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Business news: OE launches food pantry and Duneland Y nets donation

Business news: OE launches food pantry and Duneland Y nets donation

Opportunity Enterprises is opening the Shared Table Food Pantry in partnership with the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana network, according to a release.
The Shared Table Food Pantry will help expand food sourcing and expand the organization's impact in Porter County. Open and free to the public, the pantry, located at OE 2801 Evans Ave., in Valparaiso, will also function as a career lab to enhance OE's efforts in preparing individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities for the workforce, the release said.
To ceremonially open the project, OE is hosting a ribbon cutting at 4:30 p.m. June 18 at the Valparaiso site.
Children and their families are invited to join in the fun at the free Safe Kids Day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 13 at the LaPorte County Family Resource Center, a release said.
The interactive event will include a variety of activities along with educational booths with information about keeping kids safe and healthy. The event will feature a free meal for the whole family as well as music, games, raffle prizes, giveaways and a few surprises, the release said.
Safe Kids Day is a project of Safe Kids Northwest Indiana, the LaPorte County Family Resource Center, Franciscan Health Crown Point and Franciscan Health Trauma Services along with event sponsors Cleveland-Cliffs, Geminus Regional Care Group, Helping Hands In-Home Care, HealthLinc and Strengthening Indiana Families Family Resource Center.
The event is scheduled to take place at the LaPorte County Family Resource Center, 1232 W. Indiana 2 in LaPorte. Registration, which is required, is available by calling 219-488-1380.
The Valparaiso Family YMCA Foundation recently announced the recipients of its 2025 Foundation Scholarships, awarding a total of $15,000 to fivel high school seniors from across Porter County, according to a release.
Each student was awarded a $3,000 scholarship following a competitive application process based on academic achievement, leadership, service and embodiment of the YMCA's core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
Scholarship recipients are: Kaitlin Shideler, Valparaiso High School; Kiera McConnell, Valparaiso High School; Giszelle Pfeiffer, Chesterton High School; Josephine Lemmons, Morgan Township High School; and Steven Larsen, Hebron High School.
The Sylvan Learning Center recently opened at 1605 Adler Circle, Suite G, in Portage.
The center, the 21st owned by Sarah Miller and Kent Kolbow across Indiana, Florida and Maryland, got its start in 2010 in Mishawaka. Under their leadership, the Mishawaka center grew from just a handful of students to hundreds served each year, the release said. Miller plans to bring that same dedication and leadership to the new Portage center.
The team includes Carmen Barnes as the Portage director and support from experienced staff across the area, the release said.
The location is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday. For information, email portage.in@sylvanlearning.com or call 219-841-9450.
The curtain rises on a new era for the old school auditorium at 651 W. Morgan Ave. in Chesterton, thanks to a gift to the Duneland Family YMCA from the Chamberlain family, a release said.
The donation will play a pivotal role in the structural renovation of the Duneland Family YMCA Healthy Living Campus's stage, while also propelling forward a renaissance in the fine arts culture, the release said.
Every member of the Chamberlain family — including Mark Chamberlain and his three daughters Elizabeth, Leslie, and Taylor — has graced the stage that will be named in their honor, the release said.
To learn more about the theater renovation and other upcoming project developments at the Duneland Family YMCA Healthy Living Campus, or to support the Duneland Family YMCA Capital Campaign, visit: www.dunelandymca.org/capitalcampaign.
The MAAC Foundation, in partnership with Porter County Career and Technical Center, recently graduated its seventh Fire and Rescue Academy class, a release said.
The graduation ceremony took place at the Heroes' Hangout building on the MAAC Foundation First Responder Training Campus in Valparaiso. The Fire and Rescue High School Academy is designed to provide students with both the academic foundation and practical experience required for state certifications in fire and hazardous materials response, the release said.
Members of the class include: Liam Arroyo, Hobart High School; Isabel Bartkus, Chesterton; High School; Dagan Blohm, Morgan Township High School; Jaden Bradburn, Hebron High School; Magdalena Chmura, Chesterton High School; Jessica Edwards, Valparaiso High School; Brockton Franzman, Hebron High School; Kallie Goins, Hebron High School; Kole Ketchum, Hobart High School; Connor McFadden, Kouts High School; Ethan Minchuk, Hobart High School; Ethan Ruckle, Valparaiso High School; Bryce Sartin, Chesterton High School; Deven Sippel, Hobart High School; Grant Timmons, Valparaiso High School; and Micah Wells, Hobart High School.
Porter County Education Services has named Erin Hawkins as the new Executive Director for Special Education through a special service agreement between PCES and Valparaiso Community Schools, a release said.
Hawkins currently serves as an Assistant Superintendent for Valparaiso Community Schools and will continue to be an employee of VCS while serving with PCES, which serves seven Porter County school corporations.
Since 2019, Hawkins has led Student Support Services in Valparaiso including special education and social workers after beginning her career as an elementary teacher in 2001. Hawkins will begin the transition into the new position in June with a July 1 official start date.

