2009-10 | IMAGESCROWNPOINT.COM ®
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CROWN POINT, INDIANA
NO ROOM FOR COUCH POTATOES Parks, lakes and golf courses provide plenty of places to play
EXTRA CREDIT Partnership with universities benefits high school students
What’s s e Online Video tour of historic sheriff’s house and jail
Happy 175th! City’s birthday bash reflects on past, envisions future
SPONSORED BY THE GREATER CROWN POINT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
2009-10 EDITION | VOLUME 9 ®
CROWN POINT, INDIANA CO NTE NT S
CROWN POINT BUSINESS
F E AT U R E S
24 Biz Briefs 25 Chamber Report
10 HAPPY 175TH! Crown Point’s birthday bash reflects on the city’s past while envisioning the future.
14 NO ROOM FOR COUCH POTATOES Parks, lakes and golf courses provide plenty of places to play.
26 Economic Profile
D E PA R TM E NT S 6 Almanac: a colorful sampling of Crown Point’s culture
20 Portfolio: people, places and
18 GOOD EATS COME FULL CIRCLE The Circle Restaurant on the square serves up a myriad of menu items, from traditional to contemporary.
events that define Crown Point
27 Health & Wellness 29 Sports & Recreation 30 Arts & Culture
28 EXTRA CREDIT Crown Point High School’s partnership with local universities benefits its students.
31 Community Profile: facts, stats and important numbers to know
All or part of this magazine is printed with soy ink on recycled paper containing 10% post-consumer waste.
ON THE COVER Cedar Lake Staff Photo
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hree beautiful meeting rooms that are the newest and nicest in the area. Clearly the prestigious new address for small to medium groups up to 200 people theatre style and 130 banquet style. Complimentary high-speed Internet throughout all meeting rooms and public spaces. Certified Chef Glennard Brooks on staff for all meals and menus. Book your next meeting or holiday event now, while space is still available!
r HVFTU SPPNT TVJUFT FBDI XJUI – Complimentary wired and wireless highspeed Internet access and secure, remote printing to the complimentary 24-hour business center
– Hospitality center with microwave, refrigerator and coffee maker – USA TODAYŽ delivered each weekday morning – Self-adjusting Garden Sleep SystemŽ bed – Large work desk with convenient desk-level outlets, adjustable lighting and ergonomic MirraŽ chair by Herman Miller – 32� high-definition, flat-tube TV with On-Demand movies, video games and complimentary HBOŽ – Innovative, easy-to-set alarm clock radio with adaptor for portable music player r (SFBU "NFSJDBO (SJMM¥ GPS CSFBLGBTU EJOOFS BOE FWFOJOH SPPN TFSWJDF r $P[Z 1BWJMJPO -PVOHF XJUI GJSFQMBDF
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CROWN POINT, INDIANA
What’s On Online nl
SENIOR EDITOR JESSY YANCEY COPY EDITOR JOYCE CARUTHERS ASSOCIATE EDITORS LISA BATTLES, SUSAN CHAPPELL STAFF WRITERS CAROL COWAN, KEVIN LITWIN CONTRIBUTING WRITERS LAURA HILL, MICHAELA JACKSON, JOE MORRIS DATA MANAGER CHANDRA BRADSHAW INTEGRATED MEDIA MANAGER DAVID MOSCOWITZ SALES SUPPORT MANAGER CINDY HALL SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER BRIAN McCORD STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS JEFF ADKINS, TODD BENNETT, ANTONY BOSHIER, IAN CURCIO, J. KYLE KEENER PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECT MANAGER ANNE WHITLOW CREATIVE DIRECTOR KEITH HARRIS ASSOCIATE PRODUCTION DIRECTOR CHRISTINA CARDEN PRODUCTION PROJECT MANAGERS MELISSA BRACEWELL, KATIE MIDDENDORF, JILL WYATT SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS LAURA GALLAGHER, KRIS SEXTON, CANDICE SWEET, VIKKI WILLIAMS LEAD DESIGNER JANINE MARYLAND GRAPHIC DESIGN ERICA HINES, ALISON HUNTER, JESSICA MANNER, AMY NELSON, MARCUS SNYDER WEB DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR BRIAN SMITH WEB IMPLEMENTATION DIRECTOR ANDY HARTLEY WEB DESIGN DIRECTOR FRANCO SCARAMUZZA WEB PROJECT MANAGER YAMEL RUIZ
OLD SHERIFF’S HOUSE AND JAIL
WEB DESIGN CARL SCHULZ WEB PRODUCTION JENNIFER GRAVES COLOR IMAGING TECHNICIAN TWILA ALLEN AD TRAFFIC MARCIA MILLAR, PATRICIA MOISAN, RAVEN PETTY
Learn about restoration efforts at the historic Old Sheriff’s House and Jail used in the filming of Public Enemies starring Johnny Depp. Watch this and other quick videos in the Interactive section.
CHAIRMAN GREG THURMAN PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER BOB SCHWARTZMAN EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT RAY LANGEN
RELOCATION
SR. V.P./CLIENT DEVELOPMENT JEFF HEEFNER SR. V.P./SALES CARLA H. THURMAN
Considering a move to this community? We can help. Use our Relocation Tools to discover tips, including how to make your move green, advice about moving pets and help with booking movers.
SR. V.P./OPERATIONS CASEY E. HESTER V.P./SALES HERB HARPER V.P./SALES TODD POTTER V.P./VISUAL CONTENT MARK FORESTER V.P./EDITORIAL DIRECTOR TEREE CARUTHERS V.P./CUSTOM PUBLISHING KIM NEWSOM MANAGING EDITOR/BUSINESS BILL McMEEKIN MANAGING EDITOR/COMMUNITY KIM MADLOM PRODUCTION DIRECTOR NATASHA LORENS PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR JEFFREY S. OTTO CONTROLLER CHRIS DUDLEY ACCOUNTING MORIAH DOMBY, DIANA GUZMAN, MARIA McFARLAND, LISA OWENS RECRUITING/TRAINING DIRECTOR SUZY WALDRIP DISTRIBUTION DIRECTOR GARY SMITH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR YANCEY TURTURICE IT SERVICE TECHNICIAN RYAN SWEENEY HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER PEGGY BLAKE SALES SUPPORT RACHAEL GOLDSBERRY SALES/MARKETING COORDINATOR RACHEL MATHEIS EXECUTIVE SECRETARY/SALES SUPPORT KRISTY DUNCAN OFFICE MANAGER SHELLY GRISSOM
PHOTOS We’ve added even more prize-winning photography to our online gallery. To see these spectacular photos, click on Photo Gallery.
