EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Deb Patterson dpatterson@the-papers.com
EDITOR Lauren Zeugner lzeugner@the-papers.com
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Karen Johnson kjohnson@the-papers.com
Kristin DeVittorio kdevittorio@the-papers.com
BUSINESS
Annette Weaver aweaver@the-papers.com
FEATURE
MARKETING
Darlene Eichelberger deichelberger@the-papers.com
Reagan Nichols rnichols@the-papers.com
DIRECTOR
Jerry Long jlong@the-papers.com
Lauren Zeugner, Editor Lzeugner@the-papers.com
editor’s note...
What’s the old line? “April showers bring May flowers.” Let’s hope we have a plethora of flowers this spring.
As you know, we work a month ahead on HomeLiving, and we got a ton of rain in March. As I type this, there is at least one farm field on my drive home that is completely underwater and I just saw a flood warning for the city of Goshen.
So if you need a break from spring cleaning or just the dreariness of another rainy afternoon, let me recommend this latest issue of HomeLiving.
We have another jam-packed issue.
Easter comes early this year, and with Easter comes Dyngus Day.
BethAnne Brink-Cox wrote about the
history of this Polish celebration and how the city of South Bend celebrates. She even included a list of the hot spots to be at if you’d like to join in the fun.
In addition to Dyngus Day, BethAnne also interviewed Jennifer Abrell, who has been the executive director of the Midwest Museum of American Art for a little over a year. Abrell has strong ties to both the museum and the City of Elkhart.
Nikki Carlson did an article on Career and Technical Education, that was referred to as Vo-Tech when I was in high school. Boy, did I just date myself there. There are six school corporations within HomeLiving’s distribution area that offer CTE programs and these programs go well beyond the traditional trades. I’ve had the privilege of covering some of the programs at Wawasee High School and am
impressed with the work these students are doing.
With that theme, Nikki interviewed Goshen Fire Chief Travis Peak, who oversees the RedHawk Fire Academythis is a CTE program Goshen High School and the Goshen Fire Department offer. Peak was named Fire Instructor of the Year for 2025.
One of the biggest topics of discussion, regardless of where you live, is housing or the lack there of. Julie did an article on Cherry Creek, which will be a multi-use development located on the south side of Goshen. This development will offer an array of housing options as well as retail and community space.
So I hope you take some time to peruse this issue and learn some things about what’s going on in our communities.
Enjoy!
LIGHT IT UP
Interior & Exterior Lighting Trends For 2026
By Julie Young HomeLiving Feature Writer
Everyone knows that good lighting can make or break your space. It not only transforms a room, it sets a mood, enhances architectural details, adds depth through light and shadow, and completes the visual, atmosphere, and functionality of any environment. While it is always wise to choose lighting that is geared to the task at hand, there are a number of ways to cultivate a look that is current. Here are a few of the current interior and exterior lighting trends for 2026!
SUSTAINABLE ATMOSPHERES
When it comes to outdoor living lighting, smart, sustainable atmospheres are what homeowners are looking for. They embrace integrated LED systems, color- changing technologies, and minimalist hidden fixtures that can be controlled via an app. Depending on where you live, homeowners may need to consider dark-sky compliance rules, layered and ambient lighting (similar to interior trends), as well as textured and organic designs. Consider modern nostalgia, linear lighting and installing fixtures high in trees to cast a soft, seemingly natural light below. One trend that is making a splash both inside and outside the home is sculptural lighting elements that not only illuminate a space, but also serve as free-standing works of art. Custom-made shapes, (often asymmetrical) and mixed materials such as raw stone and polished metal will look great in your yard while giving guests something to talk about.
After years of focusing primarily on the backyard and patio space, front porches are about to have a moment, and lighting will be a big part of that. Rather than using one garish porch light to illuminate the front door, homeowners are incorporating pendant lighting on their front porches to create a cozy, cohesive space in which to enjoy a morning coffee and wave to passing neighbors.
