One, two, three, four.

Get my shoes then out the door.

Five I'm alive, six, seven, eight feelin' great.

Nine, gonna shine, life is good I'm doing fine.

Ten, Gonna do it right then do it again.

Yeah yeah.

I look up to the sky with all the beautiful color but, there's more than just for me so gonna share it with another.

I got to show, to give, let out, I want to sing and shout.

Take a look and see A beautiful morning that turns into beautiful evening.

And together make a beautiful life.

And if you want see, then come along with me.

That's right.

Welcome to Experience Michiana.

We're so glad you're joining us today.

We have some amazing things that are happening all across the area this summer.

So we want to dive right on into it.

Dave had the opportunity to check out a motorcycle and car show.

That one is for a cause.

You want to make sure you check that out.

Also, we had the opportunity to talk to the mental health Alliance of Michiana.

They have their annual Family Fun Fair coming up.

Make sure you don't miss that date.

Put it on your calendar.

But first up we're going to be talking about the Linden Avenue Farmer's Market.

That's going to be happening once a month.

Get those details now.

So today we are at the MLK Dream Center, which just recently reopened, and it's just an amazing spot.

And right now we're in the dream studio, and I have, a wonderful panel with us to talk about the Linden Avenue Farmers Market.

And we have, Mary, Caleb, and Mo, and we're going to this is a fifth annual, farmers market that we already have, the first one, for May, but coming June through September every week, we're going to have a farmer's market right here at this location.

Right, Mary?

It is the second Saturday of each month.

So what's going to happen on the second Saturday?

From what I understand, we had a pretty good turnout in May.

We had an amazing turnout.

300 plus people that showed up for the Linden Avenue Farmers Market here at the Dream Center for the next market, which will be the second Saturday in June.

We anticipate more individuals, more vendors and more people.

We have family friendly fun.

We have a number of vendors that provide fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as informational vendors on how to and resources services in the community.

And we are ready to rock and roll.

So tell me about, this connection of farmers and, and vendors, and we're taking stuff right from the fields, bringing it, showing us how to, how to fix it.

And offering it to the community.

Isn't that right, Caleb?

Yeah, yeah.

The intent of the pop up markets was really understanding that we are, in an area that is not fully served by the density of grocery stores and fresh food options that we would like to see.

That's was really the impetus for, forming the market five years ago was to say, let's bring farmers and vendors into the neighborhood and connect with folks at the King Center.

And we've seen, the market grow from there.

We had, we were at the Charles Black Community Center for the last couple of years.

And now with the Dream Center is completion, returning here on Linden Avenue and speaking of that completion.

So this is an amazing place, and it's a great way to just kind of pull the community together at this spot.

It's phenomenal.

The space is phenomenal.

We're so excited, about having the Linden Market back.

I actually grew up blocks from here, and my parents still live there.

And they come here to every market.

They are so excited.

My dad was so excited to be down here and be part of it.

But, so was I, you know, to take home some fresh fruits and vegetables and have a good time here, some good music and just have fun and a in a safe, friendly environment.

It was phenomenal.

So, Mary, tell me, with the excitement and growth of this after we've had over 300 people in the last one.

Correct.

What kind of vendors do we have come in?

This next time we have a number of vendors that are coming and to mention a few barn swallow Kates kitchen C and C garden produce, Indiana Happiness Project, Green Bridge Growers, Coffee and me Mike Greens, Sun Choke Farms, Dana's Kitchen, Miller's Farm, Woman Cane Farm, Rico Suave I know a lot of those names, and that's a great group to have here at the community.

And from what I understand, in addition to having those vendors, you're going to have a lot of other things going on to it.

It is excellent to have those vendors that are going to be bringing fresh fruits and vegetables directly to the hands of our residents here in the community.

In addition to that, we have Chef John.

He is a certified chef.

He will take vegetables and fruits and various items from those farmers and do a cooking demo, how to cook on a budget.

And he'll actually go through the whole thing with his chef's hat on.

