IN Dupont Valley March 2017 by KPC Media Group

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March 24, 2017

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Northrop stages ‘Jekyll and Hyde’

By Garth Snow gsnow@kpcmedia.com

Principal cast members gather on the Northrop High School stage more than five weeks before the three-night production of “Jekyll and Hyde,” the musical. “We’ll work each murder. Then we’ll work the whole bit. Then we’ll send you home,” director Tim Miller promises. One by one, characters find themselves with Edward Hyde. One by one, they experience the evil that has overtaken Dr. Henry Jekyll. Northrop junior Jayden Cano brings Jekyll’s frustration to center stage. “You’re Jekyll, but you still have a lot of Hyde in you,” Miller coaches Cano. Cano says his character obsesses with the theory of duality — that in every man there is good and evil. He invents and tests a serum to separate the bad within himself, with unexpected consequences. “He kind of goes back and

Tradition marches on with Cadet Battalion

By Garth Snow gsnow@kpcmedia.com

PHOTO BY GARTH SNOW

Principal cast members pause after an early rehearsal for “Jekyll and Hyde” at Northrop High School. Shown are (kneeling, from left) director Timothy Miller, Caitline Southern, Owen Slabauch, (standing) Dustin Soe, Noah Moreno, Quentin Brantley, Courtney Pritchard, Joe Kerwin and Jayden Cano.

forth between the two,” Cano says. “It’s not that he’s actually a different person. It is Dr. Henry Jekyll, but all the evil in him is out and lurking.” Cano makes sure the characters stay true to their increasingly overlap-

ping ways. “For the most part, it’s pretty easy,” Cano says. “There are some points where I’m playing Jekyll and little sides of Hyde will shine through. He’ll be a little bit more aggressive than he has to be in

Carroll trombones best in Indiana jazz ﬁnals By Garth Snow gsnow@kpcmedia.com

PHOTO BY GARTH SNOW

The Carroll Jazz No. 1 trombone section was named outstanding trombone section at the state jazz ﬁnals. Two Carroll musicians are shown performing Feb. 11 at the North Side High School Jazz Festival.

Concordia Lutheran High School in Fort Wayne, Leo Jr./Sr. High School in Leo-Cedarville, and DeKalb High School represented northeast Indiana in the vocal jazz

finals, Friday at Plainfield High School. Whiteland Community High School had the honor choir. Doug Hassell directs the See JAZZ, Page A11

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Carroll High School earned a place in the final eight schools in the Indiana State School Music Association instrumental jazz finals. Castle High School of Newburgh was selected as the honor band in that competition Friday at North Central High School in Indianapolis. ISSMA did not announce placements beyond the honor band. DeKalb High School in Waterloo and North Side High School in Fort Wayne also advanced to the finals. Carroll also was recognized for the best trombone section. DeKalb was recognized for the best trombone solo, by Bryce Wessley. North Side was recognized for the best trumpet section and best rhythm section solo, by Garrett Spoelhof.

certain situations.” Portraying Jekyll’s fiancé Emma, Northrop senior Caitline Southern sympathizes with Emma’s confusion. “I feel bad for her,” she See STAGES, Page A15

Families watched Saturday as their JROTC cadets marched in unison or stood for inspection. When the final drill meet of the season was over, the JROTC Cadet Battalion had even more awards to carry back to Concordia Lutheran High School. The Cadets earned some intangibles, too, parents said. Jeanene Kerlegrand watched as her son Preston joined the color guard in precise and intricate steps. “They work extremely hard, and lots of hours, before and after school,” she said. “They get there at 6 in the morning before school and work on their drills, whether they’re in snap squad or IDR or color guard, and work on their routines. And then some of them stay after

PHOTO BY GARTH SNOW

Emma Martin directs Concordia’s Infantry Drill Regulation Platoon at a JROTC meet at IPFW.

school also to do their duets or individual work.” The drill meets are voluntary, beyond the normal commitment, she said. “Preston would like to go to the military. Some of them do go to the military and continue on, and others just use it as a leadership program and for discipline,” she said. Joel Flaningan and See JROTC, Page A13

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Dupont Valley • March 24, 2017

Carroll percussion squad advances to state finals

By Garth Snow

gsnow@kpcmedia.com

Carroll Indoor Percussion will perform for the home crowd, presenting the same show the group will deliver for the state contest on Saturday, April 1. The 32 student performers will present “Carnival” at 4 p.m.

Saturday, March 25, in the Alumni Gym. The show only is $8. The Maple Creek Middle School Steel Drum Band also will perform. Enter at Door No. 13. Carroll bands boosters will host a spaghetti dinner immediately after the show and until 7 p.m. The meal includes spaghetti with choice of sauce, mixed

green salad, bread sticks, desserts and coffee, water or lemonade. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door for $20. Performing students and children 3 and under will be admitted free. Carroll qualified for the state finals with a secondplace finish in Percussion Scholastic A Round 2 at Avon High School.

The state finals will be held Saturday, April 1, at Hulman Center, Indiana State University, 200 N. 8th St., Terre Haute. Carroll will perform at 2:12 p.m. For the full schedule, visit indianapercussion.org. Admission is $20 for adults, $15 students (K-12, college) and seniors 65 or older, and free to children 6 and

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younger. The Carroll ensemble won the IPA state title in 2013. “We currently have the second-highest score in the state, and are ranked by score just outside of the top ten in the country for our Winter Guard International competition later this year,” Director Dave Lemish said in an email. Lemish said “Carnival” has taken on more fixtures

of a street fair through the season. Expect a unicycle, a baton twirler and more. “It’s a really interesting show,” Lemish said. “We start this process in April of every year, so we’re nearly a year into this now. But what we decided to do is a little different, just more fun. We spend a lot of time doing this. We rehearse three days a week and usually most of See CARROLL, Page A9

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Dupont Valley • March 24, 2017

501st Legion: Vader’s Fist at ‘Pops: Star Wars 40th’

By Garth Snow

gsnow@kpcmedia.com

The Fort Wayne Philharmonic will give a Pops concert after a visit from Star Wars heroes and villains. The Phil will present “Pops: Star Wars 40th Anniversary” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 29, at the Embassy Theatre, 125 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne. Music and movie fans will recognize the works of John Williams, who wrote the film music for Star Wars films. Tickets start at $29. Visit fwphil. org for details or tickets. Characters from the 501st Legion: Vader’s Fist: Northern Darkness Garrison will be here in full costume, ready for photos and available to sign trading cards for those who want to see a character from the movies. According to Peter Schillace, the event coordinator of the Northern Darkness Garrison, members of the Rebel Legion will also be there, to provide a balance between good guys and bad guys. Schillace became a Star Wars fan when he was growing up in Columbia City. He attended Churubusco High School through his freshman year, before moving to Arizona. “I remember going to see ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ at the Garrett Drive-In,” he said. That film was released in 1980.

COURTESY PHOTO

Darth Vader and the Storm Troopers of 501st Legion: Vaders’s Fist: Northern Darkness Garrison make an appearance at a comics store. The Star Wars enthusiasts represent 22 northern Indiana counties.

Schillace now lives in Fort Wayne. “The 501st is actually a worldwide organization,” Schillace explained, estimating that there are more than 10,000 members. Groups are divided into garrisons. Fort Wayne is part of the Northern Darkness Garrison, which covers 22 counties across northern Indiana. Members of the local garrison take personal responsibility for their own costumes. While there may be a number of Star Wars clothing items that can be found in costume stores and online, Schillace said that the 501st outfits “have to be screen accurate… It looks like we could walk right off the (movie) set.” To do this, members

do a lot of research, examining the movies for costume details and referring to illustrations in comic books, for example, to make sure that their individual outfits are just

right. Then, when it is time to make an appearance, the members don their costumes and prepare to meet the public. “We’re usually in character the whole time

(during an appearance),” Schillace said. This means that the members try to maintain their Star Wars persona at all times. “It breaks the character if Vader takes off his helmet,” he explained. With a number of children in the audience, the members of the 501st like to preserve the enigma and the magic of the Star Wars moment. They pose for photos with fans and can sign autographs. “(We) do trading cards with our picture on it — each of us have our own unique ID numbers, so we’ll sign (the cards with our numbers),” Schillace explained. “It keeps us from breaking character.” With 50 to 100 appearances each year, the Northern Darkness Garrison of Star Wars re-enactors has a busy schedule for the all-volun-

teer group. But they think the effort is worth it. Schillace, who joined the group in December 2015, remembers one of his early appearances as a Star Wars figure. “We were in South Bend in December of 2015,” he recalled, “visiting children in the hospital, giving out Star Wars toys. Here we are, Darth Vader, Storm Troopers… walkin’ into the hospital (and) kids’ faces just light up.” That magical glow is what makes him enjoy his work. A pancreas and kidney transplant recipient himself, Schillace has sympathy for those who can really use a good distraction. After all, it’s part of fulfilling the 501st Legion: Vader’s Fist: Northern Darkness Garrison motto — “Bad Guys Doing Good.” Caleb Young will direct the Pops performance.

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Dupont Valley • March 24, 2017

Save Maumee to plant 1,100 trees By Megan Knowles

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Save Maumee believes Earth Day is a time for action. So, from April 21-23, the group aims to plant 1,100 trees in Trier Ditch. Save Maumee began when Abigail King bought a house along the Maumee River. She was looking forward to her “beachfront” property, she said, but was told by many she shouldn’t go in the river due to its condition. In 2005, Save Maumee planted its first trees in an effort to improve that water quality. Recently, Save Maumee received a Federal Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. Along with matching funds and donations, the organization has about $150,000 to help implement the Upper Maumee Watershed Management

COURTESY PHOTO

A volunteer plants a tree during a Save Maumee tree-planting event in October 2016. The April planting will be based at three parks in New Haven.