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Business news: OE launches food pantry and Duneland Y nets donation
Business news: OE launches food pantry and Duneland Y nets donation

Chicago Tribune

timea day ago

  • Chicago Tribune

Business news: OE launches food pantry and Duneland Y nets donation

Opportunity Enterprises is opening the Shared Table Food Pantry in partnership with the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana network, according to a release. The Shared Table Food Pantry will help expand food sourcing and expand the organization's impact in Porter County. Open and free to the public, the pantry, located at OE 2801 Evans Ave., in Valparaiso, will also function as a career lab to enhance OE's efforts in preparing individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities for the workforce, the release said. To ceremonially open the project, OE is hosting a ribbon cutting at 4:30 p.m. June 18 at the Valparaiso site. Children and their families are invited to join in the fun at the free Safe Kids Day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 13 at the LaPorte County Family Resource Center, a release said. The interactive event will include a variety of activities along with educational booths with information about keeping kids safe and healthy. The event will feature a free meal for the whole family as well as music, games, raffle prizes, giveaways and a few surprises, the release said. Safe Kids Day is a project of Safe Kids Northwest Indiana, the LaPorte County Family Resource Center, Franciscan Health Crown Point and Franciscan Health Trauma Services along with event sponsors Cleveland-Cliffs, Geminus Regional Care Group, Helping Hands In-Home Care, HealthLinc and Strengthening Indiana Families Family Resource Center. The event is scheduled to take place at the LaPorte County Family Resource Center, 1232 W. Indiana 2 in LaPorte. Registration, which is required, is available by calling 219-488-1380. The Valparaiso Family YMCA Foundation recently announced the recipients of its 2025 Foundation Scholarships, awarding a total of $15,000 to fivel high school seniors from across Porter County, according to a release. Each student was awarded a $3,000 scholarship following a competitive application process based on academic achievement, leadership, service and embodiment of the YMCA's core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Scholarship recipients are: Kaitlin Shideler, Valparaiso High School; Kiera McConnell, Valparaiso High School; Giszelle Pfeiffer, Chesterton High School; Josephine Lemmons, Morgan Township High School; and Steven Larsen, Hebron High School. The Sylvan Learning Center recently opened at 1605 Adler Circle, Suite G, in Portage. The center, the 21st owned by Sarah Miller and Kent Kolbow across Indiana, Florida and Maryland, got its start in 2010 in Mishawaka. Under their leadership, the Mishawaka center grew from just a handful of students to hundreds served each year, the release said. Miller plans to bring that same dedication and leadership to the new Portage center. The team includes Carmen Barnes as the Portage director and support from experienced staff across the area, the release said. The location is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday. For information, email or call 219-841-9450. The curtain rises on a new era for the old school auditorium at 651 W. Morgan Ave. in Chesterton, thanks to a gift to the Duneland Family YMCA from the Chamberlain family, a release said. The donation will play a pivotal role in the structural renovation of the Duneland Family YMCA Healthy Living Campus's stage, while also propelling forward a renaissance in the fine arts culture, the release said. Every member of the Chamberlain family — including Mark Chamberlain and his three daughters Elizabeth, Leslie, and Taylor — has graced the stage that will be named in their honor, the release said. To learn more about the theater renovation and other upcoming project developments at the Duneland Family YMCA Healthy Living Campus, or to support the Duneland Family YMCA Capital Campaign, visit: The MAAC Foundation, in partnership with Porter County Career and Technical Center, recently graduated its seventh Fire and Rescue Academy class, a release said. The graduation ceremony took place at the Heroes' Hangout building on the MAAC Foundation First Responder Training Campus in Valparaiso. The Fire and Rescue High School Academy is designed to provide students with both the academic foundation and practical experience required for state certifications in fire and hazardous materials response, the release said. Members of the class include: Liam Arroyo, Hobart High School; Isabel Bartkus, Chesterton; High School; Dagan Blohm, Morgan Township High School; Jaden Bradburn, Hebron High School; Magdalena Chmura, Chesterton High School; Jessica Edwards, Valparaiso High School; Brockton Franzman, Hebron High School; Kallie Goins, Hebron High School; Kole Ketchum, Hobart High School; Connor McFadden, Kouts High School; Ethan Minchuk, Hobart High School; Ethan Ruckle, Valparaiso High School; Bryce Sartin, Chesterton High School; Deven Sippel, Hobart High School; Grant Timmons, Valparaiso High School; and Micah Wells, Hobart High School. Porter County Education Services has named Erin Hawkins as the new Executive Director for Special Education through a special service agreement between PCES and Valparaiso Community Schools, a release said. Hawkins currently serves as an Assistant Superintendent for Valparaiso Community Schools and will continue to be an employee of VCS while serving with PCES, which serves seven Porter County school corporations. Since 2019, Hawkins has led Student Support Services in Valparaiso including special education and social workers after beginning her career as an elementary teacher in 2001. Hawkins will begin the transition into the new position in June with a July 1 official start date.

