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Indiana
Dec. 07, 2017
Special guests KMS Choir with Shirley Allen Minority Leader Scott Pelath, first elected to represent Indiana House District 9 in 1998, was born and raised in Michigan City. Pelath received a Bachelor of Science degree in public affairs from Indiana University in 1992 and served as an aide to U.S. Rep. Tim Roemer from 1992 to 1997. He served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve, is a graduate of the Indiana University ROTC program and the Armor Officer Basic Course at Fort Knox, Ky., and is a member of the American Legion. On Nov. 8, 2012, Representative Pelath was elected Indiana House Democratic Leader by his colleagues and has twice been elected a delegate to the Democratic National Conventions in 2000 and 2012. He has two daughters, Israel and Isabella, and one son, Leo. Scott works as a human resources director at the Swanson Center in Michigan City. |
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The Salvation Army during the Christmas Season
Dec. 14, 2017
Special guests Michigan City High School Football Coach Mason and Team.
Captain Kerry Bartsch has been an officer with The Salvation Army since 2012, but her involvement with the organization began when she was a child. At the age of five, Kerry began attending vacation bible school and summer camp at The Salvation Army because it was a place she always felt loved and accepted. Following her passion for social work and helping others through Christ, Kerry found a career with The Salvation Army. She graduated from Southeastern University in 2005 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services and later attended The Salvation Army’s College for Officer Training with Johnny Bartsch, her husband since 2002. The couple has three children – Gracie, Selah and Chloe – and a Rottweiler puppy named Faith. In her free time, Kerry loves kayaking, running and spending time with her family. The Bartschs came to Michigan City in 2016 to oversee the local Salvation Army Corps, coming from their most recent assignment in Wichita, Kansas. |
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La Porte County Circuit Court
Dec. 21, 2017
While this is his eleventh year as Judge of the LaPorte Circuit Court, Judge Tom Alevizos has devoted his entire career to serving LaPorte County. Like all other LaPorte County natives, some of Tom’s most cherished memories are about growing up in such a vibrant and close-knit community. Whether it be working at his Dad’s Michigan City gas station or growing-up around Michigan City in the 1970s, Tom had a sense of purpose instilled in him early on. Before graduating from Rogers High School in 1979, Tom was class President and he made his skills available to various clubs and organizations. Tom also won numerous academic awards while at Rogers. After graduation, Tom went on to obtain a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctorate from Valparaiso University. As a young man, Tom served on the Michigan City Common Council as an ardent advocate for the needs of his district and for the betterment of Michigan City in general. Thereafter, the good people of LaPorte County elected Tom to serve three plus terms as the member of the Indiana House of Representatives. As Representative, Tom’s tenure included being chairman of the Judiciary and Rules committees. He was instrumental in legislative and administrative efforts to allow Michigan City to choose to have a casino. Tom’s service to LaPorte County also included his law practice. Tom held a private practice while also serving 11 years as a LaPorte County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney. During this chapter of his career, Tom also served on the Indiana Public Defenders Commission. We know Tom today as LaPorte Circuit Court Judge. As Judge, Tom has ushered in new efficiencies in case management; drastically improved our juvenile law system through the implementation of the Graduated Sanctions and Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) program; started the LaPorte County Drug Court; sought and received grants to preserve an Adult Guardianship program; and has adhered to a concept of “smart sentencing.” Tom also applies his hometown-pride style of improving the community on a larger scale. Tom has served on the Board of Governor of the Indiana Judges’ Association and he currently serves on the Board of Governors of the American Judges’ Association. Tom’s sense of community support is not contained in any particular vacuum. Outside of his legal and governmental professions, Tom has proudly served as district chairman for the Boy Scouts as well as being a board member for Dunebrook, M.L. King Community Center, Michiana Industries, and the Washington Park Zoological Society. Finally, Tom’s commitment to serving his community has culminated in his being awarded our State’s two highest civilian honors; Sagamore of the Wabash and Distinguished Hoosier. These honors were awarded to Tom by Governors of different political parties and both awards are proudly displayed in Tom’s Circuit Court Chambers. |
