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FIGHTING PARKINSON’S
ROCK STEADY BOXING BUILDS STRENGTH, BALANCE & HOPE
“Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” was boxing great Muhammad Ali’s mantra, characterizing his speed, grace and precision. The grace part is an important element of a groundbreaking approach to a therapeutic exercise program called Rock Steady Boxing. This program is tailored to those who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease
and is offered at Fitness Forum Sports and Wellness, located at the LifePlex in Plymouth, Indiana.
In this program, there are no “patients”; there are “boxers” — fighting against Parkinson’s. For those faced with the challenges of this neurodegenerative disease, the Rock Steady
Boxing classes build strength and confidence through exercises that promote balance, strength, agility and coordination. The format of the classes pairs boxers with activities to improve control of movement and overall fitness, aided by volunteers and led by their head coach, Shelley Beaumont.
Writer / Darcie Dodds Schott Photographer / Tony Straw
Rock Steady Boxing Instructor Shelley Beaumont with participants.
Beaumont has been leading the Rock Steady Boxing program in Plymouth since November 2024, after earning her head coach certification at the Indianapolis headquarters. She is a passionate advocate for the program that helps people afflicted by the degenerative path of the neurological disease. She acknowledges that participants often report increased confidence, improved mood, better posture, enhanced motor skills, and a sense of community and support. She also says that “families of boxers receiving the grim diagnosis of Parkinson’s also benefit from Rock Steady Boxing in multiple ways, including seeing their loved ones smile again, being able to take critical breaks from caretaking and availability of a caretaker support group.”
The concept of Rock Steady Boxing was the brainchild of Scott Newman, a prominent Indianapolis-based attorney and former Marion County prosecutor who was diagnosed at the early age of 40 (known as young-onset Parkinson’s, as most diagnoses
occur after age 60). Scott was determined to fight back, so he started to train with his friend and former Golden Gloves boxer Vince Perez. He found this training was helping his symptoms to the point where his tremor was controlled and he felt “rock steady.” He started gathering others to work out with him, and Rock Steady Boxing was born.
Why boxing? Beaumont admits that any intense workout could benefit someone with Parkinson’s; however, the big movements, coordination and key footwork inherent with boxing are especially beneficial to people with Parkinson’s.
Activities in the Rock Steady Boxing classes include working on heavy bags, standing bags, speed bags and, of course, the boxers’ favorite opponent named Bob — a freestanding, man-shaped mannequin training bag. Core strength, nimble footwork and big arm movement are just a few of the benefits from working with the
different varieties of training bags. Class activities also include strength training with weights, balance training on a floorlevel balance beam and posture-focused shoulder exercises that practice looking forward to encourage better balance. Back posture and rigidity are common ailments with Parkinson’s, so Beaumont also leads participants through 15 to 20 minutes of stretching and walking on the track to combat the progression of stooped posture from the disease.
The format of the classes is strategic. They are specifically designed to address Parkinson’s symptoms such as slow or small movements, imbalance, stiffness, flexed posture and respiratory weakness, and the curriculum can be adapted to any level of Parkinson’s. Beaumont and volunteers guide and assist boxers through eight sessions of a non-contact boxing activity for 2 minutes each, then a short intermission.
Then another eight sessions with activities
that build strength and coordination, such as dumbbell exercises, throwing a Velcro ball back and forth to build eyehand coordination and dexterity puzzles that address the tremors that come with Parkinson’s.
Beaumont notes that 1 million people in the U.S. are dealing with Parkinson’s disease, and it is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease, the first being Alzheimer’s disease. To help spread the word about the Rock Steady Boxing classes, Beaumont has shared information with doctors’ offices in the area and has organized various activities during Parkinson’s Awareness Month each April. The group has also engaged the community through a local fundraiser and “yard sale” to help raise awareness and generate funds for new equipment. They also have a presence on Fitness Forum’s social media sites, including Facebook and Instagram.
The Rock Steady Boxing classes at Fitness
Forum typically have 10 to 15 boxers and five volunteers, many of whom are family members, friends or spouses. One volunteer is Beaumont’s own father, who simply enjoys helping the class members. Others who have volunteered have included college students interested in learning about Parkinson’s or who are considering medical school.
Boxers have also had their grandkids who are home on spring break join the class as volunteers, which Beaumont acknowledges is a healing experience for everyone. Many of the spouses who volunteer have also chosen to use some class time to meet with other caretakers and spouses in the newly launched Care Partner Support Group. The group meets every other Monday in the LifePlex conference room to share experiences and for therapeutic conversation.
Rock Steady Boxing fosters a supportive and empowering culture. Everyone in a Rock Steady class is fighting back against
Parkinson’s disease, and each 90-minute class focuses on every ailment of Parkinson’s. Beaumont reports there are more than 800 Rock Steady affiliates worldwide — across the United States and in at least 14 countries. Classes at the Plymouth Fitness Forum location are held Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 2 p.m. EST. Cost is $60 monthly for three classes per week, and enrollment in
the program requires a physician’s referral. For more information and to learn about the class enrollment process, contact Fitness Forum Sports and Wellness at (574) 9362333 and ask for Shelley.
Rock Steady Boxing is located at Fitness Forum Sports and Wellness in the LifePlex building at 2855 Miller Dr., Plymouth, IN.
Caring Hands
WAKARUSA CLINIC OFFERS PERSONALIZED, ROOT-CAUSE CARE
Writer / Darcie Dodds Schott
Photographer / Jubilee Edgell
Healing with kindness is a core value at Caring Hands Clinic in Wakarusa. Owner Jana Schenkel celebrates the services she and the staff provide as an extensive menu of treatments for ailments ranging from the flu to infertility, addressing the root causes of health concerns rather than offering shortterm symptom relief.
Jana opened the clinic in 2024 to offer the community a hub where people can find medical healing and feel heard. Patients are cared for by staff who stand by a motto of treating patients with a personal approach often absent at larger medical facilities. “We want to take care of all of the community’s medical issues, meeting people where they need it most, including home visits,” Jana explains.
Caring Hands Clinic is a full-service health care clinic that treats most medical issues. In addition to comprehensive clinical services, the clinic will begin offering MRI and CT imaging, with services expected to open in mid-May. When specialized services are not available on-site — such as X-rays for fractures — patients are referred to trusted
local medical partners to ensure continuity of care.
The clinic’s staff includes Rhonda Anderson, a nurse practitioner with a doctoral degree and expertise in genetics. She has served the health care needs of the Amish community for many years and brings a strong commitment to caring for children with special needs. She is joined by Geraldine Darkwood, who focuses on geriatric care, Department of Transportation physicals and wound care.
Keeping it all in the family, Jana’s mother, Ludmila, specializes in medical foot care. A native of Germany, she brings both clinical expertise and a cultural understanding of the Amish community she serves. “Though often overlooked, medical foot care can play an important role in identifying underlying health concerns, with conditions such as diabetes, fungal infections and circulatory issues sometimes detected through careful examination of the feet,” Jana says.
She explains further, saying, “Rather than foot care on the level of a salon pedicure, Ludmila’s work is far more comprehensive, focusing on medical evaluation and treatment of issues such as corns, pressure
points, warts and ingrown toenails, providing patients comfort while supporting overall health and early diagnosis.”
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health care, Jana began as an emergency room nurse and went on to work in intensive care and other medical units before transitioning to home care while pursuing midwifery. After graduating, she moved to Indiana, working in a federal health care center and at Saint Joseph Health System before serving the community as a midwife. Three years ago, she completed her family nurse practitioner certification, allowing her to care for patients across all stages of life, which she describes as “from the womb to the tomb.” Her husband Richard, an attorney, manages the clinic’s office, making Caring Hands Clinic what Jana refers to as “a true family affair.”
Caring Hands Clinic is committed to health care for those who are underinsured or without insurance. Community members can rely on the clinic for receiving free vaccines for newborns and children up to age 19, as well as for underinsured or uninsured adults who are unable to access vaccines elsewhere, all at no cost.
A midwife and licensed family practitioner, Jana opened Happy Stork Midwifery in 2021 to provide prenatal, maternity and delivery services. Working with women and infertility is her own area of specialty, explaining that when a patient is struggling to become pregnant, she spends time exploring the cause of the issue to resolve it foundationally. In most cases, pregnancy will naturally follow when the root cause is addressed and treated.
“I help women prepare the soil for the hard work of becoming pregnant, because restoring health is the ultimate answer, rather than approaches that offer short-term relief without resolving the underlying problem.”
The clinic does not accept health insurance for payment, except for labs, MRI and CT scans, which are eligible for insurance coverage. This keeps fees affordable. Office visits are offered at a flat rate of $50, regardless of the reason for the visit.
Same-day appointments are available, especially for pediatric needs, something Jana understands deeply as a mother herself. She knows how stressful it can be when a young child is sick and needs care right away.
“We understand that a clinic has to operate as a business, but we don’t believe care should be driven by financial concerns,” she said, noting that the clinic is always willing to work with patients to arrange payment plans when needed.
Patients come to the clinic from across the region, including Michigan City, Rochester and LaPorte, with plans to expand services in the years ahead. The clinic also works with local school districts and area businesses to provide Department of Transportation physicals and preventive care such as sports physicals to help keep the community healthy. Jana’s experience in the health care field created a following in communities including Noble, LaGrange,
South Bend, Fulton and Marshall counties. Jana says the trust placed in the clinic by patients and the community has made it possible to remain a private clinic, without relying on hospital systems. At the same time, she notes that the clinic welcomes partnerships with others in the community who share its mission.
