March of Dimes Auction Makes Giving Fun

One of my favorite things about this time of year is stumbling upon all the fire bushes, or burning bushes, as they turn their scarlet colors. I want to photograph them everywhere. The ones here, seen near the Allen/Dekalb/Noble county lines, seem to march themselves down the side of the county road.

We took part in another march of sorts recently - a charity auction for the March of Dimes. Held at the lovely Orchard Ridge Country Club, it was a 'signature chefs' auction, featuring heavy hors d'oeuvres from some of Fort Wayne's best restaurants.

While guests walked around and looked at silent auction items for which to write bids, they were able to sample bits of many savory foods. Catablu, Granite City, Calhoun St. Soups-Salads-and Spirits, Chop's Steaks and Seafood, and Casa Ristoranti Italiano were a few of the restaurants that offered snacks and also donated dinner packages for auction.

A pediatrician from DeKalb Health (the new name for their hospital) bid up a 'cookie of the month' club package from Blondie's Cookies. I won something for which I had bid on in the silent auction - an artist's rendering of my favorite sculpture: Cloud Gate, "the bean," the giant iconic piece in Chicago's Grant Park. It's a dark print with a glowing reflection of the Chicago skyline reflected in the giant bean. I love it, but it came in a cheapish plastic frame that I am planning to replace.

March of Dimes was originally a charity to help prevent birth defects. Remember when moms and kids would walk around neighborhoods, trying to collect dimes in paper envelopes? Fundraising has changed, and so has much of the focus of this charity. Although the organization still works on preventative care, much of the focus is now on improving the progress of premature babies.

Not long ago, a baby born at 28 weeks had only a 50 percent chance of survival. It was likely the baby would have chronic lung problems and perhaps neurological problems. March of Dimes' research led to the development of surfactant therapy; the use of some kinds of steroids to help a premature baby's lungs deal with life outside the womb. Now many babies leave NICUs healthier, earlier, and with better chances of avoiding life-long complications.

But more about the event. After the silent auction, snacks, and cocktails, came the live auction. If you've never been to an upscale charity auction, it can be quite a kick. An attendee experiences rapid-fire auction calling, with the auctioneer's assistants running around working the room, and guests outbid each other for desirable packages.

At this auction were donated trip packages, large group parties at restaurants, 18 holes of golf and lunch at the country club, and a Colts football game, dinner and hotel package. Having only attended one Colts game in our lives, we were interested in winning the Colts tickets.

I felt like some of the most generous bidders went for the "fund the mission" project. One received no freebies with this bid. All of the proceeds on this deal go simply straight to research and were 100% tax deductible. I found myself applauding for our generous friends who gave to this and took home no bling in return. You know who you are and here today I thank you silently, with tears welling up in my eyes.

We got to meet a healthy, thriving "preemie;" she is now two years old, just a little small and quite a pistol. Her parents stood up front and told the story about delivering her at Lutheran Hospital at just 24 weeks into the pregnancy. There's nothing like putting a real face in front of a crowd to make the story come to heart.
 
Orchard Ridge and March of Dimes did a nice job with this event; they rounded up some enticing donations and found some firecracker auctioneers. I'm not all that impressed with some charities, but I think March of Dimes has done a nice job reinventing itself, and finding ways to successfully move forward into the future.

The Gorgeous Allen County Courthouse

The Allen County Courthouse is an amazing building. Construction began on it in 1897, and it was finished in 1902. It's breathtaking with lovely Italian marble, limestone, and Vermont granite features.

There are giant murals by Charles Holloway, columns, bas-reliefs and art glass. A seven-year restoration was completed on the building in 2002. The courthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976, and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2003.

When it was nominated for these awards, the nominating committee said the combination of Greek, Roman and Renaissance influences reflected the exuberance and ambition of late 19th Century America.

We were in the courthouse to obtain the guardianship of a disabled child. Without it, for a person such as this at 18, there is no authority to speak for the person if they have to make medical decisions or are hospitalized.