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Tour of Zorn Brew Works Joint Meeting with LaPorte Rotary Club
Jan. 04, 2018
Noon Tour of Zorn Brew Works 605 E. 9th Street The legacy began back in 1871, when Bavarian immigrant Philip Zorn Jr —the son of a signature brewer—migrated to Michigan City to start his own microbrew venture. After managing Busch & Brandt Brewery in Chicago for over 20 years, he was determined to create a thriving establishment of his own…and settled at the corner of 9th and York Streets. Here, the P. H. Zorn Brewing Company was rumored to have used a spring-fed well to produce up to 15,000 barrels of fresh beer a year, including iconic brands such as Pilsenzorn, Grain State and Golden Grain. Even during Prohibition, the Zorn name survived by using the facility to make soda pop. Eventually, Zorn Brewing Company changed its name to Dunes Brewery and was passed down to Philip’s son, Ron, before closing its doors in 1938. Today, we have brought that brewing tradition back to life in Michigan City. We intend to revitalize a cherished piece of history and introduced a new series of exceptional craft beers to rival any of the past. We invite you to experience a new sense of excitement to the Elston Grove area, and taste our brews in a warm, inviting, comfortable, and fun new setting. Michigan City’s oldest microbrewery is now its newest. Stop in to the NEW Zorn Brew Works Co. and let us show you that crafting the perfect beer is still an art. One that is meant to be enjoyed to the fullest. Your new favorite is waiting here. http://zornbrewworks.com/about/ |
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Principal of Michigan City High School
Jan. 11, 2018
Candida “Candy” Van Buskirk began her role as principal of Michigan City High School in the fall 2017 semester. In her almost 20 years of teaching, coaching and educational leadership, Van Buskirk has served as associate principal of Michigan City High School, worked for New Prairie High School as an assistant principal, and at New Buffalo Schools, where she taught biology and chemistry. Her bachelor’s degree is from Bowling Green State University; her master’s in science from the University of Dayton; and her master’s in educational administration from Western Michigan University. Additionally, Van Buskirk is a two-time All-American basketball player who has coached at both the high school and college levels. Her nonprofit “Coach Candy Basketball Camp” continues to teach participants character, attitude and teamwork. |
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Home Team of La Porte County
Jan. 18, 2018
Edward Seal grew up in New Buffalo, MI and now lives in Valparaiso, IN with his wife Jennifer and two children, Henrich and Eleanor. Edward began his career at the Swanson Center in 2009 shortly after graduating from Purdue North Central. He worked as an Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) case manager for five years before becoming the Project for the Assistance in the Transition from Homelessness (PATH) case manager in 2014. He is now the Coordinator for the PATH program as well as the Coordinator for the Home Team of La Porte County. Ed has serves on Homeward Bound board of directors and he is currently the Board Chair for the Moraine House. Edward loves caring for his children and animals (3 chickens, 1 dog and a fish) he drinks coffee and listens to music to relax. |
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Honoring Al Whitlow
Jan. 25, 2018
This year's Paul J. Alinsky Excellence Award will be presented posthumously to Councilman Al Whitlow, who passed away on November 19, 2017. After his death, Al was described by The News-Dispatch as being “the epitome of a public servant.” He began working as an educator for Michigan City Area Schools in 1961. Over the next 30 years he served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal and coach – including as the assistant for the state champion 1966 Red Devils basketball team. He later spent 13 years working as executive director for the Boys & Girls Club of Michigan City. When he retired in 2014, Al successfully ran for an at-large seat on the Michigan City Common Council, serving until his death. Al was also named Humanitarian of the Year by the Human Rights Commission in 2006. His obituary states, “Allan was an invaluable presence to Michigan City, and his dedication, perseverance, passion, kindness and unpretentious attitude to everyone he encountered during his life will be missed by an endless amount of people.” The Paul J. Alinsky Excellence Award is presented in honor of Paul Alinksy who was a past Chamber Chairman of the Board, Rotary Club President, and founder of Sentinel Alarm Company. Paul passed away in 1997 and this award was created to keep his memory alive. The award is given annually to a person from the Michigan City community who exhibits dedication to community service and excellence, passion and innovation in their vocation/career. These are the areas where Paul excelled.
