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September 2026

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HOMELIVING LIVING 9/11 - 25 Years Later Cabinet Trends Time To Ride

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Remembering 9/11 25 Years Later

Community Cornerstones: Lassus Serving the Community For Over a Century

Cabinet Trends Shift with Colors and Styles

More Than a Pumpkin Patch: Thistleberry Farm is a Fall Family Tradition

Time To Ride: Cycling is Sustainable, Healthy and Fun!

J. Miller Cabinet Co.

facebook.com/thistleberry.farms

on the COVER

Shown are Jon Lassus, front, with sons Todd, left, and Greg with one of the first gas pumps Jon’s grandfather started the business with.

September 2026 VOLUME 2

NO. 9

15 Around Michiana 16 BANCI’s Annual Homes on 18 Parade to be Sept. 18-20 IUSB Celebrates 60 Years of 22 Children’s Theatre with Janell Villalobos

Return of Winnie-the-Pooh Easy Eats Book Nook Did You Know? September

23 24 25

Cover photo provided by Lassus

HOMELIVING PO Box 188 • 206 South Main St. Milford, IN 46542 800.733.4111/Fax 800.886.3796 Editorial ext. 2311 & Advertising ext. 2328

www.homelivingplacesandspaces.com Member of:

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BUSINESS MANAGER Annette Weaver aweaver@the-papers.com

EDITOR Lauren Zeugner lzeugner@the-papers.com

FEATURE WRITERS BethAnne Brink-Cox Nicholette Stout Julie Young

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Karen Johnson kjohnson@the-papers.com HomeLiving Places & Spaces is a newsmagazine with emphasis on lifestyle, exploring the community, travel and home decor and design. HomeLiving does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial content, nor does HomeLiving or its staff assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial content appear in any publication.

HomeLiving reserves the right to determine the suitability of all materials submitted for publica-

tion and to edit all submitted materials for clarity and space. HomeLiving has not independently tested any services or products advertised herein and has verified no claims made by its advertisers regarding those services or products. HomeLiving makes no warranties or representations and assumes no liability for any claims regarding those services or products or claims made by advertisers regarding such products or services. Readers are advised to consult with the

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advertiser and/or other home repair and renovation professionals regarding any such claims and regarding the suitability of an advertiser’s products. No reproduction of HomeLiving is allowed without express written permission. Mailed subscriptions are available, prepaid with order at $49 for one year; and $82 for two years. Mail the order form, along with your check to HomeLiving, P.O. Box 188, Milford, IN 46542. Your cancelled check will serve as your receipt.

| HomeLiving Places & Spaces | September 2026 | 3

By BethAnne Brink-Cox HomeLiving Feature Writer

9/11 25 years later

It’s been 25 years since 9/11. It hardly seems possible, but it’s all as clear as it was then; the images and memories we can never forget. I remember being stunned as it all unfolded, thinking this must have been what Pearl Harbor was like—an ordinary day, people sleeping, going to work, going to church—and suddenly all hell broke loose. I remember being shocked when the Pentagon was hit, because I had thought that building could not be penetrated. And to see that Flight 93 was completely buried, with no trace of wreckage. A few months later, I stood at Ground Zero, looking at badly cracked sidewalks and realizing in horror that those were the outlines of the indentations left by bodies that fell that terrible day. ----------------Editor Lauren Zeugner: I was working in one of the company’s satellite offices on Tuesday, Sept. 11, when the office manager came back to tell me a plane had crashed into one of the World Trade Center towers. At first, I thought it was some crazy person in a small plane who had flown into the building. Then we learned the second tower had been hit by a plane. I remember the office manager telling

me two jets, not small planes, had hit the towers. I have friends in New York City, so I immediately tried calling to make sure they were OK, only to get a busy signal. I learned later that most of the cellular phone antennas were on the roof of the South Tower, which had collapsed by the time I tried calling. It would be three days before I heard from them. I remember going back to my apartment, grabbing a portable radio and heading to our corporate office in Milford. When I walked in, my co-workers, who knew I had friends in New York City, asked if I had heard from them. I told them no, but assumed they were OK. I spent the rest of the week glued to the TV news after work, watching the crews excavate the site and family members looking for loved ones. ----------------Staff Writer Julie Young: I was home with my youngest son on that morn-