Plan. “Rivers are important because water is life,” King said “Our water sources are really important; that’s why the federal government is getting little groups money — all the easy fixes they have already

tried.” Save Maumee’s goal is to plant 2,780 trees in the “most degraded” ditches of the Maumee River by 2018, including Trier, Bullerman and Sixmile ditches. In three days over April 21-23, they hope to plant

1,100 of those trees with the community’s help. On Friday and Sunday they will be planting near Heatherwood Park, with Saturday’s event — expected to be the largest — at Moser Park. The month before, the organization will be removing invasive species in preparation for the plantings, King said. Planting trees in ditches may not be the most glamorous work, but King said it is important. Shade over the water can increased dissolved oxygen in the river, helping the animals who call it home, she said. In addition, trees hold sediment, which King said is the “No. 1 problem” leading to degraded water quality. Trees can also capture excess nutrients and phosphorus in the water, with a tree on average being able to absorb 59 gallons of water per year of life. By planting in floodprone areas, “trees help with holding and

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To volunteer for Save Maumee’s Earth Day: Friday, April 21: 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Heatherwood Park. Parking at 1000 Hartzell Road, New Haven Saturday, April 22: 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Moser Park. Parking at 601 W. Main St., New Haven Sunday, April 23: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Heatherwood Park. Parking at 1000 Hartzell Road, New Haven Event will happen rain or shine. Dress appropriate for the weather, wearing boots or solid shoes and long pants. retaining water on land longer instead of flooding areas downstream,” she said. King said they’ve had success at prior Earth Day events, with more than 260 people logging more than 900 volunteer hours in a single day. This year’s plantings will take place rain or shine, King said. She recommended that those attending dress for the weather, wearing boots or “real shoes” and long pants. The event is family friendly and will include live entertainment as well, King said. In addition to Earth Day plantings, Save Maumee has also hosted an annual canoe cleanup and a seed harvest in partnership with Eagle Marsh or Fox Island. “We want to have clean water and clean things that live in there, so everybody is better and healthier,” King said. For more information, visit Save Maumee’s website at savemaumee. org.

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Dupont Valley • March 24, 2017

Fundraiser is pet owner’s thanks to ACSPCA By Garth Snow

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Marlene Lake tells the short version of a story of 37 years with her pets. Her husband, David, co-stars in that story, which wouldn’t be complete without dogs Holly, Major, Shadow or Jasper. Now there’s a cat, too, named Lucy or maybe Luke. Well, some stories just aren’t meant to be condensed. Lake’s appreciation of the Allen County SPCA isn’t told quickly, either. Her latest focus is an April 22 fundraiser at Franke Park. “We’re calling it Shop. Rescue. Support. Allen County SPCA Benefit,” she said. Lake can call it what she wants; it was her idea, and she’s been up past midnight since December pulling together the details. “I decided to hold an event for two reasons,” she said. “One is to raise money for the ACSPCA because my husband and I got our first dog from the ACSPCA back in 1980. Her name was Holly. She was with us for 13 years.” The second goal is exposure for independent sales representatives who pay their bills by offering soap, candles, popcorn, plastic ware and cosmetics

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Marlene Lake, her husband, David, and their granddaughter Amaya walk Jasper at Franke Park, next to Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo. Marlene Lake organized a benefit for the Allen County SPCA, to be held April 22 at Franke Park.

at such events. Lake sells jewelry and luxury bath and body products. Lake will share Park Pavilion No. 1 with at least 47 other vendors, who will be joined by three food trucks. They all know what it takes to move their business from place to place from spring through fall. “It’s a lot of work. For just my jewelry it takes me an hour and a half to set up my display,” she said. She has booked vendors from across Indiana and even Ohio. “As soon as they heard it was for the ACSPCA they all wanted to be part of this,” she said. So from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Lake and company

will offer their goods. There will be music, drawings and a silent auction. Allen County SPCA Community Relations Manager Melissa Gibson is working with Lake to plan out the day. “Marlene has such a beautiful heart for this organization and she has had rescue dogs herself,” Gibson said. “She came in here and said ‘I want to do this event’ and we said OK.” The ACSPCA will have adoptable pets on hand at the April 22 event. When everything is in place, dogs can be adopted in one day. “If you’re adopting a cat it’s a little looser,” Gibson said. “But if you’re adopting a doggy we want to make sure the

entire family including Dad and the doggies are there. We want to make sure it’s a good fit.” “We are serving more animals than we’ve ever served,” Gibson said from the Hanna Street shelter. “We had 2,600 adoptions last year, and the need is growing.” The Allen County SPCA also helps with a pet food bank and supports low-cost veterinary assistance, so Gibson said the agency welcomes the financial support from the Franke Park fundraiser. Admission is $1 for ages 11 and older. Back to Lake’s pets story, picking up with adopting Holly from the Allen County SPCA in 1980. “She was a good

dog. She was a Heinz 57,” Lake said. Holly shared the house with Major, who was a miniature pinscher. “We just couldn’t let him stay in the pet store,” Lake said. In 1997, Shadow followed Lake’s daughter, Pam, home. “I don’t know how much it followed her,” Lake said. They called the ACSPCA, which put up posters to no avail; Shadow was now Pam’s dog. About two weeks after Shadow died in 2013, Lake checked out rescue sites online. “We came across this little black dog and I thought it was funny because if

Shadow had been a puppy, I would swear that was what Shadow would have looked like,” Lake said. “And so we drove down to a rescue [shelter] in Indianapolis and that’s where we got Jasper.” That leaves only the cat portion of the story. No, not yet. Lake had kept pets while she was growing up, including but not limited to hamsters, iguanas, guinea pigs, turtles and birds. She owned two Siamese cats when she married David, who was not a cat person. See PET, Page A9

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Walk to benefit cancer patients Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana will hold the 2017 Lapper fundraising walk and Survivors Day Celebration on Saturday, May 13, to raise money to help people with cancer. The walk will be held at Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana, Brotherhood Office Park, 6316 Mutual

Drive, Fort Wayne. The walk begins at 9 a.m. For registration information or to donate, visit Lapper2017. kintera.org. Registration forms are also available at Cancer Services. Walkers who register and raise at least $35 by May 1 may receive a commemorative Lapper T-shirt. Water and fresh

fruit are provided during the walk, which takes place rain or shine. Cancer Services also welcomes sponsors. After the walk, the public is invited to the Survivors Day Celebration at 11 a.m. The celebration includes food, music and. For more information, visit cancer-services.org.

Dupont Valley • March 24, 2017

Blessing of the Bikes heralds in season for many By Megan Knowles

mknowles@kpcmedia.com

If you ride motorcycles in northeast Indiana, you know spring actually starts the Saturday after Easter, with the Blessing of the Bikes in Arcola. The 2017 event begins at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 22, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 12305 Arcola Road. The event began in 1989 after St. Pat’s parishioner Jerry Gordon decided to put something he saw in a magazine into action locally. “The priest at the time was all for it,” Gordon said. “So we started out with just a few bikes, 16 or so. Then it went from that to a hundred to a couple hundred. “It depends on the weather. If it’s even a cloudy day like this but not raining, we’ll have all the parking lots full of bikes. On a nice sunny day…there could be anywhere from a thousand to two, three, four thousand bikes plus.” The event is simple: Riders from northeast Indiana, northwest Ohio and southern Michigan gather at the church in Arcola. The event consists usually of a couple of readings and a prayer, with everyone gathered saying an “Our Father,” Gordon said. Then comes the official blessing of the bikes. In the early days, the priest would walk from bike to bike, christening them with holy water.

COURTESY PHOTO

The 2011 Blessing of the Bikes. The annual event takes place at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Arcola.

“It got so big for a couple years that we have it set up so it’s more of a drive through (now),” Gordon said. In addition to the blessing, the church youth group provides hot dogs, bratwurst and refreshments, Gordon said. There is also a 50/50 drawing that benefits the youth group’s summer trip. “It’s a community affair. The whole church gets involved in it,” he said. Though the official event ends after the ceremony, local businesses have taken to hosting after parties. The Arcola Inn and Ale has been holding an after party for several years, manager Katie Martin said. This year, there will be drink specials and the Hubie Ashcraft Band will play from 2-5 p.m. Martin said the after

party is usually well attended. “We’re pretty packed,” Gordon said. “It’s the first biggest motorcycle event of the year in town. Rain or shine people are out riding.” Harley-Davidson of Fort Wayne is hosting its second after party this year, spokesperson Becca Reichard said. There will be food and beer provided by the Red Rock Saloon from noon to 6 p.m. and the Grateful Groove, a Grateful Dead cover band, will begin playing at 2 p.m. “It’s kind of a little gathering to hang out and check out everybody’s bike afterward,” Reichard said, adding last year’s event was well attended. For many, Blessings of the Bikes is a good way to start the riding year. “People look forward to it, to start the riding season on the right foot,” Gordon said.

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INfortwayne.com • A7

Dupont Valley • March 24, 2017

Allen County news briefs: Events, results and more

Cedar Creek Lions offer fish, chicken

The Cedar Creek Lions Club is having a fish fry and chicken fundraiser from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 22, at the Grabill Fire Station of Northeast Allen County Fire & EMS. Proceeds will be shared with the fire department to support the Northeast Allen County Fire & EMS and local community needs. The all-you-can-eat dinner will consist of fish and/or chicken, baked beans, applesauce, potato chips, bread, coffee or lemonade. Carry-out dinners are available. Adults pay $10, children 4-9 pay $7 and children 3 and under eat for free. The Grabill Fire Station is at 13413 State St., Grabill. Indoor seating is available in the fire station for dining.

Alumni group to aid Charis House clients

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College alumni will host Easter activities for the women and children being served at Charis House, and the alumni are looking for volunteers to assist. The party will be 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 15, at Charis House in Fort Wayne. Cash and food donations for the Charis House are also being accepted. For more

information, contact event coordinator Ann Cozad at tacozad@frontier.com. To honor their college and its foundress, Saint Mother Theodore Guerin, the SMWC alumni plan a global SMWC Week of Service, April 16-23. For more information, visit smwc.edu/alumni/events/ week-service/.

A carnival with games staffed by 4-H club members will be available from 4-7 pm. Tickets for the games cost 50 cents each or unlimited play wristbands cost $7. Silent auction bidding will be open from 4-6:45 pm. Proceeds from this event go to Allen County 4-H youth programs.

4-H Clubs frying up fish and tenderloin

Covenant drama set at Last Supper

Allen County 4-H Clubs Inc. will hold a fish and tenderloin fry, carnival and silent auction fundraiser on Saturday, March 25. The event will take place at the IPFW Alumni Center, 1528 E. California Road, across from the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne. The dinner will be served from 4-7 p.m. or until sold out. The meal includes all-you-can-eat fried fish or breaded tenderloin, baked beans, coleslaw, applesauce, roll, assorted desserts and a beverage. Meal prices at the door are $10 per adult, $7 for children ages 6-12, and free to children age 5 and younger. All carry-out meals are $10. Reduced price advance tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-12, and are available at the Purdue Extension – Allen County Office, 4001 Crescent Ave. on the IPFW campus in Fort Wayne.

4-H archery class May 4 to June 17

group, or the full schedule, visit http://www.orgsites. com/in/lsdramafw/. Other dates on the local schedule are: March 26, Pathway, 12732 Spencerville Road, Harlan, 7 p.m. April 9, Southwinds Church of Christ, 3410 Dicke Road, Fort Wayne, 7 p.m.

