EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Deb Patterson dpatterson@the-papers.com
EDITOR Lauren Zeugner lzeugner@the-papers.com
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Karen Johnson kjohnson@the-papers.com
kdevittorio@the-papers.com
BUSINESS
aweaver@the-papers.com FEATURE
Darlene Eichelberger deichelberger@the-papers.com
Reagan Nichols rnichols@the-papers.com
DIRECTOR
Jerry
jlong@the-papers.com
Lauren Zeugner, Editor Lzeugner@the-papers.com
editor’s note...
Spring has definitely sprung in the HomeLiving readership area. Everywhere you look, grass is starting to turn green, forsythia and magnolia are starting to bloom, along with other spring flowers. Now if it would just stop raining for a while.
For the May issue, we have a jam-packed edition that will encourage you to get out and do some exploring. Kayaking is having a moment as many areas close to rivers, lakes and ponds are now offering kayak rental to the general public. Julie Young tells you where you can rent the necessary gear and what you need to know before hitting the water in a kayak.
Is there a child in your life about to celebrate a birthday? Nikki Carlson provided information on a number of venues that can help make a kid’s birthday less stressful. She also wrote about those fun places to grab a bite to eat, whether it be a meal or a snack. You know the places I’m talking about. The ones that are open seasonally and only the locals know about. Nikki wrote about several that have either opened or are just about to open for the season.
Our personality profile this month is Nick Kieffer, president and CEO of the Goshen Chamber of Commerce. Kieffer has been involved in the chamber for a number of years and is also very active in the Goshen community.
BethAnne Brink-Cox revisited a story she wrote back in 2023 about Mishawaka Troop Town. When she first researched the story, ground had just been broken. Now the homes are built and veterans have moved in.
And with spring arriving, that means home improvement projects find their way onto the to-do list. BethAnne also compiled a story about expanding your outdoor living space with hardscaping.
So when the rain keeps you inside, enjoy the opportunity to flip through this month’s pages. Enjoy!
live life OUTDOORS
By BethAnne Brink-Cox HomeLiving Feature Writer
The minute the snow begins to melt, whether early or late we start thinking about being outdoors. On the deck or a patio, around a fire pit or grilling in an outdoor living space. Don’t have an outdoor kitchen? Call the experts, because they are happy to help make our dreams come true.
“Right now the latest trends are water features, shade type pavilions, pergolas and outdoor kitchens,” explained Wayne Miller, owner of Premiere Outdoor Creations in Middlebury. This is his 15th year.
When asked what the most challenging project he’s ever taken on, he said, “It was a $900,000 order, and it had just about everything – a fire pit, a salt water pool, a cold plunge, and more!”
Did it bring him more business when others saw this marvel? “Some,” he said. “I mean, a project of almost a million dollars? But most people are investing in their home projects as an extension of their home, and those cost in the neighborhood of $80,000 to $200,000, depending, of course, on what is wanted.
“What is often wanted,” he said, “is the best usage of overall space, and things like patios, fire pits and shade structures.”
And the days of blueprints on paper are not the usual anymore. “We have a 3D design system, so the customers can really visualize it. Because we can show
things like how it looks at night. You can see water moving in the pools. You can see smoke from the fire. Making it so real definitely increases the ‘I want it’ factor for the customer!”
Then, he said, “You can start with a plan. And if it’s not all going to be done at one time, you can run the infrastructure for what will come later. Two years ago we started a project and ran all the electrical and other systems in place; now we, and they, are ready for us to move on to the outdoor kitchen they want.”
Miller said it’s important to have a vision. “You can factor in the angles of the sun and things that make a difference in your enjoyment of sitting outdoors at any time. It helps you know where you’ll want shady areas.” With specialties like koi ponds and waterfalls, you’ll definitely want to be
able to see everything whenever you’d like. One look at their website and you’ll definitely want to be calling and making plans! premiereoutdoorcreations.com.