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ing, watching a two-hour block of “Little House on the Prairie.” The episodes that day were a twopart storyline in which Mary’s baby and neighbor Alice are burned alive in the school fire. It was a traumatic episode and made more so when my mother called to tell me about the World Trade Center. Suddenly, I was switching back and forth between the news and “LHOP,” unaware of how this might confuse a 4-year-old. It wasn’t until a few days later, when we were driving on the interstate, that my son saw the Indianapolis skyline and proclaimed, “That’s where the towers were and where Mary’s baby died!” Today, my son is almost 30 years old, and he remembers 9/11 as “the day he came online.” He has no memories prior to that day, but he can certainly tell you what episode of “Little House” is embedded in his memory from that fateful day. Naturally, if he is home when that episode comes on, he will stop what he is doing and watch it — lost in the memory of a watershed moment that he will never forget. ----------------There will, as there should be, various ceremonies and programs around our area to honor those lost that day. Warsaw has planned a Memorial Parade beginning at

6:30 p.m. on Sept. 11, followed by a community memorial service. South Bend is once again planning its March to the Memorial, where you are welcome to march a lot or a little—up to 21 miles. And in Elkhart, Fire Department Chief Rodney Dale has his own memories and shared them as well as his department’s city plans. “I was a firefighter when it happened, and had been serving for five years. I was at the YMCA that morning, working out, when I saw it on the news. Like everyone else, I couldn’t believe that what I was seeing was real. The biggest shock was not only the number of deaths, but watching the buildings collapse. The heat of the jet fuel was so intense….” He continued by saying that a celebration and memorial service were being planned. “It will take place in the 400 block of Main Street, in front of the Lerner Theatre. There will be speeches, of course, and we will have food and drinks donated by Patrick Industries across the street afterward; Union Hall is right there.” Whether you knew anyone there that day or not, the fact is that 2,977 people perished that day—civilians, first responders and military personnel. Thousands more have died in the years since due to related health issues. They should never be forgotten. n

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Remembering

HOMELIVING

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COMMUNITY CORNERSTONES

Serving the Community For Over A Century If the Lassus last name looks or sounds familiar, then you’ve either driven by or pulled into a Lassus gas station to fill up on gas or snacks. Todd Lassus and his brother, Greg, are the fourth generation of the family-owned business. His dad, Jon, is also involved in the business. By Lauren Zeugner HomeLiving Editor Todd Lassus, a Fort Wayne native, explained that his great-grandfather, August Lassus, started the business in 1925. One of August’s best friends worked for Tokheim, a company that built gasoline pumps. August thought he had the perfect spot for a gas station, on one of Fort Wayne’s busiest intersections. Back then, gas stations were full-service. Over the years, Lassus opened more stations, went into the home heating oil business, then offered service bays where cars could be serviced. Eventually, Lassus stations morphed into self-service stations with small convenience stores and later into self-service stations with larger convenience stores. “It’s just evolved over time,” Lassus said. There are now 37 Lassus stations stretching from Goshen and Warsaw in the west to Montpelier, Ohio, to the east. Lassus recently purchased the BP station at the corner of Kercher Road/CR 38 and U.S. 33 in Goshen, along with the lot across the street. The company also acquired another gas station in Middlebury. The company has 475 employees, many of whom have been with the business for more than 30 years. “We have great people,” he said. The company has 10 trucks that deliver its own fuel. Lassus explained that his company gets its product from Chicago, Ill. and Lima, Ohio. It also has a 2-million-gallon storage facility in Huntington. Lassus said the business has seen a lot of change in 100 years. Twenty years ago, most of the profit came from gasoline sales. These days, it’s convenience food. Lassus created

Photo provided by Lassus

Elmos, which offers quick-service food. “It’s like Subway with pizza, ” Lassus said. What makes Lassus different is that it also offers drive-up service. Customers can call and order ahead and then go pick it up. “We needed a different profit center, and we needed to be creative,” he explained. “Pizza is a favorite. It’s high-quality food. We’ve been working on it for 20 years.” Lassus helped develop the food, including doing all the taste testing. Recently, the fifth generation of the Lassus family has joined the business. Lassus’ nephew, Nathan, brother Greg’s oldest son, is working on the marketing side of the business. One aspect of the business that Lassus is extremely proud of is how it gives back to the community. Based on their Catholic faith,

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the Lassus family operates several programs to give back to the community. Last year, the Lassus Foundation donated more than $100,000 to more than 75 charities throughout northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio. Through its Be a Blessing program, Lassus stores run community-driven fundraisers several times a year, and each store is given a piece of the profit to invest back into the community, whether it’s supporting local Little League, local festivals or school supply drives. In his downtime, Lassus enjoys boating on Lake Wawasee or playing golf. “I work a lot,” he admitted. “I may not be in the office. You never really run out of things to do.” One of those things is scoping out new locations. Lassus said that growing up, he was always interested in real estate. n

