HOMELiving Places & Spaces - July 2025

July 2025

Complimentary

HOMELIVING Fourth of July Celebrations Fair Time!

Fun Day Trips

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contents visitindiana.com

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Light It Up: Give Your Man Cave or She-Shed the Right Ambiance

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Sweeney Has a Heart for Helping Non-Profits

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Around Michiana Where to go in Your Neck of the Woods to See the Fireworks this Fourth of July

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Celebrate the Fourth with Fireworks

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July 2025 VOLUME 1

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Staycation Desitnations: Top 5 Trips that are Close to Home

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Lots of Fair Fun to be had in Elkhart and Kosciusko Counites this July

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Easy Eats — Tuscan Chicken Skillet Did You Know?

Book Nook

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cover photo: shutterstock

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:

PUBLISHER Ron Baumgartner rbaumgartner@the-papers.com

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Kristin DeVittorio kdevittorio@the-papers.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Deb Patterson dpatterson@the-papers.com

BUSINESS MANAGER Annette Weaver aweaver@the-papers.com

EDITOR Lauren Zeugner lzeugner@the-papers.com

FEATURE WRITERS BethAnne Brink-Cox Julie Young Nicholette Carlson

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.

Copyright © HomeLiving Places & Spaces All rights reserved, 2025

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

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kimberly Zellers MARKETING ASSISTANTS Darlene Eichelberger deichelberger@the-papers.com Reagan Nichols rnichols@the-papers.com DIRECTOR OF CIRCULATION Jerry Long jlong@the-papers.com

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 $49 for one year; and $82 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.

| HomeLiving Places & Spaces | July 2025 | 3

editor’s note...

Lauren Zeugner, Editor

opening of the Elkhart County Fair.

Hopefully you’ll find some time to check one or both fairs out and see all the projects area 4-Her’s have worked so hard on this past year.

Our profile is on Aggie Sweeney of Warsaw. She is an incredible woman who is helping various organizations do great things in her community. I had the pleasure of interviewing her for another publication a year ago and really enjoyed chatting with her.

And be sure to check out the beach reads I suggested in this month’s BookNook. If you have some favorite reads, feel free to share them. Just send them to me at lzeugner@the-papers.com.

Prior to deadline I received a phone call from one of our advertisers, Gutters and Guards. In our November issue they were inter-

viewed about properly taking care of a home’s gutters. Unfortunately, the writer got the person’s name wrong in the article. She reported it as Harry Trotter and it should have been Harry Troyer. We regret the mistake and any confusion it may have caused.

The phone call from Gutters and Guards brings up an important point. Journalists are human, we make mistakes. While we don’t like making mistakes, we’re always willing to set the record straight when they occur.

So I hope everyone has a happy and safe Fourth of July. Stay cool, stay hydrated as we enter the dog days of summer. And I hope you enjoy this latest edition of HomeLiving: Places & Spaces.

Lauren

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Lzeugner@the-papers.com

Happy July! I hope you are celebrating the Fourth of July as John Adams stated “…It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”

We have a fun packed issue of HomeLiving highlighting where to watch the fireworks in our readership area as well as where to get some if you want to put on your own personal firework show. If you are lighting your own fireworks, please do so safely and legally.

July is also fair season as Kosciusko and Elkhart Counties gear up for their fairs. As I write this, we are 22 days from the

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| HomeLiving Places & Spaces | July 2025 | 5

DONCASTER

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FLOORING & DESIGN 1310 E. 6th Street | 574-307-0085 | Mishawaka, IN 46544

Stop In Our Showroom - Your One Stop Shop!

Happy Fourth HOMELIVING of July from

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Thank You!

2025

The 2025 Parade of Homes Plus, sponsored by the Builders Association of Elkhart County, was a huge success.

Attendance was outstanding. We trust our visitors went away with great, fresh ideas for their own home, OR better yet, the contemplation of a NEW home!

An added THANK YOU goes out to our Parade builders, developers and suppliers.

Your participation is what provides our community with quality homes year after year.

