Lakes of the Four Seasons 50th Anniversary

Continuity and stability, that’s what makes this place great. It’s a stable community. Sure, we’ve fought a million little wars, like manufactured housing, and we have a couple houses here or there with problems.

But compared to the outside world, we don’t have problems! Over the years we’ve remained a little island.

And what’s amazed me is, how many communities who get to fifty years old and look like this! I mean most developments fifty years old don’t look this good, and this looks better and better every year! We have grown from a bunch of struggling volunteers with very little knowledge of what we were doing, and not a whole lot of basis for any knowledge. There was no law, we kind of made it up as we went along, and what I think is amazing is it has morphed into a truly fantastic community that runs extremely well. It’s progressed and progressed.

IT’S ON THE UPTICK! ~ Ted Fitzgerald ~ Lakes of The Four Seasons Attorney

Contents (Parts) LOFS HISTORY Then & Now Ted Fitzgerald

Credits Graphic Designer & Managing Editor Megan Sawa

Senior Contributor Sally Lugo

Staff Writers Lori DuPratt Marge Wilke

Copy Editor Nancy Porter

Main Contributing Photographers Jill Yuran - Jill Marie Photography David Centrifano

Staff Contributing Photographers Sam Farina LOFS Photography Club

Volunteer Specialty Photographers Jon Parkhouse Todd Chinderle Cindy "Cupcake" Photography

A “Thank you� to all LOFS residents who submitted their pictures for consideration.

Printed by

Quality Impressions Print & Design, JAC-JMR Inc.

pioneer Families Lazar Bennett Dado Delor Porter Palmeri Smith Rich & Hoffman Staudohar Baran

the wonder years Flassig Kernagis Leigh Swifts Derdowski Levander / Nicol Four Seasons Players Potlucks

Short stories & Memories clubS & Associations directors & managers Through the Years then & Now Collages LOCAL churches & business articles Celebrating 50 years Lori DuPratt Jay Robison Family Donors

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PART 1

Lakes of the fours seasons history Then & now: lOFS history. ....................................................5 Interview with ted fitzgeralD. .........................................15 lOFS marks 50 years with jean marthaler................. 24

Early 1950s The farmhouse faces 123rd Avenue near S. Lake Shore Dr. (Photo courtesy of Thomas and Karen Pavel)

4 LOFS HIstory

Then & now: LOFS History

Staking out the first home to be built in Four Seasons are Betty and Tony Lazar.

Aerial view of LOFS, 1983.

S

ome said it was a fool’s dream.

Others recognized it for what it was—a vision. Gouged from cornfields and meadows, Lakes of the Four Seasons was the brainchild of Lake Builder Thomas J. Perine, chairman of Indianapolis U.S. Land, Inc. In an interview for TIME magazine’s September, 23, 1966 issue, Perine was quoted: “People have the same motivation to go to water as birds have to fly south in the winter.”

Perine knew whereof he spoke. During the summer of 1966, development of LOFS began. Although the lake bed was still dry, most roads being only of clay, the golf course nothing but rough, and a tornado having just knocked the roof off the half built clubhouse, customers descended on The Four Seasons being called the “Cadillac” of projects, buying up over 550 of the then approximately 2,000 lots being offered in the first two months! Prices started at $3,500 for 10,000 sq. ft. and climbed to $20,000 for an acre.

Then—the first family moved in on October 12, 1967. Tony and Betty Lazar with their two children, Terri

Tim and Sharon McKay, owners of the most recently built house in LOFS, 2016.

and Vince, were LOFS’ first family building their home on lot P-28. And so it began, the colonization of what would eventually become a community of approximately 8,000 people. In 1967 the number of housing permits issued was 14. A decade later in 1977 the total of homes built had risen to 1,019.

While still run by the developer, with the country club, pool, golf course and recreational amenities owned by Boise Cascade, dues were minimal.

In those early years from 1967 to 1970, individual lot owners paid $20 annually. Optional POA/Clubhouse memberships were an additional $75 per family; golfers paid a one-time initiation fee of $190; and monthly family golfing dues were set at $13.

Now—new home building continues.

TIME Magazine cover, Sept. 23 1966.

Lake Builder Thomas J. Perine

Tim and Sharon McKay’s new home on Four Seasons Parkway is nearly ready for occupancy. LOFS current billable lots are now 2726!

LOFS HIstory 5

Front page article of the first “The Seasonal,” February, 1970.

Then—July 19, 1969 Boise Cascade

sent a letter to all property owners.

The letter, written by Robert Boone, Director of Community Relations with Boise Cascade Properties, Inc. explained how Boise Cascade and the newly formed POA would work together. You see Boise Cascade originally intended to retain ownership over all amenities as a “for profit” company. The letter explained that a five person liaison committee made up of property owners would develop into a Board of Directors for the POA. In addition, there would be seven committees headed by Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners who would be responsible for certain areas, such as; community relations, security, parks and services.

By 1970 the Property Owners’ Association Board of Directors faced a major crisis when the corporate management of Boise Cascade decided to divest themselves of all recreational

properties in LOFS. Boise Cascade’s initial asking price for the facilities was in excess of $3 million. The 197071 Board negotiated until the offer was set at $520,000. The 1971-72 Board, believing that even this price was excessive, continued bargaining until an impasse was reached and negotiations were discontinued.

Boise Cascade attempted to sell the facilities to an outside party; but the Board intervened. In 1972 the Board of Directors hired Attorney Theodore Fitzgerald. He, with resident and Attorney Herbert Lasser, would renegotiate on their behalf.

President of the Board of Directors, William Van Der Sluys, reported in a letter to the property owners that “under renewed threat of lawsuit for substantial damages, Boise agreed to reopen negotiations.”

With negotiations now reopened, Attorney Theodore Fitzgerald, Attorney Herbert Lasser and board

Front page article of the “The Seasonal,” February, 1975.

6 LOFS HIstory

member, Joe Menard, met with Boise Cascade’s legal team. The negotiations turned into a marathon lasting the entire day. Late into the evening Attorney Fitzgerald and Mr. Lasser reported by phone they would return that very evening to fully review their results. Word quickly spread—and at 10 p.m. they were met by about half the community! “We were delighted to inform them they had acquired full title to all Boise Cascade recreational facilities for the nominal price of one dollar,” Attorney Fitzgerald recalled.

As full owners of all of the community’s amenities, POA memberships were no longer an option in 1973... everyone belonged. Family golf membership rose to $191, dock fees were $45, and, the pool was free. Those early “settlers” of LOFS had to hike to the front gate to collect their mail. The post office refused to deliver to a “private community” until in 1975 a citizens committee lobbied and planned for curbside delivery. The children also had to trek to the front entrance to catch their school buses.

Winter months were dreaded. Being snowed in and without electricity was a common occurrence. Some residents would make their way to the front gate to get milk from the milk truck as it traveled down 109th.

Many of the roads were still unpaved.

Early Northwest Indiana blizzard.

Former Commissioner of Security, Hank Utermark and former Officer, Lou Balogh standing next to the 1970 LOFS patrol car.

Roseland Buick Ad from “The Seasonal,” November, 1970.

1942 Ford Pumper firetruck.

When LOFS residents had to weather the “Blizzard of 1969” most families congregated at the Vonderhaar’s home because they had installed a large log fireplace. Pioneer residents remember the time when calling the other side of Four Seasons was a toll call! Only party lines were available with as many as 8 households to a line!!!!

8 part-time employees. “Harold Young, owner of Roseland Buick, provided LOFS with their first security vehicle,” recalls Jim Bonnema who now resides on Sunnyslope Drive.

Gendelman, Walter Kankowski, Al Erbeste, Frank Motta, Bob Reems, Scott Piet, John Bennett, “Red” Peddle, Jim Blaine, Ted Anthony, Richard George, Gilbert Schoon and Gilbert Mason.

The need for equipment led them to borrow $500 from Jack Gendelman to purchase a 1942 Ford Pumper which was stored in the maintenance barn.

Security, in the very first years was just—a lone security guard, who manned the original guardhouse which still stands as a testimony to LOFS’ beginnings. A detective firm was employed during the Boise Cascade years; after that, the department grew in increments.

Now—LOFS Security Department

has grown from those first few, Bill Sneiderwine, Charlie Harding, Harold Young, Don and Jim Bonnema and an older gentleman... simply remembered as “Lewis,” to a staff of 12 full-time and

LOFS Fire Auxiliary 4th of July float.

Then—communicating the news

quickly became a necessity. “Lakes of The 4 Seasons Newsletter” was an early publication that stated proudly on its front page: “Published when there is something to say from Four Seasons Country Club.” After the newsletter broke the barrier, Volume 1, No. 1 of “THE SEASONAL” (named by Mrs. George Stanislawski) was published in February of 1970. The first publication consisted of four pages and one ad— an announcement for an upcoming Fireman’s Ball. Being a closed, private secured community provided fertile ground for the development of both service and social clubs. A feeling of “one for all and all for one” flourished.

November 17, 1969, 18 residents gathered to form a Fire Force in Four Seasons. The first officers were elected: Don Bonnema, president; Fred Wise, vice president; Robert Vonderhaar, secretary, and Peter Tsikouris, treasurer. The LOFS Fire Force then became a member of the Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Association.

Other members included: Fire Chief Hank Utermark, Assistant Fire Chief, Frank Rogalski, Jack O’Malley Sr., Jack

The `70s also saw the formation of the House and Garden club, the Keenagers, and the Homemakers club.

Both adult and junior golf and tennis leagues exploded! Sports teams, such as; baseball, softball, and swimming organized as well. Service committees sprung up like the Lions, the Fire Auxiliary and the Conservation Club which helped preserve the lakes and the wild and green area. The Grievance committee monitored contractors’ adherence to codes.

First LOFS Newsletter, November 1969.

LOFS HIstory 7

Construction of the 1976 Security Building.

Empty lots where the LOFS condos now sit.

Sandy Beach before condo building began.

The biggest building boom came during the late `70s. In 1977 alone, 309 housing permits were issued. George Litskow became Building Inspector for the community in 1988. In the 25th Anniversary book he reported that during the late `70s, hundreds of beautiful homes were being built for around $45,000.

was under construction near the then campground to house the volunteer forces’ equipment as well!

It is important to highlight the volunteerism and generous donations by residents which helped make these projects possible.

Now—In

June 1975 a new condominium development, “The Lake Side Condos,” was announced to be built on an 8.5 acre site located at the north end of Lake Holiday. The $4.5 million project would be built by a subsidiary of Whiteco Industries. Two and three bedroom luxury units were planned for 12 buildings. The 1,200 to 1,700 square feet condos would initially sell between $40,000 and $60,000 and add 88 new billable lots.

In 1976 a new Security Building was constructed at the main entrance to house a now 24/7 growing security force. And a new Fire Station

In 1980 ground was broken for both “The LOFS’ Townhomes” and the “Sandy Beach Condos, Phase I.” The Townhomes would eventually add 70 more homes; And the Sandy Beach Condos added another 64.

1997 The House & Garden Club lobbied for a “face lift” for our “Front Gate.” The club raised and contributed about $5,000 towards the $12,000 cost.

The project was done in two phases, with the last phase including the “Clock Tower.” LOFS added its first automated gatehouse in 1997 on the Lake County side at 117th Street. A ribbon cutting ceremony for a second automated gate on the Porter County side was held October 2012.

2016 lot assessments are $1,300. A five-member Board of Directors with the community manager and POA attorneys oversee a $4.4 million dollar annual budget.

POA members in good standing may purchase a variety of amenities, including: golf memberships, golf cart privileges, boating, marina docks, pool, and dog park memberships.

Playgrounds, beaches, parks, baseball, softball and soccer fields, tennis and basketball courts are available for use. And, two restaurants, The 19th Hole and The Clubhouse Restaurant complete with ballroom venue, are available to the public.

The community newsletter, "THE SEASONAL" continues to grow.

It now consists of more than four pages and more than one advertisement. But, perhaps the biggest change and news for residents of LOFS was not just occurring inside its gates, but outside its gates!

Over 8,000 people now call LOFS home. Vacant lots are sparse, or become available when contiguous lots split. A lake lot can cost well over $200,000. Existing homes range from the moderate $100,000’s to nearly $1 Million! The community is nearly at capacity.

Current Clock Tower at the front gate.

8 LOFS HIstory

Four Seasons water tower, early 1970’s.

Original Winfield Township sign.

Current “Palmer” neighborhood sign.

McDonalds before Family Express was built.

Then—Winfield

a half acres at 8111 E. 109th Avenue.

He soon built a small strip mall on the site.

On May 2, 1981, over thirty-five years ago, Pharmacist Jim Scholl gambled by opening his own drug store next door to Fairway Foods. A growing community could certainly benefit by having a drug store so conveniently located, was his thinking, and so Scholl’s Pharmacy became a reality.

Over the years Jim and his wife, Pat, expanded the store department with novelty gift items and liquor carry out as well. In 1992 Scholl’s Pharmacy became part of the Fagen chain and today Fagen is still next door to the local grocery having moved to the DBL Plaza in 1996.

Township was established in 1843 and named after United States Army General Winfield Scott. The first settler in the area was Jeremy Hixon in 1838 who arrived at the point which is now Winfield Village. In 1860, David Palmer bought land in section 16 of Winfield Township near the bordering Porter County. He raised livestock and in 1882 the Chicago and Atlantic Railroad was built coming through his land.

November 20, 1882, Palmer platted a town on his land, which was promptly adopted as a station by the railroad.

By 1915, Palmer was an active station and the town had grown large enough to accommodate a small schoolhouse, called the Palmer School. Palmer’s small business district included a pool hall, two general stores, a telephone company and a blacksmith shop.

By the 1960s the use of railroads in the area declined and the building of Lakes of the Four Seasons began.

Palmer elementary school closed in 1966, and the railroad tracks through Palmer were removed in the `70s.

The general store closed due to chain stores opening in nearby towns. That same year bulldozers were heard in the distance... and the birth of Four Seasons began. There were no food markets, pharmacies, banks, or restaurants back in those early days.

In the mid `70s a Florida developer, Jerry Schaub, bought about one and

Vicky Hancock recalled her parents opening LOFS area’s first small grocery market, The Butcher Block, leasing space from Mr. Schaub. Area developer Bruce Swift, Jr. recalled, “The Butcher Block anchored the west end of the building and Centier Bank anchored to the east with a drive through window. My parents operated their realty company, Four Seasons Homes & Lots, next door to Centier Bank,” Bruce said, further recalling, “Later Dr. Brown bought the building from Jerry and his Four Seasons Medical Center occupied the west end of his building.

My family’s business bought property next to Marathon Oil on the corner.

That was in `82 and originally it was a single story structure. The building was complete in 1984. I later added a second story in 2000 to accommodate the growing business.”

Today the first mini plaza “outside the gates” is still home to Four Seasons Medical Center, other small businesses, and most recently A+ Hair Studio.

Late 1980 Smurdon Associates announced plans to open a new plaza in the spring of the following year. The Hancocks would move their grocery store to the new plaza and rename it Fairway Foods.

Now—Winfield enjoys two additional

pharmacies serving the community, Winfield Medical Pharmacy just north of the main gate and Walgreens located on the corner where Donna Molchan recalls selling sweet corn with her two sons for a $1 a dozen, bringing the total of pharmacies to three.

Then—“Back in 1958 there was

nothing here,” Donna recalled, “There were just farms. Around the early `60s the Hovanecs sold off 200 or so acres to the LOFS developers.” Donna also recalled a snow storm in the early `70s when the Weller family, located just west of Randolph on 109th, took in several stranded LOFS residents and fed them for three days! Many of you may be familiar with Donna being the tall, slender and graceful lady who has worked at Fagen and the former

LOFS HIstory 9

Citgo gas station at the LOFS entrance.

Scholl Pharmacy since 1981. In 1966 the nearest place to buy gas, milk and bread was Horn’s Gas Station at Randolph and Route 30… but a small tornado took it down in the `70s.

By 1981 Four Seasons would enjoy having not one, but two local gas stations. The property was originally purchased in 1980 by the Marathon Petroleum Company. “I tried to buy that Marathon back then because I had a towing business,” recalls Jim Bonnema, “But a deal had already been struck with the original owner.”

Later that owner sold the business and the station became the well-known full repair service station, Ron’s Marathon.

Ron would later sell the station and open Ron’s Auto & Tire now owned by Levin Tire.

The new Citgo greeted shoppers near the entrance of the new Four Seasons Plaza. The station originally consisted of two banks of gas pumps with a small building in the middle.

Employee and LOFS resident since 1979, Barb Wagner, recalled she could practically touch both walls at the same time! “We called it the ‘phone booth.’ It had a bank style window that would slide out to collect monies. We sold cigarettes, candy and a few other essentials,” Barb said. By 1996 a larger building was constructed that could offer a convenience store as well.

10 LOFS HIstory

The new plaza attracted other businesses; including Dante’s—then a small food carry-out with a larger adjacent bar opened to the west of Fairway Foods. As the food side became successful it expanded and took over some of the bar area. Later, the bar became more popular, so the bar took back their original space.

Today, the establishment is simply known as Gators Bar & Grill with the kitchen serving both the bar and the food carry-out side of the business, just as it originally began. A year earlier a Chicago favorite restaurant, Rupcich’s, added another location to their brand south of 109th on Randolph.

Rupcich’s would eventually sell to Villa Victoria and later was named Mr. G’s.

The restaurant was about to be sold again and be known as the Princess Café. However, the restaurant never re-opened and the building was sold to another business. The Four Seasons Plaza brought more services to LOFS. There was and still remains Dentist Dr. Kessler. Other’s have come and gone such as; Arley & Kathy Tapp’s Seasons of Beauty, Imperial Dance Studio, Dr. Galloway’s Seasons Plaza Clinic, The Videohaus owned by Mowry and Gloria Goetz, The Lurie’s Finishing Touch, and Donuts & Yogurt where now you’ll find 2&7 Coffee Shop. The Citgo sold to Family Express in `98.

Today, you’ll find Two Bill’s Tap on the site.

The January 1995 “THE SEASONAL” announced plans for the new DBL Tree Plaza to be located on the Northeast corner of 109th & Randolph. By the spring of 1996 the new plaza sprang into business. A few of LOFS local businesses found themselves making a move from the Four Seasons Plaza.

Fairway joined the Wilco Food group and became Amelia’s anchoring the plaza’s south end. Later Amelia’s was bought by Wiseway which now serves

The 19th Hole nearing completion, 1990.

the greater community. A Dollar General store moved into Fairway's location at the Four Seasons Plaza and would later move west of Speedway.

McDonald’s was built complete with a Play Place and a gas station was built on the corner to its south. Family Express held their grand opening the fall of ’96.

Centier Bank would relocate across the street next to Family Express. (Readers note: Family Express at first sold under a different brand. In 1998 they were able to “brand” the Family Express name. Centier Bank was formerly known as 1st National Bank of Crown Point, then 1st Bank of Whiting before its owners, The Schrage family, would rename the bank.) Speedway Gas Station, (formerly a Mobil Welsh Mart,) was built about 1996 as well on the northwest corner of Randolph & 109th providing a third gas station.

But the Speedway would offer more—a Subway and Dairy Queen as well!

Now—eateries abound! Along with

Gator’s, Subway and DQ there’s Chef Nick’s Eatery, Two Bill’s Tap, 2 & 7 Coffee Shop, Baja’s, Aurelio’s, Pizza Hut, Stephano’s, Little Caesar’s, Mc Donald’s, El Jimador, Little Market, China Star, Berry Red, Boz’, Beggar’s Pizza and Mighty Mick’s along with LOFS’ own popular “home of the best burger”—The 19th Hole and our LOFS Clubhouse Restaurant on the Lake— ensure no one goes hungry!!!

Winfield Elementary had earlier opened its doors in 1964 serving K – 6th. As the LOFS youth census quickly grew... an addition was needed by 1972.

The fall of 2003 Jerry Ross Elementary School was built on the Randolph site originally donated by the developers.

The School would serve grades 4th – 6th.

Pat Riley, Paula Krantz, and Bruce Swift Jr. celebrating the opening of Winfield Square.

Town of Winfield sign as it stands now.

Now—with a still increasing census,

Then—The Swift Family, Bruce Sr.

1998 was also the year Winfield had its first traffic light installed at 109th and the entrance to Four Seasons.

A second traffic light was installed that same year at 109th & Randolph when Walgreens offered to partially fund the cost with the Lake County Highway Department.

Back Inside the Gates Then—In 1966 U.S. Land with

and Dolly, with son Bruce Jr. and daughter Sheri, played an intricate role in Winfield business development.

In 1989 groundbreaking was held for Winfield Square on the south side of 109th just east of Randolph. First built was the Winfield Square Phase I, then Phase II. Both sites offered space for business offices, video stores, hair salons, and restaurants. Since that time some businesses have come and gone, some have relocated nearby and some remain. But it is undeniable that the once called “fools dream” had become a “boom town!”

Winfield Township incorporated in 1993 and became the “Town of Winfield!” In 1993 Winfield had an approximate population of 650 which boomed to 4383 by 2010. Several subdivisions sprang up around LOFS...

Stoney Run, Country Meadows, Double Tree East and West just to name a few. In 1998 the Winfield Township Municipal building opened its doors on Randolph just north of DBL Plaza.

The new facility provides space for the LOFS Fire Department who began operating from their second location October of that year. (LOFS Fire Department still maintains equipment at their West Porter facility.) With the change came the new “911” system.

And fire calls were no longer made through LOFS Security.

LOFS and Winfield’s growth spurts demanded additional medical services. St. Mary’s Winfield Family Health Center, Franciscan’s Physician Health Center and Winfield Woods now offer the growing population new facilities to house various medical services. In 2005 Rees Funeral Home joined the Winfield family of community services.

In 1966 US Land planned for schools to flank the community on 725W in Porter County and Randolph in Lake County. Porter Lakes Elementary School opened August 1978 on the 725W property serving K - 6th. There were two classes of kindergartners, three classes of grades one to six, full time music, PE, and Art teachers. The average class size was about 28. There were no student desks or chairs. They arrived the second week of school and were unloaded by sixth graders!

Carpeting was not yet complete. Work continued on finishing touches during the day.

Jerry Ross has become the school corporation’s 3rd – 5th elementary school while Winfield serves only grades K – 2nd. Porter Lakes serves K – 3rd and this school year construction once again welcomes students as a major renovation nears completion.

Hoosier Marine acquired an old farm house where the now LOFS Country Club’s golf cart parking lot calls home.

The developers, Boise Cascade, would initially use the old house for business offices. The lower level eventually was used as the Country’s Club first Pro Shop. Boise and Cascade soon built a model home which they also used as the POA office. The old farm house’s upstairs became the original “19th Hole,” and a place for the guys to play cards. But the old structure soon found the upstairs unsafe. The MGA raised funds to erect a hexagon structure as the new “19th Hole” in August 1979.

The small building near the graveled parking lot provided space for a small food concession, restrooms and a screened in room with picnic tables.

But it too gave way to time and on July 28, 1989 a ceremonial ground breaking was held for the soon to be 4032 sq. ft. Golf Pro Shop with a seasonal bar and grill.

Now—“The 19th Hole Bar &

Grill” is open all year long for both families and friends to gather.

LOFS HIstory 11

Bruce and Jill Nix's annual Christmas light show.

Milt Bonich lighting up the front entrance of LOFS, January 2000.

Tommy Noonan Jazz band playing under the stars in August, 1992.

Then—in 1986 LOFS residents

Christmas light show, complete with music! After moving they made a decision to donate not just their 80,000 lights plus equipment to Four Seasons—but their time as well each year to set up the display. “Roy and John from the maintenance crew help us,” Jill said, “and it takes about four days to put up and another five to wire the elements to the computer in Rick Cleveland’s office! It can take six hours for Bruce just to program thirty seconds of music for a new song.” Your hard work and labor of love is well appreciated Jill and Bruce. Thank you!

homes and POA buildings have been razed and rebuilt... Tommy Noonan’s pro-bono “music on the lawn” morphed to Summer Concerts. Faces have come and gone. But the service clubs still serve; the committees still protect and preserve; and social clubs still introduce old friends to new acquaintances. But what has not changed is that LOFS comradely of gathering together with family, old friends and new friends.

enjoyed a labor of love, a gift from beloved resident and friend to many, Milt Bonich. Milt began the annual tradition of lighting up the entrance transforming our front gate 30 foot high flag pole into a giant Christmas Tree decorated with over 1200 lights donated by The House and Garden Club. This long-standing tradition is now carried out by the LOFS maintenance crew in loving memory of Milt Bonich.

Now—since 2012 LOFS families

enjoy a new annual tradition. Bruce & Jill Nix had moved to their LOFS “Lake House” from Sunnyslope Drive where each year they displayed an amazing

12 LOFS HIstory

Yes, inside the gates we’ve benefited from our amazing volunteers. We’ve seen many changes as well. Both

The vision of Thomas J. Perine was not a “fools dream” after all. His vision has rather become “Our Working Man’s Paradise!” Happy 50th Anniversary Lakes of The Four Seasons!!! We’re proud to call you home.

Two Bill’s Tap would like to wish Lakes of the Four Seasons a “Happy 50th Anniversary”!

2016 marked our inaugural year as your hometown sports tap and grill. Two Bill’s Tap is owned by long-time residents of over thirty years, Bill Delgado, Bill Tucker, and Debbie Tucker. They came together with General Manager, Mark Miller, and Manager, Lisa Ghezzi to design an establishment for long-time residents and travelers alike, from around the region and beyond that would showcase the “Four Seasons lifestyle”.

Cheers!

Offering classic and crafted cocktails, cuisine by Chris Pavlou and the “Caddyshack Grill”, and events catered to what the people of Winfield have loved for decades: local bands and DJ performances, celebrations of Chicago sporting events, and providing a golfer-loving atmosphere, we hope to continue to bring our neighbors and friends together for a great time…for a long time to come!

BILL, BILL & DEBBIE

www.facebook.com/TwoBillsTap

Bill, Bill & Debbie 9201 E. 109th Ave. Crown Point, IN 46307

219-663-9030

LOFS HIstory 13

Congratulations LOFS On 50 Years!

Thank You For Providing Us With A Wonderful Place To Raise Our Family And Run Our Business!

14 LOFS HIstory

Interview with ted fitzgerald Written By Sally Lugo

Ted at the LOFS 50th Anniversary Gala, July 2, 2016.

View of Lake Holiday, early 1970’s.

W

hat is Lakes of The Four Seasons’ biggest asset?” is a question often asked regarding the community. Answers will vary from the lakes, the golf course, or the residents themselves.” If assets are measured in dollars and cents, then one unquestionable answer would certainly be: LOFS’ best asset is their attorney, Theodore Fitzgerald. Over the past 46 years the accomplishments made by Attorney Fitzgerald have undeniably saved Lakes of The Four Seasons residents millions of dollars!

Theodore A. Fitzgerald was born September 19, 1938. He will tell you he is a local boy, growing up right down the road. Ted attended Boone Grove and graduated from Valparaiso High School. He recalls hunting in the now LOFS area when he was just a young man. “I shot my first goose right down there, about one-hundred yards from here,” Ted said pointing to the lake in front of the clubhouse. “I was in junior high back then… about fourteen years old. I had my 4-10 shot gun and I shot that goose about 5:30 a.m.,” Ted recalled.

Ted will tell you he’s been very fortunate to have a full and wonderful life. Ted credits it all to his father’s

vision to ensure his children would attend college. “It (graduating from college) is something that I’m proud of… but not because of me,” Ted explained with an emphasis, “But because of my family, and my dad. He was literally born in a log cabin in 1907 about three or four miles from here— and his son graduated in the top ten of the Notre Dame Law School!” Ted further emphasized, “I didn’t do that— he did that!”

Graduating from college is something that i’m proud of... but not because of me. but because of my family and my dad.

“Two things I remember about the beginning of Lakes of the Four Seasons were: I was out to dinner and I heard somebody at the next table saying someone in the area was offering $1,000 an acre for ground. I thought that was ridiculous—and it turned out to be here, and true. Some of the final holdout property owners did very well,” Ted said. The second thing Ted recalled was watching the bulldozers near the site of his old goose hunting grounds digging out Lake Holiday.

“That was about 1967,” he said.

Ted next recalled how he became the attorney for Lakes of The Four Seasons after law school and serving in the military, he went to work for a law firm in Hebron Indiana founded

by Franklin Petry. “They (the LOFS board) thought they were hiring Petry—and our secretary, for whatever reason, sent me up here to have dinner with Joe Menard, Fred Wise, William VanDerSluys, and Mary Lou Karaffa.

That was in 1972 and their issue was regarding tract 105 (which the Lake Side Condos now occupy) which was slated to have apartments built on the site. Well, our meeting went well and we hit it off. And the people obviously didn’t want apartments; so we said we’d give it a try to fight it. We went before the Lake County Plan Commission against some very powerful people and we were victorious! Eventually condos were built on the site instead of apartments. So, that was the first thing I did as the attorney here. I had to learn everything from scratch—and back in those days there were few laws regarding homeowners’ associations.

Indiana case law regarding restrictive covenants was not favored by the law, but the courts would reluctantly enforce them if they (the covenants) were clear. So, we had little idea what power we had or didn’t have,” Ted summarized.

When I asked Attorney Fitzgerald what he felt was his biggest accomplishment

LOFS HIstory 15

for LOFS he immediately talked about the crisis LOFS faced when Boise Cascade decided to divest themselves of all recreational properties in LOFS. Their initial asking price for the facilities was in excess of $3 million.

Negotiations continued with the board of directors until an impasse was reached; negotiations were discontinued. Boise Cascade attempted to sell the facilities to an outside party; but the Board intervened.

By 1972 Attorney Fitzgerald was working for LOFS POA and the Board sent Fitzgerald along with resident volunteer Attorney Herbert Lasser to renegotiate on their behalf. “Joe Menard (board member) also came with us,” Ted said. “So we threatened Boise with a breach of contract lawsuit for substantial damages,” he continued.

“We met with Boise Cascade’s legal team at McDermott, Will & Emery law firm at the Harris Bank Office Building in downtown Chicago. We were there the entire day!” Ted recalled. Late into the evening Fitzgerald and Mr. Lasser reported by phone to the Board they would return that very evening to fully review their results. “It must have been 10 p.m. when Herb Lasser and I with Joe Menard walked into the Clubhouse and were met by about half the community! We were delighted to inform them they had acquired full title to all LOFS recreational facilities for the nominal price of $1.00!”

Ted said proudly. (Readers Note: In addition, Boise Cascade was obligated

LOFS Clubhouse, early 1970’s.

16 LOFS HIstory

to the POA to finish window repairs to the original POA office, a model home that was later sold, and turn over all their inventory of both the Clubhouse and then Pro-Shop. The closing date to turn over the recreational properties was November 21, 1972.)

Over the years Fitzgerald and his law firm have continued to be “legal pioneers” for LOFS and other HOA’s.

“About thirty years ago, I was going through the statutes one day and there I found five criteria for being taxexempt in Indiana,” Ted explained…

“We (LOFS) were not tax-exempt then; and therefore we were paying substantial sales tax. One of the criteria for tax exemption was ‘civic,’ so I applied for exclusion for sales tax on a ‘civic basis’ and was turned down by the Indiana Department of Revenue. I distinctly remember when I got the permission from the board of directors to pursue it in court. I don’t recall who made the motion, but I do remember him saying, ‘Ted, I don’t have the slightest idea what you’re talking about; but I trust you.

And if you want to do it, go ahead.’

So we filed suit in the Lake Circuit Court (there was no Indiana tax court yet) and won! They appealed, we won.

They appealed a second time, we won.

And ultimately we received a written concession from the governor of the state of Indiana; and they left us alone after that. So if you think back thirty years of saving 5-7% on everything the POA has bought in all those years, what do you think that amounts too?”

Ted asked me. My reply—I couldn’t begin to calculate. Ted continued, “We didn’t copy anybody, we blazed a trail and we were the first and only POA in Indiana that had no sales tax for years,” Ted recalled.

“Years later, my partner Brian Less and I had the same conception about real estate property taxes. It occurred to

us what are these roads worth? Well they’re not worth anything because if we own them—we can’t sell them; and all you can do is keep maintaining them,” Ted stated. “So we went to court and tried that case in the tax court, and we won. We were the first ones in Indiana to do that. And now they’re all following suit. And when it hit the newspapers that we were exempt from sales tax or real estate property—our firm got calls from many communities.

We probably sent out thirty to forty copies of my brief. I always figured the more people who got on our side; the less likely it would be that they would attempt to change the law.

ted, i don’t have the slightest idea what you’re talking about, but i trust you. and if you want to do it, go ahead.

Attorney Fitzgerald impressed upon me the importance of his staff. “There are many references in this document indicating what I have done for Lakes of The Four Seasons over the years.

I want to make it perfectly clear that I use the word “I” only to make it a little easier to understand. The entire time I’ve represented Four Seasons I have been part of a fantastic team!”

Ted stated. “Marcella June Mason was my secretary for thirty-four years.

For many of those years she took the minutes for the POA Board meetings, handled much of the correspondence and collection matters. She also was instrumental in preparing all the documents for litigation and much more. Joanne Hansen has been with me for over twenty-five years. She has also been extremely active with Four Seasons presently working on a daily basis with the POA office to implement the collection process.

She also has taken the minutes for the Board on numerous occasions when Caryn Whitehead was on vacation or unavailable. She works very closely with the present staff.

Most importantly, I would like to give much of the credit to my partner Brian Less for many of the achievements for Lakes of The Four Seasons. Brian came to me about fifteen years ago and has been my partner for over ten years.

The recovery of the past due property taxes, the collection process as it exists and operates today, and the cell tower negotiations were all as much, if not more his, as mine. I would be remiss not to say the best thing that ever happened to me in the practice of law is when I hired Brian Less.”

When asked how he perceives his role having worked with so many board members over the years Ted answered, “If Four Seasons is a boat; I’ve always tried to be part of the keel. I’m not the rudder—I can’t steer it; the board does that.” He also commented how boards have come and went with a variety of talented people serving over the years.

“I’ve always thought I should be the conscience—and keep it going on a straight even line.” Over the past 46 years it’s hard to calculate the number of different board members Attorney Fitzgerald has worked with—but it easily could be a hundred or more.

Next, I asked Mr. Fitzgerald about some of the LOFS folklore and fables.

My first question addressed old maps and discrepancies. “You have to remember a lot of these materials were just sales tools,” Ted chuckled, “One time I came in here with Nan (Ted’s wife) and we did the sales tour.

It was just amazing—they’d wine and dine you—and take you out and they had radios in their cars and you’d hear ‘somebody just bought this or that lot, and oh darn.’ There were all sorts of people who bought lots that shouldn’t

seven or eight hundred an acre. We’ve done really great on that property. We had the seventy-five foot by seventyfive foot easement for the cell tower that we sold and made $600,000, not to mention leasing a section to a farmer that brings in income every year,” Ted further recalled. Lastly, Ted added with a chuckle, “And, there’ll never be a mobile home park back there!”

Attorney Brian Less and wife, Teena.

have bought lots. And you have to remember the original focus of this place was it was going to be summer homes for people from Chicago. But to my knowledge there was only one summer home ever built.”

if four seasons is a boat, i’ve always tried to be part of the keel. i’m not the rudder. i can’t steer it. the board does that.

I asked Ted how LOFS acquired the eighty acres on the community’s southwest corner as I’ve heard so many different versions. “Good question,” he replied. “That was another thing—I actually found that piece of property by searching every parcel within a mile of here,” Ted said. “I went to the court house and spent all day and I wrote down all the information on every parcel. So I started calling and I got ahold of Bob Corbin. I knew him because he was the in-house attorney for St. Anthony in Crown Point. He said the property belonged to his aunt and uncle and he’d talked to them.

That was just under an eighty acre piece and LOFS needed space to pump silt from the Lake.” Ted remembered.

“I told the board they needed to own this property adjacent to the community for several reasons. One being someone would have eventually developed the property. Bob Corbin’s aunt and uncle offered a good price,

(Readers Note: In addition to LOFS’s silt pond, this property now provides space for the LOFS’ Operations Department’s new barn to house its equipment. The property encompasses 77.36 acres of which 28.5 acres have been leased to a farmer. This year the lease was at $210 per acre. The property also has an easement on which a cell tower sits. Lastly, the house that’s on Randolph is on 2.64 acres.)