One must go through a metal detector to enter the courthouse. The process is much like going through security in an airport. One must empty one's pockets, and you can't take a camera or cell phone into the building at all. I'm sure this must be very difficult for people who are totally connected to their phones 24 hours a day, as so many people are now. I found it refreshing; like the good old days that weren't that long ago.

As for the hearing itself, unfortunately, our lawyer had laryngitis. She said she didn't feel sick, and she had never had it before. But it had left her completely unable to speak. The magistrate was really good about the situation, and allowed the lawyer for the disabled person (yes, two lawyers were required for this) to do all the questioning. It was unusual, but it worked; we got through it, and we were granted the guardianship.

I love the beautiful building, the marble staircases, and all the helpful people we ran into that day. My pictures here are not that good, copied with my iPod from a website, but you can look for photos on the Internet to see more of the lovely art and art glass windows.

Our lawyer was very kind, and sent me this quote after the hearing: 'Faith is believing that one of two things will happen - that there will be something solid for you to stand on, or that you will be taught to fly.' I had never heard that statement before, and it was quite fitting.

A Poem: Summer is Leaving

Today the leaves are showing pale undersides, like frightened rabbits or fleeing whitetail deer. Wind currents transform the leaves into shaky jazz hands, shimmying up and down the tree.

Undersides of green willows are silver, nodding and bowing to the gusts as they pass. Bird feeders rock with their own rhythm.

What are these cut flowers at my table? Diminutive sunflowers? Giant black-eyed Susans? They wilt sadly, hunched over, looking as though they just exhaled a big, draining sigh. The clouds are a low dense layer of cotton to be pulled out of a package and thrown away.

There will be no sunset tonight. Complainers whine about ninety-degree heat and drought all summer, and are now so sorry they complained. Yes, we are fickle. The things we think are important; so often, so simply, are not.

The ice maker chinks out the frozen crescents with clockwork timing. Ice rocks out against the freezer door. As predictable as a church bell tolling, it awakens me into the practical moment.

And now it is night. Loved ones are far away. I poke myself in the eye with the spigot faucet when I drink from it in the dark. Then I am up early; not able to sleep after five a.m.

Summer is gone, and dark takes over more than half of the day. I finish my poem, awaiting the light of dawn.

October Moon

The fish skim the surface of the water sieving bugs. Their disturbance of this platter reflects the moon's light, causing glitter where everything else is smooth.

From where are you viewing this same full moon? Is it rising in your sky too?

I remember my friend, heart breaking, clutching on to me for dear life. Hands and arms clinging so tightly, sobbing, crying with paralyzing grief. I was so young, I had never been the strong one before. How many months and years of full moons have passed since then?

Jupiter shields the Earth from asteroids, taking hit after hit that explode on its surface. Starbursts of light become fireworks as Earthlings watch safely through their telescopes. I was Jupiter, trying to be the grief shield for my friend. I was the child that had become the caretaker. I wanted to block, absorb any hurts. But I could not - I had to stand helplessly and watch the waves of pain crash in over and over again.

Now it's my turn. Endless hurts, shouting, chaos, tinnitus a constant companion my every waking moment.

The night passes. The moon tracks across the sky on its legless trek. Early morning, there are no sparkles on the water. In the same secret spot, mists rises in a column and fish languish. A pair of geese fly in; from the side they look like SST aircraft.

The moment is over. The glittering surface, the memory of grief - buried for now, precious, waiting to rise again as the moon will rise.

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

At some point one must leave home as did Dorothy, to explore the world and then return. Several times a year I travel from Fort Wayne to see some sights I can see within a day's drive. A dear friend from Chicago asked a group of us to join her in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and so I made the five-hour drive over the summer for a weekend retreat.

There is a charming downtown in Lake Geneva, with lots of artistic shopping opportunities and tasty dining. The lake is ringed in private homes and huge estates, yet is accessible and friendly for all types of folks. If you want to hike a trail, swim at the beach or have an expensive spa treatment, you can find it here.

