LAKElife - August 2023

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First there was Misty, a German shepherd who dutifully guarded the runt (me) of the house. He slept beneath my bed to scare away lurking monsters in the night.

Then came my 10-year-long bestie, Rommel, another German shepherd, my comrade + fellow midnight cookie thief. He slept beneath my bed to scare away lurking teenage boyfriends in the night.

Bahama Bud, the yellow lab was a fun wild man during my early 20s—and the first baby before my first human baby.

Angelic Allie arrived next—our beautiful, sweet, loving, and silly golden retriever who made many’a heart swell.

Then came Mr. Bentley, a funny goldendoodle and my constant companion—whether moving across country or a spontaneous excursion, where I went, Bentley went. He was a tricky tomato thief in the garden, and the happiest, ear-floating swimmer of ponds, lakes and oceans. And, he would quickly sell his soul for a crouton off your salad.

And now my canine compadre is a European Doberman, Missy Bella. This headstrong, misbehaved puppy has matured into an obedient 95-pound sweetheart—who’s typically at my feet, or on them.

She’s a fearless watchdog with a massively muscular body—which does not match her breeder-docked stub-tail that is unmoved when on-alert, yet flickers with the wing speed of an over-caffeinated hummingbird when happy.

In a lifetime of 50+ years, my dogs have all been different from one another, each with his/her own personality. One is not better than another—rather they, and my relationship with each, are ALL PROFOUNDLY loved, cherished, and unique whether on this side of the proverbial rainbow or across its colorful rays.

I bet you can relate.

And isn’t that just like life? As each dog is unique, so too are all our relationships. But if maintained with a foundation of simple goodness + love, relationships flourish.

Perhaps part of our allure to canine companions is their behavioral simplicity. They only know to live in the current moment. Their loyalty + love is unconditional. And, they do not add layers of complexity to communications. One word commands, reactions, and love. Woof

Isn’t that an example to immerse within our human world? You bet it is.

And this is the theme I hope you’ll see within this issue: Recognize + share unconditional love + loyalty. Cherish each summer day. Appreciate natural goodness. Embrace each and every single stinkin’ moment. Grab onto joy and do not let go Each day is a gift—perhaps, as they say, that’s why it’s called the present. Let’s focus on and treasure those whose tails wag or mouths smile when we call their names. Those are your pups. And the smiles are your people.

I hope you’re smiling right now.

Dog days of summer? Bring ‘em on. Embrace them. Make each day a pawty. Let’s all bark less, and wag a little more—whether your wag sways with likeness of a sweeping retriever tail or fast dobie-flicker like Bella.

Enjoy this issue, made just for you—and made for your Misty-Rommel-BudAllie-Bentley-Bellas, too.

Warmly, Sue

Executive-Editor-Whose-Dog-Now-Sleeps-IN-The-Bed-Not-Beneath-It

Rusty Martinez

Meet LAKElife’s worldly water enthusiast, photography guru, and regular columnist, Rusty Martinez.

This assistant director of marketing for the Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams has a life resume as deep as Kosciusko lake waters.

Originally from Oaxaca in southern Mexico, and having worked + lived in central Japan, our bilingual writer has, fortunately for us, called Kosciusko County his home for the past 11 years.

A resident of Winona Lake, Rusty earned his degree in photography from Grace College and has embraced all lake life has to offer. Through his responsibilities with the Lilly Center, his love for all-things-outdoors has only deepened. “Working with the Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams has deepened my appreciation for the incredible natural resources our lakes are to every one of us,” he said. “Wetlands are an underappreciated part of our ecosystems and I wish everyone could understand how important they are to making our lakes clean!”

When not creating educational materials regarding our area’s waters, Rusty is likely shooting photography on the side (or in the water in his waders!)—pursuing his love for family photography.

Any free time remaining beyond the office or from behind a camera lens is spent reading, joining friends on a boat, kayaking on Winona Lake—or dogsitting for his friends, as pictured above with pup pal Bento on Winona Lake.

Welcome to the LAKElife family, Rusty. Thank you for sharing expertise on how to keep our waters clean—and thank you for your enthusiastic partnership. You are so appreciated. Si, te apreciamos.

life

magazine

Volume 4 Issue 5 | August 2023

Ron Baumgartner PUBLISHER

rbaumgartner@the-papers.com

Sue Rawlinson-Pais EXECUTIVE EDITOR sue@lakelifemagazine.com

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

Steve Meadows DIRECTOR OF MARKETING smeadows@the-papers.com

SALES EXECUTIVES

Susan.Stump@lakelifemagazine.com

Carl.Lauster@lakelifemagazine.com

Karen.Johnson@lakelifemagazine.com

Rebecca.Boone@lakelifemagazine.com

Melinda.Musselman@lakelifemagazine.com

Lynn.Blanchard@lakelifemagazine.com

Cathy.Wilson@lakelifemagazine.com

Annette Weaver BUSINESS MANAGER

aweaver@the-papers.com

Jerry Long DIRECTOR OF CIRCULATION jlong @the-papers.com

Maymie Ankrom GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Shelly Davis WEBMASTER

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:

Sue Alexander, Ray Balogh, Mary Jane Bogle

Nathan Bosch, , John C. Gill, Hannah Godfrey, Jonny Hawkins, Courtney Hladish, Mary Hursh, Jason Kissel, Rusty Martinez, Jerry Parsons, Mike Petrucelli, Loren Shaum, Christy Smith

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS:

Arielle Elise Photography, Mary Hursh, Emily Maggart, Sue Pais, Christy Smith

P.O. Box 188; 206 South Main St. Milford, IN 46542 800.733.4111/Fax 800.886.3796 www.lakelifemagazine.com

It’s a hot one out there, eh?

Isn’t it great? Yes, welcome to the hot ‘Dog Days Of Summer.’ It’s August + the sun is surely shining + cool waters are glistening, beckoning a good ‘ole refreshing bellyflop.

So go for it.

And then have a margarita. (Bellyflop first.)

Yes, it’s the wonderful summer month when the heat and familiar rhythm of summer routines slow us down a tad. Not sloth-slow; just easy-chillin-cuz-lifeis-grand slow.

Life is good.

Yes, August holds the last days of summertime lake fun before kids return to school, and before our young adults head to college. Empty nesters out there, keep the tissues handy + have the spousal unit stock your favorite wine (or try Recess® if you prefer drinks unleaded), because you might need ‘em.

In August we enjoy the wordplay on ‘Dog Days’ as it’s an excuse to focus on our four-legged fuzzbutts who have puppy-eyed their ways into our hearts.

So let’s celebrate the goofy, silly, water-loving, and pontoon cruising lovebugs who need their food dishes full, treats in the tummy, scratches on the ears—and who, let’s face it, live better lives than many a’human in this world.

Ammiright?? Doggone right I am.

So in August we focus on water fun, and we focus on our dogs.

Which leads me to the August competition with Ron (as always, held the second Tuesday of the third week): Ron versus Sue doggie paddle swim race. Move. Over. Michael. Phelps. Just wait ‘til you

see this display of athleticism. No arm floaties. No nose plugs. Just flotational brawn and the speed of a greyhound. Well, a sleepy greyhound. Perhaps with a limp. But hey, it’ll be a splashing good time.

And Steve will serve a slushy margarita for the winner. He’ll probably give me one, too, just because he’s nice.

As ifff you didn’t already know Ron… meet our region’s publisher extraordinaire, fearless like a Doberman, hardworking as a German shepherd, and loyal as a golden retriever, this dog paddling champion of the lakes also happens to be the man behind the publishing scenes. It’s thanks to Ron that LAKElife Magazine is published for you. Yes, by The Papers Inc.—the same publishing house that’s been serving communities for 84 years, located at 206 S. Main Street, Milford, Indiana, 46542.

Our office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, unless my dobie Bella demands I throw her red frisbee. Then I’ll be required to take several breaks throughout the day. Bella is angrier and bigger than me, and her teeth are way sharper. Obedience (mine) is kind of mandatory.

Before I forget, here’s the one-and-only required paragraph of the masthead: ‘It shall be known that all rights whatsoever are reserved and nothing may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher, who also assumes no responsibility as a result of any information or items advertised herein.’ Those interested in contacting us may call 574.658.4111, or toll-free at 1.800.733.4111.

Check.

ADVERTISING INFORMATION

At four years in, if you’re not already advertising with us, I must tell you to sit, stay, speak, then give your paw to sign up with Steve, director of marketing, at 574.658.4111 or toll-free at 1.800.733.4111. Or, email him at smeadows@the-papers.com. He might even give you a treat—like including your bizz in the fastest growing, most fun + made-for-you magazine! He can’t make you a margarita, though. Sorry. That’s only allowed for me and Ron. Company rules, ya’ know.

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS

Editorial suggestions and letters to the editor (that’s me… hi, I’m Sue) are welcomed! Please contact me at sue@lakelifemagazine.com.

LAKElife Magazine contracts with freelance writers and photographers. If you’re a published writer looking for some extra work AND if deadlines don’t give you stomach cramps, then you’re my kinda’ writer. I’d like to grow the team. Please reach out… I have big plans for next season and am seeking more word-peeps-who-get-er-done-and-still-have-fun on my team.

Therein concludes our fifth questionablyinformative masthead of the season. Please enjoy this August issue. It was made for you.

Happy August, friends.

And, as always, to my amazingly special supersecret masthead club friends, an extra special thanks to you for reading each word —even the small print. I think you’re pawfect.

Letters to the Editor

Simply email us at sue@lakelifemagazine.com. Yes, it’s that easy.

Letters may be edited for length.

Would love for these pictures to be printed in LAKElife Magazine. Thank you!

–Grandpa Mark + Grandson Lucas, Dewart Lake Ask and ye shall receive. Little Lucas looks pretty comfortable at the wheel and on the horn!

Good Morning Sue! I have a picture that was taken of my grandson on Wawasee by my son that I think is so cool! Is it too late to submit one for the season? Thank you and have a blessed day!

–Barb Reed

Hi Barb! Please send it in… to make the final issue of this season (September) please submit pics by August 2nd—HOWEVER, submissions not printed this season are held for NEXT season.

All of our family’s anniversaries are in August, so we celebrate by “taking the plunge” all over again!

–Jane Messmer, Lake Wawasee

This incredible picture captures the entire essence of lake life. Thank you for sharing your familial plunge.

When we said we loved your letters, we meant it!

… we really enjoy the magazine. What can we do to help promote it?

– Milton Hadt, Lake Chapman channel

Thank you for so graciously asking the question, Milton! The best promotion is interaction directly with us, so you’re already helping us! (And again, thank you.) Other ways to support the magazine: keep emailing ideas, comments + photos, tell your friends about us, join us on Facebook + Instagram, visit any of our advertisers, and/or support us through a paid subscription. Any and all are appreciated!

Thank you for sharing your pawsitively shocking sightings with our readership!

Hello Sue, This is my husband, Randy, on Sechrist Lake with his 42.5” catch—thanks to Chae Dolson and Webster Guide Service. It was a beautiful muskie!

– Dana Bogathy WOWSA! What a catch! Thank you for sharing with our readership, Dana.

Our 2nd Annual Thanksgiving Day Gobble Wobble 5k is open for registration!!

Here’s the link: chapmanlake.com/2023-gobble-wobble

–Kent Lundy, Chapman Lake

Thanks for the update, Kent. And readers, see page 44 for more info so you, too, can gobble-wobble around Chapman.

Shark sighting on Dewart Lake!

Lion was spotted roaming near Dewart Lake.

–Stefanie Young

LAKElife

congratulations to you, Sydney.

Sue, Attached are photos of our dogs Carmen and Stella enjoying Chapman Lakes.

Really enjoy your magazine!

–Jim & Donna Backs, Chapman Lakes

Thank you… and I enjoy communication with readers like you! Thank you for sharing a pic of your furbabies.