With Ted bringing up the need for the silt pond, I asked him to discuss the Aqua Mog and the Lakes Restoration Project that took place in the early ‘90’s. I shared there seems to be a variety of opinion and folklore over the “I tell you, you tell another telephone memory game” pertaining to that project over the years.

“Well, that was actually kind of fun” Ted stated. “Rick (Cleveland), Pierce Barton (POA board member) and I went to California and we bought the Aqua Mog. (The Aqua Mog was

Aqua Mog from the Seasonal, March 1997.

LOFS HIstory 17

purchased for approximately $194,000 and was manufactured by Aquatics Unlimited based in California. Ref: The June 1991 “Seasonal.”) “We went there because they were the only people in the world who made that type of a machine. Pierce had found out about it. I had a little bit of familiarity with it because oddly enough they had been up in Michigan and they grew and grew and eventually they had a bunch of these things down in Florida cleaning up the water hyacinths near my dad’s retirement home. Then the company moved to California because they were doing business with Japan and the Orient. In addition to the Aqua Mog they made a thing that would skim up oil spills. It would scoop the surface water up and filter and discharge the clean water back.

lesson of the day, take the professional’s and your attorney’s advice!

Ted continued, “So we went out there and we bought it—we got a really great deal. In my opinion the machine was fantastic. I’m not an engineer, but my opinion was it was a good machine.

And I actually got them to throw in a clam bucket for free but I’m not sure we ever used it. The problem I saw, after they got it, was not to take the company’s advice regarding spare parts. We were told these things work really hard and they break down and you should buy $5,000 worth of spare parts. They offered to give us a guarantee that if we didn’t use the parts—they would take them back.

Well the board decided not to do this thinking they could buy parts locally.

But they couldn’t and it was down half the time. So, that was a problem. They’d hit a boulder under water and the Aqua Mog would hit something; and then it’d be down again. The second

18 LOFS HIstory

thing that I think was even a bigger mistake was they wanted to sell us a laser guidance system. In other words the operator would know where he was and where he had been. Well they didn’t want to spend the money on that either and with the wind blowing who knew where they’d dredged or not. The third thing was we had gone down to Illinois where another community had one. The community manager there highly recommended we not use volunteers to run the machine. ‘This is not something a guy off the street could operate,’ he told us. So, it wasn’t the machine—it was the mistakes made along the way. Well finally the POA had employees and not volunteers operating the Aqua Mog, and it got better. And you have to remember, despite the problems and mistakes, there were 400,000 cubic yards of silt removed and sent from the lake to the settling ponds.”

(Readers Note: Rick Cleveland, now community manager, also confirmed issues and problems using volunteers and not having spare parts. He also added he was amazed by the amount of rebar that got snared in the auger head saying. We must’ve pulled out thousands of feet of rebar! We’d have to torch it and cut it out.” Rick also added there were many petrified stumps that were pulled from the lake.

Rick lastly stated the Aqua Mog was sold by the board September 15, 2005 for $80,000.)

Attorney Fitzgerald spoke more about our LOFS lakes saying, “You have to remember, the lakes were basically a swamp in the past. The vast majority of this water comes in through the water shed. Sure there might be some springs—but this was basically wasted ground and not desirable farm ground.

I’ve been to dozens and dozens of meetings about lakes and lake management. I went to Florida with

Jeff Pape (former LOFS community manager) and met with the Army Corp of Engineers. And I’ve met with the department of fisheries and others.

And, the best explanation I ever heard was from an Army Corp Engineer from Detroit. He said, ‘Your Lake is just like a human being. It’s born and then it starts to die… and they have about the same life span, if you don’t do anything… 80-90 years. Nature is struggling to return this to a swamp.’”

And then there’s the ongoing battle with Twin Lakes aka Utilities Inc., now known as Community Utilities of Indiana. It was interesting to learn firsthand that Boise Cascade had originally operated the LOFS water and sewer system. Ted recounted that when Boise Cascade was putting in infrastructure they had a cave in and two men were killed. I asked him if that was at dam A. And he said no, that was a different accident. “The sewers were deep,” Ted said. “The company pulled out of that job and they had to hire three or four different companies to finish the job. And the real problem became nobody ever got any ‘as built plans.’ We never got plans of where anything was located! That’s just one of the things you do when you put stuff in the ground,” Ted said. “I fought and fought with Boise Cascade for years to get plans and was put off. So, years went on and when Twin Lakes bought it (the water and sewer system) they ended up filing suit fighting for Boise to get the plans but to my knowledge, they never did get all of them. So that was part of their problem—they didn’t build it; and they didn’t know where anything was!” Ted exclaimed. “So, in the beginning there was no Twin Lakes. Boise put in the sewer and water system and they were operating it. At one point it was suggested the community take over the sewer system. But my personal opinion to the board was we didn’t want to own

it. Think of it today what it is to run the water and sewer plants. It would not have been profitable for LOFS. And now you’d be the owner of a fifty year old sewer and water system that needs repair. So, I thought that was a horrible idea and wouldn’t have taken it even if they offered it for nothing,” Ted summed up.

Attorney Fitzgerald, over the years has challenged the utility company, filing complaints against it saving POA residents incredible sums of money in utility costs. “Well we did some math,” Ted reported, “And if you go back the last twenty years, residents have paid approximately 3.5 million less in fees than the fees requested.”

(Readers Note: Attorney Fitzgerald, along with C.M. Richard Cleveland will once again this year represent LOFS at IURC hearings regarding Community Utilities of Indiana’s ongoing failures to comply and yet petitioning for rate increases to its consumers.)

Attorney Fitzgerald spoke about the evolution of LOFS’ dues collection process. “You know it’s not easy but you have to be tough on the people who don’t pay (their dues),” Ted said. “And you have to! Because what happens to communities as they get older and people stop paying their dues is things deteriorate! And then no one wants to buy houses… and pretty soon you just get more people who want to flip and rent, and those people don’t pay. And then it becomes too late. There was a new community down in southern Indiana just a few years ago that started out to be very successful and they were bigger than LOFS. But they just went totally belly up because they didn’t pursue the collections. They didn’t want to hire a lawyer, and they felt sorry for everybody, next thing no one was paying—and it was too late!” Ted summed up by saying: “Sometimes

you have to get tough with those who are just flagrant about not paying their dues. And LOFS will work out a payment plan for good people who’ve had bad things happen. When Brian Less came along and joined the firm he took to the process like a duck to water. Brian has done a great job for Four Seasons regarding collections,” Ted said with a lot of praise for his partner, Brian Less.

A Few Ted Personal Memories

When asking Ted to share more of his personal stories he quickly refers to the most cherished part of his life, family. “I remember clear as a bell,” Ted shared, “My sister, who was six years older than me, and she’s since passed…. Well, I remember sitting at the kitchen table when dad said to her, ‘Mary Catherine, I think you should go to college. Do you want to be a teacher or do you want to be a nurse.’ ” Ted then told me how intelligent his sister was; “I was the dumb one next to her— she could have run General Motors!”

Ted bragged. “But dad asked her if she wanted to be a teacher or a nurse! ….

Back in those days that’s how it was ….

It was tough for women,” Ted recalled.

“After graduating from Valpo High School I wanted to be an engineer.

All my friends were in engineering— and became engineers. I had a little scholarship to go to Valpo University.

I remember it was around this time of year, April, and I was talking to a friend of mine, Clem Miller, and he said he was going to go to Notre Dame. But I said it’s expensive and he said—well you could apply. So, I called them up and they said well we won’t even look at your application unless you take the entrance exam. The SAT was a brand new thing. I had to go all the way to downtown Chicago at Northwestern and take it—they didn’t even give it anywhere nearby. The night before we rolled over in a car and I was all hurt and bruised. Well, apparently I did

pretty well on the test because I got a call from the university, but they were pretty full—but maybe at the end of the semester they told me I could get in.

when brian less came along and joined the firm he took to process like a duck to water.

‘But come on over and we’ll give you an interview,’ I was told. Well I don’t know if you know this but I’m named after a priest, Thaddeus Neckerman, who was my uncle. He went by ‘Ted’ and was a diocesan priest in Chicago for sixty-two years," Ted said.

"So, I go to Notre Dame and a guy by the name of George Baron—he asked who I was. And I told him Ted Fitzgerald. I wasn’t quite eighteen yet.

He said again, ‘I want to know who you are…’ and I answered again, ‘I’m Theodore Fitzgerald from Hebron Indiana.’ ‘No,’ he asked again, ‘I want to know who the hell you are! So far in the past two days I’ve had a call from a U.S. Senator about you, I got a call from the President of the Notre Dame Alumni Association about you, and now this morning I got a call from the Cardinal in Chicago and he implied I would be ex-communicated if I didn’t accept you in the school… now who the Hell are you!!!’ And I said, ‘Oh that would be my uncle Ted,’—you see my uncle was the classmate of the Cardinal and knew the Senator. And he said, ‘Kid you’re in, but I’m going to put you in the business school (the engineering school was filled), and then at the end of the first semester you can transfer into engineering.’ At the end of the first semester there were 5800 students at Notre Dame. When I was a freshman, my laundry number was 5799… so who ever got in after me, I have no idea. So the first semester I’m in the business college and I’m eating it up and enjoying it. So, I had

LOFS HIstory 19

to re-register to change and I got a business degree. And then later did the accelerated program in the law school and graduated in six years instead of seven. I was also in ROTC and got a commission. When I got out of law school, and by then I had a wife and a baby on the way, I got my army call up the next spring. I interviewed and was fortunate enough to be chosen by the Chief Justice of the Indiana Supreme Court, Amos Jackson, so I clerked for him—and he was a great mentor of mine. Then, when I finished that I went on active duty for two years. Andy was already born… and after that I hung out my shingle April 17, 1965—fiftyone years ago this coming week.” Ted reminisced.

Ted and his wife, Nadaline, who he lovingly calls Nan, were married May 19, 1961. They have raised their three children Andrew, Kathleen and Tad in their home they’ve owned for over fifty years near Lake Eliza—not far from where his father was born.

“You know I’ve done lots of neat things in my life,” Ted told me sitting back in his chair with a broad smile. “I got to carry the Olympic Torch once. I’ve had a fantastic job in the Army. I’ve really, really enjoyed the practice, and although it’s time for me to slow down a bit—I’m still working serving LOFS, the Town of Hebron, and Falling Waters,” Ted told me. “I have kids who are overachievers. My son, Andy, who is currently down at Guantanamo Bay is a Civil Engineer with a Professional Engineers license. He earned an MBA, is a Lt. Colonel, and when he’s not on active duty for the National Guard; he’s the office manager at INDOT. My daughter, Kathleen, is a saint. She has three masters, a profession in speech and audiology and she works with the kids. My youngest son, Tad, who is named after my uncle the priest, is the food service manager at St.

20 LOFS HIstory

Anthony’s in Crown Point. So, all my children have done well.” Ted beamed.

“And, Nan and I have nine fantastic grandchildren ranging from newborn to twenty-two years old,” Ted lastly proudly announced.

It was interesting to learn that Ted actually was involved with LOFS well before 1972! Ted shared, “When the original real estate closing took place at Lakes of The Four Seasons, Hoosier Marine Properties closed on the options they had taken with the various farmers who lived here.

Two of those farmers were clients of my mentor, Franklin Petry. He asked me to attend the closing. However, I was unable to do because the closing occurred May 26, 1966 and I was at the Porter Memorial Hospital in Valparaiso welcoming my daughter, Kathleen, into the world. So my daughter is actually the same age as Lakes of The Four Seasons.”

With my interview with Attorney Fitzgerald drawing to a close, I posed one last question, “If you had a message for the community; what would that be?” “Continuity and stability, that’s what makes this place great,” he replied. “It’s a stable community.

The community has always done well because we have always had some money in the bank. And we’ve been able to maintain things. … Sure, we’ve fought a million little wars, like manufactured housing. ... And, we have houses here or there with problems. But compared to the outside world—we don’t have problems! Over the years we’ve remained a little island.

And what’s amazed me is—how many communities get to fifty years old and look like this! I mean most developments fifty years old don’t look this good—and this looks better and better every year! We have grown from a bunch of struggling volunteers with very little knowledge of what

Ted in his National Guard uniform, July of 1963.

we were doing, and not a whole lot of basis for any knowledge—there was no law, we kind of made it up as we went along… and what I think is amazing, is it has morphed into a truly fantastic community that runs extremely well. It’s progressed and progressed. IT’S ON THE UPTICK,” Ted emphasized. “And you’ve had good people, good managers, and your community manager, Rick Cleveland, would die for this place. And I’ve been the same way. I’ve always tried to do the absolute best that I could.” Mr. Fitzgerald said. Then he added, “Keep up the good work. Don’t change too much. You’ve got a good thing—take care of it! You got to keep on. You’re system of government works and you have good people. JUST KEEP THE UPTICK GOING!” Thank you Attorney Theodore Fitzgerald for your sound advice.

And thank you for your good work and trying to always do your absolute best. And, thank you to your father, Andrew Fitzgerald, for his determination to have his children attend college and become the best they could. It is no doubt Attorney Ted Fitzgerald has greatly played a major role in the success of Lakes of The Four Seasons. Cheers—For all that you have accomplished and done.

Interview With Ted Fitzgerald­— Footnotes:

County Tourism Board in 2015. He has served

Ted is a Retired Gold Badge Lake Eliza Volunteer

Fitzgerald graduated from the University of

every in every office of the Porter County

Fire Department and Charter Member of the

Notre Dame Law School, Juris Doctor in 1962.

Bar Association.

Hebron Lions Club, and Charter Director of the

He has a Bachelor of Business Administration

Hebron Jaycees. He served as a Director for the

and completed both degrees in six years, being

Ted was appointed by the Supreme Court of

Citizens Bank of Hebron and for 1st National

in the top 10 in law school, and member of the

Indiana to Committee on Character and Fitness

Bank of Valparaiso for thirty-four years.

Notre Dame Law Review Staff.

in 1972 and continues to serve to this day.

Ted Fitzgerald served 2 years as a commissioned

Ted has been speaker, moderator and panelist

officer in the U.S. Army Military Police Corp

for numerous legal seminars for attorneys

He currently serves on the Porter County Drug

from 1963 to 1965 during Viet Nam.

and legal support staff for estate planning,

Court Advisory Board.

Ted was an Olympic Torch Bearer in 1996.

Professional Education Systems, Inc. and many He has been the Town Attorney for the City of

other organizations.

Hebron since 1969 and also serves or has served as

Not only has Ted represented LOFS for 46 years—but he also has been attorney for at least

attorney for the town’s Plan Commission, Board

Ted’s volunteerism includes serving as volunteer,

of Zoning Appeals, Economic Development

Certified Locomotive Engineer for Whitewater

Commission, Storm Water Management Board,

Valley Tourism Railroad. He is a member of

Ted Fitzgerald serves as attorney and Juvenile

Redevelopment

the Hebron American Legion, Post # 190, Past

Court Facilitator. He also has served as attorney

President of the Porter County Mental Health

for the Porter County Office of Family and

Association from 1989-1999.

Children in Valparaiso for nearly thirty-five

Commission,

and

Hebron

Police Department.

Ted’s legal affiliations and honors are numerous.

seven other communities.

years handling several thousand cases of child

He has been awarded by the Porter County

As well as past President of the Hebron

Legal Secretaries Association “Boss of the Year”

Commercial Club, Lake Eliza Area Conservancy

in 1990. He earned the ABATE Freedom of the

District, Hebron Chamber of Commerce and

In the above article Ted calls his children “over

Road Award from 2008 to 2011 and the ROSE

Past Co-Chairman of the Friendly Sons of Erin

achievers.” I wonder where they get it from!

Award – Professional of the Year – Porter

of NW Indiana, Executive Committee.

abuse over the years.

Attorneys Ted Fitzgerald and Brian Less with their Secretary, Joanne Hansen.

From Left to Right, Back Row: Ted Fitzgerald, Jack Hansen, Brian Less. Front Row: Joanne Hansen and Teena Less.

LOFS HIstory 21

Congratulations Lakes of The Four Seasons On Your Golden Anniversary From

THE LAW FIRM OF PETRY, FITZGERALD, & LESS, P.C.

Founded in 1934, PETRY, FITZGERALD & LESS, P.C. has been helping thousand of clients in the State of Indiana for over 80 years accomplish their goals in many areas of the law.

We offer clients a wide range of legal services including Personal Injury, Municipal, Land Use, Construction, Real Estate, Family, Wills & Estates, Criminal, Contract, and Business Law.

Brian E. LEss attornEy at Law

Office: (219) 996-2300 Fax: (219) 996-3300 petry@netnitco.net My Special Thanks to Ted Fitzgerald for all of his help and encouragement over the past 16 years. Working for Ted was the best decision I’ve ever made.

107 N. Main Street • Hebron, Indiana • petryfitzgerald.com

22 LOFS HIstory

LOFS HIstory 23

LOFS MArks 50 years with jean marthaler Written By Journalist, Karen Caffarini

W

hen Jean Marthaler and her young family moved into their home in Lakes of the Four Seasons in the late 1960s, she’d find snakes in her window wells, and it wasn’t odd to see horses wandering in the fields.

There was no Winfield at that time and the only business in the area was a gas station at the corner of 109th Avenue and Randolph Street. Not all the roads inside the 1,800-acre gated community that straddles Lake and Porter counties were built and the roads outside were rough, often pitted and unpaved, she recalled.

“There were free-range cows all the way to Valparaiso and if you saw four cars on (County Road) 100 before you got to Indiana 2 you were lucky,” said Marthaler, a native of England who still lives in the same two-story house on the Porter County side where she and her husband, Charles, raised their children John, Paul and Ann. As LOFS celebrates its 50th anniversary with a gala and other activities this summer, Marthaler, a member of its first Property Owners Association Board of Directors in 1969, recalled the community’s various owners and its growth. “We were so active,” she said. “It’s such a great place to live.”

24 LOFS HIstory

According to the community’s 25th anniversary book, the original concept called for a 180-acre lake for boating and a 130-acre lake for fishing, as well as a golf course, three beaches, a restaurant, swimming pool, luxury lodge and 26-acre campground.

The property was farmland and a series of dams were constructed to create the lakes. There are four lakes today and a pond. The campground was replaced by a dog park, but the other amenities remain.

In the beginning, many of the homebuyers used their resort-type homes for weekend getaways and vacations, while others, like the Marthalers and the first homeowners in the community, Anthony and Betty Lazar, called it their permanent home.

The lakes have continued to be a draw for prospective buyers and an integral part of the community through the years.

Jean Marthaler, former President of the LOFS POA.

All of the homes have Crown Point mailing addresses, even on the Porter County side. Children on the Lake County side attend Crown Point schools, while those on the Porter County side attend Porter Township schools. Perine didn’t stay involved with the community long after his concept began taking shape.

In addition to being secretary on the first POA board, and later its president, Marthaler said she was a member of the conservation club, which sponsored the preservation of Wildwood Park on Lakeshore Drive, and the tennis club. A retired physical therapist, she was responsible for the ramp at the clubhouse for easy access for the handicapped. She still helps run the POA elections.

Marthaler said there were a number of committees, and each of the committees at one time had a float in the annual Fourth of July parade that still takes place.

Released by author for reprint in the LOFS 50th Anniversary book.

LOFS encompasses about how many land acres? A) 1800 B) 2400 C) 1200 Answer: A) and LOFS has nearly 300 acres of water! Lake Holiday is approximately 190 acres and would not be an “All Sport Lake” if it were not in a private community.

LOFS Trivia!

Lakes of the Four Seasons was the brainchild of Thomas J. Perine, a 34-year-old builder and chairman of U.S. Land Inc. in Indianapolis, who was quoted then as saying people have the same motivation to go to water as birds have to fly south in the winter.

He built lakes all around the country, then sold the land around the lakes for residential use. In 1966, his dream came to a piece of property in Lake and Porter counties.

LOFS HIstory 25

26 LOFS HIstory

PART 2 pioneer Families

the lazar family.................................................................. 28 john ( coach ) & Charlotte Bennett.............................. 30 rose & Rob dado................................................................... 36 joan & dick delor.................................................................41 nancy & ross porter. ......................................................... 43 sharon & John palmeri...................................................... 45 tony & george smith .......................................................... 46 the rich & hoffman families............................................ 47 joyce staudohar: remembering frank........................... 52 walter barAn & family..................................................... 54

pioneer families 27

the lazar family Contributed By Theresa Lazar Springmann

F

ifty years ago, there was a man who lived in the City of Gary in northwest Indiana.

He was born in 1920 to parents who immigrated to the United States from Slovakia, just before the start of WWI. Like his father before him, the man graduated from high school and entered the labor force at US Steel, the largest steel mill in the world. Being sharp eyed and excellent at math, he became a roll turner. And so he worked each day to support his wife and children. The man’s name was Tony Lazar. He was my father.

In 1966, after working 28 years in the mill, Tony wanted something more in life. He heard about a new idea…a planned community…being developed in a rural area along the Lake and Porter County line, south of Route 30. It was developed by Boise Cascade Corporation and marketed by Hoosier Marine Properties. It was to be a working man’s paradise --- a new, clean and safe place to raise a family.

It was to have amenities which, at the time, were the province of the wellto-do: an 18 hole golf course; manmade lakes for swimming, fishing and boating; a marina; a Clubhouse with a restaurant and banquet hall; sandy beaches; tennis courts; and, a weekend campground area.

With a 10 year old (me) and a 2 year old (brother, Vince) still to raise, Tony his wife, Betty, and us kids jumped into the 1964 Chevy Impala and drove us into the countryside, where we had not been before. We drove south on Broadway from the gates of the mill to Route 30. Once beyond Andrean

28 Pioneer Families

Catholic High School and the Wagon Wheel Restaurant, there was nothing else to see except empty spaces and fields. Interstate 65 had not yet been completed north into Lake County.

Driving east on Route 30, then south on the narrow two lane, hilly Randolph Street, and then east on 109th Street, we saw only farms, pastures and fields. Corn and cows. No malls. No businesses. No stores. No churches.

No subdivisions. All unannexed farmland as far as the eye could see. A very different place from the city.

At last we saw colorful flags and signs along the roadside leading us to the entrance of the “Lakes of the Four Seasons”. Salesmen were lined up by their cars to greet the prospective land buyers. There were many families like ours there.

A salesman drove our family around the land ---Tony rode in the front passenger seat, Betty sat in the backseat with the toddler on her lap, and I sat behind my dad. The car windows were rolled down so we could see all there was to see. Only the main road, North Lakeshore Drive, was paved.

The rest of the streets were gravel. The Clubhouse was under construction.

There was a temporary shanty where the salesmen closed their deals.

Our salesman pointed out the areas where former farm fields had been bulldozed and scraped to bare clay —where wood stakes painted blue marked the perimeter of where the man-made lakes would be. He showed us white stakes that marked where the golf course would meander, with red

Betty and Tony Lazar staking out their home in LOFS.

stakes marking lots for houses to be built. The salesman gave Tony a map of what and where all was to be built in the “planned community”. There were no street lights. No street signs. No sewers. No electrical lines.

No fire department. No police department. No stores. No churches.

Just the raw land. And a map with black lines and Colorform-like shapes of blue and green.

We drove around until sunset, and then headed back to Gary. Betty, who had been silent throughout the tour, finally told my dad in no uncertain terms that he was “crazy” to even consider moving from the city to what she called “a hole in the ground, in the middle of nowhere”. She went on and on, threatening that she would never move. Tony remained silent behind the wheel. He was thinking.

1st LOFS Family Member, Vince Lazar in front of his house in LOFS, 2016.

A week or so later, Tony came home with a smile on face. He announced to the family that he was going to take us on a drive to see where our new house was going to be. And so back again we drove. This time, our salesman led us to “the Lot” my dad had chosen. It was on high ground, in the middle of a grove of apple trees that had been part of the Stark family farm that sat across the field, along County Road W. 100 S. We got out of the car and walked around the lot. It backed onto County Line Road which had been closed and barricaded for the land development.

The salesman told us that one day we could walk from our house to the first hole of the golf course and the driving range. He said that the front of the house would look east onto a fenced pasture with horses, and a weathered white barn. Tony told Betty that she could bake apple pies from the fruit trees that would be in her backyard. She remained stubbornly unconvinced.

Tony alone signed the papers to buy the lot and build the first house in the Lakes of the Four Seasons.

We sold our house in Gary and moved to 1361 Brandywine Road on a muddy,

rain soaked Columbus Day. And for the next 28 years our family called Four Seasons home. Like his parents before him, Tony had the foresight and determination to provide his family with a better life, even if it meant leaving all that was familiar behind.

He moved to a place with clean air, clean water, and healthy, active living.

He took the chance, and never looked back. Betty, after a few years, came around and realized that Four Seasons gave her and the family a lifestyle that the city never could. And my brother and I thrived.

My parents have passed away now. I know that the years they lived in Four Seasons were the happiest in their lives... lives that endured the Great Depression, WWII, the Vietnam War and tumult of the 1960s. For myself, I cannot imagine having a better place to grow up. My brother and I attended Boone Grove (Porter Township) schools. I joined 4H, with Mrs. Stark as my club leader. I worked my first job as a junior waitress at age 15, at the Clubhouse, earning $1 an hour. I later worked in the POA office as a junior secretary, and earned enough money

to pay for my college (IU Northwest – Gary) and law school (University of Notre Dame Law School) education.

Our Four Seasons neighbors were in our lives for decades. I still exchange Christmas cards and letters with families I used to babysit for…the Blaines (Jim and Connie) and the Marthalers (Jean and son, John).

I learned many life lessons from the examples of the “pioneers” of Four Seasons, who volunteered and worked hard to set a solid foundation for the future of the community. They served as POA Directors and Committee members, they wrote for The Seasonal newspaper, they organized the community clubs, churches and other organizations. They were selfless and considerate. All for the good of those who would follow them in living at Four Seasons.

My hope for the families of the Lakes of Four Seasons is that the spirit and tradition of volunteerism, which helped build and sustain this unique community, continue on for the next 50 years.

1989

1970 How many miles of golf course cart paths are there? A) 4.59 B) 5.33 C) 6.10 Answer: A

LOFS Trivia!

pioneer families 29

John ( Coach ) & charlotte bennett Written By Sally Lugo

The Bennett’s lot before construction.

S

ome know him as John most call him “Coach” having served thirty-nine years as a teacher, coach and athletic director for Andrean High School. John’s bride of fifty-one years, however, lovingly calls him Jack. John and Charlotte Bennett married June 5, 1965 and resided in an apartment in the Aetna area. “We only paid $65 for rent back then,” Coach laughed. But a chance invitation from a friend who by day was a county police officer and by night security guard watching over heavy equipment at a project straddling two counties would provide a path for the young couple’s future. John visited his friend at the construction site and was impressed with the undertaking of man-made lakes and the vision for such a community that would offer several amenities. “There were no roads then; they were just carved out.

There was a lot of heavy equipment in Lake Holiday and no water,” Coach said, “But my friend encouraged me to come back as they were having a grand opening the next day. So, Charlotte and I came back to take a look around the place.” Both Coach and Charlotte laughed a bit telling the story of how they bought their lot on Brandywine.

“We were so young then,” Coach told us while Charlotte smiled and shook

30 Pioneer Families

her head yes. “They drove us around and there were sold signs on every lot! They’d be on their walkie-talkies and they’d tried selling us one for over $4,000—boy we were being hustled,” Coach chuckled and Charlotte’s smile grew bigger. “But we weren’t dummies either,” Coach said while he fondly looked at Charlotte, “I was interested in this lot because of its walnut trees.

But they told us this lot was already sold and they took us down the street showing us other lots. Now keep in mind,” Coach stated making a point, “It was the first day of opening! How could all these lots be sold? Well they said they had a pre-sale or something.

But we were not interested in the other lots—so we left.” Both Charlotte and Coach laughed next telling us, “Well, we got all the way home and we just walked in the apartment when we received a phone call. They told us the other deal fell through on the lot we wanted, but if you come here tomorrow and you better be here early—then we could buy it. Charlotte’s uncle was an attorney and I called him and asked him what he thought. So he checked it out and said it was legit. So we ended up getting this lot October 1966.” Coach said, “But I gotta tell you… the pressure they put on you back then… was unbelievable.”

The Bennett’s standing inside their unfinished home on Brandywine.

“So we bought in ’66 but we didn’t move in till ’68. We were the 3rd house that was built as far as we know and I think the Lazar’s were the first and there was also Jim Campbell as I recall—both are not here now. We started building in 1967 but it took a year to get into the house because we couldn’t get a permit. There still were no utilities; we had no gas or electric yet. They had to put in a propane tank for our gas, and the electric lines came through the trees.” Coach and Charlotte recalled.

“We were in ‘Unit-1,’ or the first phase of the development. ‘Unit-1’ started at the gate and went south on North Lake Shore where it stopped at the Club House. It also went east on Sunnyslope and East Lake Shore Dr. until they crossed each other at the corner where it (Unit-1) ended back then. They hadn’t yet finished the lakes or built the dam between Bass and Holiday.

So that was called ‘Unit-1.’ Plus, the roads were not here when we moved in.” Coach said as he showed pictures of their home with just a gravel road out front. “On the second day after we were here our road was only grated.

Then later they put the road in,” Coach and Charlotte told us as they showed more pictures with one showing the Porter County bldg inspector’s car parked in front the day they received approval to occupy their house. (Note: Later research reveals because “Unit1” section straddles both counties and it is actually either “Unit L-1” or “Unit P-1.” And it answers the age old question, “Why is Lake Shore Drive known as: North, West or South Lake Shore in certain areas?” Answer: “Because they are in different Unit’s!)

“So, now we’re in the house, and our utilities are in, but we have that propane tank for a while. And U.S. Land, a subsidiary of Hoosier Marine, wants to sell more lots. So, they decided it would be good to pave some of the roads trying to make everything look good. They were getting ready to pave our road and I asked if they did driveways too. The one guy, SteveI think, said he’d come back after checking with someone. Well they came back the next day and the next thing I know he’s backing up the truck and I ran out there and said ‘Steve I don’t think I can pay you right now!’

The Bennett’s house upon completion in 1968. The building inspector’s car is on the right. The Bennetts are waiting for their occupancy permit to move in.

And he said you’re in luck U.S. Land paid for your driveway! I guess they wanted everything to look real good for other buyers and that’s how our drive way got in,” Coach said.

Both Charlotte and Coach conveyed that in those early days they were pretty much concerned about the success of the community. They told us originally it was suppose to turn into more of a vacation/retirement or summer home type community for people who lived in Chicago. Charlotte then said, “We were so young and I was a bit concerned there’d be more senior citizens than younger people,” she chuckled.

The Bennett’s next gave an account of the evolution of LOFS mail boxes.

“There were three mail boxes at first, right at the main entrance.” Coach said—“Then it got to be five, six, then eight and twelve. There was a second location for mailboxes installed on Sunnyslope at Bass Beach where there is a circle drive for the beach. The third location was on East Lake Shore in that green space where the road bumps out at Lake Shore Circle,” they told us. As more lots sold and the community grew a “citizens committee” eventually lobbied and planned for curbside delivery. Then in 1975 LOFS residents finally received individual home delivery. Coach then added—“I want to mention Harold Cleveland—that man did so much out here it’s unbelievable.

He moved those mailboxes all around.

Everybody had to have the same mailbox back then. You got them at the maintenance barn from Harold.”

And then there was the “Water Meter” story! It seems that 50 years ago a water line was connected to the Bennett home, but without a water meter! Why? So, the Bennett’s would allow other builders to utilize their water source to build other homes.

The Bennett’s house from the 7th Fairway, Looking East.

“We probably built five houses out here with my water,” Coach said, “But when we built I had to bring water out here in large barrels to put the brick up. And that was another issue getting into our home. I had to truck in fifty gallon drums of water for our brick layers to put up brick!” Coach told us seemingly still aggravated over the issue. “So, we didn’t have a water meter and six years later we’re sitting here at home and a guy I knew, who had a part time job reading water meters, came to read our meter. His name was Jim Blaine, I knew him as we were both firemen—and both Irish I might add.

And when he asked me where the water was; I told him I didn’t know,” Coach told us. Then in his “Irish fashion” Coach recalled Jim Blaine’s response… “Whadda ya mean, Coach, you gotta have a water meter!” Coach recounted as he expressively waved his arms outwards, “You got it right here— you’re just not telling me!” But Coach didn’t! Because the water company never did install one! “So the utility company sent me a bill for six years of water,” Coach and Charlotte laughed.

“But my attorney, Charlotte’s uncle, told us they had nothing and not to pay it. And that’s how we got free water for six years,” Coach concluded.

pioneer families 31

“We had friends who came visiting us on horses and they’d tie up their horses to our tree and come in and we’d relax” Charlotte shared. Charlotte next recalled there were families of deer and quail just walking around.

Coach talked of putting salt licks out for the deer and they would come right up into the back yard. “One time we had 12 deer in our backyard,” Coach said. “The golf course was only nine holes back then, and Harold Cleveland maintained the golf course and everything—he was amazing, that Harold,” Coach reminisced.

Coach and Charlotte recalled the dues were $35 when Ken Goetz was the first community manager. “I was on one of the committees back then,” Coach said. There was a recall of when and how Boise Cascade divested themselves in ’73 and they wanted to sell the properties and get as much as they could. At first they wanted $33.5 million but by then they had an attorney, Ted Fitzgerald, and along with Herb Lasser, who was an attorney and resident, and Joe Menard who was on the Board, and the help of others— Boise ended up settling for only one dollar! “So, we have just gone through all this and I’m here to tell you that I was walking in my yard with my brother-in-law and this guy pulls in and says you can have any property out here for just two-thousand dollars.

It didn’t matter if it was the lake—it was two-thousand dollars!” Coach continued, “See, they wanted to get every penny because they would lose the unsold properties to the POA." "And they went to every resident out here. And some did buy, but us being as young as we were and having all our money invested right here,” Coach said pointing to his home. “Of course we’re sorry we didn’t now,” Charlotte chuckled referencing they could have even bought a lake lot for

32 Pioneer Families

only two-thousand dollars. “But, we were still fearful of what would come of this place (LOFS) there was a lot of uncertainty back then.” She said. “And another thing was you had to have the money RIGHT NOW and you only had till 4 o’clock that day, and that put more skepticism in our minds,” Coach finished.

we had friends who came visiting on horses and they’d tie up their horses to our tree and come in and we’d relax.

“I do want to mention the first two gate guys, Bill Sneiderwine and Charlie Harding,” Coach told us. But I asked who Louis was because we were told he was the first security person.

Coach corrected me and said Louis may have came after. “I don’t know who hired them, they weren’t residents that I know,” he told us. “Bill lived in Merrillville and they were retired older guys. They were so dedicated…. and remember, they just had to patrol Unit-1. They’d stop and sit on the porch for a bit. Eventually they paved further and stopped at Marine Drive.

The dam between Bass and Holiday (Dam A) was completed a bit later.”

Coach then told us of some of the early tragedies which occurred during those early days. “When we moved here the lakes were starting to fill in but the dams were not completed yet.

So you know the side that goes down on the (Bass Lake) other side of the spillway? (Dam A at Sunnyslope) They were pouring concrete in there and it collapsed and two men died!

So, they come running over here and I was home and we called— and that was another thing we had no emergency vehicle back then, or ambulances. In fact, the ambulance was the Hebron funeral home hearse!

There was nothing in the area—back in those days. But it was like that in all rural areas.” Coach told us. When asked who the men were and who they worked for, he replied, “I’m a little sketchy remembering who those guys worked for or what. Someone who was working with them ran to the closest house and that was our house,” Coach went on, “We did have a phone and they called somebody and it was real hush and the details I didn’t know.

That may have been maybe late 1968 or ’69 as I remember.”

Coach recalled other early tragedies that compelled the homeowners to form their own volunteer fire department and EMT service. Coach and Charlotte told us about a neighbor falling out of a tree. He fell on his back and he survived it. But then three days later he died. “It was so sad,” they told us—they had just had twins.

