Who is ready for Halloween? Yes, it is the month for Tricks and Treats as well as Día de los Muertos. That means fall has officially arrived with pumpkin, pumpkin spice, apple picking, corn mazes, just all the fun fall has to offer.
We have another jam packed edition of HomeLiving for you. Be sure to check out Nikki Carlson’s story about the South Side Soda Shop receiving a grant from the National Historic Trust to fix up the exterior of the building.
It’s great to see this Goshen institution get some love after the building suffered a fire this past spring. And as a donor to the National Historic Trust, it’s nice to see their work in my own backyard.
Nikki also did a profile on Randy
Sharkey, the long time manager of the Goshen Municipal Airport. He has contributed greatly to the Goshen community and still does. Julie did a feature on the South Bend Civic theatre. I remember seeing a production of Porgi and Bess in the old Firehouse Theatre. That building was so small, it was amazing that it was a fire house at one point, not to mention a theater. The SBC’s new home is also a well know landmark in downtown South Bend.
And it wouldn’t be fall without having to deal with all the leaves that fall off the trees. I have about 12 mature trees on my property, so I have a mulching lawnmower to deal with them.
BethAnne wrote a story about how communities in our readership area deal with all those leaves.
Julie also wrote about how some of our favorite
Halloween traditions got started. Growing up Halloween was my dad’s favorite holiday. He would always ask the kids for a trick when they said trick or treat. That usually stumped them. If they didn’t have a trick, he’d tell them he’d take a treat, but they weren’t big on sharing their loot.
He also always came up with some crazy ideas for the kids. One year he was a head on a table asking trick or treaters if they saw his “body” to please bring it back to him. Then he and a neighbor spent several weeks building a coffin, which he propped up by the front door and hid in it. The kids got quite the scare when he jumped out scary mask and all.
So grab some cider and maybe a doughnut or two and curl up with this month’s edition of HomeLiving.
Lauren
COMMUNITY CORNERSTONES
Sharkey shares LOVE OF AVIATION through local air shows
His senior year in high school, Sharkey was a full-time radio disc jockey after going to the career center for broadcasting. He remained a DJ throughout the late 1970s and early ‘80s. After gaining the training and experience, he finally got his pilot’s license in 1981. In 1990, he became the chief pilot for CTS Corporation and began his full-time flying career. He is a dual-rated airline transport pilot, which is the highest license one can obtain, in both airplane and helicopter. He has over 13,000 flight hours throughout his career. Recently his role has turned more managerial while only flying part-time, putting on air shows and helping to run nonprofits.
As manager of the Goshen Municipal Airport, a position he took on in October 1992, his responsibilities include safety, budgets and Federal Aviation Administration compliance. He makes sure he has set the bar high on safety expectations, including checking the runway for wildlife or debris each day. While Goshen is a general aviation airfield, meaning there are no commercial services like South Bend and Fort Wayne, it is one of the busiest in the state. Home to New Horizons Aviation School, there are typically 100 students at any given time earning flight hours and experience to get a pilot’s license. Sweet Aviation is also a private jet charter that sees a great deal of traffic, particularly for Lake Wawasee homeowners.
By Nicholette Carlson HomeLiving Feature Writer
Sharkey began planning air shows in 1995. Since then America’s Freedom Fest in Goshen has gained national attention as one of the largest single-day air shows, with between 20-25,000 in attendance. As a founder, he helps to recruit the acts and performers for the air show as well as the sponsors that help to make it possible. The event now takes place every other year, in the even years. He is also a founder of the Rotors ‘n Ribs event, with helicopters flying in and having ribs. While it was previously a separate event, it has now been combined with the America’s Freedom Fest event. The next one will take place Saturday, July 11, 2026.
If you’ve been to any of the air shows in the area, chances are Randy Shar key was involved in put ting it together. He is the airport manager at the Goshen Munic ipal Airport, which is owned by the city of Goshen, as well as a founder or co-founder of the Goshen air show America’s Freedom Fest, Rotors ‘n Ribs and Friendship Flights Foundation. His passion for aviation came early in life when his grandfather got him interested in flying little, wooden airplanes. While he knew he wanted to be a pilot early in life, it took him a while to figure out how to make it a reality.
