Nappanee Advance-News, Volume 136, Number 35, Nappanee, Elkhart County, 30 August 2018 — Page 2
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1 Advance News • Thursday. August 30, 2018
Honored, cont. from front
County," said Diana Lawson, CEO of the Elkhart County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Their energies come from how much they love their community and want to share it with others. Our county would not be where it is today without people like them." The Detwilers spent hundreds of hours working to coordinate the very first Nappanee Center Quilt Garden and its companion attraction, the Elkhart County Heritage Trail Quilt Garden Tour. Evelyn, a member of the Nappanee Home and Garden Qub, was a part of that very first garden planting a decade ago. The following year, husband Carl joined her and he became the chief carpenter. The two combined their creative talents and organized the planning, preparation, and building of all the hardscapes used in the gardens over the most recent years. Additionally, the couple oversees file planting, weekly maintenance, work days, and overall health of the garden. While working on-site at the garden, and elsewhere throughout the city of Nappanee, the Detwilers willingly share the story of the Quilt Garden tours and the work and effort that goes into maintaining the garden. Being proud citizens of Nappanee, they also regularly invite visitors to seek out other creative and unique venues all around Nappanee..
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Community
Kathy Smart and the art of storytelling
By Jamie Stone* Staff Wk/ifk PLYMOUTH Prairie Publications Inc approved a third book for publication written by Kathy Smart. Smart’s first bode 'Melvin' was published in 2016 by Prairie Publications Inc Since then 'Henry Goes Fishing' has been published and she received word that her third book, still a surprise, will be released in the Spring of 2019. Though she had put pen to paper almost 7 years before publication, 'Melvin' was Smart's first published book and was released in 2016. Smart wrote her book and carried on with the raising of her children and the keeping of her family. When her own children spread their wings she decided it was time to finish some of the ambitions she began but had yet to complete and she set her mind to look for a publisher for 'Melvin'. 'Melvin' is a story about a bright-eyed sandpiper who has a very special and unique skill despite a personal disability. Melvin must deride if he should use his special skill to save 'the bully of the beach' who has been hurtful to him, or turn away and let the bully drown. Smart shared, "The theme of this book is kindness." The book explores the negative effects that bullying can have on someone’s heart Smart hoped that her book would encourage children to be sympathetic to one another and show kindness. Smart emphasized, "When someone makes fun of a child it changes them." Smart shared that much to her surprise she has had several parents approach her to purchase the book for a child of theirs who was struggling with being a bully. Smart was encouraged, "Melvin has been purchased by parents who wanted to teach their children not to bully and it was
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PHOTO PROVIDED Kathy Smart's newest book is due out in the Spring of 2019.
effective." Smart's second story 'Henry Goes Fishing' details the persistence of a young boy who so desperately wants a pet of his very own. He makes multiple attempts to capture a pet and goes home discouraged that his many .efforts were unsuccessful. Or were they? Read the book to find out how it ends for Henry! Smart didn't want to reveal any spoilers for her third story but she was able to confirm that it shares a life-affirming theme for children of all ages. Smart shared that she has no formal education in writing, but loves telling stories. "I love telling stories. It's easier for me to share a story verbally than to write it down with all the grammatical rules in order. My publicist has been a great asset through the editorial process." Smart is eager to attend an upcoming Writer's Conference in October in Pokagon State Park. "There will be peer critiquing and I
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am looking forward it" Smart said that she is very pleased with the publishing company, Prairie Publications Inc., whom she has worked with for almost three years. "They are a smaller company and gave me more liberties. It was very important to me that I was able to pick my own illustrators. Though the words of the story are important, the pictures make the stories more real to the reader." Janet Lynn Johnson illustrated Smart's first book, 'Melvin'. Aaram Kamali illustrated 'Henry Goes Fishing' and will be illustrating her third book. Smart has been pleased with the vision of both illustrators. Johnson grew up sketching and painting. Smart loved what she did with Melvin down to the snail shell detail of his cane and his bright, expressive eyes. Kamali graduated from Ball State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts and Communications.
Smart was eager to let him spread his wings and try his hand at illustrating 'Henry Goes Fishing'. Her publisher responded positively to Smart's instincts and they were both pleased with the finished products. Smart shared, "Both of my illustrators presented the story well artistically. I prefer to have the illustrations be more realistic as opposed to over animated and they both did a great job." Smart's books are available online at Barnes 6 Noble, Amazon and Walmart. She also carries a supply with her for those who desire to make a purchase directly from her. Smart expects the hard copy editions to be released in time for Christmas this year. Smart will be hosting a book signing event Saturday, August 18 at the Idle House Bookshop as part of the South Bend Art Beat Event. The shop is located at 212 S. Michigan Street in South Bend. Smart will be greeting guests at the front of the store from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Smart will be hosting another book signing event Saturday, September 8 at Barnes & Noble from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. (noon). Barnes & Noble is located at 6501 Grape Road in Mishawaka. Smart shared, "I love putting books in kids hand. They are not reading actual books as much anymore. They are buried in technology. There is something to be said for holding a book, turning the pages, reading the words, exploring the pictures and experiencing the story that way rather than on a screen." Each of her books focuses on different themes, each one carries a heart-felt message of hope. Smart shared, "I want every child to have the opportunity to realize they are important to the world."