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Mike's Annual Market Presentation
Feb. 01, 2018
After graduating from Ball State University in 1993, Mike began his career in the financial services industry. Prior to joining Harbour Trust in 2001, Mike spent eight years serving as a Personal Trust Administrator with JP Morgan Chase. There, he was responsible for both personal trust and employee benefit accounts. Mike has successfully completed the Personal Trust School program through Cannon Financial Institute at the University of Notre Dame. He earned the designation of Certified Trust Financial Advisor in 1997 and has enthusiastically worked to maintain this designation, as well as expand his knowledge of financial planning and investment management. In an effort to further broaden his knowledge of the trust and investment field, in 2012 Mike successfully passed the CISP exam and became a Certified IRA Services Professional through the Institute of Certified Bankers. He is the head of New Business Development at Harbour Trust and serves as head of the IRA Division. Born and raised in Michigan City, Mike has two daughters and has served 3 terms as president of the Michigan City Rotary Club and as Rotary District 6540 Assistant District Governor. Mike is the President of the Board of Directors for the Lubeznik Center for the Arts. |
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La Porte County Superior Court 2
Feb. 08, 2018
Hon. Richard Stalbrink graduated from Ball State University in 1990 with a degree in political science. Thereafter, he attended law school at Valparaiso University School of Law and obtained a Juris Doctorate in 1993. He has practiced law in the State of Maryland and the State of Indiana. For the first four (4) years of his career, Mr. Stalbrink practiced law in a firm in the State of Maryland focusing on criminal defense and insurance defense. |
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Franciscan Health - Michigan City
Feb. 15, 2018
Dean Mazzoni, who has held executive positions at five hospitals during the course of his career, including for-profit and not-for-profit facilities, is the current president and chief executive officer of Franciscan St. Anthony Health-Michigan City. He assumed his duties in mid-January, 2016. Mazzoni has served for three years in his previous position as vice president and site administrator at Voorhees Hospital, a 398bed facility in Voorhees, N.J. Prior to joining Voorhees, he was vice president of operations at Marlton Hospital, a 198-bed facility in Marlton, N.J., for six years. Mazzoni was chief operating officer for two years at the 257-bed, two-campus, University Medical Center in Lebanon, Tenn. Mazzoni received his undergraduate degree in social and behavioral sciences from Johns Hopkins University, a master’s degree in public health/health care administration from UMDNJ/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, and a master’s degree in business administration, with a concentration in corporate finance/strategy, from the University of Notre Dame.Mazzoni is a fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives, has served as a mentor for the Healthcare Leadership Network of Delaware Valley, and is a member of the American Public Health Association. He has been active in numerous civic organizations, among them the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and has served on their boards of directors. He is currently on the Board of the Northern Indiana Education Foundation based in Michigan City. |
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Underwater Search and Rescue Divers
Feb. 22, 2018
The Michigan City Police Department’s Underwater Search and Rescue Divers (SCUBA Team) consists of 6 divers at this time. All of the members are certified divers, with one also being trained as a dive medic in case injuries or medical injuries occur. We practice twice a month and were diving as late as November this year. Officers volunteer to be on this team and are on-call for water emergencies. |
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Photographer
Mar. 01, 2018
Bobby Talamine is one of the most prolific rock n' roll photographers in the world. Very much in demand, he is regularly published in leading international newspapers and magazines, and has been included in numerous books, exhibitions, advertising campaigns, and on CD and vinyl album jackets. He has photographed virtually every notable musical act since 1977, including artists as diverse as Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan, Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, and The Grateful Dead. Recently, Bobby has worked extensively with Ariana Grande, Radiohead, Metallica, Halsey, Flume, Disclosure, Chance the Rapper and Beyonce.
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A Special Performance
Mar. 08, 2018
Born and raised in Baltimore, Amy grew up on the sounds of Sinatra, Ella, Motown, showtunes, sock hop hits, and the American Songbook.
Known for brilliant performances, stunning vocals, and unassuming wit, charm, and candor on stage, Amy has played music halls, bars, opera houses, living rooms, sanctuaries, and theatres all across North America, with festivals from Florida's 30A Songwriters Festival to Alaska's Folk Fest, and will be heading overseas for her first UK tour in fall 2018. An award-winning, tree-hugging, ever-traveling (with her dog in tow), modern day torch-singer and songwriter, Amy's voice is one you want to experience live.