Saturday

JUNE 14 1-8pm

Sunday

JUNE 15 1-8pm

Monday

JUNE 16 CLOSED

Tuesday

JUNE 17 CLOSED

Wednesday

JUNE 18 CLOSED

Thursday

JUNE 19 4-8pm

Friday

JUNE 20 4-8pm

Saturday

JUNE 21 1-8pm

Sunday

JUNE 22 1-8pm

Sponsored by

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Fireside Homes Inspired Custom Homes Miller Brothers Builders M.J. Construction Schrock Homes Team Construction Concord High School Building Trades Premier Sponsor

25428 CR 20, Elkhart, IN 46517

574.293.0997

Gold Sponsors

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| HomeLiving Places & Spaces | July 2025 | 7

period-homes.com

Light it up

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Give your man cave or she-shed the right ambiance

By Julie Young HomeLiving Feature Writer

Everyone needs a place where they can relax, unwind and enjoy their creature comforts. Whether that takes the form of a man cave or she-shed, it’s important to create the right ambiance and experts say that lighting can make or break your retreat. The right fixtures will make a huge difference in the way that the space functions and should not be an afterthought in the design process. hative.com

LIGHTING LOO Edison bulbs:

NEON LIGHTS:

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A timeless classic with a little bit of kitsch.

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Offer a vintage and industrial feel.

“The wrong color temperature in a bulb can set a bad tone for the entire area,” said Christine Simmons, lighting consultant at US 31 Supply, Inc. in South Bend. “If you’ve put all this effort into creating the perfect personal space, why neglect the lighting?”

With so many lighting options available, it is easy to get overwhelmed and that’s where a professional can be a big help.

A lighting professional can help you find lighting options that not only reflect the space you are trying to create, but your personality as well. While guys may opt for more dark contemporary tones accented with wood, women may prefer something with more glitz like a great chandelier that can evoke a cozier atmosphere.

“A lot of people want to go online and buy their lighting fixtures, and while you can get some really pretty things, an expert can help you select lights that will fit in your space, have the proper ceiling height and recommend the right bulbs for the room,” Simmons said. “While you can do it yourself, it always helps to have a professional along for the ride!”

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EXPERTS CAN HELP EDUCATE

OKS WE LOVE Who can resist a bit of glitz and glamour?

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CRYSTAL CHANDELIERS: countryliving.com

LAVA LAMPS:

A retro throwback that comes in a variety of colors.

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Kristin Becker, showroom manager for Kendall Lighting Center in Elkhart says layered lighting offers homeowners the chance to set the vibe and show off the space. The base layer, or ambient lighting, illuminates the space evenly while task lighting provides additional beams for specific functions.

“Task lighting might include a light above a pool or poker table in a man cave while it might be a desk or table lamp in a she-shed craft room or reading nook,” she said. “Accent lighting might be an LED strip under shelves, in cabinets, to backlight a TV, wall sconces or picture lights to highlight artwork or sports memorabilia.”

With light layers, homeowners do not have to have all of the lights on at the same time and can choose appropriate options for the task at hand. Becker said that homeowners can take their lighting to the next level by incorporating dimmers, smart controls, app controls and color changing lights.

“These help homeowners control areas individually to create dramatic scenes and to set the mood for the activity taking place,” she said. n

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ALL ABOUT LAYERS

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COMMUNITY CORNERSTONES

Sweeney has a heart for helping

NONPROFITS

By Nicholette Carlson HomeLiving Feature Writer

After moving into the Warsaw community in April 2020 as a recent retiree, Aggie Sweeney knew she wanted to spend some of that time working with nonprofits.

Reaching out to various organizations that interested her, she found her home with a few local boards. She is currently on her fourth year as a volunteer on the board of directors with The Watershed Foundation as well as her third year on the Kosciusko County Parks and Recreation board. Her love for birdwatching has also led her to join the Tippecanoe Audubon Society.

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While Sweeney and her husband had both grown up in Indiana, they did not live near Kosciusko County. Her brother who loves to fish knew the area and suggested looking at homes along the lake in Kosciusko County.

They fell in love with a lakefront home on Pike Lake.

