Book of Golden Deeds Award

September 14, 2025. The Michigan City Exchange Club is proud to honor the winners of this years’ Public Service and Safety Awards.  Master of Ceremonies, Phil Freese, explained that the dedication to excellence and accomplishments of all Public Safety Employees make our community a safer and better place to live. Unfortunately only one winner can be selected in each category.  Recipients are chosen for their Outstanding Commitment to our community. We thank you for your service!  All Award winners received an engraved plaque from the MC Exchange Club.

(Below)

Police Officer Brock Moore, (left)

Fire Fighter Chris Gaines with fellow officers (center)

Accepting award for the late Fire Fighter Ricky Nagy

EMT Joe Janik (right)

September 16, 2025

Guest Speakers for today’s “Book of Golden Deeds” event were:

Pastor DeWayne Hurt-LaPorte Covenant Outreach Ministries.

Denise Blau-LaPorte County Convention & Visitors' Bureau.

Jack Arnett-CEO LaPorte County Convention & Visitors' Bureau.

Dale Cooper addressed the audience after the guest speakers praised her accomplishments. She thanked the club for recognizing her efforts through today’s award presentation.  Dale is the Curator and Visitor Information Center Manager, for the Visit Michigan City LaPorte tourism information center. She is on the board of the Lubeznik Center for the Arts and is excited to be helping children develop an interest in the arts and supporting them as they grow.  It was noted earlier in the speaker’s comments about Dale’s volunteerism—she is associated with more than twenty local groups striving to make our community a better place to live. Current projects include: 

Street Smart - where youth groups assist senior citizens.

The Center for Creative Solutions - exploring the community.  

MC Public Arts Committee - showcasing local art.

LaPorte County Historical Society - fundraiser  

   The Nest Homeless Shelter - a grant to provide meals for a year.

African American Museum - preserve the African American cultural heritage.

The Michigan City Exchange Club is happy to have club president, Dave Bobinski, present Dale Cooper with  

 the Book of Golden Deeds Award!

Information on local events can be found at :  www.michigancitylaporte.com

The Day in Court Program is a cooperative effort between the Michigan City Exchange Club and Local Courts. Elementary and High School students visit criminal court and observe the workings of the Judicial System. This year, sixth grade classes from area schools visited Superior Court 1, Judge Jaime Oss. Students were asked to submit an essay detailing their experiences. Judge Oss selected the best essays. The winners received an engraved plaque, a pass to the zoo, and school sports passes for the ’25 – ’26 year.

The Day in Court Program was originated by the Michigan City Club and has been adopted by the National Exchange Club. It is practiced by hundreds of clubs, nationwide. 

Tim Mellen, President of the Michigan City Exchange Club, presents Harrison Holtkamp, Executive Director of NEST Community Shelter, with the Book of Golden Deeds Award for his many years of service providing  food, shelter and hope for needy people in the Michigan City Area.