Prepare those dishes, and then do some little taste testing.

But everything that he puts into the, in into the dishes will be sold at the markets.

Very good fresh food.

It's the best for us.

So Caleb, let's talk about community, right.

Because what this is, is about connecting community, connecting the farmers with the people in this community.

Because if you can know those people, then you can get that fresh stuff yourself.

So how is that important for for us to put those people together?

Yeah.

I think, you know, sourcing local food is obviously, something that is overall beneficial to our food supply and our food system and make sure that people are able to get fresh food, and fresh food that, you know, has obviously nutritious benefits.

But also it really helps, our, our local economy, you know, helping keep production here locally, supporting small farmers, who live in our community or live near our community.

And then they're able to reinvest the dollars that they're making into their farms and grow our local food production ability so that that's one piece.

I think, number two, as we mentioned, really wanting to activate, this park in this area and make sure that we've got exciting programing and programing that meets the needs of the community.

And that was something we had heard years ago when we started.

This market was really access to fresh produce being, a barrier being a challenge.

And so this was, one part of an overall solution.

Now, I saw you brought here.

The every market has to have a bag, right?

Every market has to have a bag This is a great quality bag.

And and the logo is awesome as well.

So when people come will they be able to purchase a bag.

And, you know, does it cost anything?

There is.

There is not a cost.

And free, free free.

Yeah.

Now there is a small fee for the fruits and vegetables.

But as far as coming in, we ask people to do a little survey and when they do the survey, they receive our $5 market buck.

That means that everybody can purchase something, everybody goes home with something, and then they're given a bag and they go around and they just choose what, items they wish to purchase.

And they put them in the bag, and then they're able to take those home.

So in addition to the bag, you know, they might be able to I'm a T-shirt guy.

So, you know, they might be able to pick up one of the cool t shirts that are there that have the market logo as well as some of the people who have helped make this possible.

Right, right.

Right.

Now, the but the t shirts is to identify the person to go to.

So this is for, the staff.

It's for volunteers.

We have a lot of interns that help, staff across the city.

And this is so that all of our residents and people that come are able to identify who to go to.

And, of course, the city of the South Bend is it.

And, Maron products are there since this is our fourth year, they provide the shirts for free.

That's all.

They are an employer on the West Side.

So if you have any questions, be sure to look for the shirt.

And they can help you with whatever you need.

Caleb.

It takes a lot of people to make something like this happen.

In addition to the community bringing them together, whether it's sponsors or volunteers or stuff.

Talk to me a little bit about that.

Can people still help volunteer for these events?

Yeah, I think we're always, willing to accommodate additional volunteers.

And they can be really helpful and set up and break down.

Also, we're also willing to talk if there are other vendors that want to get involved and maybe haven't been at the first few markets, but are interested if they're seeing this piece or thinking about it.

So, we're always looking for more help.

We've been really grateful.

There's been a lot of great, work by city staff who've been involved in this, both Mary's team and the venue, parks and arts team, and really setting things up and getting it ready.

And, we're really excited for the overall completion of the park improvements here at the Dream Center.

And for people to be able to experience those at the upcoming markets.

So, MOA, I'm going to leave it to you.

Here's the the sales pitch.

Chance.

Why should people come to the next farmer's market?

What's what's your your sales pitch for it?

So I'd say the intentionality of the city making this commitment to the residents of South Bend, specifically on the West side, but even to come on the west side to be part of something bigger than yourself, come up to the to the Linden Street Farmer's Market.

Very good.

And, Mary, one last thing.

Where do people get the information?

And, how do they know the schedule is the second Saturday?

It is the second Saturday of every month.

It's on our website.

If you go to City of South Bend and put in triple E, it'll pop up Linden Avenue, Farmers Market, as well as all of the other amazing programs at the City of South Bend.

But I'm gonna stick with the market.

This will come up in addition to it will have the times.

Also.

You can call my project lead.

The number is (574) 235-5970, or you're always welcome to call me at (574) 235-9449.