Meet Sydney, Wawasee High School graduate 2023, pictured on the boardwalk. – Carolyn Baker, Lake Wawasee, via Facebook

STRONGER TOGETHER

LOCAL

AND

1515 Provident Drive, Suite 250, Warsaw, IN 46580

Offices in Berne, Fort Wayne, Marion and Warsaw

stillwater-hospice.org

12 LAKElife Magazine August 2023

Last FREE fishing day is September 23! On Free Fishing Days, Indiana residents don’t need a fishing license or a trout stamp to fish in public waters (17 and under are always free). Many properties host fishing derbies, training events and more to help give newbies a chance to fish. This year, take a friend or family member fishing. dnr.IN.gov/fishfree.

D g Days ofSummer

by Mary Jane Bogle

Here in the LAKElife district, we love our dogs! Thanks to so many great venues that cater to canines, the lakes district is great place to share life and love with a furry friend.

Top 5 Places to Take Your Dog this Summer

WWe’ve got you covered! Whether you want to hike a trail, visit a farmer’s market, or just hang out at a splash pad, here are five top picks for canine-friendly outings this summer.

1

Kosciusko County Farmer’s Market/Syracuse

Syracuse-Wawasee Trail – This 11-mile, multi-use trail will take you and your furry friend on multiple adventures around Syracuse and Wawasee lakes. With plenty of wildlife and greenery to explore, your four-legged walking partner will be ready for a nap in no time! 2

Artisan and Farmer’s Market – Want to bring your dog to the farmer’s market while you shop for locally grown produce, flowers, and baked goods? Look no farther than these two pet-friendly markets in Kosciusko County. 3

Lake City Greenway – This multi-use trail in and around Warsaw offers plenty of room for your favorite pet to get some exercise. Greet friends new and old as you meander the many paths that make up the Greenway. 4

North Webster Town Park and Beach – Located along the shore of Lake Webster, this popular hangout features a small sandy beach, picnic shelter, and plenty of room to run.

5

Winona Lake Park, Beach, and Splash Pad – There’s so much to love about this public green space, including tennis courts, a splash pad, beach area, and picnic pavilions. Leashed dogs are welcome, as long as they stay on paved paths.

Dog-Friendly Food Patios

Want to head out for your favorite brew but don’t want to leave your pet behind? No problem! Here’s a list of the many outdoor dining options that cater to canines at the lakes. Some even offer special treats for your furry friend. When you go, be sure to keep your pet leashed, and remember: follow any posted rules to ensure each venue remains pet-friendly for everyone.

• Cerulean's The Garden at Winona

• Creighton’s Crazy Egg Café & Coffee Bar

• Flavor Freeze of Warsaw

• Joe’s Ice Cream Supreme

• Light Rail Café and Roaster

• One Ten Craft Meatery

• Port Winona and Market

• Ritter’s Frozen Custard

• The Channel Marker

• The Igloo Ice Cream Shop

• Three Crowns Coffee & Craft Soda

Best Pet Products for Lake Dogs

Taking your dog out on the boat? Of course, you are! Then you’ll need to stop by Bart’s Watersports for this cool Proline eight-foot dog leash. Made from ski rope and sporting this awesome ski handle, this leash will mark your pooch as the coolest water dog on the lake!

While at Bart’s, be sure to pick up one of these Connelly Dog Neo Vests, featuring a grab strap, reflective tape and leash loop, and thin profile Neoprene for increased buoyancy.

Vests come in two colors and multiple sizes, making it the perfect flotation device for your canine companion.

Heading out for a trail excursion? This Dog Bowl Bottle combo will keep you and your pet hydrated, an essential pack item for hot summer days.

And don’t miss out on this Dog Walk Fanny Pack, designed specifically for dog walkers who love their four-legged friends but sometime get tired of juggling leash, poop sacks, wallet, keys, and phone. There’s even room for some small treats to reward your canine for a great performance with those “sit-stay-heel” commands. Hikes just got better with these two musthave pet gear items!

Whether you take your dog to the park, go out for some ice cream, or just need gear to keep your companion safe on the boat or for a hike around the lake, you can find all you need and more in Indiana’s LAKElife district!

PhotoFun

Want YOUR photos printed in a future issue of LAKElife? Sure you do. Email YOUR faves to sue@lakelifemagazine.com.

Yes, the Berg Boys found a frog of comparable size.

Submitted by Abby Herberg.

Three generations, one happy family. Meet Mark, Nate, and baby Lucas.

Submitted by Cheryl Psimos.

Nothing’s cozier than warm towels when the gals are together. Hello, Brooklen, Rylee + Lilly!

Submitted by Nichole VanCuren, Lake Wawasee.

It’s Jade’s first pontoon ride on grandpa's boat. Agh, the memories being made.

Now this is a LAKElife kind of party.

Aiyanna + Gibson, all smiles, even mid-air. And peace back acha,’ sweet Aiyanna.

Maggie loves boat rides + hugs from her human.

Submitted by Laura Hartman.

Submitted by Amy Tipple.

Submitted by Dixie’s human, Tina Randall, Webster Lake.

Submitted by Arabella Lavelle, North Webster.

PhotoFun

Summer and boys’ bait buckets just go together.

Meet Frazier Crane seeking his morning’s breakfast. And yes, he has a brother named Niles.

Submitted by Carl Lauster.

Amelia and Camden of Ellicott City, Maryland were Fourth of July visitors to grandmother Tami and Ron Baumgartner, Lake Wawasee. Amelia + Camden learned to slalom ski off the back of LAKElife publisher’s (yes, Ron’s) boat. His boat is so aptly named, don't you think? And way to go, Amelia + Camden!

Cousin fun. We assume the following about this pic: Grant cleared the metal poles; Grant did not land upon Katie; Vera’s drink did not spill.

Submitted by M. Haan, Lake Wawasee.

Submitted by Bruce Langton.

So this little guy made our hearts go pitter-patter.

Submitted by Celeste.

Lake Wawasee.

Submitted by Abby Herberg.

Submitted by Doug Fields.

Lucas is bright-eyed and ready for a boat ride.

Submitted by Cheryl Psimos, Dewart Lake.

Wholesome + Peaceful

Reaping Rewards During The Dog Days Of Summer

by Sue Pais

Throughout the month of August, we embrace consistently high temps, bright sunshine, the most refreshing cool breezes, and a balance of lazy days and bountiful harvest.

photos by Arielle Elise Photography

During the dog days of summer, we tend to slow our speed. We reap the rewards of our hard work—it is now when blooms are at their peak. Gardens and farmers markets are bursting with the freshest produce, the hammock is well-worn, and sandbars are routine playgrounds for laughs, lounging, and summer fun for friends, families, and Fidos.

Lake tunes, and scents of barbecue, linger in the air, and by night, fireflies dot their flashes of yellow gold.

August celebrates the hottest days of the summer, the laziest days on a float, and the most peaceful still waters within our view.

It’s a month of celebrating the extremes. Of family lake days. And a return, later in the month, to schedules and new routines as school embarks upon yet another year.

But for much of the month of August, we Simply. Slow. Down.

We experience.

We see through loving eyes as children and grandchildren delight in life’s simplicities—from bubbles gently floating within the air, to tiny feet running barefoot across the lawn.

We fill with gratefulness for the joy our pets bring to enrich our world—from wet dog shakes to silliness in the water to pontoon snoozes and chillin' on the dock.

Our hearts swell with understanding of what yet another summer at the lake with family + friends really means.

We embrace each sound, taste, sight, sunrise, sunset, and sensation of this lake life.

We embrace these 'Dog Days of Summer,' knowing we are, indeed, living The Good Life.

Lake Life is ...

Lake life is ...

Tippecanoe Lake sunsets… absolutely stunning.

Submitted by Teresa Moser.

Lake life is ...

My son, Cory, with his silver lab, Addie, on Dewart Lake.

Submitted by Brenda Smith.

Kosciusko County

COUNTY SEAT

Warsaw

TOWNS

Burket, Claypool, Etna Green, Leesburg, Mentone, Milford, North Webster, Pierceton, Sidney, Silver Lake, Syracuse, Warsaw, Winona Lake

LAKES

With more than 100 lakes, Kosciusko County is rich with beautiful water venues. Among the many lakes are:

Barbee Lakes, Beaver Dam Lake, Boner Lake, Carr Lake, Center Lake, Chapman Lakes, Dewart Lake, Diamond Lake, Hoffman Lake, Irish Lake, James Lake, Kuhn Lake, Lake

Tippecanoe, Lake Wawasee, Oswego Lake, Palestine Lake, Papakeechie Lake, Pike Lakes, Ridinger Lake, Sechrist Lake, Shock Lake, Stanton Lake, Syracuse Lake, Waubee Lake, Webster Lake, Winona Lake, Wyland Lake, Yellow Creek Lake

Trails

Kosciusko County Trails

Leash-up Fido, lace your sneakers, and enjoy the outdoors. Breathe. Laugh. Exercise. Enjoy Kosciusko County’s trail systems created for you to enjoy.

Beyer-Farm Boardwalk Trail, Warsaw 1013 E. Arthur St. Warsaw.in.gov

Heritage Trail-Winona Lake Trail System, Winona Lake 1001 E. Canal St. winonalaketrails.com

Old Chinworth Bridge Trail, Warsaw 3495 W. Old Rd. 30 574.269.1078

Syracuse-Wawasee Trails, Syracuse 1013 N. Long Dr. syracusewawaseetrails.com

PublicAccessSites

Have a boat, but don’t live on a lake? Public access sites are as follows:

Upper Barbee Lakes/Kuhn Lake

EMS B6A Lane

Lower Barbee Lakes

Grassy Creek Public Access

East 500 North

Beaver Dam Lake

CR 750 West

Center Lake

Buffalo Street

Chapman Lake

Chapman Lake Drive + EMS C14

Dewart Lake

CR 300 East + EMS D24

Lake Wawasee

9822 North Turkey Creek Road

Palestine Lake

SR 25 to 1st Street

Pike, Little Pike Lakes

Arthur Street to Pike Lake Park

Shock Lake

North of Syracuse-Webster Road SR

13 to CR 850N

Syracuse Lake

Medusa Street + North Front Street

PublicBeaches

Milford

Waubee Park, Camp Mack Rd. North Webster

Lake Webster Park, Dixie Dr. Syracuse

Hoys Landing, Henry St. Lakeside Park, Long Dr. Warsaw

Center St. Park, Canal St. Pike Lake Park, Arthur St. Winona Lake

shutterstock.com

Winona Lake Park, Park Ave.

Lake life is...

this photo.

Submitted by Julie McCune, via Facebook.

Tippecanoe, James & Oswego Lakes

Grassy Creek Public Access, East 500 North

Waubee Lake

Camp Mack Road at Waubee Park

Webster Lake

Backwater Road + EMS W22

Winona Lake

East Smith Street to Hillside Drive

Wyland Lake CR 875 East

Lake life is ...

happy twin grandsons for twice the fun and twice the memories on Grandpa’s pontoon. Memories being made.

Submitted by Laura Hartman.

Lake life is ...

this view.

Submitted by Daniel Buchman, via Facebook

by Jason Kissel, executive director, ACRES Land Trust

American Badger

Badgers call LAKElife Country home, yet few people even know they are here. People may live here all their lives and never see one. So how have these raccoon-sized creatures kept such a low profile? Living underground and being primarily nocturnal are key to their well-protected privacy.

Badgers can grow to 2.5 feet in length and weigh up to 25 pounds. The gray and brown fur that covers their bodies is short on the top of their backs and very long on their sides. Badger faces are black and white with distinctive stripes that lead to their upturned noses at the end of their triangular heads. Badgers’ stubby legs combined with their long, side fur give them a flat, ground-hugging appearance.

Badgers rely on their digging ability to survive as they burrow to catch prey and create underground tunnel systems to live within. Some badger burrows are quite elaborate with separate sleeping, eating, and restroom areas. Badgers will often bring bedding materials up to the surface to air dry, then return the dried materials to their sleeping quarters.