Friendship Flights Foundation is a nonprofit that provides private air transportation for those who need it, such as for medical reasons, who would not normally be able to afford a private flight. As co-founder of the organization with Zane Gillin, Sharkey helps to coordinate those who are willing to donate an airplane and pilots who are willing to donate a flight with requests. “We put together requests from people who need it and then go out to the aviation community who wish to donate their time and put everyone together to make it happen,” he explained. They fly individuals to clinics hours away for necessary doctor’s appointments and cancer patients to the Mayo Clinic. Recently they even coordinated 15 missions with donated goods to help the relief efforts from Hurricane Helene. Typically there are 20 to 25 missions each year.
Sweet Helicopters in Fort Wayne is another business venture Sharkey helped to start. He has personally gotten to fly some celebrities including Mike Pence, Governor Eric Holcomb, Kid Rock, Jim Irsay, who owned the Indianapolis Colts, and Paul McCartney. He is a retired helicopter flight instructor and FAA helicopter designated pilot examiner. He is also on the board for Enstrom Helicopter Corporation.
In addition to his love of flying, Sharkey has been an Elkhart County fair board director for 37 years. In the late 1980s, he started the 4-H Media Club and the Clover Chronicles, which continues to print and publish today. He also helped to start a 4-H Aerospace Club, which has since disbanded.
Sharkey was born on Christmas Day and has been married to his wife, Elaine, since 1990. He has three grown daughters and five grandchildren. Recently his son-in-law has gotten him interested in a new hobby - clay shooting. n
Photo provided
Soda Shop S OUTH SIDE
By Nicholette Carlson Feature Writer
Driving down Main Street in Goshen, the South Side Soda Shop is a retro diner that is hard to miss. It is a true, family-run business having been restored and reopened in 1986 by Charity Boyd’s father and then purchased by Nick and Charity Boyd. They have run the diner ever since with their children joining the workforce as well. Recently the family was awarded a $50,000 grant from the Backing Historic Small Restaurants program through the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
In the early 1900s, the diner was built and opened as a grocery store. It transformed into a soda shop with the installation of the original Bastian Blessings soda fountain in the 1940s, which still remains today. The soda shop underwent restoration in 1985 and reopened in 1986. Eight years after it was re-opened, the dining car was added to the building for additional seating and a 1950s-style feel. The diner is still currently run by Nick and Charity Boyd along with their daughter, Nicole, who is a baker and daytime server and Hannah, a full-time teacher who works during weekends and summers. Hannah’s husband, Josh, joined the team in 2022. Nicole’s three boys and husband, Justin, can also be found visiting the diner frequently.
Historic Small Restaurants grant set to make exterior improvements
This family has created a legacy at the diner. The chili has been voted Michiana’s best seven times. The lemon meringue pie was winner of the Indiana Pie Quest contest. It has been featured in multiple publications, including Gourmet Magazine and even the movie “Lonesome Jim.” It was featured in the Food Network show “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” twice, highlighting the philly cheesesteak, chili, seafood, snapping turtle soup and pecan pie.
A friend of Nicole’s saw a grant for historic, family-run restaurants and immediately thought of South Side Soda Shop. Nicole went online, found the application and filled it out. The application included a history of the building and what the family would do if they were awarded the grant. Any money awarded must be used on the exterior of the building and cannot be used for interior changes. It also must maintain that historic look. The grant helps keep these small, historic buildings and restaurants in the community. “The South Side Soda Shop stood out for its remarkable history, its deep roots in the Goshen community and its role as both a beloved neighborhood gathering place and a nationally recognized diner,” Natalie Woodward, associate manager of the Backing Historic Small Restaurants program, described. “For more than 80 years, generations of families have shared meals, memories and traditions within its walls. Their story reflects not only resilience — most recently in overcoming the setback of a devastating fire — but also a steadfast commitment to community.”