ORGANIC, ARTISTIC AND LAYERED
Interior lighting trends are all about how the intentional, layered lighting can help your home feel cozy and nuanced. Artistic sconces with irregular shapes are taking the place of sharp, minimalist fixtures to offer a bit of integrated and imaginative imagery in your home. Alabaster sconces and frosted glass can help diffuse light and create a softer look while vintage and Art Deco pieces offer some avant-garde aesthetics to your room. Fixtures featuring nature inspired forms such as flowers, leaves and bubbles are a great option to update your look. These are often made from handblown or “bubbled” glass and offer an imperfect appeal. Mixing and matching your table lamps with patterned lampshades can add an extra layer to a room while a sculptural floor lamp can offer a space a bit of whimsy.
Tunable wellness lighting that mimics the sun’s natural cycles is very on trend for 2026, but avoid harsh LED rings, mass produced fixtures and cold minimalism which are “so last year.”
GET PERSONAL
When it comes to lighting trends for 2026, homeowners are looking for lighting that can be personalized while offering a space that feels grounded and honest. By choosing lighting elements that are more tailored and intentional, you can bring mood and individuality to every room in your home. n
CHERRY CREEK GOSHEN
More than a place to live
By Julie Young HomeLiving Feature Writer
With a variety of housing options, a wealth of amenities, commercial space and more, Cherry Creek Goshen is more than a place to live, it’s a way of life!
In 2024, Cherry Creek Goshen (developed by Blue Diamond Communities) became the first housing community to break ground in the state with support from a recent Indiana Finance Authority Grant. This $11 million, 170-acre complex at Regent Street and Waterford Mills Parkway will not only make a dent in the area’s housing needs but also transform the South side of the city.
“Cherry Creek Goshen is designed to be a mixed-use development that will combine housing with retail opportunities, professional services, restaurants and recreational amenities in an intergenerational community,” said Tonya Detweiler, CEO of Cherry Creek Goshen. “We plan to have about 1,000 houses as well as condos, townhouses and apartments to attract people at all ages and stages of life.”
A UNIQUE LIFESTYLE
Detweiler said that Blue Diamond Communities visited several communities to identify the elements that would be included in Cherry Creek Goshen. Detweiler said she toured neighborhoods in South Carolina, Arizona, and Kentucky, gathering ideas to incorporate into the new development. While Cherry Creek Goshen is expected to be a 10-12-year project, she is very excited about it and she knows area residents are eager to move in.
“We are so excited because interest in Cherry Creek has been incredible not only from home buyers but people who want to start or locate their business within the community,” she said. “Our goal is to create a neighborhood where folks can walk to 80 percent of their lifestyle needs.” Images
THE 3 C’S of CHERRY CREEK
Community, convenience and comfort come together at Cherry Creek Goshen where neighbors will not only know one another but they will also connect through a variety of amenities such as a dog park, pickleball courts, event stage, green space, clubhouse and pool, as well as a 10-foot walking and biking trail that will not only wind through the development, but will eventually connect to downtown Goshen by 2027.
“In addition to a childcare center for young families, we are going to have a number of clubs and programs for residents 55 and older,” Detweiler said. “Best of all, we offer a maintenance-free lifestyle for all residents in which we take care of lawns, landscape, snow removal and more for you.”
Single family lots in Phase One are currently available with pricing in the $40,000s. Prominence Homes is the exclusive builder of single-family homes in Cherry Creek with prices beginning in the mid $300,000s. Townhomes and condos are priced to attract a wide range of buyers and with spacious fair market rental units for those eager to have a place of their own.
“Our apartments will be on the larger side so that people can have roommates and the first 32 apartments that we are putting in will have three bedrooms and two baths as well as full garage access,” Detweiler said. n
aroundmichiana
YEAR ROUND | MIDDLEBURY TRAIL TALES
Bring the family outdoors to read a children’s book while walking a short path at Riverbend Park; book pages are placed in special kiosks along the path. New books are installed monthly. Event partners are the Middlebury Public Library and Middlebury Parks Department.
APRIL 1-30 | SOUTH BEND SOUTH BEND FARMERS MARKET
Indoor market featuring homegrown produce, dairy products, meats, eggs, maple syrup, jams and jellies, handcrafts, artwork, jewelry and more.
7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday
A host of local musicians and bands gather to pick, play and sing bluegrass, country and gospel in an informal jam session. Meets the first Thursday of the month.
6:30-9 p.m.
