What’s recently happened?
The St. Joseph County Fair was back in town from June 30 to July 8 with food, rides, games, and fun! Established in 1841, the 4-H Fair has been an annual tradition for families and friends to come together for a good time. The fairgrounds are on the south side of St. Joseph county off of Jackson Road in South Bend.
The 4-H Fair offers a variety of activities and enterprises for everyone. With an abundance of rides, different activities such as auctions and truck shows, and deliciously fried food, people are sure to find something that they enjoy.
April Hamel, a member of South Bend, grew up with the 4-H Fair program and even started her kids in it as well. Hamel likes that the program allows for kids to create goals and work towards the completion of them in various ways.
Hamel also stated that the adult volunteers are a big part of why the 4-H program is so successful. The amount of effort that everyone puts into their community is what makes the 4-H program such an inviting and positive space.
“The kids love so many aspects of the program, but most of all they love being part of the community of other young people and families, all while making and solidifying friendships,” said Hamel.
The 4-H Fair also offers a chance for students to show off their talents. The program allows students from third grade to 12th grade to complete hands-on projects in all areas of interest with a positive environment to help lead the student into a field of discovery. The 4-H program encourages independence and leadership as well as teaching time management and creativity.
“The 4-H program has been a really encouraging and positive experience for me. I have learned lots of life skills, and it’s fun!” said 4-H Program Member Mary Glenn.
Glenn hopes to continue with 4-H through high school and endeavors to earn a scholarship for college. The program also provides camps and other opportunities to visit and learn at Purdue University.
What’s coming up?
On Saturday, July 22, John Adams High School will be hosting the 2023 Kids Triathlon. The Kids Triathlon offers a healthy competition and entertaining activity for all kids ages 5 to 14 in Northern Indiana, with an admissions fee of $30. The triathlon consists of a 50 yard swim, a 1.3 mile bike ride, and a 1⁄2 mile run in Potawatomi Park.
After the event, there will be numerous activities inside Adams’ track, as well as an opportunity to meet and talk with other racers, and an awards ceremony for the top winners of each age division. All proceeds will benefit South Bend Venues Parks and Arts (VPA) Youth Scholarship program.
“VPA encourages youth to come out and get active this summer! Every child who crosses the finish line on July 22 will receive a custom medal in honor of their accomplishments,” said Rachael Zeiger, manager of special events at South Bend VPA.
The triathlon is a great opportunity to be more active in the community and allows children to meet new people and learn the benefits about staying active.
Community member spotlight:
James “Jim” Spier was born and raised on the west side of South Bend, attending LaSalle High School, and Indiana University Bloomington (IU). After college, Spier chose to remain in South Bend in order to live near his family and friends.
Spier remarks on his wonderful childhood and the memories that he holds with him till this day, including playing with neighborhood kids and spending time outside. He recalls summer weekends playing Little League baseball and trips to his family’s lake cottage.
“Some of my favorite high school memories are Friday night football games and hanging out afterwards with friends and teammates,” Spier said.
Working for 32 years at Mishawaka High School, Spier taught Earth science as well as coached junior high football and sponsored an environmental club.
“I would hope that, during my career, I was able to help young people in a variety of ways – not just academically but by being there for them if they needed someone to talk to, providing encouragement and support.” Spier said. “I loved teaching Earth science and hope that my students gained an appreciation for our amazing plant and the natural world. My years in the classroom allowed me to meet some amazing people, and I am proud to call them my friends.”
Spier is also involved in several environmental and conservation organizations. Spier served as Director of Education for South Bend/Elkhart Audubon Society for many years. He also began leading nature walks at Lydick Bog Nature Preserve in South Bend. South Bend is home to numerous nature preserves, county parks, and a state park that are ideal for exploring.
“I spend almost every morning at one of these properties and have met many people that share my love of birds and nature,” Spier said. “We consider ourselves to be a community within a community.”
In addition to the wonderful natural areas, Spier enjoys spending his time at the other quality places that his community has to offer, including Studebaker Museum, festivals, and a minor league baseball stadium.
“My wife and I enjoy attending summer events like ‘Meet Me in the Garden’ and South Bend Cubs games,” said Spier.