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CABINET TRENDS SHIFT with colors and styles

By Nicholette Stout HomeLiving Feature Writer

photos: facebook.com/jmillercabinet

Cabinets are a necessary part of every home, whether in kitchens, bathrooms, storage rooms or even garages. However, styles and popularity can change each year, particularly depending on the location of the cabinet. Colors, styles, construction and more can change from year to year. Aaron Lee, head of sales at J. Miller Cabinet Co., Columbia City, has seen the biggest change in colors recently. Previously, he had seen a great deal of painted cabinetry, particularly painted white. Now, he is seeing a switch back to warm wood tones. The white oak and natural cabinetry look seems to be coming back in style. If painted, he is seeing either cool grays or warmer tones such as creams, greens and earth tones. However, there is still the occasional vibrant painted cabinet. Some cabinets are becoming more electronic or mechanical, particularly ones that may open to a waste basket or laundry hamper where the individual has full or dirty hands. While the push-to-open style without handles has been gaining popularity elsewhere, he has not really seen the trend hit the Midwest yet. While the Shaker-style cabinets with clean lines remain the most popular, he has seen arches coming back into popularity recently. More people seem to be requesting arched doorways or arched cabinets. Cristina Giles, senior sales and design consultant at Kountry Cabinets, Nappanee, has also seen a comeback in wood-stained

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cabinets recently. Many of these, she has noticed, have a white finish mixed with various shades of wood stain. Heartland Polymer Cabinets has seen a good mixture of everything from small vanity cabinets to massive barn-style cabinet spaces. Steven Eash, owner, reported he has seen a good mixture of color and style with both smaller and larger cabinets. He has seen a rise in the desire to build outdoor cabinetry, with more people turning their backyard space into their own oasis, complete with cabinets, furniture and even kitchens. Their cabinets are made of polymer material, and they typically use stainless steel fasteners and hinges instead of the common concealed hinges. These tend to be extremely waterproof for the owner. While he does a solid mixture of both faceframe and frameless-style cabinet doors, he has seen a rising trend this year toward frameless doors. While face-frame doors have the frame to connect the doors and drawers, a frameless door connects to the inside panels and creates both a more modern and more accessible look. The frameless door, he has also seen, is used more commonly in outdoor cabinetry for a more flush-front look. n

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More than a pumpkin patch

Thistleberry Farm is a fall family tradition Thistleberry Farm began in 1940 when Edward and Mary Frushour purchased the property at 61392 Mayflower Road, raising crops and cattle for decades. The land was eventually sold to their son William and his wife, Pearl, who raised their four children on the same property where William grew up. Today, the property is managed by William’s children, Dave Frushour and Jenny Sipes, who have created one of the area’s most popular agritourism sites with plenty of help from their siblings, children and extended family members. According to the farm’s website, Thistleberry Farm (as it is known today) was opened in 2005 with a single corn maze, but the family had plans to create a place where folks could take a break from their hectic lives and enjoy spending some time together on the farm. Over the years, Thistleberry has grown alongside the South Bend community, adding a pumpkin patch, sunflower and lavender fields, and various attractions that brought Good Morning America to the farm in 2006 and keep families coming back year after year. Opening on Sept. 12 for its fall season, Thistleberry Farm will have all of the activities that folks have come to expect, including pedal cars, the super slide, jumping pillows, cow train, duck races, corn box, farm animals, wagon rides and more. Attractions that require an extra charge include pony rides, crazy

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By Julie Young HomeLiving Feature Writer

For the thousands of people who visit Thistleberry Farm in South Bend each fall, it is more than a seasonal destination or an exercise in nostalgia — it is a family tradition where memories are made.

crossfire, the apple cannon and paintball. Thistleberry Farm also offers group discount tickets during its fall weekend hours, special homeschool days, and is a great place to celebrate a birthday or hold a corporate event. For 2026, Thistleberry Farm is also making changes to its food offerings. While guests can still enjoy plenty of fresh apple cider donuts, homemade fudge and kettle corn, they are also welcoming a variety of food trucks on Saturdays and Sundays throughout September and Fridays through Sundays in October. For those looking for a pumpkin patch experience that offers so much more, a trip to Thistleberry Farm is a must-add to your seasonal itinerary. Guests rave about the various options available to families as well as the accessible parking, reasonable prices in the store and the availability of hand sanitizer throughout the venue. According to the farm’s website, the Thistleberry Farm family is grateful for the support and smiles visitors bring year after year. “Thistleberry Farm has always been about more than just fun; it’s about creating moments you’ll remember long after you leave.” To plan your trip, visit www.thistleberryfarm.com. n

photos: thistleberryfarm.com

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TIME RIDE! TO

Cycling is sustainable, healthy and fun!

