What's recently happened?
This month, Indiana Dunes State Park hosted its 26th annual sand sculpture contest. Each year, people enter into the competition and build a sculpture with a chance to win a gift card prize.
“My favorite thing about the sand sculptures is that you get to see families and that tradition of grandma and grandpa, little kids, and everyone working together and getting creative in this beautiful park. That’s always really special for me. We see some sculpture artists who have been coming for the last 15 years and make it an annual event for their families. Making those memories naturally is what makes it so special,” said Marie Laudeman, an interpretive naturalist of Indiana Dunes State Park.
The sand sculpture contest has over 10 state park volunteers who come together to help run the event. Each year, these volunteers search for which sand sculptures are the most funny, creative, and thematic. This year’s theme for the sculptures was “Games,” allowing artists to tap into childhood nostalgia.
The volunteers inspect the sculptures on the beach and choose their favorites for each category. There is an additional category that allows all visitors to participate in voting, which is the People’s Choice Award. People disclose their favorite sculptures for both youth and adults to staff members. After the voting concludes, the staff hands out gift card prizes to the winners.
Mother-son duo Cathy and Brandon Sams worked together to create a sand sculpture version of the beloved board game “Hungry Hungry Hippos.” To get inspiration, Cathay Sams took to Facebook, asking for ideas and ultimately choosing a fulfilling challenge.
With this being the duo’s fourth year, they have some experience under their belts. Two years ago, the pair won with a sculpture of a manatee family. Last year’s competition brought the pair victory after they fashioned a fat cat alongside a fish bone. This year’s “Hungry Hungry Hippos” sculpture has helped them win the People’s Choice Award and a winning streak of three years.
“We’ve been playing in the sand since Brandon was a little boy. It’s a great day for me to hang out with him, and my granddaughters,” Cathy Sams said.
The annual contest is a great time to participate in the local community, soak up the sun, and appreciate the Dunes.
“We’re thankful for the friends of Indiana Dunes who have supported it all 26 years,” said Laudeman.
What's coming up?
School is just around the corner! Classrooms in Duneland School Corporation will fill up starting August 16, and students and staff will begin another school year. For all high school students, the start of the year can be a nerve-wracking time, especially for those entering their senior year.
“I am very excited but also stressed for senior year. I cannot wait for my senior year and am excited to meet new people and have new experiences, but thinking about going to college in one year scares me. I’m ready to leave high school and go into the ‘real world,’ but at the same time, I’m not ready at all. I know this year is going to teach me so much, and I’m ready for all of it,” Brynn Wysong, an incoming senior, said.
With summer break coming to a close, students will be preparing for their return. For incoming and returning high school students, this school year will be a fresh start, with clubs to join and friends to make.
Incoming seniors will begin applying for colleges and searching for post-high school opportunities. Senior year is an exciting time and is a great year to make memories.
“I am most excited about all the fun activities that come with senior year like Senior Skip Day, Senior Sunrise, and Decision Day,” Wysong said.
Best of luck to all students as they embark on new academic adventures.
Community member spotlight:
Heather Chaddock is the executive director at Westchester Public Library (WPL).
As the executive director, Chaddock works under the direction and guidance of the library’s board of trustees. She develops and coordinates the work of the library and staff as well as executes responsibilities pertaining to budgets and personnel, security, building maintenance, and collection development. Chaddock ensures that the library is up to date with different policies set out by the board in addition to federal and state law.
Originally from Tinley Park, Illinois, Chaddock came to the area to study English and theatre at Valparaiso University, where she went on to earn her bachelor’s degree. She also received a master’s degree in library science from Dominican University. After several years, Chaddock was presented an opportunity to move back to Northwest Indiana with her husband and two children.
Chaddock has spent a great deal of time within libraries and has always held a deep love for reading and writing. Prior to her time at WPL, she worked at the La Porte County Public Library but came to be a Children’s Librarian at WPL in 2014.
In her free time, Chaddock enjoys spending time with her family at the beach, taking day trips to Chicago, and being active in local theater. Chaddock is currently directing “Annie Jr.” which is partnering with Valparaiso’s Boys & Girls Club, Memorial Opera House, and the Penguin Project.
“Penguin Project productions are unique because all of the roles are filled by young artists with developmental differences including Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, and other neurological disorders or physical impairments. They are joined on stage by a dedicated group of ‘peer mentors,’ which are typically-developing children who have volunteered to work side-by-side with them through four months of rehearsals and through the final performance. It has been an awesome, joyful experience so far - come see our shows September 24 and 25,” Chaddock said.
Theatre and books alike have the power to change someone’s life. Sometimes, we read a book or see a show that expresses what we feel. We grow with characters who go on great journeys and adventures and overcome things we deal with daily. For Chaddock, the book “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” by Betty Smith was one that resonated with her at a young age.
“It was one of those ‘right books at the right time’ when I read it as a 12-year-old. I identified with many of the main character's struggles in her life, and it helped me wrap my head around both the bigness and smallness of each person's impact on their family, community, and the world. I'm probably due for a re-read,” Chaddock said.
Chaddock’s day-to-day life in the library is varied, however, she often meets with the maintenance manager to discuss options about upkeep proposals, finds waivers for different programs, and answers emails. She also spends time finding projects for local history majors to work on for their internships at the Westchester Township History Museum. Her efforts in creating a space for the community are greatly appreciated, as people can continue to utilize and support the library and its services.
“I think Westchester Public Library is extra special because of our welcoming, curious, hard-working staff. They want to help you find the answers to your questions, and hopefully have some fun along the way,” Chaddock said.
Libraries are a special institution that serve as a safe haven, place of learning, and a place where people can make memories. Different programs and services are available through libraries, proving how vital they are not only to Chesterton but to society as a whole.
“I have had so many wonderful moments, but one that I will always treasure was at our first Toddler Prom program. We encouraged caregivers and their 2-3 year olds to dress up and join us for a dance party at the Baugher Center. I have a vivid memory of a Marine in his dress blues carrying his little girl in a pink dress around the dance floor. It was magical,” Chaddock said.
Chaddock’s favorite part of her job is hearing library patrons talk to staff members about specific movies or books they enjoyed, especially children because of their perspectives. Getting exposed to different media at a young age can help foster a strong sense of curiosity and opinions. Libraries are places where you can learn about ages past, explore new ideas, and gain a greater insight into the world around us.
“Libraries are for everyone - even you, even your annoying neighbor, even the coolest person you know. We are here to provide access to information, education, and enjoyment. Come visit us! Stay awhile! And then come back again. We will always be happy to see you, and happy to help,” Chaddock said.