Badgers have highly adapted claws that suit their burrowing life. The front claws are about 1.5 inches long and are curved to

break up soil and scoop it under their body as they dig. The back claws are broader and not as long, acting as shovels to fling soil 6 to 8 feet behind the badger as it burrows into the earth. Badgers are the premier tunnel makers within LAKElife Country, shaming other burrowers with their impressive digging speed. They have been documented digging tunnels as fast as 3 feet per minute!

Badgers:

• Dig burrows up to 60 feet long

• Live about 8 years

• Hiss, growl, squeal, and snarl to express themselves

• Have hair that is highly valued for shaving brushes

• Spray a skunk-like odor when threatened

Badgers are carnivores, eating almost exclusively other burrowing animals such as mice, voles, chipmunks, snakes, and an occasional skunk or ground-nesting bird. They can often be observed blocking the burrows of prey, then digging a new burrow down into the earth to catch the prey which cannot out-burrow the badger.

Badgers have few predators since most creatures learn to give them a wide berth once they have encountered their ferocious flurry of claws and teeth when cornered.

Badgers prefer open fields and meadows in areas where underground rocks don’t prohibit digging. Keep your eyes open and you might just join the small community of LAKElife residents who have seen a badger. Nature is amazing—go explore it!

ACRES Land Trust is a member-supported nonprofit organization that protects over 7,500 acres of natural and working land in northeast Indiana, northwest Ohio and southern Michigan. More than 2,000 ACRES members make it possible to keep these places protected forever and offer trails for free public use. Learn more at acreslandtrust.org.

Foam In The River: why?

by Hannah Godfrey, Lilly Center student marketing assistant co-author Dr. Nate Bosch, Lilly Center Creighton Brothers endowed director

You’ve seen foam forming near ocean shores, but how about in our local lakes and streams? The foam can be a concerning sight if you are unaware of its origin. The cause of this natural occurrence is sometimes assumed to be a pollutant like laundry detergent. Read on to learn how to identify natural river foam.

bubble formation as water is agitated. Wind and wave action introduce air into the organically enriched water, creating tiny air bubbles that collect along the shoreline or in low-flow areas.

Although foam production is a natural process, in some cases, it can be a product of pollution. Many manmade substances like sewage, cleaning products, and fertilizers can end up in our lakes. Each of these substances have the same bubble-forming properties as decomposing plants. You can differentiate naturally occurring and synthetic foam by these characteristics:

• color

• scent

• texture

• proximity to a possible pollution source

Synthetic materials will often form a sticky foam with a pure white color (although color can be affected by debris). Natural foam typically is a light texture, not sticky to the touch, and tinted brown. This color is caused by tannin, a substance that also gives wood its brown color. Natural foam usually has a fishy or earthy scent whereas pollutants typically have a smell indicative of their source. If you see foam that you believe to be unnatural, consider the body of water and the possible surroundings that could be contributing pollutants.

Surprisingly, foam is usually not from soaps or other manmade chemicals. If not laundry detergent, what is the real cause of foam? The answer is rather simple: decomposing plants

When plants die and begin to break down, oils are released, and rainwater carries them into lakes and streams. However, rainwater also collects organic matter on its way to a lake or stream. Similar to making tea, the water passes through

the soil and absorbs the organic matter, darkening like a cup of tea. Plant oils and nutrients reach the water where they float and mix on the surface.

These plant materials can also change the physical nature of water. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) is a compound found in this mix of decomposed matter. DOC acts as a surfactant, breaking the surface tension of water. A common example of a surfactant is soap, and similar to soap, DOC facilitates

Next time you see brown foam piling up on the shoreline, remember: even though it can look unpleasant, it’s likely a natural product of decomposing plant matter. If you would like to decrease manmade foams in your local lakes and streams, avoid using synthetic chemicals on outdoor surfaces and if you have a septic tank, be sure that it is well-maintained.

To learn more about the nutrients in your local lakes and streams, visit lakes.grace.edu/research/

The Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams at Grace College conducts research, provides resources, engages and educates residents, and collaborates with local organizations to make the lakes and streams of Kosciusko County clean, healthy, safe, and beautiful. To date, the Lilly Center has conducted scientific research on over 30 streams and 40 lakes. The Lilly Center is driven to create a legacy of stewardship by equipping community members, visitors, and future generations with understanding and to enjoy the county’s natural beauty. For more information, visit lakes.grace.edu.

Foam is one of the many natural processes of our local lakes and streams.

The Canoe

by Loren Shaum | photos by Emily Maggart

Providing Water Travel for 28,000 Years

In 1955, the oldest known canoe was discovered in Pesse, Netherlands. The Carbon age dates to between 7500 BC and 8000 BC. It’s preserved at the Drents Museum in Assen, Netherlands.

Long before Europeans arrived in North America, the Algonquin Indians in the Northeast developed a water vehicle from natural materials. These first water vehicles were constructed of birch tree bark and stretched over wooden frames. They were essential for traveling distances to trade furs. The boats were engineered so well that when European explorers arrived, they could not improve the design.

Meanwhile, in the south, indigenous people hollowed-out trees into the shape of a canoe. They used stone tools and fire to hollow the logs.

Around 3500 BC, Arawaks used log canoes to cross vast waters and populated many Caribbean islands. When Europeans arrived in the 1500s, they witnessed islandto-island travel using single hulled boats.

The English word ‘canoe’ comes from the French language, which was obtained from the Spanish word ‘canoa.’ Christopher Columbus recorded the word after landing in the Caribbean. It was his version of the Arawakan word ‘kana:wa,’ used by the Indians to describe their boats.

Canoe Improvements

In the late 1890s, a canoe design was developed using wood overlaid with canvas then coated with a waterproof liquid. At that time, the Rushton Canoe Company charged $170 for a sailing canoe. But after the turn-of-the-century, canoes built in Maine by the Old Town Canoe Company sold for as low as $30!

Later, ‘courting canoes’ became popular— especially in the Minnesota lake regions. These canoes were constructed so the seat in the bow faced the stern. Couples could then gaze at each other, creating a fad called ‘canoedling.’

Aluminum Dominates

After WWII, technology advances with aluminum made canoes lighter and cheaper. Grumman Aircraft led the way by stamping out a canoe hull, then riveting seats in place. These canoes prevailed until the mid-1970s when new materials like fiberglass, special plastics, and Kevlar® became available. These material improvements created more lightweight and lower cost canoes than aluminum versions. By 2005, over 100,000 of these lightweight canoes were sold annually.

Kayaks

Kayaks, meaning ‘work boat’ in Inuit, are used throughout the far north and eventually made their way south. Today kayaks are extremely popular on LAKElife lakes and streams.

Dave Greathouse of Track and Channel Outdoors in Syracuse, said “kayak sales are brisk but rentals are very popular.” A half-day rental is $30. They expect to be stocking canoes soon.

Meanwhile Bart’s Water Sports in North Webster stocks a bevy of kayaks but no canoes.

Canoes in LAKElife

Canoes work best on calm waters and can be manipulated in small streams. To test your skills, join the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation’s (WACF) tour of the Wawasee watershed. It starts at Knapp Lake and cruises through 10 lakes, all connected via narrow streams. The trip ends at Indian Village Lake. During the excursion, tourists take a break at the old Pioneer Trails Boy Scout Camp.

Emily Maggart, WACF Development Officer, recently took the tour and shared some pictures. The tours will continue every Friday throughout the summer, depending on water levels.

Another Canoe Use

In 2020, Roxann Arnott placed a red canoe south of downtown Syracuse to honor a friend, and The Red Canoe Project started. Later, the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce continued the project, and by the end of 2020 seven canoes were placed.

During the next year another five canoes were added. A few were made by Sea Nymph in Syracuse, and all are sponsored by businesses and residents to honor someone special. Each canoe is numbered and stuffed with flowers through donations from the Red Canoe Flower Fund.

At right: Renea Salyer, former executive director of the SyracuseWawasee Chamber of Commerce tends to one of the red canoes.

National Fishing Month August:

by Sue Alexander

Did you know National Fishing Month is celebrated every year in August?

Fishing enthusiasts began the annual observance to set aside time to focus on the benefits of fishing, share their love of the sport, and bring people together to enjoy all that it offers.

Fishing is a great recreational activity for people from all walks of life, and all ages. There’s something for everyone, and you

don’t have to be experienced to reap the benefits.

The peace and solitude of an early morning spent fishing can refresh your spirit. Or, take the kids along for some family bonding time—you might even catch dinner.

Local bait and tackle shops will gladly help with gear. A rod and line with some bait will get you started. And don’t forget your license! Fishing licenses are issued by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and are required to legally fish in public lakes, streams, rivers, tributaries, and boundary waters. If you want to try your hand at fishing without investing in a license, Indiana’s final free fishing day of 2023 is on September 23.

National Fishing Month is the perfect time to improve your angling skills. Experienced fishermen + fisherwomen can pass on their wisdom and experience, teaching you to prepare the line, hook the bait, and identify the best fishing locations. How expert you’d like to become and the gear you choose is totally up to you.

Kosciusko County, with over 100 natural lakes, is an ideal place to fish. So toss a line in Indiana’s deepest lake, Lake Tippecanoe, its largest, Lake Wawasee, or any other great lake in our county. There are many kinds of fish in our lakes, including the much sought-after Muskullange (Muskie), which is the largest native fish in Indiana. Whether you’re an amateur or a professional fisher, National Fishing Month is a time for everyone to enjoy the sport. Head outside and have fun.

The Chapman Lakes Thanksgiving Day 5k, ‘Gobble Wobble’ is a fun way to burn some calories before the big feast. Registration is live at: chapmanlake. com/2023-gobble-wobble, and will be a timed event.

The start will be at 8:30 a.m. sharp, Thanksgiving morning, November 23. Entry fee is $45 per participant. Register by November 1 to receive this year’s shirt. Funds raised will help with a road safety initiative for walkers, runners, and bikers around our beautiful lakes.

Lake Jams

In August we cherish these days of hot summer + celebrate all the feel-goods of the last full month of summer vacay. And like Luke says, we don’t worry ‘bout tomorrow out on the floating dock.

Fish

Hover your

above, watch for a link to appear, click the link. Then watch, listen + enjoy.

cell phone camera over the QR code

This kissy fishy was the first catch of the season from Big Barbee. Submitted by Cheryl Elwood.

A peaceful day of fishing + one great fish caught. Submitted by Dar Cochran, Sechrist Lake, Barbee Chain.

Bites

Big bite, little bite, wowsa’ bite, funny bite.

Because the best fishergirls catch fish that match their sunglasses. Submitted by Dar

Dewart Lake’s Minnie may not like the looks of fish, but we sure do! Keep sending them in! And Minnie, you’re still a good girl.

Send Your Pics!

Send in your little fisherpal’s pics. AND your big fisherpal pics. Join the fun. This is YOUR magazine. Send to sue@lakelifemagazine.com.

Vivian caught and handled this fish like a pro… what a catch. (And we love your puppy pants, Vivian!) Submitted by Andrea Abel,

We see a future in fashion for fishergirl Addison… curls, flowers, pearls, and fish- stripes. Look out Donatella, here comes the younger gen of fashionistas. Submitted by Jim Kroemer,

Cochran, Sechrist Lake, Barbee Chain.

Lake Wawasee.

Papa Earl and Lily pose with their day’s catch.

Lake Wawasee.

Yummy. Grandson Gunner celebrates his bite with a bite of his own. Submitted by Teresa Moser, Tippecanoe Lake.

Wowsa!!! Check out 16-year-old Garrett’s first musky, pulled from Webster Lake. Submitted by Grandpa Mac.

AugustKOSCIUSKO COUNTY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 2

9-11 a.m. Hosted by Russell Anderson + family. Adults only. Russel explains how responsible farming practices and activities are of vital importance to the water quality in the Wawasee Watershed. Then a rustic tractor and wagon tour of Dillon Creek as it flows through the fields of Anderson Farms. Email to sign up.

7-8:30 p.m. The Lake Area Community Band, an instrumental band, will be performing. Warsaw Central Park, Warsaw. Free admission.

