The Lakes Magazine April 2020

APRIL 2020

MAGAZINE

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TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. THE LAKES MAGAZINE

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THE LAKES MAGAZINE PUBLISHERS John & Mandi Lewandowski

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TOWNE POST CEO Tom Britt

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RIDE ON: KERSTING’S CYCLE CENTER & MUSEUM STILL A DESTINATION SPOT NEARLY 60 YEARS LATER

A quality motorcycle is a delicate piece of machinery and requires much time and patience to be constructed in the proper manner. The same could be said of Kersting’s Cycle Center & Museum in Winamac, which is the result of decades of hard work on the part of Jim and Nella Kersting and their children Sandy, Randy and Jason.

7 Business Spotlight: Edward Jones 44 Baked to Perfection: Theresa’s Delectables Has Built a Reputation 11 Turn the Page:: Author for Excellence

Collaborators Find Success With Book Series

18 Ride On: Kersting’s Cycle Center & Museum Still a Destination Spot Nearly 60 Years Later

26 Classic Woods: Longtime

Woodworking Business Blends Quality Craftsmanship With Customer Care

32 Crossword Puzzle 33 Northern Indiana Axle: Owner

Reflects on More Than 30 Years of Service

38 10 Way to Go Green This Year 43 Creative Corner

49 Get Comfortable: Towne Home

Furnishings Offers a Wide Variety and a Locally Owned Flair

53 Relay for Life: Uniting Culver to Benefit Cancer Research

56 Marshall County Home and

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APRIL WRITERS

Angela Cornell / Jon Shoulders Mary Lowry / Matt Keating Christy Heitger-Ewing / Samantha Kupiainen

APRIL PHOTOGRAPHERS

Elizabeth Hubbard / Jubilee Edgell

SHOP LOCAL! Help our local economy by shopping local.

Advertising supporters of the The Lakes Magazine offset the costs of publication and mailing, keeping this publication FREE. Show your appreciation by thanking them with your business.

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS ARE SPONSORED CONTENT

The The Lakes Magazine is published by the Towne Post Network and is written for and by local area residents. Over 13,000 copies are distributed each month in The Lakes area.

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69 What’s Happening in April at The Lakes

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At first glance, Edward Jones may seem like just another financial investment company.

However, once a potential client walks through the front door, they find a staff that is eager to collaborate with the community to improve the world around them.

“If, at the end of the day, we leave every

person we touch in a better place than where we found them, then we’ve done our job,” Financial Advisor Craig Wilson says.

investors to tailor their investments to their personal goals,” Advisor Mark Bishopp says.

Ever since its first Plymouth-based office opened in 1977, Edward Jones has been helping people achieve their monetary ambitions.

The company has flourished over the years, and has expanded to better serve local and out-of-state clients. Today there are five branch offices in Plymouth serving 2,400 households nationwide.

“We work one-on-one with individual

“The goal is to sit down face-to-face with our clients,” Advisor Todd Clady says. “That’s why there are five of us in Plymouth - to be able to serve the number of clients we have on a more personalized basis.”

These advisors agree that they see themselves as financial mentors who create unique plans for each of their clients in order to reach goals - whether that’s buying a boat without incurring debt, traveling abroad, saving for a college fund or retiring early.

“It does come back to a number, but it isn’t why they’re doing anything,” Advisor Russ Kietzman says. “It’s understanding the bigger purpose about what is important to them.”

Developing personal friendships with clients is one of the best parts of the job

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for Kietzman and his associates. Those friendships begin the first time an advisor sits down with a new client. At that meeting the conversation doesn’t center around money, but rather around the investor and his or her dreams and desires.

“At that point, it is about finding out what is important to that client - that’s the first thing,” Financial Advisor Cristy Keller says. “Before we can advise you about anything, we have to know what is important to you. And we just work forward from there.”

The Edward Jones staff throughout Plymouth is also focused on giving back to the community around them. Staff members volunteer with various civic organizations like Rotary and Optimist clubs, the chamber of commerce, local government committees, churches and schools, and other organizations that reach out to people in need.

Ultimately, the financial advisors at the Edward Jones Plymouth branches are focused on building up the local community - however possible.

To learn more about Edward Jones, visit edwardjones.com or contact an advisor in Plymouth to schedule an appointment. Call Craig Wilson at 574-935-4108; Mark Bishopp at 574-935-0030; Todd Clady at 574-935-4183; Russ Kietzman at 574-935-5647; and Cristy Keller at 574-935-3909.

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Authors, Charles R. Ratliff & Leslie J. May

Author Collaborators Find Success With Book Series Writer / Angela Cornell Photographer / Jubilee Edgell

thelakesmagazine.com / APRIL 2020 / THE LAKES MAGAZINE / 11

ne challenge that elementary school teachers face is finding inspirational and clean reading material for their students. This is a difficulty that Leslie J. May and Charles R. Ratliff faced so regularly in the classroom that they became part of the solution.

“We decided that we could write a wholesome book that would have quality stories for kids,” May says.

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The two worked together at a school in Mohave County, Arizona, and had a shared desire to write fiction. Ratliff ’s wife, Elizabeth, and May are sisters who have always spent their summers on Bass Lake with their families, and eventually moved there themselves. It’s hardly a surprise, then, that the writers decided to base their stories on the lake.

“We try to stay true to what lake life is like,” May says.

The first book in May and Ratliff ’s Bass Lake Bunch book series, “The Hideout at the Abandoned Fish Hatchery”, was released in 2008. In this modern-day story, two orphans, Brianne and Kevin, run away from their social worker to find their aunt who lives near Bass Lake. While searching, they meet three friends who help them hide in a fish hatchery until their relative is found.

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“It’s a realistic fiction book,” May says.

“We tried to keep the setting very close to what is here, so kids could look up Bass Lake on the map.”

The characters are also unique to the writers’ experiences.

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“Each of the kids in the Bass Lake Bunch really represents large groups of kids that we’ve worked with,” May says. “We made them so all the kids that we’ve experienced would have someone in our story that they could relate to.”

These students even helped with the writing process. While writing, May and Ratliff took snippets of their work into the

12 / THE LAKES MAGAZINE / APRIL 2020 / thelakesmagazine.com

classroom and asked their students to give feedback.

“You’d be surprised what kind of ideas kids come up with,” Ratliff says.

The children’s enthusiasm and willingness to edit became invaluable to the writing process, fueling the writers’ passion and helping them write for third through eighth graders.

It hasn’t always been smooth sailing for the series, however. When the duo’s publisher closed in 2015 and sold all rights and artwork back to May and Ratliff, they became concerned that the series was at its end.

“When I got (the rights to the book series) back, I’m like, ‘Okay, so now I have to start shopping for another publisher,’” Ratliff says. “My wife tells me, ‘You’re just as skilled as any other place. Why don’t you just do it yourself?’”

Ratliff, who was an award-winning journalist and editor before turning to teaching, took the advice to heart and opened Lost Lake Cottage Publishing.

“Being my own publisher, I just really love doing that part of the work,” Ratliff says.

The first thing that rolled off the press from Lost Lake Cottage Publishing was the second book in the Bass Lake Bunch series.

“When you hold that book in your hands and it’s complete, there’s something incredibly fulfilling about seeing that process come to fruition,” May says.

Since then, Ratliff has published other works as well.

The second installment in the series, “The Secret of the Lost Lake Cottage”, takes place during the same summer as in book one. In it, the Bass Lake Bunch help an old

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man find a valuable keepsake that has been missing for 35 years. The third book in the series is set to come out in 2021.

the lake,” Ratliff says. “They say that they love it and they read it, too. So it’s really a book for all ages.”