Justin Bontrager of Superior Borders, also based in Middlebury, wants to trim up your yard and surrounding space, creating room for flower beds and more. “Spring time is our busy time, so we recommend you call us, the sooner the better. Normally we can be booked out a month or two. So if you want to do a spring project, call us sooner rather than later. Usually by the end of April is when the phone really starts ringing, you know, when it warms up.”
It might sound cliché to say there’s no project too big or too small, but “Our average is
in the 200- to 300-foot range,” Bontrager said. “But we just completed placing, not long ago, around 1,800 feet of decorative curbing. He went on to explain, “We are fairly niche-based, not into a lot of other sides. We do decorative landscape borders, day in and day out.” And they do them well. A look at their website shows some stunning designs, superiorborders.com/projects.
Bontrager said, “We are a local family-owned business in Michiana, and we pride ourselves in communication. Our customers are very important, more than just in and out and on to the next job. You may call us again two years from now. We want to know your name and face and not just a number.” And what does he enjoy most about this work? “The satisfaction it creates for the homeowner; most jobs are done in a day. Seeing the change in the appearance of their landscaping, the joy and happiness in beautifying their property.” n
aroundmichiana
YEAR
ROUND | MIDDLEBURY TRAIL TALES
Bring the family outdoors to read a children’s book while walking a short path at Riverbend Park; book pages are placed in special kiosks along the path. New books are installed monthly. Event partners are the Middlebury Public Library and Middlebury Parks Department.
MAY 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
MAY 8 - SEPT. 30 | SHIPSHEWANA SHIPSHEWANA FLEA MARKET
345 S Van Buren St.
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Every Tuesday and Wednesday.
MAY 6 | SOUTH BEND
THE ROCK ORCHESTRA BY CANDLELIGHT
Morris Performing Arts Center
211 N. Michigan St. (574) 235-9190
Tickets range from $65.65 to $125.65
MAY 7 | 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
MAY 8-9 | NAPPANEE GARDEN TRACTOR SHOW SWAP & SALE
675 N. Arnott St.
Gates open at Noon, May 8 and 9 a.m. May 9.
Admission is $5
For more information call (312) 420-8649
MAY 15-17 | WINONA LAKE FAT AND SKINNY TIRE FEST
700 Park Ave.
Visit https://kcvcycling.org/events/fatskinny-tire-fest/ for more information
MAY 15-16 | WARSAW 12TH ANNUAL ROCKIN’ BBQ COMPETITION
Kosciusko County Fairgrounds
1400 E. Smith St.
Visit kcfair.com/events/2026/2026-rockin-bbq for more information or call (574) 269-1823
MAY 23 | SOUTH BEND INDIANA’S MAC & CHEESE FESTIVAL
Four Winds Field at Coveleski Stadium 5-10 p.m.
Ticket prices range from $45 to $129 (269) 364-6327 or visit macandcheesefestin.com for tickets or more information
MAY 25 | NEW CARLISLE MEMORIAL RUN 2026
5K Run/Walk through New Carlisle followed by a Memorial Day Parade. Visit runsignup.com/Race/IN/NewCarlisle/ DiscoverNewCarlisleMemorialRun?utm_ source=platform_find_a_race&utm_medium=referral for more information.
MAY 31 - AUG. 22 | WARSAW LAKE CITY SKIERS
Free ski show every Tuesday and Sunday Memorial Day through Labor Day
Pre-show starts at 6 p.m. with the show starting sat 6:30 p.m.
2455 Hidden Lake Dr. n
Catching up with
Mishawaka Troop Town
Mishawaka Troop Town
By BethAnne Brink-Cox
HomeLiving Feature Writer
We are revisiting an incredible story we first covered in July, 2023. Do you remember Troop Town? Let’s refresh your memory.
Jim Metherd is the president and co-founder of the Mishawaka Troop Town, a site of tiny homes that provides housing for homeless veterans. The idea came to him in 2019, and he said “We started the build stage on Sept. 7, 2024 with only volunteers, continuing with volunteers working Saturdays only for maybe 6 hours average.” And progress rolled along just about as smoothly as you could want, all the way to the ribbon-cutting in September 2025.