FRIDAYS, AUGUST 4, 11

WACF CANOE 10 LAKES TRIP

7:30 a.m.-noon. Meet in DNR parking lot on Hatchery Road, launch at Knapp Lake public for more

WACF LAKE TALK AND EATS

10-11:30 a.m. Lillypad Ecology Cruise $20 per for more information.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 5

CHAUTAUQUA FUN FILM FESTIVAL AT THE PICKWICK

10-11:00 a.m. 3rd Annual Chautauqua Fun Film Festival featuring your phone videos to celebrate this summer’s water fun. One-time showing. Pickwick Theatre, Syracuse. Chqw.org

THURSDAY, AUGUST 10

PLANT IDENTIFICATION

6-7:00 p.m. Expedition: Aquatic Plant Identification. Spend an evening outside at the Tri-Lakes with Matthew Linn, a DNR biologist, and learn about the diverse aquatic plants in our lakes. Sponsored by Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams. Location TBA.

THURSDAY-SATURDAY,

AUGUST 10-AUGUST 19

ALWAYS, PATSY CLINE

A tribute to the legendary country singer + musical play with down-home humor + performance of legendary hits. Wagon Wheel Community Theatre, 2515 E. Center St., Warsaw. 574.267.2618, wagonwheelcenter.org

FRIDAY, AUGUST 11

QUINTEN FLAGG, ELVIS IMPERSONATOR

7-8:30 p.m. Quinten Flagg, an Elvis Impersonator, will be performing at Lucerne Park, Warsaw. This concert is FREE!

FRIDAY-SUNDAY

AUGUST 11 - AUGUST 13

DIVISION I SHOW

SKI NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Lake City Skiers is hosting the Division I Show Ski National Championship at Hidden Lake, Warsaw. Free admission.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY

AUGUST 11 - AUGUST 13

WATER-POLOOZA

Wet Water Wagon Rides, Water Balloon Wars, Water Limbo; Pool Noodle Races, Water, Water and More Water Fun; Pool Side Karaoke; Hey Hey Hey Rides, Yogi Express Train Rides Pierceton Jellystone Campground, 1916 North 850 East, Pierceton. Campyogi.net, Piercetonjellystone.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 12

VILLAGE SIDEWALK SALE

The Village At Winona’s end of the season sale. Participating shops will have special offers throughout the day. Sale details will be posted on The Village's website and Facebook as the event gets closer. Villageatwinona.com

FRIDAY, AUGUST 18

CAR SHOW

5-8:00 p.m. August Third Friday Car Show held in downtown Warsaw.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 18

MILFORD FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY

6-9:00 p.m. Food Truck Friday in downtown Milford will feature live music, awesome food truck dinners, and free activities for the whole family. Milford Community Building.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 18

THE 1985 CONCERT SERIES

7-8:30 p.m. The 1985, playing ‘80s music, will perform at Warsaw Central Park. This concert is free.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 26

HEIRLOOM TOMATO FESTIVAL

All day. Judged Agricultural Art Show with people’s choice, 5K run/walk, an exhibit of over 100 heirloom tomatoes, complimentary tasting, live music, a kids’ area, guest speakers, crafts vendors, and food vendors featuring fried green tomatoes and homemade ice cream. Join in on the tomato baking, tomato eating, and largest heirloom tomato contest. Brower Park, Pierceton.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 26

CANAL DAYS

10 a.m.-6 p.m. Annual end of summer event at the Village At Winona. The day includes familyfriendly activities, craft and art booths, food vendors along the canal, and a variety of kids’ activities. The day ends with a cardboard boat race along the canal. villageatwinona.com.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 31

TREATY OF PARADISE SPRING

6:30-7:30 p.m. Presented by TJ Honeycutt, the Director of Archives and Outreach at the Wabash County Museum. Learn about the Treaty of Paradise Spring-1826. This treaty ultimately made way for the Michigan Road and the Wabash-Erie Canal. Syracuse Community Center, 1013 North Long Drive, Syracuse. chautauquawawasee.org

provided by Lake City Skiers

SummerFun FOR THE FAMILY

at THE BARNS at NAPPANEE

story + photos by Mary Hursh

Historical Views

The Barns At Nappanee is an historical landmark. On its seven acres of countryside, visitors can glimpse life as it was lived 150 years ago on an Old Order Amish farm.

And when you’re finished savoring a piece of history, switch gears and be ready to enjoy dining, theatre, shopping, and tractor and buggy tours. It’s all added extra fun for the entire family.

Culinary Delights

Within the huge Restaurant Barn is a restaurant, bakery, coffee and ice cream shop, and a fudgery!

Lunch is served on Thursday and Friday. Dinner is served Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Featured dinner menu items include starters, soups, salads, and entrees with a kids’ menu available. The restaurant is famous for its smash burger, chimichurri steak panini, and its incredible steaks.

Weekend brunches are also offered on Saturday and Sunday. Hungry yet?

As a special treat, visitors can also stop by Ben’s Soft Pretzels to get an original or cinnamon-and-sugar pretzel. The Coffee, Ice Cream Shop and Fudgery specialize in iced and hot drinks, milkshakes, and 9 varieties of fudge—including strawberry, chocolate, and chocolate mint.

On an historical note, the restaurant is constructed from two bank barns, each originally built in the mid-1870s. The entry barn was originally located two miles east of The Barns, and the dining room was originally located near Lake Wawasee.

Shopping

Plain and Fancy is an antique store filled with many treasures, and it’s conveniently located in the Courtyard. Glass and copper pieces are featured along with clothing.

The Mercantile, located in the Craft Barn, sells baked goods, clothing, puzzles, candy, and wall art for the home made by more than 20 local artisans.

All kinds of art is available at the Arts, Crafts, and Music Festival scheduled for

Fun variety is the name of the game at The Barns At Nappanee—where there’s something for everyone in the family.

August 3-5. More than 100 vendors plan to showcase their crafts. Face painting, axe throwing, live music, and food trucks will all be part of the fun. Hours are August 3-4 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and August 5 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Theatre

The Round Barn, built in 1911, seats 270 people on the floor and 130 in the balcony. The following is the upcoming performance schedule, so mark your calendars!

Oklahoma runs through August 5; Seussical, the Musical runs August 24 through September 23; Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash runs October 12 through November 4; and Elf delights all ages from November 16 through December 31. Individual tickets, with or without a meal, along with group tickets are offered. During the season, special matinees, classes, as well as some instrument lessons are scheduled for children.

Family Entertainment

• Joshua Pryor will be live in the Courtyard every Thursday from 5-7 p.m.

• The popular Classic Car Cruise, held every Friday through September 1, is free and open to the public. “Breakfast with Horton and Friends” comes to The Barns on Saturday, September 9 from 9-11 a.m. “Breakfast with The Cat in the Hat” is scheduled for Saturday, September 23 from 9-11 a.m.

• Steven Curtis Chapman performs an outdoor concert on Thursday, August 3 at 8 p.m.

• Diamond Rio follows on Friday, August 4 with their own outdoor concert at 8 p.m.

• Jonnie W, a joke teller and music maker, performs on Thursday, September 28 at 7:30 p.m.

• A New Year’s Eve Bash with fireworks is also planned.

Tours

Amish homestead and wagon ride tours offer visitors a chance to learn about Amish clothing, church services, schools, orchards, and gardens. Tours are scheduled for Thursdays-Saturdays at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Twenty persons can ride in the wagon. The tour guide will also give visitors insight into a special bake oven and smokehouse used by the Amish.

Horse and buggy ride tours are offered Thursdays-Saturdays at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.

The Barns at Nappanee is open Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m.-7 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., plus Sundays from l0 a.m.-2 p.m.

Come see them at 1600 W. Market Street in Nappanee or visit them at thebarnsatnappanee.com.

Hot August days... the sun is shining, breeze is blowing, birds are singing, gardens are growing, friends are gathering, and beverages are flowing... –unknown

“A fallen leaf is nothing more than a summer’s wave goodbye.” Summer at the lake passes all too quickly, and now is the time to think about the off-season. Collier’s can help you with end-of-season maintenance or install a wifi-enabled thermostat to help you keep tabs on your household temperature no matter where you are.

Call us at 574-203-2061 to schedule now.

Bon Appetit '

Sweet Corn, Peach + Tomato Salad

Imagine, if you will, summer served up on a plate. That’s exactly what this salad delivers!

Bursting with vine-ripened tomatoes, juicy peaches, crisp cucumbers, sweet corn, and a medley of gardenfresh herbs, it's as if the essence of summer has been captured in every bite. The real showstopper? A drizzle of tahini-dill dressing, harmonizing the flavors beautifully. So, grab your sunscreen and shades, find a comfy spot by your favorite lake, and savor this light and invigorating meal.

Ingredients

For the SALAD

2 ears of sweet corn, sliced off the cob

1 large ripe peach, sliced

1 English cucumber, sliced (or 2-3 Persian cucumbers)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or pick some heirloom fresh from your garden!)

1 ripe avocado, sliced

3 cups arugula

For the TAHINI DILL DRESSING

3 tablespoons tahini

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon pure maple syrup

2 tablespoons warm water, to thin dressing

1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 teaspoon grated lime zest optional: lime slices for garnish

Directions

1. Add to a large bowl or plate all of the ingredients for the salad: sweet corn, peach slices, cucumber sliced, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and arugula.

2. Make the dressing by mixing together the ingredients in a bowl: tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, water, dill, garlic powder, salt and pepper.

3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss with tongs, or drizzle it over the salad on the plate. Top with nuts, seeds, basil and/or feta, if desired. Sprinkle with a little more salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

Serves 4

Fun Facts:

Tahini, made from ground sesame seeds, can be considered anti-inflammatory due to its rich nutrient profile. It is high in healthy fats, amino acids, and antioxidants, particularly sesamol and sesamin, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.

recipe + photo by Christy Smith, MNT, nutrition counselor

Peach Martini

by Sue Pais

If you’re feeling peachy (and who isn’t during summertime at the lakes?), and you enjoy August’s ripe + juicy peaches, this bev’ will be an instant favorite on any lakeside dock, back patio, or hot summer celebration.

So puree a few peaches + sip away your cares. We think this peach martini is a perfect addition to your hot dog days of summer. Cheers!

If you make this refreshing beverage, post a pic and tag us, won’t you?

#lakelifemag (Instagram), or @lakelifemag (Facebook).

Ingredients

• 2 ounces mid to top-shelf vodka, or peach flavored vodka

• 2 peaches, cut + pureed in a blender

• 2 ounces Triple sec

• 1/2-ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice

• ice

Instructions

1. Place martini glass in freezer while preparing the drink.

2. Puree 2 peaches in a blender.

3. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.

4. Shake for 20 seconds, then strain into the chilled martini glass.

5. Garnish with a peach slice.

6. Say a cheers to your LAKElife team, then enjoy!

This one’s puréed— and purely delicious.

Food Finder

There’s no shortage of excellent food in Kosciusko County and surrounding counties. We’ll do our best to keep the list updated… if you see need for an addition or change, please contact us at sue@lakelifemagazine.com.

BREMEN

Dutchmaid Eatery & Gifts 1535 3rd Rd. 574.546.2192

CLAYPOOL

Someplace Else Saloon 108 S. Main St. 574.566.3280

ETNA GREEN

Etna Green Cafe 112 W. State St. 574.858.9081

GOSHEN Biebs & Ash 133 S. Main St 574.971.5423

Constant Spring 219 S. Main St. 574.533.3302

Venturi 123 E. Lincoln Ave. 574.485.2985

LEESBURG

Little New York Family Restaurant 103 N. Main St. 574.453.2234

HopLore Brewing -The Mill 100 Old SR 15 574.453.0496

LIGONIER

Fashion Farm Inc.

Ready for a real Farmer’s Breakfast? Yes, sunny-side up, please. Check out this breakfast dish and much more at Fashion Farm Restaurant. Here, you’ll savor the freshest of food at the farm’s restaurant. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, AND Rusty’s old-fashioned ice cream and homemade pies!