“God’s grace provides all that’s needed,” she said.
Caring Hands Clinic is currently seeking a radiologic technologist with experience in CT and MRI. Those interested are encouraged to reach out for more information.
Caring Hands Clinic is located at 207 Elkhart St. in Wakarusa.
Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For questions and more information, call 574-390-0241 or email caring4uclinic@ gmail.com. You can visit them online at caringhandsclinicin.com.
UNNECESSARY EXTRAS
LOCAL SHOP BRINGS VINTAGE CHARM TO ROCHESTER
Writer / Ashley Watters Photographer / Tony Straw
We’ve all got unnecessary extras scattered around. Old toys, vintage clothing and unused furniture often lie dormant, stacking up and collecting dust. You know what they say, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” and Lisa Fellers has made it her mission to be the one who turns trash into treasure for the right person.
A former teacher and grant writer, Fellers has always harbored a love for the nostalgic. When it came time to build something of her own, Fellers turned her lifelong love of hunting for vintage finds into a communitycentered space where she could help everyone locate the nostalgic things that spark joy.
Unnecessary Extras started as a side hustle. Fellers began buying and selling items as a labor of love with no real business plan in mind. Her keen eye for good finds quickly took on a life of its own, and before long, she was ready to open her own store.
“I’ve always been drawn to pieces with history and personality. The store has grown step by step: adding vendors, expanding into
collectibles and specialty items, publishing my own planners and books, developing in-house print services and continually responding to what our town needs. It’s been built thoughtfully, one decision at a time,” she says.
Located at 723 Main St. in Rochester, Unnecessary Extras is Fellers’ way of helping people smile. She has a little bit of everything, and vendors are constantly adding new items. Unnecessary Extras carries items such as glassware, small furniture, retro toys, dolls, books, jewelry, paper goods, unique home decor, 80s-era toys, art supplies, craft items, handmade goods, candles, gifts, print services and more.
Fellers does not allow duplicate vendors, ensuring that there is always fresh inventory and each booth retains its own unique identity. She encourages those in and around Rochester, and those beyond, to come in regularly and find something
that speaks to them.
“Unnecessary Extras is built around relationships. We genuinely care about the people who walk through our doors. We strive to be the kind of place where everybody knows your name — where you’re greeted, remembered and valued. Customers aren’t just transactions; they’re neighbors, friends and part of the story of this store,” she says.
Alongside the constantly shifting inventory, Fellers appreciates being able to support local entrepreneurs and crafters. Her deep connection to the community also inspires her to fill the gaps for any needs that might be missing from Rochester. To help with that, she has built a print center to provide photos, cards and custom paper products.
For just that little bit of extra personality, visitors can also meet the shop’s three rescue cats who roam the store looking
for mischief and a scratch behind the ears. Fellers is also active in helping find ways to strengthen Rochester by collaborating with other businesses and serving on local boards and committees that organize events for downtown Rochester.
“Together, the mix of personal connection, community investment and a constantly evolving selection creates an experience that feels welcoming and rooted — not corporate or impersonal. The shop helps keep downtown active and vibrant, while offering a place where people connect, share stories and feel like they belong,” Fellers says.
If you’re looking for that rare find or an oddity that speaks to your personality, make sure to stop in and see what kind of mischief you can find.
To learn more about Unnecessary Extras, visit unnecessaryextras.com.
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BACKYARD RETREAT
RABER PATIO CREATES OUTDOOR SPACES FOR EVERYDAY LIVING
Writer / Amy Beaucham Photographer / Kari Lipscomb
A beautiful day in northern Indiana has a way of drawing people outside. Morning coffee seems to taste a little better on the deck, dinner can feel more relaxed when it lingers into the evening air, and even a quiet moment in a favorite chair can feel like something special as the light shifts across the yard.
These are the moments homeowners hold onto, and for many, they are exactly what make a house feel like home.
Raber Patio Enclosures & Furniture has built its business around helping people experience more of those moments, creating spaces that offer both comfort and protection while still allowing homeowners to feel connected to the outdoors.
BARREL TRAIN RENTAL
Located in Shipshewana, Raber Patio Enclosures & Furniture is known for sunrooms, patio enclosures, pergolas, pavilions, decks and outdoor furniture. The products are impressive, but what leaves a lasting impression is something less tangible: the way customers feel throughout the process, a focus rooted in family, faith and genuine care that has shaped the company from the very beginning.
Chris Schlabach, CEO and co-owner, came into the business through family. His wife, Delores, is the daughter of founder Ervin Raber, and Schlabach had already taken on significant leadership responsibilities long before the transition officially took place.
When he and Ervin’s son, Dean Raber, stepped into ownership on Jan.
1, 2018, “not a lot changed, really, as far as the operation of it,” Schlabach says, and by then, he had already been guiding the business for years.
That kind of continuity speaks to the foundation Ervin Raber established when he started the company in 1987 and to the commitment of those who have carried it forward.
Ervin Raber was a mason by trade and an entrepreneur by nature. While in Florida in the 1980s, he noticed EZE-Breeze windows and wanted them for a screen room back home in Indiana. When he called to find out where he could purchase them, he discovered there was no dealer in the area, so he asked if he could become one.
He could.
A sample kit arrived, and he placed an order for his porch. Before the shipment even came in, he had already begun sharing the idea with neighbors and lining up additional projects, and what started as one improvement quickly grew into something much larger.
Schlabach says Ervin’s approach was always centered on people.
“He would always teach us that it doesn’t matter what a warranty says,” Schlabach says. “You take care of the customer, because they’re going to refer the next person to you if they have a good experience.”
That mindset continues to guide the company today.
P.J. Gilsinger & Co.
A Place to Visit!
Raber Patio’s mission is “to provide the most upstanding service experience with exceptional backyard comfort,” and Schlabach explains that the word experience is intentional because it goes beyond customer service and reflects an awareness of how people feel from the first conversation to the final details of a project.
Over time, that approach has built strong relationships with thousands of customers.
Today, the company completes roughly 550 jobs each year and has served around 8,000 customers, and with more than 30 employees, three installation crews and three service technicians, the business has grown steadily while maintaining its personal touch.
Growth came with thoughtful planning, particularly as patio enclosures and sunrooms were once highly seasonal.
Schlabach saw the need to create more consistent, year-round work, so he brought in replacement windows for homes, allowing the company to stay busy through the winter months. Today, one crew focuses on sunrooms, another on decks and pavilions, and another on house windows.
That expansion naturally leads to repeat business. A homeowner who first calls for a sunroom may return years later for windows or another outdoor structure, and the trust established from the very beginning often carries forward, opening the door to future projects.
A warehouse expansion in 2021 marked another important step, improving efficiency by giving crews a central location for materials while separating warehouse operations from the retail showroom, which makes a noticeable difference for a company with multiple crews heading out each day.
P.J. Gilsinger family museum will explain the history of the oldest John Deere Dealer in the world at it’s original store location. Since 1899 The Gilsinger family has served farmers in our area.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FREE ADMISSION
• Farm Equipment
• Local School Memorabilia
• WWII Artifacts
• Early Household and Farming Tools
• Several Unusual Exhibits
Museum Hours:
Raber Patio remains especially well known for its sunrooms, with one standout product being the EZE-Breeze vertical track system, which uses vinyl panels that slide within tracks and collapse together, allowing up to 75% airflow and giving homeowners the option of an open, breezy feel or the shelter of a three-season space depending on the day.
For all-season rooms, the company offers a vinyl-clad system designed to reduce condensation, an important consideration during northern Indiana winters.
When families think about holiday gatherings, they are usually imagining warmth, comfort and time together — not moisture on the walls, something Raber Patio works to prevent by creating spaces that feel inviting year-round.
5641 S. Main St. Winamac, Indiana May-October Friday & Sunday 1:00pm - 6:00pm November-April by Appointment Only
Contact Brenda Gilsinger for Inquiries or Appointments (574)595-7851
Those conversations begin early, with one of the first questions posed to the customer being how the space will actually be used. A threeseason room may be ideal for a lake home or for those who travel during the winter months, while others prefer an all-season room that functions more like a full extension of the home.
The company also helps guide homeowners through the planning process.
Permits, approvals and variances can feel overwhelming, particularly near lakes or within homeowners associations, and while construction may require only a few days, the planning and approval phase often requires much more time and patience.
By handling much of that work, Raber Patio can help simplify and often expedite a process that might otherwise take a homeowner far longer to manage alone.
Customization plays a key role as well.
Some homeowners envision accent walls, fireplaces or spaces designed around a specific view, while others are planning a larger outdoor setting that includes a pergola, pavilion, deck, furniture, a covered grilling area or even a full outdoor kitchen, which Schlabach often refers to as part of being “the backyard improvement company,” a phrase that reflects the wide range of features they offer.
New offerings continue to broaden that appeal. Motorized pergolas with adjustable louvers allow homeowners to control sunlight and shade throughout the day, and outdoor kitchens are becoming increasingly popular, giving families more ways to gather and spend time outside.
Schlabach says outdoor cooking is one of the biggest trends the company sees, and structures such as pavilions or pergolas can provide welcome cover over those spaces while still allowing for proper ventilation.
Even with a wide range of products, follow-through remains essential, and Raber Patio places a strong emphasis on taking care of customers even after the project is complete.
Rather than relying on manufacturers to eventually address issues, the company has its own service technicians ready to respond, and in many cases, help is scheduled within days. Even when a repair cannot be completed immediately, customers know the issue is being addressed.