10 a.m.-noon at the Allen County Fairgrounds, on Carroll Road. Those dates are May 6, 13 and 20, and June 3, 10 and 17. The cost of the program is $40 per child which includes state and county enrollment fees, and archery project fee. All equipment is provided. This series will teach

Allen County 4-H Shooting Sports Club will host an archery class open to all youth in grades 4-12. The first meeting will be Thursday, May 4, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., at the Allen County Extension Office, 4001 Crescent Ave., Fort Wayne. All other meetings will be Saturdays from

See BRIEFS, Page A8

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Covenant United Methodist Church will host the drama “One of You Will Betray Me” at 7 p.m. Sunday, April 2. The drama lasts about one hour. Covenant UMC is at 10001 Coldwater Road, Fort Wayne. A free-will offering will be accepted. In 1970, a group from Simpson United Methodist Church in Fort Wayne began presenting a drama based on the Last Supper. This drama has been presented every Lenten season since 1970, up to six times a year in northern Indiana, western Ohio and southern Michigan. The drama is based on a 1954 work by a North Carolina pastor, the Rev. Ernest K. Emurian. Each of the disciples tells something about their life with Jesus. A drama spokesman said offerings defray expenses, with any extra money donated to the needy. For more information on the

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BRIEFS from Page A7 safe handling of archery equipment, proper care of equipment, shooting techniques and ethics of good shooters. Instructors are certified through the Indiana 4-H Shooting Sports Program of Purdue University and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. The class is limited to the first 30 participants who have registered and paid. A minimum number

is required to hold the class. Required registration with payment is due April 20. For registration information or any additional questions, contact Barb Thuma, Extension educator 4-H Youth, Allen County Extension Office, at (260) 481-6826. Materials also are available at www.extension.purdue.edu/allen.

Canterbury invites public to book fair

Canterbury School will hold its annual Spring

Book Fair, which is open to the community April 18-20, from 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m., at 5601 Covington Road, Fort Wayne. The event will have books for purchase for ages 2 through adult, and will be a venue for a variety of local guest author, artist and expert presentations. Parent volunteers, school librarians and teachers selected thousands of books for the sale. Mixed Media Mantra Art by Janet Lynch will be for sale and pottery by Sara Drury will be for

sale. “Some of Indiana’s premier authors of young adult fiction are included in the book fair,” the school said in a statement. Gallery Guests are scheduled throughout each day. This year’s guests include local authors John Baumgartner, Matthew Weigelt, Holly Niner, Bonnie Manning, Julie Perkins, PeggySue Wells, Mary Coons, Kristine Papillon, Carol Butler, Blake Sebring and Doris Gaines Rapp. Other guest presenters include student writer Naomi Gephart, artists Hannah Burnworth and Janet Lynch, family historian Betsy Gephart, craftswoman Ardis Behrendt, science teacher Ted King, educator Laura Semba, potter Sara Drury, student athlete Kyle Towner representing author mom Colleen Kachmann, and Fort Wayne Ballet company dancers. For more information about the Spring Book Fair, contact Helen Presser at hpresser@canterburyschool.org. See the complete schedule and a list of books available by featured local authors at canterburyschool.org/ bookfair. Proceeds from the Spring Book Fair benefit the library programs at Canterbury School for Early Childhood, Lower School, Middle School and High School.

‘Memories of Mom’ is just for daughters

Visiting Nurse has invited the public to attend Memories of Mom on Saturday, May 6, at The Peggy F. Murphy Community Grief Center, 5920 Homestead Road, on the Visiting Nurse campus in southwest Fort Wayne. This daylong retreat is offered at no charge to any daughter who has experienced the loss of her mother and is a day for daughters to reflect, remember and reminisce about their mothers. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., with the program beginning at 9 a.m. and ending by 4 p.m. The program will feature presentations on grief, the mother-daughter relationship and healing through music with Visiting Nurse’s music therapist Emily Paar. Lunch will be served, and there will be time to focus on self-care. Seating is limited. Register by May 3, by calling (260) 465-3261.

Club says thanks to ski event backers

The Fort Wayne Ski Club thanked several local businesses for their support of the Toucan Snow Adventure IX, which the club sponsored. Club President Michael Ehle thanked Legacy Heating and Air Conditioning, Rogers Electric, Sunny 103.9, Lima Road Dentistry, Haller & Colvin Attorneys at Law, Fort Wayne TinCaps, 96.3 WXKE and the Ski Pole.

Dupont Valley • March 24, 2017

“With the help of these businesses and 53 skiers and snowboarders, we raised $1,404 for Honor Flight of Northeast Indiana, and 119 pounds of food for St. Mary’s Soup Kitchen,” Ehle said in a statement. The Toucan Snow Adventure was held Feb. 11 at Timber Ridge Resort in Kalamazoo, Mich.

Sacred elements available all day

Harlan United Methodist Church will observe Maundy Thursday by offering the elements at worshippers’ convenience, from 6:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Maundy Thursday, April 13. Also known in Christian faiths as Holy Thursday, Maundy Thursday commemorates Jesus’ final meal with his disciples, a biblical event that has become known as the Last Supper. Harlan United Methodist Church is at 16434 State Road 37, Harlan. The Rev. Robert Kloepping, pastor, will bless the elements at 6 a.m. Individual cups and blessed bread will be available in the sanctuary. Kloepping said the convenience is intended to accommodate the varied schedules of worshippers. Kloepping said he had favorable response to a similar program at his former church in Evansville. Kloepping also will lead a brief service at about 9 a.m.

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Dupont Valley • March 24, 2017

PET from Page A5 So the Lakes kept dogs, only dogs. “And in 2013 again we lived with a pond behind us and there was this stray cat and it just cried. It had this ungodly cry,” she said. Then the cat decided to climb onto Marlene’s lap. She realized it was a former house cat because it had had its front claws removed. Then the cat

climbed onto David’s lap. “He said ‘Just go ahead and let the cat stay,’ ” Marlene said. “And now they’re best buddies.” They thought the new pet was a little girl, Lucy. The veterinarian said the cat is really Luke. The family is not convinced. The feline companion is now Lucy-Luke, just to be safe. And Lucy-Luke is crying no longer. Marlene, David, Jasper and the new arrival live

INfortwayne.com • A9

near Northrop High School. Now Marlene wants to repay the ACSPCA for helping her to find a pet, and for protecting so many other pets. She will repay the agency with a fundraiser. And that’s the short version. (Allen County SPCA is not affiliated with the national organization of a similar name. For more information on the agency’s services and current guests, and for suggestions for support, visit allencountyspca.org.)

CARROLL from Page A2 the day Saturday, so it’s a big time investment. “The arrangers wrote for an accordion sample, and we do things where we use electronics to create a lot of the effects. But a student asked ‘What if we used a real accordion?’ So that’s what we decided to do.” Lemish said he has been part of indoor percussion for 25 years, and unicycles are rare in the shows. “He’s fantastic,” Lemish said, predicting the show will be even better by the time of the community event. “We have a baton twirler and she plays cymbals, and we’re looking at things like jugglers and other interesting things happening like that, so it’s a lot of fun and the kids are all in. “We try to make it the best experience and we try to make it a fun thing because it is so many

COURTESY PHOTO

Costumes and props follow the theme of “Carnival,” the title of the Carroll show. Carroll Indoor Percussion will perform Saturday at 3 p.m. at the high school.

hours and it is so much work.” The percussion line performed Feb. 18 at the Franklin Central Invitational, placing third. The group placed first at the Knox High School Invitational on Feb. 25. The Carroll unit also will enter the WGI World Championships, April 20 and 21 at Dayton, Ohio. The unit can qualify to perform up to three times at that event. Michael Brown is the assistant director.

Other staff members are: Jon Bay, drill design/ visual caption; Jonathan Meader, visual design; Kristen Reiske, visual tech; Ashley Miller, visual tech; Abigail Reichard, front ensemble tech; Aaron Black, front ensemble tech; Blake Smith, battery tech; Evan Chilton, battery tech; Jason Pace, battery tech; and Michael Brown, battery caption head. The music was written by John Mapes and Ian Grom.

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A10 • INfortwayne.com

Dupont Valley • March 24, 2017

TinCaps look forward to exciting 2017 By Megan Knowles

mknowles@kpcmedia.com

The 2017 season is already shaping up to be an exciting one for the Fort Wayne TinCaps. During the offseason, the TinCaps were awarded Minor League Baseball’s highest honor — the John H. Johnson President’s Award. The award is given annually to honor the “complete” baseball organization and considers “contribution to baseball in the community, promotion of the baseball industry, contributions to league stability and financial stability,” according to a statement from the TinCaps. “The TinCaps have been lucky enough, pretty

much on an annual basis, to receive honors, whether it’s for the organization as a whole or for individuals or for Parkview Field itself,” TinCaps spokesman John Nolan said. “But the biggest award yet that anyone with the TinCaps has received was that John H. Johnson President’s Award. That’s kind of like the MVP award.” Also in the offseason, the TinCaps were named the Best Class A Ballpark by Ballpark Digest and were again named the No. 1 Minor League Baseball Ballpark Experience by Stadium Journey — the third consecutive year for Parkview Field and the fifth out of the last six years. Since Parkview Field opened in 2009, fans have had certain expectations

PHOTO BY RAY STEUP

Parkview Field was again named the number one minor league baseball ballpark experience by Stadium Journey — its third year in a row and fifth out of the past six years.

from the TinCaps experience, Nolan said. “We’ve still got more fireworks nights than anyone in Minor League

baseball (with) 31 this year,” he said. Also continuing are Friday theme nights, national entertainment acts

on Saturday and special promotions. Nolan said popular entertainment acts like Jake the Diamond Dog and ZOOp-

erstars! will return, with Cristin Sandu from “America’s Got Talent” also making an appearance. Familiar theme nights, such as Star Wars, ’90s night and ’70s night will return, along with new themes. “A new one though for instance is ‘Animation Celebration’ (on May 12), which will highlight popular Disney movies, Pixar movies…Minions are super popular so (it will be) a chance for little kids to see some Minions stuff around the ballpark,” Nolan said. The TinCaps will also be adding a “Brushes, Bottles and Baseball” night on April 27, where fans can sip wine and paint while they watch the game. See 2017, Page A12

INfortwayne.com • A11

Dupont Valley • March 24, 2017

JAZZ from Page A1 Carroll High School jazz program, which has earned honors throughout the season. Carroll’s top jazz ensemble — Jazz Band No. 1 — was the top honor band at the North Side High School Jazz Festival. Carroll also earned these recognitions: CHS Jazz Combo, Gold Division rating; CHS Jazz Band No. 3, Gold rating “with distinction.” Outstanding soloist — Brandon Hedges; CHS Jazz Band No. 2, Gold rating “with distinction”; CHS Jazz Band No. 1, Gold rating, “with distinction.” Outstanding soloists — Alyssa Parr (flute) Liam Hickey (drums), Nathan Jackson (trombone), Sam Parnin (trumpet), and Jacob Boyer (also saxophone). In addition, Carroll Middle School performed

Doug Hassell directs Carroll Jazz No. 1 at the North Side Jazz Festival. Carroll No. 1 was the top band at the Feb. 11 festival.