If you are looking to improve your physical well-being while adopting a healthy lifestyle, then get on your bike and ride! With more communities promoting pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure to relieve traffic and encourage alternative forms of transportation, people everywhere are embracing the physical and mental health benefits of cycling. “We saw a huge spike in riders during the pandemic,” said Drew Albright, owner of Albright’s Cycling & Fitness. “Everyone was home with nothing to do and luckily, we were considered an essential business because we were a form of transportation, so we were able to stay open to the public.”

THE PERSONAL TOUCH Founded in 1914 by Drew’s great-great-grandfather, Albright’s has been a Mishawaka institution for five generations. Specializing in Giant, Liv, Electra and DK products, Albright’s Cycling & Fitness is known for its commitment to quality products, service and support for the local rider as well as the hard-core cycling enthusiast. “When a customer comes in, we take the time to find out what kind of bike they are looking for and what type of riding they plan to do. Then we can help them find the right bike for their needs,” he said. Although there are a number of inexpensive options to be found both online and in big-box stores, a local bike shop is your best bet for finding a quality product. These specialists not only have the expertise and knowledge to help you find a bike that will last for years to come, but they also stand by their warranties and are qualified to make necessary repairs. “I cannot tell you how many people come into our shop with bikes that they purchased online, and we can’t fix them,” said Nick Linarello of Pro-Form Bike Shop in South Bend. “They spend $200 on a bike, but the parts aren’t standard, the motor systems on their e-bike don’t last and the warranties are worthless. Even names that used to mean something, such as Schwinn, have been sold to foreign companies and are no longer the quality bikes that you remember from your childhood.” While the prices at a bike shop will be comparatively higher, it’s important to remember that you get what you pay for. Your riding experience will be better for having made the investment. Your bike will last longer, making it a more sustainable purchase in the long run.

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By Julie Young HomeLiving Feature Writer

GET ON THE ROAD While some riders may choose to cruise around the neighborhood or take their bike to the local trail system, others are keen to commute to work or ride around town. No matter what kind of riding you plan to do, it is important to stay safe when cycling. Make sure to wear properly fitted helmets, follow all traffic laws, use lights and reflective gear, and stay visible to motorists. If you plan to use your bike to commute to your workplace, be sure that your ride is running smoothly and test all systems before heading out. Map out your route ahead of time and prioritize less congested streets (many of which have dedicated bike lanes). If your route includes a heavy-traffic area, consider taking a different route through that portion of the commute. Above all, check the weather before you leave to make sure you are properly outfitted and determine whether alternative transportation may be a better option for the day. “We are passionate about cycling and we are always proud to see people on bikes, but safety is key,” Linarello said.

SHARE THE ROAD Distracted driving remains the biggest threat to cyclists, so it is important for drivers to remember a few rules of the road: • Bike lanes are not for cars. Rather, they are designed to help cyclists feel safer when traveling with traffic, and it’s important to let them serve their purpose. • Check your blind spot and mirror before turning right across a bike path. • Yield to cyclists when making a left-hand turn. • Cyclists are allowed to use the whole lane when there is no bike path. Slow down and give them a wide berth when passing. • Children are the only cyclists allowed to use the sidewalk. Adults must ride in the street, so please respect their space. • Look for cyclists before opening your car door. Even if you have reached your destination, your responsibility is not over. n