Leadership with Heart: Four Pillars Awards Spotlight Changemakers in Halton
Leadership with Heart: Four Pillars Awards Spotlight Changemakers in Halton

Hamilton Spectator

time11-05-2025

  • Hamilton Spectator

Leadership with Heart: Four Pillars Awards Spotlight Changemakers in Halton

Outstanding Leaders The Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton (CCAH) hosted their annual Spring Soirée on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 6 p.m. at the OE Banquet and Conference Centre in Oakville, where they celebrated the recipients of the prestigious 2025 Four Pillars Awards. These awards recognize community members who embody the organization's core values of Education, Community, Culture, and Harmony. This year's honourees include Eileen Gallagher (Education), Curtis Ennis (Community), Dennis Scott (Culture), and Sergeant Keith Nakahara (Harmony). Introduced eighteen years ago during CCAH's 30th anniversary celebration, the Four Pillars Awards have since honoured individuals whose work and presence have positively shaped Halton's social and cultural landscape. Curtis Ennis, director of education for the Halton District School Board (HDSB), received the Community Pillar Award for his contributions beyond the scope of his role — a recognition he described as deeply meaningful. 'I won the Community Award from the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton. And it exemplifies those who have made a contribution to the Halton community beyond the scope of their work,' he shared. Ennis was joined at the celebration by a group of students, organized by Superintendent Aiman Flahat, from schools including M.M. Robinson and Dr. Frank J. Hayden. 'That was fantastic, to have students celebrating with me,' Ennis said. 'Also, to have some staff members and the vice-chair of the board there cheering — it meant a lot.' Reflecting on his philosophy of educational leadership, Ennis emphasized the importance of schools engaging with the broader community. 'I've always believed that schools and school boards should not be limited to the walls of the school or the school board. We are integral to the community at large, and we need to go beyond our borders to serve,' he said. Ennis's community involvement is far-reaching. 'I've contributed to fundraising for the United Way for a number of years. I've also done work for the Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser for the Oakville-based organization Home Suite Hope. I did the walk — it was a very cold night — and our team raised quite a few thousand dollars.' He also supports the Halton Learning Foundation and hosts an annual Director's Fundraiser, now in its second year. Beyond fundraising, Ennis actively supports organizations such as Halton Black Voices and the African Caribbean Council of Halton. His leadership, he says, is guided by a vision of kindness, connection, and community. 'One of the things I'm proud of is the 2024–2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan that the Board of Trustees passed. Included in that is a commitment to kindness, connection, and community,' he explained. 'I would like every student, every staff member, every member of the Halton community to think about how we can be ambassadors for kindness, how we can connect with and serve our communities. That's something I try to model.' Dionne Downer, newly appointed executive director of the CCAH, spoke about the significance of the awards and the community-driven selection process. 'A selection committee comprised of our Board of Directors reviews nominations put forward from the community. The Four Pillars are represented by our core values — it's what guides our work at CCAH,' said Downer. 'These awards highlight exceptional contributions in the areas of education, culture, community, and harmony.' Downer also noted the power of representation and civic engagement exemplified by this year's recipients. 'Seeing Director Ennis receive this award, presented by the superintendent, models civic engagement. It shows our youth what's possible when leaders reflect and serve their communities with intention,' says Downer. The 2025 CCAH Four Pillars Awards not only honour individual achievements but also underscore the strength of a community united by values, service, and vision. Congratulations to all the recipients for their outstanding contributions to Halton.