That commitment shows up in customer feedback.
Ed Swieter shared, “We think the builders at Raber Patio are top-notch and very good at what they do. We are enjoying the finished product. We would not hesitate to have them do more for us (if the need arises).”
Bonnie Ikamas wrote, “They resolved the issue extremely quickly. They just replaced it, and the crew was efficient and courteous.”
Yvonne Constant described her experience with a lake-facing threeseason room as “on time, efficient, and very comfortable to work with,” adding that she would gladly hire the company again.
Schlabach believes those responses come back to something simple.
“I think it’s just how we make them feel,” he says.
That focus extends within the company as well. Raber Patio invests in employee development through Dale Carnegie training and DISC personality instruction, helping team members better understand communication and relationships, and many employees stay for years, with some reaching 17 years or more.
Family values remain at the center.
Schlabach sums it up this way: “Our motto is God first, family second,” and he also points to the guiding principle found in scripture to love the Lord your God and to love your neighbor as yourself, a perspective that seems to shape not only how the company operates, but how it connects with both customers and employees.
Raber Patio is also active in the Shipshewana community, supporting local causes, sponsoring a dugout at the youth center, participating in parades and working alongside other businesses through the retail merchants association.
There is a shared sense of cooperation in the area, with businesses often helping visitors find what they need, even if it means sending them elsewhere.
One project that continues to stand out to Schlabach involved
the Make-A-Wish Foundation, when Raber Patio helped create a sunroom for a Fort Wayne family whose child loved being outside but needed protection from the sun and insects. Vendors contributed materials, and the cost to the family was greatly reduced.
Schlabach describes it simply as “a pretty cool experience,” and it is easy to see why that project has stayed with him.
For homeowners in the Lakes West region, that may be what resonates most.
Raber Patio Enclosures & Furniture builds sunrooms, pergolas, pavilions and outdoor living spaces, but the result is often something more personal — a place to gather, to relax and to enjoy everyday moments a little longer.
Raber Patio Enclosures & Furniture is located at 655 S. Van Buren St. in Shipshewana. For more information, give them a call at 260-7687100 or visit them online at raberpatios.com.
PIE PERFECTION
DALLAS LAKE BAKERY SERVES SIMPLE COMFORT IN WOLCOTTVILLE
Writer / Kristi Sellers
In a quiet corner of northeastern Indiana, there’s a place where life slows down in the best possible way. Inside Backcountry Outdoors, you’ll find more than outdoor gear and friendly conversation. You’ll find the delicious aroma of something warm, familiar and made with care.
Dallas Lake Bakery may be easy to miss if you’re not looking for it, but for those who know, it’s become a necessary stop and part of their day.
Owned by Steven and Regina Bontrager, Dallas Lake Bakery is housed under the same roof as Backcountry Outdoors. The bakery keeps things refreshingly simple. There’s no long menu to scan or a glass case filled with too many options. Instead, the focus is on one beloved item: fried pies.
“We’ve been open for about a year,” Steven says.
Focusing on one item currently is a choice that feels both intentional and refreshing. At a time when most places aim to offer more, Dallas Lake Bakery leans into doing less and focusing on a single item — and doing it very well.
That kind of clarity shows in every detail,
from the consistency of each pie to the care behind its preparation. It’s not so much about variety. It’s about getting it right every time.
Visitors might arrive looking for outdoor supplies, but many find themselves lingering a little longer than expected. The fried pies have a tendency to catch customers’ attention.
And then there are the pies themselves. Golden, crisp and filled with flavor, they offer a kind of comfort that doesn’t need explaining.
Whether it’s a familiar favorite or a seasonal variation, each one feels like something made not just to sell, but to share.
According to Steven, “We do rotate flavors but offer our most popular ones daily.”
Favorites include black raspberry, Bavarian
cream, apple, peach and pecan. Regulars know the routine. Some stop in often, others whenever they’re passing through, but nearly all leave with the same appreciation for something simple done well.
In a time when more often feels like the goal, Dallas Lake Bakery quietly takes the opposite approach: fewer choices and more intention, less rush and more meaning. It’s a place that doesn’t try to stand out, and because of that, it naturally does.
“We currently have 5 regular employees and also some others that help out if needed. Without them, this would not be possible,” Steven says.
While Dallas Lake Bakery has built its following on the simplicity of its fried pies, this is only the beginning. The owners have plans to expand the menu in the near future, introducing new items
Craig Martin
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with the same care and attention that customers have come to appreciate.
Even as offerings grow, the focus will remain the same. Quality comes before quantity, and a commitment to serve something worth coming back for time and time again.
For locals, it’s more than a bakery. It’s part of the landscape, woven into the everyday moments that make a community feel like home.
And for those discovering it for the first time, it’s a reminder that sometimes the best places aren’t the biggest or the busiest. They’re the ones that keep things simple, welcome you in, and send you on your way with something worth remembering.
Make sure to drop by Dallas Lake Bakery at 0410 W. 700 S. in Wolcottville or call 260-214-4977.
FATHER’S FLAVOR
SUMMER GIFTS & GRILLING FOR DAD
June is only a few short weeks away, and with it comes the start of summer. We’re staying consistently warm now, but it hasn’t hit those hot days where being outside can sometimes be smothering. The sun gives us an embrace, running her warm fingers over our faces in the morning light to wake our senses in the gentlest of ways. A notable day in June is Father’s Day, the third Sunday of the month. When it comes to Father’s Day, I think the first thought for most people is barbecue. It’s delicious, everyone loves it, and dads like to
Writer / Miranda Medeiros
grill. It seems to be a universal experience among fathers to hold the post at the grill and be the master for the day.
New Kitchen Store has many unique grilling items, all of them sure to be used and loved for whoever you’d want to gift them to in June. From smoker wood chips in hickory, cherry wood or apple that are 100% natural with no additives, the selection is vast. We also carry a large variety of spices, including a select few of Steven Raichlen’s spices. The rest of the spices
we carry are all from Terra Spice out of South Bend, Indiana, where the pursuit of excellence is a priority.
All of the NKS spices we carry are fresh. Most spices you buy in a traditional grocery store are much past their true fresh date, and this really does alter the flavor profile they carry. Here at New Kitchen Store, each spice you buy is no older than 6 months, and it really shines through with how flavorful they are. If you’re a grill master, or know a grill master in need of
a refresh, we have a few blends that are unique and sure to bring a new light to the flavor you already love. From coffee barbecue, roasted garlic and wild mushroom, to a smoked apple barbecue seasoning, there are so many flavors to choose from.
Father’s Day has taken on a new meaning for me. With age, I’ve only come to love my dad more and more and appreciate all the ways he still acts as my hero as an adult. That’s the funny thing about parenting and growing up — you’re never truly done. I’m at a point in life where I now have my own family, but my parents are empty nesters in words alone. My sisters and I still badger them all the time, and it seems their home is never truly empty, but now filled with the little ones their daughters have brought back to the nest to be loved by them in turn.
My dad will still answer the phone sometimes on the first ring and always be the first to volunteer to help me when he sees I need it. He gave his life to his family, and he still does every day. I saw it in the way he was with me growing up, and I still see it now with how he plays with and cares for my daughter any
chance he gets.
The blessing of watching a father has only doubled now, because getting to see my husband become a father to our daughter is truly the best thing to behold. Our little girl loves waking her dad up early by climbing up the bed to jump on him and poking him in the eye because she now knows how to say the word. Seeing the little moments that’ll add up to the big ones means more than I could ever say.
So this Father’s Day is showing up in a new light to me, because it’s something so special that not every child gets, and to see the people in your life who step into that massive role and do it well, now that’s something worth celebrating. So whether it’s your dad, stepdad, godfather, family friend — whoever it is in your life who is your childhood hero — let’s fire up the grill this year and celebrate with so much love and joy that they have no other option but to realize how monumental their role in our lives is. Coming from a daughter, wife and mother in one, I don’t know where I would be without the men in my life, and I want to make sure they know it.
So stop by New Kitchen Store to see all the unique gifting options. 1100 Roosevelt Rd., Walkerton, IN 46574; (574) 586-2745.