s o b o l a l l i V l l e n a J Last March, Janell Villalobos, now a senior at Marion High School, represented Elkhart County at the Ignite 4-H National Conference in Washington, D.C. The conference provides attendees with opportunities to explore traditional and emerging career paths. By Lauren Zeugner HomeLiving Editor Villalobos is a member of Juntos, a 4-H youth development program that provides middle and high school youth and their families with the knowledge, skills and resources to ensure high school graduation and increase college access. She said she had no idea how big the conference would be. “It was very fun. I had to be on a plane and sit next to people who were interesting.” She said about 2,000 kids attended. “Kids from all over. Military kids came from Italy, Guam, Puerto Rico. It was really cool,” she said. She did feel a bit intimidated, as it seemed everyone attending knew someone else from home. Unfortunately, at the last minute, Ramon Prada, another member of Juntos, was unable to attend the conference. She did meet and make new friends while at the conference. She made several new friends from southern Indiana, and they all follow each other on Instagram. While Villalobos had been to Washington, D.C., before on family trips, she did enjoy a tour of the city while attending the conference. “We were here when the cherry blossoms were in peak bloom. It was so pretty and pink. I’ve been there before, but not when the cherry blossoms were in bloom,” she said. Her favorite spot in Washington, D.C., is the Lincoln Memorial, with its inscriptions of the Gettysburg Address and Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address. Her favorite museum in Washington, D.C., is the Holocaust Museum. “It’s so impactful in so many ways,” she said. “It was so real. To me, it’s different from reading it in a book.” Villalobos said her biggest takeaway from the conference was the importance of networking. “They (conference organizers) definitely encouraged us to talk. They brought in a number of speakers.” One of her favorite speakers, someone who grew up with no immediate family, came to the U.S. and lived with their grandmother, made her realize she had to reach out and ask questions and ask for help. “It made me realize I have so many op-

Janell and others on a tour of DC. Janell is shown in the first row on the far right.

Photos provided by Villalobos

portunities that I need to take advantage of,” she said. She started putting that realization into action by reaching out to area colleges she’s interested in possibly attending. Over the summer, she reached out to Goshen College and began talking to the admissions staff about their enrollment requirements. “Even though it’s summer, they’re there to answer questions … Instead of me waiting, I have to take the initiative,” she said. Janell with friends at the Ignite 4-H conference in DC. She is shown She did admit sending that first second from the left in the front row, wearing a white T-shirt. email or having to reply to an email was “hard.” “Now that I’ve gotten If she taught elementary, Villalobos said past the first few conversations, I realize they’re she thinks she’d like teaching third grade. She there to help me succeed, and there are others said she had a great third grade teacher who out there to help me as well,” she said. helped her a lot in understanding how to be During our first interview back in March, successful in school. “I’d like to do that for anVillalobos said she wasn’t sure what she wantother,” she said. ed to do career-wise. She just knew she didn’t As for the Ignite 4-H National Conference, want to be stuck behind a desk all day. Now, she Villalobos would definitely recommend it. She’s thinks she may be interested in education. She’s been encouraging her Juntos group to sign up also looking at attending college close to home for next year’s event. When she came home, to help with the expense of college and to make she did a presentation on the conference for her future student teaching assignment easier. her Juntos group. “They were blown away,” she In addition to Goshen College, Villalobos is also said. “They thought it would be boring meetconsidering IUSB. ings.” At this point, Villalobos isn’t sure what As she starts her senior year at Marion, grade level she wants to teach. Right now, she’s Villalobos said she was excited about the upteaching seventh grade Sunday school. “They’re still kids, but we’re able to have all these conver- coming school year, but also nervous about preparing for college. n sations.” | HomeLiving Places & Spaces | September 2026 | 15

around

michiana

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.

SEPTEMBER 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. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday Free admission. 1105 Northside Blvd. • (574) 282-1259 southbendfarmersmarket.com.

NOW - SEPT. 6 | WARSAW

LAKE CITY SKI SHOW 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Sundays 2455 Hidden Lake Drive Admission and parking are free. Concessions available. Visit lakecityskiers.org or call (574) 3730703 for more information. NOW - SEPT. 24 | MIDDLEBURY

ESSENHAUS CLASSIC CAR CRUISE-IN

Das Dutchman Essenhaus 240 US 20 Thursdays, 4:30-8:30 p.m. Registering your classic ride is free and includes coupons to the Essenhaus Restaurant and the Essenhaus Village Shops. For more information visit essenhaus.com. NOW - SEPT. 30 | SHIPSHEWANA

SHIPSHEWANA FLEA MARKET

345 S. Van Buren St. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Every Tuesday and Wednesday.

SEPTEMBER 10 | SOUTH BEND

MURDER AT THE MORRIS

6:30-8:30 p.m. Morris Performing Arts Center, 211 N. Michigan St. Discover hidden speakeasies, question suspicious characters, outwit the competition, and work with your table of 10 to solve the murder. Bring your own team or make new friends along the way. Which table will crack the case? Tickets range from $69.75 to $89.75 For more information, visit visitsouthbend.com/events/murder-at-the-morris/. SEPTEMBER 12 | MENTONE

17TH ANNUAL ROTORS OVER MENTONE

Hosted by the Lawrence D. Bell Aircraft Museum and Mentone Historical Museum. Both museums will be open, with helicopter rides and food. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 210 S. Oak St.

