Post-Tribune

CHS team wins Olympiad state championship

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 11:59:56 -0500

Does it make you as happy as it does me when you read about all the neat young people in our county? So often the news is not the greatest to read with too many sad and bad things getting the headlines. But this past week had some mighty neat things going on. First of all, did you even know there was a Japanese Olympiad that includes speaking and listening to the language, knowing its culture and history, and kanji (the Chinese characters used by the Japanese language)? Competitors from Chesterton and Valparaiso High schools proved themselves worthy of the …

Boone Grove boys basketball team makes winning move

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 11:10:24 -0500

The Boone Grove boys basketball team members are winners in more ways than one. Their prowess on the basketball court certainly showed their work ethic, and helped them capture the sectional crown. Among the cheering fans, one young student was very special to the team, even including having some of them mention how much they have learned from him — not about basketball, but about life in living with and handling adversity every day. One young man noted, “Jake has made me a better person, and that made me a better player.” So what did these kids do that showed …

Recovering addict to speak at Frontline event

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 07:23:08 -0500

Frontline Foundations staff is committed to providing substance abuse treatment for young people ages 18 to 28 to help them conquer their monsters, and live a long and productive life. But it takes many dollars to accomplish that mission, so fundraisers are a part of Frontline’s promise to their neighbors in need. Next Saturday, March 16, there is one opportunity you might not want to miss. It is dinner at the Valparaiso University Harre Union with Christopher Kennedy Lawford, who is aggressively striving to promote activities supporting care and recovery through drug treatment for victims. This extremely vibrant young man, …

Prayer something worth standing up for

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 02:05:13 -0500

I have been reading, with interest, Jerry Davich’s columns on prayer at public meetings and a variety of other places. As someone who values the power of prayer, I rely on it every day multiple times. And, although I will always suggest to someone with emotional, health concerns, or family problems to talk to God, and although I believe that He is in charge of all things on Earth and the universe, I would hesitate to “force” my belief on anyone. However, I also feel that my personal faith is a gift from my parents, and would hope to pass …

Relay for Life event a happy celebration of hope

Thu, 23 May 2013 02:07:43 -0500

A big thank you to all of you who walked, contributed or cheered during the Relay for Life at Thomas Jefferson Middle School this past weekend. It is always a very special time for those touched by cancer, and the survivors walk is a goosebumper. The rain that fell in the 7 to 8 p.m. hour made me remember “Into each life a little rain must fall” so that we can appreciate the sunshine. This year, following the survivors lap, we were treated to dinner in the T.J. cafeteria, which was served by lovely ladies. Thank you to Elizabeth Manning …

Relay for Life unites us in cancer fight

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 07:18:21 -0500

This weekend, as our daughter Cheryl, her children and little grandchildren, her brother Mark and Barb and several friends are walking in her honor for breast cancer in Colorado, we will be walking with our daughter Carol and hundreds of others here in Valpo for the Relay for Life to honor cancer survivors and remember those who will forever be in our hearts. Although a thousand miles separate us, our hearts will be as one, and that’s what cancer walks and fundraisers are all about. Every year the survival rate is greater, and one more step into a complete cure …

Help keep kids well-fed this summer

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 13:57:23 -0500

Wow! Where did all this beautiful weather come from? These beautiful days it bring a promise of summer, when kids of all ages will be buzzing around on bikes, swinging at the parks and playing T-ball and baseball, and the sounds of children’s laughter will fill the air. But with summer comes some growling tummies, as many students who were enjoying breakfast and lunch at school will be going hungry. Did you know that the number of students who are on the free and reduced lunch program throughout our county continues to grow, because of our economic atmosphere? For example, …

Group aids those with Down syndrome

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 15:10:22 -0500

I think most of us, sometime in our lives, have dreamed of things we wanted to accomplish, and have envisioned the future we want to have. Some of us may have realized our dreams, and some of us may still not have fulfilled our dreams, and are still chasing them, never letting them go. The dreams parents have for their children can disappear very quickly when they are stunned with the words “Down syndrome.” But after the initial shock (which can last months), new dreams for their precious little one emerge. That had to be the beginning of, and the …

Pitch in to help your neighbors in need

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:32:57 -0500

Maybe by the middle of April, all the snow and cold weather will have disappeared. The Rebuilding Together Valparaiso board is sure hoping that, by April 20, the sun will be shining brightly and warmth will permeate the air. That is the workday for 20 projects, including everything from yard work, painting and home repairs to installing a new bathroom. Rebuilding Together assists the elderly, disabled and low-income families with much-needed repairs to their homes so that they are safe to live in. With their commitment to so many projects, many volunteers are needed. If you are willing and able, …