Doc Able Pavilion, 116 W. Waterford St. Downtown Wakarusa, 1 block west of stop light. Free Admission, free will offering. (574) 862-2200 wakarusabluegrassjam.com
APRIL 6-10 | OSCEOLA SPRING BREAK DISC GOLF
10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park
57057 Ash Road, Osceola
Admission is free to those 18 and under.
APRIL 4 | ELKHART FIRST RUTHMERE SOLO STRING
COMPETITION
Noon to 4 p.m.
302 E Beardsley Ave, Elkhart For tickets visit ruthmere.org/event-6544523
APRIL 8 | WARSAW MARK’S ARK ANIMAL SHOW
Get up close with a variety of animals — including birds, mammals, and more — for an unforgettable hands-on experience the whole family will enjoy.
6-7 p.m.
Pete Thorn Gym, 800 N. Park Ave. Admission is free.
APRIL 17 | SYRACUSE PURDUE VARSITY GLEE CLUB
RETURNS
Hosted by Chautauqua-Wawasee
7:30-9 p.m.
In the auditorium of Wawasee High School, 1 Warrior Path Tickets range from $12.51-$33.85. Visit eventbrite.com/chautauqua-wawaseepresents-the-purdue-varsity-glee-club-tickets-1980636147033
APRIL 19 | SOUTH BEND RIVERDANCE “30 THE NEW GENERATION”
7 P.M.
Morris Performing Arts Center 211 N Michigan St. (574) 235-9190
Tickets: $169-$309
APRIL 24-26 | WAKARUSA
57TH WAKARUSA MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVAL
11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday- Sunday. This year’s festival is extra special as we come together celebrating America’s 250th Birthday with a weekend full of community spirit, family fun, and patriotic pride. From time-honored maple syrup traditions to the sights and sounds that make Wakarusa Maple Syrup Festival unforgettable, it’s the perfect way to welcome spring.
APRIL 25 | WINONA LAKE WCN’S RUN WALK FOR HUNGER
5K OR 10K
Sponsored by World Compassion Network
10 a.m. to noon 1590 Park Ave. Register at https://runsignup. com/Race/IN/WinonaLake/ WCNs10thRunWalkforHunger n
RESOURCE GUIDE
Celebrate Dyngus Day
American Legion Post 284 2351 Grant Road, South Bend (574) 289-4459
American Legion Post 357 5414 W. Sample St., South Bend (574) 234-5073
DeAmicis Italian Club
302 W. 11th St., Mishawaka (574) 255-8729
South Bend Firefighters Local 362 4025 Lincolnway W., South Bend (574) 232-3473
American Legion Post 297 486 E. Michigan St., New Carlisle (574) 654-7621
Crumstown Conservation Club 59440 Crumstown Hwy., North Liberty (574) 234-4956
DiLoreto Club 914 Division St., Mishawaka (574) 255-0520
West Side Democratic Club 617 S. Warren St., South Bend (574) 514-6583
Hands-on Career Training
Elkhart Area Career Center
Scott Sassaman, Principal ssassaman@elkhart.k12.in.us (574) 262-5650
Wawasee High School
Tina Schmucker tschmucker@wawasee.k12.in.us (574) 457-3147
Warsaw Area Career Center Benjamin Barker (574) 371-5074 or by email on the school corporation’s website
South Bend Community Schools
Andrew Findlay afindlay@sbcsc.k12.in.us (574) 393-6000
Hands-on career training for students through CTE PROGRAMS
By Nicholette Carlson HomeLiving Feature Writer
In order to provide students with the opportunity for real world, hands-on experience, many area schools are offering career and vocational training for juniors and seniors in high school. These classes allow students to test out future careers with the possibility of earning college credit toward Ivy Tech Community College or Vincennes University or receiving industry certifications in the field. These college credits are then typically transferable to other state schools. Many of these classes also partner with local businesses to provide internships and business experience for the students. With the recent push from the state for career and technical education, the number of participating students as well as the number of programs available have seen an increase over the last five years. According to Scott Sassaman, principal of the Elkhart Area Career Center, “We’re preparing kids for whatever their future needs are. When I got here, I realized this is how education should be and it is so valuable for kids and our future.”