“So again I said we got to get some emergency services for out here—we have nobody!” Coach stated. “Then we started the Fire Department,” Coach said as he handed us a clipping from the 1970 newspaper on the formation of our LOFS Fire Department. “We raised money for our Fire Department through a Tuesday night bingo every week. We’d packed the place,” Coach remembered. “George Eckert used to be the chef—most fantastic chef and we’d have brunch on Sunday for the Fire Department. It was cheap in those days plus families would come in from the outside, families of the fireman and friends of those who lived here…. and it got profitable for them to do that.

Plus on bingo night we had the $500 cover card—and it was something for them (the residents) to do and it made a lot of money and helped us get our equipment."

There were a few other tragedies after that. A young man who was visiting drowned in front of where the Lake

Side Condo’s now sit. Another occurred when a visitor of two sisters who lived at the south end of Beach View Court attempted to swim across the lake.

Coach and Charlotte didn’t think anyone drowned on Bass Lake back then. And then there was the terrible tragedy of a father and daughter going through the ice on their snowmobile.

Coach next told us about the formation of the 4th of July Parade inside Four Seasons. “The fire department discussed a 4th of July fundraiser weekend,” Coach and Charlotte told us. “We decided to rent some tents, provide games for the children and adults have a beer garden and a parade.

We had a cake walk but it didn’t make anything. They were just buying each other’s cakes!” He said as they both laughed a bit. “Just about everybody out here had a boat and you could put them anywhere, park anywhere, it didn’t cost anything, and nobody bothered them,” he recalled. “Anyway, we’d offer boat rides to other people on the Fourth.”

Charlotte and Coach next shared a picture of a 1982 family re-union held at Bass Beach. It was amazing to see virtually no homes as you looked down the lake shoreline. They shared photos of block parties with neighbors.

“Look here’s Brad Zupan with his dad,” Coach said, “He was a good kid—and now he’s on the Board of Directors.”

Coach and Charlotte also shared how they used to bring horses and have rides for the kids at the park across the street at their block parties. We raised five children here and now we have six grandchildren. And both of our daughters and our daughter-in-law are all expecting!” Charlotte beamed telling us. “So we’ll go from six to nine all in one year!” Then Charlotte told us, “Our one daughter is expecting the end of June—so we probably won’t be around for the 4th of July events.”

1982 Bennett Family Reunion on Bass Lake Beach. Notice the undeveloped lots in the background.

Annual picnic block party, 1992 at Golf View Park on Brandywine. Left to right: Tony Zupan, Dale McNary, Coach Bennett, Gary Tapley, and Brad Zupan.

Charlotte and Coach also shared with us their 50th Wedding Anniversary photo with their entire family. They were married June 5, 1965 and their children surprised them by taking them to the same vacation spot they enjoyed as a family. “That was our surprise going there,” Coach said, “We used to take them to Minnesota every year.”

“Our son Tom was the first boy born in Lakes of The Four Seasons. He was born March 11, 1969,” Charlotte told us. “He’s a teacher and a coach just like his dad,” Coach added. “There was thirteen years between Tom and our youngest,” Charlotte continued, “We had Tom in the ‘60’s, and the next two in the 70’s, and two more in the 80’s!

So, I was at the kiddies’ end of the pool for years because at least one of our kids was so small.”

We had questions to ask Coach and Charlotte regarding the growth of “outside the gates.” “You know there was nothing at first; the nearest gas station was Horn’s on 30 and Randolph. He’d (Frank Horn) go out there and pump your gas and you’d get $10 worth of gas and he’d give you $10.50,” Coach said adding what a great guy Frank Horn was. Charlotte shared Frank and his wife both ran the place.

Kids riding a pony at the August 1991 annual picnic block party.

Charlotte and John Bennett with their family on their 50th Anniversary, June 5th, 2015.

And, they would ask them to get other things to sell, like milk and bread.

But unfortunately a tornado came through the corner and destroyed the small store and gas station and they never rebuilt. Coach also shared how he was surprised no one, back then, was killed on Randolph where the train crossed through.

pioneer families 33

as we now celebrate LOFS' 50th Anniversary, we should even more embrace what makes this place we call home special.

Bennett family kids, 1983. Left to right: Jaclyn, Tony, Justine, Brian, and Tom.

Tom Bennett, Age 3, at the Fourth of July Parade 1972.

“There used to be a train crossing just before 97th going south. You had to be very careful because you didn’t know if a train was coming—there were no railroad signs or lights.” Then Coach told of how cows and pigs would get loose. “They’d be all over the road,” Coach chuckled, “And, there was also a lot of deer and wild turkeys to watch out for as well! And you’d seldom see cars going both ways back then.”

Before we left Coach and Charlotte we asked if they had anything else to tell us.

Coach immediately responded, “Well I want to tell you Rick (Cleveland)

LOFS Trivia!

is the perfect person for the job (community manager) and I like him; he does a good job. He doesn’t react to negativity—he’s a good administrator.”

He impressed upon us the importance of taking care of our aging community such as ensuring we take care of our dams and lakes while adding the importance of LOFS being “A pretty safe place to live.” Coach spoke of our Security and Fire Departments with their emergency services and how we’d be lost without them referencing some of his earlier stories when there were no such services. Then Coach commented on how we’re still building homes in LOFS, “You go other places and it’s like a ghost town,” he said. “We’re very lucky we had some good people at the beginning.” Coach emphasized how everybody volunteered back then, and some, that could, invested their own money to make things work and get us off the ground!

Coach and Charlotte Bennett, like so many of the early settlers of Four Seasons, indeed are owed a big “Thank You” for having helped carve out this “community’s spirit” for all of us today. Their volunteerism, hard work, and dedication are their gifts to the generations of “Seasonites who follow.” As we now celebrate LOFS’ 50th Anniversary we should even more embrace what makes this place

Tom Bennett, 2014-2015 School Year.

Fishing in a flooded parking lot.

we call home special. It undoubtedly is our “Spirit of Community” held so dearly back then; and as it is now. So, I would encourage you to reflect on what you can do for your community to keep that “Spirit of Community” alive for another fifty years! Maybe it’s helping a neighbor when needed. Or, maybe your gifts and talents can offer more. Whatever your call of service may be, always remember—the early LOFS residents before you made your “working man’s paradise” possible for you today to enjoy.

In 1967 the Lazar Family was LOFS’ 1st Family to build and occupy a home in 4Seasons. What street did they build on and on what holiday did they move into their home? A) Brandywine on the 4th of July B) Sunnyslope on Thanksgiving Day C) Brandywine on Columbus Day

Answer: C) Theresa Lazar Springmann recalls in her article moving into the Brandywine home built on Lot P-28 Columbus Day, October 12th, 1967.

34 Pioneer Families

S LOF ia! v i Former LOFS resident Louise Dull was LOFS first woman ________. A) Board member; B) to play Tr

golf at LOFS country club; C) to join Four Seasons EMS force.

Answer: B) In 1967 LOFS Golf Pro, Randy Quick, invited Louise and John Dull to enjoy a round of golf giving her the honor of being the “first lady golfer” to grace the new 9-Hole course. The Dulls were so impressed with the community they purchased a lot. Louise, with other LOFS women golfers, then set in motion a path that would eventually lead to today’s organized WGA. (Jean Marthaler was LOFS first lady Board Member and is still a LOFS resident today.)

pioneer families 35

The dados: Living the Dream on a short, sweet street Written By Sally Lugo

I

t was 1968, when Steve and Mary Dado visited Lakes of The Four Seasons. And, although the much talked about new development was a mere vision at that time; they bought a lot on Marine Drive dreaming of retiring one day in the gated community with all its amenities to enjoy. But sadly his health would prevent the couple’s dream to come to fruition.

In 1973 Rob Dado bought his parent’s lot while his fiancé, Rose, attended college. Rose’s sister bought two lots across the street from Rob and Rose.

Her dad bought two lots on the lake from Bruce Swift, Sr. “Bruce was such great guy… he had such a great personality” Rose recalled. Rob and Rose married in 1976 and built their home in 1977 where they still reside today. They raised two sons, Rob and Kevin on Marine Drive. “We were such a close knit community back then… and we are like family to each other,” Rose told us as she spoke highly of all her neighbors. For the most part the residents of Marine Drive, like the Dados, enjoyed many years on the same street. Rose and her family were especially close with one family. “We were so close to the Nautlys,” Rose smiled as she recalled some memories, “The Naulty family had nine kids and one fond memory is of Ann ringing the triangle on her porch that supper was ready. Ann worked at the hospital all day as the administrator’s secretary.

By five o’clock she started dinner.

Once the kids heard that triangle ring everybody ran—nobody was ever late for dinner at the Naulty house! And my Rob… well he would just go too! They

36 Pioneer Families

had a giant table with benches, not chairs. And Ann would keep a booster seat at the end for my Rob,” Rose fondly recalled. She reminisced of how her six year old Rob ran like lightening to get Pete Naulty on one scary occasion. Rose was pregnant with her second born, Kevin, and had a stroke in front of son Rob. "Something’s not right with mommy," Rob told Pete. She said…It was like that … we’ve been through much together… and all of us on Marine Drive we’re always there for each other! On another occasion, I can still see Rob running down the street as they took Pete to the hospital that last time and he told me, "Mom I don’t think we’ll see him again." We’ve remained close, Ann and I. Ann just celebrated her 80th birthday and her sixth child, Beth, celebrated her 50th!

The Naultys had a birthday celebration at the Clubhouse, there were over 100 that showed up and we had such a good time. So we’ve shared our good times too.” Rose said.

There are other streets in Four Seasons that share the same camaraderie.

Neighbor helping neighbor in good times and bad, seems to be a constant theme when talking to LOFS residents.

And there’s those people that step up and volunteer and always seem to be involved to make living in Four Seasons extra special. Some of us call it “Living the Dream” in this “Working Man’s Paradise.” And Rose and Rob Dado did more than their part when it came to elevating LOFS activities for the youth.

“When I moved here,” Rose told us, “Pete Naulty, one of the chairpersons

Rose and Rob Dado, 2016.

for the pool, told Jack and Claire Johnson that when I was in high school and college I was a life-guard and knew CPR. So Jack contacted me to help run the pool with his son Bruce as older son Jack Jr., who worked with his brother previously, was headed off to Michigan. I ended up running the pool till ’92-’93.” But Rose didn’t just run the pool… Rose was without a doubt a blessing to LOFS. Her dedication and drive to make things better for the youth of Four Seasons grew and grew because of her tenacity.

And before you knew it; she with others, were teaching swim lessons to more than 200 kids! When asked about the re-building of the pool she said, “I got to work hand-in-hand with the architect, the community manager and Debbie Hagberg. We tried to design something so we could have a competitive swim team. The old pool was shaped like a "Z" and graduated in depth. We didn’t have a kiddie pool back then,” she said.

The Dado's home on Marine Drive, November 1980.

1980’s Fourth of July Parade.

Lauren and Valerie Serber, 1990.

Swim Team Awards Banquet, 1987.

Under Rose’s leadership, the swim team grew to 95 members. They were in a Tri-State Conference. They traveled to participate in swim competitions in Crete IL, Shorewood Forest in Valpo and Calumet Park IL. Rose showed us several pictures “This one has to be in `85 because Sean Donahue created these t-shirts with a LOFS Swim logo—powder blue was our LOFS color. The parents would carpool… we’d travel all over competing… and we would host tournaments, and it was nice,” she said. “I used to pack that clubhouse with all the swim team members and their parents back then,” she proudly said as she shared pictures of the `87 Swim Team awards banquet.

But one photo would bring out a belly laugh, “Look at this one!” she said giggling “Our guy life guards dressed up like Hawaiian girls at a 4th of July parade.”

there were no funds for them. “But there’s a lot of people to give credit for that--- there was Kathy Tapp, who owned Seasons of Beauty; June Hardy whose husband was president on the board of directors… there was Mary Gregoline—she was wonderful and so many more,” Rose rattled off names of people who were part of those days for whom she was so grateful.

“There was Robin Sturgeon, Ken Gietz community manager, the Langbehn family, the Eitel Family, the Fulghum Family and so many more. Janet Katich—Janet was very good helping kids all the time… she was a life guard and a water safety instructor, and Dr. Kramer and his wife, Karen. Cindy Harts had a daycare pre-school. And then there was Mrs. Bianco who also had a daycare. Nancy Brissette had the Rainbow Pre-School. They did so much for this community… they all gave so generously so we could run the swim teams.” Rose paused a moment and a big smile crossed her face… “Mr. Pachin, we called him ‘Mr. Passion,’— he made the best floats for the 4th of July and he would get the Keenagers and others together to do floats, they all were outstanding!” Rose also shared how she made arrangements for the Crown Point and Boone Grove High School bands to be a part of our celebrations. And Rose, never wanting to have kids be hungry, provided hot dog lunches for each of the band members.

But the person Rose spoke of highest was Harold Cleveland. “You know he first did the golf course maintenance back then—but then they had him do the entire community. That man was a wonderful man—he would work for us around the clock if needed.

He gave up time with his family; he spent holidays here in LOFS—to be here for us!” Rose emphasized…

“One time they had to tell him to go home,” She laughed, “And I think Rick Cleveland has some of his grandfather in him because he is one of the best community managers we’ve ever had!” Rose went on to say how much this young man has done, “People are buying up homes on the lake and rebuilding, and new homes are still going up and things are getting much better again. I tell people, they need to take another look at Four Seasons.

Rick, will not fail LOFS ,” she said.

Rose was on the “original fund raising committee” it seemed. “We didn’t call ourselves fund raisers,” she told us… “But we raised a lot of money for the swim teams, for the EMT’s and our parks. We had a snack bar, a teen center at the pool and every month we had teen dances. Kathy Tapp started a recycling program to improve the parks. If we didn’t have money for something… we just did it ourselves!" She told how her husband Rob, Sean Donahue, Mike Dobrovic, life guards and assisting manager helped make swim blocks because

Then she proudly shared that her son, Kevin, would soon be married and he and his future-wife are looking to buy a home in Four Seasons and “continue the dream.”

Rose’s husband Rob shared his thoughts about Lakes of The Four Seasons over the last fifty years as well you could see how proud he was of his Rose for all that she’s done. “They’d (LOFS) have a dance every month at the clubhouse. And there was so much for our kids to do. We were involved in so much back then. And, because

pioneer families 37

everything was so open… there weren’t many homes, the snow would drift and block 109th and only passing for one car. We had a ‘snowmobile club’… we called them the ‘Snow Raiders’ they would help people in emergencies, or make a run to get prescriptions and supplies.”

Rob also recounted how in the winter they’d snowmobile all over Four Seasons—how they rode on the golf course and the lake as well. “But you can’t do that anymore—it has grown so big,” he told us. Then Rose and Rob told the story about when Rose was about to have their second son, Kevin.

Earlier in this writing it was mentioned Rose had suffered from a stroke during her pregnancy. Therefore, she was to have her baby delivered at the Munster hospital. Then early `85 it happened—a bad snow storm and Lakes of The Four Seasons was snowed in, as they say.

“Another lady, I can’t recall her name, maybe Roseanne, lived on Sunrise went into labor. The EMT’s came by helicopter and landed in the Fairway Plaza (now called Four Seasons Plaza).

But she had already had her baby on the dining room table! Four Seasons volunteer EMT’s helped deliver the baby and the snowmobilers took her and her baby to the helicopter,” they both shared. “Well, I told Rob there

is no way I’m having our baby on the dining room table!” Rose said with probably as much passion as she did back then… “And we got out of here— and stayed in Munster until Kevin was born.”

There were so many stories she shared… “Before Fairway Foods was built the same family (The Hancocks) owned a little store near Randolph on 109th. I used to put my older son on the back of my bike and go through the corn fields to the Butcher Block.”

She talked about her sister, who never did build a home across the street, and how she used to bring her horse out to Four Seasons to ride. “There was nothing, back then in Four Seasons, and she rode her horse all around,” Rose said. When asked if she recalled when Fairway Plaza went up, Rose circled it back to the youth. “I don’t recall when it was built, but you know there were a lot of the same kids who worked for me at the pool who also worked for the Hancock family at Fairway Foods,” she said.

It seemed Rose never lacked for an opportunity to be involved with the children. She told us that she was the first Easter Bunny at the annual Easter Egg Hunt! She shared how

1990 LOFS Swim Team

38 Pioneer Families

Kids on a ladder firetruck.

young mom’s started up “Story Hour,” and how big it was for the kids back then. “The ladies held ‘Story Hour’ by the pool and there were a lot of kids that would come. And every fall our Volunteer Fire Department would have this big demonstration by the campgrounds. The kids would get to use the fire hoses and take rides on the fire trucks. There was a lot more community activity back then,” she said. (The old campgrounds became the new dog park and Porter County back gate much later in 2011.)

It seems Rose and Rob Dado, along with sons Rob Jr. and Kevin have made quite an impact on LOFS. When I ask: “Do you know Rose Dado” to someone—I receive the same answer; “The Dado’s are a wonderful family!”

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40 Pioneer Families

Four seasons memories with the delors Contributed By Joan and Dick DeLor

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n the years 1966-67 we read about a new community concept to be called Lakes of the Four Seasons.

It would include recreational and vacation type amenities. We decided to find out more, so we drove way out in the country (we lived in Merrillville) passing nothing but an occasional farm. Signs directed us to a makeshift entrance of dirt and gravel. A salesman directed us to a small building that would become the clubhouse overlooking a large lake-except there was no lake! There was only a HUGE HOLE and lots of dust as contractors were still forming Lake Holiday. Since we lived in Lake County, we decided to look at lots on the Lake County side.

The salesman drove us through fields

on a tiny dirt road—Kingsway Drive, to an area where a road would be developed, Oakmont Court. Two holes of the planned golf course would line the court. Backyards of homes built along the south side would overlook the hole number 11 and homes on the north side would overlook number 15. We walked across rolling fields, seeing only an occasional tree; but really liked the view. Since lots were not marked we had no idea of their size etc. but knew that someday we would live on this field. We bought the lot in 1968. Our relatives thought we had made a huge mistake! In the three years between buying and building (1971), the lakes had filled, and how pleasantly surprised we were at the size

LOFS Unit Map, 1974. The highlighted lot, #559, belonged to the DeLors.

of Lake Holiday. The golf course was in place, and a small pro-shop housed the POA offices. The clubhouse was small and beautiful. And, originally it had no extra rooms for offices.

Being the fourth home to be built on Oakmont Court, we felt like “Little House on the Prairie”.

Approximately 200 homes were now in LOFS. Neighbors were so friendly, welcoming, and supportive of one another. We were all in this adventure together. Four Seasons was well on its way to becoming everything it was supposed to be. At first there were two separate telephone companies (Lake Co. & Porter Co.) which meant calls to residents in the other county were long distance! On the Lake Co. side calls to the gatehouse & clubhouse were an extra charge—no unlimited long distance plans back then! It took a year or two for the companies to solve the problem before calls within the gates became local without an extra charge.

The clubhouse was the gathering place to meet new neighbors and friends.

A homeowner’s potluck was held each January with a new theme each year. The first one we attended was January, 1972 (we moved into our newly built home November, 1971).

The theme of the evening was “hard times”. The thought being that with everyone building new homes, and paying fees etc., we were all facing “HARD TIMES”.

Among the first residents of LOFS were Bruce and Dolly Swift. We arrived for the party looking for the Swifts as they had invited us to sit with them. We found them already seated and both dressed in formal attire—or, at least from the waist up! When they stood, Bruce had on only boxer shorts and Dolly a long slip!! From that moment on we knew we would enjoy living in LOFS!

pioneer families 41

The DeLor’s empty lot looking North from Kingsway near Sunrise.

Farms surrounded our community through out the `70s. At the intersection of Randolph & 109th, then a 4-way stop, one would see farm animals grazing. Several horse stables and farms existed along 109th. And, across the road from the entrance to LOFS you could see horses grazing in their fields. One morning in the late `70s, I glanced across the 15th fairway to look at my sister’s house on St. Andrews Court (there were few homes and none to block the view). Much to my amazement, a large bull, horns and all, was in her backyard! She and her family were at work and school. Having quickly called security (With so few people in the community, our security force knew just about everyone by name and vice versa.) I was asked, “Joan, how much have you had to drink!” Security was already at the rescue—a farmer’s fence had broken and his livestock was wandering everywhere! Meanwhile, a local radio station (Crown Point) advised travelers to be aware of livestock on Broadway and down 109th as well as a bull in the backyard of a home in Lakes of The Four Seasons! After arriving home from work that evening, my sister having heard the news asked if I had seen any farm animals. Boy was she shocked to learn the bull had been in her backyard!

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One December all the sisters in our family were gathering together to make cookies at the same sister’s home with the bull experience. A home across the corner of Kingsway and St. Andrews Court had a nearly life-size manger scene, complete with shepherds and straw. Upon arriving, one of our sisters remarked about how she liked the “live” manger scene. What “live” manger scene? With nothing to block the view from her home to the corner, we looked out the windows to see a goat munching the straw! Once again our faithful, ever helpful security came to the rescue—only this time they didn’t even question the call of a goat invading a manger scene!

a local radio station advised travelers to be aware of livestock on broadway and down 109th as well as a bull in the backyard of a home in lOFS! LOFS grew rapidly through the `70s and `80s—a time of so much construction we couldn’t open windows due to so much dust flying around! This was just a small drawback to living in a developing community.

We took advantage of all the amenities this wonderful community had to offer. We’d go to our Clubhouse for dinners, as well as attending Christmas parties, class reunions and in due time Dick’s retirement party.

On the lakes we hosted many summer parties with boat rides on our pontoon around Lake Holiday. We enjoyed a second retirement party for Dick with family and close friends at Big Bass Beach. Dick was one of the early boy’s baseball coaches and for a short time played on a newly formed men’s softball team. The golfing community was a big part of our lives as we held a golf membership through out all the years in Four Seasons. Our sons

The DeLors home under construction.

played junior golf but Dick was the golfer in the family. (I, Joan, could never hit the ball!) We really enjoyed the golf gatherings and all the great people involved.

These are just a few stories from a family living in a new concept community from its early beginnings.

After Dick’s retirement, with mixed emotions, we moved to Central Indiana (Carmel) to be near our only grandchild. We have been gone from LOFS for more than a decade now (11yrs), but our hearts are still with Four Seasons and our dear family, friends, neighbors who shared their lives with us through good times and difficult times. Dick and I celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary in June of 2015. Thirty-four of those fifty years were lived in this vibrant, friendly, ever growing community.

The DeLor’s finished home on Oakmont Ct.

Four seasons through the years: The porterS Contributed By Nancy And Ross Porter

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ittle did I think back in 1978 that we would still live here 38 years later. Labor Day weekend of that year Ross, my husband, had me visit the area to decide if I was agreeable to a career move from PA. We dined at the French restaurant in Crown Point, enjoyed the then vibrant area around the Speakeasy and Old Jail complex and shopped at the "big" mall. A holiday weekend was not the best of times to look for real estate. I can’t remember how we connected with a realtor but he drove us here from the Holiday Star complex where we were staying.

(It was also quite new and upscale.)

Immediately two things impressed us – the fact that there was security and that Porter Lakes Elementary School was opening. Being Mrs. Porter I felt the pull of the school! By the end of the weekend we chose a house under construction (Rick Morin on that one). Sitting in the bi-level he used as a showroom/office on Lakeshore Drive we chose our cabinets, counters etc. and the next morning before flying home we stopped at Ken Levander’s carpet store to choose all the carpeting.

Six weeks later the house was finished and we arrived. It was very exciting!

As the years moved along the tapestry of our lives here became more tightly woven.

As I think back to the look of Four Seasons in our first years here several characteristics come to mind. In July one would see thousands of fireflies flitting around the open grasses of the undeveloped lots. Other than in

the wooded areas trees were small and flower gardens were rather small. Young families were focused on establishing their homes so landscaping plans were not yet lush.

Winter was difficult. It was such a long drive to a pharmacy or out to Rt. 30 for gas. We greatly appreciated the Hancocks’ little market called The Butcher Block. When they moved to Fairway Foods and Fagen’s Pharmacy opened it seemed like we had hit the big time! Bruce Swift’s real estate office reflected the American dream of homes for young families. I first remember his office being in the little strip with the bank, a children’s shop, and later the doctor’s office.

As the years moved along the tapestry of our lives here became more tightly woven. Homemakers, Newcomers, bridge groups provided avenues to friendships. For a couple years our son, Lloyd, had a paper route. In bad weather or when he talked me into it I drove and he ran the papers to the doors. We gained lots of acquaintances that way. I can still drive Brandywine and tell you who lived in many of the homes. I established my teaching career at Porter Lakes. A whole essay could be written about that and how much I love the children and families of that time. When our precious boy died in 1986 hundreds of you surrounded us with love and mourned with us. From age 4 on Molly was able to participate in ballet thanks to Mrs. Tuohy. Did you know that Indiana Ballet Theatre began with a tiny group in Mrs. Tuohy’s basement on Rustic Lane? Oh what fun and what fine dance training Molly received.

Daughter, Molly Porter’s wedding at the LOFS Clubhouse by the lake.

Daughter, Molly Porter’s tented wedding reception at the LOFS Clubhouse.

When Molly and her husband planned their wedding thoughts of a city wedding in Chicago soon changed to holding the reception here where she grew up. The clubhouse staff was simply wonderful! Her tented reception included white-gloved servers; food prepared from our family’s recipes; and the lake as background for memories.

From our first year here Ross has enjoyed the golf course and by now knows every possible way to be challenged putting! As a family we’ve enjoyed the pools…from the old one with the “high” board to this one in which our children and grandchildren learned to swim. Both Lloyd and Molly put in some Four Seasons swim team time – sometimes shivering!

Our photo album includes pictures of birthday parties “at the pool”.

pioneer families 43

In the early 1990s we moved to our present home on Bass Lake. It is fun to live on the lake. In the winter there are skaters on our channel and in the summer voices carry across the water as folks gather round fire pits in the evening. Thanks to a dedicated maintenance crew branches and leaves get carried away and the streets are plowed in a timely manner. Oh sure, sometimes we whine because after a long weekend clearing away the leaves or trimming the woods we want the piles by the road gone on Monday morning. How dare the crews tend to someone else first?

In the winter there are skaters on our channel; in the summer voices carry across the water as folks gather round fire pits in the evening.

When we moved here knowing there is a Security force mattered to us. It still does. We’ve needed to phone for help a few times and they always have come in minutes. By now it is a further comfort as those responded to our call have included former students as EMTS, firemen, and patrol officers.

Sometimes, particularly in the month of March when all is bleak and summer recreation here seems so far away, I have talked about moving in town or to somewhere “new”. A flip through Zillow leads me home to Four Seasons every time. Thank you POA board for working to keep our community fiscally healthy. Thank you Security, including the “gate” greeters for all you do. Thank you to all who have enabled us to have the lovely gardens and plantings around the community.

Thank you Event Planners for Fourth of July fun and many other party times. Thank you neighbors for being here. Ross and I are grateful to live in Lakes of Four Seasons.

S LOF ia! v i Dante’s, the former family dining side separate from the Gators Bar, was Tr

well-known for what breakfast special in the late `80s? A) 2x2x2; B) Pick 4; C) The “Wade Egg”

Answer: A) 2x2x2 ... 2 Eggs (your style) with choices of... 2 different potato styles (hash browns or country fries), bacon or sausage, and 2 pancakes or toast.... all for only $2!!!!!!!

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The palmeris: a short story Contributed By Sharon Palmeri just what we were looking for. Strange as it sounds there were actually times that we could hear cows mooing in the distance as we drove around the community looking at lots,” John said. “So... It looks like Sharon did get her wish: country living within a community. That’s what made Four Seasons so different and special,” he added.

I

n 1973, John and Sharon Palmeri were looking for a place to build their home and raise their young daughter Renee. John was a previous city man looking for country acreage while Sharon, a previous Hobart resident, said country was fine with her as long as there were other homes nearby. John insisted that there was no such place. He said there was just city, country, or suburbs. Then one morning Sharon read an article in the paper about a new community called Lakes of the Four Seasons. They were both curious enough to want to check it out.

“I still remember the first ride from Hobart to Four Seasons,” Sharon recalled.

“109th Avenue was all farmland, and the road edges were garnished with colorful wildflowers. I still wish sometimes that I could relive that day.

We were pleasantly surprised to find a community so large out in the middle of nowhere.” John recalled that the place looked like a huge park with just a few homes. “I knew that this was

The Palmeris vouch that The Seasons is a great place to raise a family. Their home is just a block and a half from the clubhouse, the pool, a park and walking trail, and the tennis courts.

Their daughter Renee admitted that activities such as girls’ softball, bike riding, and swimming kept her busy and happy.

“I liked having so many kids my age to hang out with,” Renee said. “My favorite time of the year, while growing up in The Seasons, was the 4th of July because of the parade and the fireworks.

Our next-door neighbor owned a steam engine and rode it in the 4th of July parade. It was fun to be able to sit on it with the neighborhood kids.

Even though we moved away to my husband’s home town of Chesterton after getting married, I still like to bring my husband Mike and my two children, Allison and Christian out to The Seasons on the 4th,” she added. “It’s funny... It seems that the older I get, the closer I get to my childhood memories.”

LOFS Trivia!

Renee Palmeri Messler and Mike Minch at the Fourth of July Spirit of ’76 parade.

Renee Palmeri Messler and Doug Delor on the steam engine.

Lake Holiday has less than _______ acres of lakes: A) 500 B) 400 C) 300

Answer: C - and Lake Holiday would not be considered an all-sport lake if not in a private community.

John and Sharon Palmeri have lived in the Four Seasons for 43 years.

1975: John Palmeri in a rather bare Four Seasons where the front entrance clock tower now stands.

pioneer families 45

A LOFS MEMory with the smiths Contributed By Toni Smith

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n 1968, George and Toni Smith found heaven at the Lakes of The Four Seasons. At the time, we were looking for a weekend retreat that was not far from where we lived in Melrose Park, Illinois. I saw an advertisement in the Chicago Tribune newspaper regarding this new community development in nearby Indiana. We had wanted a lot on a lake and a gated community was a plus since we initially would only be able to spend weekends there.

We decided to take a ride and see if this was too good to be true. Well, we were surprised to say the least; here was a lake with just a few homes around it and no water in it! The roads

Toni Smith showing off the walk George made leading from their home at the top of the hill down to the lake.

were gravel and, in some areas, they were just mud. All of the mailboxes were at the front gate. In spite of those things we saw the potential that the development had and bought our first lot on West Lake Shore Drive. George and I spent 44 years at LOFS with many happy memories and many great friends. Happy Anniversary Lakes of The Four Seasons!

George Smith showing off his catch for the day on West Lake Shore Drive.

 Roofing  Siding  Gutters  Repairs…more  Licensed  Bonded  Insured

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The rich & hoffman families Written By Marge Wilke

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emories and Families belong together and here in Lakes of the Four Seasons, we appreciate the opportunity to share in the everyday and special days of some of our residents. They moved here from different areas, but together the family has been a special part of their daily lives. As their families have grown, the children have married and while some moved away, they have all returned to live here. We share some of the memories of these long-time resident families who have chosen to share their stories with us.

Millie and Keith Rich

In 1977, Millie and Keith Rich heard from friends about a wonderful community not far from their current home with lots of amenities for them and their young family. They decided to take a look at the development. At the time they were living in the Young America subdivision of Merrillville, Indiana. Several months later, along with their three children, Angela, Christopher and Bonnie, they moved into their newly built home in Lakes of the Four Seasons on Thornhill. Millie also persuaded her sister to move down the street from them in another new

home. Always being close, this was not the first time Millie encouraged her sister to move with them. They had lived in a similar building in an apartment complex in Hessville and also across the street in Merrillville, prior to their move to Lakes of the Four Seasons. They always liked staying close by.

Millie shared that at the time they moved in, they had their choice of several empty lots that were selling quickly. Other young families were looking for a community in which to raise their families with outdoor activities and the amenities offered by the Seasons. This influx of neighbors brought instant friends for their children. A few years later, her sister sold her home to her brother, who also moved and then sold the house to Millie’s parents, Ellis and Mildred Crouch. Her parents celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary at the Clubhouse. Several years later, her father passed and aging mother started to require more assistance. So Milly and Keith found that caring for her mother and keeping up the two homes was becoming harder to handle. The decision was then made to move in with

50th Anniversary for Ellis and Mildred Crouch, residents of Four Seasons.

her mother. Today, their original house is now occupied by their son Chris and his family. When looking back, Millie related that “Four generations of my family have lived in Four Seasons.�

In the meantime, they were growing closer to friends in the community, and their family certainly enjoyed the many sporting and fun activities available to everyone. Millie and Keith enjoyed attending the many fun parties, dances and potlucks at the clubhouse with their friends and these events were always great successes. Tennis leagues were formed which they joined and at one point a July 4th tennis tournament was held between the Lake and Porter County LOFS residents. Golf and swimming lessons were offered for the children besides baseball and softball. Plus the summers, as it is now, included boating, tubing, fishing, water skiing and picnics in the park with family and new friends.

Rich Family Easter egg hunt, 2016.

pioneer families 47

fathers now coach. Also today Chris is teaching his daughter to fish, just as his Dad had done for him.

Coach Keith Rich and son, Chris.

Volleyball was a big part of the picnics here in the Seasons. In addition to playing the game here in LOFS, they also participated on a Volleyball league at the YMCA. Millie recalled that at that time, weekly concerts were not a regular part of our summer, and golf carts were not as plentiful as they are today.

According to Millie and Keith, “We were pleased to have our three children participate in the many activities available and Keith volunteered as a baseball coach for several years. It was nothing unusual for us to be attending games, sitting in the bleachers or benches with neighbors and friends.

Our young children found that the empty lots down the street were a perfect playground for them with the neighboring kids. They had a great time playing tag and other games in the fields. Boating and fishing with the family was a big part of their summers as well. ” It’s amazing how life repeats itself (somewhat)… Today, Keith and Millie are now sitting in the bleachers watching their grandchildren participate in youth soccer games, while they cheer for their grandchildren’s teams which their

LOFS Trivia!

They were and still are fond of boating and enjoying summers on the lake. Keith and Millie continue to appreciate boating on Lake Holiday but with a new twist. Today you will see Mom and Dad enjoying being driven around the lake in Chris’ boat.

According to Millie, they still enjoy the family summer picnics, family holiday dinners, including Easter Egg Hunts.

Today many of these family events are held at our children’s homes. As with most families today, Millie shared that with differing work schedules, it is difficult to get the whole family together at one time.

You may recognize their two daughters, Angela and Bonnie. They work at the front gatehouse and may be greeting and waving you through on any given day.

Chris Rich teaching his daughter to fish on Lake Holiday, July 2001.

Today, all three children live here in the Seasons with their families. Two of our children, Angela and Chris, had their wedding reception at the Clubhouse.

Bonnie’s wedding reception was held in Millie and Keith’s back yard.

It’s interesting… Both Keith and Millie agree that moving to Four Seasons was one of the best decisions they had ever made for their family and themselves, along with enjoying the summer concerts and their golf carts.

No doubt you will see them around the community and they will be happy to share how they feel about "this little piece of paradise" called Lakes of the Four Seasons.

The Rich family boating on Lake Holiday, July 1994.

True or False: At one time LOFS had its own campground.

True—Lot owners or their guests could camp by the week or by the season. Some lot owners used the campground while their home was under construction. The park closed in the later `90s for lack of use. Today the LOFS Dog Park sits on this site.

48 Pioneer Families

Fishing in 1979.

Chris driving Mom and Dad on Lake Holiday, 2015.

The Hoffman Family

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ail Hoffman originally moved to the Seasons with her husband, Larry, and two daughters, Lori and Sheree from Miller, Indiana. They lived in a rented house on Loganberry while they built their home. They had purchased their lot in June of 1973 on South Lake Shore Drive and moved in December 31, 1973. Gail shared that they built the home themselves with the exception of the electric and roof. She will tell you, “It was a lot of hard work, but worth it in the end. I could drive a nail with the best of them.” She remembers that in 1984 lots in The Seasons were priced at approximately $3,000 while lakeshore lots were selling at about $10,000.