PHOTO BY GARTH SNOW

Josh Scheurich (from left), Ross Kimbrell, Alyssa Parr and Meagan Tarlton perform with Carroll Jazz No. 1 at the North Side Jazz Festival

and received a Gold rating, and Maple Creek Middle School performed and received a Gold rating “with distinction.” In an email interview before state finals, Hassell described the structure of the program. “We have three jazz

ensembles at the high school, plus the jazz combo. Jazz 1 and the combo are both auditioned groups. When we polled the kids, we had over 50 who were interested in playing in Jazz 2, so it just made sense to add a third band. I direct the first and

third bands, Phil Frazier directs the second band, and Casey Stansifer directs the combo. “A big part of why there is so much interest in jazz at the high school is because our students get to play jazz in the middle schools as well.

“We have an incredibly strong group of seniors in Jazz 1 this year. In each section, we have outstanding senior musicians who lead by example in and out of the ensemble … they bond with their sections, and they truly lead and inspire them. Those seniors in Jazz 1 are: Liam Hickey, drums; Noah Hines, tenor saxophone; Jacob Boyer, alto saxophone; Nathan Jackson, trombone; Nick Nagel, bass trombone; Caroline Tarka, trumpet; Joel Byman, trumpet.”

He concluded: “Something that seems to be happening is that the students are really starting to establish a culture of jazz. The older ones model it, they listen to it and play it. The younger ones hear it, and they seem to want to play more of it and get better at it. They are outstanding students in the first place, and they seem to prove what I believe about really any organization: When great people get together to do great things for great reason, great things happen.”

A12 • INfortwayne.com

Dupont Valley • March 24, 2017

The wait is over: Yuengling comes to Indiana By Megan Knowles

mknowles@kpcmedia.com

Patience has finally paid off for Hoosier Yuengling fans. The Pennsylvania-based brewery’s beloved Traditional Lager, Light Lager and Black and Tan were first poured locally on March 6, with some bars opening at 7 a.m. for the occasion. Though the country’s oldest brewery was founded in 1829, it has only ventured west in the past couple of years, coming to Ohio in 2011. Nationwide, Yuengling is served in Washington, D.C. and in 20 states, mostly along the East Coast. In order to make it out west, Yuengling had to ensure it had the capacity to satisfy the demand it would see in Indiana, 5 Star Distributing President Stan Ziherl said. Then, it selected Indiana wholesalers, with Columbia City’s 5 Star, as well as Indiana Beverages and

2017 from Page A10 Also expanding is the team’s high school baseball series. This year, 24 area high school teams will get the chance to play ball at Parkview Field between April 24 and May 5. “It goes back to the idea

Monarch Beverage, making the list. “The brewery makes the decision based on who they feel would be best to handle their brands,” Ziherl said, adding he believed 5 Star was selected “based on the capability of the team we’ve assembled (and) our commitment to customer service.” For now, Yuengling will only be available in bars and restaurants, Ziherl said. “The brewery is going through a packaging renovation,” he said. “They want to start with the new packaging in Indiana, and that’s not available until April (3).” This had created a little confusion among customers, Lebamoff’s Cap ‘n’ Cork owner Andy Lebamoff said. “We’re starting to get a lot of calls” seeing if the product is in stores, he said. The last week of March, Cap ‘n’ Cork will start putting in orders from 5 Star and doing cooler resets for the Yuengling products,

Lebamoff said. Although Hoosiers are excited about Yuengling, Lebamoff doesn’t expect his stores to have to do a major cooler overhaul. Due to the amount of beer Yuengling is sending to the state, Lebamoff said he only expects a couple hundred cases per store of the products. For those who have access to the beverages now, having the brew available for events like March Madness and St. Patrick’s Day was important, Ziherl said. “We worked with the brewer and thought it would be great for on-premise (customers) to drive some traffic to them,” Ziherl said. “We thought it was a great way to roll it out.” Yuengling has already received a warm welcome. “We had a launch party here at the Embassy (Theatre March 2) and had 600 retail customers,” Ziherl said. “(March 6) was our first day of delivery and

we made deliveries at 7 a.m. Everybody is waiting.” Some of the bars who opened bright and early to provide customers their Yuengling fixes included O’Sullivan’s and Deer

Park Irish Pub, both in Fort Wayne. “Knowing it was coming, a lot of people really wanted it,” O’Sullivan’s owner Frank Casagrande said. “We wanted to be

of how Parkview Field is meant for more than just TinCaps baseball,” Nolan said. He added that not only are the games free for participating high schools thanks to a partnership with Parkview Sports Medicine, they actually serve as a fundraiser for the

programs. Tickets are $5, with $4 going back to the participating schools and $1 going to the Parkview Field Ballpark maintenance and improvement fund. The TinCaps’ affiliate team, the San Diego Padres, has the third best farm system in baseball, so fans can look forward to “a

lot of exciting young, top prospects to come watch this season” as well, Nolan said. This year also marks the 25th consecutive year for professional baseball in Fort Wayne, Nolan said, so the TinCaps plan to celebrate their heritage with Fort Wayne.

Fans excited for the 2017 season only need wait until April 8. “We can’t wait for opening day to get here,” TinCaps President Mike Nutter said in a statement. “For as special as the first eight seasons of TinCaps baseball at Parkview Field have been, I really think

PHOTO BY JANE SNOW

Deer Park Irish Pub owner Tony Henry fills a glass from the Yuengling tap. The popular beer was first poured locally on March 6.

one of the first to have it. A lot of customers couldn’t wait.” Deer Park Irish Pub wanted to be the first to serve Yuengling locally, so it sent several workers out at 6 a.m. to pick up kegs from 5 Star’s warehouse. “It was really more of our wanting to really validate our customers… wanting Yuengling in our state (who have) never been afforded that opportunity until today,” Deer Park owner Tony Henry said. “We thought it would be an outward gesture on our part, this is how much we care about you. We opened at 7 just to celebrate.” When asked why Yuengling was such a popular beer, many shared the same answer: its longevity in the United States and its true-to-tradition taste. “What they do is make an outstanding beer,” Ziherl said. “They’ve always stayed tried and true to their culture of tradition, heritage, authenticity and quality.” 2017 can be even better. We’re certainly still motivated every day to make the fan experience here the best it can possibly be. And of course, it’s only possible because of the great support of our fans, sponsors, local media, and other partners around the region.”

INfortwayne.com • A13

Dupont Valley • March 24, 2017

JROTC from Page A1 family watched as his daughter — senior Caitlynn Flaningan — and stepdaughter — freshman Caroline Snuggs — marched in competition. “This is the armed regulation event where they have to follow the military regulation codes, the drill movements with rifles, exact marching and rifle movements, almost like a precision event,” he said. He echoed Kerlegrand’s descriptions of the long hours, and then he told of the long season. “They have competitions throughout the year. They travel all over, Chicago, Indianapolis, Michigan City and this one,” he said. The students strive to be the best when competing against other schools, he said. “They have to get inspected, so it’s not just marching movements but also memorization of military history, terminology, special events, chain of command throughout the United States military,” he said. “So they’re quizzed on common knowledge, and (they are judged) on how clean their uniform is, how things are lined up, their movements, how they speak, and their mannerisms and demeanor.” He said the skills can serve the students for a lifetime. “A lot of kids get to learn about how to be a leader and how to be an upcoming citizen, and it helps them with careers and jobs,” he said. “It’s not just all about the military. It’s about how to uphold yourself as a citizen. So it prepares them for jobs and resumés and how to interview and how to just know how to carry themselves as human beings.” For the first time, the Homer L. Clendenen Memorial Drill Meet

The JROTC color guard of Concordia Lutheran High School competes in the Clendenen Memorial Drill Meet at IPFW. Marching for the Cadet Battalion are (from left) Jason Behl, Preston Kerlegrand, Faith Poor and Cooper Christlieb. All are juniors and hold the rank of cadet 2nd lieutenant.

PHOTOS BY GARTH SNOW

Concordia’s Infantry Drill Regulation Platoon competes at IPFW. The squad leaders at the head of each column are (from left) Caitlynn Flaningan, Ian Brown and Cody Hough. Emma Martin leads the platoon.

was held at IPFW, at the Hilliard Gates Sports Center. Concordia Lutheran High School originated the drill meet 46 years ago and hosted it for 45 years. Clendenen was a senior Army instructor from 1968 until his death in 1972. In a statement, CLHS said, “Capt. Clendenen brought the CLHS Army JROTC Cadet Battalion into the new age of instruction. Capt. Clendenen was focused on training the Cadets to make decisions, plan and execute those strategies. With this in mind, he founded the Concordia Drill Meet in the winter of 1971. After his passing, the Cadets changed the name to honor the memory of his efforts at Concordia Lutheran High School. For this year, the site was changed to IPFW.” But it was still Concordia’s home meet, said Major (retired) John C. Sheaffer, the Concordia JROTC senior Army instructor. Sheaffer said CLHS was blessed to place in several categories. • Unarmed Exhibi-

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STAGES from Page A1 says. “She’s wondering why he’s always in his experiment … this man that she thought she knew and she thought she loved.” The role of Emma brings an added challenge. “The hardest part of being Emma would be her vocal range,” Southern says. “I’m many notes off the staff.” She is grateful for her experience in show choir and other Northrop choirs and says she is ready for those notes. Southern says she is extremely excited for the opportunity to be in her ninth Northrop production. For Cano, this is his “fifth or sixth” Northrop production, and his 10th overall. He last took the stage as John Proctor in “The Crucible.” “The program here is a lot of fun,” he says. “Working with Mr. Miller

Timothy Miller directs rehearsal at Northrop High School. The drama director said the rehearsals are both fun and hard work.