Country Road Fabrics And Shoes
• More than 1000 Styles/ Colors of Fabrics
• Toys, Games, Books, Apparel
Skechers
Under Armour
Adidas
Columbia
Olukai
Saucony
Brooks
Twisted X
Justin
Ariat • Wolverine
Carolina • Danner • Keen • Rockport • Nunn Bush • Born
A&L Storage Barnsof Kendalville 901 W North St Kendallville, IN 46755
A&L Storage Barns of Kokomo 2312 N Plate St Kokomo, IN 46901
Monday & Friday: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Tuesday & Thursday: 10:00 AM-5:00PM
Wednesday: Closed Saturday: 10:00 AM-1:00PM Sunday: Closed Lot open for browsing 24/7 (765) 461-2286 AANDLBARNSOFKOKOMO@gmail.com
Angola Travel Stop 3096 West Maumee Street Angola, IN 46703 260-463-2975 X 1
Maple Lane Metals 13428 Springfield Center Rd Grabill, IN 46741 260-627-5000
J&D Woodworking 27951 Wasepi Rd Centerville, MI 49022 269-432-2788
JDWoodworking@IBYFAX.com
Maple Valley Garden Center 2552 E State Rd 2 Rolling Prairie, IN 46371 219-575-0139 Abom1983@gmail.com
EJ Flooring
20 W. 100 N. Winamac, IN 574-946-0111
Ejsflooring@hotmail.com
Renewed Marketplace 809 E. Vistula St. Bristol, IN 574-612-0367
Yoderzach4@gmail.com
Oakes Enterprise 1912 US Hwy 12 Galien, MI 269-545-9020
Greg@oakerenterprises.com
BID Jackson 3150 Page Ave. Jackson, MI 269-217-5420
Wormans Outdoor Solutions 5597 W. IN 24 Logansport, IN 574-601-1629
Rabers Patio 815 N VanBuren St. Shipshewana, IN 260-336-1978 Merl@raberpatios.com
A AND L STORAGE
Wormansoutdoorsolutions@gmail.com
Greg2401@yahoo.com
Riverside Tire 14777 St Rd 49 Antwerp, OH 43518 419-258-1917
WE ARE CURRENTLY BUYING / SELLING
• Gold Jewelry
• Sterling Silver Jewelry
• Platinum Jewelry
• Turquoise Jewelry
• Dental Gold
• Service Pins
• Pocket Watches
• Sterling Silver Flatware
• Dimes - 1964 & Before
• Quarters - 1964 & Before
• Halves - 1970 & Before
• Dollars - 1935 & Before
• Proof & Mint Sets
• Old Paper Money
• Old U.S. Coins
• Foreign Coins
• Gold & Silver Coins
• Gold & Silver Bullion
• Pennies - 1958 & Before
• Nickels - 1938 & Before
• Nickels - 1942-1945
Utility shed Lofted Barn Portable Cabins Portable Cottage
Deluxe Greenhouse Chicken Coop
TRUSTED TIMBER
MICHIANA TIMBER AND TREE OFFERS FULL-SERVICE TREE CARE
Writer / Ashley Watters
Caring for your wooded areas can be quite the chore. Whether you’re looking to trim or remove a problem tree in the yard, need storm-damaged trees cleaned up, have timber that needs harvested or managed for increased value, or just need a plan to clear an area for another purpose, Mel Slabach and his team at Michiana Timber and Tree are ready to help with your tree project.
A family-owned business, Michiana Timber and Tree began with the sale of firewood. They’re a fully licensed, bonded and insured provider specializing in tree service, timber harvesting and firewood processing, as well as land clearing in preparation for construction or water installation.
In the spring and summer months, the team at Michiana Timber and Tree spends most of its time on residential tree service, helping to remove trees and assist with storm cleanup. In the fall, Slabach and his team focus on timber harvesting.
“We have a qualified crew who has been harvesting timber for
20 years. They’ll come in and assess the situation and then selectively harvest your woodland responsibly, leaving it in the best condition possible so that it grows back quicker. Timber is a renewable resource, and our goal is to help our customers capitalize on that as much as possible,” Slabach says.
Michiana Timber and Tree focuses on sustainability and quality workmanship, treating your land with as much care as they would their own. In addition to purchasing your timber, Slabach and his team will also help market timber for customers. The team will set up an auction, bring in buyers, gather bids and close the sale on behalf of customers.
Forest management services are also available with strategic guidance to generate long-term value. The process begins with a forest assessment, followed by a salvage cut to remove lowquality trees and completed with a selective harvest of highvalue timber.
“We’re always striving to improve the areas we manage and create more valuable timber for our community. We want our friends and neighbors to know we’ll support their needs while helping to create more sustainable land,” Slabach says.
For landowners with goals of conservation, Michiana Timber
and
Commonly an outsourced project, forest management is a process Michiana Timber and Tree manages completely inhouse. With deep community roots and honest values, the team hopes to keep the community thriving while also supporting community members in managing the places they love and call home.
Slabach hopes you’ll consider Michiana Timber and Tree for all of your tree needs. His team also specializes in land clearing with a clear understanding of what needs to stay and what needs to go, effectively removing trees, stumps, brush and debris, all while preserving valuable trees.
The team provides free estimates for all work and promises transparency and customer satisfaction for every job.
Slabach does encourage homeowners to plan ahead, as the schedule frequently books one to three months out, and he knows it can be difficult to wait.
True to its humble roots, Michiana Timber and Tree also still
“We really want to make things easy for everyone who chooses to work with Michiana Timber and Tree and take care of everything from start to finish,” Slabach says.
To schedule your project with Michiana Timber and Tree, call Mel and his team at 260-350-3622 or visit MichianaTimberManagement.com.
KID FRIENDLY PATRIOTIC FLAVORED MARSHMALLOWS
INGREDIENTS
• 1 bag jumbo marshmallows
• 2 boxes your favorite Jell-O flavors (Strawberry & Berry Blue for Patriotic colors)
• 1 cup water
• toothpicks- for dipping
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Insert a toothpick into each marshmallow and arrange on a tray or cookie sheet.
2. Pour dry Jell-O powder into a shallow dish or shallow bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, fill with water about 2 inches deep.
4. Take each marshmallow by the pick and dip all the way into the water
5. Lightly blot marshmallow on a paper towel to get the excess drippy water off.
6. Roll in the Jell-O powder mix – set aside and REPEAT with the flavors of choice.
7. Refrigerate for at least an hour then enjoy!
CROSSWORD
ACROSS
1. Pantry container
4. “By yesterday!”
8. Kind of sax
12. “I see!”
13. Partake at a feast
14. Combine, as resources
15. Anti-prohibitionist
16. Intensified
DOWN
1. Benchley classic
2. “Could I interrupt?”
3. Figure of interest?
4. Long Island university
5. Bro’s sibling, maybe 6. Mandela’s org. 7. Child’s ammo 8. Certain helicopter 9. Filming locale
18. Common sense?
20. Wine adjective
21. Takes one’s pick
24. More than just ache
28. Pencil filler
32. Capital of France?
33. Flock member
34. Desktop pictures
10. It tests the water
11. Worn out
17. Court call
19. Take a bough?
22. Little spasms
23. Brown ermine
25. Referee’s guideline
26. Administered with a spoon, say
27. Soul mate
36. Highland boy
37. Non-alkali
39. Ferociously
41. Journalists, collectively
43. Proof goof
44. Club appearance
46. Hunt illegally
50. Praiseworthy
28. Dieter’s measure
29. Heat, at times
30. In the center of
31. A deadly sin
35. Military trench diggers
38. You can count on them
40. Baby syllable
42. Make known
45. Golden ___ Bridge
55. Pride partner
56. Debatable, as a point
57. Grandstand section
58. Matterhorn, for one 59. Chapel fixtures
60. Many millennia
61. Abbr. on a road map
47. A bit cracked
48. Revolver innovator
49. Hoopla
50. Band aid
51. Forest female
52. Do some yard work
53. Life story, in brief
54. Novelist Deighton
Exquisite ELEGANCE
ACORN INSPECTIONS
Writer / Kristi Sellers
In the often fast-paced world of real estate, peace of mind can sometimes feel like a luxury. But in Indiana, one company is quietly redefining that experience, bringing clarity, confidence and care to every step of the property journey. Acorn Inspections is more than a service; it’s a family-driven philosophy rooted in trust and the belief that every client deserves to feel secure in their investment.
Founded in 2017, Acorn Inspections was born out of a simple but powerful realization that too many people were walking away from inspections feeling uncertain rather than confident. Owner Josh Rizek saw an opportunity to change that narrative. With a background that spans technical training, quality control and
OFFERING DRONE INSPECTIONS
hands-on property management, he built a company that treats every inspection the way it should be.
At its core, Acorn Inspections operates like a family business because it is one. That mindset shapes every interaction, from the first phone call to the final report. Clients are welcomed with the same care and attention Josh would give his own family.
Customers have the opportunity to work with Josh directly.
“When a client calls with questions about inspections or their specific inspection, they speak directly with me, the owner and inspector. There’s no need to go through someone unfamiliar with the work or wait around for a callback,” he says.
What sets Acorn apart is its meticulous attention to detail. Whether inspecting a residential home or a large commercial
property, the process is comprehensive. Every component is carefully evaluated to uncover both visible issues and hidden concerns. The goal isn’t simply to identify problems, but to provide clients with a clear, understandable picture of what may be ahead.
For homeowners, this means stepping into a new chapter with confidence. For sellers, it offers transparency that builds trust. And for investors and business owners, it provides the critical insight needed to protect long-term value. In each case, the inspection becomes less about uncertainty and more about informed decision-making.
That commitment to clarity is backed by professional excellence. Acorn Inspections adheres to nationally recognized standards and holds certifications that reflect a dedication to ongoing education and industry best practices. It’s a level of expertise that ensures every inspection meets not only expectations, but a higher standard of care.
According to Josh, “Residential and commercial inspections are important because they help people make informed, safe and financially sound decisions about properties. While they share similar goals, their importance shows up in a few key ways: safety and health, financial protection, maintenance planning, liability,
business continuity and peace of mind.”
Yet beyond the technical expertise, there’s a human element that defines the experience at Acorn Inspections. Questions are welcomed. Details are explained, and no concern is too small to address. In an industry that can sometimes feel transactional, this level of personal connection stands out.
There’s also a forward-thinking aspect to the company’s work.
Inspections aren’t just about the present moment. They’re also about the future. By identifying potential issues early, clients can plan for maintenance, avoid costly surprises and make decisions that align with their long-term goals. It’s a proactive approach that transforms inspections into a valuable tool for both protection and planning.