According to Gail, the community was growing and we only had cluster mailboxes and at the time the Board decided it looked better if all the mailboxes for the entire community were located at the Pro Shop. That didn’t sit well with all of the residents that attended a meeting. Two attorneys were residents at the time and they drew up a petition for securing home delivery for the residents. After a long petition campaign with four volunteers including Gail, they secured the needed signatures from every house. Interestingly, the postmaster at the time said we could have house to house delivery, but it would not be like the city (odd and even numbers on opposite sides). She indicated that this is why we have the weird numbering

of lots today and it became the norm for us. The board then passed a policy that all mailboxes in the community needed to look alike. As anyone can see, that didn’t last long nor could the board have known how many people would actually live in LOFS. Gail had a hand in working with Phyllis Barkley whose idea it was to form a Girls’ Softball Team in LOFS. Phyllis contacted several mothers of girls within the Seasons and their meeting was held in the original POA building on West Lake Shore Drive. Gail told us that four mothers volunteered to start the teams divided by county lines.

Porter County was headed by Donna Yorkston, coach, and Phyllis Barkley, manager, while the Lake County side coach was Delene Keddington and she served as manager. The board bought the equipment and it was stored under the old Golf Pro shop. There were barely enough girls for the games or practice and if it was warm, the pool looked better to them. "Fortunately we had two fathers in the neighborhood that volunteered to umpire, Mr. Ed Kennelly and Mr. Ken Kernaigis. From there, it took off and really grew. My girls certainly enjoyed this activity," Gail said.

The family had witnessed a tornado in the mid `70s that took out a swath of property outside the gates, and a huge snow storm in 1985 and other weather related events. This was not the first time school was canceled for the Seasons. According to Lori Botkin, Gail’s daughter, “Back in the `70s, many times school was canceled due to heavy snow and they had only one school bus to serve St. Mary’s and the High School driven by Mr. Creekmoor.

Lori shared that her biggest memory of growing up here was that it was and continues to be a community of neighbors who shovel each other’s driveways in the snow and help one

Excavating foundation for the Hoffman home on S. Lake Shore Dr., June 20, 1973.

another no matter what. She said, “We were lucky to have parents and residents who pushed us to participate in after-school activities and promoted friendship.” She enjoyed the many friends she made, many of whom still live here. Today, Gail’s grown children continue to live here in LOFS and love attending our Summer Concerts. They appreciate what the Seasons mean to all of us. Gail said, “Many of my family live here including her daughter Sheree Japchinski who resides on Augusta (she has the garden that many of the golfers stop by to admire), daughter Lori stated her husband, Bret, was among the first firefighters on our Fire Department, and Lori also served on the Fire Auxiliary along with Ann Moss. Gail’s brother Johnny lived here also, but moved away upon retirement.

Her sister Carol and her children, Dean and Bret Smith, reside here… and their sisters did live in the Seasons for a while, but moved away – making this truly a “Hoffman” family affair.

Fire Auxiliary Float, 4th of July 1980.

pioneer families 49

Privileged to help.

We’re honored to serve this community for 40 years.

My staff and I look forward to many more with you. Thank you for your continued support and business.

Get to a better StateÂŽ. Get State Farm.

CALL ME TODAY.

Bob Moreth, Agent 7570 E. 109th Avenue Crown Point, IN 46307 Bus: 219-663-6900 bob.moreth.b1h4@statefarm.com www.robertmoreth.com

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50 Pioneer Families

State Farm, Bloomington, IL

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pioneer families 51

Joyce Staudohar: Remembering Frank Written By Sally Lugo

J

oyce Staudohar has enjoyed her home on Bonnie Drive for nearly 45 years now. She and Frank moved to the Lakes of Four Seasons in 1972 when he was relocated from U.S. Steel in Duluth, Minnesota to U.S. Steel Gary Works as Superintendent of Human Relations. While their home on Bonnie Drive was being constructed they rented on Kingsway Drive for about five months. Their two children Ann Marie and Peter became Four Seasons kids with Anne Marie enrolling in 5th grade at Winfield Elementary and Peter at Taft as an 8th grader.

A philosophy of the Staudohars has always been to give back and so they have done. Joyce shared, “When Frank and I decided to both retire he became more involved with our community. He began attending the POA public meetings and became more active in community affairs.”

One of Frank’s roles at U.S. Steel was writing the clerical contracts. He began his career in human resources and had at one point been General Manager. So when he learned from the Board President, Bea Chambers, LOFS needed to write "work rules" for the departments for more efficiency— he quickly volunteered to do so. “In 1995 community manager, Jeff Pape, resigned, and, because of Frank’s skills and abilities in running things the POA Board asked Frank to serve as the community’s Interim Manager,” Joyce shared. “So, Frank accepted— but we had this cottage on the lake up in Duluth where we summered.

The kids were grown by then,” Joyce chuckled as she continued, “and here

52 Pioneer Families

is Frank retired, flying back and forth to LOFS from Minnesota at his own expense for this volunteer job!” Joyce continued to laugh, “You see, Frank would only accept $1 for his services as Interim Manager. He would be at his desk on Monday, stay here till Friday in The Seasons, then fly back to our cottage up north on the weekends!”

And Joyce added, “Frank loved Four Seasons and he wanted to see the community continue as a wonderful place to raise a family.” Joyce further shared how Frank thought the world of the community’s maintenance manager, Harold Cleveland.

She commented on how Rick has really grown in his job. She spoke of how dedicated his grandfather, Harold, was to the community. “When they’d have a special event at the Clubhouse, Harold would be there on a Saturday or Sunday night, working as well cleaning up, and Frank would go up to help him because he knew that Harold was all by himself."

Frank would serve again as Interim Community Manager in 1999. Again, he volunteered to do so, but again when offered a salary—he would only accept $1.00. Frank indeed was a person of service and used his managerial gifts to “give back” to his community. Frank was also very involved with LOFS’ Lions Club. He especially enjoyed the Lions Children Christmas Party and Easter Egg Hunt.

When asked if she had any advice for the community, Joyce responded, “The community has grown so – it’s not just five to eight hundred homes anymore.

And people get so busy with their lives

The Staudohar family.

Frank Staudohar.

and they don’t feel they need to get involved. So there’s not the community involvement like in the past. They feel they have a board of directors or other volunteers to take care of everything.

And I know young couples today are so busy. I have two nice young couples nearby. But they do not have time to give back at this time. Saturday and Sunday they catch up with family, or cut the grass. And then there are those who take the community for granted.

Maybe they vote—but they don’t know who they are voting for... or they don’t vote at all. The community has had its ups and downs throughout the years I’ve been here. And one thing people need to understand—at some point in time you need to get involved... and ‘give back.’ Like my husband said— you need to use the gifts you’ve been given for the good of your community or society. People have a duty to use their talents when it’s their time to give back. That’s what will make Lakes of The Four Seasons continue to be a great place to raise a family.”

Frank Staudohar, former LOFS Interim Manager at his desk.

Peter Staudohar, wife Terry and daughter Stephanie.

Ann Marie Staudohar and Ray.

Frank passed away December of 2006. “We would have been married almost 50 years at the time,” Joyce shared. “I’ve decided to stay here in the Seasons although my children and others encourage me to move elsewhere... I feel safe here, and I

know from experience Security would always come right away if I needed them—and that’s why I’ve stayed! To me they are more than security... they are family, they are part of the fabric of the community,” Joyce said.

Lastly, I asked Joyce the secret of her effervescence personality, to which she replied, “How old do you think I am?”

“75?” I responded. “I’m 87! I still enjoy my garden, I don’t act old, I still go to the Club—and I’m still young at heart... I’m still a kid!"

To all of the Homeowners who allowed us to Build or Remodel their homes over the last 44 Years.

Happy 50th Anniversary Lakes of the Four Seasons!

Thank You

~ Rick & Rita Morin ­­~

Thank You

Thank You Thank You

S LOF ia! v i Who was “The Lake Builder?”

Tr

A) Robert Boone B) Thomas Perine C) William Youngquist

Answer: B) Thomas J. Perine was the visionary behind building Lakes of The Four Seasons as well as other private communities throughout the nation.

Thank You

Thank You Thank You Thank You

Thank You

Thank You

pioneer families 53

walter baran & family Contributed By “The Class of `66 and the Baran Family” 50th Anniversary gift to Lakes of The Four Seasons

The first LOFS golf score card, showing the map of the original 27 holes.

W

hen talking to early LOFS’ pioneers who trusted the vision of Thomas J. Perine, and bought their properties situated on clay roads leading to an empty lake bed, with a half built club house, and only white stakes marking off the promise of a golf course to come; one eventually realizes the commonality these people shared—They were and are visionaries, risk-takers, willing to roll up their sleeves and be “doers” and leaders in their community. Walter Baran and his wife Anne have been such people.

Living in Evergreen Park, Illinois, Walter and Anne were in the process of searching for a summer home to enjoy.

“We had visited Hoosier Marine’s Holiday Lake project just west of Aurora in 1965. The community was smaller than LOFS, and we weren’t impressed,” Wally shared. “But then they mailed us a letter inviting us to LOFS with a $500 coupon if you bought property. The advertising depicted a shopping center, people water skiing and fishing, and a beautiful 27 hole golf course. But when we got here;

54 Pioneer Families

there were just cornfields all around!”

Wally chuckled, “As I remember opening day for sales was advertised as July 4th, 1966. We were in the process of going up to Michigan to look for a summer home. So, we decided to stop by here on our way as I-65 ended at Route 30 back then. We were met by a sales force at the main gate and I recall it being really hot that day. The salesmen drove people around and there’d be a cloud of dust behind the car being the roads were just dirt, not even gravel!” Wally laughed, “But I saw an opportunity to get in early— and before you knew it, we bought our lot!” He initially intended to build a summer home. “I got the plans for the cottage from an outfit in Detroit.

I liked the hexagon shape and all the windows. Thankfully, my contractor suggested insulating; saying we might want to come out during the winter.

In `67 the spring rains started filling up lakes, and in `68 the lakes were full.

I would work on the cottage and take a break to get in a round of golf. The front 9 was only open initially. I’d play a round of golf and then come back and work on the place some more.

Original 4 Seasons Country Club passes.

We received our occupancy permit October of 1968. At first we were just coming out on weekends. Then, Anne wanted to stay with the kids the entire summer. Well, I was in sales and service, and often was gone the entire week! So in 1975 Anne told me she didn’t want to go back to Evergreen; and we officially became year round residents. When I came home on the weekends I loved it! It was like a reunion every weekend. We’d meet up at the Clubhouse; there were only a handful of us. Old Willie, the cook, made the best steak sandwiches for only $2.50.” Today, you can still find Wally Baran at the 19th Hole. “I’ll meet my family there for dinner— it’s so comfortable at the 19th and I like sitting at the back bar with its

Wally and Lance Baran, 1968.

View from the Baran's lot looking across #9 .

Anne, Dawn, and Lance Baran, 1968.

panoramic view,” he chuckled, “It feels like the old days at the clubhouse, people come in and it’s like a reunion— you can talk to everyone.”

they liked him. And because of him my Melody still plays a good game of golf! But he got injured badly in a car accident. I’ll still never forget; we were on the 7th hole playing one day. There was a north wind and he drove the ball just short of the green about two yards!” Wally reminisced.

I’d pick the wild blueberries and put them in her refrigerator and tell her to make more pies,” Wally said with a glisten in his eyes. Then he sat back and spoke of how he sees kids that live nearby playing in the street again because they have nowhere nearby to play. “The “Prairie” has become overgrown, especially after the June 2013 storm that took down many trees on his street. “So, I got an idea!” Wally said with a big smile, “How bout I give the POA that lot back; and they can use it as a small walk-in park for kids to play and families to enjoy. It’s a great place to watch the fireworks on the 4th of July. The House and Garden club could plant flowers there if they wished!”

In 1981 Anne Baran passed away.

Her brave battle against cancer knit her family, the Baran’s friends and neighbors closer together.

Wally’s daughter, Melody, was just 12 when her mother passed. Her oldest sister, Dawn, was no longer living at home.

Her brother, Lance, hadn’t moved out yet, but he soon bought his own home on a nearby small lake nicknamed T-Bone Lake. “I was so thankful we were living here. The bus driver dropped her off from school right in front of our house. And I told her, if the house doesn’t look right, go to Erma’s and call Security. Erma and Walt Kankowski, I couldn’t have picked nicer neighbors out of the catalogue. And Security would check on her. Melody felt so comfortable and when I would go to work, I liked knowing my family was safe. And I’m sure you’ve heard people say ‘we don’t need a guard at the gate... we don’t need Security’ and, I just tell them, if you didn’t want it, then why did you come here!” Wally firmly stated. He spoke of the importance of community spirit and various dedicated employees.

“Our Golf Pro at the time, his name was Randy Quick. He was a quiet guy, a good golfer. I recall he won the Illinois/Indiana State Championship.

He was very good with the kids, and

four reasons to live in four seasons: golf, swim, lakes, safety

~ Wally Baran ~ Then Wally quickly turned the conversation. He had me get up and look out his kitchen window. “What am I looking at I asked?” “The Prairie—I bought that lot April of 1985 after Anne died. I wanted a place for Melody and her friends to play and not in the street. After Mel was gone Erma and I would have a small garden there.

Walter Baran and guests at the LOFS 50th Anniversary Gala, 2016.

So, on June 6, 2016 Mr. Baran wrote a letter to the POA’s attorneys presenting his idea. And the rest is history. Just a couple weeks later, nearly 50 years after he and his family came to see what Four Seasons was all about; Mr. Baran deeded the nearly one quarter acre lot P-78 with 180’ of frontage back to the POA. Thank you Baran Family for your generous gift to the community. Your spirit of community, pioneerism and future vision for Lakes of The Four Seasons certainly will inspire newer residents to become future volunteers and community leaders and take LOFS into its next fifty years!

pioneer families 55

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56 Pioneer Families

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pioneer families 57

PART 3

the wonder years The Flassig Family............................................................... 59 reminiscing with Dan Kernagis. ........................................ 64 four seasons memoir by nathan leigh........................... 68 Thank you to the swift family......................................... 72 Growing up Four Seasons Style

by Sheri Swift.................................................................. 73 LOFS memories with Bruce Swift Jr.. ............................... 75 Growing up in lakes of the four seasons

by Stacey derdowski...................................................... 79 levander Memories & the Nicol "please take my wife". . ...................... 82 lOFS four seasons players............................................... 85 potlucks................................................................................. 86 58 THE WONDER YEARS

It’s a family affair with the flassigs Written By Sally Lugo

100 year old Tree at the Flassig home. The house is in the process of being built.

Jan Flassig —1970.

Jan Flassig-Margiotta —2016.

t was 1969, and Janice Flassig was barely nine when her parents, Frank and Mary, decided to build a home in Lakes of The Four Seasons.

Her parents first learned about the community when her grandparents, on her mother’s side, George and Anna Hopkins, had actually first made the decision to purchase two adjoining lots on South Lake Shore Drive. Jan, as she prefers to be called, said her parents came to visit her grandparent’s lots, and immediately fell in love with the concept of the community.

What’s interesting is that Frank and Mary Flassig actually could have built on one of the lots owned by Mary’s parents. But Frank fell in love with another lot just down the street at the corner of Bonnie Drive. The lot had a giant oak tree located in the front yard that attracted Frank. “We were told the tree was over 100 years old then—and recently my husband and I drove by the old house and were delighted to see it was still there!”

Jan said.

her friends, Melanie, lived on nearby Fairway Court. Her Aunt and Uncle Don and Marie Buchwalter (her father’s sister) built a home in 1976 on Fairway Court as well—in fact, right next door to her friend Melanie.

I

Her father, Frank, could envision a wonderful life for his family living in Four Seasons, Jan recalled, “Dad just loved fishing, boating, and everything the community had to offer. He liked the idea of a gated community, security and all the amenities. And, although the community was originally designed to be more of a ‘summer resort,’ dad was firm we would live here all year round despite the fact he worked as an engineer for the B&O Railroad in Blue Island, Illinois. He didn’t seem to mind the long commute,” she said, “He’d say he felt like he was on vacation when he came home."

In 1970 the Flassig family was able to move into their newly built home with the big strong oak tree standing tall in their front yard. And as much as they loved that “giant oak tree,” a new home within the gates would later enjoy the laughter of the Flassig family and their friends. “My dad has never lived in the same house for more than seven years,” Jan laughingly recalled, “he just liked living in a newer home.

So when he saw a model home going up on Woodland Court; mom and dad had to check it out! And the next thing you know we were moving there!”

Jan didn’t mind the move as one of

Jan talked about growing up in Lakes of the Four Seasons. She fondly told us how active her mother became in Four Seasons. “My mother started the 4-H Club here,” she proudly told us, “We had a 4-H club outside the gates— but there were so many LOFS kids in 4-H, mom said we needed to have our own 4-H Club! Other mom’s helped with 4-H as well, like Melanie’s mom.

They had six kids in their family! So when I turned eighteen and could no longer be in 4-H Melanie’s mom took over because they still had kids that were in 4-H.” Jan recalled entering the first 4-H talent show. “We kept winning and winning and winning!”

She laughed. “And, actually one of our big productions we won at state!

We went down to Purdue University and performed in front of about fivethousand people at the state 4-H Assembly.” Jan also remembered how much fun the swim team was and how

THE WONDER YEARS 59

many kids participated. She asked if they still had a 4-H Club for the kids and was sad to learn 4-H had fallen to the wayside.

“Mom eventually learned to play golf and was very involved with the WGA back then…. At one time mom was the president of the WGA and she also helped with the Seasonal,” Jan continued “I remember going to Valpo with her…. She had to go all the way to Valparaiso to drop off copy to the printing company.” Jan shared original copies of the ‘Seasonal’ with us and handed over treasured pictures of her mom, dad and grandparents.

She also lent us her mom’s Lakes of The Four Season’s phone directory printed in 1972 and a 1978 Fire Force Auxiliary Cook Book. Later communicating with Jan by e-mail, we were able to share with her a photo found of her mom modeling at one of “The Auxiliary’s Style Show.” Having never seen the photo before, Jan was elated to receive it!

Like so many kids of the communities’ early settlers—Jan and her friends did a lot of walking and hiking back then. “The school buses only stopped at the front gate and I remember the mailboxes first near the clubhouse where the docks are located before ours was relocated at the main gate with others. Then, when we lived on Woodland Court eventually all the mailboxes for those living on Woodland were grouped together,” Jan said. Jan smiled fondly as she told us about how she and her friends would fill back packs with lunches and hike around the lake—“It would take all day! We would actually hike the outskirts of the lake and because of all the little channels, it took all day. And we would only go in five or six backyards back then because there were hardly any houses. There was a

60 THE WONDER YEARS

4H State Talent Show. Left to right: Daryl Bosh, Melanie Margiotta, Jan Flassig, Aissa Margiotta.

Mary Flassig modeling at the 1970 Fire Auxiliary Style Show.

rope we used to cross a deep ditch; it was like a little ravine— we used it to get from one bank to the other—it was kind of scary. ” Janice remembered.

“When we were teenagers, there was a rope we used to swing out into the channel. We’d pull our boat right up onto the bank; there were no seawalls yet. We’d hang onto that rope and swing out over the water then jump into the lake!” When asked where the rope swing and ravine were located she said; “If you were standing at the clubhouse looking east the rope swing was near the beginning of the channel and the little ravine was further down on the East Lake Shore side—going toward the bridge between Bass Lake and Holiday.

Jan said she was also very involved in junior golf—as was many of the kids in Lake of The Four Seasons back then. “Junior Golf was big in the 70’s,” And although, she couldn’t remember the then golf pro’s name—she spoke highly of how encouraging and good he was with the kids. (His name was Randy Quick—LOFS’ First Golf Pro) Jan’s dad enjoyed golf as well. It seemed the Flassig’s took advantage of just about everything Four Seasons had to offer. Jan then got a smile on her face as she shared with us a story she only learned of herself just a few years ago. Her friend, Melanie, who lived on Fairway Court next door to her aunt and uncle, had a brother just a little younger than she. His name was Dan

1978 Fire Force Auxiliary Cookbook.

1972 LOFS Phone Directory.

Junior Golf with Randy Quick at the clubhouse patio.

and his dad didn’t golf. The Father/Son golf event was coming up and Jan’s dad noticed Dan had a long face. “What’s the matter Dan?” Jan told us her father had asked him.

one day become his son-in-law. You see, Melanie Margiotta’s brother would one day, much later, ask Jan Flassig to become his bride and the two families who lived one street apart those many years would become one big happy family! And although Dan and Jan do not currently live in LOFS today, they regularly visit as they still have family and friends here.

The young man explained his dad didn’t play golf so he couldn’t play in the Father/Son event. So, Jan’s dad, Frank, stepped up and took Dan to play in the Father/Son golf outing that day. And this not father/ son team actually ended up winning the Father/ Son Golf event that year.

And how could have Mr. Frank Flassig ever have known that day that his daughter’s friend’s brother, Dan, would

“It was only earlier this year,” Jan shared, “Dan’s parents sold their home of forty-three years on Fairway Court.

Now, you often see Jan Margiotta helping others to buy or sell their homes in Lakes of The Four Seasons.

Her expertise in knowing the history

Club Championship Tournament, August, 1973. Hole #1 behind the Noonan's home.

Frank and Mary Flassig.

of this community comes in mighty handy when showing clients why they would want to live in Lakes of The Four Seasons.

LOFS Trivia!

True or False: Walt’s Pond is named after Walter Baran?

False—Walter Kankowski (a neighbor to Wally Baran) with LOFS Fishing Club started the practice of growing the juvenile fish, called fingerlings, in the pond before releasing them into the lakes.

Mary Flassig holding golf trophy.

THE WONDER YEARS 61

8080 East 109th Avenue Crown Point, IN 46307 FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS CALL US FOR “SUPERIOR SERVICE.”

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Gina, Paulette & Stephanie would also like to congratulate Frank P. Trapane II IFA on 40 years as an associate broker.

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5/7/15

62 THE WONDER YEARS

STEPHANIE SOLICH Associate Broker 219-808-3319

THE WONDER YEARS 63

Reminiscing with dan kernagis Written By Sally Lugo

“G

rowing up in LOFS in the early `70’s was a childhood paradise,” is something you will often hear when jogging the memories of a LOFS resident who was either born here or moved in as a small child with their parents. Dan Kernagis, who moved here at age six, will also tell you the same. “When we first moved into my parent’s house there was only one bedroom. Mom and dad had three kids; my two sisters, Wendy, Kathy and myself. There was a big family room downstairs, which was a walk-out and a two car garage under the house. You’d come down the driveway and have to make a ninety degree turn into the garage! The house wasn’t a true A-frame, even though it appeared to be on the outside. It was more like a raised ranch that looked like an A-frame. When you came in on the main level, there was a regular eight foot ceiling—it was not vaulted.

There was no upstairs, just an attic. The last owner did end up putting in a loft and making it more open. My mom and dad took the garage out and made two more bedrooms on the lower level.

When we moved in, my sisters and I all slept in the family room until our bedrooms were completed," Dan said.

The Kernagis home, purchased in 1971, was the first home south of the clubhouse on North Lake Shore Drive.

This picture shows how undeveloped it was on the east side of the lake. “My mom and dad, Jim and Ruth, purchased the home from the first owner, Mrs. Thistlewood, whose husband had passed. They were actually renting the lower level to a young couple. When my dad looked at the house to buy—

64 THE WONDER YEARS

what sold him was there was a whole stringer of crappie in the utility sink the tenant had just caught. Dad asked ‘Did that come from this lake?’ He was told how good the fishing was. He was ‘hooked’ right there because my dad and I were big fishermen,” Dan said with a big smile.

“My dad worked for Dean White as Vice President of Marketing for thirtyfive years and Dean was a developer of the Lake Side Condos on East Lake Shore Drive. In fact, mom now lives in one of the first of the condos that was a model. And back then my older sister, Kathy, ended up being one of the ‘open house ladies.’ She would work for the condo association on the weekends,” Dan reported.

Dan showed me pictures of his sister and him playing on the property where the condos were eventually built. “This is Wendy and I—about 1973. We used to play in that field where the condos are now. We were right on the lake in the same house all those years. We could enjoy the lake all year round; we’d swim, boat, fish and ice skate.”

Next Dan recounted summer days on the lake. “We had a row boat—no motor, that we would use to go all the way across the lake. My sisters would take me out when I was probably nine.

Kathy was five years older than me and Wendy was a year younger than her. My parents wouldn’t have been too happy if they knew what my sisters were letting me do,” Dan chuckled.

“You see we had this rope swing. It was located at the end of Sandy Beach. It was steep!” Dan remembered. “We’d

The Kernagis home, purchased in 1971.

Notice how undeveloped it was on the east side of Lake Holiday.

Dan Kernagis and sister Wendy Kernagis, 1973. The two used to play in the field where the condos now occupy.

Rope swing located on Sandy Beach.

grab on to that rope with three knots to sit on. It was attached to a tree and we’d swing out into the cove. It must have been a twenty foot drop!” Dan further recalled.

The Kernagis’ sailboat.

"There were more sail boats on the lake back then,” Dan said. “And there were only a few motor boats. We had a sail boat and my sisters with a friend got pretty good at sailing the boat,” but he chuckled as he told me the rest of the story. “They’d have sail boat races out here a couple times a month. There were Lake vs. Porter County and races on the 4th of July. Well one time my two sisters, with a friend, entered one of the sail boat contests. They took off and they were pretty fast! But when they got to the dam at the south end of the lake and had to turn around, they found out they weren’t really that good at sailing against the wind,” he laughed a bit more. “And they didn’t win the race.”

Dan spoke of childhood friends, “I was pretty good friends with the other kids out here. There was Bruce Swift, Jr., Ted Karas, the Naulty and Dado kids.

There was also the Kennellys and the Tsikouris’. My sister was pretty good friends with Jan Flassig and Melanie Margiotta and another girl Nan,” but he couldn’t remember her last name.

This community has always been a great community for families. And now these kids who grew up here, and were friends back then, many of us have our own children! In fact my daughter, Brenna, is all grown up now and she’ll make me a grandpa soon! Here’s a picture of her when she was just seven skating on Lake

Wendy and Dan Kernagis, 1977.

Dan’s Cub Scout Troop practicing marching for the Fourth of July.

Brenna Kernagis ice skating, 1999.

Dan’s baseball team, 1976.

Holiday where my sister and I also enjoyed skating so many years ago.”

Dan said handing me a picture of Brenna skating on the ice along with a picture of him and his sister Wendy.

in 3rd place!” Dan remembered....

“This picture is neat because it has all the kids’ names listed along with our sponsor and some of the coaches,” Dan shared.

Dan continued to tell me about growing up in LOFS. “All of us kids grew up together and the community was under construction. It was wonderful; it was one big playground for us. We’d play in the construction sites and get run off. We’d fish, hike the lake, and had lots of organized sports.

Dan handed over more pictures, saying “Here’s a couple pictures of our Cub Scout Troop practicing marching for the 4th of July. Our Den Mother was Mrs. Rumble," Dan said.

Dan was bursting with memories of the “early days” in LOFS. “I remember “coasting” into Crown Point before we finally got a gas station out here,” Dan laughed. “Mom would get up a hill—then let off the gas and just coast.

I remember we finally did get the Marathon gas station on the corner of Randolph and 109th. It was full service as well as you could even get your car fixed there. So we were all happy about that. Before that, in 1980, we got our first pizza place, Rupcich.

I can remember before Rupcich came in when we would drive into Crown Point to go to Gamby’s. Dad would get us in the car and we’d eat it there because dad hated cold pizza. Then Dante’s opened in the Fairway Plaza

"Here’s a picture of my baseball team back in 1976. Fred and Sue Andrews, who lived in LOFS, had an Ace Hardware in Merrillville. They sponsored our team and we came

THE WONDER YEARS 65

and their pizza was good, so after that we’d always go to Dante’s carry out. Since then it’s become Gators,” Dan reminisced.

It was easy for me to gather how close of a family the Kernagis’ were both then and now. Dan treasured every picture he shared—especially those with his dad who passed away too young at the age of fifty-nine.

Like many others, Dan also recalled The Swift Family Realty Company with the big "Smiley Face" on top of the building. His sister, Kathy, worked for the Hovanec’s at the Butcher Block.

Then they built the Fairway foods. He talked about working for developer Dave Lasco. “I was a property manager for him for two years back then and I also was for Dean White selling advertising for a few years as well.”

Dan said.

Dan continued to emphasize what a close knit community this was and still remains. “Once you’re inside Four Seasons, you don’t have to go anywhere. LOFS had and still has their own organized sports for the kids inside the gates. Parents didn’t have to drive them back in to town back then or now.”

Crown Point—Kathy in 1979 and Wendy the following year in 1980.

“I first went to Winfield Elementary. It was a newer school back then and ‘state of the art!’ At that time Winfield went to 6th grade. When we first moved in Taft Middle School went from 7th grade to 9th, but then later just 7th and 8th grades,” Dan reported.

Dan’s sister Wendy now lives in El Paso, Texas. “But my mom and sister Kathy still live in Four Seasons,” Dan told me.

Now, Dan lives with his wife, Sarah Martin Kernagis, just behind number one green. Dan smiled, “We’re directly behind the green—you might have seen a duck or two in our yard,” he said with a glimmer in his eye. “Sarah and I were actually high school sweethearts,” Dan said—then continued “But I lost track of her after graduation for nearly thirty years. Six years ago we found each other again."

Dan graduated from Crown Point High School in 1984. His sisters, Kathy and Wendy also graduated from

“We also have a Grand Eclectise—a big red bird, that talks—and if you’re ever on number one green and you think you’re hearing a scanner go off, it’s not. It’s my bird, and everyone says he sounds like a scanner!” Dan laughed.

“Sarah loves that bird,” he said. Then Dan shared his most treasured photo of all, asking “Where do you think this is? This is on the corner of Randolph and 109th. My mother was a Latin teacher at Crown Point. And,

Jim and Dan Kernagis.

The corner of Randolph and 109th.

66 THE WONDER YEARS

dad—well being a marketing director had this big sign made for mom for their 25th Wedding Anniversary.

That’s mom standing at the corner where the Family Express now sits!

So that’s looking to the North East where now you would have Wiseway, McDonalds, Fagen, and all the other stores,” Dan said. “Here’s another picture of my mom and dad on the deck off the main floor. Keep in mind you’re looking north up North Lake Shore Drive. Notice how many empty lots there were at the time,” Dan said.

Dan went on talking about how he’s fished this lake all his life. “There are certain places and things that have changed; where there used to be a big tree—but new homeowners took the tree out. There used to be a road back then, it went from here to here” Dan showed me pointing to a map of the lake at the narrowest point about midlake. “This is while the lake was being dug out. And the reason they had a road in the middle of the lake was so they could bring the trucks directly across.

The road was gravel and it was like an underwater mound once the water filled in. Well fish, especially Walleye like that. It was my favorite fishing spot. But over the years it’s changed and there was time when it (the lake) got dirty. I remember them doing some really good stuff to the lake— to bring it (the lake) back,” Dan said.

Jim and Dan Kernagis.

Mr. and Mrs. Kernagis on their deck, looking north up North Lake Shore Drive. Notice all of the empty lots.

Mutley, the Kernagis family dog.

The Kernagis family. Kathy’s wedding Held at her parent’s home on North Lake Shore Drive.

Dan further reminisced “You used to be able to take your snowmobiles on the lake and the golf course. My uncle could even get a two day pass for his snowmobile back then, and he’d also get a two day pass they’d sell him for his jet ski! But as more and more homes were built, and as there were more residents—it just got too busy for that. But the times we’ve had out here; is just amazing to remember.”

was a bad rain for a couple days, I remember dirty mud water coming out of a pipe near our house (near the clubhouse marina). The water just ran off from where they have a wetland now that captures all that silt and mud.

it is, water runs off, picks up dirt, and dumps it into the lake,” Dan continued.

“As a resident you should have concern for our lakes now. I feel like its made strides over the last 10 years, but it still has me majorly concerned for the future. I do think the stuff that’s being done now is being taken seriously.”

Lastly, Dan talked about the value of maintaining Four Seasons, especially the lakes. He talked about how there would be an inconvenience for a couple of years to really do it right, but in the long run it will be better. “Our biggest value for this community is our lakes and if you want to live out here a long time you need to take care of them,” Dan said.

“When we first moved here, you could see fish swimming in the water because it was so clear. But if there

Now we’ve done something to control muddy water from that area and it isn’t pouring into the lake anymore.

So, when they dug that area out and put that natural habitat area—that was smart and that’s what we needed to do.

But you’ll hear residents complaining about the wetland (by the clubhouse parking lot) and they don’t understand its true value. We’re a ditch and swale community, we don’t have curbs— where water runs into the curb and down to the sewer. So, that’s the way

“There were people years ago who wanted to close the lake for two years and re-dig it out because technology isn’t the way it is now. And, we must make sure the covenants are being followed, especially along the lake and people aren’t bogging up the lakes.

I’d hate to be in Rick’s (Cleveland) shoes half the time,” Dan said. “You know more than a few years back when they were raising the property dues, I thought oh my gosh, but then we could start seeing things getting done! I’ll gladly pay the dues as long as things are getting done.” Dan said with conviction.

Over the decades LOFS has witnessed a number of snow blizzards. The Blizzard of 1985 was most notable for what reason? A) 4Seasons went without electricity 6 entire days B) A helicopter landed in Fairway Plaza to rescue stranded motorists C) LOFS paramedic Penny Scubeleck helped deliver a baby on the kitchen table.

Answer: C) 40 mph winds prevented hospital helicopter service to assist Rosan Sanbach who went into labor February 12, 1985. Baby boy Sanbach was born 10:35 p.m. at home on Sunrise.

LOFS Trivia!

Our biggest value for this community is our lakes...you need to take care of them.

THE WONDER YEARS 67

Four seasons memoir Contributed By Nathan Leigh

W

hen you’re young, the sky is the limit. Of course this is cliché but isn’t it the truth?

If you were fortunate enough-as I wasto spend the majority of your youth raised by loving parents in the Lakes of the Four Seasons, you may count yourself among the truly blessed. It’s like an old man approached you one morning while you were playing ball and handed you a card. “Here you go kid.” You read the card and all it says is NO CONSEQUENCES. That’s what it felt like to a seven year old boy growing up in the Lakes of the Four Seasons.

As if you had the freedom and carefree abandon to explore the far corners of the earth.

It was the winter of 86’ and we had just moved into a quaint cul-de-sac on Brandywine that overlooked the 18th green of the golf course. You could see the gatehouse from our second story window in the kitchen. Vehicles entering and leaving the community at all times of the day and night. Season’s folk living their lives the best they knew how. At that time, there was only a front entrance to the community.

The side entrance by Lion’s Park hadn’t been built yet. There could have been a back entrance by the fire station-I’m not sure-I was seven!

One of my first memories in that house was watching the Chicago Bears obliterate the now-mighty Patriots in Super Bowl XX. We didn’t have furniture yet so I sat on the brown shag carpet that seemed to line the floors of most houses at the time. My father sat in a metal folding chair next to a buddy who had helped transport our furniture from our apartment in Highland. We all watched the game on

68 THE WONDER YEARS

As if you had the freedom and care-free abandon to explore the far corners of the earth. a small tube television with palpable tension. This tension soon turned to complacency as the game quickly became something that only remotely resembled competitive sports. My mother was out that evening and my dad and his buddy were asking about her since it was taking her longer than expected to come home.

“Maybe she died in a car accident.”

I chimed in. I don’t know why I said that. Why does a seven year old say anything? Perhaps I was preoccupied with death at the time. I was a thinker as a child, at least that’s what I’m told.

trees and called it the “Green Monster” pretending we were at Fenway Park.

It was a big deal if you could hit the ball over the Green Monster. We were not Red Sox fans though. We bled Cubby blue.

When we grew tired of these games, as kids often do, we developed something more mischievous, more controversial to partake in. The game was Steal the golfer’s ball. Ok that’s not a real game but that’s what we did. Hey, my backyard ended at the 18th green; what’s a kid to do? Here’s how it went.