You will receive a call back in 24 hours unless it's the weekend.

Well very good.

Thank you guys so much for all that you're doing in our community, both in the market as well as the MLK Dream Center right here.

It's just a amazing facility.

Thank you guys so much for your time.

Thank you for the opportunity.

I'm here in Osceola on Lincoln Way at CRS and I'm here with Terry, Steve and James.

Steve, first of all, since we're here at CRS, can you tell me what CRS actually is?

Collision repair systems.

Okay.

And we're here to talk about the car and motorcycle show for a cause, and which is happening for Bashor Children's Home in Goshen on June 7th.

Now, Terry this was kind of this was your idea back in the day, right?

Well, it was kind of our idea.

Yeah, it was it was an idea with a group of motorcycle riders that, wanted to get involved with an organization that was, helping children.

Yeah, that was our thing.

Because, you know, as everybody knows, children are our future.

And so we just wanted to make sure that they know that we haven't forgotten them.

And some of the most forgotten children are at bashor so.

Yeah.

I mean, the children there have been abused and neglected in their life and, seeing things that no child should ever wear.

You go through and as Bashor says, hope for today, help for today and hope for tomorrow.

And that's really what they're doing for sure, just to offer them some hope that they can actually.

Yeah, a decent life as a as an adult.

Absolutely.

They've done some incredible work over the years and we've witnessed and physically seen and it just it it's in our hearts.

It's in the heart of motorcycle riders, as Officer Ballard will tell you, to help our community and help our children.

And this is what we're here with, CRS customs.

They've got a great group of guys that are actually going to be our our judging.

They've done our judging a couple of years in a row.

And trust me, you come to CRS, they're going to pick your car apart.

They're very good at what they do here.

They know cars and they they, they love they love the way people put their automobiles together.

In fact, they have their own car show here most of the time.

So a lot of times so and so this one on June 7th.

And I know Terry as well, you also work with, the sponsors of this event.

You betcha.

Best one tire zoleman Best one tire monkey.

That's one tire.

I'll tell you what.

Without Nate and and Tim's help support it with this thing, it, it it probably couldn't go on.

It's just a wonderful thing that they do.

They're all about community.

And they, too, want to make sure these children aren't forgotten.

They're very deep into helping children and people in our community.

So it's important to us, important to them.

And I'm proud to be a an employee of this one I love it.

Yeah.

And it's going to be a great event.

Officer Ballard James.

And tell me a little bit about your role and what you hope to bring to it this year and what you think people can expect from.

Right, the city of Goshen?

We just want to get out there and support these kiddos.

The trauma that they've been through is enormous.

And anything we can do to support them and show them a little grace would be a great opportunity.

So we're looking forward to that.

So the Blue Knights law Enforcement Motorcycle Club, Indian motorcycle riders group, you know, teaming up for this is a great thing along with City of Goshen.

And so, Steve, from your point of CRS I know that you help local nonprofit organizations.

Why is it important for you guys to continue the tradition over the last couple of years of being involved?

Why do you want to be part of this auto show?

Well, I truly believe that, it's for a great cause.

We lost, a friend and a fellow rider, Bruce Porch last year who actually introduced us to the groups and got us involved last year.

So, Yeah.

Anything to help the children.

You know, their future.

I totally believe that.

And, just just glad that it's now opportunity for us and glad to be part of it.

You talk about Bruce.

That is sad because we stand here and he was interviewed last year as part of the group, and you just never know what the 12 months is going to bring in between these events.

And for these young kids, they don't know what their future holds either.

But I know that Bashor children's home, they have a lot better chance with all the therapy and all the services that they're able to get.

In terms of the car show on June 7th, it's free to the public to actually come along.

Certainly is.

And then it's $10 donation for $10 donation of a car.

And really what it's about is it is introducing people to Bashor and what they do just to get them on to the campus and see exactly what they what they do.

So we're not asking for a bunch of money.

You can bring a bunch of money paying a bunch of money.