“I like that it’s a quieter lake since we live here yearround,” Sweeney stated. “It fits our lifestyle well.” Her home on Pike Lake also helped to introduce her to The Watershed Foundation. She discovered Pike Lake is more shallow and is filling with natural sediment. The flow of water from Deeds Creek to Pike Lake will decrease the water quality of the lake if corrective measures are not taken. There is now a project to help the headwaters at Deeds Creek to significantly decrease erosion and reduce the amount of pollution that would eventually make its way down to Pike Lake. “I’m glad to be involved in an organization that I personally can see a significant impact on,” she mentioned. “I’m really proud of the work that we do.”

In her work with The Watershed Foundation, Sweeney enjoys helping with various fundraising events, particularly the art auction. The second annual art auction has already begun and will continue through Sept. 7. It has a lake life theme and each of the pieces are donated from local artists. In order to help bring attention to these art pieces, the auction is online and open for bidding for three months. These art pieces will be able to be viewed in the Warsaw City Hall lobby for the majority of three months. The goal is to keep the auction small with only a little over 30 pieces in a variety of mediums. In fact, Sweeney, who took up watercolor painting three years ago, has a few notecards in the auction. While she had never previously done any sketching or painting, she enjoyed looking at the light and reflection in paintings and wanted to attempt it herself. The last Saturday in July will see the return of the Dance at Tippy event where people can purchase tickets to dance or for dinner and dancing. On Sept. 6, the fourth annual Winona Lake Cottage Tour will take place, viewing homes by boat. Items for the art auc-

tion will also be on display during the cottage tour.

The county board also has an extension of the Chinworth Bridge trail underway. One segment ran from the Zimmer plant past the City-County Athletic Complex and ends at the old Chinworth Bridge park, a historical park. The new trail extension starts from the park and goes west along Old US 30 thanks to an extra large right-of-way that made space available for a trail. It will be 0.8 miles long and extend toward Westhaven Estates, allowing hundreds of residents to be just steps away from a county trail. There will be a ribbon cutting later this summer.

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Once the county council decided to start a county parks and recreation board in 2022, Sweeney was one of many interviewed to serve on the board. One of the first items on the agenda was to create a five-year parks master plan. Earlier this year a master trails plan was approved with the help of a planning grant. “The advantage of having that is, with different communities within the county, there’s already a plan in place that prioritizes connection and identifies potential routes to connect to other routes, such as the Pumpkinvine trail or a national bikeway.” The goal is to provide leadership to connect with trail projects led by the local communities, such as Syracuse-Wawasee Trails, Milford, North Webster, Etna Green and Pierceton.

Prior to moving to Kosciusko County, Sweeney lived out west with the majority of her time spent in the greater Seattle area. She holds degrees in both social work and public administration. She began her career working with a variety of nonprofits primarily in the field of social services and served as executive for two different agencies. She later joined a consulting firm that worked with nonprofit agencies and helped to provide strategy development. For the last 20 years she was a fundraising consultant for over 100 nonprofits in order to develop partnerships with potential donors and help the nonprofits move their vision forward.

Sweeney lives with her husband, Chick. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary earlier this year. She has two adult children, one grandchild and a dog. n | HomeLiving Places & Spaces | July 2025 | 11

around

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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.

JUNE 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.

1105 Northside Blvd. • (574) 282-1259 southbendfarmersmarket.com JULY 1-AUG 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.

JULY 3 | WAKARUSA

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, 1 block west of stop light.

Free Admission, free will offering.

(574) 862-2200 wakarusabluegrassjam.com JULY 10 | SOUTH BEND

EVENING PADDLE: KEN AND BARBIE ON BAUGO BAY

6-8 p.m.

End the day by taking a leisurely kayak trip.

Enjoy 2 hours paddling on Baugo Creek.

Add to the fun by dressing in the theme of the night.

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Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park 57058 Ash Road, Osceola $20 per person. Registration deadline is Monday, July 7 For more information visit bendixwoods@ sjcparks.org or call (574) 654-3155.

JULY 13 | SYRACUSE

FAMOUS HOOSIERS: ELI LILLY

Hosted by Chautauqua-Wawasee 4:30-6 p.m.

Oakwood Resort Inn, 702 E. Lake View Road Admission is free.