The photo above was taken of a private home, one of hundreds that rings the lake. What a beautiful, grand home it is, with several stories, balconies, and a turret. We saw this and many others when we walked on a trail around the lake. Runners and bikers also used the simple trail.

Glaciers formed the lake basin long before the United States was a country, and Native Americans fished its waters. It was called "muck-suck" by the Indians, and then Big Foot, named after a Pottawatomi chief. An early English settler, after skirmishes over land and water rights, called the place Geneva after his former home in New York. Grist mills and saw mills were built to utilize the available water power.

In the late 1800s, the town became a popular destination and retreat for residents of Chicago. Railroad access made this possible for the captains of industry and other people of means. Founders of companies such as Morton Salt and Wrigley chewing gum built mansions and large homes around the lake.

When you visit the town of Lake Geneva, one of the most visible landmarks is what looks like a grand Victorian turreted home or small castle. The Baker House was built as a summer resident in 1885. Robert Hall Baker built this 17,000 square foot, 30-room, Queen Anne-style, turreted mansion that was once a summer home; then it was a school dorm, sanitarium, and Speakeasy. Now it's a hotel and restaurant listed on the National Registrar of Historic Sites. It's a luxurious inn with a restaurant, 13 fireplaces, and floor to ceiling hand-carved mantles with rare tiles.

Lake Geneva was a haven for Al Capone and other mobsters for a while early in the 20th century. Hugh Hefner built his first Playboy Resort here, which then closed in 1981. It's now the elaborate and expensive Grand Geneva Resort. One of the best things to do here is take a tour of the lake by boat (or "yacht"). These lake cruises on double-decker steamers and lovely wooden boats have guides, narrators and refreshments on board.

Below are some of the mansions one can see: "The Oaks" - Dr. Phillip Maxwell built the oldest mansion there, now called Golden Oaks Mansion. "Black Point" has a distinctive four-story tower. This place could only be reached by steamboat when it was first built. Guests were ferried over once a week and then returned a week or two later. Stone Manor is a gigantic 18,000 foot Italian palace which is visible nearly anywhere along the lake. Once a private mansion, now it houses condominiums. It almost looks like a small city in itself.

Many more interesting estates ring the lake. They have wonderful names, such as House in the Woods, Maple Lawns, and Green Gables. Powerful men such as Montgomery Ward and Sears built the place up and it remains for the rest of us to see. There is a large university observatory telescope belonging to the U. of Chicago that we didn't visit, but it's quite impressive. Yerkes Observatory was established in 1897 and houses a big telescope at a 77-acre, park-like site.  It's open to the public for tours on Saturdays, and offers different programs such as family viewing nights and professional development for teachers.

Lake Geneva was charming, with something for everyone. It's a little too far to be a regular retreat for folks from Fort Wayne, but worth a visit sometime.  It would be just right for a weekend getaway, or a week-long summer retreat. It's not really a water ski lake, but it's good for socializing, people watching, and site-seeing. Several golf courses are there, and lots of hotels, retirement villages, and condos.  If you live in Chicago or somewhere near, definitely check it out sometime.

Sauder Village recreates old farm life

In the middle of miles and miles of farm fields in northwestern Ohio lies a collection of authenticated wigwams and tepees, farm buildings and old towns, snack shops and craft stores. This compilation of culture is a close approximation of what it was like to live a pioneer life. Although this kind of themed educational park is not my usual cup of tea, my jaded self was fascinated. The creator of and collector for this place has done such a great job.

Sauder Village is this reproduction of historic culture in Northwestern Ohio. When the United States was first a nation, this area of the country was part of the Great Black Swamp. Not until much of the rest of the United States was settled, was the swamp drained and the white settlers could attempt to move in and farm. Until that time, Native Americans lived in the swamp, building structures above the water line on stilts, fishing, and reaping the abundant ecosystem. Horses would sink into the wetlands and swamp grounds, which kept the white man out.