Over the years, the series has won nationallevel awards. Both books won the 2018 Moonbeam Children’s Book Award silver medal for Best Children’s Chapter Books Series, and the second book won the Pinnacle Book Achievement Award in 2019.

Visit lostlakecottagepublishing.com for more info on the Bass Lake Bunch book series and to purchase the books.

To schedule authors Leslie J. May and Charles R. Ratliff for a speaking engagement or school promotion, email lostlakecottagepublishing@gmail.com.

The writers have been pleasantly surprised by readers’ reactions.

“The student response that we get in letters, and the response from teachers wanting to use it in their classroom - that has been the most fulfilling thing to me,” May says.

Around Bass Lake, the response has been enthusiastic.

“We also have a fan base of adults around

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Ride On

Mechanics’ ad for selling Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and one day a gentleman from Harley showed up at his shop. Ever since then we’ve been a Harley dealer and servicer.”

The Kersting family lived onsite at the shop when the business first opened, and in the early days Jim and Nella would occasionally accept payment from customers in the form of pigs and horses.

Kersting’s Cycle Center & Museum Still a Destination Spot Nearly 60 Years Later Writer / Jon Shoulders Photographer / Jubilee Edgell

A quality motorcycle is a delicate piece of machinery and requires much time and patience to be constructed in the proper manner. The same could be said of Kersting’s Cycle Center & Museum in Winamac, which is the result of decades of hard work on the part of Jim and Nella Kersting and their children Sandy, Randy and Jason.

Back in 1962 Jim and Nella opened a modest motorcycle and auto repair shop between Winamac and North Judson, and slowly began growing a reputation as a reliable parts and service center.

“We ate a lot of pork steak,” Sandy says with a laugh. “We lived at the building until I was about five and then we moved into town. Randy is the head mechanic and he was at the shop more than I was back then, since he was five years old hanging around and learning.”

“Dad was always interested in motorcycles for as long as I can remember and wanted to have a small engine repair shop,” Sandy says. “At some point he filled out a ‘Popular

Sandy, who currently co-owns the business along with Randy and Jason, joined the shop in 1989 when Nella, who handled the accounting and office administration side of

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the business, was preparing to retire.

The Kersting’s facility now spans 27,000 square feet on a total of approximately 40 acres and carries a range of Harley-Davidson bikes as well as Yamaha products. The staff of 15 to 18 people (depending on the season) includes a service department that specializes in both new and used motorcycles.

“We also carry all the accessories you’d want, like motor clothes and other gear,” Sandy adds.

Over the years, Kersting’s has become a destination spot in addition to a bike retail shop, thanks in large part to The World of Motorcycles Museum. In the 1960s, Jim began collecting vintage motorcycles and hardware spanning many decades, and over the years he began showcasing his collection at the shop, realizing that customers and visitors would appreciate the chance to view his bikes and hardware up close. The

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Kerstings eventually secured 501(c)(3) nonprofit status for the museum, and anyone can view the collection in exchange for a $5 donation.

Sandy says the museum now includes about 160 bikes and cars from Jim’s collection and features models made in the U.S. as well as France, Italy and Germany.

“Dad started out with a small place at the shop upstairs with just a few bikes, and it really grew like crazy with time,” Sandy says. “We’ve built onto the museum once as he found more and more stuff. Dad’s 84 now and he’s slowed down with it, but he was able to get a great collection together over the years.”

The collection includes a 1910 HarleyDavidson motorcycle that Jim acquired after hearing about an individual who had the bike stashed in an attic in several pieces and was about to throw it in the garbage.

“One of this person’s neighbors got a hold of dad, and he came and rescued it,” Sandy says. “He totally redid it and put it back together. He never did a repaint restoration - he always liked to keep bikes looking how they always looked. There’s a great picture of him and my mom dressed in clothing from that 1910 era, riding that motorcycle.”

Jim prides himself on the fact that every single one of the museum motorcycles is either currently functional or was at some point during his ownership. Sandy says it was not uncommon through the years to see Jim pull an old bike out of the museum and take it for a spin through town on Saturdays.

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Sandy says keeping the family business in thelakesmagazine.com / APRIL 2020 / THE LAKES MAGAZINE / 21

operation for multiple decades has presented plenty of challenges, but along with her parents and siblings, she’s been able to keep Kersting’s successful through a high level of customer service and word of mouth.

“Everybody is always going to have different ideas and different ways of doing things when you have a family working together,” she says.

“It’s also hard to find good, qualified people to work here, and we’ve been very lucky since most of our people have been with us over 10 years. People don’t stay at jobs as long as they used to a long time ago, so we’ve been fortunate.”

The increase in online shopping worldwide has also presented a challenge for Kersting’s as a brick-and-mortar store, and Sandy says the staff constantly strives to remain competitive through advertising on social media and marketing the shop as a destination spot.

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“Harley has turned a lot of their products over onto Amazon, and you can buy them right there,” she says. “People even just three miles away from us will pay for shipping and order online, and that’s been kind of frustrating.”

Having worked at the shop for more than 30 years, Sandy says family is what keeps her motivated to make Kersting’s the best it can be.

“Seeing my family every day and talking to them is nice - not a lot of people can say that,” she says. “Another thing that’s been great is that I’ve been able to see so many different places, since Harley-Davidson has conventions every year in a different location like San Diego, Seattle, San Antonio, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. That’s been a wonderful benefit every year for me.”

Kersting’s Cycle Center & Museum is located at 8774 West 700 North in Winamac. For more info, call 574-8962974 and visit kerstingscycle.com.

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CLASSIC WOODS Longtime Woodworking Business Blends Quality Craftsmanship With Customer Care Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided

For years, Orla Yoder worked full time at an RV factory while tinkering with his Millersburg-based woodworking business, Classic Woods, on the side. During the economic downturn of 2008, he found a silver lining in getting laid off from his full-time gig - it was a chance to grow his part-time endeavor into something bigger.

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“It was kind of scary to get laid off, but ultimately it came with a lot of blessings,” Yoder says.

One of those blessings was having the opportunity to work with some of his children on a daily basis. A father of 11, Yoder makes custom furniture such as kitchen cabinets, bath cabinets, bedroom suites, rolltop desks and sewing cabinets. Yoder and his crew can usually make a kitchen cabinet order for an average-sized kitchen in just two weeks.

Though it’s his livelihood now, woodworking was something Yoder learned later in life.

“One thing evolved to another,” Yoder says. “It’s a good feeling when you draw something up that might look complicated, but as you keep thinking it out and complete the piece, it’s very satisfying.”

Yoder has grown to love running his woodworking business. To him, the best part is helping to guide customers to the furniture of their dreams.

“It’s always rewarding when a customer walks in the door and is unsure of what his best option is, because then we can sit down, discuss their needs, and meet those needs in a reasonable fashion,” Yoder says. “Some people just feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to start, so we can help them in that journey.”

Classic Woods uses several wood types including maple, oak, white oak, cherry, elm, hickory and walnut. The

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project type determines the best wood choice. For instance, if a customer wants to paint their kitchen cabinets, Yoder typically uses maple and covers it with a slick finish. Other clients have their hearts set on wood that shows more grain. In that case, Yoder leans toward cornerstone white oak or elm.

Yoder builds both mission-style furniture as well as traditional pieces.

“Traditional furniture has raised panels, whereas the mission is just the reverse panels where the inside is flat,” says Yoder, who often studies a house’s blueprints so that he can offer suggestions on how best to design a kitchen according to the layout and window placement.