Visit chew.org for more information.

JULY 31 | SOUTH BEND

GLOW O-NIGHT ORIENTEERING

Hosted by St. Joseph County Parks Experience St. Patrick’s County Park after hours for this neon orienteering challenge!

Using maps and lanterns, navigate the terrain of the park in search of glowing markers.

8:30-10:30 p.m.

Admission is $5 per person.

Registration and payment required by July 28.

For more information visit bendixwoods@ sjcparks.org or call (574) 654-3155. n

JULY 19 | NOTRE DAME

SHAKESCENES

Hosted by DeBartolo Performing Arts Center, University of Notre Dame.

A popular event featuring community members of all ages from the South Bend area performing scenes from and inspired by Shakespeare.

2-5 p.m.

Admission is free but ticketed For more information visit shakes@nd.edu or call (574) 631-3777.

JULY 26 | NORTH WEBSTER

DIXIE DAY

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Main St., North Webster Come enjoy food, vendors and more as the town celebrates its Sternwheeler, the Dixie.

Admission is free.

JULY 26 | WARSAW

THE WONDERLAND MARKET

Disney themed market featuring 50+ vendors, rides, bounce houses and more.

Kosciusko County Fairgrounds, 1400 E Smith St. Noon to 5 p.m.

Free entry, free parking, family friendly.

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YEAR ROUND | MIDDLEBURY

Where to go in your neck of the woods to see the fireworks this Fourth of July Almost time for fireworks! The shows seem bigger and brighter every year, and they bring out the kid in us, the one who twirled with sparklers and thought cherry bombs were, well, the bomb.

By BethAnne Brink-Cox HomeLiving Feature Writer

There are many places you can go for these festive displays. For instance, in St. Joseph County, you can go to Mishawaka Independence Day celebration on June 29, starting at 3 p.m. for a family friendly event games, food and more, with fireworks at dusk.

Head for Central Park with your chairs and blankets!

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Or you can go to Newton Park in Lakeville on July 4. The gates open at 6 p.m and the fireworks will dazzle at dusk. While you’re waiting, let the kids jump in the bounce house or play in the playground. Live music is available and so are food trucks. And if you still want more fireworks before you go or after you come home, the hours for that are 10 a.m. to midnight. Just be careful when you set them off yourself!

You have nice choices in Marshall County, too.

The United Way is sponsoring this year. There will be fireworks at dusk in Centennial Park in Plymouth on July 3. As at other locations, food and festivities will be available beginning at 7 p.m. On that same date, Swan Lake Resort will host an Independence Day fireworks show, also with live music, food and drinks available.

July 4 offers a parade in North Liberty, starting at 2 p.m. Following that, there will be children’s games, food and a DJ at 5 p.m. at North Liberty Elementary School, with fireworks at dusk. And Walkerton will host a parade starting at 7 p.m. at John Glenn High School, fireworks to be shown at dusk.

If fireworks alone aren’t enough noise and excitement for you, go to the Plymouth Motor Speedway and enjoy their “Let Freedom Ring Night of Destruction!” On July 8. The gates open at 6 p.m. with multiple races and the fireworks are billed as the largest ever at the track.

Kosciusko County offers the Fireworks Festival on June 28. It is especially nice, held in the Village of Winona, with the fireworks displayed over the lake. The streets are closed off so you can bring your chairs right down to the water for a real block party feel. Symphony of the Lakes performs at the Miller Sunset Pavilion at 8 p.m. with “A Salute to America.” Fireworks will begin at 10 p.m.

And Chapman Lakes offers fireworks at dusk on July 5, while the annual parade will be on July 4.

Elkhart County offers you Fireworks on the Fairway from 4-11 p.m., July 4, at Black Squirrel Golf Club in Goshen. Food trucks and festivities abound while you wait for the fireworks to begin! Or you can go to Elkhart’s Independence Day Celebration, on the Central Green downtown from 5-10 p.m. on July 5. There will be live music before the show. On the same date you can see the Fireworks on the Rooftop, 8-11 p.m, at High Note Rooftop Bar. Get a little closer to those fireworks!