SEPTEMBER 17-20 | NAPPANEE

NAPPANEE APPLE FESTIVAL

Downtown Nappanee A family-friendly atmosphere, fun activities and plenty of shopping. SEPTEMBER 18 | WARSAW

TASTE OF KOSCIUSKO

100 W. Center St. 5-8 p.m. Come and taste food from all across Kosciusko County! For more information, call the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce at (574) 267-6311.

SEPTEMBER 26 | ST. JOE COUNTY

FREE FISHING DAY

St. Patrick’s and Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Parks This is the last free fishing day of the year. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. No gate fee, just show those fishing poles. SEPTEMBER 26-27 | MICHIANA AREA

MICHIANA POTTERY TOUR

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27 Many of the participating artists are local to Indiana and Michigan, however several guest artists from states across the country will also be participating. Visit visitsouthbend.com/events/ michiana-pottery-tour/ for more information and a map. n

SEPTEMBER 12 | BRISTOL

CORNDOG FESTIVAL

11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Congdon Park, N. Division St. Food, vendors, corndog-eating contest, kayak/canoe races and a youth talent show.

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BANCI’s Annual Homes on Parade to be September 18-20

It’s time for BANCI’s annual Homes on Parade again! You know what we’re talking about — Builders Association of North Central Indiana, which will be 70 years old in the new year! This is the first year for Jackie Wyatt as the executive officer; “last year I was the executive assistant, still in training,” she said. By BethAnne Brink-Cox HomeLiving Feature Writer The show is scheduled as follows: 4-8 p.m. Sept. 18; noon to 8 p.m. Sept. 19; and noon to 6 p.m. Sept. 20. Pre-sale tickets are available at buildnci.com for $8, or tickets can be purchased at the first house a person chooses to visit for $10. Children up to 18 years old are free. Wyatt said as usual, this is a scattered-site tour, with a nice variety of styles and sizes. Anyone with a ticket can attend, and “it’s always fun to go pick out decorating ideas you can use at your own home.” She continued, “Two of the homes are spec homes, which means they are available for purchase. One is an age-in-place home in Syracuse.

A doctor is developing this. It’s a relatively new thing; buyers 55 and older can move in, and age out safely at home rather than go into assisted living.” There are options such as health care provided—nurses, therapy, personal assistance—and the houses are designed to accommodate special needs such as wheelchairs and the like.” I asked Jackie how it’s going, this first year for her as the EO, and she smiled. “Going smoothly so far! We weren’t sure at first if we would have enough homes for the parade, but all of a sudden we got a bunch at the last minute and it’s a go.” Go indeed.

These are the addresses for the homes you can see: 3739 S. 780 W., Mentone – High Ridge Homes 150 Wagon Wheel Drive, Warsaw – Granite Ridge Builders 967 Chapman Lake Drive, Warsaw – JayH Construction 56 EMS T52A Lane, North Webster – Renewal Homes 75 EMS W22 Lane, North Webster – JayH Construction 9450 Promontory Drive, Syracuse – High Ridge Homes 11847 N. Ogden Point Road, Syracuse – JayH Construction 1065 W. Rabbit Ridge Road, Unit 3A, Syracuse – T.L. Jackson Construction 515 N. Eastfield Circle, Milford – Journey Homes

“The house in Mentone is what we refer to as a hardhat entry, meaning it won’t be a completed and decorated house. This house won’t be a required stop to be able to vote for People’s Choice or enter the raffle drawing. The rest of the homes are required stops to be able to vote and enter for the raffle prize drawing this year. All of the homes except for two are pre-sold this year. There are five homes on lakes this year, and one villa in a 55-and-over community,” Wyatt explained. Further, she said, “The builders have to be a member of the Builders Association of North Central Indiana and in good standing for at least one year prior to entering a home into the parade. Our members are held to very high standards. The builders choose their entries based on what represents their businesses. Of course, timing of the project and the homeowner’s willingness to participate play into the decision 18 | HomeLiving Places & Spaces | September 2026 |

as well. Some homeowners have to move out for the parade, so we are always so grateful when they are willing to participate. There is a nice variety of home styles and sizes this year, which represents our builder members’ versatility and craftsmanship very well.” Wyatt reminded readers about “our door prize for this year. It’s a very nice smoker grill donated by Warsaw Masonry & The Racolta Group. It’s valued at $2,500.” Sponsors for this year are: First Federal Savings Bank of Rochester – Premier Sponsor Bin There Dump That – Gold Sponsor Superior Garage Services – Gold Sponsor Kosciusko Connect – Gold Sponsor Plan to visit these lovely homes, and don’t hesitate to visit the sponsors for your business needs, as well! n

buildnci.com

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Call me today to see how I can help you promote your business! To advertise in our monthly magazine,