Yoder stays extra busy in the fall as Christmas orders roll in.

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“A lot of times people buy a piece of furniture for their significant other,” he says.

For instance, in the Amish community, many boys purchase sewing cabinets for their girlfriends, and girls will often order rolltop desks for their boyfriends. Last year alone, Classic Woods made 70 sewing cabinets and 35 rolltops. The company also received a large number of kitchen orders.

Classic Woods receives many referrals and return customers, due to the fine craftsmanship of the company’s work.

“People tell their brothers, sisters and neighbors,” Yoder says. “A lot of our business is word of mouth.”

There are walk-ins too, however. Such was the case for Norm Putt, who stumbled across Yoder’s work after he and his wife Mary had been shopping for Amish furniture in Shipshewana and came up empty-handed. On their way home, they drove through Millersburg and caught a glimpse of a small sign that said Classic Woods.

Their interest was piqued, and they turned around to check it out.

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“I drew out what I wanted and Orla built exactly what I had drawn,” Putt says. “He’s fantastic, and the workmanship is amazing. He even has these spotlights he shines on his wood to look for impurities. He won’t turn over a project until it’s done to his satisfaction.”

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The Putts were the first customers to request cabinets from Classic Woods, for their daughter’s home. That was in 2009, and the endeavor ultimately started Yoder down a successful path that has served him well.

right, he finishes his projects on time, and it’s a family affair. What’s not to like?”

“His business has skyrocketed because anyone who sees what he can do wants to hire him,” Putt says. “The price is

“It’s always interesting to me to meet new people, build a product for them, and end up having a friendship that

Yoder is happy to personally connect with his customers.

CUSTOM HOME AND OFFICE BARNWOOD FURNITURE

forms beyond the business,” Yoder says.

Yoder regularly travels to the west side of Indianapolis for custom orders, and even transported a bedroom suite to Naples, Florida, for the Putts.

Putt jokes that he hates to let everyone know just how great Classic Woods is, because he considers it a hidden gem.

“But seriously, you won’t find a customer who gives Classic Woods anything less than a 10,” Putt says. “They are amazing.”

CONTACT US! (574)933-3805

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Classic Woods is located at 65438 State Road 13 in Millersburg. Call 574-6429940 for more info.

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APRIL CROSSWORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1. To the point 5. Expired 7. Large tooth 8. Questioner 9. Ogled, ... at 12. Referee’s device 15. Line of hereditary rulers 19. Burglaries 21. Financial 22. Stupor 23. Decoy 24. Makes stable DOWN 1. Sweepstake 2. Enthusiastic 3. In front 4. Roofing grass 5. Floats on current 6. Ridicule 10. Uniform 11. Grain tips 12. Route 13. Skin irritation 14. Slight quarrel 15. Gloomy 16. For each one 17. Sums 18. Evaluate 19. Cooking herb 20. Terminated

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Northern Indiana Axle Owner Reflects on More Than 30 Years of Service

Writer / Mary Lowry Photography Provided

learning, innovating and giving back to the community.

Since first opening in 1989, Ken Mullet and the team at Northern Indiana Axle in Nappanee have always looked for ways to improve. Three decades later, the family-centered business is constantly

Mullet bought the business in 1989 after working for a number of years in the fencing industry. Since fencing is a seasonal business, Mullet began looking for yearround work and eventually purchased his

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current company.

According to Mullet, Northern Indiana Axle is a slightly misleading name. The company makes a lot more than axles customers can find buggy axles, cable and hitch products, and even gun components.

The staff also offers consultation on how

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to engineer better parts for all of these products.

Business has boomed as the company has added machines to their shop and expanded throughout the years. Northern Indiana Axle been growing consistently since Mullet attended his first International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) in 1994.

“I had all manual equipment and I knew nothing else, but when you walk in, it was like a little boy in a candy store,” Mullet says of the IMTS. 1996 was a big year for the company.

Mullet invested in his first Okuma machine after seeing one at the IMTS two years earlier.

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While programming the machine initially seemed to be a challenge, Mullet learned both on his own and through classes in Indianapolis. The machine affected production immediately. Mullet went from making 20 axles per day manually to making 80 axles per day on the Okuma machine.

Mullet’s business has grown in plenty of other ways. In April of 2014, the company expanded to its current location, a 60,000-square-foot facility in Nappanee.

The shop was originally housed in a facility spanning 7,500 square feet. The current facility operates on a natural gas generator, which allows Mullet to regulate operation costs. The expansion to a larger space also allowed for an increased number of machines - the company has grown from having one automatic machine in 1996 to 21 automatic machines today.

Four of Mullet’s 16 employees are his

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children - three of his four sons and his only daughter - and he looks forward to handing the business on to them someday.

The workplace environment at Northern Indiana Axle is one of mutual appreciation and respect.

“We walk through the shop and everybody says good morning to each other,” Mullet says. “We’re glad to see them. They don’t dread coming to work because they know they’re part of a team.”

Mullet and his team also enjoy giving back to the community. The staff offers support to the local Special Olympics, and also sponsors local events. Additionally, Mullet has served on the local chamber of commerce for the last six years.

Northern Indiana Axle is located at 1780 West Market Street in Nappanee. You can reach them at 574-773-3039.

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At first reference, some might cringe when they hear the phrase “going green.” It can carry the stigma of being not only expensive but time-consuming as well. However, being environmentally friendly doesn’t have to break the bank and it won’t take you forever and a day to make a few lifestyle changes.

Here are 10 simple ways to “go green” and live more environmentally friendly.

1. Take notes electronically For students, many teachers and professors now provide their students with lecture notes prior to class. Instead of printing the notes or copying them by hand, an ecofriendly and quicker option is to take notes electronically, such as on a computer or tablet. By taking notes electronically, it saves countless sheets of paper and pens. Plus, you don’t have to worry about your dog eating your homework and the notes last forever.

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2. Bring reusable bags to the grocery store Although it might take more planning on your part, bringing reusable bags to the grocery store is tremendously great for the environment. Plastic bags take 500-plus years to break down in a landfill, according to the Center for Biological Diversity. Additionally, it costs more to recycle bags than they’re actually worth, so most recycling facilities won’t take them.

Investing in reusable bags saves energy and money in the long run.

3. Ride your bike or walk when you can Most communities have farmer’s markets or fairs that are relatively within walking distance from local neighborhoods. Walking or riding your bike is not only good for your health and saves gas money, but it reduces carbon emissions from your car.

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4. Read your magazines or newspapers on your computer or tablet People want their news, and they want it fast. Getting your news online ensures that you have the most up-to-date information and it’s easier to access — not to mention all the paper and ink you’re saving by being digital-first.

5. Use rainwater to water your plants For those avid planters out there, using rainwater can be an eco-friendly way to water your plants and save money on your water bill. Additionally, rainwater has a neutral pH and is relatively purer than tap water or city water — meaning it doesn’t contain chlorine or other substances that can reduce plant growth and health.

6. Use a reusable water bottle The human body requires about eight glasses of water a day, fluctuating according

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to each individual’s height and weight. By using a reusable water bottle, you can save yourself nearly $20,000 a lifetime, according to Earth Day. Plus, most disposable water bottles contain BPA, which can damage your immune system, digestive system, and brain.

7. Pay your bills online If you’re not paying your bills online, you’re missing out! Not only are you saving paper, but you can save yourself time and money by paying your bills online. It also reduces the chance of your check being lost in the mail, both receiving and sending it out.

8. Wash laundry in cold water instead of hot water By not using hot water to wash your clothes, you can save yourself money on your gas or electric bill, according to GE Appliances.