In many ways, the name “Acorn” feels especially fitting. Just as a small acorn holds the potential for something strong and enduring, each inspection lays the foundation for a secure and confident future. It’s a reminder that even the smallest details can have a lasting impact.
For those navigating the complexities of buying, selling or investing in property, the right inspection partner can make all the difference. With its blend of technical expertise, personal care and unwavering
attention to detail, Acorn Inspections offers more than just a service. It offers reassurance.
In a world where certainty can be hard to find, that kind of reassurance is something truly worth investing in.
If you are interested in the services Acorn Inspections provides, call 574-933-4238 or visit acorninspect.com for residential and commercial inspections or pickacorn.com for commercial only.
When he’s not working, you can find Josh spending time with his family at a national park, camping, or participating in other outdoor activities.
A FINISH THAT LASTS
THE CARE BEHIND LUMBER COATING SPECIALTIES
Writer / Amy Beaucham
A freshly stained fence, a beautifully finished pavilion, or a newly painted exterior can change the whole feeling of a property. Wood that may have looked tired or unfinished can suddenly take on a warm, polished and well-cared-for appearance. Those visible changes are part of what Jason Miller enjoys most about his work through Lumber Coating Specialties.
Based in Millersburg, Indiana, Lumber Coating Specialties provides staining, finishing and painting services for homeowners and builders in the surrounding area. The business is especially known for exterior work such as pavilions, fences and timber-frame structures, while also offering interior painting, particularly for new construction. Miller’s approach is careful, personal and shaped by years of practical experience.
The business came about in a natural way. Miller says he had been buying stain from his wife’s uncle, who needed someone to go out on the road and handle staining work.
“That’s how it started,” Miller says.
At first, the work was part time and done after his shifts at the RV factory. He would come home from work, head out to job sites and build the business one project at a time. In those early days, word began to spread locally, and customers who had heard about his work would reach out and arrange to meet with him. There were times when someone would already be waiting for him when he arrived home, ready to talk through a project or get an estimate. Over time, the work
increased steadily, and so did his experience and confidence.
Now in its fifth year on the road, Lumber Coating Specialties has grown gradually, allowing Miller to strengthen his skills and build the business at a steady, manageable pace. That kind of growth has given him the opportunity to improve with each project and remain focused on quality.
That background in craftsmanship began years earlier. Miller grew up in his father’s cabinet shop, where he learned about wood, detail and the value of doing a job carefully. While that work was centered more on interior pieces, it gave him a strong foundation that still shows up in the way he approaches projects today.
A large share of his work now involves timber-frame structures and fencing. Those kinds of jobs require more than simply applying a finish and moving on. Indiana weather can be hard on exterior wood, so Miller pays close attention to preparation, moisture conditions, cleanliness and application technique before stain or paint ever goes on the surface.
“The product and the application are both important,” he says. “The wood has to be clean, and the condition has to be right so it works the way it should.”
• Any and All Trailers and Campers / RV’s Serviced and Repaired Here
• Tire Service(repair or replace) • Axles, Bearings & Brakes
• Lights / Wiring
• Upgrade and Remodel
• Formerly known as Pierceton Peddler
Miller prefers natural, water-based products from a Pennsylvania company. He appreciates both their performance and the fact that they are more pleasant to work with than harsher materials.
“It’s very environmentally friendly and human-friendly,” he says. “And if it’s applied correctly, it competes with the best.”
The brand’s name is Natural Kote.
Proper application is a major part of the final result, and it is also where his experience becomes especially evident. One of the techniques he relies on is back-brushing, a process that helps the stain penetrate the wood more evenly after it is sprayed on.
“That’s probably my secret weapon,” Miller says.
He explains that homeowners who attempt staining projects themselves sometimes miss important steps. They may apply the product too lightly or not work it into the wood the way it should be. Miller uses a similar principle with interior painting, where back-rolling helps create a more even and consistent appearance after spraying.
His process begins with an estimate and a visit to the site. From there, he works to make sure the customer has a clear understanding of the project, the available options and what to expect. He values communication and takes time to answer questions so that everything feels straightforward from the start. Preparation is an important part of every job, and that often includes careful masking and protecting surrounding areas so that only the intended surfaces are affected.
Miller takes a similar approach when helping people choose colors and finishes. He brings wood samples directly to the site and prefers to offer
INTERIOR PAINTING
options rather than steer decisions.
“I like to give them all the options I can,” Miller says. “That way they can make their own decisions without pressure.”
That approach reflects how he runs his business overall. Miller is not focused on pushing people into decisions or comparing his work to others. He prefers to let the finished result speak for itself while building genuine connections along the way.
That combination of quality and personal connection is something customers seem to notice. Miller says he often hears that a completed project looks even better than expected. For him, one of the most rewarding parts of the job is watching a customer step back and take in the finished result.
“I like when the customer comes out and looks at it,” he says. “Seeing their satisfaction, that’s the most important thing.”
One project that still stands out in his mind involved a multistory building painted in a blend of blue shades fading into white to resemble the sky. Later, a mural was added by a local artist to the building, giving the project an additional layer of creativity and visual interest.
Looking ahead, Miller is open to taking on larger projects and adding
Metal Roofing. Peace of Mind.
help when needed. At the same time, he is intentional about keeping the business at a size that allows him to maintain the level of quality he values.
When he is not working, Miller enjoys spending time with his family, often around a campfire during the summer months. That same appreciation for simple, meaningful moments carries into his work.
Lumber Coating Specialties continues to grow through careful craftsmanship, steady progress and a commitment to leaving each project better than it was before.
Lumber Coating Specialties is located at 9890 W. 500 S. In Millersburg. You can give them a call at 260-253-4554.
Master Key Sales
UNLOCK THE NATURAL POTENTIAL
13468 ST. RD. 4 GOSHEN, IN 46528 PH. 574-536-9400 FAX: 574-336-3445
• WEEKLY DELIVERY
• UPS SHIPPING
• HEALTHY PRODUCTS FOR BOTH HUMANS AND ANIMALS.
• NON GMO & NATURAL PRODUCTS.
• HORSE CHICKEN & RABBIT FEED.
• SHAVINGS & BEDDING
• THE AREA’S ONLY ONE STOP SHOP OFFERING EVERYTHING A TO Z OF EQUINE REPRODUCTION EQUIPMENT.
Ernie Yoder has often wondered what the key is to unlocking our potential. A former worker in the RV industry, Yoder enjoyed taking side jobs in the equine industry, supporting small-scale sales and equine reproduction in his spare time. While caring for a horse at his home, Yoder noticed one malnourished, unhealthy horse that was not thriving, leading him to investigate the horse’s diet. After some trial and error, he found that an all-natural, non-GMO diet was the trick to transitioning the horse from hurting to healthy and he decided to offer the same options to his community by opening the doors to Master Key Sales.
Master Key Sales offers all-natural, organic products to help keep you, your horse and your dog healthy. Yoder believes that not all nutrition is
created equal and that the pathway to good health starts with feeding ourselves and our animals only the best in nutrition. The store carries ten non-GMO, organic products from leading companies.
When Covid hit, Yoder was lucky enough to serve as Barn Health Manager for Pleasant Ridge Equine where he continued to research the benefits of a better dietary approach.
“I changed my approach to feeding horses and myself. Although many think corn is the culprit, it’s actually more about clean ingredients. I
now focus on the non-GMO and organic side of things and the horses I’ve cared for and myself are so much healthier,” says Yoder.
As his knowledge grew, so did his business and it was soon time to move to a bigger space. He moved in to a property on Pleasant Ridge Equine and has been continuing his journey to better health for himself and others.
Yoder recently added reproduction equipment and products, now accounting for a large portion of his business. He ships products near and far and feels blessed to speak with customers, many who have become friends, on a regular basis, all while supporting their personal and equine health.
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“It’s been a wonderful journey over the last seven years, making new friends and helping to support our community. My family and I are grateful to be a trusted business and we appreciate their confidence in us,” says Yoder.
Master Key Sales now offers lifetime products and gifts alongside their nutrition options. He hopes to be a destination for anyone in his community looking to improve their health.
A family-owned business, Yoder enjoys supporting his community while working alongside his wife and children, all of whom assist in the store and help with deliveries. You will often see his son Arlin making free local deliveries in and around town and his daughter Maria helping in the store.
“I’m excited to see where the future takes us and blessed to be able to help out my community,” says Yoder.
True to their slogan, Yoder and his family hope their products will help you “unlock your natural potential with Master Key Sales.”
With questions or orders, call Master Key Sales at 574-536-9400 or stop in to their location at 13468 St. Rd 4 in Goshen during their business hours.
MEANINGFUL JOURNEYS
DASH GETAWAYS TRAVEL BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER THROUGH CURATED ADVENTURES & SHARED EXPERIENCES
For some, a getaway is a spontaneous afternoon that turns into an unexpected memory. For others, it is finally standing in a place they have pictured for years — a skyline, a coastline, a historic landmark brought to life. For many, it becomes something even more meaningful: connection, shared laughter, and the comfort of knowing someone has thoughtfully prepared the way so they can simply be present.
That is the space Dash Getaways Travel was created to fill.
Founded by Plymouth resident Lana Ball, Dash Getaways plans and hosts experiences that range from motorcoach day trips to multi-day adventures across the United States and abroad — Egypt, New Orleans, Mount Rushmore, haunted Kentucky towns and Broadway excursions. Carefully curated itineraries are built not just around
destinations, but around how those destinations bring people together.
“This business has always been about relationships,” Ball says. “I truly enjoy traveling with our Dashers and experiencing those trips alongside them.”
