Stormy skies had been threatening Elkhart all day, making long-range plans dicey. But, in true Beardsley family tradition, Ruthmere decided to press on. Until…. About 4:30 in the afternoon, an enormous thunderclap resounded over the city, bringing with it a darkness unanticipated. Much of central Elkhart was bathed in darkness as the power went out, including Ruthmere.

Undaunted, Executive Director Bill Firstenberger made the decision to proceed with the evening’s events…