Children’s Culinary Classes
Little Roots: Culinary Classes
for Preschoolers
*Adult/Child
Empower your little one to create his/her own healthy snacks. We’ve partnered with Wholesome Roots Cooking to offer fun, age appropriate cooking classes bursting with hands-on activities and healthy concept learning through games and activities. Younger siblings are welcome to stay with their caregiver, but any child participating in class must register. Ages 2-5. Instructor Meghan Hauser is the founder of Wholesome Roots Cooking and is a certified Healthy Hands Cooking instructor. Registration deadlines are one week prior to the start of each class. Min. 5. Max. 15.
Code Date Day Time
2539 4/16 T 10-11 am
2539 5/21 T 10-11 am
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$25
Location: Learning Center
Cook Your Own Adventure: Culinary Classes for Elementary
Poor planning often leads to poor choices, but with a little know-how and some fun recipes, kids and families can attack hunger with great tasting snacks that also have a nutritional punch. We will make several healthy recipes to inspire healthy habits at home! Each Healthy Hands cooking class begins with a nutrition lesson/game and includes hands-on cooking and instruction. Each child will have an opportunity to eat the delicious snack they made! Ages 5-13. Instructor Meghan Hauser is the founder of Wholesome Roots Cooking and is a certified Healthy Hands Cooking instructor. Registration deadlines are 5 business days before each class. Min. 5. Max. 15.
Code Dates Day Time
2539 3/20 W 6-7:30 pm
2539 4/24 W 6-7:30 pm
2539 5/22 W 6-7:30 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$40
Location: Learning Center
Adult and Teen Culinary Classes
Healthy Alternatives with Chef Renee Williams
Experience the world of healthy alternatives! This class will focus on transforming those rib-sticking comfort foods into healthy meals the whole family will love. We will learn about new techniques and new ingredients along the way. Age 16+. Registration deadline is one week prior to the scheduled class date. Min.6. Max. 12.
Code Dates Day Time
2539 5/6 M 6-8pm
2539 5/20 M 6-8pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$46
Location: Learning Center
Straight from the Garden
Are you sick of plain steamed vegetables? Do you ever get frustrated trying to figure out what to serve with a beautiful cut of meat? Well, this is the class for you! We will be focusing on how to transform your garden vegetables into delicious and healthy dishes you would have never thought about. Age 16+. Registration deadline is one week prior to the scheduled class date. Min 6. Max. 12.
Code Dates Day Time
2539 5/7 T 6-8pm
2539 5/21 T 6-8pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$46
Location: Learning Center
A Celebration of Ireland
We will take a look at some of the classic items of Ireland, including Soda Bread and then put that Soda Bread to use in a classic bread pudding, flavored with Irish Cream! And then we’ll play around a bit making Yellow Man, an Irish honeycomb treat! Ages 16+. Instructor Chad Seewald is the owner and head baker at Sweets So Geek, a one-of-a-kind shop that specializes in custom cakes, ice cream made in the store, desserts and geeky themed chocolates. Registration deadline: March 8. Min. 5. Max 12.
Code Date Day Time
2538 3/16 Sa 10 am -1:30 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$45
Location: Learning Center
Vegan Meal Prep
Vegan way of eating has become more and more popular. However, there are challenges that come with it. This class will focus on a breakfast, lunch, and dinner option to help spice up your day of healthy eating. Age 16+. Registration deadline is one week prior to the scheduled class date. Min. 6. Max. 12.
Code Dates Day Time
2539 3/18 M 6-8pm
2539 5/13 M 6-8pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$46
Location: Learning Center
Meals on a Budget
Learn how to feed your family and stretch your budget. Allow Chef Patrick Whetstone from The Personal Palate to show you some tricks of the trade as you help produce creative meals that would impress your family and friends without breaking the bank. This class will cover meals that are under $5 to produce without sacrificing quality. Whetstone graduated from Johnson and Wales University in North Miami and opened David Bouley’s Evolution inside the Ritz-Carlton in South Beach before making his way back to Indiana where he practices his culinary artistry at the Personal Palate. Age 18 +. Registration deadline: March 14. Min. 6. Max. 20.