Wherever you choose to go - and you can go to any or all of these, have a wonderful Fourth of July! n

| HomeLiving Places & Spaces | July 2025 | 13

Celebrate the Fourth

By BethAnne Brink-Cox HomeLiving Feature Writer

If you’re setting them off yourself, you’ve got to check out Johnny D’s Fireworks on Toledo Road in Elkhart. Owner/manager/she-whoknows-all, Ann Dylewski was married to husband John until his much too early passing in 2009. “He loved fireworks! He always made sure there was a big family cookout for the Fourth and then he’d set off the most amazing display for everyone to enjoy.”

These days Ann spends time in the shop with their son, Joey.

“When my husband died I needed supplemental income, you know, extra income. Joey helps a lot. He likes to stack things and since we give away free things, he likes to be the one who chooses what the people will get. He likes putting that all together.”

What you’re hearing in the news about China, tariffs, and so on means that everything is harder to get and costs more than it used to. Dylewski said it has really hurt the popup stores, but because she is open year round she is always well-stocked. “I buy all the time. I know what people like and what they’ll ask for.”

What DO they ask for? She said, “Artillery shells are the most popular. They shoot up in the air like you see in professional shows! And there is what’s called a cake, a 500 gram cake, you light it one time and it fires anywhere from 9 to 200 shots. You just light it once and run away!”

What’s the safest way to light fireworks at home?

Dylewski explained about something called a punk.

“It looks a lot like incense sticks, you light it, the ember stays lit, and you have that to use safely instead of a lighter or blowtorch. We give it away because we want to be sure everyone is safe. I mean, that’s the last thing I say to customers as they leave the store: be safe!” A quick search showed that punks are made of bamboo with a coating of compressed sawdust; it’s been traced to the very origins of fireworks in ancient China!

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with Fireworks Dylewski said people begin to start looking for and ordering fireworks around Memorial Day. “But there are so many occasions. I have customers who want sparklers for weddings, and I have lanterns that are used for funeral and memorial services, the kind that float on water.

Customers write messages to tuck inside them.”

You can’t approach July without thinking about fireworks. There are many other occasions to celebrate with fireworks, of course, but July Fourth reigns supreme, well, maybe it’s tied with New Year’s Eve. Even so: are you planning to attend public showings, or set off your own, or both?

Any good business knows you want to offer a special touch, and Dylewski and Joey do. “I give a 12% discount for emergency workers, police, military, for their shows. Basically what I discount pays the tax for them, as a thank you for their service.” She also has a scanner in-store, where you can see videos of different things in action, saying it helps her too so she doesn’t have to try to remember every single thing that every individual product offers!

“What I like, I buy, and customers can do the same.”

Another service she offers is layaway plans; if you’ve got a large order, this will be very helpful.

Most of all, what touched me most? She sells fountain fireworks, all the beauty and color you could want, but absolutely silent for anyone afflicted with PTSD. That’s an especially thoughtful touch for our veterans. n

| HomeLiving Places & Spaces | July 2025 | 15

Staycation destinations nwitimes.com

By Julie Young HomeLiving Feature Writer

Looking for a getaway that’s not far away? Why not plan a family staycation? A regional road trip is a great way to relax, recharge and make memories without the cost and stress of travel. If you are looking for an affordable alternative to the traditional summer holiday, we have five attractions to consider when planning your adventure!

The Barker Mansion midwestwanderer.com

Experience the opulence of the Gilded Age at the Barker Mansion in Michigan City. Originally constructed in 1857 by local rail car magnate John Barker, this 38room home is a time capsule to a unique period in American history. Celebrate the 100th anniversary of “The Great Gatsby” at a themed tea party on July 12 in the Barker Mansion Garden or tour the home on your own and learn more about the area’s connection to the railroad industry. For more information, visit www. barkermansion.org.

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South Bend Cubs The Triple A affiliate of the famed Chicago team, a trip to Four Winds Field is a great way to enjoy America’s favorite pastime. Enjoy a post-game fireworks show on July 5 and 18 sponsored by 1st Source Bank, WNDU, and U93. Have your picture taken with a Delorean Time Machine during July 19’s Back to the 80s Night while cheering on the Cubs as they play the Beloit Sky Carp. On July 20, the first 1,000 fans through the gate will receive a Christmas stocking as part of the team’s Christmas in July celebration. For more information about games and promotions, visit https://www.milb.com/south-bend.

