All Knight Templars welcome with or without uniforms. Snacks and fellowship in dining room after meeting at Masonic Lodge, 931 Industrial Parkway, Elkhart, Indiana. For more information please contact Russ Anderson at 574-264-6223. This information was brought to you courtesy of your local Elkhart County Real Estate Expert Evelyn Johnston with Prudential One Reatly at 574-304-7148. 04/06/2008

6:45 am every Tuesday Morning the Optimist Club meets at the Matterhorn Banquet and Conference Center, 2041 Cassopolis Street, Elkhart, Indiana. Come join them. This information was brought to you courtesy of your local Elkhart County Real Estate Expert Evelyn Johnston with Prudential One Reatly at 574-304-7148 for information on homes for sale in Elkhart County. 04/06/2008

Anyone interested in joining AARP or finding out more information about AARP a meeting will be held at McNaughton Park Pavillion, Elkhart, Indiana.  Meets the second Tuesday of every month.  For more information call Jim Humbarger at 574-264-0889. This information was brought to you courtesy of your local Elkhart County Real Estate Expert Evelyn Johnston with Prudential One Reatly at 574-304-7148.   04/06/2008

The nine-page Non-Smoking Ordinance unanimously passed last week and there are five important things to know about the ban:It will take effect in early May. The Ordinance still needs Mayor Moore's Signature and then goes into effect 30 days later.The Ban is for Public and Work Places. A public place is "any enclosed area to which the public is invited or is which the public is permitted." It includes restaurants, including outdoor dining areas.  The bad does not apply to smoking designated hotel rooms, tobacco stores, private social clubs, religious sites, outdoor areas of golf courses, outdoor work places, private vehicles, or private homes, except those used as facilities for child care, adult day care or medical care.  Smoking is also prohibited within 15 feet of public entrances int... 04/06/2008

As the new Sales Manager for Prudential One Realty Goshen office, I am excited to be actively involved in the business of recruiting agents to the company.Whether you are already a real estate agent or just interested in finding out more about launching a successful career selling homes, I look forward to speaking with you.Find out why Prudential One Realty can help take your career and your income (even into retirement) to a new level.Give me a call.  574-651-5152.  I look forward to it. 04/06/2008

The commotion of house hunting is finally over.  You found just the right house here in Elkhart County, Indiana and your offer has been accepted.  It was a great buy.  Now, just one more hurdle --getting a loan--and you're home free.Often buyers are so eager to get this "final detail" behind them, they rush through this portion of the transaction and end up with less-than-ideal terms.  Borrowers, however, have something lenders want--their business.  This positions them to negotiate the best possible price (cost of loan), terms and service.Let's look at price, or the cost of the loan.  The first thing to do is find out what the current rates are-information readily available in your newspaper or from your sales professional.  When comparing rates, figure the annual percentage rate (APR)... 04/06/2008

I should have already posted this, so I apologize for the lateness of it. Unfortunately, it seems that we all know someone whose life has been impacted by cancer.  It often feels that when we are faced with something like cancer, we don't know how to respond or what we can do to help.  Prudential One Realty is excited to host our second annual fund-raising event for The Sunshine Kids Foundation.  The Rays of Hope Gala, dinner Dance and Silent Auction gives you a chance to be pro-active in helping kids with Cancer find ways to live normal lives and have some fun!The Rays of Hope Gala is a silent auction as well as formal dinner.  You can help by one of two ways, or possible both!  We are in need of auction items.  Anything you'd like to contribute would be welcomed! As a contributor to t... 04/03/2008

I love the post about the "Nuts about your House" idea and thought about my two granddaughters who play softball every year.  My Son and Daughter-in-law sign the girls up for sports all year around and the stands are full of young parents and grandparents.  Grandparents are looking to buy homes in a smaller size or closer to the kids and young parents with expanding families are also looking to buy a home. And how perfect would it be to hand out the nuts bag at every game? As a matter of fact there are either 4 or 6 fields all playing at once every Saturday Morning and Afternoon.  The wording would have to be changed just a bit, but I just might do it.  Thanks for the great idea!  And you could feature your listings at the same time...or put a local phone number list insidee that sticks... 04/02/2008