HOMELIVING P L A C E S & S P A C E S

contact Karen Johnson at 574.596.0169 kjohnson@the-papers.com

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Indiana University South Bend celebrates 60 Years of Children’s Theatre with

Return of

Winnie-the-Pooh

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This fall, Michele’s Little Hearts Theatre returns to the Hundred Acre Wood to celebrate its 60th anniversary with the same story that launched the university’s children’s theatre program in 1966. Many former audience members now return as parents, teachers, volunteers or grandparents, accompanying a new generation of children on the same field trip they once experienced themselves. Michele’s Little Hearts Theatre is one of Indiana University South Bend’s longest-running community engagement initiatives, introducing generations of children from northern Indiana and southwest Michigan to the magic of live theatre. The 2025 production of Charlotte’s Web welcomed 5,600 audience members from 62 schools, representing 25 school districts across nine counties in Indiana and Michigan. More than 40% of attendees traveled from outside St. Joseph County, underscoring the program’s role as a regional educational and cultural resource. Community contributions helped provide admission and transportation assistance for 14 Elkhart County schools to attend regardless of financial circumstances. Beyond serving young audiences, Michele’s Little Hearts Theatre provides hands-on learning opportunities for IU South Bend theatre students in all aspects of theatre production, while admission revenue supports theatre student scholarships. Performances of Winnie-the-Pooh will be presented Sept. 30 through Oct. 9, in the Campus Auditorium of Northside Hall at Indiana University South Bend. Weekday performances are reserved for public, private and homeschool groups. Public performances will be at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, and will provide families the opportunity to share this milestone celebration together, with activities following each performance. n shutterstock.com

22 | HomeLiving Places & Spaces | September 2026 |

—— E A S Y E A T S —— Breakfast Margaritas By Nicole McLaughlin for Allrecipes.com

INGREDIENTS: q 1 1/2 fluid ounces tequila q 1/2 fluid ounce orange liqueur, such as Cointreau q 1 orange, juiced q 1/2 lime, juiced q 2 teaspoons orange marmalade q orange slice, for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

allrecipes.com

This breakfast margarita is a game changer. It’s like a mimosa, but way better. Fresh, zesty, and totally delicious. Just whip up a big pitcher (easy to scale up!), and you’re good to go.

Gather all ingredients. Fill a shaker halfway with ice; pour in tequila, orange liqueur, orange juice, lime juice, and marmalade. Shake until the outside of the shaker is frosted, 15 to 30 seconds. Pour into a glass; garnish with an orange slice. Enjoy! n

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Breakfast Pizza

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This breakfast pizza has a crust made from crescent-roll dough and is topped with scrambled egg, sausage, hash browns, and cheese. Feel free to substitute pizza dough and add more veggies to customize your pizza. Submitted by soozeeCue for Allrecipes.com. Yields 1 (12-inch) pizza

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allrecipes.com

INGREDIENTS:

DIRECTIONS:

q 1 pound ground breakfast sausage q 1 (8 ounce) package refrigerated crescent rolls q 1 cup frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed q 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese q 5 large eggs q 1/4 cup milk q 1/2 teaspoon salt q 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper q 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Brown breakfast sausage in a large skillet until no longer pink and the meat is crumbly, about 10 minutes. Drain off excess grease; set sausage aside. Separate crescent-roll dough into triangles and place in a deep-dish or rimmed 12-inch pizza pan, points toward the inside. Press the triangles together to join; pinch dough so it comes 1 ½ inches up the sides of the pan. Spoon cooked sausage over crust. Spread hash browns over sausage and sprinkle with Cheddar. Whisk eggs, milk, salt, and black pepper in a bowl until smooth and pour egg mixture over cheese. Sprinkle pizza evenly with Parmesan. Bake in the preheated oven until eggs are set and crust is lightly browned, 25 to 30 minutes. n

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Indiana University South Bend Celebrates 60 Years of Children’s Theatre with Return of Winnie-the-Pooh Indiana University South Bend Michele’s Little Hearts Theatre Danielle Wilborn, Program Coordinator 574-520-4558 Email: dwilborn@iu.edu | HomeLiving Places & Spaces | September 2026 | 23

k o o N k o o B The

Want to suggest a book for Book Nook? S end the title, author, a brief synopsis of the book and why you liked it to lzeugner@the-papers.com.