Once the family discovered they were the recipients of the $50,000 grant, they had to submit more specific information about changes to be done with quotes from contractors. “The $50,000 Backing Historic Small Restaurants grant will allow the Boyds to make critical exterior improvements that honor the historic character of the building while ensuring it remains a welcoming place for decades to come,” Woodward shared. “Planned upgrades include new awnings, window repairs, repainting and restoration of both the iconic dining car and the historic signage. In addition to these visible
photos: southsidesodashop.com
improvements, the grant provides flexibility for some general business needs. We are proud to support the South Side Soda Shop as they continue to serve their neighbors, celebrate their culinary traditions and anchor their
historic neighborhood.” All work must be completed by January. The family already has a contractor and work is set to begin mid-September. n
Commuities find alternatives to burning leaves in the fall
There was a time when autumn meant you’d see everyone out raking their fallen leaves on what was always the most beautiful day–the sky so blue it would practically hurt your eyes, the smell of apples and pumpkins and other wonderful seasonal treats. You’d see children jumping into the piles their parents had so carefully stacked, scattering them everywhere (who am I kidding, I’d still do that, given a chance. I’ve outgrown the warning Charlie Brown advocated though, since I’m not holding a wet sucker these days.) And sometimes you’d smell that particular scent that was mindfully tended leaf fires, a pleasant smoky smell. It was instantly recognizable.
By BethAnne Brink-Cox
HomeLiving Feature Writer
Most of those things don’t happen so much anymore. So what DO you do with your fallen leaves?
If you’re so inclined, you can mulch with them, after shredding them; whole leaves can cause more trouble than they’re worth. And be sure you’re not using any that are harmful: black walnut leaves release toxins that will harm other plants. Make a ‘doughnut’ around the base of your tree trunks, not a ‘volcano’--they don’t have to be piled very high. They can be spread around the bases of hedges and shrubbery, and they can cover your garden. They can also go into compost for the winter!
Don’t want to do that? You don’t have to. Most areas offer various easy pickup plans.
Beyond easy, it can be just plain fun: Elkhart County Solid Waste even offers a leaf collection competition! Sue Myers, the administrative assistant in their office, explained it thus. “It’s a nonprofit thing, the leaves are collected and brought to us, and there’s a prize at the end of the competition for whoever has brought in the most leaves!”
Warsaw Street Department offers the easiest pickup imaginable. All you have to do is rake everything to the front sidewalk or curb, and a street sweeper (think giant vacuum!) comes along and sucks them all up. You can also bag them up and put the bags out with your regular trash for pickup, but you have to use the large brown paper bags for yard waste. The Department gives them out free every spring, during Earth Week. The rest of the time you can buy them at Menard’s or pretty much any store that has a garden department.
South Bend offers loose leaf pickup twice a year, and the dates can be found on the South Bend Street Department website southbendin.gov/leafpickup. The leaves are collected from neighborhoods, street by street, based on their schedule. You do not have to have an appointment, and of course it’s contingent on weather permitting. There is a first pass, and then a second, as the leaves continue to fall. n
HALLOWEEN HOOPLA The backstories behind our beloved traditions
By Julie Young HomeLiving Feature Writer
Why are black cats associated with bad luck? Has the pumpkin always been the vegetable of choice for a JackO-Lantern? Was trick-or-treating originally a Christmas tradition? While many of our beloved Halloween traditions come from the ancient world, they also have roots in religion, politics, fables and good old-fashioned superstition. Don’t believe us? Here’s some haunted history for you!
Here comes Halloween: Halloween evolved from the ancient, pre-Christian Celtic festival of Samhain, which commemorated the end of the harvest and the beginning of the cold weather months. The Celts believed that at this transitional time of year, the walls between the worlds grew thin allowing spirits to return to a corporeal form. During the celebration, the villagers would light large bonfires, dress up in animal pelts and set a banquet table of goodies in order to keep the ghosts and goblins at bay. As Christianity spread into the Celtic lands, the festival became linked to religious feast days such as All Saints Day (Nov. 1) and All Souls Day (Nov. 2) and used an occasion to honor the dead.