It'll go directly to Bashor.

Yeah, but it's just a beautiful campus.

It's amazing what they do.

And and it takes a, it takes a special kind of person to be able to work with that kind of, need and, and see results.

And they definitely have seen that.

We've, they've, we produced some great results.

So absolutely.

So and I know there's a lot of car and motorcycle enthusiasts around this area.

And CRS has their own auto show.

There's a lot of them.

Yes.

I've been like there's a lot of auto shows.

Sure.

So have you now after three years established as being part of that group, we have people that are looking very much forward to this on a yearly basis.

Yeah.

And motorcycle riders and car enthusiasts alike.

Yeah.

And we see some really, really nice vehicles out there don't we, Jim.

Yes.

Wonderful.

So it's going to be a wonderful day.

We're looking looking forward to it.

We have food vendors on coming.

And we also have a couple of we have a ladies boutique, if I'm not mistaken, a gentleman is going to set up his booth to show off some of his fantastic woodworking.

So nice.

So, and the bachelor campus for anyone, because obviously most people have never been there.

Yeah, the campus is absolutely beautiful.

Yeah.

lake there.

Yeah.

This year you're having it a little bit earlier this summer as well.

So hopefully it's, you know, not so, but not as hot as it might have been last year.

And let's talk about trophies real quick.

Oh yeah.

Because I know that's a big deal.

Yeah yeah yeah absolutely.

First, second and third place trophies for cars and motorcycles.

Best to show people's choice.

And the top ten will also receive plaques in both categories.

And I'm also hearing that there is an ORV group that's coming this year that's going to have some off road vehicles there.

Nice.

And they're bringing their own trophies.

So, we'll have a good, we'll have a good crowd.

Jim, for anybody who's never been to an auto show like this, what can they expect?

Like, why would people that, you know, maybe they're not necessarily into vehicles, are they?

Don't think they are.

What's the atmosphere like and why would they want to come along?

Because that's really the main point of why we're here today.

Yes, we want car and motorcycle enthusiast to go, but we really need the public to come out and view all these cars and actually come to the campus and really get to know Bashor So what can they why would they come?

Well, like Terry said, there's a plethora of different vehicles, from ORVs to sports cars, motorcycles of all kinds and all kinds of people.

They all just come together as one community.

And if we can bring others from outside of our community into that area and introduce them to Bashor that's a win win for us.

Absolutely.

You know, there was a statistic recently, at Bashor that they were talking about, which is, the average placements that the kids have been to before they get to Bashor is six.

So that means there's six places that have not been equipped to be able to deal with.

Yeah.

And the needs and Bashor used because their level of expertise and people often take that for granted because they never have to use it I guess.

Right.

But yeah, they've been to six different placements before they get to Bashor which just shows you the level of excellence that's there.

It also shows you the amount of instability these these kids are sure.

Yeah.

To finally get to Bashor So we really are blessed, even though it's a terrible thing to have to have work.

Very lucky to have Bsahor here.

Absolutely.

So June 7th, what time does it all begin?

Well, we want you there at 8:00.

Signing up and lining up the side of your car.

Bringing a car?

You're bringing a car?

Yeah, yeah, but it's open from 10 to 2 to show us from 10 to 2.

And we'll do the awards at right at 2:00.

Yeah.

And, but if you start showing up, they're going to be there 730, 8:00 lining up.

So to get to get a place over there, sliding a spot under a tree.

Yeah, yeah yeah.

So that's great.

And then as you mentioned, 100% of all the funds that are hundred percent of the money goes to Bashor You bet.

For the families watching this.

Just want to come along and we'd love to have you out there.

I think you're going to enjoy it.

Yeah, absolutely.

Free of charge.

Yeah, yeah.

Great day.

All right.

Well, thank you so much.

And thank you for all that you do for the community.

I know that motorcycle groups, sometimes you just see them whizzing by.

But man motorcycle groups do a lot for this.

Yeah.