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Mar. 15, 2018
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Update from the La Porte County Prosecutor's Office
Mar. 22, 2018
Prosecuting Attorney John Espar is a La Porte County native, born and raised in Michigan City. He graduated Elston High School in 1980, and attended Indiana University~ Bloomington, where he received his bachelor’s degree in 1984, cum laude with special honors in Forensic Studies and a second major in English. Upon graduation, John was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest academic honor society. In 1987, John received his law degree from the University of Southern California~ Los Angeles. Prosecutor Espar has spent his entire 30-year legal career as a prosecutor seeking to balance a victim’s plea for justice, a justice system’s obligation to right the wrongs of others, and the community’s right to peace and security. Over the past 30 years, Prosecutor Espar has personally prosecuted some of the most-difficult and most-disturbing cases imaginable, including the death penalty prosecution of Timothy Buss for the abduction, sexual mutilation and murder of a nine-year-old child – one of two cases which instilled in John a passion to pursue justice for the victims of violence, and in particular, justice for the most-vulnerable among us, our children. Prosecutor Espar began his first term as the elected Prosecuting Attorney for La Porte County, in 2015 after securing more than 70% of the vote in a contested primary and 100% of the vote in an uncontested general election. Upon taking office in January 2015, Mr. Espar immediately set out to overhaul the very structure of the Office of Prosecuting Attorney and the very manner in which the staff of prosecutors conducted the people’s business within the criminal justice system, saying, “We were not elected to maintain the status quo; We were elected to overturn it.” In his first act as the newly-elected prosecutor, Mr. Espar set out to dismantle an office structure comprised of a staff of part-time prosecutors, divided between the demands of their private clients and their duties to the public as prosecutors. Today, the entire criminal division of the Office of the La Porte County Prosecuting Attorney is staffed by full-time prosecutors, dedicated as public servants to seek justice for victims of crime, accountability for criminal offenders and peace and security for our community. Prosecuting Attorney Espar launched a number of other unprecedented initiatives under his new administration, including the formation of the La Porte County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit to investigate, intervene and prosecute, individuals who use technology and the Internet to prey upon children for purposes of sexual exploitation. Prosecutor’s Espar’s ICAC Unit works in conjunction with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, the Indiana ICAC Task Force, and various other federal, state and law enforcement agencies across the country, to intervene in the online exploitation of endangered children. After forming the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit, Prosecutor Espar formed the first Prosecuting Attorney’s Special Victims Unit and spearheaded the formal implementation of the La Porte County Sexual Assault Response Team (SART), bringing together a multi-disciplinary team of compassionate professionals to meet the unique needs for the effective investigation and prosecution of crimes of sexual assault. Prosecuting Attorney Espar has been called to testify before the Indiana Senate Judiciary Committee in support of legislation on behalf of the Indiana Crimes Against Children Task Force. And Mr. Espar’s work on behalf of child-victims of crime, has been recognized by the Dunebrook Child Advocacy Center, which named him the 2017 recipient of the Lester Radke Community Service Award. John is a member of the National Internet Crimes Against Children Program, the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Association of Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys, Inc. and the National District Attorneys Association. On a personal note, John is the fifth of seven children born to Margaret and Bill Espar. In 1985, John and Yolla began their, now 32-year marriage, during which they raised their three, now adult, children, Christina, Emily and Andrew. John and Yolla are members of Queen of All Saints Church where John serves as a lector. He is also a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Saint Anthony Maronite Aid Society and is presently on-leave from active membership in the Rotary Club of Michigan City. |
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An update on the war on drugs from La Porte County's High Intensity Drug Traffic Area team
Mar. 29, 2018
La Porte County joined Indiana’s High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area group in January 2017, focused on people bringing drugs to La Porte County from Chicago or Detroit on Interstate 94, on the South Shore train, etc. Sheriff John Boyd told the media that he applied for this designation under a belief that the drug war is best attacked as a region and the effort locally, although enhanced the past several years, wasn’t enough. Through the HIDTA group, the La Porte County Sheriff’s Department has partnered with other agencies including the FBI, U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, U.S. Attorney’s Office and Indiana State Police. This brings additional manpower, funding and resources to aid in La Porte County’s war on drugs. |
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Narcan training
Apr. 05, 2018
