If there’s one word that could be used to describe the people, places, feelings, experiences, things, and overall vibe of the Region, it’d be community. Our individual, collective, and shared communities are what make our Region so special, and in 2022, we published a lot of content surrounding communities.
Whether it was making kids smile, bringing awards to the most deserving, hard-working people, volunteering for a cause we care about, celebrating what it means to be together, or anything in between, we all felt a sense of community this year in one way or another.
In no particular order, here are the top 10 community articles on LaPorteCounty.Life to recap the good news in 2022!
City of La Porte is Indiana’s best-kept secret
Happy residents, excellent schools, affordable housing, beautiful natural resources, and plenty of family-friendly amenities are often-cited factors of the best communities in Indiana, but some of the best communities are hidden gems waiting to be discovered. La Porte is one such gem, and for those who live there, it’s Indiana’s best kept secret.
“We have the lakes and the trails that differentiate us from everyone else in the state. We are building on it, and we are becoming a healthier community,” said Mayor Tom Dermody. “People are excited, and they want to make a difference.”
American RENOLIT promotes positive environmental practices for Earth Day
At American RENOLIT, Earth Day is only one day of a year-round effort to create a more sustainable atmosphere in La Porte. This year, in collaboration with the 2022 Earth Day theme “invest in the planet,” the company invested in the education of environmentally friendly practices.
In a note to the employees from the company President, Nils Dietz, he stated “We have the desire to each day do a little better than the day before. Our actions now are an investment into our future, as not only a company, but as citizens of the Earth.”
La Porte Civic Auditorium renovations keep the legacy and spirit of community alive
Since its grand opening in 1930, the La Porte Civic Auditorium, more affectionately known as “the Civic,” has been a community staple for events ranging from birthday parties to national basketball tournaments. With over 47,000 people coming through the building in 2021 alone, the Civic continues to fill a need within the community for a place to gather and share in celebration and friendship.
“In 2021 we had over 47,000 people come through the building. The building was used 185 times for Parks and Recreation Department programs such as pottery, ceramics, ballroom dancing, yoga, barre class, etc., and it was used 152 times by the City of La Porte for events such as COVID testing, blood drives, food drive giveaways, and COVID vaccination clinics,” said La Porte Events and Civic Director Brett Binversie.
La Porte County Family YMCA Triathlon promotes community and fitness
The LaPorte County Family YMCA Triathlon is an annual tradition. Participants around the Region ran, swam, and biked at Stone Lake Beach. Individuals and teams competed from ages 12 to 75.
“The triathlon is the longest-running triathlon in the state of Indiana. It's our 42nd year running. It actually was given to us 33 years ago by another group that felt the Y was the best to handle the event,” said Laurie Halaska, CEO of LaPorte County Family YMCAs.
Healthcare Foundation of La Porte fights to raise awareness with Safe Sleep Month Kickoff Event
So many tragic things happen in our communities every single day, but organizations like Healthcare Foundation of La Porte (HFL) actively fight to make our communities safer, healthier places.
October is Safe Infant Sleep Month, and to help initiate the month of awareness, HFL and its Partners for Healthier Babies Council (PHB) held a kickoff event on Thursday, September 29. More than 50 community leaders and members gathered to share information and learn about safe sleeping habits for babies so that they could go out into the community and make a difference.
Unity Foundation of La Porte County releases their annual report to celebrate 30 years
To celebrate its 30th year, the Unity Foundation of La Porte County has released its 2020-2021 annual report.
The report highlights the numerous accomplishments the Foundation has achieved over the years that have made a tremendous impact on the La Porte County community.
Goodwill Industries of Michiana uses generous $10 million gift to make an impact in local communities
As news broke of the philanthropic donations made by MacKenzie Scott, former wife of Amazon founder, Jeff Bezos, local Goodwill Industries of Michiana went on a “Listening Tour '' to hear how best to use its generous 10-million-dollar gift from Scott.
For some backstory, Scott, one of the wealthiest women alive, divorced Jeff Bezos in 2019 and received about $38 billion in the settlement. She has, in the short time since, stunned the world with her unique philanthropic tactics, giving away extraordinary amounts of money without the typical guidelines and restriction donors often require from recipients. In less than a year, Scott has given away more than $8.5 billion, stating that the money will help people who have been historically underfunded and overlooked.
The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, Lindenwood Retreat and Conference Center help community members find a peaceful setting in Northwest Indiana
Residents of Marshall County and Northwest Indiana in need of a peaceful and natural setting for a retreat or conference should look no further than the Lindenwood Retreat and Conference Center in Plymouth, Indiana.
As a ministry of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, Lindenwood offers people a place to retreat and participate in a group setting or as an individual to do inner work on pondering, prayer, reflection, journaling, and more. Lindenwood works with church groups and individuals looking to work toward their best selves.
Paladin’s Boat Ride and Community Event continues to touch hundreds of hearts
The 2022 Paladin Boat Ride and Community Event touched many people’s lives on Friday, August 12, where many gathered to enjoy an afternoon of fun. After enjoying a beautiful, sunny boat ride, everyone had a great time mingling, eating delicious food, and rocking out to live music.
The Paladin Boat Ride and Community Event started 23 years ago after charter captains Steve Kreighbaum and Mike Hambel found out about some charter captains holding a boat ride on Lake Erie. They were immediately touched and wanted to do something similar for their community.
Family Advocates hosts Second Annual Battle of the Badges Tournament
The cracks of plastic bats against Wiffle balls sounded as emergency workers from both Michigan City and La Porte filled the scene at La Porte’s Cummings Lodge T-ball Field. Inspired by the Guns & Hoses Foundation of North Texas, Family.
Advocates hosted its second annual Wiffle Ball Tournament. The sports event acted as a fundraiser for Family Advocates, an agency focusing on assisting families and children in at-risk situations.