The golfer’s would tee off across from my house. A particularly atrocious golfer might actually slice the ball badly enough to dent our siding. This was rare, but humanly possible. Now, stupid kids waited for the golfer to hit the ball and then ran after it in plain sight. That would be too obvious and we liked to think ourselves smarter than the average adult. So we meandered up the street a bit and then cut through a neighbor’s side yard to the course-off the fairway. One bad shot later and a fresh golf ball was within striking distance. Creeping onto the course like navy seals emerging from the ocean, we made our move.

“Don’t say that.” My father said, swatting at the air towards me. The room held an awkward silence for a moment, then the Bears scored again and a joyous uproar could be heard traveling the length of Brandywine.

I’m happy to report, my mother is alive and well to this very day.

we weren’t red sox fans though. we bled cubby blue

Summers were spent with the neighborhood kids that lived in a rounded asphalt playground called Brandywine Road. All manner of sports were played but favor was given to first baseball, and then basketball.

My neighbor had a basketball hoop in his driveway on which we played from morning until our mother’s called us in for dinner. We took turns playing baseball in each other’s yards. We had and still do have, large oak trees that line a portion of our yard. We set up our baseball diamond in front of those

A short time later, we sat there on the edge of the course tossing our dimpled white treasure between ourselves. That is until the pot-bellied owner of the golf ball came rolling over in his cart, having witnessed the entire operation.

Perhaps we were not as covert as we imagined. He was already pissed because it was a bad shot. I rolled the ball behind my back underneath some overgrown bush nearby as he approached, clubs jostling and clanging in the bag seated in the rear of the cart.

“You took my ball.”

“No we didn’t.”

“Yes you did. I saw you. Where are your parents?”

“At work.”

“I’m going to call the ranger and tell him what you did.”

“We didn’t do anything.” By this point his face was red and beads of sweat ran down his temples having originated from somewhere above his green John Deer cap. He was upper middle age and overweight. I thought he would either fall over and die from a massive coronary or embed his nine iron into my skull, so I was about to admit my guilt when a voice of reason saved me.

“Come on, let’s go.” His partner said to him. The man’s face softened a little and they turned about and rode off to find the other guys ball. This type of interaction was repeated a few times with other unsuspecting participants before we decided that wasn’t the game for us.

We were huge baseball fans, so naturally we loved to buy baseball cards. The nearest merchant was Scholls drugstore. It sat where Fagen Pharmacy used to be and where the old Dollar General most recently was, next door to El Jimador’s. The neighborhood boys and I walked there. Now mindful of the golfers, we patiently waited for them to tee off, then strolled over the tee box and across the road that led to the gravel path that runs around the 17th green to what is now Two Bills Tap. I think it was a Citgo gas station at the time and that gravel path is now paved in asphalt. Point is, we would go to Scholls drugstore with the change we

begged, borrowed and stole from our parents to buy baseball cards. We sat outside the store on the cement curb and opened our packs to compare players, crunching on the stale piece of gum that came wrapped inside. Then we made our way back home skipping along the gravel path smelling like bubble gum and sweaty boy. It really was a time of no consequences.

creeping onto the course like navy seals from the ocean, we made our move.

Riding bikes was another pastime that occupied our summers in the Four Seasons. Bikes gave us the ability to explore the far corners of the community. Bass Lake, Brandywine, Lions, Windy Hill, we went to them all. These parks have changed a great deal since I was a kid. For the better I suppose, but you always think back to your old stomping grounds and the way things used to be. Familiarity can breed contempt but it can also breed nostalgia. Change takes some getting used to. Brandywine Park is beautiful now but lacks the full asphalt basketball court we used to play on.

It was here that we learned we were not the greatest basketball players in the Seasons. Lions Park never had a basketball court and really was just a gravel pit with a few park benches at the time. The pedestrian/runner’s circle that is now frequently utilized, didn’t exist. Just open grass. To be honest, I haven’t been by Windy Hill in years and I’m not sure what is there today.

I almost forgot about the pool. My God, how could I forget the pool!?

And lake Holiday! The pool has certainly changed since I was young.

I think what is now the men’s locker room used to be the general entrance

where you would step through a small chlorinated river to wash the sand and grass clippings off of your feet before entering the main pool area.

Green strands of grass floated on its surface while the sand covered the light blue bottom cement. I remember the contrast from Lake Holiday, when you opened your eyes under water and couldn’t even see your hand in front of your face. The water was pale green, and the cold goose poop oozed its way between your toes as you stepped. Then you walked through the chlorine river, washed away the filth and hopped into the crystal blue water of the pool. There was a single diving board that faced west towards Lake Shore Drive. I think my mom had us take swimming lessons there.

The water would be freezing in the morning-an experience my daughter has shared. There were no ID badges at the time. You received a tiny plastic square with the current year printed on it. At the top of the square was a metal safety pin used to secure the tag to your trunks. Carefully, I might add.

The last thing you wanted was your own blood in the pool. Every year, the color of the tag would change. Great memories. My kids love it as much as I did and there’s a certain full circle satisfaction in witnessing that.

But summer doesn’t last forever and with rustling autumn leaves come the squeaking brakes of school buses.

Time to learn. Time to grow. Winfield Elementary (great) turned into Taft Middle School (terrible) which became CPHS (not so terrible) which then became college, marriage, a family and a six year stent in Muncie, Indiana.

Ironically, my grandparents ended up moving into the house right next door to my parents on Brandywine and lived there ten years before they both were gone. Upon my grandmother’s death, my wife and I had just had our third child and sold our starter home. As

THE WONDER YEARS 69

providence would have it, we moved back up to northwest Indiana and into the house next door to the one I grew up in. You can’t see the gatehouse from my window but I only have to walk to the end of my driveway, and there it is, a familiar old friend. Out the back window of my home is the same golf course I used to make trouble on and in the distance you can see the raised ground of the driving range with tiny figures scattered about, determined to take strokes off of their game.

Oddly enough, I’ve never golfed in the Seasons. The same colossal water tower adjacent to the same club house peers down at me like a friendly giant.

It’s probably been repainted but really hasn’t changed in twenty nine years.

The days of no consequences have long passed. The neighborhood kids have grown and moved away. But I can’t help but look back upon my childhood

I hope my children receive and utilize the same card i did so long ago: the no consequences card. here with fondness and wonder. The freedom and independence afforded me by my parents astounds me now. I try not to be one of those “helicopter parents” but it’s hard. You want your kids to be safe but you also want them to experience the same things that you did when you were young.

I have this conversation with my father sometimes. “Dad, how could you just let us ride our bikes around the Seasons all day long? You never knew where we were or what we were doing.

We could’ve been kidnapped or killed or God knows what. How is it, that didn’t happen?”

“I don’t know. Dumb luck I guess.”

And there it is. Dumb luck? Maybe.

Carelessness? Perhaps. But it’s more than that. This community is a great place to raise a family. It was then and it is now. Is it big fluffy pillow where no one can get hurt? Of course not. We’re not naïve. Bad things can happen anywhere, but the security team here does a fine job and are always helpful when needed. That’s never changed either.

And so, it is with this in mind that I try to give my children the same freedom as they grow up. The freedom to roam and explore this enchanting community that takes advantage of every season Mother Nature provides.

I hope they receive and utilize the same card I did so long ago. The No Consequences card.

Proudly Owned by Jeanette Tithof for 19 Years

Happy 50th Birthday Lakes of the Four Seasons! www.jmjtalent.com LOFS Birthday Ad.indd 1 70JMJ Talent THE WONDER YEARS

8/4/16 11:07 AM

LOFS Trivia!

B...experience a cozy learning environment while gaining the skills for tomorrow.”

Now Enrolling Ages: 3, 4 & 5

(219)988-2289

True or False: Ken Geitz is Lake of The Four Seasons longest serving Community Manager.

False—Richard Cleveland has now edged out previously longest serving C.M. Ken Geitz . Ken Geitz served from October 1977 – March 1986.

Richard (Rick) Cleveland just celebrated nine years as C.M. on July 2016. He formerly was promoted to Operations Director in 1997.

“There’s only one childhood and only one Mrs.

S LOF ia!

Triv There are three dams in Four Seasons. Dam A is located on Sunnyslope

separating Bass and Holiday. Dam B is located on Four Seasons Pkwy Separating Bass from Holiday. Dam C is located at the south end of Lake Holiday.

Which dam was built first?

Answer: Dam C ... go figure.

THE WONDER YEARS 71

Thank you to the swift family Contributed By Staff Anniversary events special. Not only did they take time out from their busy schedules to travel across the country to be part of all our events; Dolly, Bruce and Sheri also spent time contributing historical information for our 50th Anniversary Historical/Memorabilia Book! Thank you so much Swift Family for all you have done to help the 50th Anniversary Committee!

Sheri, Mary Ann (Dolly), and Bruce Swift Jr. at the LOFS 50th Anniversary Gala, July 2, 2016.

I

f you watched this year’s 4th of July Parade—you may have noticed two convertibles filled with adults and kids all wearing bright yellow t-shirts sporting a Big “Happy Face!”

Long-time residents from the early `70s will associate that “Happy Face” with the Bruce Swift, Sr. family real estate business, originally named “Four Seasons Homes & Lots.”

We more than appreciate Dolly, Bruce and Sheri along with their family helping to make all our 50th

Both Sheri and Bruce joined their family real estate business while they finished their educations. Hopefully you had the opportunity to “wave back” to Sheri as she and her fiancée Dom Sarfati rode in this year’s 4th of July parade. She graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Elementary Education. Sheri continued to work in the family real estate business until she became a Flight Attendant for United Airlines. Now, twenty-seven years later, Sheri is based in Washington DC and flies to Europe on a regular basis.

Her fiancée, Dom, is a pilot who also works for United Airlines.

Bruce joined the family business in the mid `80s while he too completed his education from Indiana University Northwest. It is important to note that Bruce should be credited with having been a driving force to accelerate the growth and construction both inside LOFS as well as the surrounding Winfield business and nearby residential communities.

Bruce Swift, Jr. was heavily involved in the development of the Sandy Beach Condos as well as surrounding communities such as Stoney Run, Hidden Creek and Double Tree.

Bruce currently resides in Scottsdale, Arizona with his wife, Lisa, and their three daughters Trista (13), Kendall (11), and Kailey (9). Today, he sells real estate in Scottsdale and its surrounding areas. However, Bruce will tell you that he will always call LOFS “home.”

Dolly continues to reside in her Lakeside Condo in The Seasons and enjoys when her growing family can visit.

Again—thank you to all the Bruce Swift, Sr. family. We enjoyed your company over the 4th, and look forward to seeing you again!

Swift family at the LOFS 50th Anniversary Fourth of July Parade, 2016.

72 THE WONDER YEARS

growing up four seasons style Contributed By Sheri Swift

W

hat a lucky girl I was to move to LOFS at age 4! My parents saw the activities available for us to enjoy and benefit from!—Even though many people discouraged them from moving here because “it was too far out.” Truthfully, we had to drive to Crown Point for gas, groceries, pizza.....anything! Even our mailbox was in a communal location at the park south of the clubhouse on Lake Holiday. Rather than move anywhere else, however, my parents chose the “Best Kept Secret in Indiana” for us to call home!!!

Some of you might remember in early 1970 driving through the gate. At the time, it was the small brick “phone booth” sized structure at the main entrance which still stands today. The guard could literally sit in one corner and put his feet up on a shelf in the other corner it was so small. It was a tight fit for him! And his portable black and white TV kept him company during the long days alone.

As kids, our summer days were filled with Junior Golf and Swim Team.

“Group Lessons” for both sports were

offered. But in those early days my brother and I were usually the only ones in the group! There was tennis, softball and baseball. 4-H, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts met all year round.

And we’d ride our bikes through the weeds and empty streets for hours. We could go boating, fishing and so much more! Luckily, we could walk or ride our bikes ANYWHERE and get to our clubs without our parents having to drive us. Even at age 6, I remember my brother Bruce “driving” us to the pool on a three wheel golf cart.

Winters were filled with snowmobiling and sledding on the great golf course hills on Holes 10 and 11. The lakes and ponds were often used for ice skating and hockey games. During school months, there were so few kids in Four Seasons that only one school bus was needed to pick up for Winfield Elementary and the immediate area behind LOFS!!!!

My favorite memories are those of the 4th of July. In 1970, we decorated our bikes to be in the parade. The parade had more participants than the crowd watching it! All of the Four Seasons

residents were IN the parade! Other years we marched with our ball teams or clubs. Of course my families’ Swift Realty Company had its entry in the parade complete with “Smiley Faces.”

We’d decorate our t-shirts and our float as well with hundreds of “Smiley Faces.” Our family is very patriotic and for years we’d hand out thousands of American Flags on the parade route.

4th of July had the wonderful music and food the Lions Club always provided. Some years there were organized “milk carton boat races” and there were competitions between Lake vs. Porter Counties. There would be fishing contests and other events; such as three-legged races and a tugo-war by the beach’s shoreline. The 4th of July was always about “family time.” And, of course, the boat parade followed by fireworks in the evening was the highlight of the day!

I say “Thank You” to our parents, Bruce and Mary Ann “Dolly” Swift, who saw the unique qualities of Lakes of the Four Seasons long before many others. Our lives are so much happier and fulfilling because of our enriched childhood in a safe environment— which they encouraged other families to enjoy. I feel extremely lucky to have grown up in Lakes of the Four Seasons.....there, truly, is no better place to have grown up and call home.

LOFS Trivia!

True or False: Snowmobiles could never be driven in Four Seasons?

False—Just ask Bruce Swift, Ted & Kevin Karas, or other members of the SnoRaiders Club formed in 1981.

Thank you to Schepel Buick/GMC for the use of the 2016 Buick Cascada during the Fourth of July parade.

THE WONDER YEARS 73

HAPPY 5 ANNIVERSARY LOFS! TH

The SWIFT Family is happy to have grown with you!

With Love, Mary Ann (Dolly) Swift Bruce G. Swift II Sheri Swift

In Loving Memory of Your Biggest FAN:

~ Bruce G. Swift, Sr. ~ 74 THE WONDER YEARS

LOFS Memories with bruce swift jr.

Contributed By Bruce Swift Jr.

I

n the early 1970’s a LOFS construction boom had begun.

I was only six when my parents, Bruce Sr. and Mary Ann (better known as Dolly) Swift built their first home on Kingsway Drive by the intersection of Annandale Lane. I recall being able to stand on our front porch and having a clear sight of Lake Holiday and the Clubhouse with only very few homes interrupting the view.

LOFS was a kid’s paradise and i believe it to still be that way.

It took longer than expected for our first home to be built. I recall mom being upset with my father because the contractor was taking so long and in a few months I was to start 1st grade! Basically, my father fired the contractor and took over construction supervision. This led to my father building a limited number of homes in The Seasons in the early 1970’s, but, for the most part he and my mother decided to be the Great Promoters of the LOFS lifestyle. And that was ingrained in the upbringing of my sister, Sheri, and I from our earliest days. We not only heard our parents, who both started selling real estate in LOFS in the late 1960’s, tell prospective buyers what a great place Lake of The Four Seasons was to live.

They had my sister and me recite the virtues of living in The Seasons to many of their prospective clients, and what a wonderful place it would be to raise their family. It was easy, I simply told the truth: we fished, swam in the lake and pool, played golf and tennis,

had lots of friends, and rode our bikes from dawn to dusk without a care!

Living in Lakes of The Four Seasons was a kid’s paradise and I believe it to still be that way!

There were maybe only 100 other homes when we first moved into our new home. And that left us kids over 2,000 vacant lots – a kids play paradise!! It was at times like having a farm surrounding us given all the vacant land, and it was ours, LOL, as never did we see the absentee owners who rarely made “the long drive” from more urban areas of NW Indiana and Chicago to view their lot. When they did make the drive to see their vacant lots they were greeted by the sight of overgrown weeds on so many lots that it was often hard back then (the 70’s and 80’s) to even tell within a lot or two where any given lot was actually located due to the weeds and total lack of many homes built.

It was exciting for us kids to watch new houses being built! After the bulldozers left they wouldn’t return until the concrete was poured for the basements. Mounds, or to us mountains, of excess dirt from digging out the basements would later be used for backfill. Until then, it was all ours!

We didn’t have the Internet, there was no Atari, nor Pong—that was still five years away. There wasn’t much on TV for kids back then. So, we’d make up our own great games. Right after school in the fall and spring (summers were for other things such as fishing, etc.) We used the dirt piles to play the greatest kids’ game ever - King of the Mountain - when there was no

one around. If security passed by— we would duck and hide behind the mounds of dirt often 10-15’ high. In truth they probably knew we were there—we were all just 5 to 12 years old, and they just didn’t seem to mind as long as we weren’t hurting anything.

So King of the Mountain would go like this... we’d get as many area kids as possible, girls played alongside boys, and each “team” would take their respective hill and throw hand size clumps of clay (mud balls) at the opposing teams for what seemed like, and was often hours. The game ended when one of two things happened: it turned too dark to play or someone got hit directly in the face with a clay mud ball and cried a lot. The groups would then disburse, the losers going home to clean their wounds. Luckily, no one lost an eye nor anything severe, a few had to get stitches and then their parents wouldn’t let them play the game for a while. We’d all go home covered in dirt, exhausted, and just in time for dinner to listen to our parents tell us we had better be careful or someone would get hurt from that game.

the game ended when it turned too dark to play or someone got hit in the face with a clay mud ball and cried a lot.

Winters in “The Seasons” offered more great activities! For many of us the winters were equally as fun as the summers. Instead of swimming, we used the lakes to ice skate. I vividly recall my friends, perhaps 2 to 12 of us, on late afternoons after school rushing to the lakes to shovel the snow into “ice rinks” so we could play ice hockey.

I have to admit there were a few times we rushed the season.

And trust me—you’ll never forget the sound of the ice cracking!!! Luckily, nothing as

THE WONDER YEARS 75

The Great Blizzard of ‘79

As teens, we spent several days and nights helping to rescue stranded motorists trying to make their way back from work to LOFS. 109th was littered with hundreds of stranded cars. Some tried too early to leave Four Seasons for work or run to the store for supplies and found the roads impassable! Given the dire situation our parents let us stay out all night helping those using snowmobiles to rescue people. I still recall being halfway between LOFS and I-65, on 109th Ave, just seeing if there was still anyone stranded that night at 2:00 or 3:00 a.m. I realized there was no one on the street but me. The snow had just let up and I saw a small drift, which would give me a good view up and down the road, only to realize that I was on the roof of a car… the drifts were that tall! The teen snowmobilers helped in that situation, we brought many safely home. For days people couldn’t leave or come to The Seasons.

BINGO at the Clubhouse

As a preteen in the `70s I remember in LOFS the “Big Event” of the week was Friday Night Bingo!!!! In retrospect it was not only an excellent fundraising source for the Volunteer Fire Department, but it also brought the community closer. After all, we were somewhat stranded “inside the gates.” There was no nearby Southlake Mall for kids to go. The closest movie theater was at 61st and Broadway.

There was nothing but the gas station and the Beer Barrel on US 30—not too exciting. So, the Clubhouse served as

76 THE WONDER YEARS

a great function for having fun and bringing the community together.

Parents would bring their entire family.

Kids would sit next to parents, helping “daub” their bingo sheets. We’d all yell “BINGO!” when that needed last number was finally called out!!! These were the innocent days—the days of family bonding. It was the glue that strengthened not just each family, but our community as well. FRIDAY NIGHT BINGO benefited various worthy ... but the real benefit was community camaraderie. Dads went into the bar area to socialize and solve worldly problems. While moms sat at the long tables with their children and multiple Bingo cards.

Kids would enjoy sipping on the featured “Kiddie Cocktail” of the night. Later in the evening, The Tom Noonan Band would provide entertainment. LOFS— it was and still is our “Camelot,” our “Working Man’s Paradise.”

After all, we were somewhat stranded inside the gates.

My Secret Hiding Place

I first recall hearing about this place around 1972 when I would have been about 8 years old. I considered myself a “real fisherman” at the time and would often talk to other fishermen sharing best locations to fish and so on. One older man told me of a secret area with large fish. It took many conversations before he finally revealed the precise location of this small area. Then, he swore me to secrecy! There were more fish than anyone could imagine!

Bottom line: It was behind the Lake Holiday Dam spillway. The developer had installed a spillway at the far south end of Lake Holiday near its dam. The spillway allowed floodwaters to drain into Stoney Run creek as it had done prior to the dam being constructed to form Lake Holiday. Well, many of the fish in Lake Holiday got sucked into

the dam water collection area, between the bars, fell down into the bottom of the collection basin and the water simply carried them into a very small little pond on the other side of the dam where they were essentially trapped for years. Very few knew about this small pond at the time as there was no path to it and the weeds and trees were very overgrown. Not to mention the pond wasn’t visible from the top of the dam. Eventually many people found out and it became fished out. But for many years I kept my oath of silence and enjoyed “the secret hiding place.”

And Then There Were the Lakes of the Four Seasons “Squatters”

Lakes of The Four Seasons was almost a surreal environment during its early years. There were paved roads, LOFS security guards, a pool, beaches, tennis courts, the clubhouse, parks, but, just not very many people. The weeds grew everywhere and animals still lived in LOFS not knowing the developer had subdivided the land and they were now considered “squatters” living on someone else’s lot! In general, the rabbits, beavers (yes, many), deer, butterflies, birds, and other animals found this out as they were evicted the day a bulldozer arrived to build the lot owner’s new home. Animals scattered as bulldozers tore through the weeds and cleared trees out of its way. As kids we tried to help some of the animals, most fled, and we had a mix of emotions, sorrow for the animals and yet happiness that more kids would be soon be living in LOFS, hopefully providing us new friends with whom to play.

LOFS Trivia!

Why do they call the small island on Bass Lake “Fire Island?”

Answer: Ask Bruce Swift, Jr. or any of his childhood friends!

I recall, resulted in more than taking a friend home to get warmed. Looking back the biggest dangers were the hockey sticks and pucks, as none of us wore protective equipment back then.

So, when one of us got hit by a flying puck... that too ended the game for that day.

LOFS Fun Facts

Most residents don’t know, but, LOFS is located on the Continental Divide, about 10% of LOFS drains north into Lake Michigan and out to the Atlantic Ocean and 90% drains south, at the far south end of Lake Holiday, and eventually ends up in the Mississippi River/Gulf of Mexico. Also, the great glaciers that created Lake Michigan carved out many areas of The Seasons as well. Just take notice of many of the deep ravines both inside and outside the gates. As kids, we explored these areas in depth, the area directly west of the gate of LOFS host some of the best ravines from Trout Haven Lake to 109th Ave. I’m sure there is still much wildlife there, but, 40 years ago the amount of animals was impressive; we barely noticed deer walking closely by as they were commonplace. The developer of LOFS luckily choose to leave most heavily forested areas as-is, not due to their desire to preserve the land, it was just plain economics, just as was the location of the lakes.

driving range and exiting through its chipping green practice area. Cutting across Sunnyslope the old road would have entered where Country Club Drive is now, then cut through the # 9 fairway and skirted the southeast corner of the LOFS Townhomes. Its path would then continue on the back of the lots just east of the Lakeside Condos; and most predominantly enter into Lake Holiday nearing its channel leading to Dam A separating it from Bass Lake. Cutting through Beach View Drive and then directly into the “Party Cove,” old County Line Road would next have entered the most north lot on Sandy Beach Road (Sandy Beach Road is actually built on top of old County Line) and exited the community just east of Lake Holiday’s boat launch where County Line picks up again on the south side of the community today.

one of those trees played host to our rope swing where the daredevils amongst us would grab onto the rope and swing out over the water.

It’s noteworthy to mention—that “back in the day,” we kids enjoyed the “Old Tree Swing” on the north end of Sandy Beach Road. There were no homes or condos yet built and the land was heavily forested with massive sized trees perched at the top of what was then to us—a steep cliff. One of those trees played host to our “Rope Swing” where the daredevils amongst us would grab onto the rope and swing out over the water. We’d let go at just the right moment—then plunge into the welcoming water below.

County Line Road

Reference picture to right.

If you look on a map prior to LOFS development; you will see that County Line Road originally ran through the center of community. As a teen I found it of great interest that in a few areas the developer of LOFS didn’t completely remove the road, yes, all of the asphalt, but not the entire rock base. Thus for years before the weeds and trees took hold once again of the land, there were many spots where remnants of old County Line could be clearly seen. Specifically, starting at the most north end of the community there are two lots on the west end of Brandywine nearing the 18th fairway, and directly south of where County Line now ends at 100S. It then continued its southerly route going along the east side of the golf course’s

THE WONDER YEARS 77

78 THE WONDER YEARS

growing up in lakes of the four seasons Contributed By Stacey Derdowski

A

s an adult, I reflect back to my childhood and realize how lucky and amazing it was to grow up in Lakes of the Four Seasons.

In 1970 my parents sought to leave city life behind and find a safe and spacious place to raise their two daughters. They found Lake of the Four Seasons, a new development with a country club, golf course, several lakes, a community pool and many other amazing amenities. They designed and built our new home on Sunnyslope Drive with a perfect view of Lake on the Green from our picture window and the golf course’s gentle slopes touching our back yard (the latter providing perfect access for little girls to sell homemade lemonade to the golfers).

It was the one-hundred and first home in LOFS and only a handful of other houses could be seen from our yard. I was four and my sister was only three months old when we started this new adventure. We didn’t know it then, but the community that would develop and grow around us would provide an experience of a lifetime that we would treasure forever. Both of my parents became involved in helping to shape the development of LOFS, planting the seeds of what would become a safe and thriving community. My Father, Wayne Derdowski, was a member of the Property Owner’s Association’s Security Committee and assisted in creating the policies and procedures for the Security force. Today he still talks about how he attended the Police Academy and patrolled the streets as a sergeant on the force, helping to keep the families of LOFS safe.

Caroline Derdowski playing piano at the LOFS Clubhouse.

Wayne Derdowski in his Security Force uniform standing next to his police car.

1976 Fourth of July winning float for the Conservation Club.

Wayne Derdowski standing by a LOFS Property Owner’s Association truck.

My Mother, Caroline Derdowski, became known as the community’s piano teacher and over the years she taught many of the children to appreciate the wonders of music. She held piano recitals with her students at the clubhouse for all to enjoy. She also helped in starting ‘The Seasonal,’ the community newspaper. She was a member (and later president) of the Conservation Club which created many parks, such as Wildwood Park, in order to preserve the area’s natural beauty and provide outdoor spaces for families to enjoy. She taught macramé classes and held children’s movie nights

Caroline Derdowski teaching one of her macramé classes

at the clubhouse as well. Summers found her acting as scorekeeper for our softball teams or helping to lead the local Girl Scout troop on cookie drives and camping trips.

There was always something to do in Four Seasons if you were a kid.

We rode our bikes everywhere in the summer. We would go swimming in the lakes (it was a big deal when you

THE WONDER YEARS 79

were old enough to swim to the island from Big Bass Beach) climbing in the trees to construct tree forts, boating with our friends, hanging at the pool, buying ice cream at the snack bar when we had a few coins, selling lemonade on the street in front of the house, gathering the golf balls that the golfers had abandoned in the weeds, playing softball on a team, playing cricket on the street, chasing lightening bugs, visiting the bookmobile that came to the clubhouse parking lot each week, catching the bus that would take us to the roller-skating rink on Saturday afternoons, watching movies during kids movie night at the clubhouse, learning to play tennis, taking swimming lesions, play piano, or golf.

Our friends were within walking or biking distance and we were let loose in the summer, not returning home until dark. Our parents never worried.

Four Seasons was safe and there were many caring friends and neighbors around. In the winter we would sled down the hills on the golf course or by the clubhouse, ice skate on the lakes, build snowmen in the yard and revel in the freedom that only a snow day off from school can provide.

I remember one of the biggest events of the year was 4th of July. Every year my mother and the conservation club would build a large float for the parade. The themes usually reflected the events of the times and reminded people of the importance of preserving our natural resources. My sister and I were happy to be involved and often rode as part of the float in the parades.

In 1970, the float encouraged people to take care of the environment by displaying a faux garbage heap on which I and my friends Paul and Ann Marthaler crawled around dressed as bugs. In 1972 a large Woodsy Owl graced the float to remind people to “Give a Hoot . . .Don’t Pollute”, a popular anti-litter campaign of the day.

80 THE WONDER YEARS

Conservation Club 1970 Fourth of July float. The kids are dressed as bugs!

Conservation Club float. Amy Derdowski is dressed up as the Statue of Liberty.

Conservation Club 1972 Fourth of July float.

The sign reads: “Give a Hoot, Don’t Pollute!”

Amy Derdowski after being crowned Little Miss Four Seasons, 1973.

My friends and I were flowers growing out of the grass surrounding Woodsy.

In 1973 my sister Amy was crowned Little Miss Four Seasons, she was only 3 years old. She also was the Statue of Liberty standing next to a giant bald eagle for the bicentennial in 1976, and in 1980 she was a tourist sitting at the base of a large erupting volcano, the year Mt. St. Helen’s erupted.

I decorated my bike with brightly colored streamers and ribbons several years and rode it in the parade. That night we would all gather on the lawn of the clubhouse, overlooking the lake and enjoy a fireworks show put on by the POA. All our friends and neighbors were there and the night was truly magical.

Many people in the Four Seasons community became a special part of our lives. Jean Marthaler taught us to play tennis and Angie Mendez

Stacey Derdowski on her Award Winning Bike, Fourth of July 1978.

taught my sister to babysit. Others like Connie Love, Walter Baran, Larry and Penny Scubelek (a volunteer firefighter and EMT respectively) were important role models for my sister and I and we could always count on them to be there in our time of need. Likewise, our mother was a mentor and confidant to many LOFS youth.

As I reflect back, I realize that Lakes of the Four Season is not just a beautiful place to live, it is a family and a community like no other. Everyone comes together to create an amazing environment in which to raise their families.

By growing up in Four Seasons, I made life-long friendships, learned the meaning of community and realized the value of contributing for the benefit of all.

From baseball and softball games, 4th of July parades and special concerts on the clubhouse lawn to spending time with friends and neighbors, it seems as though the traditions of the Lakes of the Four Seasons are being passed on to the new generation.

䘀伀伀䐀 圀伀刀䰀䐀 圀䤀一䘀䤀䔀䰀䐀 䄀吀 䰀䄀䬀䔀匀 伀䘀 吀䠀䔀 䘀伀唀刀 匀䔀䄀匀伀一匀

∠ 㐀㔀Ⰰ 猀焀 昀琀 昀甀氀氀 猀攀爀瘀椀挀攀 猀甀瀀攀爀洀愀爀欀攀琀 ∠ 圀椀搀攀猀琀 猀攀氀攀挀琀椀漀渀 漀昀 最氀甀琀攀渀 昀爀攀攀 ☀ 漀爀最愀渀椀挀 昀漀漀搀猀 ∠ 䘀爀攀猀栀 洀攀愀琀 ☀ 瀀爀漀搀甀挀攀 愀爀爀椀瘀椀渀最 搀愀椀氀礀 ∠ 圀椀搀攀 猀攀氀攀挀琀椀漀渀 漀昀 挀爀愀昀琀 ☀ 猀攀愀猀漀渀愀氀 戀攀攀爀猀 ∠ 䌀甀猀琀漀洀 ☀ 洀愀搀攀 琀漀 漀爀搀攀爀 昀氀漀爀愀氀 愀渀搀 戀愀欀攀爀礀 愀爀爀愀渀最攀洀攀渀琀猀

The Derdowskis at the 50th Fourth of July Parade, 2016.

LOFS Trivia!

True or False: Security found a resident sitting in his half submerged vehicle “cooling its motor off.”

∠ 䘀爀椀攀渀搀氀礀 ☀ 栀攀氀瀀昀甀氀 愀猀猀漀挀椀愀琀攀猀

倀爀漀甀搀 琀漀 猀攀爀瘀攀 琀栀攀 圀椀渀昀椀攀氀搀⼀䰀伀䘀匀 䌀漀洀洀甀渀椀琀礀 戀礀 昀椀砀椀渀最 礀漀甀爀 攀挀漀渀漀洀礀 漀渀攀 戀愀最 愀琀 愀 琀椀洀攀℀ ㄀ 㠀㌀㤀 刀愀渀搀漀氀瀀栀 匀琀⸀Ⰰ 圀椀渀昀椀攀氀搀Ⰰ 䤀一

⠀㈀㄀㤀⤀ 㘀㘀㄀ⴀ㄀㐀

眀眀眀⸀眀椀猀攀眀愀礀昀漀漀搀猀⸀挀漀洀 THE WONDER YEARS 81

True—ask Security Officer George for details!

levander Memories Contributed By Mitzi Levander

D

uring the summer of 1966 some of my friends and I saw a “help wanted ad” in the newspaper at Lakes of The Four Seasons offering summer part-time jobs for Saturdays and Sundays. Being we were on break from our first year at college, I thought it was a great idea!

So, we girls decided to at least check it out. I believe we took Broadway to Route 30 and then down Randolph.

I-65 wasn’t open back then, there was no mall, nor many traffic lights to speak of on Route 30. I lived in Gary at the time and as we drove I thought to myself; "Oh my goodness it’s going to take forever each day to just get to this job." We talked about it a bit, then we said; “Why not!” Maybe we could make a few bucks—and I do mean a “few bucks” because minimum wage was only around $1.35 an hour back then!

When we arrived, we found a trailer where there is now our Clubhouse.

Boise Cascade had offices in the small trailer. They had just run big ads in the Chicago Sun Times describing the “Vision of LOFS” depicting pictures of what would become. But you have to remember, despite all their fancy

1985 Pinochle Club at Ditkas.

82 THE WONDER YEARS

ads showing water skiers on the lake, people golfing or catching large fish— in 1966 what roads they had were just gravel or clay. The lake was still a dry bed. The golf course was mapped out but undeveloped!

So, our job was strictly to show lots for the sales force. Well, the lots were not well-marked! We would take customers to where we “thought” the lots should be and hoped we weren’t making a mistake! One of the fellows I helped was a “Sun Times” sports writer.

They had come from Chicago wanting to buy a lake lot for their summer home at the time. It was quite an experience meeting people coming from so many different places just to see what Lakes of The Four Seasons was all about! We worked not more than a month before college started back up. And that was the last time I thought I’d see Lakes of The Four Seasons again.

Then in 1972 Ken and I married. He had started his flooring business and in 1973 Ken had an offer from Realtor Bruce Fleming to carpet a couple “spec homes” being built. Ken had never been to Four Seasons yet and since his appointment was on a Sunday

1993 Pinochle Club.

Son, Brett Levander and Danny Smith celebrating a baseball game, 1984.

I came along as I hadn’t seen LOFS since 1966. It was a bit of a shock to see the Seasons developed with about two-hundred and fifty homes. There was actually water in the lakes! People were boating, fishing, and golfing at the Country Club—just like those ads promised. Well, we were to close on a house in Portage the very next day.

But I said “no way this is the place to live.” So Ken and I bought one of those spec houses instead. Our first home was on Westover at Augusta. Here’s an interesting fact you might want to know—back in 1973 Security would call your home when a visitor arrived.

Or, you could put a person on the “no call list!” But as more and more homes were built they couldn’t do that any longer after 1975.

In 1977, Ken’s cousin, Bob McDonald, who was a realtor invited us to look at a lake lot. In 1979 we built our second home on the lake and we’ve enjoyed it for thirty-seven years. This year Ken

2005 Pinochle Club.

and I will celebrate our Forty-Fourth Wedding Anniversary.

We have raised a son and two daughters. All of our family has been active in golf. In fact, I played a big role in the Jr. Golf program during the `80s. I headed “Jr. Golf ” at that time and all three of our children were born in Four Seasons. We had 100 kids in Jr. Golf back then! And all my children learned to golf and still enjoy it to this day.

Amy was born March 3, 1975. Amy is married to Michael Leppert who blessed us bringing his two children, Alex and Jack, to the family. Amy works currently as a Lobbyist in Indianapolis. Brett, born April 12, 1976, is an AAK Operations Manager for North America. He is married to Kim and they have three children: Tyler, Quinn, and Miles. Amanda was born September 5, 1977. She and husband Jerry Heward also added “an instant grandchild,” Summer, to our Levander Clan! Amanda and Jerry reside in Crown Point.

The Levander Family, Fourth of July 2016.