This month’s selections are on the longlist for the Booker Prize, an award given to an author for a book published in English in the U.K. or Ireland between Oct. 1 and Sept. 30. The winner will be announced Nov. 9.

BLACK BAG

THE RENOVATION

by Luke Kennard

by Keenan Orhan

The narrator is an unnamed and mostly unemployed actor who agrees to participate in an experiment in which he zips himself into a black bag and sits in the back of a lecture hall.

Home renovation projects can become a nightmare. Here, the narrator, Dilara, finds her remodeling woes become surreal. When she finds her bathroom transformed into an armed Turkish prison cell, Dilara and her family must reckon with fragments of their past, present and future, all while fighting against the pace of time itself.

ONE LEG ON EARTH

THE THINGS WE NEVER SAY

by ‘Pemi Aguda

This is Aguda’s debut novel. A 23-year-old Nigerian college graduate finds herself pregnant while doing her year of service in Lagos. But something weird is happening as pregnant women in Lagos are walking into the ocean, jumping into lagoons and drowning. If you like horror, the supernatural, city life and literary fiction, this may be your next read.

JOHN OF JOHN

by Elizabeth Strout

Artie Dam is a high school history teacher, the kind who genuinely cares about his students. But Dam finds himself leading a secret life of sadness. A major secret is revealed during the course of the story.

SWITZY

by Doughlas Stuart

by Emma Cline

Stuart won the Booker Prize in 2020. This book explores themes of faith, obligation and how isolating secrets can be. The story is set in the Hebrides in a conservative community of weavers.

A portrait of an aging man’s last pilgrimage. The story explores the depths of human consciousness. n

photos: amazon.com

24 | HomeLiving Places & Spaces | September 2026 |

Did You Know?

Apple picking becomes a popular pastime in September as the temperatures start to get cooler and people prepare for fall. These apples can be enjoyed by themselves, as a meal with sausage or as a dessert in a pie.

September officially brings the beginning of fall with the autumnal equinox, occurring around Sept. 22 or 23. This marks the day when day and night are nearly equal in length.

The first newspaper ever printed in the United States was printed on Sept. 25, 1690, in Boston. The name of the paper was Publick Occurrences Both Forreign and Domestick. On Sept. 4, 1998, Google officially launched its search engine company. That makes this Google’s birthday month. graphics: shutterstock.com

By Nicholette Stout HomeLiving Feature Writer There are a number of holidays in the month including Labor Day, Grandparents’ Day, Patriot Day honoring those who died on Sept. 11, International Day of Peace and Rosh Hashanah, a Jewish holiday marking the beginning of the new year.

The Chinese Moon Festival, considered the second largest Chinese festival after the Chinese New Year, takes place in September or early October, depending on when the 15th day of the eighth month takes place according to the traditional Chinese lunar calendar. It occurs during the full moon near the fall equinox and typically involves brightly colored lanterns, dancing, entertainment, giving thanks for the harvest and mooncakes.

The U.S. Constitution was signed on Sept. 17, 1787, by 39 delegates at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, Pa.

The first televised presidential debate occurred in 1960 between candidates John F. Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon.

On Sept. 11, 2001, terrorists hijacked four passenger jets. Two crashed into the World Trade Center in New York City. A third was crashed into the Pentagon. The fourth crashed in a field in Pennsylvania after passengers attempted to overthrow the hijackers. This resulted in the worst attack in U.S. history, killing nearly 3,000 people.

On Sept. 1, 1985, Robert Ballard discovered the wreck of the Titanic about 12,000 feet below the Atlantic Ocean, after it sank in 1912.

While the garden may be winding down, September is the perfect month to harvest many of the crops that haven’t yet been harvested such as potatoes, tomatoes, beans, cucumbers, eggplant, squash, onions and more. It’s also a good time to fertilize the lawn and begin storing seeds for next year. It’s also a great time to plant trees and shrubs.

In 1666, the Great Fire of London began in a bakery on Pudding Lane near the Tower of London. The fire raged on for three days, destroying more than 13,000 homes.

Fun celebrations this month include National Happy Cat Month, Kids Take Over the Kitchen Day on Sept. 13, International Talk Like a Pirate Day on Sept. 19, National Punctuation Day and National Bunny Day on Sept. 24 and Coffee Day on Sept. 29. n

... and now you know! | HomeLiving Places & Spaces | September 2026 | 25

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