16 | HomeLiving Places & Spaces | July 2025 |

fwzoo.com

Considered Indiana’s #1 summer bucket list destination, the Fort Wayne Zoo is where the wild things are. It’s a great getaway for couples and fun for the whole family.

According to communications manager Lauren Mills, visitors won’t want to miss Coastal Cove, a newly reimagined space that houses both seals and sea lions.

“It gives you the chance to learn about both species, how they are different and why they are so important,” she said.

Located near downtown Fort Wayne, the zoo can be incorporated into a long weekend of family fun and is a great place to visit whether you are young or young at heart. For more information, visit www.FWzoo. com.

Potawatomi Zoo Located in South Bend, the Potawatomi Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the state and has over 400 animals across its 23-acre complex. With sections dedicated to Asia, Australia, Africa, and the Americas (as well as the zoo farm) guests have the opportunity to get acquainted with a number of exciting animals that you don’t see every day. Add an up close and personal experience to a visit by scheduling an animal encounter, which allows you to meet your favorite species and talk to those who care for them. For more information, visit www.potawatomizoo.org.

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Fort Wayne Zoo

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Top 5 trips that are close to home

Hall of Heroes Superhero Museum No matter if you are a fan of the Marvel or DC extended universes, the Hall of Heroes Superhero Museum in Elkhart has got you covered. In fact, it’s the only museum in the world preserving the entire 85-plus year history of superheroes in comics, toys, films, and animation. See one of Adam West’s costumes from the 1960’s Batman TV show, the original shield used in Captain America: the First Avenger, as well as the Shelby Cobra used in the Ironman film. Perfect for every member of the family, the Hall of Heroes Superhero Museum will have you sharing old memories while making new ones!

“Take a trip back to your childhood,” said executive director Allen Stewart. n | HomeLiving Places & Spaces | July 2025 | 17

By Nicholette Carlson HomeLiving Feature Writer

ELKHART COUNT Y The Elkhart County 4-H Fair takes place July 18-26 this year. The theme chosen by Randi Yoder, 4-H Fair Board president, is “Taste the Flavor, Share the Fun.” In line with the theme, this year’s highlight will be on fair food. There will be a saltwater taffy vendor that will be pulling saltwater taffy on site and a second authentic Mexican food vendor based on high demand. A small, permanent building on Food Row will be home to the Dutch Kernel selling popcorn.

There will also be four eating contests Monday through Thursday during the fair at 4 p.m. in Heritage Park.

Online registration will soon be open for contestants 18 years of age and older.

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Each contest will be sponsored by a different food vendor and have a different food item. There will be five nights of concert lineups this year instead of four. It will start off with Barenaked Ladies, Sugar Ray and Fastball on Friday, July 18. It will be followed by TI, the first rapper to come to the Elkhart County 4-H Fair, Anne Wilson, Nate Smith and the return of Skillet.

Various entertainment is planned for the inner grounds, including duck races and a high dive performance a couple times a day. Since the Elkhart County Community Center was remodeled and expanded this year, it is now able to seat up to 1,000 people on round tables or can be broken up into four smaller rooms. All non-livestock fair entries are showcased in this building, along with the adult entries that were previously housed in the Home and Family Arts Building. That leaves the Home and Family Arts Building free to house a dinosaur adventure for all ages. The youth agriculture or Young McDonald’s Farm area will also have a new goat silo.

This year there are over 3,000 4-Hers signed up to show livestock and non-livestock projects. “I love being able to see the kids starting out in 4-H and they have so many different types of projects and different types of things to try out,” Yoder exclaimed. “We are so thankful for the community support for the fair with over 200,000 people who come out to our fair every year.”