1680 Lincolnway West 260.894.4498

fashionfarminc.com

MENTONE

Mentone B&K 9396 W. State Road 25 574.353.7597

Bull Dog Saloon 101 E. Main St. 574.353.7408

MILFORD

Harry’s Tap & Grill 132 S. Main St. 574.696.1101

NAPPANEE

Bourbon Street Pizza

1411 E. Market St. 574.773.9600

bourbonpizza.com

Culinary Mill Market & Deli 401 E. Market St. 574.773.0214

Hunters Hideaway Inc. 153 S Main St. 574.773-7121

Ruhe 152 152 W. Market St. 574.832.7843

ruhe152.com

The Barns at Nappanee

With events, theatre, shopping + dining burstin’ through the barn doors, The Barns is a one-stop culinary stop, too! Within the huge Restaurant Barn grab some lunch or dinner or enjoy the bakery, coffee shop, ice cream shop—and/or their FUDGERY. Choco-yummy! Yes, there’s something for everyone’s hungry belly at the barn. 1600 W. Market St. 574.773.4188

thebarnsatnappanee.com

NORTH WEBSTER

Pizza King of North Webster 405 S. Dixie Dr. 574.834.2565

Los Cabritos Mexican Restaurant

104 W. Himes St. 574.244.2449

Lucky's Tavern 560 S. Main St. 574.834.7433

PIERCETON

Speedy Cafe 2125 IN-13 574.594.2941 speedycafe.com

SILVER LAKE

Lakes Grill Restaurant 9665 IN-15 260.352.2662

Pizza King 806 N. Jefferson St. 260.352.0352

Silver Inn 105 E. Main St. 260.352.2870

SYRACUSE

China Star 734 S. Huntington St. 574.457.8070

Chubbie’s Pub-N-Grub

Voted best restaurant by SyracuseWawasee Chamber in 2016. Burgers, prime rib, pizza, wings, fries— and best yet, they have Tenderloin Tuesdays. Multiple beers on-tap daily + watch sports on the TVs.

1201 S. Huntington St. 574.457.3855

Down Under 801 N. Huntington St. 574.457.3920

Joe’s Ice Cream

With more than 40 flavors of handdipped gourmet ice cream, can it get any better? We thinketh not! Where waffle cones are handmade every day, Joe’s serves up friendly faces, along with their fabulous ice cream, shakes, malts, and sundaes. Yes, please.

1201 S. Huntington St. 574.457.8763

Kiyomi Japanese Cuisine 404 S. Huntington St. 574.529.5025

Man Cave Brewing Company

Local brewery with full bar and restaurant. Menu features salads, sandwiches, and entrees. A local favorite for pub burgers, steaks, and craft beer. Sign. Us. Up. 10201 IN-13 574.337.1308 mancavebrewing.com

Mug Shots Coffeehouse and Eatery 10203 IN-13 574.337.1307

Oakwood Coffee and Creamery 702 E. Lake View Rd. 574.457.7100

Pizza Hut 1112 S. Huntington St. 574.457.8300

Pizza King 719 S. Huntington St. IN-13 574.457.5446

Syracuse Cafe 607 N. Huntington St. 574.457.5293

Warrior’s Nutrition 706 S. Huntington St. 574.529.5383

WARSAW

Oak and Alley 2308 E. Center St. 574.387.6114

Ruby Tuesday 3308 E. Center St. 574.269.7821

Salvatori's 3605 Commerce Dr. 574.306.2106

Side House Grill 2604 Shelden St. 574.267.2112

Taco Jalisco 2124 E. Winona Dr. 574.267.1501

Tacos Jalisco 1215 N. Detroit St. 574.377.1039

Taqueria El Comal 828 E. Winona Ave. 574.267.1501

Texas Roadhouse 700 W. 300 N. 574.306.0622

Thai House Restaurant 820 E. Winona Ave. 574.267.5988

The Buzz on Buffalo 114 N. Buffalo St. 574.267.2622

Three Crowns Coffee 941 N. Detroit St. 574.216.1655

Time Out Inn 1701 W. Lake St. 574.269.5700

Wabash Donut Shoppe 658 S. Buffalo St. 574.267.4311

Wings Etc. 3416 Lake City Hwy. 574.268.2299

Wire & Steam Coffee Company 2858 Frontage Rd. 574.306.2075

Wong’s Restaurant 835 Anchorage Rd. 574.269.3778

WINONA LAKE Cerulean 1101 E. Canal St. B 574.269.1226

The Boat House 700 Park Ave. 574.268.2179

Basics On Mint

Among the easiest of herbs to grow, mint—if planted correctly— is a favorite among both novice and experienced gardeners.

Mint is fragrant and ideal for beverages, salads, and so much more. However, mint also has a prolific root system (called runners) that makes this herb invasive if not planted correctly. Yes, there are ways to enjoy the many benefits of growing mint, without the herb taking over your garden.

Planting:

• If planting in a flower bed, first submerge a container at least 5 or 6 inches deep, then plant mint within the container. This keeps mint’s fast-growing root system contained.

• Or, plant within clay pots throughout the garden; again, the key is to keep mint’s root system contained. Make sure the pots do not have cracks as mint’s determined runners will find a way through them!

• Mint requires very little attention.

• Mint can also serve as an attractive ground cover. Consider planting between pavers of a walkway; as your feet brush against the leaves, the leave’s fragrance will be released.

• Keep soil consistently moist, watering when top inch becomes dry.

Harvesting:

• Harvest mint leaves before the plant flowers. Simply clip leaves with scissors.

• To extend harvest season pinch off flowering buds as soon as they appear.

Recipes:

Ready to enjoy your mint? Check out these mint-lovin’ bevs.

Mojito

10 fresh mint leaves

½ lime, cut into 4 wedges

2 tablespoons white sugar, or to taste

1 cup ice cubes

1 ½ ounces white rum

½ cup club soda

*makes one serving

Place mint leaves and 1 lime wedge into a glass. Use a muddler to release juices and flavors of mint oils and lime juice. Add two more lime wedges and the sugar. Muddle again. Fill glass with ice, pour rum over ice, then fill glass with club soda. Stir, then garnish with remaining lime wedge.

Detox Water

2 lemons, sliced

½ cucumber, cubed

10-12 mint leaves

3 quarts water

Brew overnight in the refrigerator. Then, enjoy.

Come Home to Quality

For nearly 40 years, the T.L. Jackson family has been making dreams a reality on time and within budget. Whether building or renovating, we listen carefully to your needs, design the perfect solution and deliver a quality built home you’ll love for many years to come.

Family fun simply isn’t complete without the family dog… Dogs are family.

photo by Arielle Elise Photography, Lake Wawasee

2023 Dogs of LAKElife YEARBOOK

August’s

So, we wanted to celebrate.

To have some fun with the wordplay on ‘dog days,’ we asked LAKElife readers to share pup pics of their special flufferbutts.

And readers responded with pawsitively barktastic enthusiasm. Enjoy the countless canine submissions of happy, silly, lakeloving pup pals.

Meet the Class of 2023.

We hope you dig it (see what we did there?).

* Please note: we worked doggone hard to include as many pups as pawsitively possible. If we missed yours, we’ll include in a future issue.

Prom Queen

REMY, Chapman Lakes

Karen Beckstein

Richard Baker

intense heat + brilliant sunshine bring forth the proverbial ‘Dog Days Of Summer.’

Most Golden

MAX, Sechrist Lake

Darcy Brook

Class Clown

EMMA, Lake Wawasee

Prom King

LEMON, Lake Wawasee

Alexa + Gavin

Chase After Your Dreams

ABBY, Lake Wawasee John Gerger BAKER and NASH Mindy Beyeler BAXTER, Lake Wawasee Kathy Snyder BEAU, Lake Wawasee Amy Niezer

BELLA Valerie Prince

BENTLEY, Winona Lake Jeannie + Nick Stouder

BLUE, Winona Lake Brian + Cathy Trout BONNIE, Lake Wawasee Elizabeth Hudson

Coen + BOOMER Susan Stump

, Lake Wawasee Tammy Shively + Steve Lambert

CHANDLER Amy Isenberg

CHELSEA, Chapman Lake

CHEWY, Lake Wawasee Natalie CLARK GRISWOLD, Dewart Lake Karen Dykes COCO BOUGIE CHANEL Megan Goralczyk

COOPER, Syracuse Lake Sydney Miller

COOPER, Tippecanoe Lake Laura Liby

CORA, Lake Wawasee Brian Kehoe

DAISY, Lake Wawasee Bernadine Nicodemus DAISY, Lake Wawasee Mark Curry

DAKOTA + GEORGIA, Lake Wawasee Amy Kuhn DALLAS Ashley Fouch

DAX, Big Tippecanoe Lake Teresa Moser DIAMOND, Lake Tippy Carla Walden

DIXIE, Webster Lake Tina Randall DOMINO, Lake Wawasee Tammy Shively + Steve Lambert

DUKE ELLA, Shawano Lake Pam Fuesz

ELLIE MAE, Lake Wawasee Karen Kiessling FINN Maddie Sherman

FRANK, Lake Syracuse Susan Allardt FRANNY, Lake Tippecanoe Judy Kennedy GAUGE, Lake Wawasee Doug Bushnell

GIBSON, Lake Wawasee Bill McCully

GIDGET, Lake Wawasee Lisa Rosales GRACIE, Irish Lake Gary Maust

GUNNER, Lake Wawasee Amy Niezer

HARPER, Lake Wawasee Colleen Doyle

HARRY, Dewart Lake Alonna Meyers

HATTIE, Lake Wawasee Bill McCully HENRY, Lake Wawasee Dan Kopp

HENRY Amy Chael

HERSHEY, Webster Lake Brad Tipple

JUNIE, Lake Wawasee Lori Chokenea KALTAG, Tippecanoe Lake Lisa Belcher

KOBI + BENTLEE, Lake Wawasee Phyllis Payer

KOEN, Syracuse Lake Anita Holderman

KONA, Lake Wawasee Richard Bollow

LADY, Lake Wawasee Lorrie Deschner

LADY, Lake Wawasee Amanda + Shawn Yoder

LEIA, Lake Wawasee Nichole VanCuren

LENNY, Webster Lake Jacklyn Bontrager

LOUIE Avery + Quinn

LULU, Lake Wawasee Allen Glassburn

MADDIE, Big Chapman Lake Amy Smith

MAGGIE + TUCKER, Lake Wawasee Angie Thompson

MAGGIE MAY, Lake Wawasee Tyson Niles

MAGGIE, North Webster Arabella Lavelle MAGGIE, Dewart Lake Mat + Jeni Pritchard

MAGGIE, Lake Wawasee Lei Gartland

MAGIC, Kuhn Lake Tony + Chris Jinks

MARLEY Heather Mullins

MAX, Pike Lake Brian + Jamie Stalder

MAZIE + COLBEE, Dewart Lake Karen Peters

MCALLISTER + MCGREGOR Troy + Deborah Webb

MILEY, Chapman Lake Monica Backs

MILO + BONITA, Lake Wawasee Jessica Lopez

MINNIE, Dewart Lake Stefanie MOLLIE ROSE, Lake Tippecanoe Kelli Taylor

POPPY, Lake Wawasee Louis + Pam Gerber REBEL, Dewart Lake Randy Wilkerson REMI, Dewart Lake Jennifer Barscz

REMI Rachelle Owen

REMY, Lake Wawasee Madeline Eby ROXY, Lake Wawasee

ROY, Lake Wawasee Jill + Steve Howard SAM, Lake Wawasee Deborah Marks

MUSKET, Webster Lake Tina Randall MAUI, Lake Wawasee Olivia + Justin Bennett

NIKKA, Syracuse Lake Beckie Moore NORMAN, Lake Tippecanoe Deb Showley

OLIVER Carrie Musgrave

OLIVIA, Lake Wawasee Dot Brandenberger

OLLIE + CHECKERS Tina Rice OLLIE + TEDDY Jim Young OLLIE, Lake Wawasee Susan Stump

OPAL, Lake Wawasee Mallory Hoover

PAISLEY, Tippy Lake Deb Paton-Showley PIPER, Dewart Lake Hans + Linda Grepke

MOLLY, Webster Lake Jody Friermood MOOSEY, Lake Wawasee Teri Johnson MR. BINGLEY, Syracuse Lake Kerri Warstler

MURPHY, Lake Syracuse Abby, Quinn, Peggy + Jim Roederer

MURPHY, Lake Wawasee Madeline Eby

MURPHY, Lake Wawasee Tammy Shively + Steve Lambert

SHADOW, Dewart Lake Randy Hartman SHELLY, Webster Lake Tina Randall SKIPPER Debbie Kemper SPENCER Ashley Fouch

STELLA, Lake Wawasee Amy Niezer SUNNY, Kuhn Lake

+ Jessica Fricke

SUZIE, Webster Lake Dana Bogathy

TAWNY + TRAPPER Kurt Westman

TEDDY at Beaver Dam Lake Todd Anderson

THOR, Little Barbee Lake Jeff Shrock

TOBY, Lake Wawasee Sharon Brennan TOMMY, Lake Wawasee TRUMAN, Lake Wawasee Brian Kehoe

TUNA, a.k.a LUNA Carrie Goralczyk

TURBO, Winona Lake Penny Bartel WALLACE, Lake Wawasee Anne Humphrey

WALT, Lake Wawasee WILLETT, Lake Wawasee Teri Johnson

WINNIE, Lake Wawasee Steve + Lisa Farley

WOODY, DIXIE, BOBBER + WEBSTER Webster Lake, Lisa Bennett

ZOE, Lake Wawasee Brian Kehoe

½ LB.