Bobbing for apples: When the Romans came to the Celtic lands, they brought with them Feralia, another commemoration of the dead. They also introduced the festival of Pomona, honoring the goddess of fruit and trees. Pomona’s symbol is the apple, which may be where the practice of bobbing for apples originated.
Black cats: Whether it is their natural camouflage or the stealthy way they move around, ever since the 13th century, black cats have been associated with the devil. It did not help many accused “witches” often had cats (black or otherwise) in their homes to keep mice and other vermin away. As a result many people believed that witches and black cats were supernatural soul mates and could assist one another with magic spells.
Jack-O-Lanterns: One upon a time, an Irish man known as “Stingy Jack” repeatedly trapped the devil and refused to let him go until he prom ised not to claim Jack’s soul when he died. Unfortunately, heaven didn’t want him either so Jack was forced to wander in an eternal purgatory with nothing but a lit coal to light his way. Jack hollowed out a turnip to place the coal in and his ghostly presence later became known as “Jack-of-the-Lantern.” As the legend immigrated to the United States, turnips (and beets, which were used in England) were eschewed in favor of the easier-to-carve pumpkin for a Halloween tradition that continues to this day.
Merry mischief: Although one of the earliest references to the term “trick-or-treating” comes from Ontario, Canada in 1917, derives (in part) from the practice of “belsnickeling,” a German-American Christmas tradition in which children dressed up and went door-to-door hoping to fool their neigh bors. If the neighbor could not correctly guess which child was under which costume, a small treat was given as a reward for their creativity and imagination. “Mischief Night” or the inclusion of good-natured pranks was taken from Irish and Scottish May Day celebrations and added to the pre-Halloween festivities as a way to include some additional spooky fun to the season.
From all of us at HomeLiving Places & Spaces, have a happy and safe Halloween! n
aroundmichiana
OCT. 3-5 | SOUTH BEND OKTOBERFEST
Indiana Dinosaur Museum- Continental Divide Park
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.
TUESDAYS
APR.-DEC. | ELKHART WELLFIELD BOTANIC GARDENS
1011 N. Main St.
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Elkhart County Residents Complimentary Admission Day.
Registration required, proof of Elkhart County residency required for all adults to gain free admission.
Visit wellfieldgardens.org or call (574) 2662006 ext. 105 for more information.
OCT. 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
7102 Lincolnway West
Hours are 5-7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2-4 p.m. Sunday.
Music, German food, Stien holding competition and family fun.
Admission is free
Visit marketing@sbcholcolate.com or call (574) 233-2577 for more information.
OCT. 4 | MENTONE MENTONE COMMUNITY FARMERS MARKET
202 W. Main St.
Hours are 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Seasonal farmers market that will meet Oct. 11, 18 and 25 as the season ends. Admission is free.
OCT. 4-5 |
WARSAW DOWNTOWN FASHION WEEKEND
Fashion hits the runway in downtown Warsaw with art and beauty during this
OCT. 12 | NEW CARLISLE PUBLIC HAYRIDES
DeNeve Shelter - Otahnagon Picnic Area, Bendxi Woods County Park 56960 Timothy Road New Carlisle
Cost is $3 per person.
OCT. 16 | ELKHART AUTHOR TALK AND BOOK SIGNING
Wellfield Botanic Gardens
1011 N. Main St. 6 p.m.
Dexter Patterson will discuss his forthcoming book Birds of the Great Lakes Tickets are $30 for admission and copy of the book or $10 for admission only. Visit wellfieldgardens.org or call (574) 266-2006 ext. 105 for more information.
OCT. 18 | NEW CARLISLE SPIKER LAKE NATURE PRESERVE
8 -10 a.m.
50840 County Line Road
The South Bend Civic Theatre’s show goes on Play’s the thing!
By Julie Young HomeLiving Feature Writer
For nearly 70 years, the South Bend Civic Theatre has worked to create and enrich the local community through excellence, education and equity. It is an organization that is committed to being a light to illuminate the darkness; a flame to ignite curiosity and imagination; and a beacon to guide all toward hope, unity and understanding.