The Elkhart Area Career Center is the area’s oldest career and technical education high school serving schools in Elkhart, St. Joseph and Kosciusko counties as well as Edwardsburg, Mich. for over 50 years. There are 30 programs offered, 42 instructors and approximately 1,300 students participating each year for the past three years. Students are able to try one of the programs during a year-long class to decide if they wish to pursue it as a career. If not, students are able to choose a different program the next year.
Warsaw Career Center has a variety of career options for students to explore during high school.. These opportunities include business administration in management or marketing, information technology, software development, education, and radio and television broadcasting. The Blue Apron Restaurant provides culinary arts and hospitality students with opportunities in a student-run, full-service restaurant open two days a week for lunch. The Warsaw Early Learning Academy provides low-cost child care to teachers and faculty while allowing
students who have completed child development courses the opportunity to peer tutor and assist in the daily routine of the child care teachers.
Career and technical education at South Bend Community Schools helps students to explore different career paths and is especially helpful for those who do not want a traditional college structure. Students enroll in a class during their sophomore year and begin classes during their junior year. Students spend part of the day in traditional high school classes and then are transported to another location to receive the specialized training in a variety of fields.
One thing that sets the Fairfield Community Schools career and technical education apart is its on-site cosmetology salon. The school has a salon on campus open multiple days a week during school hours for students to receive real- world experience while patrons enjoy reasonable, competitive pricing. The salon offers haircuts, styling, massage, facials and nail services. Cosmetology students are also able to compete in regional competitions. Other programs offered through the school include: radio and TV communications, computer technology support, building trades, and veterinary science.
Wawasee Community School offers students the Pathways program, which is a cooperative between Wawasee Community Schools and Fairfield Community Schools. Students are able to begin discussions about career and technical education with school counselors as early as freshman year, but do not enroll in classes until junior and senior year. Pathways has extensive partnerships with local businesses to provide hands-on training in the community. Recently expanded for the new school year, the Goshen Community Schools now offers 11 career and technical education courses located primarily at Chandler Innovation Academy. In the past two years, the program has grown from 30 students to over 250 students. The programs allow junior and senior students to experiment with possible careers while receiving beneficial real world skills for life after school. This school has partnered with Startup Moxie Elkhart County to teach classes in entrepreneurship. n
COMMUNITY CORNERSTONES
Peak helps recruit and train the next generation of firefighters
His entire career has been spent with the Goshen department. He grew up with loved ones in the department. In 2004, he was working a factory job when he heard the department was going to be hiring. While Peak had little experience, he planned and prepared for a year and ended up receiving a high rank and hired that year. He went through the physical and written exams and then the interview process.
During the process, candidates receive points for previous experience, such as already being an EMT-basic, and are then ranked. When he began, he completed all academy training during his first probationary year while on duty. The training included fire certifications as well as ladder, pump, rescue and fire training on top of normal probationary duties.
After Peak completed his probationary first year, he was accepted and sworn in as a first-class firefighter. Firefighters must then wait a few years to test to be an officer. As soon as he was able, Peak tested to become an officer and was promoted to fire sergeant. However, he waited years to test to the next level because he knew it was a big responsibility and wanted to be sure he was ready for the next step.
He was then promoted to fire lieutenant and, two years later, tested and was promoted to fire captain. The Division Chief of Education position then opened up and he tested and took on the role in 2024. In his new position, Peak is in charge of public education for schools, events and Fire Prevention Month. He conducts smoke detector and fire extinguisher training. He will meet with neighborhood associations or residents to
By Nicholette Carlson HomeLiving Feature Writer
The Goshen Fire Department Division Chief of Education
Travis Peak began his journey as a firefighter 22 years ago and now runs the Redhawk Fire and EMT Academy.
help create a fire plan. Fire Chief Anthony Powell came up with the idea for the fire department to partner with the Goshen Community Schools and begin its own fire academy for high school students. Both the city and Goshen schools were thrilled with the proposition. While Peak had been teaching as a fire instructor for half of his career, the program for high school students had to be built from the ground up.
One of the greatest changes was the program had to be slowed down significantly to teach inexperienced juniors and seniors. Students who wish to join the class fill out an application with their guidance counselor.
Peak, the counselor and the principal go through the applicants, checking attendance, grades and discipline. Counselors are also asked their opinion on who would be good candidates for the program. Once these students are chosen, Peak invites the students and their parents to an interview night. A physical agility course is also given so students can see what they will be doing and decide if they are still interested. That night the students find out if they have been chosen to participate in the academy.
