After one of the snowiest winters in history, everyone I know is ready for spring and this edition of Elkhart County Living is filled with articles that will help you enjoy the warm weather that I promise you is on the way.
    We know if spring is near, summer can’t be far behind and nothing says summer in America more than baseball. Sure, you can drive to Chicago or Detroit and take in a major league game, but with the Silverhawks in South Bend and the Wizards in Fort Wayne, the always entertaining and way less expensive minor league game is a just a short drive from home. The area’s two pro baseball teams are featured this month along with the Fort Wayne Komets and Elkhart Express.
    If you or someone in your home has a school prom in their future, check out our photo feature on prom fashions.
    As the days get longer and the weather warms up, many of us are looking forward to getting back into the garden. If gardening is your thing, reporter Jesse Davis has some tips for you on getting ready for the season.
    Perhaps icy sidewalks and muddy roads have kept you indoors for too long, and you’re looking forward to nice weather so you can take a nice long walk. You probably didn’t realize you are part of trend that is growing in popularity around the country. It’s called “volksport” and it can encompass everything from walking and hiking to swimming and skating. You can read about it in our feature story beginning on page 12.
    For those times when we’re experiencing the April showers that will bring May flowers, we have a couple of longer articles for your reading pleasure.
    Community Theater has a long and proud tradition in Elkhart County. Bridget Fryman’s article on community theater reminded me of the time 30 years ago when I appeared in a couple of productions put on by the Auburn Community Theater.
    It also reminded me why I was wise to not give up my day job for the stage.
    And in this edition of the magazine, we’re delighted to feature 99-year-old John Schoolman of Leesburg. He’s has gained fame over the years for his colorful etched and painted walking sticks, an expression of folk art he began enjoying 28 years ago when he was a mere youngster of 71.
    Hmmm. Maybe one of John’s walking sticks would be the perfect thing for that next Volksmarch.
    Enjoy.
    Jim Kroemer, publisher