Jim Musial
Citizens for Concerned Homeless
September 9th, 2025. James E. Musial, Executive Director, Citizens Concerned for Homeless was introduced by Speaker Chairman Daniel Granquist as today’s guest speaker. Jim let the group know that Citizens Concerned for the Homeless has been around for 35 years serving Michigan City and LaPorte. He talked about four important programs that are available in the community.
1) Sand Castle: A homeless shelter that provides residence for up to 45 days.
2) Grace Learning Center: A program that provides computer lab accessibility as well as basic and intermediate computer classes. The center also has mental health classes available.
3) Food Rescue Initiative: Originating in 2019, this project distributes food at Marquette Mall in Michigan City as part of its Mobile Pantry Initiative.
4) Keys to Hope Program. Keys to Hope offers people a place to take a shower, shampoo, obtain clothing, as well as providing a place where, during the day, someone can just relax. Jim also told the club members that since 2019 over four million pounds of food has been given away from the Food Bank of Northern Indiana. He talked about the Karwick Village town homes that are being built by Homeward Bound to provide affordable housing to needy recipients.
Check out the web site: https://cch-mc.orgfor more details on available help or ways that you can contribute.
Janet Bloch
Lubeznik Center for the Arts
9-2-2025. Todays Speaker is Janet Bloch, Executive Director, Lubeznik Center for the Arts. Janet came to Michigan City, from Chicago, where she was an artist and owned an art gallery. She was not planning to start another career but soon realized that she could be instrumental in helping the community. Joining the Center as Education Director, she moved up to where she is today, making many positive changes along the way. Currently the Lubeznik Center offers several educational programs. One is an early childhood program, consisting of three tours during the year, with Spanish and sign language interpreters. Another is a mural painting program that has 10 fascinating paintings throughout the area, with more in progress. Art exhibits at the Center are from both national and local artists. Field trips, from local schools, have over 1,500 students annually. Attending students, have a “hands on” experience creating their very own art. The Center also offers Virtual Field trips for students that cannot visit in person. Janet identified other programs that are offered such as Free Family Days, First Fridays, and Teen Arts Council. One of the newer programs is Color in Transit featuring a mural on the side of a truck which is displayed at various sites.
The Lubeznik Center is open six days a week and admission is free.
August 26,2025. Todays speaker is Steven A. Bernth, Executive Director Youth Service Bureau of Laporte County. He was accompanied by Gretchen Kubic. School Buddies Program Director. The Youth Services Bureau was organized in 1972 to help prevent juvenile delinquency, help prevent child abuse and to connect youth with caring adults. One program, Teen Court, allows cases that could result in an arrest, to be decided by a local attorney acting as the Judge. The Prosecutor, Defense Attorney, and Jury roles are all filled by student peers of the accused. The sentences handed out by the Court could require an Apology, Restitution, and Community Service. Michigan City cases in Teen Court center around two things—in school vaping and truancy. It should be noted that successful completion of the teen court sentencing results in no juvenile court or arrest records. It should also be noted that the Teen Court oversees only non-violent cases. Steven also talked about the Kids on the Block Puppet Presentation that is presented to second grade students. This program educates kids on Physical and Sexual Abuse as well Neglect. He reminded club members that the Youth Service Bureau has a Safe Place Program in Laporte County. These “safe” locations are found at Police and Fire Stations as well as local libraries. They provide children with a place to go should the child feel they cannot go home. Steven introduced Gretchen Kubic. Gretchen explained that her program provides mentoring for elementary school students. Adults commit at least 1 hour a week to be friends with a child, one on one, taking an interest in how they are doing in school and at home. The goal is to help build confidence in the “Little Buddy”, so the child can reach full potential. Volunteer mentors are welcome!
Jessica Ward, Manager
Michigan City Municipal Airport
- August 12, 2025. Today’s speaker is Jessica Ward, Airport Manager, Michigan City Municipal Airport. Jessica is a 17-yr resident of our community. She graduated from WMU with plans to become a commercial pilot but changed her focus and concentrated on a career in Aviation Administration—running an airport. Jessica told the group that there are 50-60 planes based at the airport. The sale of fuel, for operation of these aircraft, provides a steady source of revenue. Rental cars needed by participants and spectators of the MC Boat races, also provide income. Skydiving is big in Michigan City. There were over 4,500 tandem skydiving jumps at the airport last year.