“The total project cost $1.77 million, We were informed we had been awarded a grant in late November, so then Christian Builders LLC went from being volunteers to being paid, which expedited the project.”
Metherd was happy to say that “The program is going great. We received our certificate of occupancy in late November 2025 and we moved our first veteran in on
Dec. 8, 2025. As of this date we will be moving in number eight, which brings us to full occupancy!”
Metherd continued, “As anticipated, we are going through a learning phase, the day to day operational board consists of five combat veterans who have not done anything like this before. As soldiers, we are taught to overcome obstacles, so a bit of tweaking to policies has taken place. Two of our vets have been successful in gaining employment, others are actively seeking, this comes with assistance from Workforce Development.”
“As they say, it takes a village, and there were many local program supporters,”
Metherd explained. “Cultivate Food Rescue provides as many meals as we request. Centier Bank has been on site providing financial planning, debt reduction, etc, with unique needs based on the individual. And Shaun Cash from
the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.”
And there were numerous product donations; Metherd said, “I am not leaving out the lesser value ones, simply wouldn’t have space to list them all.’ Among those were ABC Supply and Lippert Components.”
We would be remiss not to list the In-
photos: facebook.com/mtthope
Kind donations: “we would not have vets living on site if not for Christian Builders LLC, dedication from Chris Elmerick and his team was invaluable. And there were so many more hands involved, ranging from roofing, brick laying, sidewalk pouring, electrical work and more.”
Very sizable monetary contributions cannot be overlooked. Metherd listed “a large grant from Federal Home Loan Bank, and a huge shoutout to Neighborhood Development Associates for writing the grant. Retired local businessman, Jack & Yuko Champaigne, who gave the first $50,000 in 2020. And they are still supporting us! Dec-O-Art in Elkhart has been there with two very large donations , and there are so many more, too many to fit in this space!”
“There is much more I could share. Please visit our Facebook Page (facebook.com/mtthope) since we frequently post accomplishments, donations, changes in the programs, recognizing individuals,” Metherd said.
You might be surprised at all the ways you could volunteer and/or be helpful in this wonderful project. You can donate to meet the various needs: Key needs include funds for high annual utility costs, non-perishable food items, and items for daily living, such as canned goods, pasta, sauce, fresh fruit, laundry detergent (liquid or pods), and dryer sheets. And you can volunteer to meet equally important needs: They need volunteers for various tasks, including acting as a 24/7 caretaker/manager, providing security, and helping with ongoing construction and beautification projects to support veterans. Volunteers are needed for tasks like landscaping, building, and maintaining the site. After all, volunteers are vital to operating this veterans transitional housing program in Mishawaka. n
GET ROWING
By Julie Young HomeLiving Feature Writer
If you are looking for a versatile, low-impact, full-body workout that allows you to connect with nature and explore new places, then kayaking is an accessible and relatively suitable activity for all ages. Whether you are an experienced paddler or brand new to the sport, looking for a solitary activity or something more social, there are numerous kayaking opportunities throughout the region! Here are a few of our favorites!