RECEPTIONIST LINDA BISHOP
CU S TO M M AG A Z INE M ED I A
Images Crown Point is published annually by Journal Communications Inc. and is distributed through the Greater Crown Point Chamber of Commerce and its member businesses. For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal Communications Inc. at (615) 771-0080 or by e-mail at info@jnlcom.com. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Greater Crown Point Chamber of Commerce Old Courthouse Square • Suite 206 Crown Point, IN 46307 Phone: (219) 663-1800 • Fax: (219) 663-1989 www.crownpointguide.com
FACTS & STATS Go online to learn even more about: • Schools • Health care
LOCAL FLAVOR
• Utilities
Comfort any hungry appetite with a meal from The Circle Restaurant on the square. Get a taste of local flavor in our food section.
• Parks • Taxes
VISIT IMAGES CROWN POINT ONLINE AT IMAGESCROWNPOINT.COM ©Copyright 2009 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent. Member
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ABOUT THIS MAGAZINE Images gives readers a taste of what makes Crown Point tick – from business and education to sports, health care and the arts. “Find the good – and praise it.”
– Alex Haley (1921-1992), Journal Communications co-founder
Member Greater Crown Point Chamber of Commerce
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Partners in Academia In search of easy access to higher education? Look no further than Crown Point’s Purdue-Calumet Academic Learning Center, a satellite of Purdue University Calumet’s Hammond campus. Thanks to an innovative partnership between Purdue and Indiana University Northwest, both schools hold classes at the facility. Students from either institution can take courses from the other at the center and receive credit at their home school. The 48,000-square-foot facility, which opened in 2005, features multimedia-equipped classrooms, a fitness center, computer labs, video conferencing capabilities and a resource center. The Academic Learning Center is located on the grounds of the master-planned, mixed-use technology park, AmeriPlex at the Crossroads.
Fork It Overr Hungry? No matter what you’re craving, your ur appetite is sure to be satiated during the annual ual Taste of Crown Point, which hich turns 25 in 2009. Held on the courthouse se grounds, the two-day event vent gives residents a chance e to sample cuisine from local al restaurants. The Taste is s part of Hometown Festival Days, s, which incorporates multiple events vents over a period of two-and-a-half lf weeks in late June and early July.
To Market, to Market Everything is as fresh as a summer breeze on warm Saturday mornings at the Crown Point Farmers’ Market. Vendors sell a variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs‚ baked goods‚ eggs‚ meats and cheeses, as well as potted plants, flowers, organic soaps, candles, and other arts and crafts. A live cooking demonstration, forum on food and nutrition, and tips from master gardeners are some of the events planned for 2009. The market is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Saturday from June through the second week of October on South Main between Hack and Walnut streets‚ one block south of the Old Courthouse Square.
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Almanac
Fast Facts F Q Two Crown Point elementary schools, e Solon Robinson S and Dwight D. a Eisenhower, have E received four-star re school awards sc from the Indiana fr Department of D Education. E Q Held at the entrance of the Lake e County Fairgrounds, C the Cobe Cup th Celebration honors C the first Cobe Cup th in 1909, which may have been the first car race in the state.
Making a Splash Without a doubt, the coolest place to be in Crown Point is Deep River Waterpark. Open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, the water destination underwent a $12 million expansion in 2006 and now features slides, rides, beach volleyball, a sand play area, a wave pool and a watery version of Crown Point’s distinctive old courthouse. The park also offers concessions, but it’s known throughout Chicagoland as the only cooler-friendly waterpark around. As popular as it is in the summer, Deep River Waterpark features frozen fun in the wintertime, too, by offering outdoor ice skating from late November through February.
It’s Hip To Be (on the) Square Solon Robinson‚ Crown Point’s founder‚ once resided at the address. Later‚ the location was home to a landmark community gymnasium. Today, On the Square Sports Academy occupies the historic building at 105 N. Court St. downtown. Following major upgrades, the academy opened in 2005, originally as an indoor facility for Crown Point’s baseball and softball players to hone their skills during the chilly off-season. Today, the gym has become a popular destination for sports organizations of all sorts – including soccer, basketball, volleyball and beanbag – as well as a venue for live e performances by musicians and the Crown Point Community Theatre, which moved to On the Square in 2007.
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Q Astronaut Jerry L. Ross, who shares the record for most spaceflights, hails from Crown Point. Q On a clear day, you can see the Chicago skyline from the top of the old Lake County Courthouse, which was constructed in 1878. Q From 1915 to 1940, Crown Point had no waiting period for marriage licenses, with celebrities such as Rudolph Valentino and Muhammad Ali taking advantage of the law.
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Now Showing in Our Video Gallery
Sit back and enjoy a preview of Crown Point amenities. Explore its landscapes, cultural offerings, food and fun. See its downtown, neighborhoods, parks and attractions. Experience the history, hot spots and local happenings. Crown Point is rated L for Livability
imagescrownpoint.com
Almanac
Let’s Go Bulldogs!
The New Old Sheriff’s House One of the nation’s most infamous jails is getting a face-lift. The former Lake County Jail garnered national attention when notorious gangster John Dillinger escaped from there in 1934. The jail connects to the Old Sheriff’s House. The Old Sheriff’s House Foundation works to raise money to restore the 1882 structure. Parts were renovated in 2008 when Universal Studios used the building to film scenes for Public Enemies, a 2009 movie starring Johnny Depp as Dillinger. On Saturday mornings from April to October, the foundation gives tours of the home that cost $5 for adults and $2 for children ages 6 to 12. All proceeds go toward renovation efforts.
Crown Point High School has plenty to cheer about. For the first time in history, the school’s wrestling team won the IHSAA Team State Championship in 2009, the same year Coach Scott Vlink celebrated his 30th year as head coach. Three student wrestlers also captured state championship titles in their individual divisions. The Bulldogs and Lady ’Dogs swim teams also went to their state meet, bringing back four medals between them. On top of that, the high school’s dance team placed second in pom and fourth in kick at the 2009 National Dance Team Championship, while the cheerleading squad finished ninth in their national competition.
Crown Point At A Glance POPULATION (2007 ESTIMATE) Crown Point: 23,909 Lake County: 492,104 LOCATION Crown Point is in northwestern Indiana, 45 miles southeast of Chicago and 145 miles north of Indianapolis. BEGINNINGS Crown Point was founded in 1834 when Solon Robinson and his family staked claim to a tract of prairie land, becoming the area’s first settlers. The community was incorporated in 1868. FOR MORE INFORMATION Greater Crown Point Chamber of Commerce One Courthouse Square, Suite 206 P.O. Box 343 Crown Point, IN 46307 Phone: (219) 663-1800 Fax: (219) 663-1989 www.crownpointguide.com
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Ch C hicago 94 9 4
East Chicago
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Gary 80 9 94
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Hobart Valparaiso V lpa s Merrillville Winfield
Crown Point Cedar Lake
P O R TE R
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LAKE
What’s Online e Take a virtual tour of Crown Point, courtesy of our award-winning photographers, at imagescrownpoint.com.