Earth Day celebration at Expo Center features fun, environmental awareness
Earth Day celebration at Expo Center features fun, environmental awareness

Chicago Tribune

time13-04-2025

  • Chicago Tribune

Earth Day celebration at Expo Center features fun, environmental awareness

Northwest Indiana's annual Earth Day celebration offered up 55 vendors at the Porter County Expo Center Saturday morning in celebration of the country's 55th anniversary of the creation of Earth Day. The mood was upbeat as families with young children and folks toting free saplings mingled among gorgeous rain barrels, electric vehicles, and exotic animals while live steel pan music filled the air. Nine-year-old Abbi Wegrzyn-Sanchez, of Valparaiso, was enjoying the live animal show with her mom and three siblings. 'I actually got super pumped,' she said after leaving the stage where she got to hold a young alligator. 'When I got on the stage, I didn't even expect he was going to pick me.' Across the room, Valparaiso High School seniors from the VHS Earth Awareness Club were offering face painting to add to the fun. The club conducts recycling at the school as well as projects in the community. Student Anthony Olivarez, who's heading to the University of Colorado Boulder as an environmental studies major this fall, said the club recently helped Meadowbrook Nature Preserve clean the seeds of native plant species for distribution. 'It's cool to see the youth,' said Keri Marrs-Baron, executive director of Porter County Recycling & Waste Reduction, which sponsors the celebration. She said food waste and plastic are the two biggest trends in the recycling world right now. Her office just started a residential food collection drive offered on Wednesdays at the Coffee Creek Farmers Market. Typical food compost items like vegetable scraps are welcome, but no bones or dairy. Down the hall in the kid zone, Boy Scout Troop 907 from First Christian Church in Valparaiso is helping children build birdhouses for bluebirds. 'It's great. I love it,' said eighth grader Christopher Szevery as he helped Memphis Rugg, a first-grader at Morgan Township Elementary School, build his birdhouse. Christopher said his troop has been preparing the materials for the past month. 'Not all of them are perfect,' he said. Memphis didn't mind. 'It's cool,' he said, saying he'd put the house 'maybe in my backyard.' The fair didn't just draw children. Ariel Bribiesca, of Valparaiso, was touring with her relatives on her day off from Pratt Industries, which makes boxes from 100% recycled paper pulp right next door to the Expo Center. Her grandma, Carmen Gonzalez, of Lowell, is a repeat visitor. She said last year she 'learned about those pods that you shouldn't use in your dishwasher because they don't disintegrate all the way.' Saturday, she collected a tick identification card. 'It was really interesting,' Gonzalez said. Even those who just wanted a good shop could do so with an array of suncatchers, jewelry and art made from recycled materials, and other eco-friendly goods such as Ink Forest Eco-Friendly Screen Printing. Owner Judy Mazzuca said she's the only woman-owned and Green America green-certified screenprinter in the country. 'The pigments are suspended in oil and they're melted on top, which is why they crack and peel,' she explained of traditional plastisol screen printing. 'You also need benzene to clean them off.' The PVC used is also a known endocrine disruptor. Water-based inks, by contrast, are suspended in water, which evaporates, leaving the ink infused into the fabric, she said. For those fired up to do something about environmental toxins, the Citizens' Climate Lobby was taking names. Gary Jump, a volunteer from Illinois, was hoping to reinvigorate the Northwest Indiana chapter, which has been without a chapter leader since last year. 'You've got to go for singles, not home runs all the time,' he said of the effort to garner more individual interest and 'get Congress to pass more legislation to deal with climate change.' Earth Day is on April 22 each year. For more information on its origin, go to

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