While Peak is the primary instructor for the course, he has multiple assistants from the department who come in to help. Charles Stevens is Peak’s assistant instructor and the future of the program. He hopes to step into the leadership role later on. The team at Chandler Innovation Academy is also an integral part of the team for Peak.
The program is run in a paramilitary manner, just like at the firehouse. “We’re the same as we are at the firehouse,” Peak emphasized. “They wear a uniform. We do uniform checks in the morning. They clean up after. We want to keep the tradition and the expectation the same.”
Instructors have to be slow and strict when teaching the class because they will be putting them into a burning building as part of training and students will be future recruits for the fire department. If the student passes all the necessary state tests, they will graduate with the necessary certifications to walk into any volunteer fire department in the state that hires at 18. Currently individuals have to be 21 to enter the Goshen Fire Department, but officials are working on trying to bridge that gap.
This year the program began an EMT class. Fire classes are in the morning and EMT classes are in the afternoon. While the majority of students are from Goshen High School, they also accept students from Fairfield and Wawasee.
Currently there are six Goshen High School seniors in the fire program and eight senior students in the EMT program, five from Goshen High School and three from Wawasee High School.
“It started as a recruitment process for the fire department to get kids from local schools,” Peak explained. “That’s still a priority but we also want to build good humans by showing these kids things they’ve never seen before, bringing out their bravery, showing them discipline and helping them believe in themselves. If we walk away and we’ve helped to build good humans and built good relationships with them, what more could we ask for?”
Peak enjoys spending time with his wife, Tiffany (Ganger) Peak, including riding motorcycles and enjoying the outdoors. She is the owner of Landmark Bar and Grill in New Paris. He was named the 2025 Indiana Fire Instructor of the Year at the Indiana Fire and EMS Leadership Conference. n
Photos provided by Travis Peak
Dyngus Day Come celebrate Dyngus Day in South Bend
By BethAnne Brink-Cox
HomeLiving Feature Writer
If you’ve lived in this area for very long, you have undoubtedly heard of Dyngus Day. But what is it? Is it a local thing, as I used to think, or more than that? Oh, it’s much more than that. It’s celebrated across the United States, and it’s a Polish-American tradition to celebrate the end of Lent, the end of fasting, and the joy of Easter. It always falls on the Monday after Easter, which means that this year it will be April 6. Buffalo, NY, is widely considered the Dyngus Day capital, but rest assured, we know how to do things right around here.
And there’s more! Like what?
Historically, boys used to throw water on girls to express admiration. These days it’s more like communal water fights–think buckets and Super Soakers! Tradition holds that the girl who gets the most soaked will be the first to marry! That’s on Monday, but did you know some traditions have women getting their revenge for this by throwing dishes at men? (Duck, guys!)
Pussy willows come into play, especially among the children, as in tapping others on the legs, meant to bring good luck. Church is well attended, and Paschal eggs are gifted. Not sure about that?
That’s a different name for Easter eggs, so make sure the Bunny leaves you plenty and share the wealth.
And if you have a big appetite, bring it. If you haven’t ever tasted Polish food, what are you
waiting for? There will be specialties such as pierogi (dumplings) and kielbasa, potato pancakes and golumpki (stuffed cabbage.)
Want more? Bigos? That’s a sweet and sour Polish stew made with sauerkraut, pork, mushrooms, tomatoes, and sometimes apples or honey. How about desserts such as Polish cheesecake, or doughnuts? (Or both?)
So we’ve got pussy willows and water, lots and lots of good food. What else? Polka music! Dancing! Parties! Parades! And in South
Bend, it marks the beginning of the political primary season. And just where can you celebrate?
American Legion Post 284, 23571 Grant Road, South Bend, will open at 11 a.m. with sandwiches and more. Polka music will start at 3 p.m.
American Legion Post 297, 486 E. Michigan St., New Carlisle, offers a Dyngus Day Polish dinner from 5-7:30 p.m. for $15/plate.
American Legion Post 357, 5414 W. Sample St., South Bend, opens
its doors at noon, and offers live music from 2-6 p.m. along with food, dancing and raffles.