Accolades to winning Science Olympiad teams

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 07:33:41 -0500

It just keeps happening over and over again. Porter County young people keep reminding us of how awesome and focused they are. I have no doubt that, in the future, we will have some amazing scientists and researchers from our area. Indiana University Northwest hosted the elite Science Olympiad regional where 22 teams tried for the opportunity to advance to the state finals, which will be held March 16 at Indiana University in Bloomington. The top four teams at the high school level included three from our area. Valparaiso High School Team A, Chesterton High School and Michigan City High …

Show support for Valentines for Vets program

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 07:33:18 -0500

If you missed reading “Annie’s mailbox” last week, there is still time to do something special that will take little time, dollars or energy. You will be a real sweetheart to our hospitalized veterans when you let them know we care enough to support them, thank them, and tell them they are the best. The Valentines for Veterans program is a neat way to say thank you and put a smile on the faces of men and women who could use a boost from “strangers.” Just go to the Veterans Affairs website at www.va.gov to find the nearest VA facility’s …

Special Olympian invited to NBA All-Star Game

Sat, 02 Mar 2013 07:40:17 -0500

This past week was exciting for our Porter County Special Olympics in several ways. A letter for Abby Johnston said, “Congratulations! It is my great pleasure to inform you that you have been selected to participate in the 2013 NBA Cares Special Olympics Unified Sports Basketball Game at the 2013 NBA All-Star weekend, Feb. 15-17 in Houston.” What a super letter to a super young lady! Only 12 athletes worldwide were chosen for this awesome opportunity, and for one of them to be one of us is fantastic. They will be interacting with NBA players throughout the weekend, and even …

Love Your Neighborhood plans ‘Night of Love’

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 12:35:49 -0500

There are still many people who have loving hearts that are continuously helping others in a way that brings joy and God’s love. That is what South County Love Your Neighborhood is all about — caring about your neighbors. When you attend one of their super dinner and entertainment events, you will be hooked on the delicious homegrown food and delightful talent (also homegrown). These special events are fostered by the Hopewell Mennonite Church, with the Birky family a very integral part of the planning, cooking and entertainment. Make a date today with your favorite valentine, and join them for …

Winter Games ‘perfect’ for Special Olympians

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 13:54:28 -0500

It was raining this past Sunday as Lake and Porter County Special Olympic athletes packed their skis, snowboards and snowshoes to head to Perfect North Ski Area, south of Indianapolis in Lawerenceburg, to compete in the 2012 Winter Games. It wasn’t very cold, and there’s no snow to be seen anywhere, so why would we do that? When we passed the ski area on our way to Higher Ground YMCA camp, there was snow on the slopes! Cheers filled the bus, and everyone knew that our trip wasn’t a washout. On Monday, almost 200 athletes from all over Indiana converged …

Project generates electricity, income

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 07:23:28 -0500

Wow, it’s hard to believe it’s the second week of January, and we’re still not buried in snow, or even having below-normal temperatures. I honestly miss the snow, because it’s the only thing that makes winter pretty. If 60-degree weather came with the lack of the white stuff, it would be A-OK, but cloudy, cold, damp weather just makes our furnace run more. But the Porter County Career and Technical Center won’t have to worry about its electric bills being overwhelming. Their unique alternative energy project with rooftop solar panels is generating enough excess electricity to sell back to the …

Keep the Christmas spirit alive after holidays

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 15:42:37 -0500

The stockings are empty, the gifts have been unwrapped, the food has been devoured, and Christmas is over — or is it? All the preparations most of us make before Dec. 25, all the excitement and anticipation, all the giving, caring, loving, sharing can continue in our hearts and homes if we remember the joy we felt, the hugs we gave, the neverending smiles, and, yes, even the tears of remembering. There are, after all, 12 days of Christmas, according to the song! Looking around our table, listening to everyone talking at once, watching the little ones thrilled with a …

Shared poem helps relieve the pain of loss

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 15:46:20 -0500

No matter whether you are soft-hearted or tough, I doubt if there were many of us who did not react with shock and gut-wrenching sadness last week when 26 people were senselessly killed. At this time of year when we hear more joyous greetings and songs, suddenly there was heartache throughout our nation. Why little children? How do you survive as a parent? What could create such horror in a human being? The sadness for a whole town, and, yes, the sadness for anyone who has lost a loved one during this “happy time” can’t be erased. Regardless of your …

Purdue Varsity Glee Club concert tickets on sale

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 07:17:55 -0500

During the Christmas holidays, it seems wherever we go, whatever kind of store or business, there is music and singing filling the air. It is such a happy feeling, and probably makes most of us spend more time and money. Yet the joy it brings keeps smiles on our faces. As soon as Jan. 1 rolls around, though, it’s as if someone turns the electricity off, and no more music is heard. But there will be reason for you to delight in song in February, so keep those smiles going. The Valparaiso Kiwanis Club is proud to present the Purdue …