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HAPPY
175th!
CITY’S BIRTHDAY BASH REFLECTS ON PAST, ENVISIONS FUTURE
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STORY BY CAROL COWAN
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hroughout 2009, the city of Crown Point is celebrating its 175th anniversary. Known as the hub of Lake County, this forward-looking community still retains a quality of place deeply rooted in a distinctive past. The city boasts historic landmarks such as the iconic Old Lake County Courthouse – today a bustling retail, office and cultural venue and a focal point of the community. The building brims with vibrant stories of bygone days, such as those about the years from 1915 to 1940, when couples – including celebrities Rudolph Valentino, Joe DiMaggio and others – poured into town for no-wait, Las Vegas-style weddings, earning Crown Point the nickname “The Marriage Mill.”
Here’s to the Years “Lake County was really the foundation of growth for the entire area, and people here are still very connected to that heritage,” says Mayor David Uran. Gayle Van Sessen, executive director of the Greater Crown Point Chamber of Commerce, echoes the mayor’s sentiments. “The city of Crown Point is very unique in comparison to surrounding communities,” she says. “Over the years, we’ve been able to keep our connections with our past alive.” In January 2009, the city kicked off the yearlong celebration with the opening of a 25-year-old time capsule and the unveiling of a 175th anniversary logo. The event was held at the Maki Ballroom inside the courthouse. “The unveiling was very dramatic,” says Jennifer Young, the city’s special
Left: The Old Lake County Courthouse PHOTO BY TODD BENNETT Above: Mayor David Uran, second from left, Rep. Shelli VanDenburgh, center, and 200 others attended the celebration where Crown Point’s anniversary logo was unveiled.
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1834 Solon Robinson and his family become the first settlers in what’s now Crown Point
1868 Crown Point is incorporated as a city
1878 Construction begins on the Lake County Courthouse that still stands today
1923 Rudolph Valentino weds at the courthouse
1973 Old Lake County Courthouse is named to the National Register of Historic Places
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events director. “The logo is amazing, and the crowd oohed and ahhed when they saw it.” Other celebratory events included Crown Point’s first St. Patrick’s Day parade, which was an immense success, drawing more than 6,000 onlookers. In April, the Mayor’s Kids and Kites Arbor Day celebration featured greenfocused activities, followed by Historic Preservation Month in May. The city’s Fourth of July parade, which always draws a huge crowd, was complemented by the addition of a citywide picnic on July 5. In August, Lake County Historian Bruce Woods will present a guided walking tour of area historical sites. “We’re trying to do the things that bring out our community’s best and promote that sense of belonging,” Uran says.
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“We constantly have something going on that brings the community together.” For instance, people love seeing the antique cars that roll into the downtown square every Thursday evening from May through September for the city’s annual Fun Cruise. The Crown Point Farmers’ Market, held on Saturday mornings June through October, offers live cooking demonstrations and, as part of the city’s ongoing recycling promotion, reusable shopping bags that bear the 175th anniversary logo. Fall and winter events also are planned, and the yearlong anniversary celebration will wrap up in December with a New Year’s Eve gala back at the Maki Ballroom. “There is truly something for everyone,” Young says of the celebratory lineup. “It’s an exciting time to be in
Crown Point.” Generating additional excitement around town is the July opening of major motion picture Public Enemies, starring Johnny Depp and Christian Bale. The movie, about notorious bank robber John Dillinger, features scenes shot on location in Crown Point, where Dillinger was imprisoned and subsequently escaped from the Lake County Jail. In the midst of celebrating such rich history, Crown Point also nurtures a vision for a greener future, which includes a recycling program, development of a LEED-certified business park and completion of regional bike trails. “We would like to continue our practice of being the most forwardthinking community in northwest Indiana while never forgetting our past,” Van Sessen says.
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What’s s e Online
STAFF PHOTOS
Visit the Interactive section of images crownpoint.com for two quick videos that offer a peek into the past at Lake County Historical Museum and the Old Lake County Courthouse. Lake County Historical Museum
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No
Room for
Couch Potatoes What’s Online e Learn about even more places to play in Crown Point at imagescrownpoint.com.
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INVITING RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDE PARKS, GOLF AND MORE
STORY BY MICHAELA JACKSON
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STAFF PHOTO
hether you like sliding into the sandbox, sliding in at home plate or sliding in at 1 under par, Crown Point’s dozens of playtime options will keep you on your toes. The community is home to more than 20 parks with a combined expanse of 200-plus acres featuring playgrounds, ball fields, picnic areas and plenty of open space to stretch your legs. “We try and spread it out so that, depending on what you’re interested in, there’s kind of something for everybody,” says Jennie Burgess, parks administrator for the city of Crown Point. The city’s two largest parks are Collins Park, which offers softball facilities, tennis courts, a playground and other amenities, and Sauerman Woods Park, where the city’s public pool is located. A bike path is also in the works, Burgess says, one of many ongoing improvements in the city’s green spaces. Other new feathers in the park system’s cap include a special needs playground at Russ Keller Park, a new poured-in-place mat surface at Collins Park’s playground and a new park in the Royal Hawk subdivision. The city’s skate park keeps teenagers on wheels busy with half-pipes, drop-ins and other equipment. “It’s great,” Burgess says. “It gives the kids in the community somewhere to go. It has really been good.” For those of a more structured persuasion, a variety of sports leagues suit up kids – and kids-at-heart – for everything from softball and Little League to swimming and indoor
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Kids enjoy the playground at Sauerman Woods Park.