Code Dates Day Time
2539 3/21 Th 6-8 pm
#+ Sessions/Fee: 1/$35
Location: Learning Center
Quick Dinner Solutions
With the hustle and bustle of our lives today, a home cooked meal can be a dream instead of a reality. Free up your Thursday evening and your mind for basic cooking with some technique involved. With this class you will help process 3 separate meals from start to finish with each one only taking 20 minutes. Chef Patrick Whetstone graduated from Johnson and Wales University in North Miami and opened David Bouley’s Evolution inside the Ritz-Carlton in South Beach before making his way back to Indiana where he practices his culinary artistry at the Personal Palate. Age 18 +. Registration deadline: March 28. Min. 6. Max. 20.
Code Dates Day Time
2539 3/28 Th 6-8 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$35
Location: Learning Center
Healthy Eating
Being health conscious doesn’t mean you have the sacrifice appetite or flavor of your meals. In this class you will learn how to prepare 3 different meals that won’t lack flavor or creativity. Recipes and techniques will be given during this class which can be applied in all aspects of cooking. Chef Patrick Whetstone graduated from Johnson and Wales University in North Miami and opened David Bouley’s Evolution inside the Ritz-Carlton in South Beach before making his way back to Indiana where he practices his culinary artistry at the Personal Palate. Age 18 +. Registration deadline: March 28. Min. 6. Max. 20.
Code Date Day Time
2539 4/4 Th 6-8 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$35
Location: Learning Center
Baking with Sweets So Geek 103
This four-week series will build upon some of the techniques we’ve explored, but is perfect for any and all students! We’ll look at some alternative uses for yeast doughs, like Pretzels and a quick spin on chocolate babka. We’ll take sauces to a new level and make a quick ice cream (or two). We’ll explore pate a choux and make crème puffs and something even more decadent. And we’ll cap off the class with flambés and brûlées galore! Ages 16+. Instructor Chad Seewald is the owner and head baker at Sweets So Geek, a one-of-a-kind shop that specializes in custom cakes, ice cream made in the store, desserts and geeky themed chocolates. Registration deadline: April 1. Min. 5. Max 12.
Code Date Day Time
2538 4/8-4/29 M 6 pm – 8:30 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 4/$110
Location: Learning Center
Vegetarian Cooking
If it’s due to dietary restriction or by choice, cooking vegetarian meals doesn’t have to be boring and bland. Sign up for this class and be prepared to experience a different view of vegetarian cooking. In this class you will produce three separate meals that you can replicate in your own home. Chef Patrick Whetstone graduated from Johnson and Wales University in North Miami and opened David Bouley’s Evolution inside the Ritz-Carlton in South Beach before making his way back to Indiana where he practices his culinary artistry at the Personal Palate.
Age 18 +. Registration deadline: April 11. Min. 6. Max. 20.
Code Date Day Time
2539 4/18 Th 6-8 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$35
Location: Learning Center
Spring Desserts
Explore some of the bright fresh flavors of springs with Sweets So Geek! We’ll make two quick and easy desserts that focus on the beauty of the season! We’ll explore the easiest Lemon Tart ever and Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble Bars. Bring your notebook and containers to take home some of the treats we’ll make! Ages 16+. Instructor Chad Seewald is the owner and head baker at Sweets So Geek, a one-of-a-kind shop that specializes in custom cakes, ice cream made in the store, desserts and geeky themed chocolates. Registration deadline: April 12. Min. 5 Max. 12.
Code Date Day Time
2538 4/20 Sa 10 am – 12:30 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$45
Location: Learning Center
Handmade Pasta
Some of the best foods are the messiest to make. Come get your hands dirty for an evening with Chef Patrick Whetstone on this fun filled and informative class about making handmade pasta. This class will also include information about basic sauces that could be used to allow the pasta to shine and be the main focus of the plate. Chef Patrick Whetstone graduated from Johnson and Wales University in North Miami and opened David Bouley’s Evolution inside the Ritz-Carlton in South Beach before making his way back to Indiana where he practices his culinary artistry at the Personal Palate. Age 18 +. Registration deadline: April 25. Min. 6. Max. 20.