- Jessica also talked about the need to lengthen the airport runway from 4,150 feet to 5,000 feet which is required to accommodate jets. Runway expansion has been long desired. The project requires that US 20 be lowered, south of the airport, and two bridges be constructed over it. (Expansion cannot go north due to the presence of endangered species of grass.) All planning steps have been completed. Major design phases have been approved by the FAA and IDOT. Due to allocation of funds elsewhere by the FAA, since inception, the cost has risen from $18 to $29 million dollars! The FAA will pay 90% when funds are approved. Jessica is hopeful that in 2026 the FAA will greenlight runway expansion and construction can commence.
https://michigancityin.gov/city-departments/municipal-airport/
Dr. Jeffrey Scott Doebler
Conductor, Michigan City Municipal Band
August 15, 2025. Today’s speaker is Dr. Jeffrey Scott Doebler, Conductor, Michigan City Municipal Band. Dr. Doebler is a Professor of Music and Director of Music Education and Bands, at Valparaiso University. His awards include the VUAA Distinguished Teaching Award, Music Educator of the Year, Orpheus Award and more. He was a quarter finalist for a Grammy Music Educator of the Year Award. His musical travels took him from the Grand Opera Theater in China to the Sydney Opera House in Australia, along with many appearances in the US. Jeff has been conducting bands for over 34 years, with 11 years at Michigan City.
The Michigan City Municipal Band was formed in 1868 and is now in its 157th season. Ten concerts are held per season with 10-12 songs per concert. They are a mix of old and contemporary music. The actual concert lasts for about an hour. Jeff noted that the band members are made up of people from NWI, some are from High School, some are from college and some may be professionals. Concerts are held on Thursday nights at Washington Park, with practice on Tuesdays. All are welcome to attend.
Nic Orbovich
Michigan City Chamber Music Festival
7-29-2025 Program Director, Dan Granquist, introduced Nic Orbovich, Co-Founder of the Michigan City Chamber Music Festival. Nic opened his presentation with a spirited rendition of “Amazing Grace” on his violin. His forty plus years of experience was quite evident in the performance. Nic told of his childhood in a blue collar, steelworker family and the struggle to obtain classical musical instruction. It all worked out. He grew to become a highly acclaimed violinist, Grammy Nominee, and Gramophone Magazine Award Winner. Nic, with his wife, organized the first Music Festival in 2002, attracting renowned musicians from all over the world to perform in Michigan City. Artistic quality is the Priority.
The 2025 Festival OPENS SOON!
August 9 - 17
Five FREE concerts at the First Presbyterian Church
Two FREE concerts for kids one each: Lubeznik Center and MC Library.
Themes center on music from the US and European Countries
Solos and Ensembles
Performers enjoy associating with the audience
See www.mccmf.org for more information
The Festival is funded 70% by private donations and 30% by grants. Nic stated grant money has dried up and the future is uncertain.
Jenilee Haynes Peterson
Director, Friendship Botanic Gardens
7-22-2025. Chairman for this week’s meeting Daniel Granquist, introduced today’s speaker Jenilee Haynes Peterson—Director Friendship Botanic Gardens. The Organization is celebrating its 89th year in business. The entire facility encompasses over 105 acres. Friendship Botanic Gardens relies on two full-time employees, three seasonal employees and several volunteers to maintain the property. The property contains twelve different gardens. Several famous people have connections to the gardens. The Queen of Holland visited and the Queen of England sent landscapers to help with gardening. The organization is looking to take on two new projects-- that need upgrades—a new fountain is needed along with a symphony canopy. There are several membership packages for the public to consider. At the end of Jenilee’s presentation, she took questions from club members and a painting from a local artist was auctioned off.
Dale Moyer
Vice President South Shore Sailing School
7-15-2025. Chairman for this week’s meeting Daniel Granquist, introduced today’s speaker Dale Moyer, Vice President South Shore Sailing School. Dale said the school started over 40 years ago and operates as a not-for -profit organization. Michigan City Area school students can take sailing classes at no cost, due to a grant. During the summer months classes are 2 weeks long and are from 9 am and noon and 1 pm to 4 pm. Adult sailing classes are offered Thursday evenings. Prior to taking boats out on the water, students learn the physics of sailing, STEM topics, (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) including buoyancy, purpose of various sails, upwind sailing and weather. The club has fifteen boats they use for instruction. The majority are under 14 ft in length. Students start with the smaller boats and work their way up. Interested? Check out: www.southshoresailingschool.org.
Michele Gustin
Programs and Events Coordinator, Barker Mansion
June 24, 2025. Chairman for this week’s meeting Tim Mellen, introduced today’s speaker, Michele Gustin, Programs and Events Coordinator for Barker Mansion. Michele discussed recent upgrades to the Mansion. New plumbing and HVAC have been installed. Many windows have been restored to their original design. The entire first floor, and portions of other floors were sanded and coated. The three-story grand staircase was stripped and refinished. The front doors to the building were also refurbished and improved. Michele shared with the members that coming in the Summer of 2026, a 1902 Haskell and Barker Box Car will be put on permanent display. All are welcome to come and see the renovations.