Plus, using cold water reduces the chances of shrinking or fading your clothes —

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reducing the need to buy more clothes!

9. Opt-out of junk mail According to the University of Southern Indiana, the average household throws away 13,000 separate pieces of paper each year — most of which is junk mail. Save yourself time and paper and unsubscribe by contacting USPS. 10. Line dry your laundry When the weather is nice or if you have a basement, line drying your laundry can be an eco-friendly way to dry your clothes.

It reduces the energy used to power your dryer, which in return saves you money on your electric bill.

Making a few ‘green’ lifestyle changes doesn’t have to happen overnight, and it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg.

Consider making these lifestyle changes to save yourself some money, help the planet and do justice for your own health.

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Creative Corner

Whipped Lemon Dip

Delicious whipped lemon fruit dip recipe for Easter, a fun party dip or tasty snack. Bunny and baby chick fruit skewers to create an adorable Easter look.

INGREDIENTS

1 (5.3 oz.) Container Non-Fat Greek Yogurt 1 (3.4 oz.) Box Instant Lemon Pudding Mix 1 (8 oz.) Container Cool Whip Candy Sprinkles (Optional) Fruit for Dipping (strawberries, watermelon, grapes, cantaloupe, apples, ect)

STEP 1

In a large bowl, mix yogurt, Cool Whip and pudding mix until completely combined.

STEP 2

Spoon into a serving bowl and top with colorful candy sprinkles.

STEP 3

Cover and chill until ready to serve with fruit.

Egg Mosaic Craft

Cut out the shape of your egg (or whatever shape you are making)

Supplies

Use sticky tape or blue tack to attach your sun catchers to the window.

• Clear Contact Paper • Multi Colored Tissue paper cut into square tiles (or whatever shape you would like) • Scissors Optional • Confetti • Iridescent Easter Grass cut into small pieces

Instructions Decide what shape you want your final suncatcher mosaic to be.

We’ve made egg suncatchers about 4 inches high but you could do any shape or size you like.

Once you’ve decided on the final shape and size you want your suncatcher mosaic to be, you need to cut out two pieces of contact paper big enough to fit your design on with some overlap.

Leave the contact paper in a square or rectangle shape for now, DON’T CUT OUT YOUR FINAL SHAPE YET! Peel the backing off one piece of contact paper and fix your paper mosaic tiles and confetti onto the sticky surface.

Peel off the second piece of contact paper and lay it on top of your mosaic pieces and confetti.

Simple Mosaics For Young Kids: Because we were making simple suncatchers using a random design of the confetti and mosaic tiles the children just scattered it all over the contact paper. This method is great for young children.

Detailed Mosaics For Older Kids: If you are working with children who want to design a more detailed mosaic suncatcher it can be really useful to sketch the outline of the mosaic shape onto a piece of paper and place that under the contact paper as a guide to the area to work within or cut out the shape needed before they start.

We used a free bunny cut out from http:// besttemplatess.com/ rabbit-stencils-free/ to create a bunny with a suncatchers belly.

BE CREATIVE!

Submit your cre ati ve ide as to mandi@townepost.com or message us on

Baked to Perfection Theresa’s Delectables Has Built a Reputation for Excellence Writer / Matt Keating Photographer / Elizabeth Hubbard

Theresa’s Delectables Bakery & Cafe has a strong reputation for excellence that extends well outside of Indiana, enabling the business to grow steadily through recent years.

However, co-owner Randy Watts says he and his wife Theresa began the successful business on a small scale.

“We started out doing crafts shows in the Kosciusko County area in 2002,” Randy says. “The second year, we introduced our Theresa’s homemade cheeseball. That was designed to get everyone to stop at the booth. It took off from there. In the THE LAKES MAGAZINE / APRIL 2020 / thelakesmagazine.com

Christmas season of 2013, we started selling our cheeseballs at Bale’s meat market in Syracuse.”

On July 5, 2014, Theresa and Randy opened up their first brickand-mortar business on 4th Street in Milford.

“From there we grew quickly,” Randy says. “On August 8, 2017, we opened up in our new and current location here in Milford.

We now have thirty locations selling our cheeseballs throughout Indiana.”

The bakery currently offers the original cheeseballs, and a jalapeño version.

“We have a dessert cheeseball now too - s’mores,” Randy says.

“Our cheeseballs are what we are known for. We ship them all over the continental U.S. via our website. We have had our cheeseballs taken to two-thirds of the states and six countries, including as far away as Thailand.”

The cheeseballs are made with a long-held family recipe that Theresa and Randy have tweaked in order to accommodate bulk production.

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Randy says he and Theresa have succeeded in a small town because their product footprint is now in 30 stores around the state as well as numerous pop-up spots in hospitals, event centers and other businesses.

“Because of the cheeseballs we have succeeded, and not just off of the local, small-town population,” he says. “Our bakery and cafe has done well on its own also because we make 95 percent of our bakery items from scratch. All our breakfast and lunch menu items are made per order. We also make and sell kolaches, which is a bun dough we make with many different meats, fruits and cheeses.

We, and a company in the Indianapolis area, are the only places in Indiana that make them. Ours are all handmade.”

The homemade cinnamon rolls and chocolate cream cake are also popular at Theresa’s.

“Our homemade pies and decorated cakes are popular too,” Randy adds.

Nevertheless, the cheeseballs remain the biggest hit at Theresa’s.

“We tell people all the time about our cheeseballs, and ask them

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if they have tried it,” Randy says. “We give out free samples. Our cheeseballs are still our favorite even after all these years.”

Randy says the shop is truly a mom-and-pop organization.

“Theresa is the face of the company with all our distribution locations,” he says. “I take care of the back-of-the-house part of the business. Theresa handles most of the bakery duties, while I handle the cheeseball production and day-to-day operations. I no longer have time to help with the baking, although we both have bakery and restaurant backgrounds. We currently have six employees who help us keep up.”

When Theresa and Randy realized they needed more space for the business prior to relocating to their current location, they also knew they wanted to stay in Milford.

“Small businesses struggle to survive in small towns, and we could probably do quite well in much bigger towns or cities, but that is not who we are,” Randy says. “We love our small town. We are originally from Elkhart, but after 26 years, this is home.”

Theresa’s Delectables is located at 207 North Higbee Street in Milford. Call 574-361-8058 and visit theresasdelectables.com for more info.

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Jo Troyer, Owners Mary Kay Towne & Don Towne, and Christina Towne

Get Comfortable Towne Home Furnishings Offers a Wide Variety and a Locally Owned Flair Writer / Matt Keating Photographer / Elizabeth Hubbard

Rochester) before, but they are not in existence anymore.”

Don and Mary Kay Towne, owners of Towne Home Furnishings in Rochester, saw a need in their community and filled it.

The Townes’ decision to move their store to Rochester paid off in spades. Towne Home Furnishings has been popular among local residents.

“Our business was first in Winamac, Indiana,” Mary Kay says.

“We opened that business in 1997, but we moved to Rochester in 2007 because there was a real need for a furniture store here.

There were a lot of local people in Rochester that would tell Don and I that they really missed having a furniture business in town. They wanted a store that was close and easy to get to - something convenient. There were some stores here (in

“We have always thought it was a great idea to have a good family business,” Mary Kay says. “I think people have responded to that. There are so many different things that we do here as a family business, including selling and buying furniture, accounting, putting the furniture together, and delivering it to customers.”

thelakesmagazine.com / APRIL 2020 / THE LAKES MAGAZINE / 49

Mary Kay says all the Townes’ children - Kyle, Ann, Hannah, Micah and Christina - have had a hand in the business.