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Places To Play The city of Crown Point operates 28 parks and facilities. Here are a few of them: Bluebird Park Collins Park Greenwood Soccer Fields High Meadow Park Jerry Ross Park Lake County Fairgrounds Prairie View Park
volleyball. The city also offers summer camps for kids who have never played sports before but want to give one a try. However, the city’s recreational options don’t end there. “We don’t just do sports,” Burgess says. “We do art activities, we do movies in the park. All of those things, in my opinion, encompass what you need for quality of life.” Crown Point area activities aren’t limited to dry land – after all, the city is part of Lake County. Nearby lakes and beaches provide fun in the sun, as does Crown Point’s own Deep River Waterpark, which also doubles as a winter venue for ice skating. Planned bike trails to Lake Michigan promise that outdoor recreation here will only get better. Crown Point is also home to two country clubs, White Hawke and Youche. Youche, a members-only golf club, features 18 holes, three of which are new, as well as a brand-
new driving range and clubhouse, which opened for the 2009 golfing season. The club offers topnotch amenities, including a pool, which is also new, an expanded pro shop, a fitness room, and an upscale bar and grill. Youche also features space for membersponsored events such as weddings, golf outings and Rotary Club meetings. “I think it’s a good venue for Crown Point,” says club president Monty Walker. “The 12,000 square feet is definitely an upsize from what we had before, which I think was about 8,200 square feet.” Unique touches lend an air of luxury to the club. Golf carts available to members for purchase are all parked underground, and a two-story fireplace graces the dining room. Like Youche Country Club, Crown Point’s recreational scene is a study in variety. Crown Point offers a taste of all the recreation you’re looking for – and then some.
Russ Keller Park Sauerman Woods Park & Hub Pool Sportsplex
TODD BENNETT
Willow Tree Park
The new clubhouse at Youche Country Club opened in time for the 2009 golfing season. Right: The Crown Point Skate Park is a popular hangout for skateboarders and in-line skaters.
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BRIAN M C CORD
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Good Eats Come Full Circle RESTAURANT ON THE SQUARE FEATURES DIVERSE, PALATE-PLEASING MENU
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omfort any hungry appetite with some Crown Point comfort food. The Circle Restaurant offers a myriad of menu items, from traditional to contemporary. Executive Chef Tommy Forbes and his kitchen staff prepare Americana fare such as sandwiches, burgers, steaks and apple pie, along with specialty items such as a spicy meatloaf sandwich, butternut squash ravioli and chocolate hazelnut cheesecake.
One tantalizing dinner entrĂŠe is the Circle filet, an 8-ounce filet mignon stuffed with blue cheese and topped with crispy bacon bites. Another favorite is Northern Italian veal stew that features big cuts of veal along with mushrooms, carrots and celery in a red wine reduction. The restaurant also serves the Circle Burger, a 10-ounce hamburger stuffed with diced onions, green and red peppers,
garlic and pepper jack cheese, and is renowned for its ribs, which are slowcooked and smothered in a homemade barbecue sauce. Appetizers include yellow fin tuna bites served with anise, caraway spice, wasabi aioli and a melon salsa, or a margherita pizza made with a 12-inch, cracker-thin crust and topped with marinara, fresh basil and shredded mozzarella cheese.
Chicken Pesto Wrap with fresh fruit at The Circle Restaurant
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Local Flavor
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PHOTOS BY TODD BENNETT
Daily drink specials also draw patrons to the downtown eatery, which gives thirsty customers dollar domestic draft specials and discounts on imports, depending upon the day. The restaurant, located at 110 S. Main St. on the public square, also has outdoor dining during the warm seasons as well as catering services. Hors d’oeuvres for catering can be hot or cold, and some of the selections include oysters Rockefeller, shrimp cocktail, bruschetta and chicken satay with peanut dipping sauce. The Circle Restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. It’s closed on Sunday and Mondays. – Kevin Litwin I M AG E S C R O W N P O I N T. C O M
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Portfolio
The Spirit of Volunteerism CHURCHES BAND TOGETHER TO FORM COMMUNITY SERVICE ORGANIZATION
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ound the bells – many of the churches in town have united to establish the Crown Point Ministerial Association. The 25 churches involved in the CPMA have a primary mission to come together at events to benefit the community as many ways as possible. For example, about 10 churches participated in an Eastertide Service Day in April 2009 that saw volunteers spruce up several locations in Crown Point. “We contacted the Crown Point Parks Department, which helped direct us in providing an entire spring cleanup for 12 of the town’s parks, plus we painted several of the parks’ buildings,” says John Leitzel, pastor of CrossPoint Church
and director of the Crown Point Ministerial Association. The group also raised money that day in support of the five area food pantries, he adds. In addition to churches, the CPMA is open to chapels at nursing homes. Subcommittees of various pastors, priests, ministers and deacons are formed to help plan charitable and worthwhile events, and these individuals also recruit volunteers and make assignments for any CPMA projects. “We schedule monthly meetings at various rotating sites to discuss the best ways we can benefit the most people in Crown Point,” Leitzel says. “We used to hold an annual Crown Point Community
Advent Service at a high school, but moved the last one in 2008 to the St. Anthony Home nursing center. It turned out to be one of the most successful and inspirational activities that I’ve ever been involved with.” The association also has a Web site that details its mission, calendar of events and church membership list. The site is www.crownpointchurches.org. “Our group also sponsors a Community Christmas Celebration and several other get-togethers to make Crown Point a better place,” Leitzel says. “This is a nice organization to be a part of. I’m quite proud of the work we do.”
The worship team at CrossPoint Church
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Ivy Tech Community College
Accessible, Affordable Workforce Training
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iving it the old college try is easy to do at Ivy Tech Community College. The two-year institute of higher education has 23 campuses throughout the state, including a campus in Gary that conveniently serves the Crown Point community, as it’s located only 10 minutes from the city. The Northwest Indiana campus at Gary enrolls around 2,000 students, and adults can attend workforce-training classes there to bolster their chances for better job placement, career advancement or pay increases. The strong workforce-training program, known as Accelerated Certified Training, offers dozens of course options. Ivy Tech students can earn a twoyear degree for less than $6,000, and most of the credits at the community college can be transferred to four-year institutions. Degrees, certificates and CROWN P OI NT
certifications can be earned in eight different curriculums – applied sciences and engineering technology, business, education, fine arts and design, health sciences, liberal arts and sciences, public and social sciences, and technology. Ivy Tech officials say that a top priority for its community college is to especially prepare workers for jobs in Indiana’s highest-priority fields, such as health care, advanced manufacturing, logistics and life sciences. According to the Ivy Tech Community College Department of Workforce and Economic Development, the school is the state’s largest workforce training provider, offering nearly 20,000 certifications and 1 million hours of training each year. The community college, which was founded in 1968, has an average class size of 22 at all of its facilities. I M AG E S C R O W N P O I N T. C O M
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Your lending resource.
STAFF PHOTO
With rates this low, buying a home has never made this much “cents.”