BUILD A BURGER EVERY THURSDAY!

Kosciusko County

by John C. Gill

FIELD TRIPS

Though lazy days may linger, plenty of engaging and exciting activities await adventure seekers. Explore the opportunities available on Kosciusko lakes and land, then create an itinerary to carry you through summer’s finale, and beyond.

Float

Launch your kayak or canoe at Grassy Creek Public Access Site in northern Kosciusko County and gain convenient access to ten lakes on the Tippy and Barbee Chains. Bring your camera and capture the abundant plant life and wildlife along the creek.

Rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard at Winona Lake Limitless Park in Warsaw and enjoy a leisurely paddle or a vigorous workout on the water. winonalake.net/parks-department

Visit

Schedule a two-hour or four-hour excursion with Tippy River Adventures, a canoe and kayak livery in Warsaw. Rent a canoe or kayak, or bring your own, and the folks at Tippy will coordinate embarkment and disembarkment, eliminating the need for two vehicles. Dogs are welcome on board. Book your trip or special event at tippyriveradventures.com.

Board the S.S. Lillypad for a lunch or dinner cruise on Lake Wawasee. The two-story cruiser also services special events. Check out the calendar and menu at sslillypad.com.

Gather your friends and rent the Tipsy Turtle or the Nauti Mule floating bars, and party on Lake Wawasee. Bring your own beverages, coolers, and food. Bluetooth stereo provided. nautiwaters.com.

Rent boats on Kosciusko County lakes and create your own adventures. For all the details, visit: clarksmarineinc.com; mainchannel.com; patonabay.com; socksmarina.com; splendorboatswarsaw.com; tippecanoeboatcompany.com; wawaseeboat.com; wawaseemarina.com

Happy 50th birthday to Michelle, onboard the S.S. Lillypad!

the Lake House Surfshop & Water Sports Store at Winona Lake to rent a boat or to schedule wakeboard or wake surf lessons. lakehousesurf.com

The August sun casts its radiant signature across the sky. Beneath the orange glow, cornstalks sway to the rhythm of velvety breezes, while sailboats dawdle on sleepy waters.

Explore

Explore wetlands and woods, and enjoy the lake views along three miles of Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation Trails in Syracuse. wacf.com/trails

Visit Greider’s Woods Nature Preserve in Syracuse, a woodsy trail spanning tenacres. in.gov/dnr/nature-preserves/files/ np-Greiders.pdf

Stroll or bike the Syracuse-Wawasee Trails, an 11-mile network situated in and around Syracuse and linking downtown shops and restaurants to parks, attractions, and lakes. syracusewawaseetrails.com. Dogs are welcome on the trails, and also at Joe’s Ice Cream Supreme Shop, 1201 S. Huntington Street.

For an easy, peaceful hike, visit Pisgah Marsh Area and Boardwalk near Pierceton, a combination of wetland, grassland, lake habitat, and upland forest that spans 445 acres. Accessible parking. The half-mile long boardwalk is wheelchair- and stroller-friendly.

Hike 4.5 miles of trails through wetlands, woods, and prairies at Wildwood Nature Preserve in Silver Lake. The preserve showcases an abundance of field flowers during the summer months.

Lace up your boots and hit the Winona Lake Trails, a 9-mile system with terrains to suit every skill level. Arrange wooded hikes on flat surfaces or challenging uphill climbs. Bring your bike and experience some of the best mountain biking in the region.

Recharge over breakfast or lunch at Light Rail Cafe & Roaster, 1000 Park

Avenue, Winona Lake, where dogs are welcome on the outdoor patio. lightrailroaster.com. Raise a glass, or two, on the dog-friendly porch at Port Winona Wine and Market, 807 E. Canal Street, Winona Lake.

Kosciusko County provides excellent opportunities for bird watching. Grab your binoculars or spotting scope and check out the ducks and woodpeckers at Wildwood Nature Preserve; waterfowl, sandhill cranes, and wild turkeys at Pisgah Marsh; ospreys, herons, and waterfowl on and around the area lakes.

Navigate fields, woods, and hills during a horseback riding tour at Deka-Di Riding Stables in Pierceton.

Visit, or support, Magical Meadows

Therapeutic Horseback Riding in Warsaw. The facility provides a safe environment where physically and mentally challenged children and adults improve strength and coordination, and gain self-confidence through horseback riding.

Relax

Camp or rent a cabin at Patona Bay Resort on Lake Tippecanoe in Leesburg. Enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, and waterskiing. Visit the on-site restaurant, or pack a picnic.

Visit Pike Lake Campground in Warsaw, a 44-site facility with water and sewer service, and 30/50 amp power. Added conveniences include a boat launch, fish cleaning station, and showers.

Park your camper or rent a cabin at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort on Ridinger Lake in Pierceton. The spacious campground features pontoon boat and paddle boat rental, bait shop, and two heated swimming pools.

Bring the kids, and the dogs, to Hoffman Lake Campground in Warsaw, and rent a cabin, or a campsite with full hookups. Amenities include guest laundry, convenience store, and swimming pool with a splash pad.

Pitch a tent, or rent a cabin, at JT’s Lakeside Campground on the Barbee Chain. The lakeside or channelside sites include 30-amp service and water. Boat rental is available.

Indulge

Sip the craft brews and savor smokehouse BBQ at Ledgeview Brewing Company in Warsaw. Pick up a selection of handcrafted beers to carry out. 975 Warren Street, Warsaw.

Sample a flight on site at Man Cave Brewing Company in Syracuse, and bring a few brews home for later. The 10-barrel microbrewery produces over a dozen flavorful varieties, and offers a full menu and bar service. Family room available. 10201 IN 13, Syracuse.

Find unique beers and crafted cocktails at HopLore Brewing locations in Leesburg and Warsaw. Enjoy a few drafts in-house, then purchase 32-ounce growlers to go. Bar food available at both locations. 100 S. Old State Road 15, Leesburg and 307 W. Market Street, Warsaw.

Visit Anthology Whiskey Room at the St. Regis Club in Warsaw, home to 1,450 varieties. Relax on leather upholstered armchairs in the elegant and intimate space, and enjoy a taste of the good life. 105 E. Center Street, Warsaw.

Enjoy ice cream treats, sandwiches, and more at Flavor Freeze in Warsaw. Bring the pooch for a pup cup. 2950 Frontage Road, Warsaw.

BERRY FARMS +FARMERS MARKETS Kosciusko Area

by John C. Gill

Sun-ripened berries reinvigorate the taste buds with a juicy burst of sweetness that only a fresh harvest can deliver. Find these mouthwatering treasures, along with homegrown sweet corn and a cornucopia of fruits and vegetables, at U-pick farms and farmers markets across the area.

Berries

Beech Road Blueberry Farm

U-Pick Blueberries

67041 Beech Road, Wakarusa facebook.com/beechrdblueberries

Blue Barn Berry Farm

U-Pick or picked blueberries and blackberries; farm fresh produce and eggs; event space and country market

9139 N. 300 East, Syracuse bluebarnberryfarm.com

Creation Celebration

Farm fresh organic fruits, vegetables, and greens; herbs and flowers

701 W. Main Street, Mentone creation-celebration.com

Neibert’s Produce and Berries

U-pick or picked blueberries

5052 E. Armstrong Road, Leesburg

Sweet Corn Charlie’s

Sweet corn, berries, farm fresh fruits and vegetables

11003 CR 42, Millersburg + pop-up locations throughout the area sweetcorncharlie.com

Kosciusko Co. Farmer's Markets

Kosciusko County Farmers Markets

Helper’s Farm Market

N. Baldwin Road North and Armstrong Road/500 North, North Webster Daily, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

photos: shutterstock.com

Kosciusko County Farmers + Artisans Market

121 N. Lake Street, Warsaw

Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Kosciusko County Farmers Market, LLC

Kosciusko County Fairgrounds

1400 Smith Street, Warsaw

Mondays + Wednesdays, 2:30- 5 p.m.

Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Mentone Community Farmers Market

SR 25 and N. Tucker Street, Mentone

Saturdays, 8 a.m. – noon

Syracuse Artisans & Farmers Market

Veteran’s Memorial Park at Crosson Mill

303 W. Henry Street, Syracuse

Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

The Farmers Market at Winona

Miller Sunset Pavilion

705 Park Avenue, Winona Lake

Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Nearby Farmers Markets

Bourbon Farmers + Artisan Market

100 S. Main Street, Bourbon

Mondays, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Fulton County Farmers Market

County Courthouse Parking Lot

815 Main Street, Rochester

Wednesdays, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Saturdays, 8 a.m. – noon

Goshen Farmers Market

212 W. Washington Street, Goshen

Tuesdays, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Ligonier Farmers Market

Pettit Park

100 N. Cavin Street, Ligonier

Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Nappanee Market on Market

Downtown Pavilion

201 W. Market Street, Nappanee

Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

North Manchester Farmers Market

Ogan's Landing

S. Mill Street, North Manchester

Saturdays, 8 a.m. – noon

ARTS +CRAFTS STUDIOS +ART GALLERIES Guide to

by John C. Gill

When the low-lying sun paints the horizon fiery red, sparking the creativity that burns within you, stoke your dreams with art or craft classes. Visit an area studio and master basic—or advanced—techniques. And for inspiration, or simply for pleasure, study the works at local galleries.

Hands-On Studios

Board & Brush Creative Studio

210 S. Buffalo Street, Warsaw boardandbrush.com

Woodworking workshops; tools and instruction provided; wine available; private parties welcome

Happy Trees Studio

1095 Fisher Avenue, Warsaw happytreesstudio.com

Lessons in landscape painting, emulating the style of PBS television superstar Bob Ross

Lakeland Art Center & Gallery

302 E. Winona Avenue, Warsaw lakelandartassociation.org

Workshops for aspiring artists and potters; rotating gallery exhibits featuring works by local artists

Made on Main

103 S. Main Street, Milford madeonmain.fun

Creative studio open to all artistic levels and all ages; instructor-led workshops accommodating many art mediums; available for private parties

Pottery Bayou

806 Park Avenue, Winona Lake potterybayou.com

Paint-your-own pottery or clay pieces; create colorful glass art

Galleries + Exhibitions

Atelier

104 E. Center Street, Warsaw atelierseagrandon.com

Exhibitions by contemporary artists; opportunities for collectors to acquire new pieces

Mount Memorial Hall Art Gallery at Grace College

808 Kings Highway, Winona Lake grace.edu/about/campus/campus-facilities/art-gallery Gallery features works by students, as well as local and international artists; rotating exhibitions

RedBird Art Studio

504 N. Bay Drive, Warsaw + Area art shows cardinalservices.org

Gallery showcasing artwork created by persons with disabilities, using new and repurposed items; art pieces available for sale

Warsaw City Hall Art Gallery

102 S. Buffalo Street, Warsaw

Rotating fine art exhibitions and events

Water Lily Art Gallery

801 N. Huntington Street, Suite 3, Syracuse

Original paintings, prints, and sculptures by local artisans for sale; custom framing available

photos: shutterstock.com

Pho to contest

We asked for ‘BIGGEST SPLASH’ pics for this August issue… and as always, LAKElifereaders answered!