Crumstown Conservation Club, 59440 Crumstown Hwy, North Liberty, gets an early start, opening its doors at 7 a.m. with $10 admission. Live music and food will be available as long as it lasts. Don’t let the name fool you: DeAmicis Italian Club, 302 W. 11th St., Mishawaka, opens at 11:30 a.m. with Polish food, raffles, tip boards and 50/50. Another fine Italian place, DiLoreto Club, 914 Division St., Mishawaka will be open during its regular business hours from 4-9 p.m. Monday.
South Bend Firefighters Local 362, 4025 Lincolnway W., South Bend, doors open at 9 a.m. $10 Polish buffet, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Food for sale at 4 p.m. $5 cover charge starts at 4 p.m. Blammo will perform 6-10 p.m.
West Side Democratic & Civic Club, 617 S. Warren St., South Bend, opens its doors at 9 a.m. with $15 admission, which includes a Polish meal. Democratic candidates and elected officials will take the stage at noon. Free non-alcoholic drinks will be available to designated drivers.
Fill up your Super Soakers, tie on your dancing shoes, whet your appetite, and prepare to celebrate no matter what your heritage might be. You know you want to–who can resist a party like that?
AI generated by Google Gemini
Abrell takes the lead at Midwest Museum of American Art
By BethAnne Brink-Cox HomeLiving Feature Writer
We are so fortunate to have wonderful museums and theaters and other cultural opportunities in our communities, and the Midwest Museum of American Art has been delighting patrons for close to 50 years.
Adding to the delight is the new Executive Director, Jennifer Abrell, who says the MMAA “has served as a vital cultural anchor in Elkhart County, dedicated to its core mission: to collect, preserve and present American art and to inspire a love for the arts through education, diversity, history and culture.” That’s a tall order, and Abrell is up for it.
“MMAA has five permanent galleries on the first floor, where you can see the ever-growing collection of American art that spans multiple periods, movements and media. Seven additional galleries — four on the first floor, three on the second floor–are dedicated to temporary, rotating, and special exhibitions, providing a dynamic and ever-changing visitor experience that rewards both first-time guests and loyal returning members. The museum welcomes approximately 6,500 visitors annually, a figure that reflects not just walk-in attendance but also the many students, teachers, families, artists, and community members who engage with MMAA through its signature programs and events.”
146 students, 202 works of art, over $3,600 in cash prizes to students at the Youth Art opening reception.
Abrell explained, “The two programs I look forward to every year are the Elkhart County Youth Art Exhibition, and the Elkhart Juried Regional. These are signature programs that have become defining pillars of the museum’s community impact — programs so long-running and deeply rooted that they have become beloved regional traditions in their own right.”
She added, “Held each March, the Youth Art Exhibition showcases original artwork created by students from up to eight Elkhart County public high schools. Youth Art is one of the longest-running youth arts programs in the region. The exhibition gives young artists the experience of seeing their work displayed in a professional museum setting — an experience that can be genuinely transformative for a teenager discovering a passion for art.
For many participating students, the Youth Art Exhibition is their first encounter with the Midwest Museum of American Art, and it often marks the beginning of a lifelong relationship with the museum and with the arts.”
But we want to know more about Jennifer, personally!
“I am originally from Elkhart, having graduated from Elkhart Central High School in 1979. My parents Richard “Dick” and Jane Burns, founded the museum in 1979, so I have a long history and connection to Elkhart and to the Midwest Museum of American Art. My father passed away in 2004 and my mother passed away in 2021. I have two brothers, Dr. Rick Burns and Dr. Daniel Burns, who along with their spouses and children live in Elkhart and Mishawaka, respectively.” She continued, “I am married to Dr. Gordon Hughes, a rheumatologist at the Elkhart Clinic. We have four sons, two of which live in the area. Our son, Dr. Matt Abrell, is a local podiatrist and lives in Middlebury along with his wife and two children. Our other sons live in Syracuse, New York City, and Fort Huachuca, Ariz.”
Art–and family–is not her sole passion, though. You might be surprised to learn that “This is my second career. I was a practicing attorney for 36 years, retiring in December 2023. After a year of retirement I was asked to become the executive director of the Midwest Museum of American Art with the impending retirement of Brian Byrn. I have been working at the museum as its executive director since January 2025 and Brian Byrn officially retired in December 2025 at 44 years of service.”