Before she got into the furniture business, Mary Kay worked as a registered nurse in Winamac.

“Don was a surveyor for Fulton County for 31 years,” Mary Kay says. “He just left that job last fall.”

When they are not busy at the furniture business, the Townes are also farmers.

“We have hogs on our farm, and they also keep us busy,” Mary Kay says. “We have loved being farmers.”

Mary Kay says the most popular items at the store are motion furniture pieces, which include recliners.

“We continue to add the latest features and updates in recliners that will accommodate health and wellness, including massage, heat and lumbar recliners,” she says. “With health and wellness recliners, it’s important to have your heart above your feet. We also have voice command and chargers in recliners. With voice command, you can tell your recliner what to do. We also look

Living Room • Dining Room Mattresses • Accents • Office • & More!

Open Mon- Fri 10am to 6pm Saturday 9am to 5pm 231 Apache Dr. • Rochester

(574)223-7632

www.townehomefurnishings.com 50 / THE LAKES MAGAZINE / APRIL 2020 / thelakesmagazine.com

for different and fun ways to charge your phone.

We have recliners with slots to charge your phone automatically.”

The Townes have grown to appreciate having a furniture business.

“We love to see the new and fun updates to furniture and fabrics,” Mary Kay says. “We specialize in upholstery, recliners, stationary furniture and mattresses.”

Many customers at Towne Home Furnishings have become good friends with the Townes over the years.

The Townes and their staff love talking to customers, and finding out what best suits their needs.

“They also tell us they love the fact that we are locally owned, and get the whole family involved,” Mary Kay says. “We also have a wide variety of choices.”

Towne Home Furnishings is located at 231 Apache Drive in Rochester. For more information, call 574223-7632 and visit townehomefurnishings.com.

Northern Indiana Axle LLC Very Diversified / Production Machining of most Materials

From Buggy Axles to High End Precision CNC Parts “We believe in Turning your Idea into Reality” Owned & Operated by Ken Mullet & Family (574)773-3039 Sales@niamachining.com 1780 W. Market • Nappanee thelakesmagazine.com / APRIL 2020 / THE LAKES MAGAZINE / 51

Since 1989

Local family owned and operated for 30 years

Mention this ad for No Cover Charge Friday & Saturday

Quality, Clean, Late Model & Pre-owned Vehicles

Purchase with peace of mind!

All vehicles come with a 3 month / 3000 mile warranty!

• Window Tinting • Auto detailing For inquiries contact Brad Allen at brad@fredallenauto.com (574)946-7145

www.fredallenauto.com

Owned by Lance Young since 1988

Pool Tables & Beer Pong Come out to dance, drink & have fun in a secure environment Free Bus Rides to and from the club in Rochester

Like us on!

(574) 223-9215 • 1617 Main St | Rochester

P.J. Gilsinger & Co. A Place to Visit!

P.J. Gilsinger family museum will explain the history of the oldest John Deere Dealer in the world at it’s original store location. Since 1899 The Gilsinger family has served farmers in our area.

Residential & Commercial

DON’T REPLACE YOUR ROOF,

RESTORE IT!

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FREE ADMISSION

We Restore:

• Farm equipment • Local school memorabilia • WWII artifacts • Early household and farming tools • Several unusual exhibits

• Metal Roofs • Flat Roofs • Low Slope Roofs

Museum Hours:

May-October Thursday, Friday & Sundays 1:00pm to 6:00pm

November-April Sunday’s 1:00-6:00pm

Contact Brenda Gilsinger for Inquiries or Appointments (574)595-7851 5641 S. Main St. Winamac, Indiana

(574) 382-0953, Levi Schwartz

13751 N 25 W Macy, IN 46951

52 / THE LAKES MAGAZINE / APRIL 2020 / thelakesmagazine.com

Relay for Life Uniting Culver to Benefit Cancer Research Writer / Angela Cornell Photography Provided

Many people have been touched by cancer.

For Dale Smith, organizer of an event that would become known as Relay for Life, that touch was with his twin brother Dave, who passed away during their senior year of high school. That heartbreaking circumstance gave Dale a new purpose - raising money for cancer research.

“Dale’s vision was to have a 24-hour relay - they were runners,” says Dana Neer, who

serves as director for Relay for Life of Culver and has been involved with the organization since 1983.

At that point the event was known as the Dave Smith 24-Hour Relay, but was dubbed Relay for Life in 1985 when the American Cancer Society became involved. Since then, the event has evolved and spread throughout the country, raising millions of dollars for cancer research.

What sets the Culver event apart is that it

is run by students, making it unique in the nation.

“We try very hard as adults to coach our student leaders,” Neer says. “We want them to take initiative. They make a lot of the decisions.”

For Culver Academy and Culver High School students, the event is a way to bring their

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thelakesmagazine.com / APRIL 2020 / THE LAKES MAGAZINE / 53

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community closer and make a difference in their world.

“It is an event that brings a community together and allows people to have a safe space to reflect on how cancer has affected them and their lives,” says Catherine VerMeulen, a junior at Culver Academy who leads the Academy’s involvement with the event.

Steven Carter, a senior at Culver High School who works on the Relay for Life business outreach group, agrees.

“It is a reminder that we can still fight cancer and adversity when we come together as a community,” he says.

Relay for Life of Culver benefits the American Cancer Society, and will be held at Culver Town Park, 819 East Lake Shore Drive, on Friday, May 8 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. For more info, visit relayforlife.org/culverin. Those interested in volunteering or sponsoring can reach out to Dana Neer at dana.neer@culver. org or at 574-842-8080.

Just call...

BENNETT S

’ Open Year Round Boarding Training

Horseback Riding Horse Sales/Trade Badge Programs Scouts 4 H Training Church/Youth Groups

(574) 643-9395 7187 W County Road 250 N Royal Center | IN www.crookedcreekhorsebackriding.com

• Home Maintenance & Repairs • Remodeling & Additions • Windows & Siding • Electrical & Generators • Painting • Lawn Services • Gas & Water Lines • Furnace & A/C Repairs & Installation • Water Heater Repair & Installation

640 E. Lake Shore Drive Culver, In 46511 (574) 842-3228

info@BennettsContracting.net Serving the Culver area since 1965

54 / THE LAKES MAGAZINE / APRIL 2020 / thelakesmagazine.com

IS YOUR HOME OR BARN WELL INSULATED? Licensed, Bonded, Insured

FRESH CUT MEATS

Local Family Owned & Operated Store

www.savealot.com • (574)224-3434 2318 E State Rd 14 • Rochester Monday-Saturday 8 AM - 8 PM • Sunday 9 AM-7 PM

Mike - (574) 242-0463 Winamac, mandjssprayfoam IN mandjssprayfoam@gmail.com

TATE INSURANCE AGENCY Focus on what makes YOU unique.

Bundle Home and Auto for 3 years and get paid back 25% if no claims!

Choose from Over 1000 different frame options!

Let us help you frame your memories...

826 Main Street | Rochester 574.223.7542

POCOCK MONUMENTS Since 1899 Wearly Monuments has offered the most complete line of memorial products in the Industry.

574-223-2010

1229 MAIN ST | ROCHESTER thelakesmagazine.com / APRIL 2020 / THE LAKES MAGAZINE / 55

Marshall County Home and Lifestyle Expo Event To Feature Wide Variety of Local Businesses and Agencies

Writer / Matt Keating Photography Provided

Matt Podlesak, president of the Marshall County Builders Association (MCBA), says the upcoming Marshall County Home and Lifestyle Expo will feature a variety of great exhibits from local businesses.