PHOTOS BY GARTH SNOW

Owen Slabauch, (from left), Courtney Pritchard and Quentin Brantley look to Timothy Miller for direction during rehearsal for “Jekyll and Hyde” at Northrop High School.

can be really nice. He’s very kind and he’s super fun to work with.” “All the kids are really nice and they’re really open,” he adds. “I’m so glad I’ve got this guy for one more year,” Miller says. But there’s work to do, and the musical produc-

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tion is drawing ever nearer. “You guys need to understand. When you get back from spring break we have 10 rehearsals. That’s it,” Miller says. Northrop will present “Jekyll and Hyde,” the musical, at 7 p.m. April 26, 27 and 28. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for

students. Northrop High School is at 7001 Coldwater Road, Fort Wayne. “Seventy-nine performers and 25 musicians bring this classic tale to life,” Miller said in an email. “The musical premiered on Broadway at the Plymouth Theatre in March of 1997. A video

production of the musical was filmed in 2000 starring David Hasseloff. Jayden Cano, last seen in ‘The Crucible’ as John Proctor, plays Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Gabe Robertson portrays his best friend and lawyer, John Utterson. Caitline Southern fills the role of Jekyll’s fiancé Emma, and Lexy Skembos portrays a second love interest, Lucy. The musical is a pop-rock score and is

filled with memorable music.” Songs include “This is the Moment,” “A New Life,’” “In His Eyes” and “Someone Like Me.” ”Jekyll and Hyde,” the musical, is written by Leslie Bricusse, with music by Frank Wildhorn. The production is a musical retelling of Robert Louis Stevenson’s infamous novel, “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.”

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Dupont Valley • March 24, 2017

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‘Jailbirds’ to help fund MDA camp

By Megan Knowles mknowles@kpcmedia.com

On March 29, getting locked up will actually be a good thing. The Muscular Dystrophy Association of Northern Indiana is hosting an MDA Lock-up that day at The Charles, 3127 Carroll Road, Fort Wayne. “Jailbirds” volunteer or are nominated and raise funds to help send children with muscular dystrophy to camp in Wolcottville, MDA of Northern Indiana Fundraising Coordinator Valerie Churchill said. The MDA sends about 50 kids to the camp each year at a cost of about $2,000 per camper. “This is the week where they have the opportunity to see old friends that they’ve met in previous years, they have dances, archery, (an) art barn, fishing, karaoke and horseback riding,” Churchill wrote in an email. “This is the best week of their year is

PHOTO BY MEGAN KNOWLES

A Muscular Dystrophy Association Lock-up participant gets his picture taken as part of the event. “Jailbirds” then send these photos to loved ones, asking that they bail them out to raise money for the organization.

what I hear the kids say over and over.” But the MDA isn’t all about fun and games. The organization also helps fund research to find treatments and a cure for muscular dystrophy. And they’re making strides: In 2016, three new medications – emflaza, spinraza

HOW TO HELP

To sign up for the Lock-up, gala or Muscle Walk, email Valerie Churchill at VChurchill@mdausa.org or call (260) 486-6698 or visit https://www.mda.org/get-involved/participate-in-an-event. and eteplirsen – were approved by the FDA for the treatment of the disease. One of those drugs, eteplirsen, has

Miffed tot has her say with local author’s help By Garth Snow gsnow@kpcmedia.com

A generation before she became a children’s author, Holly Niner was an avid reader. Niner will meet her young audience and sign copies of “The Day I Ran Away” twice in April at Barnes & Noble in Jefferson Pointe. “This would probably be for the 4-to-7 age range,” the Fort Wayne writer said. She remembers reading “a lot of Dr. Seuss at that age.” She also read Childcraft books. “It was like a kids’ encyclopedia, but it had a poetry section and a short story section, so we would read a lot of those,” she said. “My dad would tell us stories, too, so there were the made-up stories.” Niner has made up yet another story, this time about little Grace telling her dad about her complicated day. “It’s just a fun book about a little girl who’s having a bad day,” Niner said. “Her favorite shirt’s dirty, her favorite cereal’s gone, and her mom sends her for a time-out after a tantrum and she decides to

PHOTO BY GARTH SNOW

Children’s author Holly Niner holds her latest book, “The Day I Ran Away,” at Barnes & Noble at Jefferson Pointe. The Fort Wayne writer will hold a book-signing at the store on April 1 and 8.

run away.” But Grace is oh-soyoung that she isn’t allowed to cross the street to run away. “And so Mom comes up with a way she can have the space they probably both need without crossing the street,” Niner said. “And she’s relating this day’s events to her father as he tucks her in. So in one of the father-daughter scenes Grace is actually doing bedtime yoga as she transitions to sleep.” See LOCAL, Page B5

“The Day I Ran Away”

By Holly Niner, with illustrations by Isabella Ongaro. Independent Publishers Group. Hardback. $17.95. Niner will sign books at noon Saturday, April 1, and Saturday, April 8, at Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Jefferson Pointe, 4140 W. Jefferson Blvd., Fort Wayne.

been in the works for 20 years, according to the MDA’s website. See MDA, Page B4

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Mirro Center to welcome Purdue Varsity Glee Club The Purdue Varsity Glee Club will share gospel, novelty tunes, patriotic standards and more at a concert in Fort Wayne. The men’s group will perform at 7 p.m Saturday, April 1, at Mirro Center for Research & Innovation, on the Parkview Regional Health campus on Dupont Road. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students and can be purchased at the door or at purdue.edu/pmo/calendar; click on April 1. There is no designated seating. The IPFW Singing Dons men’s chorus also will perform. The ensemble focuses on a capella and jazz music. Five of the 55-member Glee Club are Fort Wayne area students. Senior Adam Simpson is studying actuarial science

and applied statistics. His brother Sam, a freshman, is studying social studies education. They are Bishop Dwenger High School graduates and the sons of Virginia and Samuel Simpson. Junior Sam Hathaway, Woodlan High School graduate and son of Linda and Steve Hathaway, is studying building construction management technology. Freshman Zach Bucher is a graduate of Adams Central High School in Bluffton and son of Trent and Kelli Bucher. He is working toward a degree in engineering. William Murray, son of John and Teresa Murray, is a graduate of Huntington North High School. He is a sophomore studying cyber See GLEE, Page B5

B2 • INfortwayne.com

Dupont Valley • March 24, 2017

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The Carroll High School winter guard took first place in Class A in the state finals Saturday at Center Grove High School. The guard took a “walk of champions” through the high school halls Monday. Geoff Goelz directs the winter guard, shown rehearing the show “Waiting Game.” East Noble took first place in Class Regional A, with Northwood in fourth place. Homestead finished first in Open Class in the Indiana High School Color Guard Association finals.

This key role will be responsible for growing advertising revenues through the consultative sale of both print and digital solutions including newspaper, specialty publications, digital display, SEO, social media and website development.

Spark 4-H offers classes for nonfarm families, too

Candidates must have a proven record of maximizing revenue potential to meet company/business objectives; demonstrate consultative sales skills, have strong analytical and research capabilities to develop multi-media proposals and presentations to potential clients; must possess strong written and verbal communication skills, be capable of executing dynamic presentations, and have exceptional problem solving abilities. Essential Skills: The ideal candidate must be an aggressive sales professional with proven sales success; have the ability to develop new business; work independently to identify, propose and present multi-media solutions to existing and prospective clients, and engage and strategize with advertising clients to demonstrate our value proposition and how we can assist them in meeting their marketing objectives through a variety of print and digital products and services. This is a full-time position that offers a base salary, commission, a competitive incentive program, excellent benefits including medical, dental, vision, paid vacation, 401(k), and more.

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4-H isn’t just for farm kids, and it’s not just about farm animals, says Samm Johnson, 4-H Youth Development Extension agent for Purdue University in Allen County. For instance, a two-part consumer clothing work-

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shop is open to everyone in grades three to 12. It’s part of the Spark 4-H program. “Spark is a new push we have statewide in Indiana to get new youth and new volunteers involved in our programs,” Johnson said. “In lots of places people think 4-H is just for kids who live on farms, and that is not the

case. It’s about technology, science and math, citizenship and healthy living.” The clothing workshop will be held from 6-9 p.m. Fridays, March 24 and 31, at the Purdue Extension-Allen County Office, 4001 Crescent Ave., on the IPFW Campus, Fort Wayne. Participation is free with

the $25 2017 4-H program fee. To participate, call (260) 481-6826. Spark classes might cover technology, science and math, the Japanese language, citizenship or healthy living. “We have had science, theater, and Critters and Canvas with See 4-H, Page B4

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Dupont Valley • March 24, 2017

Hiking group features local parks and ACRES By Emeline Rodenas

part of the group for five years. “On average, 20 people show up for each hike. Attendance will vary based on people’s schedules. We pick a time in the morning so that people can come out and still get done what they need to,” he says. The group also offers a carpool for people who’d

erodenas@kpcmedia.com

Motivation to exercise may be hard to come by during the winter months but cold weather and strong winds are no deterrent for this group. The Wild Walkers, a self-directed group of hikers, meet every second and fourth Friday of the month to hike at various state parks or ACRES preserves. A hike lasts between one to two hours, depending on the trails available at each park. The group is run in conjunction with Fort Wayne Parks and Recreations. Kellie Adkins, the outdoor recreation coordinator, plans a variety of activities for people of all ages. “The choice of activities we offer has really expanded,” she says. The hiking schedule is available at the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation website for people to download and is created by Brenda Willis and Dick Harnly, the group’s leaders. “I sort of volunteered myself to make the schedule and I’ve done it ever since. We pick each park based on distance. We choose parks that are within an hour drive of Fort Wayne,” Willis says.

prefer to drive together. The group ranges from people as young as 7 to age 60. “I’ve brought my grand-daughter out to hike with us a few times. At the last hike at the ACRES on the Wabash, there were 32 people who attended,” he says. Bill Ewing, another See ACRES, Page B5

COURTESY PHOTO

The Wild Walkers meet on the second and fourth Friday of every month to hike at various local parks and ACRES preserves. From left are Don Lupke, Bill Ewing, Kim Poffenberger and Dan Koontz, who have all been part of the group for five to six years.