Asked, “What do you enjoy most about this work?” the answer was clear and warm. “The people. The art. The artists. Making art come alive for people. Making the Midwest Museum of American Art the best it can be as a cultural hub for not only Elkhart County but for our region.”
If you have never been to this museum, make haste! I intend to do exactly that, because Jennifer sent me. n
Abrell with her brothers at the Youth Art Exhibition.
Abrell with her grandchildren at the art exhibition.
Photos provided by
Jennifer Abrell
Did You Know?
By Julie Young HomeLiving Feature Writer
April
is one of the most wonderful months of the year!
We’ve all heard that April is the cruelest month and that April showers bring May flowers, but in actuality, April is one of the happiest months of the year (and a lot less rainy that you might think!) What makes April one of the most wonderful months of the year? Here are just a few reasons to celebrate the season!
Higher Home Sales
Did you know that April is the best month to buy or sell a home? April’s warmer temperatures, longer days, and spring blossoms offer sellers ideal curb appeal and more showing opportunities than any other time of the year. Buyers also have more inventory to choose from and can get a good deal before the more competitive summer season!
National Record Store Day
Support your local music retailer on April 18 to score some exclusive vinyl releases to add to your collection. Some of our personal favorites include:
• Joni Mitchel: For the Roses
• Pink Floyd: Live from the Los Angeles Sports Arena April 26, 1975
• George Harrison: Dark Horse (Zoetrope)
• Taylor Swift: Elizabeth Taylor (7-inch single)
Diamonds Are April’s Best Friend
In addition to being April’s birthstone, this month is a great time to invest in the precious gemstone. Not only can you take advantage of the post-Valentine’s/pre-engagement season, but you have increased choices and availability. Don’t forget to check out lab-grown diamonds, which typically cost 40 %-50 % less than mined varieties!
Investment Interest
April is a historically strong month for stock investments and since 1945, there has been an average return of 1.6 percent on investments. The reason behind the benefit? Folks have an increase of discretionary cash from their tax return plus the start of the second quarter encourages stockholders to clean up their financial portfolios and make some changes to their investment strategies.
In April History
• Juan Ponce de Leon landed in Florida on April 2, 1513.
• Paul Revere’s “Midnight Ride” began on April 18, 1775.
• George Washington was inaugurated on April 30, 1789.
• Abraham Lincoln was shot in Ford’s Theater on April 14, 1865
“Egg”citing Celebrations
• Easter: April 5
• National Pet Day: April 11
• National Scrabble Day: April 13
• Husband Appreciation Day: April 16
• Earth Day: April 22
• National Picnic Day: April 23
Time To Travel
April is a great month to travel. Not only can tourists find lower prices to some of the most popular destinations, but they will find fewer crowds when they get there!
Unsinkable Facts
Everyone knows that the RMS Titanic sank at 2:20 a.m. on April 15, 1912, after hitting an iceberg, but here are some other facts about the “unsinkable” ship:
• The ship’s fourth funnel was fake.
• More than 700 people in third class had to share two bathtubs.
• The lifeboat drill was canceled on the day of the sinking.
• 13 couples aboard the ship were on their honeymoon.
• There were two dogs that survived the sinking.
• The ship had its own newspaper called the Atlantic Daily Bulletin. n
... and now you know!
A Teacher’s P O V
The Squirrel and the Crow and the Lost Art of Attentiveness
This truth was never more evident than when I attended a local wedding a few weeks ago. The reception hall quieted to a hush as the groom took the microphone and announced the wedding cake will be served before the meal as a matter of principle and life philosophy. Cheers erupted.
Truth was evident. Both the groom and the people had spoken. He and we all…prefer the best for first…not last. We want to fast forward. Sometimes this is good and can be had without consequence. Sometimes, if we look too long in the wrong direction, we will miss what’s right in front of us. Missing has consequences, too. Attentiveness to the big picture is key.
As a teacher, my poet’s eye is always on the lookout for life-stories-turned-teachable-analogies to share with students on Monday mornings. Stories are among the best ways to relay truths. Why Mondays? No real reason – while Mondays are the day students and teachers come back together after the weekend. We regroup and reunite. It’s always good to have a segue at the beginning of class to warm up learning.