The historic grandstand at the Lake County Fairgrounds
Peoples Bank has money to lend. > Competitive rates > Local decision-making > Free pre-approval* Apply for a mortgage loan in person, online or by telephone. We make it easy … that’s You First Banking! For current interest rates, call our Retail Lending Specialists (219) 853-7550 Crown Point Banking Center 855 Stillwater Pkwy. (219) 662-0220 https://loans.ibankpeoples.com
Member FDIC *Loans subject to credit approval
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‘Fairing’ Well for More Than 150 Years T
he Lake County Fair must be doing something right. After all, it has been a popular annual event in Crown Point since 1852. The fun-filled, community-wide celebration is staged at the spacious Lake County Fairgrounds every August. The Lake County Agricultural Society has organized and hosted the fair during each of its 157 years. Every individual fair has its own theme and flavor, but the main goal each year is to showcase agriculture that continues to be prevalent in the lives of Lake County residents – all while providing good family fun. Specific attractions include a huge carnival midway, a free petting zoo, large exhibit buildings with interesting activities, horse shows each day, a milking parlor, chick hatchery and fish pond. Among the featured activities are a
demolition derby night, 4-H Club shows, racing pigs, covered wagon rides for kids, a grand fireworks display and free musical entertainment on Heritage Stage and in the Showcase Tent. A free Senior Citizens Day offers health screenings to seniors, and a Special Abilities Day features rides for invited special needs groups. Admission prices to the fair are very reasonable. Children ages 9 and under get in for free. The 2009 fair is Aug. 7-16. The 2010 fair is set for Aug. 6-15. As for the Lake County Fairgrounds itself, it also hosts a number of other interesting shows throughout the year. They include a Crown Point Chamber of Commerce Antique Show in the spring and fall, as well as an annual pet parade and a Cobe Cup car excursion that is a re-enactment of a momentous race that took place in Crown Point in 1909. CROWN P OI NT
Portfolio
Caring, First and Foremost
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ervice above self. That is the motto of Rotary International, and the Rotary Club of Crown Point has been a vital part of this community since 1936. The group of around 70 members holds weekly meetings at Youche Country Club. “We are primarily a group of business professionals who get together and plan how we can best serve our Crown Point community,” says Allan Katz, past president of the club. “We are always looking for more people to join us.” One of the causes the Rotary Club backs is a Coat-a-Child program, which delivers a large number of coats each year to St. Jude House, a local shelter for domestic abuse victims. Another cause is Shoes for Kids, which distributes shoes in a discreet manner to elementary schools throughout the community. “Teachers at the schools quietly give
a certificate to any child who probably could use a new pair of shoes, then the parent can redeem the certificate at the local Meijer store,” Katz says. “These are the kinds of projects that make it so rewarding to be a Rotary Club member.” The organization also sponsors exchange programs where professionals from other countries visit Crown Point to interact with American professionals. “In April 2009, we hosted five young professionals from Turkey as part of a Group Study Exchange program,” Katz says. “They certainly got a good idea of
what American living is all about.” Katz adds that Crown Point Rotary is also involved in a number of literacy programs, including an effort in 2009 to supply every third grader in town with his or her own dictionary. “We also recently got behind an effort to establish a library on the island of Roatan, off the coast of Honduras,” he says. “I actually flew there for the opening, and it was one of the best moments of my life. And it was all thanks to Rotary.” – Stories by Kevin Litwin
At St. Jude Childrenʼs Research Hospital, we canʼt. Thatʼs why we are working every day to find cures for lifethreatening diseases that strike children everywhere. Diseases like cancer, pediatric AIDS, and sickle cell. And we wonʼt stop until every child is cured and every disease is defeated.
Because we canʼt imagine a world without children … can you? Call 1-800-996-4100 or log onto www.stjude.org to learn how you can help. Lynn Frank, director of Crown Point’s library, addresses Rotary members.
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Finding cures. Saving children. I M AG E S C R O W N P O I N T. C O M
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Business
Biz Briefs BUSINESSES – BOTH LARGE AND SMALL – THAT HELP DEFINE CROWN POINT’S ECONOMIC CLIMATE
Scorecard BUSINESS AT A GLANCE
11,175 Total employed population
1,284 Manufacturing industry workers
1,315 Retail industry
2,077 Education, health and social services Source: U.S. Census QuickFacts
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MORIARTY’S GEM ART Biz: Hometown jewelry store Buzz: Steve Moriarty worked in the wholesale gem business for two decades before, in the mid-1990s, he set up shop in what used to be a downtown bank. Custom jewelry and handcrafted gemstones are Moriarty’s specialty, and much of his sales come through the business’s growing Web presence. www.moregems.com
BLADE CUTTERS LANDSCAPING Biz: Lawn care and landscaping service Buzz: Tracing its roots back 10 years, the company offers services such as weekly lawn care, year-round maintenance, commercial snow removal and full-scale tree service. Blade Cutters keeps an eye on the environment while offering the latest landscaping products and technology. www.bladecutters.net
BUDDY & PAL’S PLACE Biz: Sports bar Buzz: This Crown Point hangout draws a crowd with daily drink specials and great bands every Saturday. Located on East Summit Street, Buddy & Pal’s features food by Lincoln’s, with a full menu of pizzas, sandwiches and salads in addition to traditional bar fare. The establishment also offers poker tournaments, free wireless Internet and an area for private parties. www.buddyandpals.com
CENTIER BANK Biz: Family-owned bank Buzz: Centier bank has branches in more than 20 communities throughout northern Indiana, including five locations in Crown Point. Its operations date to 1895, but Centier Bank still puts customer service above all. It’s no wonder Post-Tribune of Northwest Indiana readers voted it Best Bank and Best Investment Service in Lake and Porter counties. www.centier.com
I M AG E S C R O W N P O I N T. C O M
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Business | Chamber Report
Raising the Standard CHAMBER EVENTS, MARKETING EFFORTS ENSURE CITY’S INCREASED VISIBILITY
other organizations, but the chamber takes the helm with most activities and the overall festival itself. And then there are events around major holidays, networking and after-hours gatherings, and even more, all guaranteed to keep chamber members plugged in to the people of Crown Point. Chamber businesses also benefit from the organization’s strong influence on local and regional economic development. By promoting Crown Point as a unique residential and tourist destination, as well as for its proximity to the Chicago metropolitan area, a wider range of companies and residents are brought in, Van Sessen says. “You can’t find some of the things we’ve got anywhere else in northwest Indiana,” she says. “It’s a very urban area in a lot of ways, and so having a smaller community, having these kinds of events in a historic downtown, make us much more than a bedroom community. We’re connected to Chicago, but we’re also a little different.” Crown Point’s residential base has swelled considerably in the last five years, something Van Sessen attributes to successful marketing and outreach. “People say they came for an event and decided to move here,” she says. “They love what we have here. And we
Executive Director Gayle Van Sessen, left, and Office Manager Diane Kemp
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work with a lot of other organizations in the region that are bringing in the larger businesses, like the refineries and steel mills, so that we can highlight ourselves as a place for those new employees to live; a place where they’d want to raise a family.” – Joe Morris
TODD BENNETT
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he Greater Crown Point Chamber of Commerce never misses an opportunity to promote the area, thanks to a full calendar of events and strong partnerships with community organizations and businesses. The chamber’s roots dating back to 1914 and its 1953 reorganization focused on the need for businesses to not only be represented at the state and local government levels, but to be a part of the community fabric itself. It’s a mandate that the chamber accomplishes with a great deal of variety and flair, says Gayle Van Sessen, executive director. “We have at least one major event a quarter, and that didn’t happen by accident,” Van Sessen says. “When I came here 15 years ago, people were saying that the chamber wasn’t very visible any more and that they didn’t know what we were all about. Over the years, we’ve worked to make sure that people can get a very clear picture of who we are and what we add to the quality of life in this community. And as a part of that, we’ve been able to help the business community grow.” Leading the pack in terms of major events is Hometown Festival Days, which incorporates multiple events over two weeks each summer. Some events, such as the July 4 parade, are managed by
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Business | Economic Profile
CROWN POINT BUSINESS CLIMATE Crown Point is growing by leaps and bounds – literally. The population has increased by about 700 residents each year since the 2000 U.S. Census for a total of 23,909 in 2007.