Enjoy all our fun-splashin’ submissions—they’re all winners in our book!

Dogs make splashes, too. Meet water-loving Maui of Lake Wawasee. Submitted

Pals Aiyanna and Gibson strike a pose as they plunge into Webster Lake. Submitted

by Olivia + Justin Bennett.

Webster Lake’s Lisa Strombeck cutting through the waters.

Photo (taken and submitted) by Portraits by JoLene.

by Amy Tipple.

Ruby makes a splash—great balance, big smiles + great fun. Submitted by Arabella Lavelle, North Webster.

It’s the Echo Bay Kid Crew about to make a collective splash into Webster Lake. Go kiddos!

Submitted by Brad.

Two boat-ridin’ nieces are in for a splashy surprise!

Submitted by Kristin Eby.

Splashin’ spray and soaking in the sunset on Chapman Lake.

Submitted by Heather Chizum.

Want to submit an image for a future LAKElife photo contest? It’s easy. Send to sue@lakelifemagazine.com.

September theme: sandbar fun. Submit by August 3—hurry!

April ‘24 theme: wading for spring. Submit by February 15

Magazine

Big splash and major air.

Submitted by Steve Reed. LAKElife

ICE CREAM! FROZEN TREATS MADE AT HOME

by Courtney Hladish

In the heat of August, we’re all looking for ways to feel refreshed while enjoying the summer sun. Whether it’s a quick, easypeasy snack or a rich and creamy dessert, we have a few suggestions for a cool and fun twist after a day of play at the lake.

Kool-Aid Ice Cubes

The kiddos will love this colorful treat! What is needed? 1 packet of the Hawaiian Punch sugarfree Singles To Go, 1 water bottle, an ice cube tray and a beverage of your choice.

• Pour one Hawaiian Punch single into a full water bottle.

• Pour the drink evenly into the ice tray and let freeze overnight.

Serve the colorful ice cubes with your beverage of choice, or crush into your own homemade slushy.

Creamsicle Slushy

Easy Watermelon Italian Ice

This recipe requires a high-speed blender or food processor and only two ingredients: frozen cubed watermelon and 100% fruit juice (of your choice, of course!). Simply blend the juice and frozen watermelon on high speed until the consistency is smooth. Voila— your Italian ice is ready to be served!

It’s the easy and healthy way to slurp on the cool and classic orange creamsicle—simply using orange juice, honey, and vanilla bean yogurt.

• Evenly pour 1 1/3 cups orange juice into an ice cube tray until frozen.

• Blend the frozen orange cubes with 12 ounces vanilla bean yogurt, one tablespoon honey, and 1/3-cup unfrozen orange juice until smooth.

• Serve & enjoy!

*Tip: to make this an adult drink, add a splash of Vodka or Rum.

Strawberry Popsicles

This simply delicious recipe only requires three ingredients to reach perfection: coconut cream, strawberries, and honey. Of course, you can modify these popsicles to your liking—whether that be adding a splash of fresh lemon juice for extra zest or adding different kinds of berries in with the strawberries.

• Hull 2½ cups strawberries and cut some of them into flatter pieces – put the flatter pieces aside.

• Blend the hulled strawberries, 2 tablespoons honey, and 14 ounce can of coconut cream until smooth.

• Add the flatter pieces of strawberry to a popsicle mold, then pour the mixture into the mold.

• Attach the lid to the mold and add popsicle sticks. Transfer to the freezer until frozen.

Fresh Lemon Ice Cream

While this recipe is a bit more complicated than the others, the reward is worth it! Here are brief instructions for this rich and creamy summer treat! Please note: an ice cream maker is recommended to churn the ice cream. Yields: 1.5 quarts.

• In a medium saucepan, whisk together 6 egg yolks, 1¼ cups sugar, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons lemon zest. Add 2 cups heavy cream and one cup half and half, and stir until thick.

• Remove from heat and cover to chill overnight.

• Before churning, stir in ¾ cup lemon juice (6-8 lemons if using fresh).

• Strain the custard base into ice cream maker. Churn until the consistency is soft serve ice cream.

• Transfer to freezer.

With delicious homemade cool treats, we say bring on August’s heat!

Frosted Lemonade

If you’re a fan of the Chick-fil-A frosted lemonade, this recipe is calling your name. Ingredients needed: freshly squeezed lemon juice, granulated sugar, ice water, and vanilla ice cream.

• Chill 1/3 cup water with ice cubes for several minutes.

• Blend 1/3 cup lemon juice, 3 tablespoons sugar, and the water until sugar is dissolved.

• Add 3 cups vanilla ice cream and blend until combined.

Your Frosted Lemonade is Ready to serve!

Vitamins + Minerals

by Jerry Parsons, PA-C, Lutheran Health Physicians, Walk-in Clinic, Syracuse

Just think how wonderful a fresh spinach salad is today compared to what we were served as kids.

Every reliable source, from your healthcare provider to registered dieticians, will tell you that the best way to get our essential vitamins and minerals is by eating a wellbalanced diet. While this statement is true, it isn’t easy to accomplish daily.

Vitamins and minerals help our bodies function—and not every person needs the same amount of these two essential nutrients. It is important to discuss with your healthcare provider or registered dietician to determine what, if any, of these nutrients you need to add to your diet, especially before you begin any supplement. Simple blood testing is often the most straightforward way to determine your level of these nutrients.

It is estimated that about half of our adult population takes a nutrient supplement. And the truth is, many of us don’t need them; we unnecessarily create expensive urine.

VITAMINS

There are two types of vitamins: watersoluble and fat-soluble.

Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) are stored in the body for long periods; if we do not need them, they can be harmful if taken in excess.

Water-soluble vitamins (B1-Thiamin, B2-Riboflavin, B3-Niacin, B5-Pantothenic Acid, B6-Pyridoxine, B7-Biotin, B9-Folate, and B12-Cobalamin) are flushed out in our urine if taken in excess, but they also can be harmful if ingested at once in large quantities.

MINERALS

Minerals are elements that our bodies need for function. The major elements are calcium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, chloride, sulfur, and potassium. There are several trace elements like zinc and iron, which are also essential.

For those of us who want to boost our immune systems during a time of illness or exposure to illness such as our recent pandemic with COVID-19, taking two multivitamins daily with minerals for a short period (like one to two weeks) will give the extra ability to fight off an illness. Remember to discuss this option with your healthcare provider first, as it may not be safe to do this for some people.

But for a normal day, when not boosting the immune system? The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)—the average daily intake level of a vitamin or mineral sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of nearly all healthy individuals in a defined group has established a daily guideline to follow:

According to the Cleveland Clinic, heres your shopping list: Vitamin-A, B-Complex (contains all 8 B vitamins), C, D, E, K, Calcium, Iron, and Zinc. Taking

these 9 vitamins and minerals daily at the RDA level can help keep you healthy.

A Note About Sodium

Sodium is one of the most over-consumed minerals in our diets. As much as it adds flavor to our foods, too much of anything can be harmful, especially for those over 50 and those with known heart disease. You should limit your sodium intake to less than 1500mg daily if you have high blood pressure. For the rest of us in the second half-century, we should limit our intake to less than 2300mg daily.

Ask A Med

Do YOU have a MEDICAL QUESTION for JERRY? Great! Send inquiries to sue@lakelifemagazine.com and PA Jerry will gladly assist.

We’ve come a long way since the days of Flintstones® vitamins + Popeye’s cans of spinach.

photos: shutterstock.com

Expressed gratitude is such a thing

Wil Boren

Dr. Nathan Bosch

Pastor Phil Chandler

Larry and Edna Dietz

Dave and Judy Eckrich

Luke Knecht

Brent Hathaway

Robbi LaSalle

Brian Peterson

Real Estate Group

Christy Smith

Jennifer Wilkinson

Who do YOU want to THANK? No need to tell us why. Just a name. Easy-peasy. Send to sue@lakelifemagazine.com. And, hey, thank you.

by Courtney Hladish

Blueberry

Goodness

Blueberries are in season in Indiana from June through August and boy, oh boy, aren’t they so refreshing this time of year? While they are delicious to eat (even frozen as snacks), they’re also, of course, very healthy.

The scent of blueberries offers a calming effect—which helps reduce stress and elevate mood overall. And while the scent of this superfood provides a benefit to our well-being, consuming this powerful little berry is even more beneficial.

Blueberries have a plethora of physical health benefits such as: maintaining healthy bones, improving skin health, lowering blood pressure, reducing the risk of Type 2 diabetes, and protecting against heart disease. Too, the antioxidants in blueberries are shown to prevent cancer, improve mental health, increase energy, and promote healthy digestion and weight loss.

What’s not to love?

Whether it’s blueberry muffins for breakfast (their delicious scent fills the entire home—see recipe at right), or a new skincare product, add a hint of blueberry into your daily routine this summer.

Blueberry-Scented French Hand Soap

Pretty in your soap dish and aromatic during a hand wash, this Maison du Savon French soap has a fresh and fruity scent and is enriched with organic shea butter. It hydrates, softens, and protects the skin. Available in a set of three.

amazon.com, $14.95

Blueberry Cheesecake Candle

Not much says ‘you’re home’ better than the scent of wild blueberries wafting about the house. And this Goose Creek 3-wick soy wax candle is designed to quickly scent large spaces with its fragrance. Think homemade blueberry cheesecake, without the extra calories.

amazon.com, $19.99

Blueberry Overnight Face Mask

Made with upcycled blueberry seed oil to restore + revive dull skin, can’t we all use a little blueberry on the face? This FARMACY 10% Niacinamide

Night Mask smooths and refines pores and adds a big dose of Vitamin-B to help hydrate, and improve radiance + skin tone clarity.

amazon.com, $44, 1.7 ounces

Vanilla Blueberry Crunch Muffins

Yield: 18 muffins | *halfbakedharvest.com

These blueberry muffins are out of this world—my mom and I both LOVE this recipe. They take a little extra time + care, but I bet you’ll agree they’re the most delicious you’ve ever devoured. Enjoy, LAKElife friends! (Tip: if you’re looking to ‘up’ your culinary game, check out halfbakedharvest.com.)

Ingredients

• 2 eggs

• 1 stick (8 tablespoons), plus 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted

• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil

• 1/2 cup honey

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 3/4 cup milk

Whipped Salted Butter

• 1 stick salted butter, at room temperature

• 2 teaspoons honey

Instructions

• 3 cups, plus 2 teaspoons whole wheat pastry flour

• 3 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1 1/3 cups fresh or frozen blueberries

• 2 tablespoons blueberry jam

• 1/3 cup dark brown sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean powder

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line 18 muffin tins with paper liners.

2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, 1 stick melted butter, coconut oil, honey, yogurt, vanilla, and milk until combined. Add 3 cups flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, mix until just combined. At the same time, gently fold in the blueberries and jam, being careful not to overmix.

3. Divide the batter among the prepared pan.

4. To make the brown sugar crunch: Combine the brown sugar, 2 tablespoons melted butter, 2 teaspoons flour, and vanilla beans in a bowl. Spoon/sprinkle the mix evenly over each muffin. Bake for 5 minutes, then reduce the oven to 350° and bake another 8-12 mins, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

5. To make the butter, whip together the butter and honey until light and whipped, 3-5 minutes.

6. Serve warm with a good smear of that butter.

HomemadeSuds Are Not Duds

by Mike Petrucelli

cheese, and the snickerdoodles.