According to group member Kim Poffenberger, the group chooses ACRES preserves, and county and state parks for their hiking locations. This is convenient as members come from all over. Poffenberger lives in Fort Wayne now but used to live at Clair Lake in Huntington County. Other members of the group have summer homes in the DeKalb, Noble or Steuben County area. According to the Department of Natural Resources, Indiana has approximately 30 preserves in the northeast part of the state alone. That includes only five counties. Indiana residents can call themselves lucky to have such

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Allen County Parks to host hike, showcase native plant

MDA from Page B1 The MDA also supports a clinic at Lutheran Hospital that Churchill said is “a one-stop shop” where youth with muscular dystrophy can see a neurologist, get their wheelchair repaired and more. “(It’s all in one place) instead of having different appointments, so it makes it kind of nice for them,” Churchill said. Overall, the MDA helps more than 700 people in northern Indiana, MDA of Northern Indiana Executive Director Sonja Cronin said. MDA Lock-up jailbirds begin their day getting their mugshot taken, complete with bars. They then send messages and their photo to friends and family, asking that they help them post bail. Jailbirds are encouraged to fundraise in advance, however, Cronin said, so they can meet their bail, which will be $3,200 for Fort Wayne participants on March 29. Jailbirds are treated to food while they fundraise, and are given a plaque once they meet their goal. “It’s kind of a crazy, fun-filled day. It’s a lot of energy,” Churchill said. The goal is to have

Dupont Valley • March 24, 2017

By Louis Wyatt lwyatt@kpcmedia.com

PHOTO BY MEGAN KNOWLES

MDA of Northern Indiana Fundraising Coordinator Valerie Churchill, left, presents Greg Wheeler with a plaque after he successfully collected his bail at a recent MDA Lock-up fundraiser.

300 participants at the March 29 event, she said, adding she had more than 70 signed up by Feb. 23. The lockups are only a small part of what the MDA does for fundraising, Cronin said, adding they facilitate more than 100 events across the region annually. Other events include the organization’s Muscle Walk, which takes place April 22 at Parkview Field, and its inaugural gala, which will take place June 2 at the Parkview Mirro Center. The gala will be a “black tie formal” affair, Cronin said, complete with cocktail hour, hors

d’oeuvres, Asian-infused dinner and live music by the Alicia Pyle Quartet – all to benefit those with muscular dystrophy. Bill and Dawn Boggs know a thing or two about raising money for the MDA. They oversee a successful muscle walk team that puts on an auction, its own 5K and a bowling event to raise funds for the cause. Last year their team was the fourth highest earners in the country, Bill Boggs said. While he has muscular dystrophy himself, Bill Boggs said he raises the money for the kids. “(The MDA is) a very good support system. It’s a great organization, it’s a good cause,” he said.

Allen County’s Metea County Park is home to one of northeast Indiana’s most unusual plant oddities. The perennial wildflower, commonly known as the skunk cabbage, is not the type of flower you would want to gift someone for Valentine’s Day but, nevertheless, its unique chemistry makes it a rarity among Indiana wildlife. Allen County Parks Naturalist Jeff Ormiston has taken interested explorers on an annual Skunk Cabbage Hike for the past three years at Fox Island County Park and will be bringing the tradition with him to Metea Park on Sunday, March 26. (The registration deadline has passed.) “The skunk cabbage is fairly unique in the plant world,” Ormiston said, noting that the foul odor the plant emits is not to ward off predators, but rather to attract pollinators – carrion beetles, flies and other insects that are ordinarily attracted to rotting meat. “It actually does smell like skunks.” The skunk cabbage’s most interesting quality

4-H from Page B2

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live animals and then we learn to paint those animals,” Johnson said. “We have had a lot of luck here in Allen County in that we’ve had a lot of volunteers who are passionate about their interests and their hobbies and want to pass that interest to the others,” Johnson said. For instance, a former

COURTESY PHOTO

A skunk cabbage’s flower head peeks out from the safety of its spathe.

has nothing to do with its namesake, however. What makes this plant a wonder of Indiana wildlife is its capacity to produce heat. “They’re most visible in spring before the snow is off the ground because their metabolism causes them to produce heat,” Ormiston said. If you thought bird songs and budding maples were the first signs of spring, think again. At below freezing temperatures, skunk cabbages manage to emerge and bloom from frozen riverbeds and wetlands – long before Indiana residents are even convinced it’s spring yet. The skunk cabbage’s

warmth also streamlines the pollination process, as the heat creates a constant circulation of air in and out of the protective leaf known as a spathe. The warm air rising from the cabbage carries the skunky smell – which is especially strong when the plant is injured – quite a distance from the source to attract more pollinators. Allen County Parks’ Skunk Cabbage Hike offers people a chance to learn about the elusive plant, explore the trails of Metea County Park and discover the skunk cabbages growing in the stream bed of Cedar Creek.

4-H’er will each the consumer clothing class. “It’s a minimum of six hours of educational experience that is hands-on and is going to teach the kids about a variety of topics,” Johnson said. “We have a goat Spark club. One of our more popular as far as registrations has been outdoor skills, tying knots and all that good stuff. A volunteer loves putting together

gingerbread houses. And one that is in planning is a cake decorating workshop in May. So we have new volunteers and youth who are not traditional 4-H members but have all the opportunities that other kids have. Even though they don’t have animals or gardens they are 4-H’ers just the same.” Visit extension.purdue. edu/Allen for more information.

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security. The men of the vocal ensemble have served as ambassadors of the university for more than 115 years. Their musical repertoire ranges from gospel, jazz, swing, religious and contemporary music to romantic ballads, barbershop harmony, folk tunes, patriotic selections and novelty numbers. They will also showcase small groups specializing in varied popular music. The Glee Club presents more than 60 concerts a year. The group has performed during spring break in Florida and California, has presented concerts in Carnegie Hall in New York City, several presidential inauguration venues in Washington, D.C., and internationally

group member, even brings his dog sometimes. “Most of the parks are animal friendly so I bring my dog out with us to get some exercise too,” Ewing says. Parks do require that dogs be on leashes and that owners clean up after their animals. There are many health benefits to hiking. Regular aerobic exercise such as hiking leads to improved muscle fitness, lower risk of stroke, diabetes and heart disease as well as reduced depression and better quality sleep. “The exercise is nice since we really don’t get enough of it in our day-to-day life, ” Poffenberger says. The group also uses the opportunity to educate themselves on various aspects of each preserve or park, including plant life, and wildlife. This is especially important as they can then spread knowledge to others. “I really enjoy walking with nature and learning

LOCAL from Page B1 Niner’s fascination with books continued through her childhood. “In elementary school we could take three books out a week, and a friend and I would pick our books out together and exchange our books midway through the week because both of us needed more than three books to get through the week,” she said. “This would have been like fourth, fifth or sixth grade.” She and her husband, Keith, read to their children at a very early age. “We read with them before they were born,” Niner said. “They had to read every night. Nobody watched TV after dinner and there was reading before bed and then we read together even into high school. We even read the first couple of Harry Potter books together. So we always enjoyed that time together.”

COURTESY PHOTO

Five Fort Wayne area singers are among the Purdue Varsity Glee Club, which performs more than 60 concerts a year.

in Australia, China, South Africa, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, France and the United Kingdom. They will tour Poland and the Baltic States this

May. Purdue University, a respected engineering institution, does not offer a music degree program. Glee Club members are

studying such majors as photography, education, health and fitness, accounting, management, sciences and numerous engineering disciplines.

Her children are now ages 27 and 29. “They read all the time,” she said. Niner said children gain both knowledge and insights by reading or listening at a very early age. “They may learn about things they don’t know, or people, or places,” she said. “But it’s also a way to experience emotions safely and see how someone handles them. That’s why with a lot of books for small children, the illustrations — the main characters — might be animals who are personified. They’re acting like people because they can explore even adult-like behaviors that a child wouldn’t explore themselves.” Niner is a speech therapist, working at skilled nursing facilities. She also does skill modifications for people who speak English as a second language. “I actually started

writing for children back in 1991 or 1992,” she said. “My children were toddlers and I did not work outside the home then.” Her mother reminded Niner of her longtime love for reading and writing. “She sent me information on a correspondence writing for children course. So that was the beginning,” she said. As with many authors, much of her early contributions netted rejection letters. “It’s really a business where you need a very thick skin,” she said. “About 2000 I decided to learn more about the business and once I understood about the publishing business the rejections started hurting a lot less. So I started reading and going to some conferences and I first got into publishing with the magazine market.” Her first book, “Mr. Worry: A Story About OCD,” was released in 2002.

Next came “I Can’t Stop: A Story about Tourette Syndrome.” Those were niche books, each addressing an issue, she said. “The Day I Ran Away” offers a lesson through a fun story. In September, readers can learn about a mole named Jackson in Niner’s “No More Noisy Nights.” She looks forward to meeting illustrator Isabella Ongaro, who brought Grace to the pages of “The Day I Ran Away.” “The editor really manages how the book comes together,” Niner said. “So during the whole process she is the go-between. I would see sketches and make comments, but I never had contact with Isabella until the book was finished and then I was able to contact her and tell her how much I liked her illustrations.” Read more about the author and her works at hollyniner.com.

new things. We went on a hike with another group member, Fred, who was able to teach us all sorts of things about birds and plant life at the park. It was fascinating,” Ewing says. Poffenberger echoes his sentiments. “There’s something for everyone. Some like birding, some like plants. Others just like to walk and talk,” he says. The camaraderie between the group can be easily seen. After each hike, the group picks a local place to eat and gets breakfast together. Many members of the group also choose to hike at the various parks on their own time. People interested in joining the group should look at the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation website under the programs tab. It’s free to attend and all are welcome. Kellie Adkins can be contacted at kellie.adkins@cityoffortwayne.org for more information. Poffenberger says,”The group is really blooming. We go out hiking, no matter the weather.”

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Community Calendar B6 • INfortwayne.com

Include news of your group, too Send news of your group to gsnow@kpcmedia.com by April 20 for the April 28 issue. Items will be selected and edited as space permits.

March

Community Calendar 2017

MAR.