TAXES
0% City Sales and Use Tax
7% State Sales Tax
7% Total Sales Tax
8.5%
ECONOMIC RESOURCES
RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY TAX
Greater Crown Point Chamber of Commerce One Courthouse Square, Suite 206 Crown Point, IN 46307 (219) 663-1800 www.crownpointguide.com
$3.4508
Lake County Community Economic Development Department 2293 N. Main St. Crown Point, IN 46307 (219) 755-3225 www.lakecountyin.com
Adjusted Gross Income Tax
TRANSPORTATION
GOVERNMENT OFFICES
Griffith-Merrillville Airport 1705 E. Main St. Griffith, IN 46319 (219) 924-0207 www.griffithairport.com
City of Crown Point 101 N. East St. Crown Point, IN 46307 (219) 662-3240 www.crownpoint.in.gov
Chicago Airport System P.O. Box 66142 Chicago, IL 60666 (773) 686-2200 www.flychicago.com
Lake County 2293 N. Main St. Crown Point, IN 46307 (219) 755-3280 www.lakecountyin.org
per $100 assessed value
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More facts, stats and community information, including relocation tools and links to resources.
6 AM UNTIL MIDNIGHT t 7 DAYS A WEEK
STRACK & VAN TIL IS SECONDTONONE FOR QUALITY, VARIETY, SERVICE AND LOW PRICES.
WE OFFER: t A complete selection of brand name items t A full line of produce, meat, deli and bakery t Catering for all occasions t A variety of customer conveniences STOP IN AND SEE US AT: 200 Franciscan Dr. t Crown Point t (219) 663-3345 10851 Broadway t Crown Point t (219) 661-4144
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Health & Wellness
Expanding Medical Care FRANCISCAN POINT OUTPATIENT CENTER BRINGS HEALTH CLOSER TO HOME
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rown Point’s rapid growth led to a challenge: how to make health care both accessible and state-of-the-art. Franciscan Point was the solution. Opened in August 2008 by Saint Anthony Medical Center, the new facility offers top-notch outpatient health, wellness and sports medicine in a convenient setting, often saving trips to the hospital. The $38 million project, located on U.S. 231 just off Interstate 65, sits on 81 acres designed to allow room for future expansion as demand requires. “Our mission was to create a facility that could grow to meet the needs of those communities around us that were expanding so fast,” says David Ruskowski, president of Saint Anthony Medical Center. While patients with life-threatening health issues, such as heart attacks or strokes, should still be seen in the hospital emergency room, less serious problems can be addressed by Franciscan Point’s EXPRESSCare. Board-certified physicians staff the facility, where they treat everything from colds and flu to sprains and sports injuries. No appointments are needed, and most insurance plans are accepted. Daily patient visits have significantly increased since the clinic opened, prompting Franciscan Point administrators to consider expanding the days and hours it is open. In addition to urgent care, patients can receive cuttingedge diagnostic imaging, including CT scans, MRI, X-rays, ultrasound and laboratory services. Physical, occupational and speech therapy are available, and patients can also access the Franciscan network’s specialists in family medicine, internal medicine, sports medicine and orthopedics.
The facility’s Sports Medicine Institute seeks to help physically active people improve their performance, as well as treat and prevent injuries. Saint Anthony’s renowned Athletic Development program is now located at Franciscan Point and headed by famed athletic coach and trainer Frank Eksten, who has worked with Olympians and professional athletes, as well as junior high through college-level players. “They did their due diligence to determine that there was a need for such a program here,” Ruskowski says. “The director of the program and the physicians involved felt if only we had a facility that would accommodate all the equipment and devices and staff, we could have a second-to-none athleticdevelopment medicine program, incomparable in northwest Indiana and suburban Chicago.” Their hopes have been realized. School, college, professional and individual clients all have flocked to the program. “It’s growing beyond our expectations, faster than we thought it would,” says Ruskowski. “We’re absorbing the growth and enjoying the fact that it is taking off so quickly.” – Laura Hill
TODD BENNETT
A C APITAL S E N I O R LI V IN G CO M MU N IT Y
Franciscan Point
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7250 Arthur Blvd. Merrillville, IN 46410 (219) 736-2900
www.townecentreretirement.com I M AG E S C R O W N P O I N T. C O M
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Education
Extra Credit Opportunities COLLEGE COURSES, GLOBAL MIND-SET BENEFIT HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
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TODD BENNETT
hen the word “collaborate” describes making a global impact, Crown Point High School students have a clear advantage. Dr. Eric Ban, the school’s principal since June 2008, not only uses the verb freely in conversation, but he also works to exemplify the word’s true meaning. Beginning in fall 2009, for example, pilot programs with Purdue and Indiana Universities will provide Crown Point students with access to college credit courses while they’re still in high school. “We have to develop really deep and substantial partnerships with our state universities,” says Ban. “Purdue and IU are both state institutions committed to the growth and development of the citizens and the economy of the state of Indiana. That’s our role as well, so we need to be tightly connected.” The dual enrollment program is one way Ban is working to transform Crown Point High School from a final desti-
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nation in K-12 education to a way station on the path to successful adulthood. The way he’ll know Crown Point High School is succeeding is to see students leave high school, complete postsecondary education or training and transition smoothly into the workforce. “I think high schools have to move into a launching pad mentality,” he says. “We need to be an initiator of economic growth for our community.” While Ban’s plans for improvement are impassioned and sweeping, the Crown Point Community School Corporation is already recognized as exemplary, having received honors from both the state and federal governments. The district’s 10 schools – seven elementary, two middle and the high school – are all accredited by the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement. “There is an external quality assurance when someone independent of
