Jessica Hilary
Development Director, Junior Achievement
Today’s Speaker is Jessica Hilary, Development Director, Junior Achievement. Jessica’s territory covers twenty-seven counties in Indiana. She informed the club that Junior Achievement is a non-profit organization which provides multiple educational programs starting at the Elementary School level, continuing through Middle School and High School. “Changing the Lives of Young People” by “Empowering the Next Generation” is the goal. Categories are Financial Literacy, Entrepreneurship, and Work Readiness, which include Creative Problem Solutions. Some of the programs offered are “JA All About Cars”, “Career Success”, “Introduction to Business and Technology” and many, many more. Jessica said that Volunteers teach programs in the schools. It is easy to volunteer. The time commitment is typically once a week for approximately 45 minutes and programs may run as short as five class sessions. Junior Achievement will provide all the materials necessary for the program, as well as meet with the Volunteer, in advance of the class, to discuss presentation and answer any questions regarding their role as program presenter. Volunteers are supported by the teacher who will always be in the room. Students typically respond very positively when someone other than their classroom teacher is presenting new material to them. No teaching experience is required to volunteer for Junior Achievement. Donations are also accepted. https://laportecounty.ja.org/about/index.
Jackie Thomas
Nest Community Shelter
11-25-2025. Today’s Speaker, Jackie Thomas, is from Nest Community Shelter. Nest is starting its 25th year of service, born out of the Interfaith Pad Program. Jackie recounted that back in 2020 it operated from Sacred Heart Church, as a place for homeless to sleep. Nest serves Men, Women, and Women with Children. Jackie offered some statistics on their services, noting 73% are female, and 4% are children. Many people might be surprised that 60% of those staying at the Nest have full time jobs! Last year Nest sheltered over 336 guests. Ninety two of these were eventually able to find permanent housing. This supports the goal of the organization, to be a temporary stop. Last year over 22,512 meals were provided out of the Nest’s basement kitchen. New in 2025, the Nest started their Blog, providing a resource of information, educating the community on hidden homeless. Also, in 2025 the Nest opened another location, this one in LaPorte, staying open from January 2025 until April 2025. Jackie stated that the Laporte location re-opened in October and will stay open until April 2026. The best ways to support Nest are to Volunteer time or make a financial contribution.
Jessica O'Brian
Salvation Army
11-18-2025 Daniel Granquist introduced today’s speaker Jessica O’Brian, from the Salvation Army. Jessica started her presentation by thanking the club for all their support over the years. She informed club members that as of 9/1/25, the Salvation Army in LaPorte, became part of the MC Salvation Army. Jessica talked about the Thanksgiving Holiday coming up. If you know of someone who has nobody to talk to or celebrate Thanksgiving with, encourage them to come to the Salvation Army for tasty food and good conversations. Many people this year that are homebound will have food delivered to them.
The Holiday Season is when the Salvation Army generates about 30% of its donations for the year. Kicking off the season of giving is the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle event.
Jessica identified three things that are important to the Salvation Army this time of the year:
1) Financial Donations. These allow the Salvation Army to go out and buy items at various vendors at wholesale cost rather than purchasing goods at retail.
2) Donate your time. Donations at Kettles are especially important this year. Volunteering to ring bells at the kettles eliminates having to pay people to ring bells for donations.
3) Toys—Make donation of toys through the Toys for Tot program.
Jessica concluded her presentation citing that the Salvation Army was recently voted the sixth best Charity by Forbes Magazine for efficiently using the dollars donated to the charity.
To help, visit https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/in/michigan-city/franklin-st-corps/
Jamie Huss
Director, Washington Park Zoo
Program Speaker: Daniel Granquist introduced today’s speaker: Jamie Huss, Director, Washington Park Zoo. Jamie has been volunteering or working at the zoo since she was eight, a period of over 30 years. She discussed methods that the Zoo uses to acquire animals. Many are traded or rescued from other zoos. Some are borrowed. Jamie cited the” Wings of Wonder” section which has several species of birds, including 152 Cockatiels and 74 Parakeets, a large portion of which were rescued. Club Members were treated to a visit by Tyson, a Ferret who was acquired locally. Ferrets can be trained to use a litter box and are often used as pets. Jamie cautioned people to be careful handling animals, while holding food, to avoid being bitten. Club members were able to meet Tyson up close and pet him.
The zoo originated in 1925, with one brown bear and a retired animal trainer. Today, it has over ninety species of animals on nine acres along the lakefront. It is funded by the city but relies heavily on donations. Projects are often rescheduled or modified when funds run low.
Please visit https://www.washingtonparkzoo.com for information.
