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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. |
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May 24, 2018
Since 1992, Unity Foundation of La Porte County has served donors, nonprofits and local communities. As La Porte County’s community foundation, it manages approximately $31 million in assets, administers more than 325 charitable funds, and has distributed approximately $16 million through direct grants and scholarships. Unity’s mission is to strengthen La Porte County now and forever by building permanent endowments; providing leadership; offering philanthropic vehicles for everyone; and, being a catalyst for social and economic vitality |
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The Social and Learning Institute
May 31, 2018
The Social and Learning Institute has been serving the La Porte County area since 1976 as a privately funded non-profit organization providing a day program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Institute’s mission is rooted in the idea that all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are defined by their own strengths and abilities--not by their disability--and that each person deserves every opportunity to thrive and participate fully in society. Programming is designed to expand minds, teach essential life skills, and help individuals recognize their worth through a structured balance of socialization and learning activities. Learn more. |
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A history of La Porte University
Jun. 07, 2018
Leigh’s presentation will be about La Porte University, which was founded in 1840 and included Indiana’s first medical and law schools as well as a literary department.. He’ll tell us about the rise and fall of the university, including an interesting connection to Michigan City. The La Porte University site was recently designated by an Indiana State Historical Marker. Leigh’s book about he university was published with the support of the Healthcare Foundation of La Porte and is on sale at the La Porte County Historical Society Museum. |
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Presented by the Scholarship Committee
Jun. 14, 2018
The Scholarship Committee will introduce the 2018 winners of the Rotary Club of Michigan City Foundation Scholarship. Each year two graduating high school seniors, who exemplify ‘Service Above Self,’ are awarded $2,000 each. The student applicants are asked to submit a short biography, letters of recommendation, and an essay on how they were impacted by involvement in service activities, and how these activities touched and enriched the lives of others, especially those in need. Please join our fellow Rotarians to welcome these thoughtful and accomplished students, hear about their service experiences, and their plans for the future. Let’s also congratulate the parents for a job well-done! |
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Sinai Forum
Jun. 21, 2018
Learn about the exciting speakers at the upcoming Sinai Forum to be held at the Student Activities Center, Purdue Northwest, North Central Campus Since 1953, The Sinai Forum has provided exceptional, affordable programming on important issues of the day in a town hall setting for the residents of the greater Michigan City area. Over the years, the Forum has featured Nobel Prize recipients, former heads of state, Pulitzer Prize winners, recognized media personalities, and famous performing artists. Season after season, Forum audiences have been inspired, educated, enlightened, and entertained. www.sinaiforum.org |
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Human Trafficking - Indiana Attorney General Office
Jun. 28, 2018
The Office of the Indiana Attorney General helps protect the rights, freedoms, and safety you enjoy as a citizen of the Hoosier state. Denise Robinson is Chief Counsel of Investigations with the Office of the Indiana Attorney General in Indianapolis where her duties include supervision of the civil and criminal sections of the Investigations Division and the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. The Human Trafficking Unit is part of criminal investigations and is staffed with both Deputies Attorney General and Special Investigators. |
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Invite your family and friends!
Jul. 12, 2018
Enjoy a picnic at the Barker Mansion garden. Invite your family and friends! Special guest Singer Dina Bach. In 1968, the Mansion, also known as Barker Civic Center, was presented to the City of Michigan City under terms of a legal agreement between the City and the donor, Catherine Barker Hickox. Her wish was that the Mansion, her childhood home, should be used as a cultural and civic center in memory of her father, John H. Barker. A commission was established to direct the Center’s activities which would include restoration, preservation and documentation of the Mansion and its artifacts. These activities are for the purpose of education, research, and interpretation of the life-style of a wealthy industrialist of the late 19th century for a broad public audience. Such is the background for the evolution of the Barker Civic Center whose specific mission is as follows:
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Indiana State Auditor
Jul. 16, 2018 11:45 a.m.
Joint meeting hosted by LaPorte Rotary Club. Meeting held at Best Western in LaPorte. Lunch is $13 and all are welcome |
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Jul. 19, 2018
Three of the five students who received this year's RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award) honor will join us for lunch to tell us about their experience this summer. Some great benefits of RYLA are building commuinication and problem-solving skills; discovering strategies for becoming a dynamic leader in their school or community; learning from community leaders, inspirational speakers and peer mentors; unlocking potential to turn motivation into action; and, of course, having fun and forming lasting relationships! |
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Presented to Daryl Westphal of the Michigan City Fire Department
Jul. 26, 2018
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We Connect
Aug. 02, 2018
We Connect is an Employee Resource Network (ERN), collaborative La Porte community partnership that aims to help employers engage, empower and retain employees, helping to prevent employee turnover and spur business growth. The ultimate goal of We Connect is to empower employees with the necessary resources to improve their lives. |
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Media Relations Director - INDOT Northwest District
Aug. 09, 2018
Adam Parkhouse, a lifetime resident of Michigan City, is currently the Media Relations Director for the Indiana Department of Transportation's Northwest District, based in La Porte. There, he handles media and social media responsibilities, among other various internal communications items. Adam spent 17 years with The News-Dispatch, spending the bulk of that in the sports department before taking over editorial operations as Managing Editor for the last four years of his time there. In April of 2018, Adam left the N-D for INDOT. Adam is a 1998 graduate of Michigan City High School adn a 2004 graduate of Indiana University-South Bend with a B.A. in Mass Communications. He's been involved in various activities and board in Michigan City, including Michigan City Mainstreet Association, The United Way, MCAS' Future Wolves Advisory Board and others. He and his wife, Tabitha, live in Michigan City with their two children, Cecily (CeCe) and Cooper. |
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Leadership La Porte County
Aug. 16, 2018
Join us as Monica Komasinski, executive director of Leadership La Porte County, tells us about her organization and leads Rotarians through an activity. Leadership La Porte County is a non profit organization dedicated to promoting community leadership. Our mission is to inspire, develop, cultivate and connect leaders to serve their diverse communities. Our programming reaches adult and youth community members. |