Avery Walma
All About Sports
June 17, 2025. Speaker Chairman for this week’s meeting Tom Walma, introduced his 19-year-old grandson, Avery Walma as today’s speaker. Avery has had several different jobs while attending La Porte High School and, in his first year at Arizona State University. Many people may know Avery as the play-by-play person for the LaPorte Slicers.
Avery presented an impressive sports resume, describing work with several sports related organizations:
· SPORTS OFFICIATING - USA Hockey (375 games), ISHAA Football (Licensed), Pop Warner Football Championships, Baseball – Midwest Travel Championships.
· CAMERA OPERATOR / PRODUCER / GRAPHICS
ESPN Productions & LTN - Valparaiso, IN & Tempe, AZ
Operate Field Camera for men’s and women’s college sports airing on ESPN+.
• Perform pre-game production set up and post game procedures.
• Provide graphics and instant replay. (Expression and Mira)
• Produced baseball shows on ESPN+
· .COLLEGE GAMEDAY / NOTRE DAME / WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC
Utility and grip for College Gameday on ESPN
Tight and Handheld Camera for Notre Dame sports aired on ACC Network
Camera for World Baseball Classic Qualifiers on MLB Network
· NFL MONDAY NIGHT COUNTDOWN – Vikings @ Rams Wildcard Game Avery talked about his experience as a scoreboard clock and pitch clock operator for the South Bend Cubs. He was able to work as a production person for ESPN when IU played at Notre Dame in the play-offs, describing the experience in terms of the weather and just the large amount of time spent setting up and taking down the production gear. Avery summed up his varied experience as one that is based on industry contacts. If you work hard and people know you are good at what you do, they will seek you out and contact you.
Mike Noland
President of NICTD
Program Speaker: 6-10-2025. Speaker Chairman for this week’s meeting Bill Hazelgrove introduced today’s speaker Mike Noland, President of NICTD. Mike talked about how the travel time from MC to Chicago can be as fast as 67 minutes now that the dual track has been installed. The average age of the rider is 27/28 years old. Ridership is still below what it was pre-COVID as many businesses are still not requiring employees to come into the office five days a week. He said that the Michigan City Train Station parking structure has been completed. The MC Train Station is on schedule, to be completed by the end of the month. Although the Apartments near the train station are not part of NICTD, it appears that price, quantity and completion dates, will be market driven. Mike also commented on other NICTD projects occurring with the City of Hammond to Dyer (West Lake Project) , South Bend Airport, and New Carlisle.
Richard Lidke
Civil Air Patrol
Program Speaker: 6-03-2025. Speaker Chairman for this week’s meeting, Daniel Granquist introduced today’s speaker Richard Lidke from Civil Air Patrol (CAP). Richard provided information on cadets now being trained by the CAP. Cadets range in age from 12–18-year-old. They participate in a wide variety of activities. Last December they placed wreaths on soldiers’ graves. More recently the group went to South Bend’s Airport and received a behind the scenes tour of the facility. On the military side of things, the group also toured Grissom Air Force Base as part of their orientation. Cadets were able to ride on some of the planes at Grissom. Today there are over 60,000 members of the Civil Air Patrol, with forty local. The CAP was created in 1941, with single engine planes patrolling the East Coast of the United States, looking for German submarines or patrol boats. Today the civil air patrol is mainly involved in search and rescue missions as well as disaster relief. Much of this work is done through a network of over five hundred small planes that can seat between 4 to 8 people. Infrared camera technology is utilized aid them in their searches.
L to R: Richard Lidke, CAP, Dave Bobinski, President Elect.
Sheriff Ron Heeg
- 5/27/2025. Today’s speaker is LaPorte County Sheriff, Ron Heeg. Sheriff Heeg said calls are up about 5% over last year The department made over 10K traffic stops last year. He also talked about some investments that have been made in LaPorte County, at no expense to the County taxpayer. Since LaPorte County is part of a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, we are eligible for drug funds confiscated from drug offenders. LaPorte County was able to update some technology including computers and purchase new gas masks for the patrol officers. Additional funds were used to purchase new magnetrometers at the court houses, as well as a new x-ray machine at the Jail which will help stop contraband from entering the facility. Additional purchases were made for new tasers as well as new gym equipment for officers to use. Regarding the number of Drug dispensaries just over the board in Michigan, Sheriff Heeg reminded everyone that marijuana is still illegal to possess in Indiana, even if you purchased it legally in Michigan. Right now, Sheriff Heeg estimated that about 60 % of their business is coming from Indiana citizens, 20% from Illinois citizens (it is cheaper to buy in Michigan) and the remaining 20% of sales are to actual Michigan residents.