But in about the 1830's, the game changed, and oxen were finally able to traverse the submerged wetlands where horses could not. That meant eventually farmers could drain and plant the fertile fields. So what has happened here in Archbold, Ohio, is that a local farm boy and entrepreneur created a replica of early ways of life. He had actual structures moved from different parts of Ohio to this place, so that visitors could come and see the history of this part of the world.

Erie Sauder made a beautiful place here. He was a local farm boy, and in 1934 he founded the Sauder Woodworking Company. By the 1970's, he had an idea to preserve and display some of the local heritage that was rapidly disappearing.  He found structures built a century earlier, had them preserved and transported to his historic village. Here you will see old school houses, farm buildings, churches and blacksmith shops. There are also precise replicas of many types of Native American dwellings, such as bark structures, dugouts, tepees and wigwams.

Lots of docents are there to help you on your journey as you visit the tableaus and buildings. The kids saw what it was like to trade furs for blankets and pots in an old general store. They pumped water from a well, sawed logs, and got a lesson in a one-room school house. We went for a ride on a small-gauge train and later in a horse-drawn carriage.

There is lots to see and do, learn, buy, and eat. I toured the whole of the main village, but there is more to this place I didn't see. The website says they have a 350-seat restaurant, a bakery, campground, and even a country inn and an exhibit hall. So it's set up for big groups of visitors and the RV crowd. If you were traveling across county on I 80-90, you could make a minor detour and check this place out. I know I will be going back here again sometime; I think it's only about an hour or so from Fort Wayne.

Another thing I really liked about it: Sauder Village is also an actual working farm. You'll see ordinary activities such as sheep shearing, harvesting, cooking and canning. Blacksmithing, handmade arts and crafts; I didn't even see all the artisans here. There are lots of farm animals for the kids to see as well.  I didn't spend much time in the museum halls, but that leaves something to explore next time.  See you later.

Campers, Horses, the Disabled, and Red Cedar

When was the last time you were on a picnic out in the grass? It's been a while for me. This is not a new photo, and from the looks of the trees it must have been fall here. But I do believe the prairie grass looks much the same right now. In September the grass is turning many colors as the seed heads mature. Sometimes the ends of the grass look red, or purple. The stalks are so tall I find myself describing them as majestic. Maybe it helps to be there -

Meadow paths like this give me the urge to go on a trail ride, courtesy of some eager horses. I'm thinking a short little mount, or just a pony with ears perked up and mane flowing behind a bobbing head. It's been a long time for me.

A lot of kids have the desire to learn to ride horses. We've had good experiences with Camp Red Cedar on Hursh Road in Fort Wayne. Before signing up for ongoing lessons, this camp gives kids the chance to try out the whole equestrian experience and see what it's all about.

There is a lot more work to horses than just learning to ride, of course. At the Red Cedar camp, even the young kids go through the basics of horsemanship, including cleaning stalls, washing horses, picking out their feet, brushing, saddling, etc. This is time consuming, and it gives kids a realistic picture of what it really means to be responsible for a horse.

Red Cedar is located on 57 acres with pastures, woods, a ten-acre lake, barns and camping structures. The kids swim at the lovely beach in the summertime, and it is fully accessible for people with disabilities. And that is a great thing about this camp - they have programs for fully abled people, and disabled people. They have summer camps for people with autism and Downs syndrome, diabetes, and other issues. And they have regular horseback riding lessons, and private lessons, and trail rides. It's a spacious, peaceful place.

The week-long summer camp for autistic kids is creative. Every hour or so there is a different activity - games, arts & crafts, karate, soccer, etc. Plus the horseback riding - someone leads the horse, the riders wear helmets. The horses are gentle and quiet. Therapeutic riding helps people with balance, coordination, muscle control, and confidence. I think it's such a good thing. The people that work there seem very dedicated. A lot of the summer help are college-age kids with plenty of energy and good spirits. I admire people who give back like that - I find it to be an inspiration.

Hursh Road is close to I-69 and Tonkel Road, which is easily accessible and a nice part of northern Allen County. You can visit Red Cedar's website at www.awsredcedar.com.