his 13-year-old niece. Then a vampire walks into his bar and ruins his life. So begins a furious, frenzied pursuit across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

No Halloween book list would be complete without a selection from the master of horror himself. This book features a riveting cast of characters, including world-famous gospel singer Sista Bessie and an unforgettable villain addicted to murder.

PLAY NICE

HOW BAD THINGS CAN GET

by Rachel Harrison

by Darcy Coates

Clio Louise Barnes leads a picture-perfect life as a stylist and influencer, but beneath the glossy veneer she harbors a not-so-glamorous secret: She grew up in a haunted house. Well, not haunted. Possessed.

It was supposed to be the party of the century: miles of idyllic white sand beaches, lush jungle foliage and a dark legend nobody dreamed might be all too true. As guests go missing and games turn deadly, the attendees are forced to question whether they’ve really been invited to paradise or whether something much darker is waiting for them just beyond the bonfire’s light. n photos: amazon.com

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