Code Dates Day Time
2539 5/2 Th 6-8 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$35
Location: Learning Center
Week Day Brunchin’
Hosting brunch can be a stressful task. What better way to prepare for it then to prep now for your brunch party this weekend! Come join us for Mimosas and Mocktails while we brunch it up at Salomon Farm. Age 21+. Registration deadline: May 7. Min. 6. Max. 12.
Code Dates Day Time
2539 5/14 M 6-8pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$50
Location: Learning Center
Sauce Making
Want to bring flavor to one of your favorite dishes? In this class you with learn the basics about sauces and how they can change the complexity of a dish. You will produce a few sauces that will be a good foundation to help you make a wide variety of sauces by just adding a few ingredients. Chef Patrick Whetstone graduated from Johnson and Wales University in North Miami and opened David Bouley’s Evolution inside the Ritz-Carlton in South Beach before making his way back to Indiana where he practices his culinary artistry at the Personal Palate. Age 18 +. Registration deadline: May 9. Min. 6. Max. 20.
Code Dates Day Time
2539 5/16 Th 6-8 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$35
Location: Learning Center
Meet Our Chefs
Chad Seewald
Chad learned about desserts while working his way up from dishwasher to head pastry chef at a five star restaurant and mixed that knowledge with his love of all things geeky to create the one-of-a-kind shop, Sweets So Geek, that specializes in custom cakes, ice cream made in the store, desserts, and geeky themed chocolates.
Renee Williams
Chef Renee Williams is a graduate of Johnson and Wales in Charlotte, NC. She has an Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts with a Nutrition focus as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Beverage Management. She now works with the wonderful folks at Parkview Mirro Center.
Patrick Whetstone
Chef Patrick Whetstone graduated from Johnson and Wales University in North Miami and opened David Bouley’s Evolution inside the Ritz-Carlton in South Beach before making his way back to Indiana where he practices his culi- nary artistry at The Personal Palate.
Agriculture for Children
The Buzz about Bees
*Adult/Child
If you have a busy little bee at home, bring them down to the farm to learn what all of the buzz is about! Instructor Glenn Hile, local bee keeper and owner of Glenn’s Natural Honey, will teach about the importance of bees using fun hands-on activities. Ages 3 – 5. Registration deadlines: March 6th and 27th. Min 6. Max. 15
Code Dates Days Time
2539 3/19 T 9:30 am – 11am
2539 4/9 T 9:30 am – 11am
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$10.00
Location: Learning Center
Animal Playdates
*Adult/Child
Salomon Farm Park is a great place for the whole family, including your youngest! In this hands-on, interactive session, participants will learn about the animals at Salomon Farm Park by making treats and goodies for each of our furry friends. The rabbits, chickens, and goats are all excited to meet you, and we hope that you are too! Each session will focus on a different animal, so be sure to pick your favorite, or visit each one to meet them all! Ages 3-6.
Code Dates Day Time
2539 4/29 M 10 – 11 am
2539 5/2 Th 10 – 11 am
Playdate with Rabbits Min. 3. Max 6
2539 5/6 M 10 – 11 am
2539 5/23 Th 10 – 11 am
Playdate with Goats Min. 6. Max. 12.