April

Community Calendar 2017

SATURDAY, MARCH 25

Percussion and spaghetti. Carroll High School, 3701 Carroll Road, Fort Wayne; in the Alumni Gym. (Enter off Bethel Road and enter at Door No. 13). 4-7 p.m. Carroll Indoor Percussion will present its 2017 show titled “Carnival.” The Maple Creek Middle School Steel Drum Band also will perform. For the show only, admission is $8. The dinner is served immediately after the show and is $15 per person in advance, or $20 day of show; those prices include the show. (Performing students and children 3 and under are admitted free.) Featuring the Carroll High School Indoor Percussion Ensemble and the Maple Creek Middle School Steel Drum Band. The Indoor Percussion Community presents this fundraiser on behalf of the Carroll band program. Email secretary@ carrollbands.org for information on advance tickets. School play, “Emma.” East Allen University, 6501 Wayne Trace, Fort Wayne. 2 p.m. Tickets available at the door; $8. 4-H fish fry, carnival and silent auction. IPFW Alumni Center, 1528 E. California Road, Fort Wayne. 4-7 p.m. Advance sale tickets are available at the Extension Office, 4001 Crescent Ave., Fort Wayne, for $8 for adults or $5 for youth tickets. Each ticket will be $2 more at the door. The Alumni Center is located off Coliseum Boule-

Spouses Selling

Houses

vard, to the west of the IPFW Campus. The menu will include all-you-can- eat fish and tenderloin, sides, dessert and a beverage. Food will be served from 4-7 pm. or until sold out. This event is a fundraiser for Allen County 4-H Clubs Inc. Shipshewana on the Road. Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. $4 for adults; children 12 and under admitted free. Open house. Southwest Montessori Academy, 1625 Magnavox Way, Fort Wayne. 9-11 a.m. The open house is for prospective students — 3- to 6-yearolds — and their families. Activities will include coloring and board game. Enrollment is under way. Schlachtfest (countryfest). Park Edelweiss Reception Hall, 3355 Elmhurst Drive, Fort Wayne. Doors open 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m., brief concert at 8:30 p.m. $12 for adults, $6 for children. Sponsored by Fort Wayne Männerchor/Damenchor, a men’s and women’s choir dedicated to the preservation and promotion of German heritage as expressed in choral music. The dinner includes homemade bratwurst, potatoes and gravy, sauerkraut, and more. Adult beverages are for sale. “The Children’s Hour.” First Presbyterian Church, 300 W. Wayne St., Fort Wayne. 7:30 p.m. $20 general admission, $18 for patrons 65 and older, a limited number of free tickets for students, and group discounts. First Presbyterian Theater presents this 1930s drama that “confronts the bigotry perpetrated against the LGBT community.” Visit firstpresbyteriantheater.com for details.

SUNDAY, MARCH 26

Sunday Night Singles Dance. American Legion Post

47, 601 Reed Road, Fort Wayne. 6-9 p.m.; doors open at 5 p.m. $7 cover includes disc jockey, cash bar and potluck carry-in. For more information, call Doug at (260) 704-3669. Shipshewana on the Road. Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $4 for adults; children 12 and under admitted free. Fort Wayne Hobby and Collectibles Show. Classic Cafe

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catering and reception hall, 4832 Hillegas Road, Fort Wayne. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission. Find vintage and new toys, comic books and more. Admission to the vinyl record and CD show next door also is free. A Capella Choir. Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 3425 Crescent Ave., Fort Wayne. 7 p.m. Freewill offering. The University A Capella Choir from Concordia University, Nebraska, brings a repertoire of sacred and secular choral compositions representative of many times and cultures. Jennifer Reynolds, a senior from Fort Wayne, sings Alto I with the choir.

MONDAY, MARCH 27

Pizza and Pipes. First Presbyterian Church, 300 W. Wayne St., Fort Wayne; in the Sanctuary. 6:30 p.m. Music director Chelsea Vaught will perform organ favorites for all ages. The evening begins with pizza being served at 5:30 p.m. in McKay Hall. Samuel Savage, tenor. IPFW Campus, 2101 E. Coliseum Blvd., Fort Wayne; in the Rhinehart Recital Hall. 7:30 p.m. $7 for adults, $6 for ages 60 and over, $4 for non-IPFW students, and free for IPFW students with ID and students 18 and under. IPFW vocal faculty member and tenor Sam Savage offers an evening of vocal chamber music along with Ashlee Bickley, mezzo; Briana Sosenheimer, soprano; Mark Stachofsky, baritone; Jonathan Mann, piano; and Hamilton Toscarello, piano. For tickets and information, visit ipfw.edu/ music.

TUESDAY, MARCH 28

Faculty jazz combo. IPFW Campus, 2101 E. Coliseum Blvd., Fort Wayne; in the Rhinehart Recital Hall. 7:30 p.m. $7 for adults, $6 for ages 60 and over, $4 for non-IPFW students, and free for IPFW students with ID and students 18 and under. These professors create original works and arrangements of jazz and pop standards for each concert. Women’s Midday Connection: “Marching into Spring.”

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Dupont Valley • March 24, 2017

Orchard Ridge Country Club, 4531 Lower Huntington Road, Fort Wayne. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. $18 for lunch and program. Make reservations (or cancellations) before March 21 by calling Meredith at (260) 672-3414. The featured speaker is Stacey Kuster, director of All For One Productions, a Fort Wayne theatrical organization. The keynote speaker is Brenda Yoder, with “The Gift of Change.”

THURSDAY, MARCH 30

“Shrek the Musical.” Huntington University, 2303 College Ave., Huntington. Opening night performance at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $12 for general admission, $10 for seniors, $9 for HU faculty and staff, and $5 for HU students. Visit huntington. edu/theatre to buy tickets or for the full schedule and more show information. Lunch-N-Learn. New Haven Community Center, 7500 State Road 930 E., New Haven. Noon. The New Haven Chamber of Commerce sponsors a program on credit card processing, presented by POS Merchant Card Services. Register by March 27 for a food count. Call (260) 749-4484 or email info@newhavenind.org.

FRIDAY, MARCH 31

4-H plant sale fundraiser. Orders due March 31 for pickup in May at the Allen County Fairgrounds.

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Dupont Valley • March 24, 2017

Order patio planters, potted Gerbera daisies, hanging baskets, and tomato and pepper plants. Find details and a link to order at extension. purdue.edu/Allen.

APR.

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SATURDAY, APRIL 1

Native plant workshop. Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun Street, Fort Wayne. 10 a.m.-noon. Advance registration required. The workshop will also cover how to manage natural areas on your land for native plants and remove invasive species. Admission fee $10 ($8 for Conservatory members and active volunteers). Contact the Botanical Conservatory at (260) 427-6440 for information and to register. Purdue Varsity Glee Club. Mirro Center for Research & Innovation, Parkview Hospital Campus, Dupont Road. 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students and can be purchased at the door or online at purdue.edu/pmo/calendar.

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SUNDAY, APRIL 2

Free lecture. The History Center, 302 E. Berry St., Fort Wayne. 2 p.m. Free and open to the public. Diane Groenert presents “Birthing a Book: From Sketching to Self-Publishing,” with a lecture and book-signing. The lecture is part of the 23rd annual George R. Mather Sunday Lecture Series.

TUESDAY, APRIL 4

Appleseed Quilters Guild. Classic Cafe, 4832 Hillegas Road, Fort Wayne. Social time at 6 p.m., with the meeting at 6:30 p.m. Philanthropy is the focus for the April meeting. Members and guests will learn about Margot Anderson’s mission trips to Haiti. There will also be representatives speaking from Charis House and Creative Women of the World. For more information, check the website at appleseedquiltersguild.com or email applseedquilters@ yahoo.com. Dr. Bennet Omalu lectures. IPFW Campus, 2101 E. Coliseum Blvd., Fort Wayne; in the Auer Performance Hall of the Rhinehart Music Center. 7:30 p.m. The lecture is free to attend but tickets are required and will be limited to six per person. If all tickets are reserved before the lecture, the box office will maintain a waiting list. Tickets can be picked up in person Monday–Friday from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Larson Ticket Office, inside the Athletics Center on campus. Tickets are also available online through the IPFW Box Office website. A $1 service fee will be charged per ticket for online orders. As detailed in the 2015 award-winning film “Concussion,” Omalu became the first doctor to discover and identify chronic traumatic encephalopathy as a significant factor in the deaths of certain professional athletes.

present “Re-imagining the Possibilities,” an interactive exchange “designed to explore the needs, dreams and potential that the over-50 generation possesses and is looking to realize.”

SUNDAY, APRIL 9

Heroes and Legends VIII wrestling spectacular. Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne. Doors open at noon for fanfest and meet-and-greet. Bell time is 5 p.m. Tickets start at $15; available at Ticketmaster. For a list of stars, visit heroesandlegendswrestling.com.

THURSDAY, APRIL 13

Maundy Thursday service. Covenant United Methodist Church, 10001 Coldwater Road, Fort Wayne. 6:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, APRIL 14

Fish fry. Fort Wayne Sport Club, 3102 Ardmore

Ave., Fort Wayne. 4:30 p.m. $9 for adults, $4 for children 6-10, younger children eat for free. Dinner includes dessert, all made by members of the Sport Club. This is the club’s final fish fry of the season. Männerchor fish fry. Park Edelweiss Reception Hall, 3355 Elmhurst Drive, Fort Wayne. 4:30-7 p.m. $9 for adults, $5 for kids 12 and under. This dinner is presented by Fort Wayne Männerchor/Damenchor, a men’s and women’s choir dedicated to the preservation and promotion of German heritage as expressed in choral music. The meals are served the second Friday of each month, September through May. Association musicians play guitar and accordian and other instruments, singing mostly German music. The meal includes all-youcan-eat fish, sides, coffee and dessert. Drinks are available for purchase. Visit fortwaynemaennerchor.us for more information on the history of the association. Fish and chicken dinner. American Legion Post 420, 112 E. South St., Monroeville. 5-7:30 p.m. Dine-in and carry-out. Adults $9, children 5-12 $5. Sponsored by the Legion Auxiliary. Good Friday service with cantata. Covenant United Methodist Church, 10001 Coldwater Road, Fort Wayne. 4 p.m.

SUNDAY, APRIL 16

Easter Sunrise Service. Covenant United Methodist Church, 10001 Coldwater Road, Fort Wayne. 7 a.m. “Sign of Hope and Joy.” Other services today include: Easter Cantata, 8:15 and 11 a.m.,

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23 26

“THIS Changes Everything”; Easter contemporary service, 9:30 a.m., “Chain Breaker.”

TUESDAY, APRIL 18

Spring concert. Canterbury High School, 3210 Smith Road, Fort Wayne. 7 p.m. The public is welcome and admission is free. The choir, band and orchestra will perform.

THURSDAY, APRIL 20

Open house. Southwest Montessori Academy, 1625 Magnavox Way, Fort Wayne. 6-8 p.m. The open house is for prospective students — 3- to 6-yearolds — and their families. Activities will include coloring and board game. Enrollment is under way.