• Potato Creek State Park. Located 12 miles south of South Bend, the park features 327-acre Worster Lake that offers a calm paddling experience for novices on up. Kayaks can be rented at the west end of the beach parking lot by the hour or the day. For more information, visit https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/potato-creekstate-park/
• East Race in South Bend. The first artificial whitewater course in North America whose rapids rival the Colorado River and waves that can reach six feet or higher. This 2,000-foot-long path is controlled by three headgates with obstacles and turbulence ranging from novice to pro. While rafts can be rented, kayakers must provide their own equipment. For more information, visit www.eastracewaterway.com
• St. Patrick’s County Park. Rent a kayak or bring your own and choose from two trip routes from St. Patrick’s County Park to the Niles Dam (4.5-5 miles) or Keller Park to the Niles Dam (10 miles.) Public rentals are offered Saturdays and Sundays from May 23Oct. 4. For more information, visit https://www.sjcparks.org/1061/ CanoeKayakSUP-Rentals
• Ekhart County Parks Department. With plenty of launch points, scenic rural views and friendly riverbank greetings, Elkhart County has plenty to offer paddlers. Top launch sites include Beardsley Park, which offers an ADA-compliant launch on the northern bank of the St. Joseph River while Edgewater Park, on the southern bank of the St. Joseph River is another option. Congdon and Hermance parks in Bristol as well as Six Span Bridge in Elkhart are great spots to launch your own craft. Kayaks can be rented at Elkhart River Canoe and Fidler Pond Boat Rentals, RAW Outdoors Canoe and Kayak Rentals, New Beginnings Canoe and Kayak Rentals and Coyne Kayak Rentals among others. For more information, visit https://www.visitelkhartcounty. com/things-to-do/outdoors-recreation/kayaking-canoeing/ n
Essential gear for the beginning kayaker
Kayak & Paddle - Look for one with a large cockpit to make getting in and out easier.
Buoyancy aid or life jacket
Dry bag - To store your phone, clothes and other gear. Wetsuit Wet shoes
ROWING Regional kayaking opportunities provide fun for all ages
Basic paddling techniques
Forward stroke.
The most fundamental motion in the sport. Insert the blade fully into the water near your feet, then pull alongside the boat until it reaches your hip. Rotate your torso rather than just using your arm strength.
Reverse stroke.
The same motion to go forward, except in reverse. Start at the hip and end at the feet.
Draw Stroke.
Sweep stroke.
Used for turning, extend your arm forward and make a wide, sweeping arc with the paddle from the front of the kayak to the back.
Used to move sideways, place the paddle blade at a right angle to the kayak, then pull the water toward you.
Tips to know before you go
Dress in layers so that you can adjust to the weather or remove clothing as it gets wet.
Dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature.
Avoid cotton, which absorbs water and will weigh you down.
Wear comfortable clothing that allows your arms to move.
Wear sunscreen even on cloudy days.
Get used to kayaking by choosing a calm, sunny day for your first outing. This will not only help you get used to the craft but will help you adopt proper posture and establish your paddling technique.
Keep your trip under two hours to start and practice wet exits (falling out of the kayak) and re-entry to build up your confidence.
Nick Kieffer says his life is hectic and crazy but it’s also a lot of fun
By Julie Young HomeLiving Feature Writer
As the president and CEO of the Goshen Chamber of Commerce, Kieffer said any outing requires an additional 15-20 minutes built into it so that he can chat with members of the business community about their concerns.
“My family understands that my job is a very public one and they wouldn’t have it any other way,” he said.
Kieffer’s background is not in public service but in his father’s Fort Wayne construction business, where he learned his trade and attended Purdue University Fort Wayne. At PFW, he met his future wife, Molly Kercher, whose family has operated Kercher’s Sunrise Orchard in Goshen for 104 years.
“She said that she couldn’t move her farm, so I had to move to Goshen,” he said.
Kieffer moved to Goshen in 2007 and took a role at the chamber doing business development and marketing
of the people
Nick Kieffer is the president and CEO of the Goshen
Chamber of Commerce
for the organization. He said Goshen has always been an entrepreneur hub and he loves to help aspiring business owners get the resources they need to be successful while helping established businesses thrive.
In 2017, Kieffer became the president and CEO of the chamber and has been there ever since. Not only does he continue to work with local business owners, but he has also been involved with the US Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for Organizational Management as well as the Indiana Chamber of Commerce. The chamber offers free business counseling several times a month to help new business owners create and develop their business plans and connects them with lenders who may help them get established. He also works with existing businesses as they try to adapt to an ever-changing world.
and Mollie Kieffer, Nate Smith and kids, Max and Caroline Kieffer, prior to Smith’s concert at the 2025
Nick
Elkhart County 4-H fair.
Photo provided by the Elkhart County 4-H Fair.
Nick and Vince Turner in front of the Chamber sign. Photo provided by the Goshen Chamber.