Pat Harris
President, Indiana Black Expo, Michigan City Chapter
10-28-2025 Daniel Granquist introduced today’s speaker—Pat Harris Board President, Indiana Black Expo, Inc. Michigan City Chapter. Pat has lived in Michigan City since she was 5 years old when her family moved here from Alabama. She graduated from Purdue and obtained a Master of Business Administration Degree and worked for 27 years at Bethlehem Steel. The Indiana Black Expo. Inc. was established in 1970. Its mission is: “To be an effective voice and vehicle for the social and economic advancement of African Americans in Michigan City and across Northwest Indiana.” Pat discussed a couple of programs that are extremely popular in Michigan City. One is the City-wide Back to School Rally. This event is designed to get students excited about going back to school. Here they can obtain school supplies, play games, enjoy participation in other activities and learn about many of the local services available to them. Pat concluded her presentation by discussing the FOCUS (Forming Our Character Understanding our Success) Youth Mentoring program. This program is designed for girls grades 6-9. She described the program as offering “therapeutic mentoring,” designed to make sure girls keep interested in and excited about school. Pat noted that with some girls, grades tend to drop, as they get older. This program addresses that problem.
Thank you Pat Harris for the enlightening information you provided.
Please visit www.mcibe.com for more information.
Jack Arnett
President, Northern Indiana Tourism Development Commission
October 14, 2025. Today’s speaker, Jack Arnett, informed the club that the NITDC was formed to combine the efforts of nine Indiana Counties for Promotion of Tourism through advertisement in businesses and plazas along the toll road. Their motto is the “Better Together Approach”. Jack stated that over 45 million travelers cross the toll road each year with 8 million stopping at plazas, resulting in a local impact of $44 million. Tourism brings in over $200 million annually to our area with $400 thousand in one week at the XIinsurance Great Lakes Grand Prix boat race in Michigan City. The commission is not a government agency. It is funded by a 5% hotel tax and some gaming money. LaPorte County now manages all toll road concessions.
Please visit www.michigancitylaporte.com for more information.
Ben Bachmann
Michigan City Area Schools Athletic Director
September 7, 2025. Program Speaker: Phil Freeze introduced today’s speaker—Ben Bachmann, MCHS Athletic Director. Ben spoke about having grown up in Michigan City and his participation in every sport that was offered in the school system. This led him to the career he now enjoys. Being part of a team and realizing the impact that coaches had on his life, prepared him for nearly every situation he encountered, in his 13 years of athletic administration. Ben is all about promoting the concept of providing student athletes’ a path to opportunity and success. They are shown options which can be life changing. He said that only two states in this country do not fund athletics from their regular budgets. Indiana is one of them. This means that athletics must be funded with ticket sales and donations. He encouraged all members present to attend MCAS events in their area. Ben stated that plans are in place to make improvements at the high school that will allow more student groups to practice and participate on turf rather than sod. For more information see: www.gomcwolves.com.
The Michigan City Exchange Club presented Ben Bachmann and Sara Krachinski. Asst. Athletic Director for MCAS with a donation in the amount of $2,000.00
Sara Krachinski
MCAS Assistant Director of Athletics
Sept 23, 2025. Program Speaker Daniel Granquist introduced today's speaker, Sara Krachinski, MCAS Assistant Director of Athletics for Michigan City Area Schools. Sara spoke about her many fund raising activities for the Athletic Program in the High, Junior High, and Elementary Schools. Funds are received through Grants, Donations, Ticket Sales and Concession Stand Sales. Projects now in the works include:
Transfer of the Ames Field Scoreboard to the High School within two years, after Ames receives a Jumbotron.
Construction of a Soccer Field at the High School with turf rather than natural grass to allow for multiple uses.
Purchase of Athletic Uniforms for all eight Elementary Schools with funds donated by the Michigan City Exchange Club.
Sara let the club know that the school has a new website for Athletics---gomcwolves.com
Debra Tatum & Marissa Adcock
Franciscan Health
September 30, 2025 Program Speaker Daniel Granquist introduced today’s speakers—Debra Tatum, Director of Development, Franciscan Health Foundation and Marissa Adcock, Injury Prevention Coordinator at Franciscan Health, Crown Point, Co-Leader of Safe Kids Northwest Indiana. Debra explained that her role is to raise money for over one hundred programs, in our community, that support Franciscan’s mission. One is the Safe Kids program of which Marissa, is the Co-Leader. Marissa explained that the goal is to provide programs that are centered around helping kids avoid injury. Topics can vary from Water Safety and avoiding rip tides, to Prevention of Gun Violence. Throughout the year there are periodic “Safe Kids Day” events. These are free to the public. Two of the more popular program topics emphasize Wearing Helmets when biking and the Proper Fitting of Kids in Car Seats. Correct use can reduce injuries by 86%. Many people do not know how to properly fit a child in a car seat, which is why last year, Marissa promoted five different child car seat events, locally. Her group provided over ninety-six car seats for people in need. Currently, the Safe Kids program is presented in twelve NWI counties. Thank you Debra and Marissa for the help you give our community!
Debra Tatum Marissa Adcock
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.
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