“Share the fun” encourages community members to continue to visit the fair and invite new people to see everything the Elkhart County 4-H Fair has to offer — from food to projects to carnival rides to entertainment. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit. www.4hfair.org. shutterstock.com

KOSCIUSKO COUNT Y The Kosciusko County Community Fair takes place July 6-12 this year. Its theme is “It’s 5 O’clock Some Fair.” There are a variety of different shows and events going on throughout the fair.

There will be a tiger encounter, baby dinosaur meet and greet, magic show, Bluey and Stitch meet and greet, barnyard wild animal show, homemade ice cream and an old time saw mill demonstration. The fair kicks off with a parade from Center Street to the fairgrounds’ main entrance.

The grandstands will host various events throughout the week. On Sunday, there will

be a horse pull. On Monday, there will be a motorized horse show. On Tuesday and Wednesday, there will be a free Xtreme Monster Truck Madness pit party followed by the Xtreme Monster Truck Madness. On Thursday, Koi drags. On Saturday, there will be a truck and tractor pull.

The pie baking contest will take place on Wednesday and the hot dog eating contest will be held on Friday. On Thursday, the event center will host an all ages Kosciusko’s Got Talent show. Club and community fair awards will be presented Friday evening in the HFA Building.

For more information, visit www.kcfair. com. n

| HomeLiving Places & Spaces | July 2025 | 19

—— E A S Y E A T S ——

Tuscan Chicken Skillet Recipe courtesy of Food Network Kitchen

It’s the dog days of summer and this recipe is sure to be a crowd pleaser while not heating up your kitchen. ­— Lauren

DIRECTIONS:

INGREDIENTS:

q Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper q 12 ounces fettuccine q 4 slices bacon, chopped q 1 pound chicken tenders, cut into 1-inch pieces

q 2 cloves garlic, minced q 4 plum tomatoes, chopped q 1 cup heavy cream q 5 ounces baby spinach q 3/4 cup grated Parmesan q 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil foodnetwork.com

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Elkhart County Fair Office (574) 533-3247 Kosciusko County Fair Office (574) 269-1823 20 | HomeLiving Places & Spaces | July 2025 |

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Lots of Fair Fun to be had in Elkhart and Kosciusko Counties this July

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to package directions; drain.

Meanwhile, put the bacon in a large, cold skillet, then cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until crispy, about 8 minutes; transfer to a plate with a slotted spoon.

Sprinkle the chicken lightly with salt and pepper and add to the skillet in a single layer. Let cook, undisturbed, until golden brown on the underside, 2 to 3 minutes. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until cooked through, about 4 minutes more. Transfer to the plate with the bacon.

Reduce the heat to medium and add the garlic, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the tomatoes and cream and bring to a simmer, then add the spinach and stir until just wilted. Add the bacon, chicken, fettuccine and Parmesan and toss with tongs until well coated; season to taste with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with basil and serve. n

Did You Know?

By BethAnne Brink-Cox HomeLiving Feature Writer

Obviously, we’re all aware of the Fourth of July and have all sorts of traJuly 27 is Take Your Houseplants ditions, rituals, even certain foods and clothes — and don’t forget the for a Walk Day. Got the right fireworks — on this day. But there are other days you can celebrate. July kind of leash? You could always 11 is International Town Criers Day, left over from the days when literacy use a wagon, if you like. Or a was low and newspapers were not widely available. Also called a herald or stroller! And you don’t have to bellman, town criers these days make public announcements for ceremoworry about your plants sniffnial purposes. If you’ve ing other plants, or bitever been in line to vote ing or peeing where they HOW can we be into the second half of the year when Election Day beshouldn’t. Seriously, it’s already? But we are, and we are in the beginning gins, you’ll hear it called a day when you’re enof what’s called the Dog Days of Summer (July 3 out with all seriousness, couraged to take your to August 11, traditionally the hottest and most and the day ends the houseplants outside (and humid days of summer.) Know why it’s called same way. they’ll thank you for it.)

that? Ancient civilizations associated the rise of the star Sirius, also known as the Dog Star, with this intense heat. So don’t blame your dogs (and make sure they can stay cool and well-hydrated!)

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July 17 is National Hot Dog Day, and it’s a pretty good bet there are hot dog eating contests around the country and some places offer special promotions, even free hot dogs, on that day.