Nick Kieffer. Photo provided by the Goshen Chamber.
“In 2020, the business community had to pivot in order to survive,” he said. “There are still ripple effects in shopping habits and consumer habits that are still getting ironed out. But here in Goshen, there is still a healthy pipeline of people who want to take the risk and develop their business. It’s always a challenge, but the reward is there as well.”
Kieffer has also been a member of the Elkhart County Fair Board since 2018-2019. In this volunteer position, he often works with a group called the Happy Helpers who do set up, tear down, repairs and troubleshooting throughout the event. However, as the chair elect for the 2027 Fair, he has been planning the entertainment for this year’s event, which includes Charlie Crockett, Ludicrous, Brett Young and Jamie McDonald.
“I love working at the Fair because it feels like an extension of my job. When I am out there, I take my laptop, schedule a few meetings and talk to community members all in one location.”
In his spare time, Kieffer can be found helping out around Kercher’s orchard, coaching youth sports or enjoying time with his wife and two children, who are also very active in the community. He said because his job is so public, it is important to make time to relax and unplug whenever possible, but it is also important to give back to the community as well.
“A community is only as good as the people in it and although it is a lot of work, I have a lot of fun as well,” he said. n
Nick with other fair volunteers. Photo provided by the Elkhart County 4-H Fair.
By Nicholette Carlson HomeLiving Feature Writer
When hosting a child’s birthday party, there are a wide variety of options available from a simple birthday at home to a larger event party with family and friends. Parties with more children tend to involve more chaos. Renting a party room for a birthday can help take some of the stress off the family’s shoulders so they are able to focus on the birthday child. There are a variety of options nearby from bowling, playgrounds, climbing and even the zoo.
BIRTHDAY
p A rt Y op T ions to take the stress and mess away from home
Crossroads Community Center, Goshen
There are two party rooms available to rent with accommodations for approximately 20 people. Each party has a party host, tables, chairs, sink and countertop, LED TV with HDMI connection for media or music, access to a refrigerator and freezer and access to the large, indoor playground while it is closed to the public. The party rooms are available for two hours Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. Visit www.thecommunitycenter.co to learn more.
facebook.com/communitycenter.crossroads
smileysmishawaka.com
Smiley’s, Mishawaka
Goshen
Families can reserve an event room for a two-hour block of time during regular, public open hours with the park available to all guests. The room holds up to 30 guests and has tables and chairs. It is not available Sunday or Friday. There are special evenings available for those with special needs or sensory issues. It is recommended to book a party three months in advance. Visit www.gracecommunity-church.com/the-park-at-grace to learn more.
gracecommunity-church.com
There are two primary options for a party - a private party room and table party. A table party is for 10 children or less for two hours and includes pizza and drinks. Wristbands and socks to play are not included. For a private party room, there can be 10 to 32 children for two hours. Guests have a party host and three-hour admission to the playgrounds along with pizza and drink. Socks are provided for each guests along with a special gift for the birthday child. Visit www.smileymishawaka.com/partyinfo for more information.
Wild and Wander Play Studio, Elkhart
A standard party package includes a two-hour private rental of the play space, excluding the art room, for up to 40 guests. Families have a personal party assistant, 30 minutes before the party to set up, cake table, food table and gift table. Families can bring their own food and drink, but it must stay in the party room. The party rooms are available Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Visit www.wildwanderplaystudio.com to learn more.
King’s Play Cafe, Mishawaka
There are four main party packages with varying timeframes and guests. All parties may bring in their own cake from a licensed bakery. The mini bash is 90 minutes for up to 20 guests on Tuesday or Wednesday. A common court party can be held on weekdays before 4 p.m. or weekends after 4 p.m. for 14 guests, which include 10 children and four adults. The crystal court party packages includes pizza and drink options, with increasing food based on the package. The eat and escape package allows a two-hour party with 10 escapees and 10 non-escape participants in the cafe’s escape rooms along with a digital party photo. Visit www.kingsplaycafe.com/birthday-parties for more information.