Brett Levander with his family and sister.

Mitzi with her grandchildren Tyler, Quin and Miles, Fourth of July 2016.

Ken with Brett, Amy, and Tyler – 3 Generations of Golf!

I 1987 "Levander Open" with "couples" Mike Czarnecki, with Pauline Pavlides and Ken Levander with Elba Monroe.

levander open/Nicol Outing

n the later `80s Mitzi and Ken Levander, always looking to have fun, created “The Levander Open."

This golf event, ending with a picnic at the Levander home, was created to include both avid and non-avid players. The “4-Person Scramble” format was simply: you couldn't play with your spouse and teams intentionally consisted of women and men who normally would never be paired with one another.

By the mid `90s “The Levander Open” became a very popular event! As it grew in size; it morphed into the "Four Seasons Open,” and was ran by the

LOFS Country Club staff. A picnic would still be held after the event... sometimes at a LOFS park and other times hosted by a fellow golfer. Joe and Joni Bucci offered to host the after party at their home in the late `90s.

S

ince the year 2000, Bill and Sandi Nicol have reorganized the event naming it “Please Take My Wife!”

The 19th Hole Bar & Grill now caters the picnic on the Garry Weiss Pavilion where awards are presented to winning teams and individuals. The Country Club’s staff assists with tallying scores and determining winners.

THE WONDER YEARS 83

"please take my wife" This year Bill and Sandi announced this would be their sixteenth and final year as event hosts. Participants received “Please Take My Wife” keepsakes honoring LOFS’ 50th Anniversary year. Then son, Jeff, brought a tear to mom’s eye when he presented his parents with a special trophy for having been hosts the past sixteen years. Saving the best for last, he announced to all... that he, his wife Carol, along with Vicki and Dave Mastey would continue the tradition as future hosts!

nicols & masteys

the nicol family, 2016 84 THE WONDER YEARS

BB & the boozers

four seasons players

C

o-founders, Greg Dehm and Dave Kowert, organized the Four Seasons Players in 1986. Their first play, “Private Lives” performed in March of 1987 at the LOFS Clubhouse.

FOUR SEASONS PLAYERS BOARD MEMBERS James Keough, President Jerry Grabelle, Vice-President Darlene Marchina, Secretary Gail McGuire, Treasurer

In succeeding years, the group presented “Goodbye Charlie”, the region’s first production of “The Foreigner”, and “Something to Hide”, a mystery. All plays were performed at the LOFS Clubhouse and included dinner. Tickets were in the range of $6-$9; Dinner/theatre package was $16-$20.

Many LOFS residents acted in the plays and then also helped behind -thescenes with set construction, lighting, props, costumes, make-up, etc. as well as publicity and ticket sales. After several years, participants included Four Seasons residents and thespians of the Northwest Indiana theater community with a membership of over 40!

The production of “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum”, involved a cast of 29 adults and children and represented the group’s first appearance at the Center for the Visual and Performing Arts in Munster, an event that they considered an exciting milestone in their history.

October 16, 1994, the Northwest Indiana Excellence in Theatre Foundation Inc. announced the nominees for its Foundation Awards, recognizing outstanding achievement in community theatre in Northwest Indiana; a total of 90 nominees in 14 categories were announced from 34 productions produced by 14 theatre companies from Sept. 1993 through Aug. 1994; Four Seasons Players received 10 nominations.

"The Foreigner," 1989.

"A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum"

THE WONDER YEARS 85

four seasons pot luck Party invitations aren’t limited to Four Seasons residents. Anyone who wants to have some fun while chasing the winter blues away is welcome to attend.

The yearly party has been going strong ever since the early `70s with themes such as “The Gong Show,” “Woodstock,” “Saturday Night Live,” “Disney’s Toy Story,” “Best of Broadway,” “Pajama Party,” "Game Time" “Favorite Sports Team,” “Hero’s and Villains” and more.

Over the years the goal has remained the same—dress in costume, bring a dessert or side dish to share and prepare to have a hilarious evening filled with games and prizes, food and drink, and friendship.

1994

The cost has also remained minimal over the years. The ticket cost covers the expense of the main course, which is provided, the games, decorations and entertainment. Local businesses also join in the fun with donations of items and services which provide great prizes of all kinds. March 12, 2016 marked the 45th Potluck with the theme “Saturday Night Live” After a two-year break.

As with many of LOFS outings or parties they are organized by resident volunteers who deeply appreciate where they live and contribute by giving back to the community.

2016 Committee 86 THE WONDER YEARS

THE WONDER YEARS 87

PART 4

Short stories & memories Lillian & Wally VanKempema's camelot. ...................... 89 Remembering Jonesy............................................................ 90 JUDY LUKES, A COLLECTION OF SHORT STORIES.....................91 Short, sweet memoriEs. ...................................................... 92 Jill YURAN............................................................................... 96 Cruising the Seasons by Water, Land, & Air!. .............. 99

88 SHORT STORIES & MEMORIES

Lillian & RICHARD ( wally ) vankempema'S CAMELOT Contributed By Bruce VanKempema

I

s LOFS Camelot? For Lillian and Wally Van Kempema who came to the Four Seasons 38 years ago, the answer is a resounding “YES”.

Commuting back and forth to work in Illinois for a few years, they soon settled in their new home on Lake Holiday falling into the rhythm of life here in the Seasons. Lillian found new enjoyment in her spare time as she wrote articles in the local newspaper about people and events of the Seasons, ladies golf and joining Wally for Couples Golf during the

Lillian and Wally's wedding, 1945.

summer time. They have enjoyed the many new friends and neighbors they have made over the years and as they look back on their decision to move to the Four Seasons, they have little regret except to say that they can now enjoy life as they previously had known. Their minds are willing, but the bodies grow weary, like King Arthur in Camelot, looking back and reminiscing about the wonderful earlier years, they can only say “Thank You”. I have learned over the past few years what the Seasons has meant to

my parents and how they have become part of the fabric of the community as many friends in the community have inquired and expressed concern for my parents well-being. To that, I too can say “Thank You Four Seasons” for caring about my parents as you do others in the community. The cycle of life continues. This truly is a wonderful place to raise a family and grow old together.

2015: Wally and Lillian Van Kempema Celebrating their 70 year Anniversary.

Richard (Wally) Van Kempema, age 95, of Lakes of the Four Seasons, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 3, 2016 in the Crown Point Franciscan Communities Hospice, a family centered, life-affirming center. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 71 years, Lillian; two children: Gary and Bruce Van Kempema; two grandchildren: Dirk and Gretchen Van Kempema.

SHORT STORIES & MEMORIES 89

remembering jonesy Contributed By Barb Wagner

J

ones’ Farm Stand located just south of 117th on Randolph was run by a man we simply knew as “Jonesy.” As my husband, Frank, and I got to know him better, we learned he had previously sold his farm land off to the developers of Four Seasons back in ’66. In fact his farmhouse sat atop the hill of LOFS Country Club’s hole #8! I recall him telling us—“The well went dry and we were starving for water on

the farm!” He found it amusing a lake would be built not far from that dry well. Nevertheless—LOFS came along at just in time to save Jonesy who then was able to buy 10 acres just southwest of The Seasons. He sold tomatoes he grew and other vegetables he bought down in DeMotte. Later, the farm stand was known as Mabel’s. And although now vacant, the roadside farm stand still remains today.

Jones’ Farm Stand located south of 117th on Randolph Street.

LOFS Trivia!

November 21, 1972 The POA purchased all LOFS amenities from Boise Cascade for the sum of $1. What was Boise Cascade’s original asking price? A) Over $3,000,000 B) $520,000 C) $553,000 plus reimbursement of county taxes recently paid and LOFS would pay for the engineering work being conducted on dam A. Answer: A) Boise Cascade’s original asking price was in excess of $3,000,000

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90 SHORT STORIES & MEMORIES

a collection OF short stories Contributed By Judy Lukes Dolly Madison Attends LOFS Bicentennial Celebration

M

y husband, Mike Lukes, and Dan Katchaturoff were co-chairmen of LOFS’ 1976 Bicentennial Celebration being held on the 4th of July that year. People were encouraged to make costumes to wear at the Bicentennial. I made and wore for the entire weekend a Dolly Madison costume. Mike and Dan promoted several “Porter vs. Lake Competitions” for the weekend such as golf and tennis competitions. There was even a Lake vs. Porter Tug-O-War. Another involved making boats out of milk cartons, water bottles, pieces of foam and seeing whose “boat” could float the longest! Mr. Fred Armenth, our resident photographer, said he wanted to take a picture of me in my costume to enter a contest. Well he didn’t win—but it is a fun memory for me thinking about that costume and all the festivities Mike and Dan created that year.

Up on the Roof

On the 4th of July the first few years we were here we would always go to the fireworks down by the lake. We’d pack up the five kids, our snacks, and hike down to the watch the fireworks.

There we had to fight the crowds as well as the mosquitoes! In 1980 my husband, Mike, had a new idea. There were almost no mature trees in our back yard and we could actually see the fireworks from our deck. So, my husband announced “Let’s sit up on the roof!” So, he got a ladder and he took up blankets, snacks, and our drinks! One at a time our five children went up one the roof. I was the last

The Lukes family.

Judy Lukes dressed as Betsy Ross for the 1976 Bicentennial Fourth of July parade.

The blizzard of 1979.

Mike Lukes climbing onto the Lukes’ roof.

one up. We had such a good time just lying back on the roof watching all the fireworks and we had such a perfect view. We did that for a couple of years until the trees filled in and our perfect view disappeared.

The Blizzard

One Sunday morning back in the late `70s I took my children to St. Paul’s Church in Valparaiso. It was fine getting there but coming back those fifteen miles via Route 30 and Randolph was another story. Around noon it just hit—a blizzard. My husband wasn’t with us because he stayed home watching the baby and thank God we didn’t take the baby with us because by the time we got to

the corner of 109th and Randolph we couldn’t go any further. There must’ve been twenty cars abandoned at that corner before it was over! Only thing on that corner was an old farmhouse and so we walked over there and made a phone call to my husband. The lady at the farmhouse was very congenial.

Well, I called my husband and he said everything was fine inside LOFS. So, I told him—well it’s not fine out here!

The lady gave us bunch of socks for mittens and some old blankets plus I had a couple blankets in my car I always kept. So, we bundled up and started walking toward the front gate.

We got to the first deep hill and were happy to see the snowmobile club coming toward us! They took us one by one and by one and they would drop us off at that little gate house that was like the size of an English phone booth. Then they came back and took my kids, and then they came back for me. And we all finally got home. But, we didn’t get our car for two days.

SHORT STORIES & MEMORIES 91

CARYN WHITEHEAD

“For my sixteenth birthday, I took an airplane ride to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin with my friend Patty Whitaker. We flew in a four seater plane with my father and his friend, the pilot, Ray Rogers. The landing strip was beside the Hooseline home on 109th Ave.; which is now a subdivision. They had an area for small planes to be housed and a small runway.

It was awesome to fly atop the cornfields and land in between them! This was in 1975 and the trip to the Playboy Mansion was amazing!”

ELMER HART

“Isabella and I were driving back from Valparaiso after looking at homes to buy when we noticed a water tower off in the distance. “What’s over there,” we said—so we checked it out. She immediately said we should buy here... then asked “It would make you happy to live by a golf course?” In 1980 we moved into the home we built right next to the #13 tee box! She enjoyed her gardening and my passing by as I golfed. Together we enjoyed our screened-in-porch and watching golfers play. My wife passed away three years ago at ninety-two. Today, I can no longer golf but I love sitting on our porch and watching the golfers pass by and play and recalling how Isabella loved living in Four Seasons. ”

JUDY LUKES

“Our home was one of three houses on Lake on The Green in 1972 when we moved to LOFS. Our neighbor, about four empty lots to the east, was Gill and Wolanda Schoon.

Wolanda stopped over and gave me a mother-in-law starter plant which continues to survive to this day! Of course I’ve had to put it in a bigger pot since then. And it’s grown so big and now it’s in its third pot and it still blooms!”

LOFS RESIDENT FOR OVER 30 YEARS 50% off any item with first order

LOFS Trivia!

Who was LOFS first volunteer Fire Chief? A) Jack O’Malley Sr B) Hank Utermark C) Peter Tsikouris Answer: B) Hank Utermark. Jack O’Malley Sr and Peter Tsikouris were, however, among the first 18 men to form a Fire Force in Four Seasons.

92 SHORT STORIES & MEMORIES

JIM BONNEMA

“About three years ago I was sitting in a little bar on the 301 just north of Tampa Florida.

This lady, who lived down the street from me, walked in with family who had been visiting her. So I politely moved to the end of the bar so they could all sit together. My neighbor’s niece, sat next to me. We started to chit chat and I asked her where she was from.

Francine answered, and at first I thought I was being “set up” because she answered—Oh you wouldn’t know where I’m from, I am from a little place in Indiana called Lakes of The Four Seasons. But I wasn’t being set up because her aunt didn’t know where I was from; it was just fate I guess. Then I told her, I know right where that is—my parents built a home there in 1968! For a time I lived on Coldspring, and later at the corner of Drop Anchor and Loganberry! In fact, I used to work for security when we worked out of that small guard shack. I was on their fire department, and heck—I helped Harold Cleveland plow streets when I was barely 18! We’d get the streets all cleared but you couldn’t get outside the gates! So, my first conversation with Francine was all about the early days of LOFS. Last year I moved back to the Seasons and in June Francine and I married.

Now I’m home again.”

LOFS Trivia!

Whose jazz band launched “Outdoor Summer Concerts” by playing “pro-bono” near LOFS pool? A) Martini Lunch; B) Tommy Noonan; C) Bill Stack Answer: B) Resident Tommy Noonan not only played under the stars but over the years inside the Clubhouse for a variety of LOFS events. (Resident Bill Stack was the original promoter of “Thursday Night Concerts.”

Jazz Band Martini Lunch played at this year’s 50th Gala Ball.)

DAVID C. ALLEN

“I was a rookie Post-Tribune reporter in Valparaiso in 1966-67. It seemed like every month, I was writing about county planners approving a new unit of some kind of subdivision called Lakes of the Four Seasons. I was curious. So on one day off, Alice and I set out to see what this thing looked like, and found that it didn't look like much of anything. But all that changed at what's now the clubhouse, Whew! I don't know where the army of salespeople came from, but they defined the term "high-pressure." One latched onto us and started in, ignoring our protests that we weren't in the market and didn't have any money. But as a newspaperman, I was curious about the lots that were split by the Lake-Porter county line. So I asked, only to learn that there was no distracting these guys, only alternate paths to sales. Like lightning, the salesman had us in his car zooming out to park at one of the split lots, where we were a captive audience for the full spiel about where the lakes and golf course were going to be and all the advantages of living in a dreamland like this barren acreage was going to become. I don't recall how we eventually escaped, but the sales army convinced about 2,600 others before they vanished. End of story?

Obviously not. Fast-forward about a decade, when we'd decided to sell our Merrillville home -- but to go where? Well, it turned out that way out there in LOFS, there really were lakes and a golf course and I think a couple of hundred occupied homes. And the property hadn't appreciated much, so you could snap up lots -- except for the one we set our hearts on, of course -- for less-than-asking prices. We moved in in August 1976. So far, we've been happy with that decision for 40 years.”

SHORT STORIES & MEMORIES 93

DIANN TSKOURIS

“The sun gleamed a bright yellow cast over the entire pool. About 10 kids with a parent or two swam in the large concrete structure while being watched over by two life guards. One of those guards was Joan Kelly. Her family was among the very first to live in Four Seasons and her sister, Theresa, would later become my sister’s close friend. I pulled my squeaky bathing cap on over my half wet hair and plunged into the water. All the while a drone of noisy construction vehicles hummed in the nearby distance. I wondered how long my mom and dad would be meeting with Mr. Beezhold, the contractor of our soon-to-be new home on Kingsway Drive. The noise from the construction vehicles stopped once or twice only to start up again after a brief moment of silence. I got out of the pool, adjusted that creaky rubber cap around over my ears and jumped in again as a loud “Boom” sounded from just over the “Teen Center.” “It will be great to have a pool just down the street from where we will live!” I remember thinking as I hit the water. “Boom!” again followed by the loud humming. I was 8 years old and swimming in the 4 Seasons pool. It was the summer of 1971 and although Lake Holiday was filled with water, contouring its shoreline north of the pool continued... digging out and creating the soon to come beautiful beach. But in the meantime, our brand new pool was heaven! I was just beginning to know the place I would now call home for more than four decades to come.”

LOFS Trivia!

True or False: Meadow View, Lions, Tanglewood, Golf View, Sandy Beach, Big Bass Beach, Wildwood Nature Preserve, Holiday, Brandywine, Windy Hill, Cleveland and the Dog... are all considered “Parks” inside Four Seasons.

True—can you name where they’re located?

BILL MEHAS

“My dad and I, for years, would come out to this area before Lakes of the Four Seasons was developed so my dad could do some hunting. We’d drive down from Gary where, we lived, often during the hunting season for quail, rabbit or pheasant. I didn’t care so much about the hunting; it was more about spending time with my dad,” Bill said. One year they came down and his dad, George Mehas, found himself met by a security guard instead of a tasty rabbit! The security guard, known as “Pop,” asked George where they were going. George told him they were out here to hunt as they had for many years. But Pop informed Bill’s dad this was now private property and they could not hunt the land any longer. So, they turned around that day and headed to the Fair Oaks area instead. And, little did Bill realize that he would eventually come back to Lakes of the Four Seasons—not to spend time with his dad, but instead to spend time with his bride, Helen, and raise their family.

He also told us he used to coach the 12 year old girls softball. “In fact not too long ago I went to the pharmacy and I heard this gal say ‘Hello Mr. Mehas!’ it was the pharmacist, Sue, and she still remembers me—I was her coach back then,” he said in amusement. Bill further added he never dreamed that his home would be right across from that first little gate house where Pop greeted his dad that day so long ago. “That was thirty-seven years ago and it’s been a real pleasure living in LOFS. It’s actually been the Frosting on my Cake!” he concluded.

94 SHORT STORIES & MEMORIES

Emma Vandenburgh age 10 Mom: “Emma why do you like living in LOFS?” Emma: “Is this an interview or are you thinking of moving?”

Mom: “Just wanting to know, haha!”

Emma: “This has been the best summer! You gave me permission to run a little farther with my friends to the pool to the parks riding my bike all over LOFS. Concert nights are the best all our friends hang out and you

and dad can hang with your friends it’s a win win for all. And party cove is my all time favorite, we swim all day and our friends keep coming and the day gets longer. I love fishing with dad, all I have to catch is a musky and I caught everything in lake holiday. And our Girl Scout troop is super fun and working on the building plans of the new gaga put has be super exciting. It’s like we live in a resort. And our girls scout troop won with the fishing club in the parade this year!”

Emma Vandenburgh, Age 10, 2016.

LOFS Trivia!

Early `70s residents were familiar with a “Smiley Face” logo used by a local realtor.

Who was the realtor? A) John & Beverly Ewashko B) Bruce & Dolly Swift C) Tom & Sonja Noonan Answer: B) Although all three couples were well-liked Four Seasons Realtors, Bruce & Dolly Swift’s company “Four Seasons Lots & Homes” proudly displayed “The Smiley Face” as their brand recognition.

Allyson & Avery Flatt Grandchildren To Ed and Joni Sepiol Allyson and Avery wanted to send in what they like about visiting Four Seasons and visiting their grandparents, Ed & Joni Sepiol.

Avery Flatt (6 years old): “I love to go on golf cart rides to the different parks and playing on the playgrounds. I loved having my lemonade stand, too”

Allyson Flatt (12 years old): “My favorite thing to do is riding in the golf cart around the neighborhood & going to the summer concerts with Nana & Papa. The 4th of July parade & fireworks is a lot of fun, too!”

The girls live in Clermont Florida with mom, Kim Sepiol Flatt, who grew up in The Seasons, and dad, David. The girls have been visiting Nana and Papa Sepiol every year since they were born!

The Flatt’s wouldn’t miss a LOFS 4th of July and enjoy catching up with family and old friends.

Allyson, Age 12, and sister Avery, Age 6 on Big Bass Beach, 2016.

SHORT STORIES & MEMORIES 95

JILL YURAN 50th Anniversary Photographer and Facebook Page Admin.

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y name is Jill Yuran formerly Jill Zupan. I have lived inside LOFS since 1987. I grew up with my parents Tony Zupan and Monica Bly along with my brother Brad Zupan and Lindsay Demo (Zupan). We moved into our home off Brandywine right next to Brandywine Park on the 7th hole.

I’d have to say we had the best block to grow up on! It was filled with tons and kids and great memories! Some of my favorites were playing at the park next door, playing basketball on the old court, fishing in my backyard

LOFS Trivia!

on the pond and ice skating on it in the winter! Every summer our block would throw a huge block party with a pig roast and horse rides!

In 2003 I met my future husband Matthew Yuran and in 2009 we had our first baby boy!

Shortly after that in 2010 we purchased our first home in LOFS and then had our daughter in 2013. I am so glad we are raising our family here now and get to see our children grow up in such a great community as I did!

Jill and Matthew Yuran with their daughter and son.

Who currently are LOFS’ attorneys? A) Petry & Fitzgerald B) Fitzgerald and Shanahan C) Fitzgerald and Less Answer: C) Ted Fitzgerald and Brian Less are LOFS current attorneys. Franklin Petry hired Ted Fitzgerald in 1965. Now semi-retired, Ted Fitzgerald’s partner Brian Less leads the firm of Petry, Fitzgerald and Less, P.C.

96 SHORT STORIES & MEMORIES

SHORT STORIES & MEMORIES 97

Helping our Community Smile Since 2004!

Thank You for Your Support!

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(219)663-6878

Cheer’s to Lakes of the Four Seasons 50th Anniversary!

98 SHORT STORIES & MEMORIES

cruising the seasons by water, land & air Written By Lori DuPratt

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or Lake Holiday boat lovers and residents… these two know a thing about cruising the seasons by water. When Eric & Sue Newman bought their property on Lake Holiday, they couldn’t wait to drop their first Cobalt speed boat named “Hello Newman” in the water and shortly after, they were proud owners of another boat a pontoon named “Hello Newman II”! The name itself became a hit with lake friends and neighbors especially in the party cove, simply stating “Hellooooo Newman” (from the old days of Seinfeld). Today the Newman’s have since upgraded their boats for a much bigger, sassier, and did we say bigger pontoon boat… beautifully called “Lady Newman.”

n our little piece of heaven, the only place to get from point A to point B is by golf cart, but LOFS longtime resident, Bruce Penrod has another idea when it comes to cruising the seasons by land it’s his red 1957 Chevy Bel Air called “The Bobbi!” The thrill of driving a vintage car that’s been around as long as Lakes of the Four Seasons… priceless…well accept for the gas.

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ook in the sky… "it’s a bird, no, it’s a plane!" for residents Ken & Jodi Hall cruising the seasons by plane is a privilege, not everyone gets in a plane and flies over their own house! Ken Hall has enjoyed his passion for flying for many years and has taken numerous aerial views of LOFS and probably knows who needs to mow their lawns.

SHORT STORIES & MEMORIES 99

PART 5

clubs, associations, restaurants & Employees lions club..............................................................................101 photography, technology & keen-ager clubs . ........ 102 water sports, l.E.A. & Fishing club ............................ 103 Fundraising Committee..................................................... 104 House & Garden Club/Armillary sphere................... 105 Men’s & women's golf Associations ............................ 107 golf outings ......................................................................... 111 Jr. Golf...................................................................................113 Food & Beverage................................................................114 2016 POA Employees ...........................................................117

100 CLUBS, ASSOCIATIONS, RESTAURANTS & EMPLOYEES

lOFS Lions club

Former LOFS Lions Club President, John Keener Jr. (left) accepts the Charter from former District Governor, Harold Welkie (right). November 20 1977.

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he success of the Lakes of the Four Seasons is due in large part to the volunteers and organizations that helped build the community throughout its 50 years.

Perhaps no group has worked hard or contributed more than the LOFS Lions Club. Thanks to the foresight of the Munster Lions Club, the Lakes of the Four Seasons Lions Club chartered with 45 members on September 15, 1976 and has become a strong and active club.

The first project the Lions Club did for the community was a Children’s Christmas party which they still hold annually today. Over the years the club has constructed large picnic shelters throughout the community at Sandy Beach, Big Bass Beach and of course at Lions Park, which took the Lions name in 1985. Many improvements have been made to Lions Park over the years to include beautiful

landscaping, a playground, a picnic shelter and a walking path. In 1989 the annual Children’s Easter Egg Hunt was started. Not only have the Lions given their time, talent and labor to the community but they have also donated thousands of dollars to the fire department, food bank, sending kids to diabetes camp, providing eyeglasses and providing dictionaries and hats/gloves to the local elementary schools to name a few. Outside of our community the Lions also donate money to Cancer Control, Eye Bank, Leader Dog for the Blind, LCIF (which helps in natural disasters worldwide), Speech and Hearing, Low Vision, and School for the Blind. Where there is a need, there is a Lion ready to help.

To support these projects the Lions hold many fundraising events. One of the most notable event is the Fourth of July. In the Lions first year they assisted the Four Seasons Fire Department and took over the parade and event

just 2 years later. Every year the club holds fundraisers like the pork chop dinner, the steak fry, and the annual fishing trip raffle. In the last 2 years they have added the Polar Plunge and the Princess Brunch, both of which are big hits.

Being a Lion is being a part of something meaningful and bigger than one’s self. It is being part of a family.

Our motto is “We Serve” and we do that together. There is nothing more rewarding in life than being a Lion and the Four Seasons club is always growing and accepting new members.

If you would like to see more of what we are about feel free to contact Lion Jackie Katz at lofslions@aol.com or join us at a meeting. We meet at the Lakes of the Four Seasons Clubhouse the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at 7pm. We would love to have you!

LOFS Trivia!

What 4Seasons organization hosted the first 4th of July Day Parade? A) The Lions Club B) The Volunteer Fire Department; C) The Home & Garden Club Answer: B) The Volunteer Fire Department began the 4th of July Day Parade tradition on July 4, 1970 as a fundraiser for their organization.

CLUBS, ASSOCIATIONS, RESTAURANTS & EMPLOYEES 101

Photography club The LOFS Photography Club was started in September of 2012

by John Kiest. John was an avid photographer who knew the beauty of our community, and John also knew a handful of other photographers who had very developed skills and photography careers. With the help from these individuals John put together a Photo Club that began as a resource for other photographers to

learn from hands-on photography tips and techniques.

To this day our club still meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at the Clubhouse. And, together each member has enhanced their skills in so many ways. Our members range from “I just bought a camera” to skilled professionals who offer lots of insight on how to use your camera, how to

get better pictures, better perspectives, filters, lighting, post-production (such as Lightroom and Photoshop), and more. We also have live workshops and field trips that help us learn and achieve framing quality images.”

technology club The Technology Club at Lakes of the Four Seasons is where one can learn about Windows and Mac computers, tablets and smartphones. Each month we talk about the latest hardware, software and gadgets. The Club is open to LOFS residents and non-

residents. It is open to anyone age 13 and over, if you are under 18, you need to be accompanied by your parent or guardian. To belong to the Club you do not need prior computing experience, it is open to all skill levels.

That is the premise of the Club, the

more experienced members will help the less skilled. There are no dues to belong.

The club has evolved from just going to third Thursday of the month meetings to attending plays, gambling at casinos, going on day trips and taking a week long bus ride vacation every year. 10 fund raisers, including their Annual August Auction to their credit helps pay for all the fun activities they enjoy.

Please contact Renate at 219-689-3408 or email her at willrenate@yahoo. com to make a future reservation. The Keen-Ager Board’s other members are Linda Koblack, Vice-President, Pete Maloy,Treasurer and Vileda Maloy, Secretary. Mary Ann Hickey handles all the club’s calling schedules.

The yearly Membership fee is $22 and the monthly luncheon cost is $14.

Thanks to all the Keen-Agers and the LOFS Clubhouse staff for continually keeping this club #1!!

The Technology Club meets on the second Tuesday at 6:30 PM of every month always at the LOFS Clubhouse.

keen-ager club The Keen-Ager Club was started in 1969 as a social outlet for the 50 and older crowd. Through the years and many members later the club has changed but is still committed to the senior group it represents. I became a member in 1999 to drive our neighbors to the meetings. Shortly after I became the Vice-President and then the President which I still have the honor of holding the title to date.

102 CLUBS, ASSOCIATIONS, RESTAURANTS & EMPLOYEES

water sports association Mission Statement – to ensure the safety of all water sports enthusiasts on Lake Holiday while promoting various water sports as a valued family activity, in an environmentally friendly manner and to assist the Lake Enhancement Association with their lake enhancement projects.

Board Members- Todd Chinderle Email – lofswatersports@hotmail.com

lake enhancement association The primary purpose of the LEA is to monitor the health of all of our lakes (Lake Holiday, Big Bass Lake, Lake on the Green & Trouthaven). We identify areas of concern and develop corrective action plans to improve the quality of our lakes as well as the quality of life for all POA members.

The secondary purpose of the LEA is to conduct public outreach programs to inform and educate our POA members regarding lake ecology and how they can help enhance and protect our water quality on a daily basis.

The Lake Enhancement Association, LEA, Board of Directors includes members of the Fishing Club and The Watersports Association.

Monthly meetings are held the 1st Tuesday of the month in the Clubhouse ballroom at 7pm.

Board members: Todd Chinderle & Jack Grveles Facebook: Lakes of the Four Seasons Lake Enhancement Association Email: lofswatersports@hotmail.com

Fishing Club The LOFS Fishing Club holds their meetings on the second Tuesday of the month in the lower level of the 19th Hole. Start time is 7:00 pm. Dues for the club are $20.00 per year.

The LOFS Fishing Club helps to promote the sport of fishing and

sportsmanship through tournaments and other events and to enhance our community lakes with fish stocking and habitat construction.

The club also holds a Free Kids Fishing derby in June.

CLUBS, ASSOCIATIONS, RESTAURANTS & EMPLOYEES 103

lofs fundraising committee Contributed By Lori O’Malley and Iris Varlan

LOFS Fundraiser.

LOFS Fundraising Committee, Style Show 2012.

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itting at a table, a group of resident ladies began talking about the news that our LOFS POA dues were increasing. Now mind you, we were all stay at home moms that would meet at the pool for water aerobics classes led by Anita Melton or at her aerobics class at the Church of Four Seasons. Anita Melton and Iris Varlan decided to attend several of the monthly meetings and approach the board about establishing an organization to help offset the increase in the budget items. Boy, were we in for a life change!

Anita and Iris gathered three additional ladies, Lisa Brown, Mary Jordan and Karen Stockwell to have our committee of five! Our first “Event” was selling baked goods at Bass Beach Lakes Day! After this event, we decided we needed to do something else. Our goal was to bring change and help the community. So, we began looking at different fundraising ideas! Some of our initial events were: Taking “couple’s pictures” at a Valentine’s Day Dinner. We also sold homemade LOFS

ornaments for Christmas and sun catchers. Then we had our first, with several to follow, COMEDY NIGHTS! WHAT A HUGE SUCCESS! Now we host four Comedy Nights A YEAR! One fond memory was our 1st donation we were able to make. We purchased $600 in items for our LOFS Security boat—a trolling motor and life saving equipment! From there we moved on to bigger and bigger donations and projects... with all the monies always going back to benefit the community! We have volunteered hours and years to help grow and beautify this community from that initial bake sale and our photograph sales. We have incorporated comedy nights, murder mystery events, style show luncheons, selling candy, glow necklaces and popcorn at summer concerts which have provided us the opportunity to increase to bigger project donations!

In reflecting back over the many years, The Fundraising Committee’s membership has changed—we have

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LOFS Fundraiser.

had up to ten or eleven members to just six or seven. We’ve had one male join us and many teenage helpers! But all in all, none of this would have been possible without those first five women, our founders! These five women had the courage to try, the determination to keep trying, and the imagination for creating the possibilities! Many thanks go out to Anita Melton, Iris Varlan, Lisa Brown, Mary Jordan and Karen Stockwell! Each member from 2001 to present have all made integral contributions—giving of their time and hard work and caring enough to step up and make a difference in our beautiful community! Our LOFS Community has always supported our efforts, and for that we are very grateful!

The LOFS Fundraising Committee continues their efforts today!

The house & garden club

Clock Tower, designed by the LOFS House and Garden Club.

Early 1970’s Lakes of the Four Seasons Sign.

Garden Club Project at the front gate, June 1980.

Current Lakes of the Four Seasons Sign that sits on 109th Avenue. It was designed by the LOFS House and Garden Club.

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he House & Garden Club’s influence is everywhere you look in the Lakes of the Four Seasons. Dedicated to the beautification of the community, while providing social opportunities and entertainment for its members, the club, which was organized on May 22, 1969, has donated over $120,000 for numerous projects throughout the community. From the clock tower and wall on the left as you enter, designed and funded by club members, to the plantings in front of the old guard

house, to the ladies restroom in the Clubhouse, the heart of the House & Garden Club can be seen. Projects have included purchase of the spectacular tulip bulbs that bloom in spring at the front gate to the beautiful Christmas trees and decorations in the Clubhouse. Accent lighting, making flower beds into real eye catchers at the entrance, 19th Hole and Clubhouse, as well as draperies, blinds, projection screen and front doors of the Clubhouse, are all due to the efforts of the members. In addition

LOFS Trivia!

to the various projects undertaken by the Club, money is given each year to provide plants and maintain the beautiful flower beds throughout the community. Meetings are noon on the last Tuesday of the month, except November and December.

November we decorate the Clubhouse for Christmas. Early December we have a prepaid Christmas luncheon.

Dues are $20 per year and a friendlier, nicer group of do-gooders would be hard to find. For information about membership, call Patricia German at 662-4162.

LOFS Trivia!

Why is Lake Shore Drive known as either North, West or South Lake Shore depending where you are on the street?

LOFS maintains over ______ miles of paved roads? A) 32; B) 26; C) 22

Answer: 4Seasons was built up in "units" or sections. North, West and South Lake Shore Drive are all in different "units."

Answer: B

CLUBS, ASSOCIATIONS, RESTAURANTS & EMPLOYEES 105

armillary sphere

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he armillary sphere located at the Four Seasons front entrance was donated by House & Garden Club member Judy Petro in 2004. Robert White, who has since passed away, knew Judy through “Meals on Wheels.” He wanted to do something nice for her. When he learned she thought

an armillary would be a beautiful addition to LOFS’s front gate, he decided to make one for her to give to Lakes of The Four Seasons!

Robert, who battled cancer and since passed, didn’t want anyone to know he constructed the sphere until after his death.

106 CLUBS, ASSOCIATIONS, RESTAURANTS & EMPLOYEES

The armillary sphere combines the concept of time, history, and the changing universe into one element.

It is a model of the cosmos as it was perceived before the 1600s. Over the course of history they became extremely complicated instruments used for instruction and calculation of movement of celestial objects and events. The armillary sphere could be used to: determine the time of sunrise and sunset; explain the meaning of the Spring and Vernal Equinox; demonstrate the meaning of the Tropics (turning point) at the Summer and Winter Solstice; determine the position of a star and explain the meaning of right ascension and declination; locate the Polar Star; and the armillary sphere was actually used by sailors for navigating their ships! It is considered one of the oldest astronomical instruments in the world.

Men's golf association (MGA) Contributed By Pat Hedge, MGA President

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Early golfers. (Photo contributed by Elmer Hart.)

akes of the Four Seasons Men’s Golf Association functions as a civic organization for the community of Lakes of the Four Seasons. The organization’s purpose is to provide community service and support enhancements to the community. The organization also provides guidance for the golf course within the Four Seasons community.

The Men’s Golf Association serves its members in many ways, providing assistance with the rules of golf and handicapping. In addition, the MGA hosts several events and tournaments each golf season.

The Men’s Golf Association makes annual contributions in the community, not only through

monetary contributions, but also through volunteerism throughout the community. The MGA raises funds through annual membership fees, gaming events, membership raffles, and other fundraising opportunities.

The MGA is also dedicated to growing the game of golf in annual scholarships to young golfers in the community.