“Theatre is about finding yourself whether you’re in the audience or on stage,” said executive director Aaron Nichols. “Theatre allows you a blank space to discover who you truly are and hopefully become the best version of who you are. It’s a rare and beautiful thing.”
CURTAIN UP!
The South Bend Civic Theatre was founded on Feb. 1, 1957, by Notre Dame graduates Richard Robison and Allen Powers. The two men saw community theatre as an important civic amenity not only for those who enjoyed live performances, but also aspiring thespians who needed a place in which to showcase their talents.
The curtain rose on the company’s first production, “The Rainmaker” on June 21, 1957, and over the next 12 years, the South Bend Civic
theatre performed anywhere they could find an available stage. Early venues included the Oliver Hotel, the O’Laughlin auditorium at St. Mary’s College and the Morris Civic Auditorium. In 1968, board members Norma Ludwick and Bill Gooley negotiated a $1-per-year lease agreement with the city to move the company into the decommissioned Firehouse No. 6 at 701 Portage.
For the next several years, the South Bend Civic Theatre made the small-but-serviceable space a great place to see live performances, but on Nov. 11, 1984, an early morning fire broke out in the firehouse causing $70,000 worth of damage. The South Bend Civic Theatre may have been down, but it was not out as the city worked with the troupe to refurbish and remodel the Firehouse so the show could go on. The Firehouse reopened in June 1986 with a production of “Agnes of God.”
Over the next 20 years, the South Bend Civic Theatre enjoyed tremendous growth. The board was able to hire Jim Coppens as its first, full-time, salaried executive director and doubled its audience numbers. In 1998, the South Bend Civic Theatre became the seventh largest community theater in the state (moving up from 17th position.) It would eventually become the third largest in 2001.
photos: sbct.org
SETTING THE STAGE
In 2002, the South Bend Civic Theatre began a capital campaign to finance a new building and two years later, they were able to purchase the Scottish Rite Building at 403 N. Main. They completed $3.9 million in renovations on the structure and opened its 50th season at the new location with “Man of La Mancha.”
As they gear up to celebrate theatrical excellence, the South Bend Civic Theatre is finishing the 2025 season strong with Disney’s “High School Musical” in the Wilson Auditorium Oct. 3-12, “The Crucible” in the Warner Studio Nov. 7-16 , and “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” in the Wilson Auditorium Dec. 12-21. Tickets are on sale now at www.sbct.org. n
A Teacher’s P O V
Inspiration for a New School Year
By Christi Lee Ziebarth Guest Writer
Where does a teacher go to find inspiration for a new school year?
This year, as a history buff whose grandmother taught in a 2-room schoolhouse built in the 1920’s, I asked for the gift of an afternoon planning curriculum in a retired historic schoolhouse built in the 1890’s.
Aiming for a quiet place to plan for new classes, renewed perspective and reconnection with legacy was found as well: two major ingredients for refilling any tank. I was reminded of what I am a part of and what I hold on to. “Bleeding Green for Education” is not only about planning for the future, but appreciation of where we have been in the past.
That afternoon, in a schoolhouse the size of ¼ of my classroom, all grades K-12 sat together. Older helped the younger.
Here, two children inhabited one desk smaller than the single modern desks in my room.
Here, hooks lined the walls to hang coats, mittens and snowshoes. Busses
carried no one comfortably or safely home.
Here, a rope hangs over the door manning a bell that calls the start of school. Intercoms have taken their place. Here, there was a shortage of chalk boards and books. Paper was scarce. Inkwells practiced penmanship but rarely had the chance to author.
Here, rhetoric of memorization was key. And this, from one person to another.
Here, all was shared, from tin cups that rested near a bucket and ladle at the front of the room, to the outhouse behind the school.
Here, pictures of Presidents lined the
walls. Fresh freedom was celebrated.
Here, I sat at an ancient desk with my laptop open hot-spotting my computer with my cell phone and wondering how my grandmother managed without modern conveniences.
She managed with love and perspective and inspiration and drive and tenacity and grace, just like I and so many other teachers do every day.
I wonder what she would think about her granddaughter finding inspiration in simpler but equally complicated ways by retreating to a historic schoolhouse. What would she tell me?