For Ball, that word carries layered meaning. She values knowing her travelers and understanding their interests, comfort levels and hopes for a trip. Many stop by the storefront simply to talk through ideas before ever booking, and that trust matters deeply to her. Those relationships continue once the journey begins. Thoughtfully designed group travel has a way of dissolving unfamiliarity as conversations begin on the motorcoach, meals are shared and stories surface. By the end of the trip, strangers often feel like longtime friends, and Ball witnesses that quiet magic of connection forming in real time.
Her path to entrepreneurship was steady and deeply rooted in family influence. Ball grew up in Bourbon, Indiana, watching her father build Ball Auction and Realty into a respected and thriving business serving the surrounding communities. The work ethic, consistency and community presence she witnessed there left a lasting imprint.
Travel was also part of her upbringing. Family trips were not extravagant, but they were intentional. Experiences were valued, and time together mattered. Those early memories shaped how she now views exploration, not as a luxury, but as something formative.
“I think I always knew somewhere down the line I was going to start a business,” she says. “I just didn’t know the timing.”
After earning her degree in retail management from Purdue University and
spending years immersed in the family business — particularly during a season when her mother’s health required greater involvement — Ball began sensing that a new chapter was forming. She carried with her a retail background, an eye for quality and a lifelong love of travel. When those elements aligned, Dash Getaways Travel was born.
The company officially launched in late 2024, and the early months required courage and conviction.
“I wasn’t even sure if five people would sign up,” Ball admits. “In the beginning I would work day after day with very little rest. I’d get home completely exhausted, but there was always that voice inside telling me to keep going. I knew I was building something with purpose.”
That purpose grew from a realization she experienced during the years following the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I truly felt like people weren’t getting back out and socializing the way we once did before COVID,” she explains. “I was concerned about our community, about people’s mental health and the importance of connection. One of the best things you can do for yourself is travel. I know how happy it makes me.”
That realization helped spark the idea for Dash Getaways.
“This company really isn’t about me,” Ball says. “It’s about connection, community, memories and friendships. I can’t tell you how many people have thanked me for starting it, and that means the world to me. I’m grateful for every single traveler who chooses to come along with us, and my hope is that Dash Getaways truly makes a difference in their lives.”
Trust is everything in travel. People are
handing over their time, their money and often long-held dreams. Ball chose to establish a visible storefront where travelers could walk in, ask questions and plan their journeys face to face, creating a welcoming place where people can begin imagining their next adventure.
That presence is about to expand.
Dash Getaways Travel will soon move to a new location at 201 Water St. in downtown Plymouth. After a year of remarkable growth, the company simply outgrew its original space. The new shop will be four times larger, allowing for expanded travel services and a broader retail experience for visitors.
“We are incredibly excited about the move,” Ball says. “Being downtown will allow for more walk-in visitors and give travelers an inviting place to stop in, browse and start dreaming about their next adventure.”
The shop is more than a place to book a trip. It also carries a curated selection of travel essentials, accessories and gifts, all with a travel theme.
“Every item in our shop is something I personally use or would confidently pack in my own suitcase,” Ball says. “From practical travel gear to fun gifts that inspire wanderlust, our goal is to help people travel smarter, travel easier and get excited about where they’re going next.”
The growth has been remarkable. Travelers now come from 19 counties across Indiana and from nine different states.
“I’m truly grateful for each traveler who chooses to travel with us,” Ball says.
Planning a trip under the Dash Getaways umbrella is far more involved than simply reserving transportation and hotel rooms. Ball spends significant time researching destinations, studying logistics and often visiting locations herself before offering them to travelers.
While she sometimes partners with companies such as Diamond Tours for
transportation and foundational tour structure, Ball is known for refining and elevating those itineraries by adding thoughtful pacing, immersive experiences and small details that transform a trip into something memorable.
Gratuities are always included, so travelers never feel uncertain about expectations. On multi-day motorcoach journeys, guests receive Dash Getaways luggage tags, neoprene luggage handle wraps and reusable Dash Getaways water bottles that are refilled throughout the trip. Complimentary snacks are also provided along the way.
“These little touches may seem simple,” Ball says, “but they make a big difference in how relaxed and cared for people feel while they’re traveling.”
Ball also works to dispel a common misconception about group travel. Many people assume it means rigid schedules and little personal freedom, but she explains that while there is structure, travelers still have flexibility.
“There is flexibility built in,” she says. “We want people to enjoy the experience, not feel restricted by it.”
Her own travel experiences continue to shape that philosophy. Ball has traveled solo across six continents, and one of her earliest transformative moments occurred
in Scotland when she stood beneath a full moon in the Highlands and realized the same moon was shining over her family back home. In that moment, the world suddenly felt both vast and intimately connected.
If Scotland opened her eyes to the vastness of the world, Egypt settled deeply into her heart.
After years of watching documentaries about the pyramids with her mother, Ball eventually stood before them herself.
“Standing in front of the pyramids for the first time, I actually had tears in my eyes,” she says. “You can’t fully understand it until you’re there.”
She has now spent a total of eight weeks
in Egypt, building relationships with Egyptologists and local partners. That investment allows her to offer travelers far more than a surface-level tour.
“For me, it’s not just about visiting Egypt. It’s about truly experiencing it.”
Upcoming international itineraries include Egypt in November 2026 and Australia in June 2027, marking Ball’s seventh continent.
Ball has also begun developing several trips connected to the celebration of America’s 250th birthday, experiences that combine history, culture and uniquely American destinations.
Planned trips include Washington, D.C., a Broadway excursion to see Hamilton in Chicago, a Famous Hoosiers heritage tour, a New York City experience and even a classic American pastime — watching the Chicago Cubs face the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field.
She has also worked with Diamond Tours to create a custom “America 250” journey that highlights lesser-known historic sites and fascinating stories from America’s past.
At its heart, however, Dash Getaways is about more than destinations, and Ball often reflects on the friendships formed through travel. One story in particular stands out. A 92-year-old traveler joined a tour and formed friendships with women decades younger. Today, they visit one another’s homes and continue planning future adventures together.
“Had it not been for that trip, they may have never crossed paths,” Ball says. “That truly makes my heart smile.”
Though she grew up in Bourbon, Ball has lived in Plymouth for many years and considers it her home. Her civic involvement further anchors the business locally.“It’s very important to me that Dash
Getaways is rooted in Plymouth,” she says. “This is home.”
The company’s name reflects her larger philosophy. Inspired by the poem The Dash, which reflects on the small line between birth and death and how we choose to fill it, Ball selected a name that would serve as a daily reminder.
“The dash represents the time between when we’re born and when we leave this world and how we choose to spend that time,” she explains.
She believes travel helps people make the most of that time.
“Your Dash should include the people, experiences and moments that truly make you happy,” she says.
Inside the storefront, visitors may also meet Ollie the otter, the company’s cheerful mascot — a playful reflection
of Ball’s joyful approach to travel and adventure.
When asked what continues to motivate her, Ball does not hesitate.
“I find great joy and happiness in my calling each and every day,” she says.
Because in the end, the dash is simply the space we are given, and what fills it — shared meals, laughter, discovery and connection — becomes the story we carry forward. Dash Getaways is not simply about going somewhere, but about going together and coming home changed.
Dash Getaways Travel is located at 201 Water St., Plymouth, Indiana 46563 You can give them a call at 574-800-9202 or visit them online at dashgetawaystravel. com, Facebook - dashgetawaystravel, and Instagram - @dashgetawaystravel.
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THE FIRST 500
HOW THE MARMON WASP & ITS LOCAL LEGACY HELPED SHAPE INDIANA HISTORY
Writer / Jeff Kenney
One hundred and fifteen years ago this month, on May 30, 1911, Ray Harroun drove the famous Marmon “Wasp” (owned by Howard Marmon) over the finish line to complete the first Indianapolis 500 automobile race, marking a milestone for the Hoosier State as the destination for the greatest auto race in the nation, if not the world, for the next centuryplus.
The moment had particular significance for some in the Lakes readership area at the time, since members of the Marmon family had already spent summers in the Lake Maxinkuckee area for more than 25 years by 1911 and made an indelible mark on the community.
Not many months after his victory, in August 1911, winning driver Ray Harroun, accompanied by his mechanic, flew his “hydro aeroplane” on Lake Maxinkuckee, which would become a go-to destination for him and his wife (who rented a cottage on the west side of the lake for a time).
As the Culver Citizen newspaper noted in its Aug. 24, 1911, edition, “(Harroun) ... will do some experimental work, both in the morning and afternoon. Mr. Harroun has had experience in air flying, but this is his first
attempt to make flights from the surface of the water. His machine is a monoplane of the Beriot type, fitted with pontoons for resting on the surface of the water. Observers at any point around the lake can see all the work of the aviator.”
Besides being a race car driver and the aviator mentioned above, Harroun was actually an engineer with the Marmon company that manufactured his car — a vehicle that was a household name in the early part of the 20th century, exemplifying speed, dynamic performance and beauty beginning in an age when the state of Indiana was more a center of automobile manufacturing than Detroit, producing one of America’s first gasoline-powered cars out of Kokomo (the Haynes-Apperson) as well as an array of nowlegendary luxury cars such as Auburns, Cords, Duesenbergs and Studebakers.