By Christi Lee Ziebarth Guest Writer
In the same way we may rush through a main course to quickly get to the first bite of a dessert, we live in a fast-forward world. We live in a skimming society; always looking for the spoiler-alert to the movie, the take-away of the social media post, or the CliffNotes for the book.
My Saturday and Sunday weekend hours ramp up and count down with an intentional figurative antenna watching for an interesting story to play out in my own life that can be shared with students come Monday. Because I am looking; a story is always found. Each story comes with a takeaway or perspective-check of some kind. Recently, the story of a persistent crow and an inattentive squirrel flew into my weekend.
Are you not familiar with the story of the crow and the squirrel? Neither was I. It played out right in front of me from my back porch and whispered about being attentive to the big picture as if our lives depended on it. Because, someday, like the squirrel, it may be.
I am familiar with the timeless fairy tale lore of “The Tortoise and The Hare.” Are you? It shares a message of responsible endurance. The hare was so confident he would win the footrace over the tortoise that he took a nap in mid-contest. He slumbered too long and the tortoise overtook him to the finish line and won!
This particular weekend, my backyard became a theater stage similar to the tortoise and the hare: a squirrel laughing while being chased up and down the gnarled trunk of a
mammoth oak by an oversized charcoal-black crow.
I say, “laughing”, because in the quiet of a wave-lapping lake-life morning, my ears did hear what sounded like chattery laughter chiming in rhythm with the squirrel’s flickering tail.
The crow chasing the squirrel was not laughing. Outstretched wings sought to catch the wind like a parachute slowing his speed as his feathered body wound around down the tree trunk.
The squirrel was so close, but knew this tree better than the crow. He would win and he knew it. Maybe this is why he laughed.
Suddenly, the crow bolted away from the tree; away from the squirrel as if he no longer cared.
A hawk came chasing from out of nowhere. I normally think of “chasing” like a race with one pursuer close behind the other. Not this time. The hawk flew side-by-side with the crow in seeming slow-motion as they rammed and tumbled police-chase style through the sky.
For several seconds I thought they would both collapse through my upper story window. For several seconds I thought they would tangle in the telephone lines. For several seconds I thought they would plummet to the ground.
Second by second they were able to right themselves in a jagged sky-dance until they flew above my roofline out of view. Moments later, only the crow returned. He smugly alighted in a top branch, far above the squirrel and sat there gasping with a clear siren of urgency.
No longer laughing, the squirrel watched the crow intently from a far-below branch.
The hawk ... a flutter and a swoop in peripheral vision, then lifting, lifting, lifting the squirrel into a high abyss above the telephone lines. While the squirrel watched the crow from a safe distance, the hawk appeared and claimed its prey.
The entire event was over in less time than it takes to heat up coffee in the microwave. The crow flew away defeated. The hawk and the squirrel were out of sight. I stood there with my dog. The chase had ignited my imagination but ruined my breakfast appetite.
The squirrel was not attentive. He was not looking out for the big picture. He did not live to laugh another day.
The hare in “The Tortoise and the Hare” counted his chickens before they were hatched. He counted his win before the win and ultimately lost.
There you have it.
We all still skim, look for the takeaways, read the CliffNotes and eat the dessert first sometimes. It’s part of life. Nothing wrong with that. So long as we are attentive to the big picture as we go…and don’t get carried away like the squirrel.
Live to laugh another day. n
This soup is a great way to use up some of that left over Easter ham. It’s also a great meal if you have a long commute or every one in the family is running in different directions.
INGREDIENTS:
q 1-1/2 cups diced cooked ham
q 1 cup dried lentils
q 1 cup chopped celery
q 1 cup chopped carrots
q 1 cup chopped onions
q 2 cloves garlic, minced
q 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
q 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
q 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
q 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
q 1 bay leaf
q 32 ounces chicken broth
q 1 cup water
q 8 teaspoons tomato sauce
DIRECTIONS:
Gather all the ingredients. Combine ham, lentils, celery, onion and garlic in a 3-1/2 quart or larger slow cooker. Season with basil, oregano, thyme, pep er and bay leaf. Stir in chicken broth, water and tomato sauce. Cover and cook on low for 11 hours. Discard the bay leaf before serving. n