The history of the Lakes of the Four Seasons Men’s Golf Association goes back almost fifty years. The MGA would not exist if it were not for individual members both past and present who had vision, dedication, determination, and care for the Lakes of the Four Seasons community.

Waterfall ribbon cutting ceremony, 2006.

CLUBS, ASSOCIATIONS, RESTAURANTS & EMPLOYEES 107

mga

108 CLUBS, ASSOCIATIONS, RESTAURANTS & EMPLOYEES

women’s golf association (WGA)

Throughout the golf season, the WGA hosts various events beginning with our “Kickoff ” breakfast and scramble followed by the Memorial Cup, a new event this year, “Clash of the Titans,” the Steeplechase and our Member Guest Day. The season concludes with our Field Day, Awards luncheon and election of next year’s officers.

Contributed By Marge Wilke

Involvement in the community is an important part of the WGA. Its members support and promote local events by staffing the registration table for the Lion’s Club Annual Golf Outing and providing a refreshment concession for the Northwest Indiana Junior Golf Association tour stop for its participants and their guests.

for those ladies with an established handicap to enjoy camaraderie, competition and game improvement.

Our 9-hole league is a great place for beginners to start or if one’s time, physicality and/or endurance is limited. In addition, monthly weekend golf events are offered in different venues for member participation.

Through fundraisers during the years, the WGA recently contributed to upgrades on several of the women’s tee boxes. Also, money was donated to help fund the two permanent course restrooms and the organization paid for the Junior and Family tee markers installed along the course to promote golf for all ages. This year, we funded projects for new gardens behind Hole No. 10 and Hole No. 16. Today, the WGA continues to offer its members socialization, friendship and “love of the game.”

The Dulls quickly decided to purchase a lot and paid for a golf membership.

Louise was one of the first ladies to golf here and according to family members, was frequently invited by Randy to play a round together. However, shortly after purchasing their lot, her husband was transferred to Pennsylvania and they were sad to leave the area. Louise and other LOFS women set in motion a path that would eventually lead to organized golf activities for the women residents.

Louise Dull, the first woman to play on the LOFS golf course.

2016 WGA Officers Left to Right: Back Row: Jodi Hall, Eva Simic, Marge Wilke, Carol Thorsen, Kim Brownlee Front Row: Jeana Karas, Lori DuPratt, Bev Nowicki. Not Pictured: Janet Allen.

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he association was formed in 1969 with Jane Youngquist as its first president. The organization’s purpose continues to be fostering an interest in golf among women through friendly competition and enriching the golf community at large. Currently, the WGA offers two Thursday morning leagues. Our 18-hole league is an opportunity

I

t’s fair to say that when the Lakes of the Four Seasons golf course opened, not many local women were involved in the game. In fact, there weren’t a lot of residents at the time. However, the first Golf Pro, Randy Quick, wanted to change that perception and contacted friends and acquaintances, including Julius and Louise Dull of East Chicago.

His purpose was to showcase the course and the community.

CLUBS, ASSOCIATIONS, RESTAURANTS & EMPLOYEES 109

wga

110 CLUBS, ASSOCIATIONS, RESTAURANTS & EMPLOYEES

in lOFS We Never

Drop the Ball on Eachother The Four Seasons Country Club is available to all LOFS residents and their guests whether paying daily fees or enjoying various types of memberships such as WGA, MGA and Jr. Golf. Various clubs, such as The Lions and our Four Seasons Fire Department host fund raising events as well. Since their inception, both the WGA and MGA have donated not just funds, but more importantly their time to improve both the game of golf and the golf course itself.

Golf Then, "Hole #1" August 1973.

The Country Club’s staff run the various events throughout the year, from “divot filling parties,” to “Night Golf ” and WGA and MGA events such as; Memorial Cup, Irish Four-Ball, Club Championships and more.

Both golfers and non-golfers enjoy spectator events such as; Lake Vs. Porter, Steeplechase, and our newest event, “Clash of The Titans.” The Jr. Golf Academy provides fun and exciting challenges for today’s youth.

Golf Now, "Hole #1" August 2016.

LOFS Trivia!

True or False: You always needed a drivers license to drive golf carts?

False—resident Scott Brown recalls delivering newspapers at age 14 using the family golf cart in 1985. But the following year the Board passed a resolution requiring a valid drivers license for all motorized vehicles.

CLUBS, ASSOCIATIONS, RESTAURANTS & EMPLOYEES 111

golf outings

Eskimo open

please take my wife 2016

clash of the titans 2016 112 CLUBS, ASSOCIATIONS, RESTAURANTS & EMPLOYEES

jr. golf

1975 jr. golf with randy Quick

2016 Johnny Classic Junior Golf Tournament WINNERS

Zach Hedge

Rhena Kiger

Lauren Jeffries

Daniel Sibincic

CLUBS, ASSOCIATIONS, RESTAURANTS & EMPLOYEES 113

Food & beverage then & now Contributed By Valerie Gernenz

The 19th Hole, 2016.

D

Clubhouse Restaurant, 2016.

uring my years here as a Food & Beverage manager, and committee member for this year’s festivities, I’ve come to realize and appreciate the rich history regarding Four Seasons and its restaurants.

Pictures which have been shared communicate the genuine feeling of family and great neighbors and make me wish my family had moved to LOFS a much longer time ago. So many memories have been shared by our customers who have resided in Lakes of The Four Seasons for many of the past 50 years. Stories about how the 19th Hole was a small hut near the golf course’s parking lot and then recalling the construction that began in 1989 for a new facility for the Pro Shop and 19th Hole. The 19th Hole was a great place to stop in to grab a hot dog or a burger during summer months.

Now it offers a larger variety of menu options and remains open throughout the year. Many additions have been made to the 19th Hole during my years working for LOFS. Business increased so much we found the need to design more space in the kitchen; installed a walk-in refrigerator/freezer; extended the building to offer 40 more seats; and created a conference and game room

on the lower level... just to keep up with a booming business!

The Clubhouse Restaurant and Lounge was originally built to offer an upscale menu for residents to dress up and enjoy an evening with family or friends. Over the years The Clubhouse has hosted many community events and from the look of shared past pictures—there were good times had by all! Now the Clubhouse Restaurant on The Lake has been redesigned to be a more casual dining experience to accommodate all to enjoy. Chefs have come and gone throughout the years and brought new inventive ideas. I am happy to say our food and beverage staff has had the pleasure of working on many charitable events for The Lions Club, both the MGA and WGA charitable golf events, our Fundraising Committee projects, and the Wounded Warrior event... just to name a few.

These events have also involved huge amounts of volunteer support. LOFS volunteerism propounds me to this day! The dedication and support given by so many residents day in and day out is what is unique about our community. It’s the best single asset in Four Seasons!

114 CLUBS, ASSOCIATIONS, RESTAURANTS & EMPLOYEES

I moved to LOFS ten years ago with my family; and we immediately fell in love with everything and the amenities offered. I recall my husband telling me one day while running errands in our car—“You’ll be managing the restaurants in LOFS one day.”

Humbled by that remark, I quickly laughed “No.... that will never happen!”

I have been in the food and beverage industry for twenty years. Fortunately for me, my start here began with a part-time offer to bartend at the 19th Hole. Soon I was offered a managerial position on a full-time basis. Five years later, in 2008, I was asked to be the director of both restaurants. So! I guess my husband, Mike, was right after all. I am proud to say not only am I a resident but also someone who has wholeheartedly strived to contribute to this community through my work and as a community member. My goal is to keep the loyal customers coming and to continue to attract additional customers, both new and long-time residents, as well as our neighbors beyond the gates so they can see how far we have come in 50 years.

One day my time here and journey will expire; but in my heart this I know—I will never forget being a part of something so dear and special. And I will be grateful for the experiences and training I’ve been blessed with from this great community of people.

19th hole Bar & grill 1990

1979: mga built second 19th hole

1971: original 19th hole above old pro-shop

2008: garry a. weiss pavilion

CLUBS, ASSOCIATIONS, RESTAURANTS & EMPLOYEES 115

clubhouse Restaurant

116 CLUBS, ASSOCIATIONS, RESTAURANTS & EMPLOYEES

2016 POA employees

pro-shop POA OFFICE

golf course maintenance life guards

security dispatchers food & beverage

lakes department & ms4 coordinator CLUBS, ASSOCIATIONS, RESTAURANTS & EMPLOYEES 117

PART 6

Directors & Managers Through the years BOARD OF DIRECTORS.............................................................119 2016 POA Board.............................................................. 123 Herb rogers.................................................................... 123 COMMUNITY MANAGERS. ....................................................... 124 An article by C.m. Rick Cleveland............................ 125 DIRECTORs OF SECURITY. ...................................................... 129 LOFS Security: A Brief History. .................................. 130 2016 Security..................................................................131 George & Dora Thomason............................................131 LOFS Fire force: contributed by jason gikas. ............. 134 Remembering Jack O’Malley sr.................................. 136 directors of golf services............................................. 137 DIRECTORS of GOLF MAINTENANCE..................................... 139 directors of OPERATIONS & Lakes/MS4. ....................... 140 Pool.........................................................................................141 118 LOFS DIRECTORS & MANAGERS

our board of directors over the past 50 years

U

.S. Land was still establishing the operating procedures of a “Property Owners Association” as defined in the Restrictive Covenants, the Articles of Incorporation and the Code of ByLaws of L.O.F.S. POA Inc. By March 15, 1969, Lakes of The Four Seasons formed a Homeowners Committee to discuss immediate and long range concerns of the community. The first members of this committee were: John “Jack” Hutchinson, Vitold Reey, Edgar Blair, Orville Bemisderfer, Scott Piet, Frank Rogalski and Charles Marthaler.

Bose Cascade announced in a letter dated July 19, 1969 that a liaison committee was formed to act as officers of the Association until an organized election processes was developed when dealing with Boise Cascade Properties, Inc., the successor developers of Four Seasons. Committee members were: Jack Hutchinson, Edgar Blair, Priscilla Hauser, Fred Wasco, and Robert Savich.

See letter Silver Anniversary page 35.

The first Annual Meeting of the LOFS POA, Inc. took place on November 22, 1969. At this time three Directors of the Association, Jack Hutchinson, President; James Campbell, Chairman of the Board; and Jean Marthaler, Secretary. They were to serve a one year term. The first Board then appointed the following people as officers to assist the Board: William Swisshelm, Vice President; Mowry Goetz, Vice President of Communications; William Youngquist, Treasurer; Mary Lou Karaffa, Assistant Secretary; and Charles Marthaler, Acting Vice President of Operations. There was no community manager at this time.

Electing three directors for one year terms would soon prove to be a problem... as all three would be up for re-election at the same time. By the second Annual Meeting held October 14, 1970, a resolution was included in the balloting to elective five persons... two would service a two year period and three a one year period. Elected in the fall of 1970 for a one year term was: James Campbell, Jack Hutchinson and

Edgar Blair. William Youngquist and Jean Marthaler were elected to serve a two year term. Jean resigned and was replaced by Jack Hutchinson. For 1971 only Mary Lou Karaffa is recorded as appointed as Assistant Secretary in February 1971 to fill a vacancy as well. From reading the early records it appears some board members may have remained longer than their terms due to vacancies that could not be filled. At the third annual meeting held October 13, 1971, a resolution was passed to have the Annual Meeting of the Members of the Association to be every second Saturday of October.

(Readers note: The first “elections” were held at meetings of the association. As the membership grew, ballots were mailed to the Clubhouse.

About the early `70s the voting process developed as we know it today.

Over the years elections have been uncontested... meaning the number of candidates did not exceed the number of vacancies. If it can be validated, “Election Uncontested” will be noted.)

October 1972/1973

Elected: Keith Hauser, Henry Utermark, Secretary Mary Lou Karaffa with President William Van Der Sluys

October 1973/1974

Elected: Frank Foley and President Rowland Davis with Keith Hauser, Henry Utermark and Secretary Mary Lou Karaffa.

October 1974/1975

Elected: Vice President John Towner, Secretary Jean Marthaler and Director Fred Wise with President Frank Foley and Member Roland Davis

October 1975/1976

Elected: Nick Katich and Joe Menard with President John Towner, Jean Marthaler and Fred Wise (Fred Wise resigned March 1976. Bill Hopper was appointed to serve remainder of the term.)

October 1976/1977:

Elected: President Bill Hopper, Keith Hauser and Jean Marthaler, with Nick Katich and Joe Menard (Keith Hauser resigned as Treasurer June 1977. Mary Gregoline was appointed to serve remainder of the term.)

October 1977/1978

Elected: President Nick Katich and John Keener, with Bill Hopper, Jean LOFS DIRECTORS & MANAGERS Marthaler and Mary Gregoline

October 1978/1979

Elected: John Towner, Mary Gregoline and Bill Hopper with President Nick

119

October 1976/1977:

Elected: President Bill Hopper, Keith Hauser and Jean Marthaler, with Nick Katich and Joe Menard (Keith Hauser resigned as Treasurer June 1977. Mary Gregoline was appointed to serve remainder of the term.)

October 1977/1978

Elected: President Nick Katich and John Keener, with Bill Hopper, Jean Marthaler and Mary Gregoline

October 1978/1979

Elected: John Towner, Mary Gregoline and Bill Hopper with President Nick Katich, and John Keener

October 1979/1980

Elected: President Nick Katich and William Van Der Sluys with Mary Gregoline, John Towner, and Bill Hopper (Bill Hopper resigned and Charles Hardy was appointed to serve the remainder of the term.)

October 1980/1981

Elected: John Towner, Mary Gregoline and Charles Hardy with President Nick Katich and William Van Der Sluys

October 1981/1982

Elected: Nick Katich and William Van Der Sluys with President John Towner, Mary Gregoline and Charles Hardy (John Towner resigned April 1982. Frank Foley was appointed to serve the remainder of the term.)

October 1982/1983

Elected: Frank Foley, Ed Gregory and Steven Reens with President Nick Katich and Vice President William Van Der Sluys

October 1983/1984

Elected: President WilliamVan Der Sluys and Secretary Sonja Noonan with Vice President Ed Gregory, Treasurer Frank Foley and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Steven Reens

October 1984/1985

Elected: President Steven Reens, Treasurer Robert C. Detert and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Harold Holmes with Vice President Sonja Noonan and Secretary William Van Der Sluys

October 1985/1986

Elected: Vice President William Van Der Sluys and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Nick Katich with President Steven Reens, Treasurer Robert C. Detert and Secretary Harold Holmes

October 1986/1987

Elected: Vice President Harold Homes, Treasurer Edward Graveline and Secretary Robert Detert with President Nick Katich and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer William Van Der Sluys

October 1987/1988

Elected: James Bennett Treasurer and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Nick Katich with President Harold Holmes, Vice President Robert Detert and Secretary Edward Graveline

October 1988/1989

Elected: Treasurer Sandra Snearly, Secretary William Meyers and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Mark Venturin with President James Bennett and Vice President Nick Katich

October 1989/1990

Elected: Secretary John Swanson and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer J.W. Neville with President Sandra Snearly, Vice President Mark Venturin and Treasurer William Meyers (Mark Venturin resigned January 199. James Bennett was appointed to serve the remainder of the term.)

October 1990/1991

Elected: President Charles Hardy, Vice President William Meyers and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Harold Hagberg with Vice President J.W. Neville and Secretary John Swanson

October 1991/1992

Elected: George Gikas and Harold Holmes with President William Meyer,

October 1992/1993

Elected: President Robert Malkowski, Secretary Elaine Sabau and Assistant

120 LOFS DIRECTORS & MANAGERS Charles Hardy and Harold Hagberg (Director Offices unconfirmed.)

October 1990/1991

Elected: President Charles Hardy, Vice President William Meyers and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Harold Hagberg with Vice President J.W. Neville and Secretary John Swanson

October 1991/1992

Elected: George Gikas and Harold Holmes with President William Meyer, Charles Hardy and Harold Hagberg (Director Offices unconfirmed.)

October 1992/1993

Elected: President Robert Malkowski, Secretary Elaine Sabau and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Pierce Barton with Vice President George Gikas and Treasurer Harold Holmes

October 1993/1994

Elected: Vice President Bea Chambers and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Richard Cavage with President Robert Malkowski Treasurer Pierce Barton and Secretary Elaine Sabau

October 1994/1995

Elected: Vice President Robert Malkowski, Secretary Ted Karas and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Elaine Sabau with President Bea Chambers and Treasurer Richard Cavage

October 1995/1996

Elected: President Bea Chambers, Vice President Ted Karas and Treasurer Greg Staley with Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Robert Malkowski and Secretary Elaine Sabau

October 1996/1997

Elected: Vice President Peter Holevis, Treasurer Tim DonLevy and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Rodney Williams with President Greg Staley and Secretary Bea Chambers

October 1997/1998

Uncontested Election: Vice President Tom Keevin and Treasurer Gordon Ensing with President Tim DonLevy, Secretary Rodney Williams and Secretary Rodney Williams Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Peter Holevis

October 1998/1999

Elected: President Rodney Williams, Vice President Peter Holevis and Treasurer Joseph Bondi with Secretary Gordon Ensing and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Tom Keevin

October 1999/2000

Elected: Secretary Thomas Peters and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Frank Paganelli with President Peter Holevis, Vice President Joseph Bondi and Treasurer Rodney Williams

October 2000/2001

Elected: Vice President Keith Batton, Treasurer Michael Mason and Secretary Lori Rogers with President Thomas Peters and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Bob Campbell (Bob Campbell was appointed to serve the remainder of the term.)

October 2001/2002

Elected: Secretary Peg Exo and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer with President Keith Batton, Vice President Lori Rogers and Treasurer Mike Mason

October 2002/2003

Elected: President L Keith Batton, Vice President Lori Rogers and Treasurer John Kiest with Secretary Tim Swallers and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Peg Exo

October 2003/2004

Elected: Treasurer Michael Mason and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Lee Peterson with President Keith Batton, Vice President John Kiest and Secretary Lori Rogers

October 2004/2005

Elected: Treasurer Tom Peters, Director Mike Gooldy, and Director Herb Rogers with President Michael Mason and Secretary Lee Peterson (The offices of V.P. and Asst. Sec/Treasurer were eliminated by the Board.)

October 2005/2006

Elected: Director Sally Brown and Director Chris Falls with President Herb Rogers, Secretary Mike Gooldy and Treasurer Tom Peters

October 2006/2007

Elected: President Herb Rogers, Vice President Mike Gooldy, Treasurer Bob Joyce with Secretary Chris Falls and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Sally Brown

LOFS DIRECTORS & MANAGERS 121

October 2004/2005

Elected: Treasurer Tom Peters, Director Mike Gooldy, and Director Herb Rogers with President Michael Mason and Secretary Lee Peterson (The offices of V.P. and Asst. Sec/Treasurer were eliminated by the Board.)

October 2005/2006

Elected: Director Sally Brown and Director Chris Falls with President Herb Rogers, Secretary Mike Gooldy and Treasurer Tom Peters

October 2006/2007

Elected: President Herb Rogers, Vice President Mike Gooldy, Treasurer Bob Joyce with Secretary Chris Falls and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Sally Brown (The offices of V.P. and Asst. Sec/Treasurer re-established.)

October 2007/2008

Elected: Secretary Sally Brown and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Frank Kolodziej with President Herb Rogers, Vice President Mike Gooldy and Treasurer Bob Joyce

October 2008/2009

Elected: President Herb Rogers, Vice President Mike Gooldy, and Treasurer Bob Joyce with Secretary Sally Brown and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Frank Kolodziej

October 2009/2010

Elected: Secretary Sally Brown and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Frank Kolodziej with President Rogers, Vice President Mike Gooldy and Treasurer Bob Joyce

October 2010/2011

Elected: President Herb Rogers, Treasurer Mike Gooldy and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Brad Zupan with Vice President Frank Kolodziej and Secretary Sally Brown

October 2011/2012

Elected: Vice President Frank Kolodziej and Assistant Secretary/ Treasurer Kevin Radtke with President Herb Rogers, Treasurer Mike Gooldy and Secretary Brad Zupan (Mike Gooldy resigned April 2012. Sally Brown appointed to serve remainder of the term.)

October 2012/2013

Elected: President Herb Rogers, Secretary Brad Zupan, and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Sally Brown with Vice President Frank Kolodziej and Treasurer Kevin Radtke

October 2013/2014

Election Uncontested: Vice President Frank Kolodziej and Treasurer Kevin Radtke with President Herb Rogers, Secretary Brad Zupan, and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Sally Brown

October 2014/2015

Elected: President Herb Rogers, Treasurer Brad Zupan, and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Sally (Brown) Lugo with Vice President Frank Kolodziej and Secretary Kevin Radtke

October 2015/2016

Elected: President Jay Robison and Vice President and Treasurer Robert Rabelhofer with Secretary Sally Lugo and Director Herb Rogers and Director Brad Zupan

October 2016/2017

Election Uncontested: Lori DuPratt and Tim Swallers to serve with Jay Robison and Robert Rabelhofer (Readers Note: The Board will have a need to appoint a fifth member and determine their offices. The outcome and their offices will be determined post printing of this book.

LOFS Trivia!

What date in 1966 did “The Lakes of The Four Seasons Property Owners Association, Inc.” receive approval of their “Articles of Incorporation” from the State of Indiana? A) May 26th; B) November 21st; C) July 19th Answer: C) Secretary of State John Battorff signed the document July 19, 1966 (May 26th U.S. Land closed with a variety of landowners to purchase LOFS property. November 21, 1972 the POA closed with Boise Cascade purchasing all LOFS Amenities.) See page 126.

122 LOFS DIRECTORS & MANAGERS

2016 poa board of directors

The POA Board of Directors for 2015-2016.

From Left to Right: Director Herb Rogers, Director Brad Zupan, Secretary Sally Lugo, Vice President Robert Rabelhofer and President Jay Robison.

herb rogers Written By Lori DuPratt

H

erb Rogers and his wife Lori relocated to Northwest Indiana in 1988 due to a job transfer. Once introduced to Lakes of the Four Seasons, they knew this would be known as home. “I liked the feel of the community, and all it had to offer,” said Herb in an interview.

Herb is Lakes of the Four Seasons longest consecutive serving POA Board Member. He was first elected to the POA Board of Directors in 2004. He has served 6 terms (12 years). Four of the terms (8 years) have been served as the POA Board of Directors president.

Throughout the many changes we have faced as a community, Herb has endured them all. He has helped in the process of maintaining all of our amenities we value.

When asked what his greatest achievements were while serving on the board, he stated, “Two things stand out as crowning moments, The 2012 Wounded Warrior Project and The Garry Weiss Memorial Pavilion,” Herb stated.

“These projects were made successful through the help of several groups, organizations, and individual people.

We managed to raise over $35,000 to help our service men and women, who protect us on a daily basis. Again, by working with several organizations and individual people, we were able to honor a wonderful person, who was such an asset to our community,” Herb said, as he spoke of the Garry Weiss Pavilion.

Herb has been fortunate to work with amazing residents throughout his tenure, such as Mike Mason, Tom Peters, Mike Gouldy and Brad Zupan

Herb Rogers, longest consecutive serving POA Board Member.

to name a few. Herb’s advice for future board members is to remember our biggest amenity of all, our residents, and to consider the residents when making all decisions.

As for his personal future, he is looking forward to enjoying his retirement with his wife and friends. Thank you, Herb Rogers, for your many years of service.

LOFS DIRECTORS & MANAGERS 123

Community Managers D. Warren Nieling William Britton Ken Geitz Steve Furlong Jeff Pape Frank Staudohar, Interim C.M. Frank Banyai Frank Staudohar, Interim C.M. Anne Pickney Robert A. Campbell Richard Cleveland

124 LOFS DIRECTORS & MANAGERS

1973

1974 1977 1986

1993 1995 1995

1999 1999 2001 2007

Community manager richard g. cleveland Contributed By Richard G. Cleveland My Lakes of the Four Seasons career started in 1987 when I was sixteen working part time in the maintenance department. My boss was Harold Cleveland, who also happened to be my grandfather. He delighted in sending me out to rake the dead weeds and algae that would accumulate on the shorelines of all three beaches. Other jobs included mowing and trimming the parks and green space areas. My wage was a whopping $4.00 an hour!!!

In 1989 I was promoted to full time.

Nearly ten years later, I was promoted to the position of Operations Director.

A memory I have regarding that first year as director was the terrible blizzard that started March 9th 1998.

We had heavy rain for a couple of days and then several inches of wet heavy snow that knocked the power out for about a week! I slept in the plow truck most of the time that week. Oh the good ole days.

July of 2007 I was asked to serve as interim community manager. A few months later I was offered the position permanently. I thought long and hard about the offer. You see over the years LOFS employees viewed the CM’s job as “the hot seat”.... a bit of a “revolving door” position. But I knew I was ready to take on a new challenge; and challenge it has been! Serving as community manager for nine years now I now hold the title of longest serving community manager... Thank you (I think)!! And, with well over the 7,291 residents as reported in the 2010 Census; no two days are ever alike.

Our financial snapshot back in 2007 included a budget of $4,063,579 and POA dues of $1,180. Now, our annual budget is $4,479,328.25, with cash reserves of $560,074.89 as of this writing. Billable lots have grown from the original planned 2,500 back in `66 to now 2,726 billable lots. The POA dues for Fiscal Year 2016/17 were set by the POA Board at $1,300.

Over the past decade some of the POA’s projects have included: dredging of Lake on The Green, miscellaneous watershed projects, Porter County automated entrance, installation of electronic message boards at all three entrances, reconstruction of all three beaches, replaced shelters at Lion’s Park, Sandy Beach and Holiday Park, replaced playground equipment at Lion’s Park and Windy Hill Park, remodeling of The Clubhouse and 19th Hole restaurants as well at construction of the Garry Weiss Pavilion, installation of permanent bathrooms on the golf course, a Dog Park replaced the old campground area, a new maintenance facility, as well as the continued repairs and improvements to LOFS’ infrastructures.

Now, looking toward the immediate future LOFS plans include: installation of a new boat ramp for Lake Holiday, completing installation of playground equipment at Golf View Park, finishing the new maintenance facility area and its roadway, and working with the Town of Winfield to resolve 117th’s road condition issues at our side gate.

It would be remiss of me not to give an immense amount of praise to your Board of Directors who steered this community through a recent financial recession said to be the most dangerous crisis since the Great Depression of the 1930’s. Under the leadership of then President Herb Rogers, your board made hard decisions to keep “this ship righted” while other communities surrounding us and elsewhere in the country filed bankruptcies and failed.

This October 2016 a new board will be seated. Incumbents Herb Rogers, Sally Lugo and Brad Zupan have chosen to leave their volunteer positions, all after long years of dedicated service.

Incoming members will include Lori DuPratt and Tim Swallers, both experienced volunteers. For those of you reading this twenty-five or fifty years from now, you might wonder why there are three going out and only two coming in. That is because this year we have a unique situation with only two people turning in applications for nomination for a three person election. Therefore, the first duty of the new board this year will be to “appoint” a fifth board member.

During the years since starting my career with Lakes of the Four Seasons, I’ve married my high school sweetheart, Erin, and we now have three beautiful children. Our oldest, Haley, will be starting college, while our middle child, Jax, starts kindergarten and Lainey will begin preschool!

I’ve witnessed LOFS go through many changes, enduring both great and difficult times... but the one thing that has never changed is the compassion of the residents and their willingness to help those in need. It has been great to be a part of that and I couldn’t imagine working anywhere else. Happy 50th LOFS!!!

LOFS DIRECTORS & MANAGERS 125

126 LOFS DIRECTORS & MANAGERS

LAKES OF FOUR SEASONS

Celebrating ears The Centier Bank family congratulates you on this milestone achievement.

Member FDIC

219-663-0513 • CENTIER.COM LOFS DIRECTORS & MANAGERS 127

Congratulations Lakes of the

Four Seasons

on your 50th!

The Radtke Family Gary, Kevin, Mandy, Rhylee & Merrik

10763 Broadway Crown Point, Indiana Also 901 Joliet Road Located Dyer, Indiana At 219-322-3228

b u l C p i V ur Join oText: beachtan To: 71441 to get specials sent to your phone

128 LOFS DIRECTORS & MANAGERS

LOFS Trivia!

True or False: In 1973 Security would call your home to announce your visitor.

Answer: True—But as more and more houses and a higher census, the practice stopped after 1975.

219-662-4100

Directors of Security Lonnie Gillis Ron Hewelette Dale “Kelly” Gott Sr Richard McKinney George Thomason Larry Juzwicki Keith Fiore Craig Philp

1970

1976 1978 1979

19801998 1999

2008 LOFS DIRECTORS & MANAGERS 129

LOFS Security: a brief history Contributed By Wayne Derdowski

Current LOFS Security Team. Top row from left to right: Sgt. Kenny Green, Director Craig Philip, Lt. George Thomason, Ofc. Ron Paulsin, Ofc. Larry Hunt, Ofc. Barry Cook, Ofc. John Latta. Bottom row from left to right: Ofc. Jarrett Stickle, Ofc. Brock Moore. Officers not shown: Ofc. Matt Lentz, Ofc. Zachary Wallar.

A

fter Boise Cascade had sold all the properties to the POA, the homeowners formed several committees to deal with their new responsibilities.

One of those committees regarded the security of the Lakes of the Four Seasons. Mort Tuftedal, Harold Young, Lonnie Gillis, and myself—Wayne Derdowski volunteered to develop a Security Department. Through meetings and discussions it was agreed upon to have security 24/7. With a manned front gate, one patrol car, and one patrol boat on Lake Holiday on weekends and holidays, the necessary security would be provided. The security committee went to work to develop policies and procedures regarding such issues as parameters of enforcement and record keeping.

The sheriff of Porter County wanted to contribute to LOFS’ Security Department and sent me to the police academy. I graduated in 1973.

130 LOFS DIRECTORS & MANAGERS

Tuftedal and Young took the lead in training and communications and represented the Security Department at the Homeowners Association meetings. Because of our association with the local police departments in the area, we were in invited to take part in firing competitions throughout the state of Indiana at our own expense. One summer I took three such trophies. Lonnie and I took the lead in the daily operations of the department. At that time there were less than 100 homes in Four Seasons.

The department also offered courtesies to homeowners; such as—calling if a homeowner had a guest at the gate and upon request a security check of the homeowner’s property would be made once a day. Security would walk around the house and property checking for anything that appeared to be suspicious. LOFS’ security vehicle also typically brought Santa Claus to the clubhouse for the children’s Christmas party!

The Security Department was wellestablished by the mid `70s. At that point I resigned to start a new adventure in Florida. The position of Chief of Security was then offered to Lonnie Gillis and he accepted.

Tuftedal and Young were always in the background to advise the new chief. I often think of the Four Seasons Security Department and hope that all is doing well.

Your’s Truly, Wayne Derdowski, Former Member of the LOFS Security Committee

Wayne Derdowski driving in the LOFS Security Vehicle at the LOFS 50th Fourth of July Parade, 2016.

security department: 2016 Director Craig Philp The Lakes of the Four Seasons Security Department is an essential function within the community in its ability of providing safety and security to its residents. The department consists of a Department head, a number of officers, dispatchers, and EMT’s. The officers are required to attend an extensive training program that continues throughout their employment.

Our officers work closely with adjoining police departments. The department mans the main entry to Lakes of the Four Seasons 24 hours a day, 365 days

of the year; while also monitoring the 117th street entrance located on the west side of the community and the back entrance located next to the LOFS Fire Force property on W 275 S and Four Seasons Parkway via closed circuit TV. The officers are first responders to emergencies within our community and are yearly trained by local Fire Department personnel in CPR/AED use. In addition, the officers have the ability to provide security to any one of the lakes via our trained lakes patrol officers.

Craig Philp, 2016 Security Dept. Director.

George & dora thomason Written By Sally Lugo

G

eorge and Dora Thomason moved to NW Indiana from Paducah Kentucky in 1968 to find work at the steel mills. “Well, I got tired of being laid off every two years and then I got a job at Bethlehem. I was assigned to a fuel and utility gang and you had to throw your clothes away at the end of the shift... I didn’t like that.

So I left there and found a job at Allis Chalmers,” George said. Then, nearly thirty-eight years ago George applied for a second full-time job at Lakes of The Four Seasons. On December 28, 1978 then CM Ken Geitz hired George as a “road officer” to work the evening shift. For the next nearly five years George would hurry home from his

George and Dora Thomason, 2016.

The original LOFS security office.

day job, change into his uniform and head out to Four Seasons to work the evening shift. “We had three growing boys and a young daughter,” George said, “And you just do what you have to do.” Then in 1983, the Allis Chalmers plant where George worked closed their doors.

officer!” Dora and George have been married since 1958 and to this day it is still a surprise to many to learn they have been married all these years working together. This is a real testimony to their dedication and professionalism. “I tell everyone, I’m Dora and he’s George. We ask that people just look at us as employees and we do not involve ourselves in each other’s issues. We never brought our family out here. I told our kids, this is our work area. We have never used

When asked why he didn’t take a day-time shift at that point, George responded, “Well I couldn’t... Dora was working for security as a dispatch

LOFS DIRECTORS & MANAGERS 131

Line of cars checking in at the front gate, July 4th, 2016.

the beach or fished because we’re not residents,” Dora firmly stated.

Dora Thomason met to be interviewed July 22, 2016. The first question asked was: “When were you hired?” And Dora replied; “I was hired July 22, 1979 by Chief McKinney, 37 years ago today. "She shared that although the security building looks much the same on the outside since that time... a lot has changed on the inside. “Back then there wasn’t much equipment... you did everything by paper. Every emergency call came to us first and had a certain ring tone. We put out a page over the radio system... and say what the emergency was... if an ambulance was needed. The fire department and security would also hear the page on their radio. All the firemen would start to pick up the phone at their homes when they heard the ring. Sometimes we’d have to repeat ourselves over and over depending when they would come on the line. We used to have to keep their times—when they arrived and left. But since `97 they went to 911 and the firemen take care of everything. “When I started here in 1979 there were just corn fields around. All the dispatchers used to be fully uniformed, we wore a belt and the whole works just like the guys did.

And, I think we got more respect from people back then,” Dora said.

132 LOFS DIRECTORS & MANAGERS

George and Dora were interviewed separately yet their thoughts were much the same. For example, it was important for Dora to convey how society’s change in mutual respect today, coupled with a much larger resident census since 1979, affects security as a whole. Although some people can be a bit unkind; Dora said she still will show her respect to others.

“The kids can be rude at times but I’ve never had a problem with them... just don’t be rude back... that’s what we try to do,” Dora stated. “You need to think about how would you want to be treated... if you were a teenager growing up in Four Seasons and security had to come and talk to you... how would you want security to treat you? Treat them the way you would want to be treated,” George answered adding “Respect... we all must respect each other.”

Working the front gate isn’t as simple as it used to be back in 1979. Dora explained back then they might record three hundred-fifty or so visitors or non-decaled vehicles in a day. Today, on the afternoon shift alone they might record fifteen-hundred on a busy day!

“Now I’m not complaining, Diane and I can keep up, but just like today... we signed in eight hundred people on the day shift! Some are visitors others contractors and repair people. And the whole time while you’re keeping up with that... the phone is ringing, and you’re dispatching messages to the car officers or taking their calls,” Dora stated. She further explained during checking in vehicles, residents are calling to ask various questions, people come to pay fines and drop off house check requests. Their duties also include logging in reports and other information on computers, watching monitors—“And for new people, there’s no way!” Dora said. Dora shared a picture she took on this year’s 4th of July. “I was so amazed,” she said

showing me a picture of cars backed up from the clubhouse all the way down 109th. “We couldn’t move cars... we were at a standstill, and people weren’t angry, it’s just how you handle people and they were very nice,” Dora said adding “I think we’ve outgrown the system they started here... something needs to change.” She then reflected on earlier experiences working on the 4th of July when times were much simpler... and a lot less traffic! “Our 4th of July’s used to be like a fun day for us. All the dispatchers would dress alike... all our shirts would match... sometimes we’d wear shorts... and one time we all had matching shoes," Dora chuckled adding... “It was a big day and we made it fun!”