I never knew my grandmother on my dad’s side; she died before I was born.
Photos provided by Christi Lee Ziebarth
I’ve seen only one black and white video of her dancing and singing while hanging clothes on the clothesline. I cried when I saw it because I caught her spirit.
She would be the one to tell me we are all doing the best we can with what we are given and to never give up because the kids are worth it.
Go to the ends of the earth, an old schoolhouse, or a clothesline to find inspiration when your tank is running low. Don’t let the legacy of what you are called to do wane…like the lantern void of oil that lit the vintage desk I sat in that day.
Keep the bells and intercoms ringing. Keep on. Stay strong. Sing at your clothesline whatever that may be. Then, share the inspiration! n
*Special thanks to the historic village of Mackinaw City, Michigan for making this inspirational retreat possible.
Chicken and Dumpling Soup
By Molly Yeah. Girl Meets Farm. Episode: Let’s Get Cozy. Courtesy of
INGREDIENTS:
SOUP STOCK
q 3-1/2 lb. whole chicken
q 1 tsp. whole black peppercorns, plus freshly ground black pepper
q 2 bay leaves
q 2 cloves garlic, crushed and peeled
q 2 sprigs fresh thyme
q 3 large carrots, 1 cut into large chunks and 2 thinly sliced
q 3 large celery stalks, 1 cut into large chunks and 2 thinly sliced
q 2 medium yellow onions, 1 quartered and 1 chopped
q 2 medium parsnips, 1 cut into large chunks and 1 thinly sliced
q 6 sprigs fresh dill, 3 left whole and 3 chopped
q 6 sprigs fresh flat-leaf parsley, 3 left whole and 3 chopped, plus more for serving
q 1 tbsp. kosher salt, plus more as needed
DUMPLINGS
q 6 tbsp. unsalted butter
q 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
q 1-1/2 tsp. kosher salt
q 1-1/2 tsp sugar
q A few fresh grinds whole nutmeg
q 3 large eggs
DIRECTIONS:
For the soup stock: Combine the chicken, peppercorns, bay leaves, garlic, thyme, carrot chunks, celery chunks, quartered onion, parsnip chunks, 3 sprigs dill and 3 sprigs parsley in a large pot. Add cold water to cover by 2 inches (about 5 quarts). Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Simmer, uncovered, until the chicken is very tender, for at least 1 1/2 hours (or up to 2 hours if you have the time. The longer the better!) Add more water, as needed, skimming off scum (there won’t be much) and, if desired, some fat.
Carefully strain the stock, discarding everything except for the chicken. (You should have 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 quarts of stock.) Set the chicken aside to cool briefly while you put together the rest of the soup. Return the strained stock to the pot and bring it to a simmer. Add the sliced carrot, sliced celery, chopped onion, sliced parsnip, chopped dill, chopped parsley and the salt. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Simmer, covered, for 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the dumplings: In a small saucepan, bring the butter and 3/4 cup water to a boil. Remove from the heat and stir in the flour. Let cool for a few minutes so it’s
not so hot that it will cook the eggs, then whisk in the salt, sugar, nutmeg and the eggs, one at a time, until incorporated into a slightly lumpy thick batter. (It’ll take a little work to whisk in the eggs.)
Drop heaping teaspoons of the dumpling mixture into the simmering soup, then cover and cook until the vegetables are tender and the dumplings are cooked through; begin checking for doneness at 15 minutes.
Pull the chicken meat off the bones and chop into bite-sized pieces. Season it with salt, then add it to the soup along with the ground black pepper. Taste and add more salt as needed. This is important: The amount of salt in a chicken soup can mean the difference between unappetizing chicken tea and the elixir of bubble love that it should be. So don’t skip this step, and don’t rush it, either. Taste your soup, and if it doesn’t make you smile reflexively, add more salt, about a 1/2 teaspoon of it, and give it a few good stirs so it can dissolve. Taste and repeat, as needed, until it tastes good.
Serve garnishing with parsley. n
ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK Did You Know?