Warehouse Climbing Co., Goshen
For a more unique birthday experience with children who enjoy rock climbing, this offers a party with boulder routes from beginner to advanced with a 14-inch protective mat for falls. Parties are available throughout the week, except for Tuesday. All climbers must fill out a waiver and climbers under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Shoe and chalk rental is available. For more information, visit
Potawatomi Zoo, Mishawaka
Birthday parties include all day admission to the zoo, a private party space for up to two hours, a party host and optional animal encounters for up to 35 guests with children and adults. It includes party favors for each child, two possible educational animal encounters, attraction tickets and 10 crafts or coloring sheets. Times are available Saturday and Sunday mornings or afternoons and it is recommended to book up to three months in advance. For more information, visit www.potawatomizoo.org/birthday-parties. n
Birthday party packages are available any day of the week during open business hours. There is a variety of packages for everyone. Each package allows families to have 90 minutes in a party area for 10 people, food, six helium balloons and a sou venir group photo. The video game package allows 45 minutes of unlimited arcade play and 10 pre-loaded play cards. The mini golf package includes one round of mini golf and 10 pre-loaded play cards with 30 credits on each play card. The playland package includes access to the playland for the day. For more information, visit www.mega-play.com/parties.html.
kingsplaycafe.com
Local tasty treats provide unique flavor
By Nicholette Carlson
HomeLiving Feature Writer
While fast food options offer a quick, on-the-go option, some local favorites offer unique one-of-a-kind food choices that cannot be found anywhere else. From comfort food, drive-thru options and delicious desserts, there are multiple local food favorites you won’t want to miss.
yups-dairyland.wheree.com
Yup’s Dairyland in Middlebury offers soft serve and hand-dip ice cream, sandwiches and drinks. It is a seasonal, walk-up restaurant that started in 1959. The restaurant’s name came from a nickname the original owner received as a teenager. A “yup” was a name for misbehaving youths, so the owner decided to turn that nickname around. Opening and closing dates depend on the weather, but they tend to open in early to mid-March and close in early November. Some of their top sellers are their flurries. What makes their flurries unique is, on top of adding in candy bits, they also include a topping that complements the candy such as peanut butter or hot fudge. One of their top sellers is called a topsy turvy, which is all the makings of a banana split layered into a cup. One thing that makes their burgers unique is the 100% angus beef burgers are precooked, pregrilled, then boiled in aus ju to soak in the flavor.
South Side Soda Shop, Goshen, has received a great deal of notoriety over the years for both its dinner and dessert options. It was reopened in 1986 by Charity Boyd’s father and is now run by Nick and Charity Boyd. It is family-owned and operated with their daughters Nicole and Hannah helping at the restaurant as well as Hannah’s husband, Josh. It is a retro-style diner with a dining car added for a true retro feel and additional seating. It even includes the original Bastian Blessings soda fountain from the 1940s. It has been featured in Gourmet magazine and the movie “Lonesome Jim,” as well as Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives twice for its Philly cheesesteak, chili, seafood, snapping turtle soup and pecan pie.
neddermanssteakplace.restaurants-us.com
Nedderman’s Steak Place, Mishawaka, offers high-quality steak with drive-thru speed. The family-owned business opened as a concession operator in 1993, serving local festivals and fairs throughout the years. In 2011, they opened a drive-thru restaurant with the same menu favorites as the concession, only available year-round. They pride themselves on serving fresh, never frozen products that are cooked fresh daily. They not only use the best quality sirloin but also the highest quality ingredients for all menu items. Visitors have even traveled an hour for this unique, one-ofa-kind food experience.
visitshipshewana.org
The Chief is one of the most well-known ice cream businesses in the area with its original location in Goshen and its yearround location in Granger. It started as a small ice cream shop in 1962 and is currently owned by Chad and Tracy Klopfenstein, who are the fourth owners. They offer sugar free and dairy free options, with the ice cream made inhouse every day with high- quality ingredients. They expanded to the Granger location in 2023 and have also started offering catering. While Goshen has previously been closed for the winter season, this year it opened in January for a winter drive-thru option. During the regular season it will remain a walk-up business. They are planning on offering the winter drive-thru again next year. “We knew we wanted to grow it and expand the business,” Tracy stressed. “It’s really good ice cream and as many people should be able to have it as possible.” One of their secrets is a machine that is no longer made that puts very little air into the ice cream, making it memorably dense and creamy. They pride themselves on a strong social media presence to keep up-to-date with the community and believe in giving back through their fall charity pint sales.
