Syracuse Trail Project Begins Route Planning

As the Syracuse-Wawasee Trail Committee continues to move forward with a plan to create bicycle/pedestrian paths through the lake community, the committee recognizes the need for a grant writer.

Mike Buhrt, chairman of SWTC, told the Syracuse Park Foundation at a meeting this week, that the trail committee currently does not have a lot of money, so the plan is to spend some time getting organized and doing some fundraising. Another matter that will be discussed at the next trail committee meeting will be a proposal from a grant writer.

Dr. Tom Edington, president of the park foundation board and superintendent of Wawasee Community Schools, suggested that the trail committee consider applying for a Safe Route to Schools grant through the Indiana Department of Transportation. A $25,000 planning grant is available. If awarded, the school and trail committee would work with Michiana Area Council of Governments on potential routes.

After the planning grant, a $250,000 implementation grant would be available. Buhrt and Edington discussed the idea of applying for the SR 13 section of the trail down around Wawasee Middle School.

It was also noted that the Tour des Lakes will be held July 13. It is a chamber event and a representative of the trail committee will be joining the planning committee for the Tour des Lakes, which hosts multiple bike rides through the area. Volunteers are needed to help out on July 13. For more information check out the event’s website, tourdeslakes.com.

In other matters, Syracuse Park Superintendent Chad Jonsson reported on progress for the Harold Schrock Athletic Complex. The concession stands and restrooms have been completed, water has been turned on and concrete pads for the bleachers and dug outs have been poured. Teams are already using the fields for practice and Jonsson expects some games to be played there yet this spring.

Donn Baird, park foundation treasurer, asked about drainage with all the rain the area has received in recent weeks. Jonsson said things were going well until last Friday when the fields were a bit damp.

Arbor Day will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at the athletic complex. Funds are still being raised for bleachers and for a matching grant for lights. It’s hoped enough will be raised so lights can be installed in the fall.

Wawasee Triathlon Heading Into Sixth Run

The Wawasee Kiwanis will host its sixth annual Wawasee Triathlon this August 10 at Lakeside Park in downtown Syracuse.

The Kiwanis are taking registrations for up to 300 participants for the triathlon and also a duathlon. Anyone interested in participating in the events are required to be at least 15 years of age, whether running solo or with a team.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the charitable activities of the Kiwanis Club in the greater Syracuse area.

The event is sanctioned by USA Triathlon and has divisions based on age and gender, plus team categories. Levels of entry fees are being used for participation, based on USAT and non-USAT membership as well as if registration is done before August 1.

The triathlon itself will consist of a swim out and back from Lakeside Park beach in Syracuse Lake; a 13.25-mile bike ride from the staging area at the Syracuse Community Center to Milford and back; and finally a 3.3-mile run north and around Maxwelton Golf Club and back to the park.

Awards will be presented to the overall male and female winners, plus winners in each age category. Local merchants and sponsors are donating prizes throughout the event.

The event is free for spectators to watch along roadsides at any point of the course.

For more information or to register, visit www.wawaseekiwanis.org, or contact race chairperson Tami Vandal at tvandal@embarqmail.com.

Chautauqua-Wawasee hosts Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Experience and“Hope Floats” Cardboard Boat Regatta at the Oakwood Resort

Chautauqua-Wawasee is proud to present an exciting 2013 programming season. The season kicks-off with a two-day programming extravaganza beginning with a Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Experience that will feature the Fort Wayne Philharmonic’s Harrison String Quintet on Friday, May 31st and the “Hope Floats” Cardboard Boat Regatta on June 1, 2013.

The Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Experience will be held at the new Oakwood Resort on Friday, May 31st from 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.  Experience wine samplings, delectable chocolates and artisan cheeses from Chalet Party Shop, Belmont Beverage, DeBrand Chocolates, Swissland Cheese and more!  Experience scrumptious appetizers prepared by Chef Matt Hawkey with Grill N Grate BBQ. In addition, the Fort Wayne Philharmonic’s Harrison String Quintet will take you from Bach to Rock as they play the music of Bach, The Beatles, Dave Brubeck, Mozart and more! This exquisite evening will also be the “launch” to Saturday’s Cardboard Boat Regatta. Limited tickets are available and must be purchased in advance.

On Saturday, June 1, 2013, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the shores of Lake Wawasee at Oakwood Beach will offer quite a unique site as cardboard boats race during the Hope Floats, Cardboard Boat Regatta. Cardboard boat entries can be submitted by individuals, businesses, churches, social groups, etc. Entries receive two tickets to Wine, Cheese & Chocolate experience on Friday evening. These are life-size cardboard boats that will consist of a 1-3 person crew! Free admission for spectators and fans, just bring a lawn chair or blanket and prepare to be entertained. Fun for the whole family! Food, snacks and beverages will be available for purchase. Boat Entries are $25 and include 2 tickets to Wine, Cheese, and Chocolate event.

Tickets for the Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Experience and boat entry forms are now available at Grill N Grate BBQ, 1009 South Huntington Street, Syracuse, Indiana; Syracuse Community Center, 1013 North Long Drive, Syracuse; on-line at www.chautauqua-wawasee.org.

Other Chautauqua-Wawasee events include Ft. Wayne Philharmonic’s Patriotic Pops Concert and Barbeque of Seville, Neighbors in our World II religious series Go – Go – Going Green Educational Series, Tour Des Lakes Cycling and much more!

Chautauqua-Wawasee is truly dedicated to our community by providing quality programming utilizing the four pillars of the Chautauqua Institution which consist of Arts, Education, Religion and Recreation. For more information on these or any of our programs visit www.chautauqua-wawasee.org or call Marlies at 574-518-1094.