“Each show vendor participant will showcase their trade, craft, services, interior design, interior decor, household goods, and the materials they offer to attending homeowners,” Podlesak says.

Certain vendors will offer demonstrations on proper building techniques and installation of materials.

“Local businesses will offer services for anything related to your home and the lifestyle you lead - construction, remodeling, design, flooring, electrical, HVAC, gutters and roofing, painting, restoration, real estate services, bathroom, kitchen, landscaping, window tint for home and vehicles, vehicle dealerships, and much more,” Podlesak says.

Reputable industry experts will be onsite from multiple fields to answer questions.

“There will also be door prizes and food available for purchase, and a beer garden available,” Podlesak says.

Radio station MAX 98.3 will cover the event live.

Celebrating 95 Years!

(574) 936-2323 www.plychamber.org 120 N Michigan St • Plymouth

Connect • Community • Business • Growth Join the Chamber Today!

habitatomc.org P.O. Box 524 | Plymouth 116 S Walnut St | Plymouth (574) 935-4214 Cell (574) 935-4206

56 / THE LAKES MAGAZINE / APRIL 2020 / thelakesmagazine.com

Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.

Colorbilt Paint and Structure, Gutter Guys, Artizan Flooring, Live Oak Electric, Dave Murphy Landscape, P&S Concrete, Justin Time Plumbing and Heating, and Masterson and Associates are just a few vendors that will be at the event.

Podlesak, who serves as owner of Plymouth-based Colorbilt Paint and Structure, says professionals will be stationed at booths ready to discuss home improvement one-on-one.

“It’s good to get an early start this year with professional help for your home and outdoor area,” he says.

“This year’s show offers the potential home buyer or remodeling client the opportunity to meet with scores of vendors conveniently located under one roof, and have dialogue about their individual needs. We want this to be not just another show, but an event for the entire family.”

Podlesak says supporting vendors at the event can be a great way to save money.

“The cost, quality, availability, and regulations associated with housing affect you as a homeowner, and affect the livelihood of our local business owners,” he says. “If our local business owners did not exist, the cost of maintaining your home would substantially increase, and the availability of qualified professionals to work on your home would be significantly diminished.”

Podlesak says visitors should be aware thelakesmagazine.com / APRIL 2020 / THE LAKES MAGAZINE / 57

Medical and Surgical Group

that 70 percent of their local economy is based on consumer spending, which is largely impacted by the health of the real estate housing market and local business owners.

Affordable Insu

“Our local economy is heavily impacted by housing activities and regulations enacted by Congress, federal agencies, the courts, and state and local governments,” he says. “The Marshall County Builders Association, in conjunction with the state and federal builders associations, represents every homeowner’s interest in keeping regulations effective yet affordable.”

Auto • Home • Bus

The staff of Pulaski Memorial Hospital Medical and Surgical Group works diligently to provide groundbreaking services and care to the residents of Pulaski County and surrounding communities.

With twenty-four excellent physicians and nurse practitioners operating clinics in five convenient locations, our team is dedicated to providing “Quality Care, Closer To Home.”

The Marshall County Home and Lifestyle Expo will be held at The Zone Sports Complex, located at 2923 Vanvactor Drive in Plymouth.

Hours are Saturday, April 4 from 10 a.m to 5 p.m., and Sunday, April 5 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more info on the Marshall County Builders Association, visit facebook.com/ MarshallCountyBuildersAssociation.

Medical Office Locations Winamac • Francesville • North Judson • Monterey • Knox

For questions about services provided or to schedule an appointment, please call (574) 946-2194.

57

A F F O R DA B L E www.insura I N S U R A N CE , I N C.

1512 South Heaton St

 1512 S Heaton St Knox, IN 46534  (574) 772-5370 616 E. 13th St., Winamac, IN • (574) 946-2100 • www.pmhnet.com 58 / THE LAKES MAGAZINE / APRIL 2020 / thelakesmagazine.com

“FULTON COUNTY’S COMPLETE DECORATING CENTER”

Welcome to our House!

CUSTOM WALK-IN TILE SHOWERS HARDWOOD FLOORS L.V.P. CARPET HUNTER DOUGLAS BLINDS

401 E 9TH ST | ROCHESTER HOUSEOFDECOR401.COM (574) 223-2730

Pretty Lake G

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Not too early to think about Mom for Mother’s Day & Graduations!

Let us help you create a unique personalized gift.

For all inquiries contact Sandy Saenz.

Open Tue - Fri 9:00am to 5:30pm | Saturday 9:00am to 3:00pm (574)936-5259 | Simpleestatedgifts@yahoo.com 100 W. Garro St. • Plymouth | www.simpleestatedgifts.com

B

Indiana’s Best Kept Secret (574) 935-3705

www.prettylakegolfclub.com 10055 Pretty Lake Trail | Plymouth, IN

One Stop shop for: • Local signage • Banners • Lawn signs • posters • stickers • vehicle lettering & decals

• window clings & film • magnets • T-Shirts • Signs • Wall Art • Interior • P.O.P Displays

Plus OUTSTANDING Tradeshow exhibit services!

(888) 735-4348 Info@otesinc.com | 5235 W. State Rd 10 North Judson OTES signs & graphics thelakesmagazine.com / APRIL 2020 / THE LAKES MAGAZINE / 59

www.otesinc.com

Bed & Breakfast • Group Events

Rates starting at $145 a night Wedding packages starting at $2000 (574) 216-9070 | 1351 E CR 250 S | Winamac www.themillcreekgardens.com 103 Sheridan Ave

Plymouth Family Dental Care

North Judson

James Ryan, D.D.S. SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

Dental Care with a Gentle Touch

(574) 936-8787 1409 N Michigan St • Plymouth Plymouth Family Dental Care

Max H EALT H Spa Facials Fitne ss Classe s Relaxation Wellne ss

(574) 806-5437 like us on

60 / THE LAKES MAGAZINE / APRIL 2020 / thelakesmagazine.com

MAX E FFEX

2020 INDIANA GOURD SOCIETY STATE SHOW RETURNS MAY 1-2 Story & Photos Provided

Gourds are grown around the world as food crops, storage containers and ornamentals.

FULL PAGE AD PROOF - ISSUE 212 They are fun to grow! In Indiana there

WEAVER FURNITURE are gourd farms, gourds growing on

backyard trellises and gourds growing in greenhouses.

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Not only are gourds fun to grow but

Check Out Our Expanded numerous and they include painting Bakery Collection!

Please Proofread Carefully. Approval Indicates Responsibility For Layout And Copy/Text. with enamels & acrylics, using colored they are a terrific art medium.

If responding after 24 hours we will make every reasonable effort to accommodate youralso requests.

However due to the large amount of advertisers we serve changes can not be Techniques guaranteed. used on dried gourds are

PLEASE SELECT ONE OF THE FOLLOWING: Approved as is: 

Approved with changes as noted:  Woodland Variety Store

changes• noted and reproof:  4133 E County Approved Line Rd.with Bremen 574-773-0303 Mon-Fri. 8a - 6p • Sat. 8a - 3p • Closed Sunday

Comments:

Please email this form to • Fresh Produce michianashowcase@gmail.com • Large Cheese • Discount Items • Bulk Food Selection or fax to 574-674-7200 • Paper Products • Deli Meats • Frozen Foods • Bulk Candy • Bakery Items • Dairy Products

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Come and help us celebrate our

31st Anniversary! www.weaverfurniturebarn.com

thelakesmagazine.com / APRIL 2020 / THE LAKES MAGAZINE / 61

In-Store Specials Throughout The Store!