SATURDAY, APRIL 22

Fish and chicken fry. Grabill Fire Station, 13413 State St., Grabill. 4:30-7:30 p.m. Adults pay $10, ages 4-9 pay $7, children 3 or younger eat for free. Sponsored by Cedar Creek Lions Club to support the Northeast Allen County Fire & EMS and local community needs. The Outcry Tour. Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., Fort Wayne. 7 p.m Tickets $19.95-$64.95, plus fees. Featuring Jesus Culture, Lauren Daigle and Elevation Worship. For details, visit TrinityCommunications.org. MDA Muscle Walk. Parkview Field, 1301 Ewing St., Fort Wayne. 5:30 p.m. For information, contact Clarissa Fenker, (260) 486-6698 or cfenker@ mdausa.org. To register, visit mdausa.org and search for Fort Wayne.

SUNDAY, APRIL 23

Lunch & Laugh for seniors. Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 4700 Vance Ave., Fort Wayne. Noon-2 p.m. Free. The event will offer a free hot lunch. Seniors will play trivia games with and competing against the church youth group. Other highlights include door prizes, game prizes, and a chocolate foundation. Register by April 16 at fwgoodshepherd.org.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26

“Jekyll and Hyde — The Musical.” Northrop High School, 7001 Coldwater Road, Fort Wayne. 7 p.m. Admission $10 for adults, $8 for students. Also at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday.

MORE ONLINE Find the remainder of the Community Calendar at INFortWayne.com.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5

Free public lecture. University of Saint Francis, 5201 Spring St., Fort Wayne; in the Brookside Ballroom. 7 p.m. Open to the public. Dr. Vincent Wargo presents “Towards a Philosophical Theory of Practice.” Presented by the Department of Philosophy and Theology. A Passion Experience. The Ridge Missionary Church, 6424 St. Joe Road, Fort Wayne. Journey through the Passion Week of Christ to see how the experience of Jesus and his disciples are relevant today. Arrive any time between 6 and 7:30 p.m. The experience will last about one hour. RSVP with name and number attending to ridgeprayer@ gmail.com or call (260) 492-6716.

THURSDAY, APRIL 6

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crisis may have turned “the American dream” into an extended nightmare for many Indiana home buyers and sellers. Banks and mortgage lenders (who are not going out of business) have tightened up their lending requirements to the point where many home buyers today can no longer qualify for a mortgage. Record foreclosures, rising unemployment, losses in the financial markets and the current credit crunch have not only reduced the number of buyers who can buy but have also increased the number of houses that sellers need to sell. Prices are under pressure as home sellers lower their asking price to attract a buyer, and as lenders resell their foreclosed homes below market value. And it’s turning into a vicious cycle -- as many buyers need to sell their current home first -- and many sellers (unless they plan to rent) need new financing to get into their next home. As a result, a sea of real estate agents, mortgage brokers and home builders are going out of business. These professionals are in the business of serving buyers and sellers. But that’s hard to do with the credit crisis when the entire real estate industry traditionally relies on mortgage lending to finance buyers and get houses sold. What can homeowners do to sell their homes? How can buyers get financing if they can’t meet the tougher lending criteria on credit scores, income verification, down payment amounts and debt ratios?

There’s one local real estate professional who has found a way to make things work even with the present banking crisis. Mike MacDonald is the president of Summit City Investments, Inc. Since 1999, his private investment company has been buying houses throughout the Allen County, IN region without ever relying on banks. MacDonald’s company takes over existing mortgages or brings in private lenders allowing him to pay homeowners all cash for the properties. He then offers his properties for rent or “for sale by owner” using a variety of unique seller financing programs. By taking a long term approach and never relying on banks, business has never been better for MacDonald and his company. “Most sellers are unaware of the options we offer. What they need most is a qualified buyer... and we might just be that buyer. We can buy houses in as-is condition, pay top dollar and close in just a few days… or whenever they’re ready.”

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they must be desperate before calling him to buy their house. “It’s a very common misconception. But until I look at a house and do some research, I won’t know my game plan for the property or what I can offer. But after a single visit to the property and meeting with the homeowners I can let them know exactly what I can do. My offer is good for 7 days and it’s only at that point, with my offer on the table, that a seller can decide if I’m going to become their buyer.” In fact, price is not an issue for MacDonald. As an investor, what’s important to him is the determination of what income the property can produce. “It’s easy to determine. I also do an appraisal and look at the recent comparable sales. Then I do whatever I can to offer a seller up to full price today -- or about what they might net sometime in the future pursuing a more conventional route. What I can pay depends on the condition, location and financing options available for that type of property. It only takes about 10 minutes to prescreen a property over the phone and to set an appointment. We typically buy 1 out of every 4 properties we see. In fact, for about half of those I have purchased, the seller pursued their other options and then came to realize that my offer was the best all along.” MacDonald believes the three biggest reasons a house doesn’t sell are: 1) it is overpriced, 2) it is poorly marketed, or 3) it is not fixed up to show well. “I can pay a fair price on a home that needs work. I might even plan to increase the value or marketability by adding a bedroom or bath, finishing a basement or installing a new heating system. Brand new carpet and paint will go a long way to attract a qualified buyer. But I understand that many sellers don’t have the time, inclination or money to remodel a house... just to get it sold. We solve that problem for sellers.” Overpricing a home could be the biggest mistake. Listing agents sometimes suggest (or a seller might decide) to ask for a higher price than needed. This might be to test the market or leave wiggle room to negotiate. However, this can backfire if the seller wants (or needs) a quick sale, or when the “days on the market” stacks up causing buyers to wonder what’s wrong with the property. Another misconception about how Mike MacDonald buys houses is the idea that he’s probably looking for sellers in financial distress. “Look, when a seller is out of time or out of options, then I’m usually their best solution -- if their property is not over-financed. But most people headed for foreclosure are either overleveraged or actually looking to save their house. If I buy the house the seller must move. They really need to get into a more affordable home... but sometimes I can help by swapping properties.” MacDonald warns about companies and real estate investors who target distressed homeowners. “Recent laws have been passed in Indiana that apply to any business and investor who targets people in foreclosure. Be cautious, do your research and perhaps seek legal advice when anyone wants to charge you an upfront fee for helping to get your loan modified, or... if they’re promising to lease the home back to you. That rarely works out like the borrower expects and can lead to accusations of fraud. Perhaps rightly so.” What does a real estate investor like Mike MacDonald do with the houses he

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buys each month? What about the hundreds of houses his company has bought throughout Allen County, Indiana over the last 14 years? Simple. He rents them out or resells them. “We’re usually managing 80 to 100 properties at any given time -- making us one of the largest owners of single family homes in the area. Each month we may have 10 to 15 houses for sale. Some we’ve owned for years and others we have recently bought.” With a reasonable down payment, MacDonald says he can sell you one of his properties using his popular owner financing programs -- even if you have damaged credit or a short job history. His most popular owner financing “If you can afford a first month’s rent, a last month’s rent and a security deposit, then I can probably sell you one of my houses.”

out some sellers who have found themselves in over their head.” “We do everything we can to get our buyers permanent bank financing. It’s a win-win because we pay sellers all cash and fund our deals with private lenders. Our lenders are mostly local individuals seeking alternatives to low bank CD rates. They earn 8 to 10% interest on real estate notes well-secured by our properties. When we get our buyer cashed out, we finally make our money and can payoff our investor. These investors usually want to reinvest allowing us to buy even more houses.” Unfortunately many of the mortgage programs once available are now gone. It’s reported that 75% of the available lending disappeared when FHA changed their rules last October and again early this year. But, if you have money to put down and can prove your income, there are still loans available now. In fact, some rural development loans and VA loans still allow qualified buyers to borrow with no money down. “We help all of our buyers get a bank loan as quickly as possible... or we finance them ourselves. But we’ve never relied on banks. That keeps us in control and maintains our sanity. But we get those loans done every chance we get. In fact, sometimes a buyer can qualify and doesn’t even know it. Other times they can qualify but need a flexible seller. We’re one of the most creative and flexible sellers you’ll ever find,” says MacDonald. Does buying or selling a home have to be difficult? Maybe not! “President Obama says today's economy is the worst since the Great Depression and it may take many years to recover. Unfortunately I think he’s right and so do many sharp economists.” Interested in selling your property quickly and easily? Looking to buy a new home without bank qualifying? It may be worth checking in with Mike MacDonald and his staff at Summit City Investments, Inc. Call them at (260) 267-0760 485-9437 or visit them online at www.SummitCityInvestments.com. They’re in a unique position to help buyers and sellers overcome the new challenges created by the recent mortgage market meltdown and credit crisis. And if you’re looking for a conservative way to earn 8-10% interest on your idle cash savings or retirement funds, call and ask for info on becoming one of their private lenders.

program includes the opportunity to build “sweat equity.” Before repairing or remodeling a newly acquired house, MacDonald offers it in “as-is” condition to his buyer’s list. This allows his client to do the work (to suit their own preferences) in exchange for all or part of a down payment. “I have a lot of buyers who check my website each week looking for these ‘fixer upper’ deals. But if the home is not under contract within 10 days or so then I’ll hire my contractors to fix it up completely.” His next most popular program is a down payment assistance plan. Many buyers turn to MacDonald’s company because they don’t have the down payment required by today’s cautious lenders. Mike helps buyers build up equity or a down payment over time with his rent-to-own (or lease with the option to buy) program. In this program you can rent the property you’ve decided to buy, but have the option to close anytime over the next 1, 2... or even 5 years. A portion of the rent each month is credited toward buying. Additional amounts can be paid monthly for more rapid equity build up plus other promised amounts can be made later... like proceeds from the sale of another property or a pending tax refund. Once the buyer has enough “skin” in the deal, MacDonald can close with owner financing at the predetermined, mutually agreed upon price and terms. Or the buyer SUMMIT CITY INVESTMENTS, INC. is can close with a new bank loan. According located at 2200 Lake Avenue, Suite 123 in to MacDonald, “There are so many reasons Fort Wayne, IN, holds a Certificate of my buyers like some time before qualifying Good Standing from the Indiana Secretary for a mortgage. They may need to sell their of State, and is a BBB Accredited business house, work on their credit, establish more with the Indiana Better Business Bureau time on a job or establish two years of with an A+ rating, provable income on tax returns when self-employed. All our buyers are put in Mike MacDonald is the President of touch with a sharp mortgage broker who Summit City Investments, Inc. He is a creates a plan for them. We can recommend an affordable credit repair company that can 37-year resident in the local community, do unbelievable things given even a short 6 to and has been a long term partner in his 12 months to work on a file. This also helps family’s independent insurance agency and tax & accounting firm (G. A. MacDonald Associates, Inc.)

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For more information or to view a list of properties for sale, just visit www.SummitCityInvestments.com 2200 Lake Avenue, Suite 123 Fort Wayne, IN 46805 (260) 485-9437 Phone (260) 267-0760 -----------------