By Julie Young HomeLiving Feature Writer
As we enter our “orange era” this fall, there is a lot to know about this color of the rainbow. Which came first, the color or the fruit? Why is it associated with Halloween? What does it symbolize and why is it on trend in 2025? Orange you glad you asked? You will be after you read these fun facts!
Facts first
Originally known as “red-yellow,” the name orange was originally associated with the fruit. It became associated with the color in the 16th century.
There is no word that rhymes with “orange.”
Carol Burnett used to wear an orange dress to all of her early auditions. Although she did not always get the part, the distinctive shade always ensured a callback.
During the Elizabethan Era, only nobility was allowed to wear orange.
Carrots were originally purple. The orange variety of the root vegetable was not available until the 17th century.
Meaning and symbolism
Orange is considered a bold and dynamic color that radiates energy, enthusiasm, and action. Taylor Swift chose an orange scheme for her 12th studio album because of its connection to vitality.
Orange also has negative connotations such as lust, gluttony and brutal ambition.
Because it increases heart rates and stimulates mental activity, orange is a popular choice for branding.
While Western cultures see orange as an energetic shade, Eastern cultures give orange more spiritual meanings such as purity, sacrifice, good fortune and more. In Africa, orange is typically associated with mourning.
Wear it well
To find your perfect shade of orange, examine your skin’s undertones. A warm undertone can typically wear most shades, provided that they are adjusted for brightness and depth. If you have cooler undertones, seek out more muted shades such as coral, or reddish orange to keep it near your natural balance point.
Not every shade of orange is meant to be worn near your face. Looking for a pop of color? Incorporate orange in your handbag, shoes and other accessories.
The excessive use of orange can overwhelm the senses.
A decorator’s delight
Orange shades that are sure to be popular in 2026 include Pennywise by Sherwin Williams, which offers a rich terracotta while Brandied Melon (a soft, muted orange) and Armagnac (an earthier reddish brown) bring out a nostalgic warmth.
Glidden’s color of the year for 2026, Warm Mahogany, is grounded in red but also has a hint of orange in this deep rich shade.
Designers say that folks are turning from the cooler grays to warmer natural hues such as umbers and coppers that have a muted, but distinctly orange feel.
A spooky season
When Halloween celebrations began cropping up in the late 1800s, hostesses decorated with the hues of the season which often included pumpkins and colorful leaves. However, it was the paper and party décor companies of the early 1900s that cemented orange as a Halloween staple. Black was added to give an ethereal eeriness to the spooky holiday.
Want to buck the trend? Green and purple are considered alternative Halloween hues. n
... and now you know!
The Book Nook
Kids are back in school which means it’s the end of summer. Here are some end of summer reads to check out.
— Lauren
Want to share your favorite books? Send them to me at lzeugner@the-papers.com!
REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES
by Shelby Van Pelt
This book is an exploration of friendship, reckoning, and hope with the main characters being a widow and a curmudgeonly Giant Pacific octopus.
ONE GOLDEN SUMMER
by
Carley Fortune
Professional photographer Alice and her Nan return to the lake they spent a summer. There she runs into Charlie Flores, one of three teens in a yellow speedboat she took a photo of all those years ago. Alice sees people, it’s why she’s so good at what she does, but she’s never met someone who looks and sees her back.
BEYOND
THAT, THE SEA by Laura
Spence-Ash
This book tells the story of two families living through World War II on opposite sids of the Atlantic and the shy young woman who called both of them her own.
THE
MINISTRY OF TIME by
Kaliane Bradley
A time travel romance, a spy thriller, a workplace comedy and an exploration of the nature of power is rolled into one story. This is a debut novel by Bradley.
THE WHALEBONE THEATER
by Joanna Quinn
This is the story of a whale that washes up on a beach, whose bones are claimed by Cristobal Seagrave, a 12-yearold orphan with big ambitions and an even bigger imagination.
BIRDS OF CALIFORNIA
by Katie Cotugno
A romantic comedy set against post #METOO Hollywood. The story is about a former child actor who dropped out of the spotlight and a co-star who is desperate after his latest show is canceled. What happens when he attempts to talk her into a revival of the show they worked on together. n