July 22 is Spooners Day, which means — what? It means something fun, that’s what.

You’re celebrating ‘spoonerisms’ or the slip of the tongue we’ve all made accidentally or deliberately by switching the first letters of words around: Swy Flatter. Runny Babbit. You can check out children’s books that are full of spoonerisms; in 1945, F. Chase Taylor released a book called “My Tale is Twisted, or the Storal to this Mory” which was 44 spoonerized stories for children. An updated version, “Stoopnagle’s Tale is Twisted: Spoonerisms Run Amok” is still available!

July 23 is the National Day of the Cowboy, observed in 14 states since 2005. Kids have loved playing cowboy as far back as I can remember, and this is a special day to honor the hard work that generations of cowboys did. The word comes from the Spanish word ‘vaquero’ and it meant someone who managed herds of cattle on horseback. The cowboy era began in Texas, after the Civil War, rounding up wild cattle. So it’s a good day to celebrate with a cowboy you know, read a Western novel, go to a rodeo, watch a good movie, whatever seems most appropriate to you!

July 30 is National Cheesecake Day. Need I say more? (I happen to have a good recipe…. )

Grab your sunscreen, shady hat, sunglasses, and something cold to drink, and dive into the Dog Days! n

... and now you know! | HomeLiving Places & Spaces | July 2025 | 21

k o o N k o o B e Th KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL: ADVENTURES IN THE CULINARY UNDERBELLY

by Anthony Bourdain

If you’re a fan of Bourdain’s shows and haven’t read this book yet, be sure to put it on your list of “to read” books.

This was Bourdain’s first book and he spared no one’s appetites as he revealed what happens in a restaurant’s kitchen. What I loved about the book was his take-no-prisoners view and his voice in the book. The man not only asked great questions on his shows, he could write incredible sentences.

DIVINE SECRETS OF THE YA-YA SISTERHOOD

by Rebecca Wells

This is one of my favorite books.

As one of my 4-H kids recently told me, “I have too many favorites.” In this book a daughter struggles to understand her mother while realizing the beauty of imperfect love.

It’s also a book about long time friends which the YaYas are.

MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL

by John Berendt

This is a favorite of mine, my brother’s and several friends. My brother even has a trip planned to visit Savannah later this year just because of the story. Shots rang out in the grandest mansion in Savannah, but whether it was murder or self-defense?

The book reads like an engrossing murder mystery but is a work of nonfiction. Berendt does an incredible job bringing the characters of Savannah to life.

22 | HomeLiving Places & Spaces | July 2025 |

It ’s th e star t of th e d og d ays of s um m e r whe n m ost of u s w ish we were lazin g o n a be a c h som ew h ere, soak in g u p som e rays whi l e e nj oyi ng a good b ook . B elow are som e b ea c h re a ds , s o m e I’ve read an d oth ers th at h ave ca ught my fa nc y.

Want to sh are you r favor ite b ooks ? S e nd t he m to m e at lzeu g n er @ th e- p ap e rs . com !

— Lauren

LOWCOUNTRY BOOKSHOP

by Susan M. Boyer

I love mysteries set in bookstores.

Don’t ask me why. This one is the seventh in a series featuring Lowcountry P.I. Liz Talbot. In this book, a late night tragic accident leads Talbot to her next case. This book has many great characters, from wealthy anonymous benefactors to a group of women who help domestic violence survivors.

THE TWO WEEK TRAVELLER

by Matthew Lightfoot

Lightfoot takes readers with him on his adventures in almost 150 countries.

And like most of us, he only has two weeks for vacation. This book is billed as an inspiration for budget travelers, self-drivers, trip planners and anyone who loves to travel but also has to work.

This may be one I check out the next time I’m at the library.

MURDER BY THE SEASHORE

by Samara Yew

What can I say, I love the beach, bookstores and mysteries. Scarlett Gardener opens her bookstore Palm Trees and Page Turners in Southern California.

Things look bleak when her boyfriend leaves for a better job and she struggles to keep the store open. Then she finds a body under the pier and inherits a fortune. This is another one I may be checking out soon. n

photos: amazon.com