Steve Hobby
President/CEO Paladin
Today’s speaker is Steve Hobby, President/CEO of Paladin who has with him, Melissa Bohacek, Marketing and Development Director. Paladin’s vision is “ A community where every child, person with a disability, and senior is supported, valued and equipped with the resources and opportunities to learn, work, and thrive—embracing inclusion, independence and a meaningful life.” During the presentation, several statistics were noted including the fact that Paladin serves 142 clients in Michigan City and 189 clients in Lake County. Paladin Completed over 26,000 trips, transporting clients in LaPorte County last year, resulting in the need to acquire a second transportation vehicle. Paladin supports over 143 clients as part of its Head Start Program. Paladin is a valuable asset to our community—so spread the word about the services that they offer.
Angie Nelson Deuitch
Michigan City Mayor
The speaker for April 29th was Michigan City Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch. She informed the Exchange Club of recent positive steps taken by the City.
$ 5.7 million was saved by a one line audit of the budget.
An $ 8 million debt will soon be collected from the City of Gary.
A new structure was developed for departments to communicate and coordinate actions, streamlining the process and eliminating duplication.
A new “Culture” was developed to replace the “reprimand and document” discipline mentality with a coaching environment to actually solve problems.
There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony at the new Parking Garage for the South Shore Train Station on July 18th. Everyone is invited.
Great things are happening in the City!
Olga Petryszyn
Chairperson Brinka Cross Gardens
Speaker Chairman for this week’s meeting April 22nd, 2025, Daniel Granquist, introduced todays’ speaker, Olga Petryszyn, Chairperson, Brincka Cross Gardens. Olga opened her presentation with a little history on the Gardens. Originally it was a 25-acre parcel in Porter County with an old farmhouse. Approximately one year ago the Porter County Parks Department purchased the property. The Park today covers over sixty-six acres. It is a lush paradise with a rare collection of flowers, shrubs and trees containing:
400 varieties of Hostas
200 types of Daffodils
15 kinds of Crab Apple Trees
18 varieties of Magnolias
Olga revealed that where an old barn once was located, a new pavilion will be built. Volunteers help maintain the park, with all shifts no longer than 2 hours. The park is funded with grant money, and it takes about $40K/yr to maintain. It is open to the public, dawn to dark, with free admission. The Park host weddings and other events.
Steve Forker
Michigan City Assistant Chief of Police
Program Chairman Daniel Granquist introduced today’s Speaker Assistant MC Police Department Chief Steve Forker. Assistant Chief Forker presented several statistics on crime in Michigan City for 2024. Calls for the year averaged 3,500 per month. These calls were answered effectively. The city has hired several officers since experiencing a shortage of over 20 officers just two years ago. Asst. Chief Forker informed the club that the department has hired a social worker who helped the efficiently manage calls that do not necessarily require a police officers’ presence. In the last quarter of 2024, the department made 386 referrals to the social worker. One result was that the number of traffic accidents in the city was reduced by over 26 percent. This is attributed to more police presence in major areas where speeding had previously occurred.
Brianne Marcos & Katelyn Bernth
Michiana Humane Society
Program Chairman David Bobinski introduced today’s speakers from the Michiana Humane Society—Brianne Markos—Rescue and Social Media Director, and Katelynn Bernth Volunteer Coordinator. Brianne started off the presentation by citing that the Michiana Humane Society has been around since the 1920’s. Annually the Humane Society takes in approximately eight hundred pets including various dogs, cats, and assorted critters. At any time, the Humane Society has on average about one hundred animals in their care.
Brianne indicated that many pets are dropped of at the Humane Society because owners can no longer afford to care for them—the cost of pet food and medical care has increased significantly over the past few years. Also some landlords prohibit ownership of certain types or breeds requiring new homes be found for them. Katelynn discussed some of the opportunities available at Humane Society. Volunteers are welcome to help show animals at schools and nursing homes. Anyone interested in providing a foster home for pets would also be welcomed.
There are also opportunities for volunteers if you would like to take an animal on a field trip, or if you would like to just spend time giving attention to an animal at the Humane Society.
The Humane Society now has a part-time Vet, and a full-time Vet Tech. This allows the staff to have animals spayed and neutered faster now it is done locally. Previously, animals had to be transferred to South Bend for care.
The Michigan City Exchange Club presented the Michiana Humane Society with a donation of $1,000.00.
Maggi Sparks, President, Unity Foundation
Maggi shared with the club that NWI received a grant for $20 million. Maggi said that the Pine St corridor in Michigan City, will receive the about $4 million of these funds. Maggi talked about a bigger project that was going to be about five years—much of this project will focus on making sure that the trains keep on time as well as making sure people are able to come to the lakeshore.
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