yourself has come in and looked at your programs and your leadership and your community engagement and all these little indicators and said, ‘You’re doing things the way the best schools do things,’” he says. What Ban is truly interested in, though, is not so much accolades and certifications as preparing his students for adult lives in a rapidly changing world. He places a high emphasis on global awareness, and beyond a successful traditional foreign exchange program, Crown Point High School encourages students to take foreign literature classes and seek out projects with an international focus. “I think there really needs to be a systemic global awareness, with our kids reaching out and reading literature around the world, connecting with ideas and thoughts around the world, seeing emerging spaces happening around the world, so that they can construct their future plans around the right information,” he says. The importance of graduating globally aware seniors is not merely for their own sakes, he says, but for the economy of Crown Point and Indiana and, ultimately, the nation. “There’s competition globally for highimpact jobs, and the walls and barriers are continuing to come down, and our students need to understand that and not have an inflated sense of ‘being an American gets you something.’ They need to sense that being a high performing, well-rounded individual who is aware of opportunities and ideas around the world, that’s what’s going to get you something,” Ban says. “The social issues that face us around the world, our quest to continue in our position as economic superpower in the world, that starts with our kids.” – Michaela Jackson
Dr. Eric Ban, principal of Crown Point High School
I M AG E S C R O W N P O I N T. C O M
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JEFF ADKINS
Sports & Recreation
Do the Ride Thing PLANS ARE UNDER WAY FOR NEW BIKE TRAILS
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f Mitch Barloga and his friends have their way, one day in the not-toodistant future Crown Point area residents will be able to pack a lunch, hop on their bikes, travel a beautiful paved path and enjoy a picnic right on Lake Michigan in downtown Chicago a couple of hours later. Yes, seriously. Plans are already under way that will soon make Crown Point one of the best-traveled – by bike, foot and even horse – communities in the United States, connected to some of the world’s best biking and walking paths. “It’s a phenomenal opportunity on CROWN P OI NT
the horizon and something we try as much as possible to educate people on,” says Barloga, the city’s nonmotorized transportation and greenways planner. “A person will be able to ride from downtown Crown Point to downtown Chicago, all off-road, 50 miles round trip, in a reasonable two or so hours.” The new bike/walk route is the result of the planned connection of several existing trails with new trails, most of them on old railroad beds, resulting in a comprehensive network of routes through the region. Northwest Indiana is already served
by the 9.5-mile Erie-Lackawanna Trail, which runs from the Little Calumet River to the Lake County Courthouse in Crown Point. Coming is the Pennsy Greenway, part of which is open in Illinois. It will run from Crown Point for 10 miles and connect directly to the 450-mile Burnham Greenway/Grand Illinois system. This trail, 10 miles in Indiana and 5 miles in Illinois, will serve literally millions, connecting walkers and riders to one of the finest trail systems in the country. It will also extend south to Hebron, a section called the Veterans Memorial Trail, which will also include an equestrian trail paralleling seven of its nine miles. Also planned: the Winfield Trail, which will continue on the Erie-Lackawanna path south to Lake of the Four Seasons. Why are Barloga and other groups such as Crown Point Safe Pathways so excited about these new, unique recreational opportunities? “These will make the community one of the most attractive places to live in the region. Period,” says Barloga. “Usually, a trail increases the quality of life in a community, but here we’re multiplying that by four.” Trails, he points out, have been shown to be the most-desired amenity by homebuyers when looking for a place to relocate. “There’s no other amenity, no other improvement to a town, that serves the public as well as a trail,” he says. “Everyone can use a trail for health and wellness reasons or just to improve their sense of well-being. They are community elixirs that cover all the bases when it comes to improving the community. Property prices increase, health increases, people get out and get to know their neighbors. They improve the livability of any community.” – Laura Hill I M AG E S C R O W N P O I N T. C O M
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Arts & Culture
What’s Online e Discover more about the creative climate of Crown Point, including arts, events and cultural attractions, in the culture section at imagescrownpoint.com.
Bringing Art to the Community SOUTH SHORE ARTS’ CROWN POINT BRANCH BREATHES LIFE INTO LOCAL ARTS SCENE
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n the fourth Friday of every month, downtown Crown Point transforms into a sprawling art gallery. Residents amble in and out of stores, sipping wine and sampling cheese as they peruse the work of local artists. The event, called 4th Friday Arts, is just one of many ways the South Shore Arts’ Crown Point branch infuses the community with culture. 4th Friday Arts, which the branch co-sponsors with the city government, is not only an opportunity for local artists to get exposure, but it’s an economic development initiative that stimulates business for downtown shop owners, according to Donna Catalano, special projects director at South Shore Arts, a community arts center headquartered in Munster with branches in Hammond and Crown Point. Beyond providing a platform for artists and stimulating the local economy, 4th Friday Arts exposes the public to the arts culture that Catalano says is critical for any community. “It’s been proven that art is really a staple in any community,” she says. “If you look at deceased civilizations, what always lasts? The artwork – or the architecture and the aesthetic value of what the society used to be.” Many people are still surprised when they stumble across the monthly event, but that’s part of the idea, she says: raising Art on display at South Shore Arts’ Crown Point branch
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I M AG E S C R O W N P O I N T. C O M
awareness. The South Shore Arts branch in Crown Point, housed in the historic People’s State Bank building on the square, also partners with the city by offering arts activities in conjunction with community events such as pumpkin walks and Easter bunny visits, in addition to hosting exhibitions of local artists at its own facility every six weeks or so. The South Shore Arts’ Crown Point branch also offers classes in a variety of mediums such as pottery, painting and photography for age groups ranging from small children to adults. “Having arts in the community improves the quality of life,” Catalano says. “There’s a Northwest Indiana Quality of Life Council that says that the arts are an extreme benefit to the region of Northwest Indiana.” Catalano also hosts a monthly Arts Chamber luncheon, during which artists and art organizations mingle to share ideas and spark collaboration. “People who do art will seek out art organizations. It’s amazing what people can find out, like a ballet studio partnering with the theater,” she says. “You go through some communities, and you just see nothing cultural. I just think we’re very fortunate to have arts in our community.” – Michaela Jackson
STAFF PHOTO
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Community Profile
CROWN POINT SNAPSHOT Crown Point enjoys the combined benefits of a small town and large urban population center. It is less than 30 minutes away from three universities and less than an hour’s drive from the social, cultural, shopping and entertainment attractions of Chicago.