We’ll Make It Worth Your Time

pencils, dying, staining, carving, woodburning, weaving, beading, decoupage, and coiling. Even the gourd seeds and the pulp can be used to create a work of art.

OPENING SOON! 3000 E. Shore Dr. Culver Located inside the Culver Marina

“Down On The Farm” is the theme for the 2020 Indiana Gourd Society’s State Show. The show is coming to the Richland Center Memorial Hall in Rochester, Indiana on the weekend of May 1 & 2. Show hours are Friday May 1 from 10:00 am to 7:30 pm, and Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. This will be the third year that the gourd society members have held its state show at Rochester.

At the show, there will be gourd art competitions for dried gourds and for crafted gourds. Competitions are open to all ages. Free crafts and fun for the children ages 3 through 12 will be available during show hours on Friday and Saturday.

Demonstrations will be scheduled throughout both days on how to craft gourds using specific techniques such as wood burning, carving, decoupage on a gourd, weaving on a gourd and making jewelry with gourds.

(574) 201-9751 1305 Ewing Road | Rochester 62 / THE LAKES MAGAZINE / APRIL 2020 / thelakesmagazine.com

There will be gourd suppliers selling many different varieties of dried gourds, gourd seeds and gourd crafting supplies.

Also available will be free written information on gourds, uses of gourds and gourd crafting.

Register for one of the scheduled classes that will feature specific techniques on gourds, taught by experienced instructors. The schedule

for these classes is available online at the Indiana Gourd Society’s website: indianagourdsociety.org. Also, on the website is information on exhibiting gourds in the show competition, general

show information, the schedule for classes and contact information for our show committee members.

If you can’t come to our show, you can

see us at the Indiana State Fair in the Horticulture Building. There will be a gourd spinning table, a crafted gourd competition and free information on gourds.

We have something for all shades of life Our Furniture Warehouse Show Room

We carry top Furniture brands at factory direct pricing.

Come enjoy our pressure free shopping experience and find that perfect piece! We are always getting new shipments of furniture in our stock and showrooms.

Don’t forget to visit the Toto Cafe

www.richardsoftoto.com • (574)772-5923 RichardsOfToto@hotmail.com 3060 S. Range Road North Judson

Mon & Wed-Fri 9am to 5pm Sat & Sun 9am to 5:30pm Closed Tuesdays

(574)223-1917 Cell:(574)549-4206 917 East 9th Street Rochester, IN

It is our expressed goal to provide Land Surveying and Civil Engineering services throughout the State of Indiana

(574) 586-3448 | teeng@te-llc.com 7908 N State HWY 23 Walkerton, IN

thelakesmagazine.com / APRIL 2020 / THE LAKES MAGAZINE / 63

AMAZING RACE The Lake Maxinkuckee Triathlon Offers Something for All Ages Writer / Mary Lowry Photography Provided

The Lake Maxinkuckee Triathlon has been a tradition in Culver since it was founded nine years ago. Coordinators Dana Neer and Troy Frazer are looking forward to this year’s race and festivities in Culver on August 8.

When Neer first started the triathlon, he had four initial goals in mind. The first was to host a wellness event in a spectacular location. The triathlon route takes participants throughout Culver

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Gina Bachmeier, LMT: 219-680-6362 Rachael Surfus, LMT: 574-933-1636 Angie Holstein C.M.T: 574-780-2535

64 / THE LAKES MAGAZINE / APRIL 2020 / thelakesmagazine.com

- they’ll pass through the grounds of Culver Academies, the historic Maxinkuckee Village and the town park.

“There’s rolling terrain, so it’s challenging but beautiful,” Neer says. “You get some good views of the whole area, and we’re really working on the trail areas in Culver here as part of the grant we received. Part of that grant is enhancing the trails.”

The second goal in creating the event was to bring people from all over the county into Culver. Culver boasts a large number of small, local restaurants and other businesses. The town has wonderful amenities, and the triathlon provides a great opportunity for people to see all that the area has to offer.

The third goal was to donate all of the proceeds from the event to charity.

Various organizations receive donations from the event every year including the Lions Club, the Kiwanis Club, Phi Kappa, and the Boys & Girls Club.

The final goal was to bring Culver alumni back to the area. Alumni have the opportunity to enjoy the grounds, see old friends and participate in something that benefits the area. Neer says the event brings alumni from all over the country.

There are participation options for everyone - adults and children alike can

Brothers with Mowers Lawn Care Let our Family take care of Yours!

Light Landscaping Lawn Care & Maintenance Spring & Fall Clean up Call or Text James Riffey for a quote Hedge & Bush Trimming Leaf Removal 574-249-2517 & More www.brotherswithmowers.com

Sales • Installation • Chemicals Parts • Liners • Winterization Above & Below Ground Pools Paul & Angie Caudill Rochester, Indiana

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Countertop Shoppe Fine Cabinetry Custom Design • Re-model • Installation 505 W. Jefferson Street Plymouth, IN 46563 ctopshoppe@gmail.com (574) 936-1423 fax (574) 936-9575

thelakesmagazine.com / APRIL 2020 / THE LAKES MAGAZINE / 65

take part in something to get them active. Adults can form teams or participate in the triathlon as singles. The triathlon begins with a 400-meter swim, then an 11-mile bike ride, and finally a fivekilometer run. If the water is not something you’re interested in, the event also includes a duathlon, which consists of a two-kilometer run, an 11-mile bike ride, and another run of five kilometers.

Children ages five to seven can participate in a mini triathlon that consists of a 50-meter swim, a one-mile bike ride, and a half-mile run. Children ages eight to 12 swim 75 meters, bike one mile, then run one mile. The children’s events take place on the Culver Academies campus, with the swim route nearby. Personal flotation devices are allowed.

Participants in any of the races will have access to various amenities.

Those who register before July 26 will receive a free t-shirt. All participants will have access to all-you-can-eat food tents that will feature grilled chicken, pasta, salads and desserts. All food will be prepared by local chefs. There will also be a beer garden, including a tent sponsored by Budweiser. People of all ages can enjoy live music on the lake, and participants are encouraged to visit various fitness vendors and massage therapists that will be present.

Approximately 140 volunteers typically come out to help make the event successful. The Culver football team plays a huge part in the day, helping to facilitate the children’s race, cheering the kids on, and placing medals on each participant.

CULVER EVENTS 4/4, 4/18

Saturdays 9AM - 1PM @ The Library • Rugs • Carpet • Laminate

• Vinyl • Hardwood • Showers

• Ceramic • Warehouse Specials

APRIL 2: ONE NIGHT OF QUEEN @ CULVER ACADEMIES

APRIL 25 TOWNWIDE GARAGE SALES

CHAMBER QUARTERLY DINNER MEETING AT PAPA’S PIZZA ON APRIL 7TH AT 6:30PM

(574) 935-5656

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303 N. Oak Dr. Plymouth IN. 46563

talk about how to improve your social Guest Speaker: Millenial Helpdesk | Tomedia and internet presence as a business.

RSVP from members gets them a free meal. 1 per business.

(574) 842-5253 www.culverchamber.com culverindianachamber

66 / THE LAKES MAGAZINE / APRIL 2020 / thelakesmagazine.com

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A RELIABLE LOCAL CONTRACTOR?

MYERS SERVICES

574-249-0970

Myers Services is a 2nd generation construction company owned by Culver graduate Ben Myers.

We offer home remodeling, windows, decks, flooring, tile work, light excavation, concrete, sidewalks, driveways, and foundations.