2539 5/9 Th 10 – 11 am
2539 5/20 M 10 – 11 am
Playdate with Chickens Min. 6. Max 12
#Sessions/fee: 1/$10
Location: Outdoors
Farmers in Training Orientation
Ages 13-17
Monday, May 20
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Do you have a teen age 13-17 that loves animals? Are they all about tractors? Do they have a green thumb in the garden? We’re proud to introduce our Farmers in Training program; this free program includes in-depth sessions about caring for livestock, tending fields, farm equipment, care for gardens, and beekeeping! Come on out to orientation to sign up for these free sessions. For questions, please contact our farm operations supervisor Gretchen Winters at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. After orientation the club will meet every other Monday from 5:30 – 7pm. Location: Learning Center
Agriculture for Adults
Backyard Fruit Production
This series of five classes offers current and aspiring backyard fruit growers the opportunity to learn from the experts about ways to increase the success and satisfaction of quality fruit production in their home landscape. Classes are held Tuesday evenings March 12th through April 9th from 6:30pm-9:00pm. Online registration is due by March 5th.
More information and registration: https://tinyurl.com/PurdueFruit2019. For questions, please contact Terri at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling the Purdue Extension office at (260) 481-6826. This series is made possible in partnership with Allen County - Purdue Extension.
Location: Learning Center
Salomon Farm Garden Volunteer Orientation
Monday, April 22
10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Salomon Farm Park has two gardens and an orchard that are planned, grown and harvested completely through a group of dedicated volunteers! The produce is sold at our Farmer’s Market to benefit the gardens, serves as a focal point for teaching children and adults about composting, gardening and enjoying a variety of locally grown produce, and shared amongst the volunteers. The gardeners meet every Monday and Thursday morning from April – October. You do not have to commit to the whole season or all of the days to participate! No need to be a master gardener either, as this is a great opportunity to learn gardening knowledge and advanced your skills! All experience levels are welcome. If you are interested in volunteering in Salomon Farm Park’s gardens, please attend our volunteer orientation; you will meet some current volunteers, get a tour of the gardens, and learn what we need help with! Please call Eden Lamb at 427-6008 or email her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by April 15th if you are interested in attending the orientation. Location: Learning Center
Salomon Farm Animal Care Volunteer Orientation
Saturday, March 23
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Salomon Farm Park is home to a variety of animals from May – September. Much of the care of these animals is provided by a dedicated group of volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering to help with the care of our farm animals, please sign up to attend our volunteer orientation. Please note that this opportunity is dependent on the availability of openings and approval of volunteer application. Please call Kellie at 427-6005 or email her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have questions. Volunteers must be 18 years. For youth, please check out our Farmers in Training program. Training will be provided. Location: Learning Center
Outdoor Recreation
Fun with Fishing
Get ready for the summer by learning how to fish! This educational program is designed to teach new and beginning anglers everything they need to know to be ready to get out and fish all across Fort Wayne! Participants will learn how to tie their line, handle a fish, and stay safe in this hands-on program! Everything you need will be provided, but participants are welcome to bring their favorite rod or tackle and join us for this family fun program! Ages 8-14. Registration deadlines are 5 business days before each class. Min. 10. Max 20.
Code Date Day Time
2539 4/13 Sa 12-2 pm
2539 5/11 Sa 12-2 pm
#Sessions/fee: 1/$15
Location: Dead Horse Bottom Pond
MD & Me: Walk-n-Learn
Beginning Tuesday, May 21, 6 – 7 p.m.
Third Tuesday of each month, May – October
Come jump-start your exercise program by listening to a physician presentation on a specific health topic, and then join us on a walk on the paved Salomon Farm Park loop trail. The trail is paved asphalt, making it a great choice for people with strollers, wheelchairs, or walkers. During your walk, you will have the opportunity to ask the physician your own questions. At each session we will have free blood pressure screenings, educational materials, and snacks. In case of inclement weather, we will meet at Salomon Farm Park Old Barn and decide if we need to relocate to walk the indoor track at the Parkview YMCA at 10001 Dawson’s Creek Blvd. To register for any of the MD and ME: Walk-n-Learn events, please register online at http://parkview.com/mdandme or call 1-866-784-6706.
Tuesday, May 21
Kristen Gerhardstein, MD, PPG-Family Medicine
Vegan vs. Keto: What you need to know before changing your diet.
More dates and topics to come!