Das Dutchman Essenhaus, Middlebury, offers a unique chance to taste Amish cooking. It opened in 1971 as an Amish-style restaurant and offers a restaurant, buffet and bakery. One of its most unique features is offering family-style dining on Fridays and Saturdays. Family-style dining includes chicken, salad, bread, dressing, green beans or corn, mashed potatoes, gravy, homemade noodles, beverage and choice of dessert. Up to two additional meats can be added for an additional cost. Families can eat all they want, but no leftovers are offered. They are well-known for their traditional Amish hospitality and service. n
chieficecream.com
RESOURCE GUIDE
Nedderman’s thesteakpalce.com (574) 217-8458
Local Tasty Treats
Yup’s Ice Cream (574) 825-7391
The Chief chieficecream.com (574) 534-6410
South Side Soda Shop southsidesodashop.com (574) 534-3790
Das Dutchman Essenhaus essenhaus.com (800) 455-9471
Birthday Party Options
Crossroads Community Center Goshen • thecommunitycenter.com
The Park at Grace gracecommunity-church.com/thepark-at-grace Goshen (574)533-7546
Wild and Wander Play Studio wildwanderplaystudio.com Elkhart (574) 333-6057
There are some interesting facts about May, as there are with every month. In this go-round:
The Empire State Building opened May 1, 1931, and the Golden Gate Bridge opened May 27, 1937.
Lewis and Clark began their expedition on May 14, 1804.
And if you love to wear blue jeans, thank Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis, who received the patent for denim jeans on May 20, 1873.
No US president has died in the month of May.
No other month starts or ends on the same day of the week as May does in any given year, and considering there are 365 days a year, that’s pretty amazing.
Many famous people were born in May including Queen Victoria (she would be 206!) John F. Kennedy (he would be 109) and Mark Zuckerberg.
And if you’re a Star Wars fan May the 4th is your day: May the Force Be With You! If you’re a jazz music fan May the 4th, or 5/4, is informally celebrated as Dave Brubeck Day, honoring the legendary musician and his iconic 1959 hit, “Take Five.”
Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of the Mexican army’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Festivities, whether you’re of Mexican descent or not, typically include parades, street foods and block parties, mariachi competitions and baile folklórico (folkloric ballet.)
Now here’s one I can definitely get behind: the month of May is Get Caught Reading Month! n
May is the fifth month of the year. It is 31 days long, and likely named after the Roman goddess of fertility, Maia. You can’t help but think of new life and new growth: baby animals on the farm, grass greening and trees leafing out and flowers blooming. And traditionally, washing your face in May Day dew is believed to bring a beautiful complexion and health. (I’m going to try this.)
Historically, it was considered unlucky to marry in May, with a proverb stating, “Marry in May and you’ll rue the day”. Maybe that’s how June became ‘the’ month for
May 10 is Mother’s Day. Don’t forget!
May 16 is Armed Forces Day, and May 25 is Memorial Day. Honor everyone you know–and everyone you don’t–who served. And be sure to fly your flag properly. While you’re thinking about that: “Mayday” as a distress signal has nothing to do with the month of May. It replaced “SOS” and was adopted from the early 20th-century French aviation distress call–”M’aidez”, which literally means “Help me!”
The Book Nook
Want to suggest a book for Book Nook? Send the title, author, a brief synopsis of the book and why you liked it to lzeugner@the-papers.com.