CLIMATE OVERVIEW Crown Point enjoys mild summers, snowy winters and enough precipitation to keep things nice and green.
MEDICAL SERVICES OVERVIEW
school system to a variety of public and private colleges. For a list of schools and other information, visit imagescrownpoint.com.
Crown Point is served by a major medical center in addition to a variety of independent doctors, clinics and specialists.
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LOCAL UTILITIES
imagescrownpoint.com
13 F January Low Temperature
30 F January High Temperature
More facts, stats and community information, including relocation tools and links to resources.
63 F July Low Temperature
84 F
Crown Point Utilities 590 E. Anderson St. Crown Point, IN 46307 (219) 661-2287 NIPSCO (Northern Indiana Public Service Co.) 801 E. 86th Ave. Merrillville, IN 46410 (219) 853-5200 (800) 464-7726 www.nipsco.com
July High Temperature
REAL ESTATE
EDUCATIONAL OVERVIEW
$131,799 Average Home Price
Crown Point has a wealth of educational options, from its corporately controlled public
16% Home Turnover Percentage
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I M AG E S C R O W N P O I N T. C O M
Centier www.centier.com
Peoples Bank www.ibankpeoples.com
City of Crown Point www.crownpoint.in.gov
Purdue University Calumet www.calumet.purdue.edu/learningcenter
Crown Point Community Schools www.cps.k12.in.us
Saint Anthony www.stanthonymedicalcenter.com
Greater Crown Point Chamber of Commerce www.crownpointguide.com
St. Mary’s Medical Center www.comhs.org
Hallmark & Johnson www.hallmarkjohnson.com
Strack & Van Til www.strackandvantil.com
Hilton Garden Inn http://hiltongardeninn.hilton.com
Swartz Retson & Co. www.swartz-retson.com
Indiana University Northwest www.iun.edu
Towne Centre www.capitalsenior.com
Ivy Tech Community College www.ivytech.edu/northwest
Wittenberg Village www.wittenbergvillage.com
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Ad Index 2 5 C E N TI E R
2 2 P EO P L E S BA N K
C 4 C IT Y O F C ROW N P O I N T
26 PURDUE U N I V E R S IT Y C A LU M E T
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31 HALLMARK & JOHNSON
4 H I LTO N GA R D E N I N N
25 INDIANA U N I V E R S IT Y N O RT H W E S T
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32 SWA RT Z R E TSO N & CO.
27 TOW N E C E N T R E 32 I V Y T EC H CO M M U N IT Y CO L L EG E
1 W IT T E N B E R G V I L L AG E
Crown Point Community School Corporation 200 E. North Street
Crown Point, IN 46307
(219) 663-3371
Fax: (219) 662-4304
www.cps.k12.in.us
Northwest Indiana’s Schools of Choice in a Community of Character
Douglas MacArthur Elementary School Dwight D. Eisenhower Elementary School Jerry Ross Elementary School Lake Street Elementary School Solon Robinson Elementary School Timothy Ball Elementary School Winfield Elementary School Colonel John Wheeler Middle School Robert A. Taft Middle School Crown Point High School <eifccd\ek .#,'' JkXY`c`kp @e[\o 0)%,
“We are dedicated and committed to educate every child to full potential because all children are superstars to us.” Dr. Teresa A. Eineman, Superintendent
Designated an Indiana Exemplary School Corporation with Full State and National Accreditation
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Why Do Parents Choose Our Schools? Gi\gXi\[ >iX[lXk\j1 0,%0 ^iX[lXk`fe iXk\ Xe[ dXki`ZlcXk`fe iXk\ ?\X[ f] k_\ :cXjj1 Kfg (' `e XZX[\d`Z XZ_`\m\d\ek 8[mXeZ\[ GcXZ\d\ek C\X[\i1 ;lXc Zfcc\^\&_`^_ jZ_ffc Zi\[`k ZcXjj\j )'$*' ?`^_cp HlXc`]`\[ K\XZ_\ij1 ('' d\\k Xe[ \oZ\\[ ]\[\iXc jkXe[Xi[j nnn%JZ_ffcDXkZ_%Zfd1 Kfg (, f] L%J% jZ_ffc jpjk\dj Æ Yp gXi\ekj Kfg (' 1 >ifn`e^ jZ_ffc ZfigfiXk`fej `e @e[`XeX M`j`feXip c\X[\ij_`g i\Zf^e`q\[ jkXk\&eXk`fe ?`^_ jZ_ffc eXd\[ @e[`XeX ÈBest Buy” by Indiana Chamber of Commerce @e[`XeX =fli JkXi JZ_ffc 8nXi[j ]fi \c\d\ekXip jZ_ffcj ?`^_cp :fdg\k`k`m\ 8ZX[\d`Z# P\XiYffb Xe[ E\njc\kk\i K\Xdj1 1 st gcXZ\ jkXk\&eXk`fe JkXk\$f]$k_\$Xik k\Z_efcf^p `e c\Xie`e^ >`]k\[ Xe[ KXc\ek\[ Gif^iXd ]ifd \c\d\ekXip k_ifl^_ _`^_ jZ_ffc Jlg\iY dlj`Z [\gXikd\ek# ]`e\ Xikj# \okiXZlii`ZlcXi ZclYj Xe[ [iXdX gif[lZk`fej I\Z`g`\ek f] @?J88 JZ_ffc JgfikjdXej_`g 8nXi[ FlkjkXe[`e^ _`^_ jZ_ffc \[lZXk`feXc [\j`^e Z`kXk`fe Yp 8iZ_`k\ZkliXc 8JL DXjk\i JZ_ffc 9fXi[ 8nXi[ ?`^_\jk C\m\c1 @e[`XeX >fc[ JkXi >l`[XeZ\ ;\gXikd\ek HlXc`kp f] C`]\ @e[`ZXkfij ?`^_1 <dgcfpd\ek fggfikle`k`\j# jX]\ Xe[ ZXi`e^ e\`^_Yfi_ff[j# ]Xd`cp ]i`\e[cp# \Zfefd`Z m`kXc`kp# ZlckliXc Xe[ Xk_c\k`Z Xd\e`k`\j# faith-based options, community spirit of togetherness @e[`XeX ;\gXikd\ek f] <[lZXk`fe ?`^_\jk ?fefi1 9\cci`e^\i 8nXi[ kf Superintendent Dr. Teresa A. Eineman