You know, I know you're deep ingrained in a lot of other things.

Yeah.

It's it's part of what we do.

You bet there's more.

More to life than motorcycles.

And and this is part, a part of it.

So.

Officer Ballard just tell me a little bit about your role actually with Goshen PD, because I know that what you do is a very specialized role that you have there just before we go.

Right?

So my position, I respond to mental health crises, substance use disorders and people who are experiencing homelessness and my job is to tie them in with social service opportunities and kind of keep them away from incarceration and recidivism.

Returning back to jail.

So that's the gist of what I do.

And, hopefully, through opportunities like this, we can, involve Bashor I love that the city, Goshen is doing that because obviously, you know, the more we can get help for people, the less they need to be incarcerated.

And I know Bashor has a lot of diversion programs as well for youth.

Well, thank you so much for being here.

And Steve, thank you for having us here at CRS and alcohol and welcome June Osceola Make sure you're at the Bashor Children's home campus in Goshen and come along to the car and auto show for college.

Thank you.

Absolutely.

We have a great event coming up actually tomorrow.

So you got to be here.

You got to be part of it down at Howard Park in South Bend.

The mental health awareness of Michiana is putting on a family fun fair.

Let's talk to our friends here so we can hear all about it.

You guys are putting on this annual Fun family fair, right?

This is just a great thing that you're doing for the community.

Talk to us about what the event looks like.

So this is our fifth year of doing this event and the focus is on wellness and family fun.

So we have a wonderful array of kids activities and community vendor tables, food trucks, face painting.

And the idea is to try and work on eliminating stigma around mental health.

So we're promoting wellness, but it is also about mental well-being.

And we're trying to promote family fun.

I love that, and really it's for all ages, right?

Absolutely.

Absolutely.

And now talk to us a little bit about the importance of educating our community on mental health.

Yeah.

We want to make sure that people have the right information for making choices for them and for their children.

So we're doing a wellness event to offer resources for all ages.

I love that, and this event, it's being the fifth year.

How have you seen it grow?

I think that, there's been enthusiasm every year, but the last year, I think that the enthusiasm resulted in a lot more community coming out.

That's great.

That's great.

And now many vendors are coming out this year.

We have 30 vendors and wonderful, a mix of community organizations, health and mental health organizations.

I think we even have some daycares that are participating.

And so it's insurance companies.

It's really a lovely organization, lovely company.

And I think it's so important, especially when someone's in crisis.

If you know what those resources are, you can tap into them, hopefully even before crisis happens.

But I think even if somebody maybe isn't dealing with this in their own family, why is it important for them to attend this event?

So I think you're right that people want to know what to do if a loved one is struggling.

And so having the resources bone health, Oak Lawn, other organizations that are present.

The idea is that we give information to when people are not yet in crisis, when they might be struggling.

And if people know who to call, then that's going to be a first step.

And family members have a really important role in helping connect their loved ones with resources.

So we want to make sure the community knows what's available exactly so that if they aren't sure if somebody needs help, they know where to call.

Okay.

Okay.

Jen, when is it happening?

Yeah.

So it's Friday, May 30th from 4 to 6:30 p.m.. And along with the 30 vendors that we have, the organizations offering resources.

We also have food trucks that are going to be available.

But we also have a lot of fitness moments that we're going to be offering.

So it's for the entire family.

We're going to have for the children hula hooping and some jump roping, but we're also going to do some, tai tai chi and some drumming and some exercising, giving some tips for people for this summer fun.

So let's go create some events.

We'll also have, balloon twisting.

We're going to have some face painting.

Just lots of fun activities from children to adults.

The whole family will enjoy this event.

Friday, May 30th from 4 to 630.

I love it now I know, I'm sure the food trucks that you're going to have to pay for that, but this is a free event.

What's included with that?

Yeah.

So all the activity, first of all, the resources are free.

And then all of the activities from our craft, we have a craft table so they can make different, crafts to take home.

We'll have candy bags for the kids, but all of the fitness moments and all of the fun activities will be free.

