In times of struggle, we can always turn to our community to be reminded of all the good happening around us. Throughout 2021, that community was stronger than ever. Whether it was grabbing a friend to run a 5K with you, appreciating front-line workers, fundraising for countless amazing organizations, or celebrating the small stories of success that make our communities the special places that they are, there was a lot of good to go around this year.
In no particular order, here are the top 10 community articles from Valpo.Life in 2021:
Valparaiso University hosts inauguration ceremony to celebrate and officially welcome President José D. Padilla
In a traditional ceremony with faculty, family, and students present, Valparaiso University inaugurated it’s 19th president.
José D. Padilla was formerly Vice President of the University of Colorado System and served 15 years in leadership roles at DePaul University in Chicago. Padilla started his career in law and eventually found his passion in serving his country and students in higher education. He was a public service advocate in Washington D.C., served as a legislative assistant to U.S. Senator Lloyd Bentsen, and was a senior political appointee in the Clinton Administration.
Indiana Beverage partners with local businesses to give back to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital
For almost 30 years, Indiana Beverage has partnered with its local Indiana retailers to raise money for charity. Indiana Beverage, Coors Light, and their retail partners have long been recognized as top fundraisers within the Coors Light network. Overcoming obstacles due to raising money during a pandemic, the Coors Light network surpassed expectations. In Northwest Indiana, $74,672.48 was raised for various causes, up 18% from last year! Indiana Beverage attributes the success to the passion of its sales teams and charitable local retailers.
Strack & Van Til receives Disabled American Veterans award for fundraising efforts
Looking around the Strack & Van Til headquarters lobby, visitors know that the company is doing great things in many communities.
Several plaques and awards are on display as a quiet reminder that Strack & Van Til cares for the community in significant ways. The public is often unaware of the donations made by the company and employees, but the lives that are impacted are a true testament.
Valparaiso Bike Bash was a bashing success followed by the night ride
Citizens of Valparaiso and surrounding towns grabbed their brightest lights and decorated their bicycle for the 2021 Valparaiso Night Ride that was held by Valpo Parks.
Bikers from around the community met, checked in, and registered in the pavilion in Central Park Plaza and picked up their t-shirt, lights for their bike and themselves, and a map of the route as well.
Former Vikettes Head Coach and Athletic Director Secretary Ann Nellessen remembered for her positivity, happiness, and kind soul
On Saturday, August 28, former Head Coach of the Vikettes at Valparaiso High School Anna Louise Nellessen passed away peacefully.
Nellessen was a high school graduate from New Castle High School and later graduated from Indiana University with a degree in interior design and fashion merchandising. She used this degree in her time as a talented seamstress, often showing her designs at the local 4-H fairs.
Horticulturists of Valpo Parks: get to know about those who keep the scenery in Valparaiso looking beautiful
When you drive down Route 30, through downtown, or even past the street you live on, you can see the beautiful scenery that is blooming all around the City of Valparaiso. This is all thanks to the horticulturists who work within the city limits and serve the Valparaiso Parks Department.
VNA’s Groovy Stroll gives families a happy way to remember
On Sunday, community members in Valparaiso gathered downtown in front of the stage and under the pavilion to ready themselves for VNA of Northwest Indiana’s Annual Stroll fundraiser. This year was the Groovy Stroll, celebrating the 50-ish years of service from VNA of NWI.
Team Chevrolet of Valparaiso donates $10,000 for American Heart Association in memory of former employee
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. It can impact anyone, at any time, seemingly out of nowhere. Team Chevrolet of Valparaiso felt that heartbreak personally when one of their employees, Ronnie Howell, died of a sudden heart attack in 2019.
McAfee Animal Hospital’s Dr. Brooke McAfee continues her longtime partnership with Independent Cat Society, providing cats care and love
While the Region is home to incredible nonprofits and shelters that provide animals care and a home, not many cater specifically to cats and kittens. Independent Cat Society (ICS), a nonprofit located in Westville, has filled that gap for homeless cats in need for over 40 years, and since 2011, McAfee Animal Hospital’s very own Dr. Brooke McAfee has provided much-needed supplemental support in order for the nonprofit to continue its important work.
Through the holidays and year-round, Lakeshore PAWS accepts donations and more
Joy, warmth, and togetherness are words that come to mind during the holidays, but with an increase of pet neglect and even abuse, the holidays can leave dogs feeling sad, cold, and alone. While they work year-round to fight for the wellbeing of dogs, Lakeshore PAWS gets even more dogs around the holidays that are in need of help.