MARMON ROOTS
For its part, the Marmon company began with Daniel Marmon, who met his future wife, Elizabeth, after his family moved to Richmond, Indiana. Daniel would become head of the well-known Earlham College, and shortly after the Civil War, his aptitude for engineering and mechanics impressed the Nordyke family, who had operated a flour mill
in that city since 1851. Daniel Marmon was asked to join the company as a full partner.
Company leadership at Nordyke included a roster of names also familiar in years past in the Lake Maxinkuckee area, including S.S. Griffith, A.K. Hollowell and H.H. Rice. By 1877, Nordyke and Marmon had moved to Indianapolis, where the future Indianapolis
Power and Light Company, which Nordyke eventually sold, would launch.
Daniel’s son Howard Marmon was enthralled by engines of all sorts and purchased his first automobile during the relative infancy of the invention, in 1900, taking it to the Nordyke-Marmon plant for rigorous testing. He would soon produce the first touring car in America, which included several never-before-seen features, testdriving it on a trip from Indianapolis to Kokomo.
Starting in 1903 and over the next handful of years, the company introduced a car with a four-cylinder engine and the new Marmon four-speed oiling system; released the Marmon Model C in 1906; released an eight-cylinder, air-cooled Nordyke-Marmon auto and, the following year, the company’s first water-cooled motor. The racing car, the Marmon 32, went into production in 1909, the same year the Indianapolis Motor Speedway opened.
The Model C’s prowess was demonstrated via a perfect score on the 1,200-mile Glidden Tour of the Northeast U.S. and eastern Canada. Such long-distance tests were common for automobiles of the day, giving their makers bragging rights if the results were good. Future Indy 500 driver Ray Harroun was at the wheel at that first race in 1909 as well.
Marmon cars actually raced all over the U.S., racking up 10 first-place race results (out of 20 races), six seconds and seven thirds out of 22 races that year. Typical Marmon racing car colors were yellow and black, earning the car its moniker of “The Marmon Wasp.”
It was no surprise, then, to see Marmon cars hit the Indianapolis Speedway at the debut of its 500-mile race.
BIRTH OF THE SPEEDWAY AND THE 500
The speedway itself was the brainchild of entrepreneur Carl Fisher, and its first event was a hot-air balloon launch.
In fact, the 1909 debut of the track was something of a disaster, which led to a turn of fortune for Fisher. When drivers and spectators were killed during the 1909 race
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weekend and AAA refused to sanction the Speedway as a result, Fisher paved the track with 3.2 million bricks that fall, leading to the track’s nickname, the “Brickyard” (contrary to some confusion, the bricks in question, though stamped “Culver,” have no connection to the town of Culver in this area and were in fact made in Crawfordsville, Indiana).
Ray Harroun, who would become the secondmost-winning driver in Speedway history, with eight wins under his belt, geared up for his last Speedway race at the first Indy 500.
During that historic event, Harroun’s driving averaged 74.61 miles per hour, which the Saturday Evening Post would describe as a “savage, record-breaking pace.” Such hyperbole wasn’t as excessive as might be assumed, given the relative crudeness of safety and protective measures available to drivers in those early years of auto racing. A serious crash was much more likely to result in death than today.
Harroun’s relief driver, Cyrus Patschke, drove about 35 laps in the first Indy 500 for Harroun. It was Patschke, in fact, who first put the Wasp in the lead.
Another Marmon car would have been second if not for an accident on the track. It was driven by Joe Dawson, who would go on to win the second Indy 500 in 1912, though not in a Marmon car.
A rumor persists that the Marmon Wasp featured the first rearview mirror used on a car. In fact, cars manufactured for non-racing use had begun to utilize such mirrors a few
years earlier, though the Wasp was likely the first racing car to do so. Its mirror was designed by Harroun himself.
Another historical sidebar relates to a famous photo of the Wasp in motion at the first Indy
500, which makes the wheels look more oblong than round. The appearance was the result of the use of a large-format camera, rather than an optical illusion created by speed, though use of oblong wheels in motion has persisted to this day in animation and
other graphical representations intended to convey high-speed motion.
In yet another Lakes-area connection, a graduate of Culver Academies’ famed Woodcraft Camp, Roger Penske, purchased the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the NTT IndyCar Series and IMS Productions in 2000, making him the fourth owner in the track’s century-plus history.
Penske, whose name adorns a building he donated at the Woodcraft Camp in Culver, has seen more wins via Team Penske than any other Indianapolis 500 team.
MARMON CARS — FROM GOLDEN AGE TO A FOND FAREWELL
In the years following that first Indianapolis 500, Marmon cars continued to grow in quality and notoriety, with dealerships opening in London and Paris, among many other locales.
Meantime, Howard Marmon also served in the Army Air Corps during World War I, making significant contributions in the development of Liberty aircraft engines. By 1920, the Marmon plant in Indianapolis employed more than 5,000 people, occupying 67 acres and 1.5 million square feet. During the ’20s, legendary The Great Gatsby author F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife, Zelda, purchased a Marmon car and wrote about it — and their frequent use of it in their travels — often. The Marmon epitomized the large, speedy cars favored during the Roaring ’20s.
In 1926, the company name officially changed to the Marmon Motor Car Company, and five years later its V16 model was released, with one test driver remarking driving it was “like driving jewelry” (less than 60 of those cars, produced between 1931 and 1933, survive today, and they’re valued in the millions).
More regionally, Elizabeth Marmon in particular, following the 1909 death of her husband Daniel, contributed significantly to
philanthropic endeavors in Marshall County, including a lead role in launching the Culver Public Library and support of other literary, cultural and ecological efforts in the region.
As impactful as the Marmon company and its cars were, similar to many of the high-end cars Indiana had produced up to then, it
could not survive financially the ravages of the Great Depression. In 1933, the Marmon Company went into receivership, though Walter Marmon soon partnered with Arthur Harrington to launch the MarmonHarrington company, which manufactured military vehicles.
For his part, Harroun, after retiring as a driver, led the Maxwell racing team as chief engineer, with Eddie Rickenbacker as lead driver, in 1915. He also launched the Harroun Motor Company in Wayne, Michigan, but the company — forced to fill government contracts at a loss during World War I — eventually failed.
Harroun was on hand in 1961 for the 50th anniversary of the first Indy 500 at the Speedway, seven years before his death in 1968.
Similarly, descendants of the Marmon family were on hand 15 years ago in 2011 to celebrate the race’s centennial in style,
with a number of Marmon cars on hand to celebrate the remarkable legacy of one of the Hoosier State’s great contributions — both its legendary race and the car whose victory started it all.
Note: Portions of this article were derived from coverage by the author of a talk given by a
Marmon family member.
Jeff Kenney serves as Museum and Archives Manager for Culver Academies as well as on the board of the Culver Historical Society. He speaks frequently on topics of local and regional interest in the area.
CUSTOM CAGES, LOCAL SERVICE
FINDING THE RIGHT SOLUTION AT SUPERIOR CAGES OF BREMEN
As 4-H season begins to stir across northern Indiana, many families are once again thinking about rabbits, carriers and the practical details that help an animal stay safe, comfortable and ready for the season ahead. One of the most important details is finding the right cage — one that is durable, sensibly built and suited to the exact needs of both animal and owner.
That is where Superior Cages in Bremen comes in.
Owned by Dewayne Miller, Superior Cages is a local business focused on custom-built animal cages, with the main emphasis on high-quality enclosures for rabbits and thoughtfully meeting the specific needs of those who care for and raise them. The business may be modest in size, but it fills an important niche for area customers who want something more personal, dependable and thoughtfully made.
Miller says the business began in a simple, practical way. He began exploring ways to work from home in the evenings, rather
Writer / Amy Beaucham
than taking on side work that would pull him away from his family or require more travel. With Superior Cages, that goal became possible.
“I wanted something that I could do at home,” he says. “My wife and my daughter can come out in the shop with me if they want to. There’s no loud or dangerous
machinery. So it’s something my family can be around me while I’m doing it.”
That desire for balance still shapes the business today. Miller continues to work a daytime job at Excellent Powder Coating, where he has developed a strong understanding of materials and finishes. Superior Cages, however, remains his
PICK UP, WASH, DRY, FOLD & DELIVERY!
24 to 48 Hr Turn Around
evening and Saturday venture — one that allows him to work with his hands while staying close to home.
The roots of the business also reach back to his boyhood. Miller grew up on a farm and raised rabbits as a young boy. Some were sold as pets, while others were raised as part of the practical side of farm life. That early experience gave him familiarity with what rabbits need and how cages should function.
“As boys, we sometimes made our own cages for our rabbits,” he says.
Superior Cages took shape when Miller learned that another cage maker was stepping away and selling off inventory. After purchasing the inventory, Miller began building his own business. Early outreach brought only a limited response, but the business gained momentum when he started setting up booths at local smallanimal auctions. Those events allowed
customers to see the cages in person, ask questions and place orders, while also helping build the kind of reputation that grows through personal connections and satisfied customers.
Miller says he most enjoys working directly with people in his community and helping them find exactly what they need.
“I’d like to interact with my customers and not just be a company that they’re buying from,” he says. “I want to be a person that they know.”
That mindset reflects not only his interest in supplying customers with well-built cages, but also in creating the kind of experience that encourages them to return.
That approach comes through in the ordering process. Many customers already know exactly what they need, especially those who have raised rabbits for years.
Superior Cages
When someone wants a custom cage, Miller listens carefully, writes down the measurements and details, asks questions when needed, and then provides a quote and a plan. Once approved, he heads into the shop and begins cutting the wire, assembling the structure, adding legs, trays and doors, and finishing the piece with careful attention to detail and safety.