This program is made possible in partnership with Parkview Health.
Location: Old Barn
Crafting
The Art of Blacksmithing for Women
This course is designed specifically to introduce women into the metal art of Blacksmith. The Salomon Blacksmith instructor will give an overview of forge operation, blacksmithing equipment and even tools that can be created and used by blacksmiths. The curriculum is designed for beginners. Participants will complete a small metal hook to begin with, followed by other small project. Participants require the following protective equipment: leather closed-toed shoes, full-length pants, natural fiber clothing (cotton, wool, etc.) and all loose hair must be tied back. Gloves and protective eye wear will be provided. Registration is required. Registration deadline: March 29. Min. 3. Max 6.
Code Date Day Time
2538 4/6 Sa 9 am – 11 am
2538 4/13 Sa 9 am – 11 am
Sessions/fee: 2/$15
Location: Blacksmith Shop
Fiber Arts Celebration!
Friday May 17 10:00 am — 3:00 pm
Saturday, May 18 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Join us at Salomon Farm for a two-day celebration of fiber arts. With a focus on education, we will have hands-on participation and demonstrations in all of the processes of making natural fiber products – wool dyeing, spinning, weaving and more. Vendors specializing in fiber arts will sell equipment and supplies such as spinning wheels, wooden knitting needles, looms and shuttles, felting needles and forms, and crochet hooks. Natural fiber including wool, alpaca, silk and cotton, as well as hand-made fiber products such as sweaters, mittens, shawls and more will also be for sale. Visit with live sheep and alpaca! Food vendors will also be on the grounds. The Fiber Arts Celebration is co-sponsored by the Flax and Fleecers Spinning Guild of Fort Wayne and the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department. Call Eden at 260-427-6008 for more information. Due to the nature of this event, pets are not allowed.
On-Going
Gardeners of America Club Meetings
2nd Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m.
The mission of the Gardeners of America is to promote gardening education and related environmental issues to its membership and the gardening public through charitable, educational and scientific means. Join the club! The Fort Wayne Chapter of Gardeners of America meets on the second Thursday of the month. All gardening skill levels are welcome. For more information about the club or a particular meeting, leave a message for Simone at 260.486.2167 or Kathy at 260.637.6242. Also, please visit our Little Free Library in front of the Learning Center at Salomon Farm.
Location: Learning Center
Tri-State Antique Tractor Club
3rd Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.
The Tri-State Antique Tractor Club is an organization that is dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of old farm machinery. If you’ve ever been to our infamous Fall Harvest Festival you’ve surely seen our co-sponsors the TSA Tractor Club working hard! Join the club and meet other tractor enthusiasts, assist in tending the crop fields, and get the chance to learn and work on a myriad of antique farm equipment pieces. The club meets the third Tuesday of each month at 7pm in the Learning Center. For more information please contact Kellie at 427-6005 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Location: Learning Center
Pictured from left to right: Dave Fike, Carl Fike, and Roy Fike.
Wild Walkers pose for a group picture at Pokagon State Park. Photo credit: Steve Hague
Wild Walkers 2019
Wild Walkers is an adult hiking group that meets the second and fourth Fridays of each month for a walk on the wild side. Each hike features a different natural area in the region (parks, wetlands, nature preserve, etc.) and carpooling is available when necessary. Please call Eden at 427-6008 or e-mail eden.lamb@cityof fortwayne.org if you have questions.
2019 Wild Walkers Schedule
Blacksmithing
Thanks to Salomon Farm Blacksmiths for all of their volunteer hours in teaching classes and demonstrating at events. Join the Blacksmiths at 9 am on the 4th Saturday of each month to watch and participate in forging (18 years and up only). Find the blacksmiths in the forge, just south of the gardens.
Salomon Trail
Be sure to check out the trail at Salomon! It is open to the public from 6 a,m.-11 p.m. To read more about the trail, check out the Salomon Trail Press Release
Thanks to Carroll High School's Future Farmer's of America for their continued support of Salomon Farm Park!
