Notes From Nubi - Don't You Just Love The Sun?

While mom has been pretty durn busy the past three weeks, she still had time to cut the grass last Saturday.  Boy, did that make me happy because that stuff was almost up to my tummy in the back yard!

But you know the best thing about the weather being good enough to mow?  It means the sun is out!  When that sun heats up the cement slab in the backyard it is the best thing in the world.  Since my ancestors come from Africa (I'm part Basenji in case you didn't know) I just love basking in the sun.  Matter of fact, this morning mom couldn't get me to come inside when she was ready to go to work, the cement was just too comfortable.

And since mom isn't working this weekend she hopes to trim back some of the bushes around the house and take out some saplings.  That means, if the sun shines, we'll spend some together time out in the backyard - mom cutting away and me sun bathing on the cement.    Mom wants to get the trimming done because the town of North Judson will be picking up brush on May 13th and if she gets it done this week she'll have time to get it into the alley.

So wish us a bright, sunny day on Saturday and good luck trimming back those bushes.

2013 Mint Festival Pageant

The 2013 North Judson Mint Festival Pageant will be held on June 7th at 6 p.m.  This contest is open to all children between the ages of 5 and 19 who attend Starke County Schools.

There is a $20 fundraiser fee to enter and signups will be held at:

North Judson-Wayne Township Library  

Wednesday  -  May 1st from 5-7 p.m.
Saturday  -  May 11th from 10 a.m. to 12 noon
Monday - May 13th from 5-7 p.m.

Henry F. Schricker Library

Saturday – May 4th from 2-4 p.m.
Friday – May 10th from 3-5 p.m.

For additional information contact:
Michelle @ 574-806-0979
Teresa @ 219-205-2440
Kelly @ 574-896-4005

North Judson Mint Fest Karaoke Contest

Come one, come all and share your talent for singing.  The North Judson Mint Fest Karaoke Contest will be held at St. Peter Lutheran School Gym, Hwy 10, North Judson at 6 p.m. on June 14, 2013.

There will be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place trophies for ages 1-12, 13-17, and 18-up.

You must register by June 1st , no entries will be taken after that date.  Contact Donna Witten with the song you will be singing at either 574-806-2501 or donnawitten@hotmail.com.

Walking Across the USA (Or At Least Starke County)

The Moving Starke County Forward kickoff for Walking Across The USA will be held at Wythogan Park in Knox at 10 a.m. on May 18th, the first 250 people will receive a free pedometer.  Miles will be tracked from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Starke County Drug Abuse Symposium

By: Ben Haut, WKVI
Published: April 24th, 2013

In partnership with the Moving Starke County Forward Coalition, IU Health Starke Hospital is looking to address a community crisis through a Drug Abuse Symposium in downtown Knox. The problem of illegal drug abuse, including that of methamphetamine and prescription drugs, is a problem that affects numerous communities throughout Indiana and the nation, and these organizations are looking to make a difference.

The symposium will take place on May 3 at 9 a.m. at the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center in downtown Knox, featuring Attorney General Greg Zoeller as the keynote speaker. Zoeller has undertaken the responsibilities of being at the forefront of lobbying efforts at both the state and federal levels, taking a more aggressive role in the issue and the search for solutions.

Local law enforcement officials say prescription drug abuse in Starke County is greater than the abuse of illegal substances, though methamphetamine and other drugs – such as heroin – get more publicity.

Zoeller will answer questions following his presentation and a local panel of officials actively associated with the impact of drugs on the local community will share information from their perspective before breaking into smaller groups to attempt to provide innovative ways to bring the drug epidemic under control. The meeting will end in the early afternoon after a lunch provided.

To RSVP for the symposium, call Renay Hochstedler at (574) 772-1102 at IU Health Starke Hospital.

Kersting's Annual "Blessing of the Bikes"

Don't miss Kersting’s Annual "Blessing of the Bikes" this Saturday, April 27th, at 8774 W 700 N, Winamac, IN 46996

Blessing @ 1:00 PM ET; Music & Tent Revival hosted by Heartland Biker Church following the "Blessing of the Bikes" Ceremony.

See you there!

5th Annual Tri Ancilla 5/18/2013

Come join us for the 5th Annual Tri Ancilla on May 18th.  The scenic grounds of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ Ministry Center, home of Ancilla College, will provide an enjoyable morning of racing for area competitors.  Check out the website at Ancilla College to find out more and to register for the event.

For additional information you may also contact:

Todd Zeltwanger, Race Chairperson
todd.zeltwanger@ancilla.edu
574-936-8898, ext. 345

We hope to see you on May 18th.  Save money by registering early.  See website for fee structure.  Team rates also available!

Second Annual Irish Pub 5K, May 11, 2013

Get ready for to run for a good cause! The Second Annual Irish Pub 5K is coming up on May 11, 2013. The race takes place at the Irish Pub North Judson (706 E. Talmer Ave. North Judson, IN 46366). Registration opens at 8 am and the race itself begins at 10 am.

Cost is $25 for both walkers and runners and you must register by April 27 in order to be guaranteed a shirt. Prizes will be awarded to the first place male and female winners. Participants 21 and older will receive a $2 beer token that can be traded at the Irish Pub for a beer after the race! Note: You must be 21+ to get a beer token, but anyone of any age can participate in the race.

All proceeds go to the Hoosier Burn Camp. Be on the lookout for local firefighters walking the race in full gear. They will be doing this to show their support for the kids, programs, and the progress of the camp.

For more information call 574-896-3488. Check out the Irish Pub North Judson on Facebook!

Click here to get the registration form.

Living History Days at the Old Fort, Fort Wayne - May 18-19, 2013

Hear the cannons thunder and muskets fire.  Experience American frontier life with colonial artisans, battle reenactment, merchants and tours at the Historic Fort in Old Fort Park, Fort Wayne. 

No admission charge, donations accepted.  Limited handicap accessibility.  For more information call 260-437-2836 or visit Historic Fort Wayne.

Mayfest in Shipshewana, May 3-4, 2013

A good old-fashioned, town wide fun way to celebrate spring!

Bluegrass/gospel music, food, entertainment and special games just for kids.  The Grand Mayfest Parade kicks off Saturday at 10:00 a.m.  Downtown activities include a road run, amateur auctioneering contest, pony pull, donkey basketball, lawn tractor pull, and 3-on-3 basketball.  In partnership with the LaGrange County CVB.

No admission charge.  For more information call 260-768-7589 or go to Mayfest in Shipshewana.