There’s a way you can still contribute something you made, and be the hero of the gathering: Show up with an ice-cold keg (or case) of beer that you made yourself.

And while it admittedly takes some advance planning, time, and some patience, the results (not to mention the praise and acclaim from friends and family) make it all worth it.

Brewing has been around for thousands of years, but as a modern hobby it has grown a great deal in the past few decades. And the quality and variety have grown as well, so forget about the stuff that one guy in college made in his dorm room.

To get started, you just have to do some thinking.

“One of the best things I would recommend is to ask ‘What beer do you like, what would you like to make?’” said Jason Rich, president of the Kosciusko Kettleheads, a homebrewers group whose members have been getting together monthly since 2010.

The brewing journey for Rich started with a coupon for a homebrew supply store. When he arrived there, he was asked if he’d read any books about brewing. After some studying, he determined the equipment he needed and was ready to get started with a simple kit.

It’s late summer and the heat is heavy. There’s food you need to wash down with a cold beverage, and everybody else already has dibs on bringing potato salad, macaroni and

Tip: two of the most popular and easily accessible books on homebrewing: “The Complete Joy of Homebrewing” by Charlie Papazian, now in its fourth edition, and “How to Brew” by John J. Palmer.

“A lot of times people come in and have no idea of what they want to do,” said David Knutson, owner of 3rd Horse Craft Beverage Supply, 27751 County Road 26, Elkhart, which sells everything anyone would need for making beer, as well as wine, cider, mead, soda, and even kombucha and cheese. “That’s the best way to get started; a kit.”

A basic kit that includes equipment— such as a fermenting bucket, a bottling bucket, an airlock, equipment sanitizer, a bottle capper, and even a spoon—and ingredients for that first batch can be purchased for around $100.

“You can make those right on the stovetop,” Knutson said. The recipe kits usually include liquid and/or dried malt extract, some grain for steeping, hops, yeast, and even bottling sugar, among other things.

“The first batch is all about procedure,” Rich said. “If you’re a rookie, the important thing is getting down your procedure.”

Brewing is pretty much the same as cooking, and while the hobby allows for experimentation with ingredients, getting the fairly straightforward process down is key, especially one crucial step: “Sanitation is very important,” Knutson said.

Why so important? That’s because if a wild yeast or some other bacteria gets into the batch, it can make what would have been a delicious batch of beer taste like, well, what that guy in college made.

Rich recommends beginners try a batch made with malt extract as opposed to actual malted grain. The extracts make a batch as simple as pouring a couple cans of liquid extract or a bag of dried extract into a pot and boiling them with hops.

“An extract batch is simple to use,” Rich said. “You can learn how to use a fermenter, and a hydrometer (which measures the specific gravity of beer, telling you how much sugar has been consumed by the yeast and allowing you to figure out the alcohol content).”

“The results are still going to be tasty. Then as you progress, you can make it as complicated as you want.”

And when you’re ready to move forward, again, books and the internet come in handy, as well as resources like the American Homebrewers Association (homebrewersassociation.org). But to really experience the full effect of the hobby, get hooked up with a homebrew club in your area. It’s an easy way to learn and share ideas with other brewers who make a wide variety of styles, and, just as important, have made many of the mistakes already.

“There's nothing like getting tips and advice from people who were in your shoes,” Rich said.

So brew your own, and be the coolest hit at your next hot August lakeside gathering. Cheers.

Brewer’s Best® 1002BB Deluxe Beer Equipment Kit 5 Gal PET www.3rdhorsehomebrew.com

Doggone Fun Finds

Hello, hot ‘n’ happy dog days of summer!

To celebrate high temps and pawfectly great Fido fun, check out a few finds, catered to canines of LAKElife—and their humans, too.

Absolutely Apparel & Gifts

509 S. Huntington St. Syracuse 574.457.8887

absolutelyapparel.com

Pup Paintings only help make a lake home more, well, homey.

The Mucky Duck

901 E. Canal St., Winona Lake 574.306.2906

Facebook: @themuckyduckinthevillage

Paws To Enjoy life with fun, colorful pinwheels. Great for the kiddos, colorful as décor, and they fit with summertime like a doggie and his milk bone.

Pick A Puppy Pocket

…and it’s not only legal, it makes life easier. These portable pockets attach with magnets— perfect to flap over waistbands, bike handlebars + more. Carry your cell, must-have gadgets, Fido’s treats, and any fresh doo-doo baggies so you’re ready if Bruiser leaves a stinky.

Belove

801 E. Canal St. Winona Lake 574.376.4183

belovegiftshop.com

Sweet Summertime snacks and more are available at Belove. Check out this healthy truffle bar… good for you, ideal for gluten-free diets, with no dairy, soy, or refined sugar. Too good to be true? Give it a try + see for yourself!

Paws and Claws

1801 E. Market St. Warsaw 574.267.2338

pawsandclawsandcompany.net

Dog Paddle

with extra safety. See an assortment of doggie life vests—in various sizes and colors.

The Gift Shop At Wawasee

507 S. Huntington St., Syracuse 574.457.8524

thegiftshopatwawasee.com

Home Décor Maker we agree once again. Yes, life is better with a dog. See this and more fun pet décor at The Gift Shop At Wawasee.

Coffee Depot

400 S. Huntington St. Syracuse 574.457.2155

Facebook: latteloverstogether/

It’s Peachy

and so delish. During August’s season of sweet, ripened peaches, give this (and other flavors) of jam a try. And grab a latte to go while you’re at it.

Sock It

Because Dog Moms are moms, too. Ideal for her desktop, kitchen counter, or anywhere to proudly present her puppy parenthood.

to your feet with post-lake-day warmth, and support for your favorite breed. Just keep ‘em out of Sparky’s mouth.

GoodwayPuzzles.com

Doggy Doodles Puzzle

Spread out this puzzling bit of Doggy Doodles jigsaw fun across your lake home dining table. Fun, humorous, and wholesome family time. Created by acclaimed cartoonist Jonny Hawkins, and printed by Goodway Puzzles, an imprint of St. Louis Puzzle Warehouse.

Cartoon A Day

…and a guaranteed smile a day, too. This 2024 Dog Cartoon a Day box desktop calendar will soon be available. Keep an eye out on amazon.com!

CreatingNatural, HealthyBoundaries

by Mary Jane Bogle photos by Sue Pais, featuring work by Beyond Landscaping

They say that good fences make good neighbors, but that’s not always true— especially at the lakes. After all, no one wants a neighbor planting a towering Arborvitae hedge or installing a massive privacy fence, which can obscure your view of those gorgeous lake sunrises and sunsets, and can keep you from watching your children and grandchildren wakeboarding on the water.

Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t mark your boundary lines at your lake cottage. With a little neighborly consideration and a bit of landscape creativity, you can secure your property, keep furry trespassers at bay, and maybe even create some stunning views of your own.

Before You Begin

As with any home exterior project, you should always understand the location of any possible easements that could restrict plants or fences. It’s also a good idea to know your exact property lines—and to keep your project well on your side of that border. Finally, be sure to call 811 to mark underground utility lines before you break ground.

Plants

Plants are always a great option to mark property lines and can create a natural, attractive border between houses. When choosing your plants, it’s a good idea to consult with a landscape architect for major projects, and your local nursery or garden center is bound to have good ideas as well.

Here are a few general tips to keep in mind. If planting shrubs, make sure to choose a dwarf variety that won’t block your neighbor’s view or require constant pruning. Dense plantings of holly, barberry, or hawthorn can deter trespassers and provide a living screen.

A mixture of colors and textures is always a good idea, so consider adding some flowering perennials for a mix of color. And don’t forget about ornamental grasses, which create a wispy, flowing effect that can give you a sense of privacy without completely blocking your view. When planting, opt for a zig-zag approach instead of a straight line, which creates a fuller effect and allows each plant to gain more access to sun and rain.

Hardscapes

A rustic stacked wall can be just as effective as a cedar fence in marking the boundary line—and often much more visually appealing. If you choose to add large boulders to your hardscape, just be sure to bury them deep enough to make them look more natural and less like a dinosaur egg dropped on your lawn.

With any hardscape, consider adding curves to lead the eye down to the focal point of every lake cottage: the water! Framing the hardscape with flowering plants and colorful grasses will soften the rough edges and add color and texture to your landscape. When purchasing materials, consider buying a little extra to use later in a flower bed or water feature, keeping the materials consistent throughout the space.

A final tip for any hardscape installation is to prepare the space appropriately, taking into consideration the frost line and any base material necessary to keep your hardscape from settling or cracking.

Traditional Fencing

If traditional fencing is a must, you still have many options. Steel fences paired with spreading vines can give plenty of privacy, along with a pop of color. If you prefer the warm look of cedar, consider a horizontal rather than a vertical installation. For those hoping for less maintenance, vinyl or composite material might be the best choice. As with hardscapes, the key in any fencing installation is proper preparation, something a professional installer will provide. And remember to pair your fencing with plants for even more visual appeal.

Whatever materials you choose, consider talking with your neighbors in advance so no one is surprised on installation day. Then get ready to enjoy your private space, complete with texture and color, all year long.

Some Dreams Do Come True

FOUR GENERATIONS STRONG

photos + story by Sue Pais

Many believe dreams do come true, in time.

And Judy Pursley is proof—even though full fruition was achieved after more than 50 loving years in the making.

That is, 50+ wonderful years of building a life + family with her late husband, Alex—together loving lake life and living on Lake Wawasee.

The lake house photographed here— Judy’s dream home, indeed—is located on a property rich with history.

“The property was first purchased and developed by the Crimmins family from Anderson, Indiana, long, long ago, and it stayed with their growing family throughout the years,” Judy said.

In fact, Judy and Alex (married 52 years ago) knew their desire was to live on this very property some day. “My young family began boating on Wawasee nearly a half-century ago,” Judy said, “and we would longingly point to this very piece of property as our dream place; so, dreams do sometimes come true.”

And when the property went up for sale? “I made the purchase,” she smiled.

The decorator, Laura Cessanesse, worked her magic inside to create an inviting family-friendly atmosphere.

After Judy’s purchase of the property, its old structure was demolished, and her new home was built during 2021-2022.

And the new home’s location? It’s quite literally next door to Judy’s former lake home.

For a gal whose heart swells for her family, what did she do with her former next-door

property? “I moved into the new home and my daughter’s family moved into mine.”

Perfection. And dream attained—it’s everything she and Alex had dreamt it to be.

“The property is a delight with a wonderful view of the lake and lake activities, as well as the trains which lull us to sleep in the nights,” she said. “And living so close to my

lake-loving family provides an appreciation for four generations of lake beauty and activity.”

With six grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren, the path between the homes will be well-worn for years and years to come. “It is with a deep appreciation that I enjoy sharing this dream with my family and friends,” she said.

The many beautiful windows + doors as well as siding + roof material were provided by Morsche's Builders Mart.

Bruce Ewing surrounded the home with stunning landscape.

The building process, too, was a beautiful experience, where her dream wishes were attained. “The plans for the new house were only ideas in my head when I met with Frank Souder, and, it was with his gifted talent that he put the ideas on paper,” Judy said.

Once drawings were complete, the next phase was to share them with a builder of Judy’s choice. “The drawings were passed on to Rodney Robrock (Robrock Design Build), an equally talented builder to bring the dream to life,” she said. “Working with Rod was one of the best decisions I have ever made as his skill is matched by his delightfully congenial personality. Rod is an ‘on-the-site’ builder whenever he’s needed.”

“With so many tempting rooms to enjoy, I’m still trying to determine my favorite—most likely, it will be the room where my family is gathered,” she said.

What a dream come true, don’t you think?

“The beauty of the lake is—no matter where we are located or which lawn chair or boat we’re in—we’re so blessed,” she said.

“To watch a Sunset is to connect with the Divine.”

– Gina de Gorna, artist

reader sunset photo of Beaver Dam Lake

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