Ann Klute from the La Porte County Health Department and Joseph Bunch from the La Porte County Drug Free Partnership will teach Rotarians about the proper administration of Narcan, training that could possibly save a life. Naloxone (Narcan™) is an opiate antidote which reverses an opioid overdose in much the same manner as an EpiPen (epinephrine injection) reverses an allergic reaction. Opioids include heroin, fentanyl, and prescription pain pills like OxyContin, Percocet, methadone, and Vicodin. It cannot be used to get a person high. If given to one who has not taken opioids, it will not have any effect on them, since there are no opioids in their system to reverse. |
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President of the Maywood-Proviso Rotary Club - Leadership, Motivation and Personal Development
Apr. 12, 2018
Talei Thompson is a professional speaker. He specializes in leadership growth and personal development as a member of Dr. John C. Maxwell’s leadership team. He volunteers his time as a mentor for the Black Star Project, a non-profit organization that seeks to enhance the educational experience of students in the Chicago land area. As a volunteer for this organization he speaks to thousands of students each year, encouraging them to use their talents, gifts, and abilities to accomplish their dreams, goals, and aspirations. Talei is the C.E.O of E.T and T Enterprises Inc. He is the former interim President of the Chicago land south suburban chapter of SPAA, the Speakers Publishers and Authors Association. He is also a board member and president of the Rotary Club of Maywood-Proviso, recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow. Talei also serves on the Board for The Answer Inc., an Autism awareness non-profit organization. Mr. Thompson studied at Morehouse College in Atlanta Georgia, is the loving father of two boys, as well as a member of Fellowship Baptist Church on the south side of Chicago. |
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STEM Coordinator Shelley Deutscher and sixth grade students
Apr. 19, 2018
Lake Hills STEM Magnet School is located within walking distance to Lake Michigan. Lake Hills is STEM accredited by the Indiana Department of Education. The school is currently in the second of a three year partnership with the Museum of Science of Industry. Approximately 500 kindergarten through sixth grade students attend Lake Hills. Our school has become leaders in Michigan City Area Schools in the area of Coding and teaching Computer Science Skills to all of our K-6 students. STEM Celebrations of Learning are held to allow students to share their knowledge of coding with parents and the community. Code is the list of instructions given to any computer in order for it to perform the desired actions. We live in a world that is becoming more reliant on technology every single day. At Lake Hills we are trying to prepare our students for their future in education and then the workforce. |
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Conversation with the founder of Yoga Mecca, who will lead Rotarians through a meditation
Apr. 26, 2018
I find that from every teacher, every lineage, and every practice, you can glean new light and wisdom. My teaching is a fusion of styles and traditions including: Ashtanga, Power yoga, Iyengar, Yin yoga, restorative yoga, Akhanda yoga, Integral yoga, and the teachings of Ido Portal. The hallmarks of my teaching include: Freedom, Compassion, The Balancing of Pluralities into Singularity, and Fun. |
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May 03, 2018
In 2012, as the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics program celebrated its 20th Anniversary Season, MCAS Safe Harbor unveiled its Rookie Robotics Team. With a dedicated and talented team of high school students, the MCAS Safe Harbor Team 3936 earned the prestigious Midwest Region Rookie All-Star Award in Chicago and competed at the 2012 World Championships held in the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis. This season, the team was part of the #2 Seed Alliance Team that made it to the finals of the Indiana St. Joseph District tournament this weekend! We thank Team 71 of Hammond and Team 1501 of Huntington for choosing us to be part of their Alliance team. Our Blitz Drive Team did a great job of navigating the Arcade to secure Power Cubes for the Vault and the Pit Crew kept our robot working through 18 matches over two days. Well done, Blitz!! As part of the Safe Harbor Afterschool Program and Hours for Ours mentoring program, which champion youth-based science and engineering activities in an Afterschool setting, our robotics program was one of three Afterschool programs nationwide to be showcased in the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Annual Report. Building on these accomplishments, we expanded our program to include the FIRST Lego League for Middle School students and the Junior FIRST Lego League for Elementary School students. Utilizing the proven FIRST Robotics suite of programs we are proud to begin inspiring engineers and scientists at the earliest stages of learning and then continuing to guide them through their high school years and on to their future roles as leaders in our communities. The mission of FIRST is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication and leadership. With the support of our community, family members and mentors, the MC Robotics Team strives to build up our community’s children, help develop leaders of the future and provide a safe place for learning and innovation.
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May 10, 2018
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Real Food Blends
May 17, 2018
Originally inspired by their young tube-fed son, AJ, who is now the company’s “Chief Inspiration Officer”, and a belief that we all deserve real food, Julie and Tony Bombacino sought to create a company that provided easy access to 100% real food meals and nutritional variety to tube-fed people and their families, at home or on the go. Years later and with millions of meals sold, you will still only find 100% real food in our meals. No corn syrup, preservatives or synthetic additives/fillers – just a variety of simple real ingredients to nourish your body and soul. |