“It’s a comprehensive part of who Culver is,” Neer says of the event, and the volunteers who keep it running smoothly. “It’s wonderful volunteerism, and the spirit is phenomenal.”

If the Lake Maxinkuckee Triathlon isn’t your speed, there are other race options in the area. The Tippy Trail race in Winamac, which consists of five-mile and 10-mile races, will take place on April 18, and the Culver half marathon race is scheduled for September 12.

The Lake Maxinkuckee Triathlon will take place on Saturday, August 8 at Culver Academies. For more info including race details and a registration page, visit culver.org/lakemaxtriathlon.

Owner Ben Myers, MyersServiceLLC@gmail.com 20250 W 19 B Rd Culver, IN 46511

We’ll handle it from here.™ 15469 State Road 17, Culver, IN 46511

800-843-9631

www.republicservices.com thelakesmagazine.com / APRIL 2020 / THE LAKES MAGAZINE / 67

FIND

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! APRIL 2 ONE NIGHT OF QUEEN @ EPPLEY AUDITORIUM

LIVE CONCERT, RECREATING THE LOOK, SOUND, POMP & SHOWMANSHIP OF QUEEN. TICKETS: 574-842-7058

APRIL 11 CULVER PARK'S EGG HUNT CULVER TOWN PARK, 10 AM

APRIL 24/25 TOWN-WIDE GARAGE SALES

MAPS WILL BE AVAILABLE AROUND CULVER

APRIL 25 MAX MOVE

MOVE AROUND LAKE MAXINKUCKEE: RUN, WALK FAST, OR STROLL. FREE EVENT! EMAIL DANA.NEER@CULVER.ORG TO REGISTER.

FOR MORE INFO, VISIT www.findculver.com/events 68 / THE LAKES MAGAZINE / APRIL 2020 / thelakesmagazine.com

I N A P R I L AT T H E L A K E S KOONTZ LAKE KOONTZ LAKE BINGO Every Monday night at the Koontz Lake Clubhouse 10870 Cherokee Road, Walkerton, IN. Doors open at 5pm CT, early bird beings at 6pm, and regular bingo beings at 6:30.

4

KOONTZ LAKE CLUBHOUSE RENTALS Rent the Koontz Lake Clubhouse for your next party! $50.00 rental fee with refundable cleaning fee. The facility holds up to 100 people and has a fully equipped kitchen.

KOONTZ LAKE ASSOCIATION Pickleball will both resume in May

BASS LAKE

FISH FRY Fish Fry at the Grovertown Community Clubhouse, 10355 E 500 N Grovertown, IN. Dine in AYCE and carry out available. Adults $9, Kids $5.

11

4

BASS LAKE PROPERTY OWNERS MEETING 9am Property Owners meeting at the Property Owners Building.

8

EASTER EGG HUNT

Koontz Lake Easter Egg Hunt at Lions Park.

14

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING

The First 2020 Neighborhood Watch meeting at the Property Owners Building

KOONTZ LAKE BOARD MEETING 6:30pm CT Koontz Lake Board Meeting. This is open to the public, and they are accepting new board members.

C U LV E R

14

4 & 18

Constellation of Starke Seeks Public Input on Countywide Park Improvements, meeting is scheduled Tuesday, April 14 at 5 p.m. at the Starke County Annex Building.

9am-1pm in the Culver-Union Township Public Library basement.

COUNTYWIDE PARK IMPROVEMENTS MEETING

18

KOONTZ LAKE COMMUNITY CLEAN-UP Koontz Lake Community Clean-up 7:30am - Noon - Sign up to volunteer on the Koontz Lake Association Facebook Page.

18

FARMERS MARKET

11

EASTER EGG HUNT AT THE PARK Hunt starts promptly at 10am, please arrive 15-20 minutes early.

18

THE BASICS OF FISHING AND CASTING

CRAFT SHOW Craft Show at thte Grovertown Community Building.

25

10:00 am The Culver Cavs Fishing Club will be presenting “The Basics of Fishing and Casting” in the Carnegie Room of the library on Saturday. Students & Sponsors of the club will be demonstrating proper use of the fishing rods available for check out at the library, as well as sharing fishing locations in our area

LAST SATURDAY CONCERTS 7pm-10pm CT Last Saturday Concert Series - High Life playing Country and “Tunes you love” at the Koontz Lake Clubhouse. The Concert schedule is available on the Koontz Lake Association Facebook Page. thelakesmagazine.com / APRIL 2020 / THE LAKES MAGAZINE / 69

W E LC O M E TO

MAGAZINE

T

he Lakes Magazine is a free publication mailed every month to great demographic homeowners in the Marshall, Fulton, Starke, and Pulaski regions.

Our audience is more than 80% year-round homeowners plus the second home and weekend vacation homeowner crowd. Our other Lakes Magazine is also mailed, plus read online, in the Kosciusko & Lagrange county region.

The Lakes is a local regional content magazine that becomes a valuable resource in every area we send them.

Since the internet rose in popularity years ago, a true content magazine is the only thing in print that has actually gone up in use while phonebooks, coupon-based publications, newspapers, auto and real estate circulars, have drastically shrunk in use. In addition to our printed magazine, we have a strong presence on social media, and our magazines are also available, free, online when you go to the App Store or Google Play to download our free app. Here at The Lakes Magazine we take pride in promoting positive new and historical content. Many of the advertisers that have reached out to us have been in business many years but have never advertised before. Today, we have a nice collective gathering of the region’s best word-of-mouth businesses. The Lakes Magazine, overall, reaches 75,000-plus that will look here for businesses and services to patronize hyper-locally. We cannot accept all new advertisement requests, but we do have openings for certain types of trades and businesses. For all inquiries email us at John@townepost.com or call (574) 249-9217.

John Lewandowski Publisher: The Lakes Magazine (574)249-9217 John@townepost.com

70 / THE LAKES MAGAZINE / APRIL 2020 / thelakesmagazine.com

Knox - Winamac Community Health Center Caring for your healthcare needs since 2007

Knox-Winamac Community Health Center is a private non-profit agency providing affordable high-quality, primary care to residents of Starke and Pulaski Counties.

Walter Fritz, MD

Lori Truesdell, LCSW

We accept Medicare, Medicaid and most commercial insurances. We have a Sliding Fee Scale available to qualified individuals which can significantly reduce the cost of your office visit.

Services Available Primary and Preventive care • Physical Examinations Employment • Sports • School Physicals Well Child Checks • Immunizations • Chronic Disease Mangagement Laboratory Service • Breast and Cervical Cancer Screenings Management Women’s Health Screenings and Annual Exams • Behavioral Healthcare

Elizabeth Moerman, MSN, APRN, FNP

Tracy Haddix, NP

Kim McCullough, NP

Open Monday thru Friday and every Saturday until noon

1002 S. Edgwood Drive Knox, IN 46534 | 574-772-6030 574-936-1299 • 2127 North Oak Drive | Plymouth • banfichfurnitureandmattress.com Hop in for great Spring Savings

Queen Size Hybrid Mattress $

299

MATTRESS EXPRESS

“Banfich” Dinette 3pc Drop Leaf $

299

Ashley Sofa $

399

Ashley Rocker Recliner

$

299

2168 N. Oak Drive, Plymouth • 574-936-1611 Mon-Sat. 10am-5pm thelakesmagazine.com / APRIL 2020 / THE LAKES MAGAZINE / 71

GRAB THE FUN

BY THE BARS THE WATER’S YOUR PLAYGROUND

574-842-5000

514-W. Mill St. Culver, IN www.culversportsidemarina.com