Now we are offering for the food trucks for the first 100 people.

They'll be, coupons that they can use to get some of the things from Kona Ice.

We're going to have, Puerto Vallarta and then a bite with me, as well as we going to have a table of fresh fruits and vegetables that people can purchase.

So for no matter whether you want the greasy stuff or you want healthy, we'll have it available for you anywhere you get your journey.

So we'll have all of that available.

And the first 100 people will get coupons, but, they'll have, things priced at a reasonable price for everybody.

So you guys have the kids activities, you guys have the resources available, you have food here, you have face painting, which of course, any time your face painting my kids in.

Yes, yes, yes, yes, I know that life is going to be long too.

So the event is happening tomorrow, which is great on Friday.

Oh tell us more.

You know, really, what is your organization about?

So our organization Mental Health Awareness of Michiana is there are three things that we try to do.

One is to eliminate stigma around mental health and mental illness.

The second is around building collaboration.

And the third is removing barriers to mental health care.

Because we know that if somebody is struggling, we want to make sure they get the help that they need.

And how far out are you guys?

What's your coverage range?

So our primary areas are Saint Joe County, Elkhart County and Marshall County, but it's great.

Anybody who's struggling to access resources, we are happy to point them in the right direction.

Good, good.

And I think that's so important.

Again, talking back to that, you know, whenever you're in a crisis, it's kind of like who do I call?

Where do I go?

If I can get one number and they can help guide me exactly why, you know, why do we do that?

Why do we want to help people?

Well, we want people to function well in society and to be productive community members.

That's what everybody wants.

And we know that if people are struggling, it can be really hard to ask for help.

So we want to make that easier and that gives them a great opportunity here.

So even if you if you are struggling with some mental health concerns or you have a family member or friends, even this is a great way to kind of stop and see what's available in our community.

Again, you mentioned the wide range that you guys here have here across Michiana.

All the more reason for you to come on out and and take part in this activity, right?

Yeah.

So it's really a fun event okay.

It's fun.

This is a fun.

You get your day in the family fun fair.

Family fun fair okay.

This is fun to you.

You will learn things about the community.

There's wonderful things going on in the community.

And so this is a chance for us to highlight that, we have some special speakers, including the mayor.

Okay, great.

So Mayor Mueller will be coming.

Lynn Coleman will be coming and talking about his organization.

Let's started around, okay.

And then Juan from La Casa de Amistad is also going to be coming.

So we've got special speakers, we've got special activities.

We've had wonderful collaborators from the community participate in the planning for this.

So that's great to hear.

Yeah.

So everything that we do, we try and bring other organizations in because we know that the event is much better when we bring other organizations together.

Absolutely.

Especially when you bring in those community collaborators.

Scuse me.

That's just so tremendous.

When you guys can work together again for the betterment of all of us, right?

For sure, I love that.

Okay.

So where can people get more information about.

So on our website, which is MHA Michiana dot org go to our events section and there's more information available.

And then for the future, for anybody who maybe they can't make it out to this event, put it on your calendar for next year.

Don't forget to do that.

But where can they get resources?

What's their go to?

So our website, we we include a lot of resources on our website.

Certainly anybody's who's in crisis.

We encourage call 988 because they will also help direct you to resources.

That's great.

So there's a lot of information available online.

And and then our phone number is that we're located at One Roof southeast.

And so if you call the main number (574) 393-8809 extension three, you can always leave a message and we'll call back.

That's great.

That's great.

Thank you guys for doing something like this.

And it's so important to our community for those who maybe are dealing with some rough things right now, or maybe they will in the future, they have in the past and they want to figure out what can I do, how can I, how can I be my best self?

So thank you guys for doing this.

Absolutely.

Thank you for having us.

Well thank you for joining us this week on Experience Michiana.

And you might be wondering where we're at.

Well, I'll show you those details next week over in Warsaw at the Boundless Co-creation studio.

It's time to get ready with your wellness and get that.

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