Check out these selections from Penguin Random House.All of them are best sellers. With spring here, why not try a new genre to read. Happy page turning, Lauren
AGNES AUBERT’S MYSTICAL CAT SHELTER
by Heather Fawcett
A woman who runs a cat rescue in 1920s Montréal turns to a grouchy but charming magician to help save her shelter in this heartwarming cozy fantasy.
JUNGLEKEEPER: WHAT IT TAKES TO CHANGE
THE WORLD by
Paul Rosalie
When he first set foot in the jungle, Rosolie was a kid from Brooklyn who struggled to graduate from high school but had an undeniable calling to the outdoors. After meeting the indigenous naturalist Juan Julio Durand, the two, over two decades, created Junglekeepers, an organization that has found a way to halt deforestation and protect more than 110,000 acres of Amazon Rainforest.
SITTING WITH DOGS: STORIES OF RESCUE DOGS GOING FROM LOST TO LOVED
by Rocky Kanaka
You may have seen Kanaka’s videos on Facebook or other social media. He’s the guy who visits shelters and literally sits with dogs. This book features nine stories of dogs he was able to help.
RAISING HARE, A MEMOIR
by Chloe Dalton
In February 2021, Dalton stumbles upon a newborn hare — a leveret — that had been chased by a dog. Fearing for its life, she brings it home, only to discover how difficult it is to rear a wild hare. Through trial and error, she learns to care for the leveret so it can return to the wilderness. Instead, it becomes her constant companion.
I, MEDUSA by
Ayana Gray
If you like villain origin stories, you may want to check this one out. This book tells how Medusa became the Gorgon who turned men into stone.
THE
BEWITCHING by
Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Three women in three different eras encounter danger and witchcraft in this multigenerational horror saga. n
INGREDIENTS:
q 1 teaspoon olive oil or as needed
q 1 Tablespoon olive oil
q 1 yellow onion minced
q 3 cloves garlic, minced
q 5 cups chopped kale
q 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
q 2 grinds of fresh black pepper or to taste
q 1 cup diced tomato
q 1/2 cup shredded carrots
q 5 eggs
q 3/4 cup whole milk
q 7 1/2 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
Summer Garden Crustless Quiche
Submitted to allrecipes.com by Singer6
DIRECTIONS:
q 4 cups quick cooking oats
q 1 cup all purpose flour
q 1 cup whole wheat flour
q 2 teaspoons baking powder
Editor’s Note: Feel free to substitute your favorite veggies for this dish. Several commented on the website that they substituted the kale for broccoli florets, others added bacon to the recipe as well.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9-inch pie dish with the 1 teaspoon of olive oil.
Heat 1 Tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; cook and stir onion and garlic in the hot oil until garlic is fragrant, 2-3 minutes. Add the kale, salt, pepper, cook, stirring occasionally until the kale is wilted, about 5 minutes. Stir tomato and carrots into the kale mixture, cook for 5 minutes more. Remove skillet from heat.
Whisk eggs and milk together in a bowl. Stir in cheddar cheese, kale mixture and parsley into egg mixture, pour into prepared pie dish.
Bake in the preheated oven until quiche is set in the middle and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, about 50 minutes. Cool in pie dish for 2-3 minutes before slicing.
Chocolate Chip Breakfast Cookies
By Allrecipes.com
INGREDIENTS:
q 1 teaspoon salt
q 1 teaspoon baking soda
q 3/4 cup white sugar
q 3/4 cup brown sugar
q 1/4 cup room temperature butter
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
q 2 large eggs
q 1/2 cup applesauce
q 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
q 2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips
Stir oats, all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda together in a bowl.
Beat white sugar, brown sugar and butter together in a large bowl using an electric mixer until fluffy. Beat in eggs, applesauce and vanilla extract in that order. Stir in oat-flour mixture until dough is just combined. Sitr in chocolate chips.
Drop 1/4 cup of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough. Flattening each cookie slightly.
Bake in a preheated oven until light brown at the edges, 12-15 minutes. Let cool on the baking sheet 3-4 minutes. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cook’s Note: Feel free to use regular rolled oats instead of the quick cooking kind. n