City Building     229 S 2nd Street     574-294-5471     574-293-7964 faxFire Dept         500 East Street     574-293-8931     574-522-1023 faxPolice Dept     175 Waterfall Drive     574-295-7070     574-293-0679 faxCity Court     299 S 2nd Street     574-522-5272     574-296-9811 faxParks     201 S 2nd Street     574-295-7275     574-522-7808 faxPlanning Development     City Building     574-294-5471     574-295-7501 faxStreet Dept     229 S 2nd Street     574-294-5471     574-294-5471 faxZoning Appeals     City Building     574-294-5471     574-295-7501 fax  04/02/2008

Elkhart citizens know that learning does not stop at high school graduation.  Whether people are seeking a well-rounded, traditional college education, or specific courses designed for job training or a career change, the Elkhart area is home to institutions that can meet their needs.Bethel College, Brown Mackie, Davenport University, Goshen College, Indiana Tech, Indiana University South Bend, Ivy Tech Community College, Tri-State University, and Vincennes University are among the higher education offerings in the area.  With a short commute, students can reach an even wider variety of options.Recently, the State of Indiana changed the mission of Ivy Tech.  It has become a full community college system.  Students can now take their first two years of nearly any bachelors degree close t... 04/01/2008

The mission of local public and private schools, in Elkhart County, is to provide an educational environment where every student can become a literate, numerate, responsible, and productive member of society.  This belief translates into comprehensive academic programs, outstanding extracurricular and arts opportunities, first-class facilities, and most of all, a highly trained staff.Elkhart Community Schoolsis the twelfth largest K-12 school districts in Indiana, with fourteen elementary schools (K-6), three middle schools (7-8) and two high schools (9-12).  It also provides a full-day program for all kindergarten students, the Elkhart Area Career Center, Tipton Street Center (alternative school), and many adult/community education opportunities.  Baugo Community Schools, Concord commu... 04/01/2008

From its beginnings, entrepreneurial spirit has inspired the leaders of Elkhart.  An undaunted courage to pursue dreams guided Dr. Miles to begin a pharmaceutical business at the turn of the century and influenced colonel Conn in the creation of band instruments.  This same spirit has since directed enterprising men and women to build the area into a giant in American free enterprise.The Elkhart region is the leader in the production of recreational vehicles and manufactured housing.  Hundreds of manufacturers produce motor homes, travel trailers, campers, park models, mobile homes or the products used in RVs and manufactured housing.Elkhart is also known as the "Band Instrument Capital of the World," a title earned int he last century when the C.G. Conn Company became the nation's larg... 04/01/2008

It is popularly believed that Elkhart was named for a local island in the shape of an elk's heart.  It is more likely that the community, county, Elkhart River and Elkhart Prairie were named for the Shawnee Indian Chief Elkhart, a cousin of the famous Chief Tecumseh.Dr. Havilah Beardsley, who arrived in the area in 1830, laid out the first lots of the Village of Elkhart in 1832.  The village became a town in 1858 and a city in 1875.During this time, the railroad's presence was growing.  By 1900, a fourth of the population was employed by the railroads.  Early in this century, industrial growth began in the area, with a focus on automobile manufacturing.The former Miles Laboratories was founded in Elkhart and was the home of notable medicine, like Alka Seltzer.  The city became the "Band... 04/01/2008

Elkhart is an experience to be enjoyed and cherished, with fascinating museums, artistic events, and athletic competitions that are fun for both spectators and participants.The Midwest Museum of American Art was the first in the nation to focus exclusively on the works of American artists.  The Ruthmere Museum provides the opportunity to travel back in time and visit the home of one of Elkhart's early, wealthy families.  The RV/Mobile Home Hall of Fame & Museum invites you to experience the past and future of Elkhart's top industry.Each summer the three-day Elkhart Jazz Festival attracts major figures in traditional and contemporary jazz.  The annual Mainstreet Showcase of art involves nearly 100 artists and some 20,000 spectators during a two-day gala celebrating the visual arts."Rhaps... 04/01/2008