Superior Cages accommodates both commonly requested sizes and more tailored requests, allowing customers to choose from proven designs or adjust details to suit their particular setup. Miller tries to keep a few cages in stock, especially popular sizes such as a 24by-36 three-tier cage. He also offers carriers, which are smaller wire enclosures designed for transporting rabbits to shows, auctions or other destinations, with the door usually placed on top for convenience. Some customers also request handles.
One of the strengths of Superior Cages is the combination of durable materials, practical design and careful attention to detail. Miller uses galvanized-afterweld wire, which offers important advantages for longevity. He explains that with galvanized-before-weld wire, the protective coating can wear away at the welded corners, leaving spots that may rust sooner. With galvanized-after-weld
wire, the coating protects those welded areas as well.
“Your wire will last five to 10 times longer before it rusts out,” he says.
That kind of durability matters, especially for cages used in barns, sheds or outdooradjacent settings.
Safety is another important part of the design. Miller works carefully to avoid sharp protruding wires and uses door liners to cover rough-cut edges around openings. He also offers solid poly dividers in divided cages so rabbits cannot reach through the wire and injure one another.
That feature can be especially helpful for 4-H families with show rabbits, since even a small scratch on the nose could create a problem in the ring.
“One thing to keep in mind is you want a cage that might protect your rabbit from
anything that might put him out of the show,” Miller says.
In addition to cages, he also carries supplies such as feeders, water cups, nest boxes and other practical accessories. He hopes to expand that side of the business in the future when he has more room. For now, he is focused on handling current requests well and building relationships that bring customers back.
That already seems to be happening. Miller recalls a customer who returned for additional purchases after comparing prices elsewhere. Repeat customers, he says, mean a great deal.
“That’s something I really look forward to,” he says.
Superior Cages operates from Miller’s property in Bremen, where customers can pick up orders or view available cages and carriers by appointment. It is not a storefront
with set hours, but a working local shop where customers can speak with Dewayne directly before he creates a cage designed to meet their specific needs and concerns.
For Lakes West readers preparing for the 4-H season, expanding a rabbit setup, or looking for a practical custom option for small animals, Superior Cages offers something valuable: local service, thoughtful craftsmanship and the opportunity to work one-on-one with Dewayne Miller as he helps create a cage that truly fits.
In a world where business can sometimes feel hurried and less personal, Dewayne Miller offers something that still matters — careful workmanship, personal attention and a genuine commitment to the people he serves.
Superior Cages is located at 2664 4C Rd. In Bremen. You can call 574-546-0366. Customers are encouraged to call ahead before stopping by.
ORCHARD TO JAR
SCHERGER’S KETTLE BRINGS THE FLAVOR OF FRESH FRUIT TO LIFE WITH HOMEMADE JAMS, JELLIES & MARMALADES
Writer / Amy Lant-Wenger
Imagine for a moment how it would be to stroll around an orchard, or wander into a grove, colorful and brightened by the seasons of sunshine. And what if you could pause, find the most perfect fruit of the bunch and savor a bite.
While that may not always be possible on account of northern Indiana’s characteristically chaotic weather routines, there is a place tucked away in the heart of Shipshewana that promises to deliver the closest thing to such an experience. It’s a humble storefront with an ambitious mission. They want each and every person who samples their homemade jams and jellies to, as their slogan goes, “Taste the Fruit.”
The family business is known as Scherger’s Kettle, and it is a bustling place where sweet and savory condiments are freshly created, with ingredients procured from local resources. Their products are free of additives and preservatives, which allows the flavors of the fruit to be authentic and bold. For the Scherger family, maintaining this natural approach is more than just a pledge to their customers. It’s a practice that is steeped in history and tradition. The story goes back to the turn of the 20th century and features the tale of an old copper kettle.
David Scherger, who is part of an ownership team that includes his wife, Peggy, and his daughter, Kelly McConnell, had received a precious family heirloom some years ago that set events into motion to lead to
the present state of the sweet Scherger enterprise. David was gifted a 50-gallon copper kettle that had been used by his great-grandfather, Anton Scherger. It was where the elder Scherger had made apple butter, created from harvested apples bursting from the trees that Anton himself had planted. That kettle would go on to serve its purpose for three more generations to follow. David, who was greatly influenced by this craft, remembers well assisting with the harvest as a youngster. For him, it’s about more than simply turning out a stellar product. It’s capturing the magic of fond memories.
The good fortunes continued, and in 2004, the Scherger family built an
addition to the historic Davis home, which made it possible to expand their production facility. By 2008, the family acquired the building that had formerly housed the Bread Box Bakery and utilized that space for storage.
At the current Scherger’s Kettle site, the kitchen area is a meticulous and well-coordinated endeavor. There are two local Amish women who spend time in the kitchen cooking and processing the fruits and juices into what eventually turns into jams, jellies, marmalades and much more. The fruits are still kettle-cooked, and the ingredients are very basic — fruit, pectin and sugar. The lower-sugar varieties are made with evaporated cane sugar, a perfect option for those who have dietary restrictions.
Once the fruits are expertly cooked, the finished product travels through a series of tubes and gets piped directly into glass jars. The jars are then taken to a refrigerated storage space to cool. Fruits that are obtained out of season are flash-frozen, which ensures that the maximum ripeness and flavor are sealed in.
So what distinguishes a jam from a jelly from a marmalade? Jellies, explains McConnell, are made using only fruit juice, which allows for the smooth, translucent texture. Jams, meanwhile, are made by using the entire fruit, so the resulting product is chunkier, featuring visible pieces of the fruit. Marmalades are similar, but are created using a citrus
Store-bought jams, according to David, typically have approximately 35% minimum fruit content. Scherger’s Kettle is proud to offer jams that boast a 45% minimum. The reducedsugar selections offer a 70% minimum fruit content by weight.
There are several other lines of tantalizing spreads, salsas, raw honey and butters to try from Scherger’s Kettle as well. Some of the more unique and popular flavors include bacon jam, mango salsa and smoky jalapeno tomato chutney. McConnell says that her family often uses some of the savory varieties for cooking and marinades. Another interesting line of products includes marmalades infused with a floral essence, such as blueberry hibiscus and lemon lavender, which have proven to be top sellers as well. When asked how they manage to come up with such creative flavor combinations, McConnell says, “It’s a lot of experimenting and taste testing. Everything we sell is
something we’d eat ourselves.”
The Scherger’s Kettle collection is generally sold in retail settings, and they can work with wholesale arrangements as well. The products can also be purchased online at shipshewanajams.com.
For those who would like to stop by and visit Scherger’s Kettle in person, the store is located at 140 1/2 Morton St. in downtown Shipshewana. They are open every day from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., except for Sundays, when the shop is closed. To reach the business by phone, call 260-768-4629.
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Koontz Lake/ Walkerton/ Grovertown
ALL Times listed are Central Time.
EVERY MONDAY
Bingo – Doors open at 5 p.m., Early Bird starts at 6 p.m., and regular games start at 6:30p at the Koontz Lake Association Community building.
EVERY THURSDAY
4:30 – 6:30 p.m. - New Kitchen Store Farmers Market. Please visit our online store and don’t forget to like us on Facebook! facebook. com/NewKitchenStore
KLA Board Meeting at the KLA Clubhouse is the 3rd Tuesday of the month. Meetings are open to the public and start at 6:30 p.m. Come and join us and find out how you can volunteer in the community. You can also find out what is going on around Koontz Lake.
Koontz Lake Lions Club meet every 3rd Thursday at 6 p.m. in the Sewer District building located at 10625 E Prairie Ave in Koontz Lake. Meetings are open the public.
5
6 p.m. - Koontz Lake Conservancy District Monthly Board Meeting. The meeting will be held at the Sewer District building located at 10625 E Prairie Ave in Koontz Lake. Interested parties may join remotely by calling (240)
591-0378 and entering the code 385729# when prompted, or via web at join.freeconferencecall. com/klcdboardmeeting.
24
8 a.m. – Noon – Koontz Lake Lions Club AYCE Pancake Breakfast at the Koontz Lake Firehouse. Adults $9, Kids $6, Under 5 free.
Bremen/ Lake of the Woods
ALL Times listed are Eastern.
2
9 a.m. - LOWPOA Meeting at the BCC Building, 4374 North Shore Drive, Bremen, IN.
15 Dam closes.
16
9 a.m. – BCC Meeting at the BCC Building, 4374 North Shore Drive, Bremen, IN.
22-23
Lake Garage Sales with Food Trucks.
Lake Maxinkuckee/ Culver/ Marshall County
ALL Times listed are Eastern Time.
EVERY SATURDAY
9 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Culver Farmers Market at the Culver Town Park. You will find local meats, produce, baked goods, sweets, handcrafted gifts, and more for your favorite vendors. For more updates, you can follow The Culver Farmers Market is also on Facebook and IG @culverfarmersmarket, their website culverfarmersmarket. org, or emailing them at culverfarmersmarket@gmail.com.
EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY
8:30 a.m. – Yoga at the Beach Lodge, all levels are welcome. Chair yoga is at 10 a.m.
16
National Kids to Parks Day For questions, please reach out to Crystal Moss at 574-216-0682 or cmoss@townofculver.org.
23
Culver Beach Opening Day
Knox/Bass Lake/ Starke County
ALL Times listed are Central Time.
14-16
City of Knox – City Wide Yard Sales
23
8 a.m. – Noon – City of Knox Coffee & Cars at Wythogan Park