Since the earliest years of Elkhart County's history, families have worshiped together. Before the first churches were built, itinerant ministers visited settlers.Elkhart County area churches include modern houses of worship and some of the most classical and time-crafted in the state. A simple drive through the community reveals the many religious options available.  Whether you simply enjoy the weekly sermon or strive for daily involvement, a church in this diversely faithful culture can offer fulfillment.Catholic, United Methodist, and mennonite have the most congregants in the county. The Church of the Brethren, Evangelical Lutheran, Missionary Church, Baptist and Old Order Amish also have large followings.  In all, over 40 denominations offer religious affiliations.Whether you pref... 04/01/2008

Elkhart County gets to where it wants to go with enviable ease.  Interstate Highway 80-90 skirts the northern edge of the county and the US 20 Bypass provides four-lane swiftness from the souteastern edge of the city to Mishawaka, South Bend and into Michigan.  The CR 17 corridor has become a mojor connector for both travelers and commerce on the east side of the community.  A brand new railroad underpass allows for more accessibility to and from the downtown area.Elkhart Municipal Airport was distinguished as the 2004 Airport of Year for Indiana.  It is home to numerous private and corporate aircraft. The airport boasts 6,500 and 4,001 foot runways and offers charter service.  Nearby, South Bend Regional Airport offers several commercial air carriers that provide direct flights to most... 04/01/2008

Elkhart General Hospital, the largest hospital in the area, has served Elkhart County Residents for over 100 years.   Elkhart General Hospital is an acute care hospital whose services include a Level II emergency department, open-heart surgery, cardiac catheterization, radiation oncology, mental health and addictions services, in and out patient rehabilitation, birthing suites, and the largest home health care service in the county.Various other clinics, medical facilities and private practices offer occupational medicine, plastic surgery, laser surgery, sports medicine, and a wide range of specialty health care services and treatments.Oaklawn, a hospital devoted to mental health and addiction treatment for children, adolescents, adults and older adults, has several locations in Elkhart... 04/01/2008

Elkhart is made for individuals and families who love outdoor activities.  A phenomenal system of city and county parks and comprehensive recreation programs satisfies every desire for sports and recreation.  The city of Elkhart has 32 parks with a total of about 300 acres, many situated along rivers where fishing is a popular pastime.  Several of these parks are connected by trails for easy walking or biking between locations. Youngsters, and the young at heart, can speed down a 60 foot water slide at one of Elkhart's parks.  There are backboards for one-on-one basketball, plus numerous ball fields where organized softball and baseball teams meet for league play.  Facilities for soccer, tennis, volleyball and racquetball are used for leisurely play as well as spirited competition. Two ... 04/01/2008

A variety of shopping is available everywhere in Elkhart.  Shoppers can stroll the concourses of climate-controlled enclosed malls or browse the unique merchandise selections available at various quaint flea markets. Concord Mall appeals to the avid shopper's many senses. Offering more than 100,000 total square feet of indoor hops, boutiques, services, and restaurants, this is truly a shopper's paradise. Shopping in colorful downtown Elkhart remains popular among residents who take the opportunity to enjoy the recently completed Streetscape.  From fine jewelry to floral arrangements to family clothing to salons, downtown Elkhart is filled with genuinely unique shopping experiences. Adding to the shopping diversity are several conveniently located strip malls.  Some are new to the area, ... 04/01/2008

Elkhart, Indiana, a city born on the mystique of the Elkhart River welcomes visitors to come and take a stroll.  The RiverWalk winds around the Elkhart River in beautiful downtown Elkhart, Indiana. Ample parking, picnic areas, and signs detailing Elkhart's rich history welcome visitors to come and take a walk in the park. Whether there for just a moment or an entire afternoon, visitors to the RiverWalk will find the 10-foot wide concrete walkway that follows the river's course to be comfortable and inviting.  A boardwalk overlooking the water at the end of Jefferson Street and steps leading down the bank at the end of Washington Street allow close access to the water's edge.  Walking along the RiverWalk is as warming as reading a chapter in your favorite novel.  Narrative signs tell the... 04/01/2008