Over the past thirty-eight years George has witnessed a thing or two himself. “Probably one of the craziest things was during a snowstorm I spent three days in Four Seasons... I couldn’t get home... a baby was born right on the kitchen table! That happened on Sunrise. A helicopter landed in what was then the Fairway parking lot and took them to St. Anthony’s,” George said. “I’ve seen everything from... well let just say the party wasn’t clothed... to skinny dippers bothering fishermen, boats sinking because of mother nature, a boat on fire, cars accidently going into the lake when trying to launch a boat, and one time someone deliberately drove their car into the lake ‘to cool the motor off,’” George

laughed. And like Dora, George spoke on how things were different, much simpler, back in the early days. “Back then... if you saw a young person doing something wrong... you could talk to them and take them home and talk to their parents. But you can’t do that anymore because of the change in the laws,” George stated. “When I tell people their child can’t drive the golf cart, they don’t understand... they don’t see the harm. But the law says they have to have a driver’s license to drive a motorized vehicle... I cannot ignore that law,” George explained.

At the same time George clearly has a passion for the youth. He’s concerned the kids today don’t have areas to congregate safely. Activities the youth enjoyed in the `70s and `80s are not sophisticated enough for young people today. Young people can’t explore undeveloped areas of LOFS, fish from vacant lots or find safe places to skateboard or just congregate. He spoke of how kids today are exposed to so much more and he shared stories of the many young kids of yesterday, now residents with kids themselves today... tell him how grateful they are for him watching out for them... or keeping them out of trouble because he gave them the “George talk.”

“Today security puts a lot on the line when they try to help residents. There’s a fine line between helping... and losing a job and we do this for $10 an hour,” George stated.

Security has always been involved in EMS calls and many times those calls end in tragedy they all too

often witness. There are the difficult moments they have to tell a parent something terrible has happened to their child. We as residents view them as a person just waving us through the gate or, someone out to “spoil our fun.” Yet they are an intricate part of the fabric of our community. They have in fact saved residents lives and helped us in great times of need. Then there’s those things they must do— most would avoid. “One of my saddest moments working as a dispatcher was the day when the little five year old girl was murdered, everyone was in tears. I put out the page over the radio and we had an EMS guy—his name was Gary Vaughn and he said ‘Dora, when you put that page out... I knew that it was a bad call’—he was the first to respond on the call and George was the second.

And it really tore Gary up—because he had a little five year old. Then later we learned they would keep her in the bathroom and not feed her... and she would sneak out... this time she got brownies... the step-mother punished her by feeding her pepper and that’s what strangled her to death. I went to court and had to testify,” Dora recalled adding "that happened in the fall of 1990."

George Thomason was Chief of Security for eighteen and half years at Four Seasons serving from 1980 to nearly 1999. Now as he reflects on the day he might retire, both he and Dora want to let our community know how much they’ve enjoyed working here. It is important for Dora to convey how dedicated George has been to Four Seasons and its residents.

It is important to George to let the new and younger security personnel understand the importance of treating people with respect. “I do not believe in going handcuffing somebody, and then cursing at them... you already have them detained and there is no point in getting down to their level,” George said firmly adding, “And, it’s a different world now than back when I chased after a few kids because mom and dad were at work and they had nothing better to do but to aggravate Security!” Dora summed it up best quoting former Community Manager Ken Geitz’s policy: “FAIR, FIRM AND FRIENDLY... is the way to treat people.”

When asked what he will miss about Four Seasons when he retires one day, George stated... “You know when I first came out here I made $3.50 an hour and you better bring your lunch or you weren’t going to eat because there were no restaurants around. So, a lot has changed. But what has not changed is the people, getting up, going to work and I know I will miss that because that’s all I’ve done.”

Yes, George and Dora Thomason both love the people of Four Seasons.

Hopefully the day you do retire is still a bit off in the distance. But, when that day arrives... we will miss you as well and hope you then come back for a visit! And this time bring your fishing poles! We’re sure those kids you chased all those years ago, now adults and residents, would love to have you as their guests!

LOFS Trivia!

Cleveland Park is named after the community’s first Golf Course Superintendent.

True—Harold Cleveland was hired in 1970 to maintain the Golf Course. That same year he was promoted to oversee all of Operations, including the golf course. Harold served as Operations Director until 1997. In 1991 the Fields and Concessions Board showed their appreciation for Cleveland’s then over 20 years of service by naming the sports complex near the campground, Cleveland Park.

LOFS DIRECTORS & MANAGERS 133

134 LOFS DIRECTORS & MANAGERS

For nearly the past 50 years, the Lakes of the Four Seasons Fire Force has protected West Porter Fire Protection District, Winfield Township, the Town of Winfield, and the namesake, the Lakes of the Four Seasons community. The department currently operates out of 2 stations, Station 3500 (Station #1) and Station 3600 (Station #2), with 30 volunteers, a 24-hour Advanced Life Support (ALS) staffed ambulance, and runs approximately 1,200 calls per year.

Established in 1969, the fire force was foformed with a little more than a few dedicated volunteers with a strong sense of duty to help their neighbors and community. During this time and long before 911, citizens had a special number to dial for an emergency, which would ring into each volunteer fireman’s home and simultaneously into L.O.F.S. Security. Hank Unmark, the first chief, operated the department with a scant amount of equipment. The department was often referred to as the "Bucket Brigade" because garden hoses, shovels, and burlap sacks were used in an attempt to extinguish fires. Thankfully, a used 1942 Ford pumper was quickly acquired and the first L.O.F.S. Station built.

In the 1970’s, the 1942 Ford pumper was replaced with a 1952 International Pumper. The department began adding Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT’s) and the first ambulance service began in the area. The ambulance was an old converted hearse with very basic EMS equipment. Even though, the ambulance service was discontinued within a few years, L.O.F.S. EMT’s were still the first medical responsers. By the end of the 1970’s, the fire fleet grew to include a tanker and 2 additional pumpers.

Replacement of old fire trucks started throughout the 1980’s. The first new custom build 1980 Ford Pumper, Unit 61, was delivered. Then in 1986, L.O.F.S. Fire Force created the West Porter Township Fire Protection District, which allowed tax funds to be provided to the department for equipment and training. This significantly advanced services for the community and surrounding areas.

In the 1990’s, the Town of Winfield continued to boom and so did the L.O.F.S. Fire Force. Firefighters Joe McBride, Clarence Moss, and Dave Bozell began organizing the "L.O.F.S. Fire Cadets" in 1993. This allowed youths, ages 14-18 years old, to receive foformal firefighting training. Some of those cadets are still active members on the Fire Force, while others have moved from the area with full time firefighter careers.

The first defibrillator unit was purchased in 1994, which sparked the department in establishing licensed paramedics. Within 5 years, the department added a 24-hour staffed ALS ambulance, which cut ambulance response time by as much as 15 minutes. A second station was built in 1998, located in the Winfield Township Government Center.

Recognizing the dangers with the bodies of water in the L.O.F.S. service area, a dive team was formed in 2001. The team responded to calls not only in L.O.F.S., but also to Lake Michigan, and as distant as Indianapolis. The dive team was eventually disbanded as both Lake and Porter Counties formed dive teams under the direction of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security District 1.

The L.L.O.F.S. Fire Force has come a long way since its inception in 1969. It has been through many trials and tribulations over the years but has always prevailed. As the department progresses, the members remain cognizant of its humble beginnings. On the Lakes of the Four Seasons 50th Anniversary, the L.O.F.S. Fire Force reflects on the past and looks forward to what the future holds for the department and community.

135

Remembering Jack O’Malley Sr. Written By Sally Lugo

W

hen asked to recall memories his dad may have shared with him about living in LOFS and serving on the fire department, Jack O’Malley Jr. quickly responded “Well, I can tell you this... mom and dad found this place by accident!” His parents, who lived on the south side of Chicago, would invest in property when they could.

They had a few acres on Division and also on 100 S. at 725 W. Lori, Jack’s wife, remembered her sister-in-law, Joyce, telling them she had gone along for a drive back in `66 with her parents to do a little exploring and check on the property. So, in `66 they stumbled on the new LOFS as they drove to their property nearby. Being investors... it didn’t take Jack Sr. and Dorothea long to buy a few lots!

An “Eagle Hose # 2” plaque given to Jack O’Malley Sr.

Jack recalled his dad joining a group to get a fire department going. “After Boise Cascade left and the community took over everyone complained they couldn’t get good homeowners insurance.

The fire department, Ainsworth, near Deep River Park, was too far away. Fire hydrants were too few and far between. So volunteers started it.... LOFS’ Volunteer Fire Department,” Jack said. He further recalled his dad working at Bethlehem Steel and one of their project managers, who also lived in The Seasons, helped by getting Bethlehem to donate an old water truck. “The truck had a big water tank with a sprayer. The mill used it to keep the roads damp and dust down when building at the mill. The volunteers converted it to a pumper with a hose. Later it just became a water truck,” Jack recalled, adding “They had also purchased a `42 Fire Truck.” He further recalled how the guard house would communicate with the volunteers. “Dad was directly hooked up to the guard house and the phone would ring continuously until picked up. One time when visiting I went on a call with dad... but it turned out to be a practice thing,” Jack said further stating... “The fire chief, at the time, would have these practice runs and time how long it took volunteers to respond. They brought in guest speakers so they could learn about fire fighting... remember, they were all just volunteers,” Jack emphasized.

Original decal Jack Sr. put on their front door, 1979.

Jack O’Malley Sr.’s Lakes of the Four Seasons “Fireman’s Badge.”

A plaque forJohn “Jack” O’Malley, Assistant Fire Chief.

with sincere appreciation for your faithful service & Dedication From the Lakes of the Four Seasons Fire Department

136 LOFS DIRECTORS & MANAGERS

Directors of Golf Services Randy Quick Kent Wright Dave Takes John Wolfe Matt Meneghetti Paul Boris

1967 1975

1988

1990

1994

2008 LOFS DIRECTORS & MANAGERS 137

138 LOFS DIRECTORS & MANAGERS

Directors of Golf Maintenance Harold Cleveland Mick Pastuszak Nick McCraw Todd Ford Doug Weiss

1970

1974 1996

2003

2006 LOFS DIRECTORS & MANAGERS 139

Directors of Operations Charlie curtis harold cleveland richard cleveland tim copeland ron bedwell

140 LOFS DIRECTORS & MANAGERS

1966

1970 1997

2007

2009

Operations department In 2002, when regulations became more involved, a Lakes Department was created and Ron Bedwell was appointed department Head.

In 2016 MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems) was created as a new sub department to Operations with a MS4 Coordinator. Today Ron Bedwell is department head of Operations

Pool

The Operations department is responsible for caring for the grounds and buildings of the community.

These duties include collecting leaves and branches, mowing, maintaining

the roads, playgrounds, shelters, and parks, but excludes golf course maintenance.

Operations has numerous trucks, tractors, and heavy equipment that are maintained for these duties. Operations also cares for the security vehicles.

How many miles of shoreline are there for both Lake Holiday and Big Bass Lake?

Just over ____ miles. A) 14 B) 10 C) 8 Answer: B—Lake Holiday has 6 and Big Bass has 4.1 for a total of 10.1 miles.

(Note: Lake on The Green has 5/8 miles and Trouthaven has 3/8 miles)

LOFS Trivia!

with Mike Talley serving as the MS4 Coordinator and Ryan Grady overseeing the Lakes Department.

2016 Pool Manager Brad Nieman

LOFS DIRECTORS & MANAGERS 141

Congratulations On 50 Years!

219.996.2981 nitco.com INTERNET . VOICE . TV . SECURITY EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE 142 LOFS DIRECTORS & MANAGERS

PART 7 then & now

empty lots/storms........................................................... 144 lakes..................................................................................... 145 beaches................................................................................. 149 Youth sports........................................................................151 past 4th of july Parades. .................................................. 154 fun times.............................................................................. 156 headlines ............................................................................. 160

THEN & NOW 143

empty lots

E. lake shore, 1970

BrandywinE: north of sunnyslope

Kingsway: looking Due north

Storms

Summer 1979 Winter 1979

Flooded brandywine park 1990

2013 Wind SheAr

1977

2013 Wind SheAr 144 THEN & NOW

lake holiday

THEN & NOW 145

146 THEN & NOW

Big Bass Lake

Lower bass lake: early `70s

THEN & NOW 147

lake on the green, trouthaven & walt's pond

lake on the green

trouthaven

barb bailey with walt kAnkowski

walt's pond 148 THEN & NOW

sandy beach

THEN & NOW 149

big bass beach

clubhouse beach

150 THEN & NOW

Baseball & softball 1977

`70s

1997

2016 THEN & NOW 151

Soccer

S

easons Soccer Club (SSC) was established in 1976 as a nonprofit organization to encourage children ages 4-14 to play soccer. SSC teaches the fundamentals of playing soccer while providing an opportunity for children of all skill levels to have fun and enjoy being active outdoors. The organization brings the satisfaction of playing soccer to the community by teaching valuable life lessons in teamwork, work ethic, sportsmanship, perseverance, and leadership.

152 THEN & NOW

Participating in the club also gives each child a wonderful opportunity to build lasting friendships that offer a sense of unity.

The club has two divisions: an inhouse (Recreational) division for ages 4-11 and a travel (Rec Plus) division for ages 6-14. In-house (Recreational) games are played on Saturday mornings in the Lakes of the Four Seasons with a tournament at the end of each season for U8 and U11. Travel

(Rec Plus) games are played within the Northwest Indiana Soccer League.

To allow children an opportunity to participate throughout the year, SSC has a spring season and a fall season.

The ultimate goal of SSC is to provide children with an environment in which they can build team and individual skills, meet new friends, be active, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. The parents, players, and coaches create many cherished memories for years to come.

Basketball, tennis & swimming Late `70s

THEN & NOW 153

past 4th of july Parades

1970

1973

1977: w. lake shore dr.

1972

1994

1980

1980

1983

1994

2011

1997

2001: henry, billy, & sharon 154 THEN & NOW

4th of july bicentennial

THEN & NOW 155

fun times

156 THEN & NOW

Party Cove 1980

THEN & NOW 157

158 THEN & NOW

Party Cove 2016

THEN & NOW 159

headlines

160 THEN & NOW

PART 8

local churches & businesses Town & Country Christian Church.............................. 162 Church of Four Seasons. .................................................. 164 Cross of Christ Lutheran Church................................. 165 Holy Spirit Catholic Church............................................ 166 *Not all churches chose to participate.

Ricci's Landscape Management, Inc.. ............................. 168 Rees funeral home............................................................. 170 Crown Point Christian Village. ...................................... 172

LOCAL CHURCHES & BUSINESSES 161

Town & Country Christian Church

Veteran’s Memorial Garden.

T&CCC being built. It is located at 7037 E 117th Avenue.

T

own and Country Christian Church (T&CCC) has a 34 year history of serving the Lakes of the Four Seasons! Concern for the LOFS’ community was the primary reason for this church start up in 1982. It all started when Carl Rose, the Camp Manager of Lake Region Christian Assembly (LRCA - located just outside the LOFS on 117th Ave) noticed a lot of young families moving into the community – a growth spurt for the LOFS. Carl contacted Bob Sloniger of Chicago District Evangelistic Association (CDEA) and shared his vision of starting a church that could serve the people in this growing community.

In 1982, CDEA started meeting with a small group of people for Worship and Prayer at Camp LRCA and by June 1982, Lynn Ragsdale was called to be the first Minister of T&CCC starting with a core group of 30-40 people.

Lynn and his family moved to the LOFS, thus starting the 34 year connection between LOFS and T&CCC. Lynn and Betsy Ragsdale (Lynn’s wife) were immediately interested in serving both the Lake County and Porter County sides in the LOFS and went to work welcoming the whole community!

Betsy started a “NEW SONG” choir program for children 3rd-6th grades with the church providing

162 LOCAL CHURCHES & BUSINESSES

transportation from Porter Lakes and Winfield Schools after school to the camp for snacks and choir rehearsal. The following December, the whole LOFS community was invited for a free turkey dinner and a wonderful NEW SONG Christmas musical program. The children’s choir program continued and offered another musical for the community in the Spring. NEW SONG continued to grow each year and eventually added a group for the younger siblings, “JUNIOR NEW SONG.” Between the two choirs there were 120 children involved.

The Camp was always helpful and supportive of T&CCC, but both LRCA and the church were growing; the Camp was looking into starting a day care (now known as the Caterpillar Academy), additional retreats and summer programming. The Church needed additional space as well. In

1993 the new Church building was completed at the current location (on the property directly north of the LRCA grounds-less than 3 miles from the LOFS).

Throughout the 34 years of T&CCC Ministry, we have seen growing programs such as: Additional Worship Services, Choir productions, Bible Study programs, Ladies’ and Men’s Ministries, Family events, Living Last Supper Program, Mission trips, the Dinner Theater “CHRISTMAS AT TOWN AND COUNTRY,” the “ALL PRO DAD” for children and their dads at Jerry Ross School and T&CCC, Additional Children’s and Youth Group Programming, a “MOM TO MOM” group, a “YOUNG AT HEART” group (55+ ministry), The Veterans’ “MEMORIAL GARDEN” with a tribute honoring those who have served in the US Military from T&CCC, “UPWARDS SPORTS” for Pre-K to 8th grade (flag football and cheer team), serving at Crown Point Christian Village, food collections for Winfield Township Food Pantry, and many areas caring for people and helping them grow in their faith.

The ONE THING that has not changed through the years is that T&CCC is committed to Worship, Prayer and “Loving God and loving others by transforming lives one disciple at a time.”

Town and Country Christian Church.

Upward Sports Cheerleading.

Senior Minister Joe Mollet, Carissa, Jocelyn and Dawson at All Pro Dads

Worship Team at Christmas.

We invite our neighbors in the LOFS and surrounding community residents to Worship our Lord Jesus Christ with us at: Town and Country Christian Church 7037 E. 117th Ave. Crown Point, IN 46307 Phone: 219-663-7896

Worship Celebration Times are: Sundays - 1st Service 8:30am Sunday School 9:45am 2nd Service 10:45am

The staff: Joe Mollet, Senior Minister.

Brandon Zakutansky, Interim Youth Minister. Bob Milligan, Fine Arts and Worship Minister. Christine Gonzalez, Children’s Minister.

Congratulations LOFS on its 50th anniversary

Town and Country Christian Church is honored to be a part of this community.

Transforming Lives One Disciple at a Time!

Sunday Morning Worship … 8:30am & 10:45am Sunday School … 9:45am Join us for events and activities…

--Christmas at TCCC --Youth Group

--Upward

--Bible Studies

--Wednesday Night Family Worship --Movie Nights

--Small Groups

You are invited to join us!!!

LOCAL CHURCHES & BUSINESSES 163

church of four seasons united methodist Contributed By Edwina Diehl

LOFS United Methodist is located at 9100 E. 109th Ave, Crown Point IN.

I

n June of 1980 a sign went up outside the gates of Lakes of The Four Seasons proclaiming that a new Methodist Church would be built on that site. Leading up to that sign a small group of people had gathered in homes to worship encouraged by the gaining interest of others, they began a fellowship of believers which exist to this day.

164 LOCAL CHURCHES & BUSINESSES

The first worship service of what would become the new church was conducted in September 1980 in the cafeteria of Porter Lakes Elementary school by Pastor Richard Lyndon. On December 7, 1980, two hundred and forty-four people became members of the church. As the church grew, the service was moved to the gymnasium where an adult choir and organ were added. To accommodate the growing congregation, while the building was envisioned and built, a storefront office and meeting room was rented in the space next to the current BJ Gators.

Once the building was completed, the congregation soon realized that in order to further their ministry, they needed a chapel and library for prayer and meetings. The final addition, many years later, brought a much needed Agape Center and large kitchen with a fireplace room and remodeled nursery.

Since 1981 the church has provided many services and events for the community—Vacation Bible School, Teddy Bear Pre-School, Lunch with Santa, and Trunk or Treat for the younger kids. Adults and children alike have enjoyed “Grannies’ Attic” with the famous turkey sandwiches, Fish Fries, Uncle Milt’s Spaghetti Dinners and Chili Suppers. We have served as a Red Cross Donation Center, Emissions Testing Center, Car Show for Charity and the Christmas Live Nativity.

We continue to expand and change our programs to fit the needs of the community and the world. We currently have a community garden to augment the local food pantry. We have even constructed the complete frame for a Habitat for Humanity home in the parking lot.

We congratulate Lakes of The Four Seasons on their 50th Anniversary and hope that we will all continue to work and grow together.

cross of christ lutheran church

Cross of Christ Lutheran Church is located at 99 S County Line Road.

A Brief History

C

ross of Christ Lutheran Church began in the mid-1970s, when the Lutheran Church in America identified a need to establish a congregation that would serve southern Lake and Porter counties in Indiana. On Jan. 26, 1979, a site was purchased on County Line Road and 109th Avenue in Crown Point, across the street from the entrance to Lakes of the Four Seasons.

In the summer of 1987, a fundraising drive was initiated to raise money for a church building; construction began on June 2, 1988, and the building was dedicated on Feb. 5, 1989. In 1988, the Lutheran Church in America combined with the American Lutheran Church and the Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches to form the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the largest Lutheran denomination in the United States.

In June 2000, Groundbreaking Sunday was held for an addition to the church building, and on Nov. 5, 2000, Cross of Christ celebrated its 15th anniversary with a dinner in the new addition.

All Are Welcome

Since its inception, Cross of Christ has been blessed with extraordinary clergy and committed leadership. Pastor Howard Clevenger was called to Cross of Christ in July 2009, was ordained and installed in September 2009, and today continues to faithfully serve the congregation, now in its 31st year.

Through its dedicated ministry teams, Cross of Christ offers many activities and educational opportunities for both children and adults, such as Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, choir, confirmation classes, and Bible studies.

Cross of Christ Lutheran Church strives to encourage, love and support all people in their walk of faith, and challenges us all to put this faith into practice each day through discipleship and community outreach.

Pastor Henry Sickinger arrived in September of 1982 to serve as the mission developer of the brand-new congregation, and the first worship service was held at the lodge at Lake Eliza in Valparaiso on Pentecost Sunday, May 22, 1983.

On Oct. 28, 1985, approval for Cross of Christ was granted by the Lutheran Church in America, and the congregation was officially accepted into membership of the IndianaKentucky Synod of the LCA on Nov. 3, 1985. The charter to form the newly organized congregation was signed by 131 members.

LOCAL CHURCHES & BUSINESSES 165

Holy spirit catholic community

Holy Spirit Catholic Community during construction.

R

ecognizing that south Lake County was growing rapidly, Bishop Melczek, the Bishop of The Diocese of Gary at the time, decided to establish a new parish in Winfield Township. The Diocese purchased thirteen acres of land on 109th Avenue. The Bishop asked Father Joseph Murphy to be the pastor of the new parish.

Father Murphy arrived on July 1, 1996 and saw the site of the new parish for the first time. Instead of thirteen acres of corn, Fr. Murphy envisioned a thriving, enthusiastic community of faith, whose mission would be “to make Christ real in the world” by the way they lived their faith in everyday life. Potential parishioners gathered in homes to pray and to discuss the new parish. It was at these meetings that Fr. Murphy communicated his vision and bound us together as a community of faith.

and on Pentecost Sunday 1997, Bishop Melczek named our parish in honor of the Holy Spirit. As time went by even without a home of our own we began to form into a church, a community of faith dedicated to living the Gospel values here in Winfield Township.

Focusing on worship, community, formation, and service, we turned Fr. Murphy’s vision into our mission. Our many ministries were formed to make that vision a reality.

Having grown to over 300 families, we began to outgrow our temporary worship and office spaces and began to dream of a permanent home for our church family. A capital campaign was started and through the generous response of our people enough money was raised to initiate the first phase of our master plan. On June 11, 2000 again on the Feast of Pentecost we celebrated Mass in our new home. On July 2010 our founding pastor retired

On December 8, 1996, one hundred families gathered at the Polish National Alliance Hall on Grand Boulevard to celebrate our first Mass. We continued to grow in numbers and enthusiasm Stephen Martin Photography Stephen Martin Photography

166 LOCAL CHURCHES & BUSINESSES

Construction of the cross at Holy Spirit Catholic Community.

and Fr. Thomas Mischler became our new pastor. Fr. Mischler embraced the vision and under his guidance we continued to grow as a parish. Through his foresight and the generous support of our parishioners, we were able to finance our Parish Life Center and build a rectory as well.

Since our modest beginnings, our faith community has increased to over 600 families. As we continue to grow, more ministries have formed to serve both our faith community and the wider community as well. We look to the future with spirit filled hearts and invite all to join us in “making Christ real in our world!”

Join us!

Holy Spirit Catholic Church th 7667 East 109 Avenue Crown Point, IN 46307 219-661-0644 Mass Times Saturday 4pm Sunday 8 & 10am Holy Hour Tuesdays 6:30pm

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LOCAL CHURCHES & BUSINESSES 167

Ricci’s landscape management, inc.

M

any tenured Lake of the Four Seasons residents remember a small 10-yearold boy biking around the Seasons with a red wagon behind him carrying a push mower. Dean Ricci, Jr. was his name, and little did they know that this determined child would one day grow his business into a multimillion dollar landscaping company.

Starting out from a young age, Dean Ricci, Jr. knew that he wanted to become a business owner. Using his extreme determination and interest in entrepreneurship and small business, he received the Albert and Margaret Gallagher Scholarship which allowed him to attend Indiana University Northwest. In 1994 he graduated with a degree in Business Management and incorporated his company.

Ricci’s Landscape Management Inc. provides landscape design and construction, lawn care and maintenance, irrigation installation and service, snow services, outdoor lighting, and mosquito misting systems. The company, an authorized Unilock installer, employs 43 people and has 20 trucks, nine of which serve double duty as snow plows during the winter season.

Most satisfying for Ricci is seeing his business grow, meeting with clients, using his creative talents, and seeing the results of a completed project.

Ricci says he also enjoys seeing his employees grow within the company.

One employee, who has been with him for nearly 20 years, Ricci says, started with no experience, but now runs the landscape division and project management. He encourages the growth of his employees by offering off season training courses and incentives

168 LOCAL CHURCHES & BUSINESSES

for certifications and not smoking.

Ricci offers a college internship program in landscape architecture and pays for schooling for his employees to complete backflow certification for irrigation technicians as well.

A highly successful entrepreneur, Ricci believes in giving back to the community he serves by sponsoring youth sports programs. He has donated time as assistant coach for Pop Warner football for three years and was also an assistant coach for the Crown Point Jr. Bulldogs baseball team. Along with football and baseball, Ricci helped coach the Crown Point Jr. Bulldog wrestling team for three years. Ricci finds coaching youth football the most satisfying. On three occasions, Ricci has also assisted Boy Scouts advance in the rank to Eagle Scout by helping them complete their chosen projects.

Ricci aided in demolition, planning, and drainage work for these projects at two churches and an elementary school. He is also a supporter of the Memorial Opera House in Valparaiso, Indiana.

Ricci’s wife Jamie is extremely supportive of her husband. “I am very proud of what he has done as a business owner, and what he has done to develop himself, his business, and his employees,” Jamie said. Jamie says her husband has worked hard to better himself, and he is an accredited master horticulturist, serves on many boards, has spoken at trade shows, and taught seminars at Valparaiso’s Taltree Arboretum.

Ricci’s Taltree classes focused on landscape construction, drainage, and Japanese stone setting. At Taltree, Ricci’s company was responsible for most of the work on the Hitz Family Memorial Rose Garden and worked on

the native prairie garden and outdoor education trail.

Ricci says he has been encouraged along the path to success by many people. “My wife has also been very supportive. Without her, I would have never been able to accomplish what I’ve done. She has been there for me emotionally and financially.”

From that bike and little red wagon to a full fleet of shiny red trucks with trailers, Ricci realizes he has come a long way. Reflecting on his youth, he realizes that his start in a kind, safe, close knit community like the Lakes of the Four Seasons, was one of the many but important factors on his pathway to success. Ricci would like to thank the residents of the Lake of the Four Seasons for supporting his business as a young child and encouraging him to pursue his goal to become a successful business owner.

Left to right: Matt Ricci, Dan Lukes, Marie Ricci, and Dean Ricci, Jr., 1990 Seasonal.

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REES FUNERAL HOME

J

erry and Mary Jane Rees established Rees Funeral Home in 1960, expanding in 1985 to include the newly purchased Olson Funeral Home in Portage. The Rees’ were very active in the communities until their retirement in 1990. At that time, James J. Krause, a longtime employee, and Patricia Rees, Jerry and Mary Jane’s daughter, purchased the funeral homes. In 1993, they acquired Brady Funeral Home in Lake Station.

In 2005, they purchased the property formerly known as Eli’s Steak House at 10909 Randolph. The property after being fully renovated, began serving the community in August of 2005. Due

to the increased caseload of Patricia Rees’ law practice, she retired from management, but remains financially involved in Winfield. James Krause recently retired and his son Josh, daughter Julie, and daughter-in-law Tory, remain dedicated to providing the communities with the serviceoriented tradition of a family-owned and operated business.

The owners and staff of Rees Funeral Home understand that most of us make funeral arrangements only once or twice in a lifetime and the procedure is normally unfamiliar and disquieting.

It is their purpose to make this experience as comfortable as possible

under the difficult conditions of the moment. They know that there are many things that need to be attended to following a death. The dedicated staff at Rees derive great satisfaction in providing excellent service before, during and after the funeral.

Rees serves all faiths and provide services to all cemeteries. Whether a family’s choice is burial or one of many cremation options, the commitment is the same, compassionate service at every level. The Krause family stated that “We value the trust that families place with us and, we are firm in our continuing commitment to not only meet, but to strive to exceed the expectations of each family we serve”.

LOFS Trivia!

True or False: You can usually tell when a McDonald’s was built by the last four digits of its phone number?

True—McDonald’s on Randolph was built in 1996 (Their phone # is 662-1996!)

170 LOCAL CHURCHES & BUSINESSES

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LOCAL CHURCHES & BUSINESSES 171

crown point christian village

Congratulations lakes of the four seasons

C

On this milestone anniversary!

rown Point Christian Village (CCV) is grateful for the opportunity to serve the Winfield and surrounding communities since 1993. We are proud to be part of a community rich in tradition, values and caring neighbors for over 20 years.

Our story truly began in 1980, when a board of directors made up of local churches, approached Christian Homes about opening a retirement community for older adults. The board members wanted to create a community for men and women over the age of 60, where they can enjoy a carefree lifestyle which they have looked forward to and planned for throughout their working years. They wanted the environment to promote personal independence, freedom, privacy and security.

After the planning stages were complete, construction began in 1990, and the first residents moved in to

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their new home in 1993. As healthcare needs constantly changes, so does our community. So, within the three years following the grand opening, we began to expand to fit the needs of those we care for. Since its conception, CCV has developed to offer a full range of senior care services and living options: assisted and independent living apartments, Garden homes, short-term rehab, memory care and skilled nursing.

In 2014, our name changed from Chicagoland Christian Village to Crown Point Christian Village, to reflect the nature of community.

Although our name changed, we still are steadfast in the desire to provide a full continuum of compassionate, quality care to those we serve. With a focus on responsive and compassionate care, Crown Point Christian Village is continuously improving to meet the needs of its residents and guests.

Believing that God’s promise of abundant life extends to everyone, we

demonstrate love, compassion and hope at every opportunity.

Crown Point Christian Village is one of thirteen communities whose parent company is Christian Homes, Inc. (CHI). CHI is a faith-based, notfor-profit with communities located in four Midwestern states. CHI has been providing compassionate care for older adults since 1962. For more information, please log on to www. crownpointchristianvillage.org.

Original CCV sign.

CCV exterior at the start of construction in 1990.

Makers of the CCV.

Country Line Road separating Lake and Porter counties originally meandered through Four Seasons prior to the spring of 1966. Which road in LOFS is actually built on top of the old County Line Road? A) Brandywine; B) Sandy Beach; C) Beach View D) Country Club Answer: B) Sandy Beach... County Line crossed through Brandywine and entered Country Club but exited onto LOFS Country Club’s 9th Hole; then cut through Lake Holiday and through a section of Beach View, into the Party Cove and onto Sandy Beach Road.

LOFS Trivia!

CCV exterior at the start of construction in 1990.

LOCAL CHURCHES & BUSINESSES 173

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174 LOCAL CHURCHES & BUSINESSES

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LOCAL CHURCHES & BUSINESSES 175

PART 9

celebrating 50 years lOFS 50th celebrations & photos. ................................. 177 Pay it forward with jay robison................................... 187 50th anniversary Bronze Sponsors. ............................ 188 50th Anniversary family Donors.................................. 190

ANNIVERSARY 1966 - 2016

176 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS

LOFS 50th Celebrations Contributed By Lori DuPratt

LOFS 50th Committee. From left to right, Backrow: Jack Grveles, Sally Lugo, Dawn Shepard, Rick Cleveland, Sam Farina, Diann Tsikouris. Middle row: Valerie Gernenz, Renate Sahulcik, Connie Black. Bottom row: Lori DuPratt, Colette Perez. Not pictured: Marge Wilke, Sharon Palmeri

W

hen asked to be the chairperson for the Lakes of the Four Seasons 50th Anniversary celebrations this past January, I have to admit I was terrified!

Contemplating... how in the world do you organize celebrations for a community of approximately 8,000 not to mention their guests? Not being given a whole lot of time, nor money... it all seemed baffling. However, with positive support and encouragement from my husband, Jim, and our two children, Sky and Nathan, I accepted.

I truly felt—what an incredible honor it was... realizing the faith and trust given to me to plan our LOFS 50th Anniversary events.

To be clear—I am not a professional event planner. Nor have I ever planned anything to this magnitude! What I do have is passion for what I love to do... and that is volunteering and giving a creative aspect to projects I take on.

I needed to organize a committee.

What better way to do so than to utilize people from LOFS clubs and organizations, along with longtime residents. Your 50th Anniversary Committee consisted of: myself, Valerie Gernenz (Food & Beverage), Sam Farina (Photography Club), Marge Wilke (WGA Secretary), Renate Sahulcik (Keenagers), Jack Grveles (Fishing Club), Sharon Palmeri (Writers Club), along with Dawn Shepard, Colette Perez and Connie Black (Assistants), Sally Lugo (Book sales, contributing writer, and Board Liaison) and last but not least, Community Manager Rick Cleveland who provided valuable direction and input.

Lakes of the Four Seasons celebrated its 50th anniversary with a variety of special activities planned by these volunteers to recognize this milestone.

July 4, 1966 LOFS developers held

its “Grand Opening.” It seemed only fitting to chose and celebrate our 50th year over our 4th of July 2016 long weekend.

Our first mission was to get out there and find advertising sponsors as well as family donors. It became a full-time job! We chose only to approach LOFS business owners or those located within Winfield. Advertisers were offered various size ads that would be integrated throughout the book, along with: having their business name printed on 50th Anniversary t-shirts, a banner, in “The Seasonal,” and more importantly this book! I cannot emphasize the number of ad sponsors and family donors we talked with to get “the word out there!” Soon our emails were flooded and our phones started ringing with those wanting to participate... or just help in some way. A huge thank you to YOU our sponsors, donors, and volunteers!

Next, we began planning events and book content. We divided our efforts... some focused on “events” while others focusing on book “content.” Then the unexpected happened. We received phone calls from Florida, California, Arizona, Washington DC, Colorado, and Southern Indiana. They were family or friends who moved away from The Seasons... but who still kept in touch in some way and wanted to participate! Some ordered books, some bought tickets to our Gala, and some even were guest speakers and rode in the parade!

We kicked-off our 50th Anniversary Celebrations with a Summer Concert on June 30th. The band, Compass, with Rick Vajelo and his amazing sound & light show was a HUGE hit! This was OUR celebration! An estimated fifteen hundred residents and friends partied well into the night and took advantage of purchasing

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS 177

50th Anniversary memorabilia, such as: t-shirts, koozies, beach towels, and book pre-orders.

An Elegant 50th Anniversary Gala entertained partygoers July 2nd at the Clubhouse. Diann Tsikouris beautifully decorated the ballroom for over two-hundred guests. Men arrived dressed all dapper, several in tuxedos!

Ladies chose to wear a variety of beautiful dresses and gowns. It was an opportunity to bring on the “BLING!” Guests walked a “red carpet” for their photo-op—and enjoyed hors d’oeuvres while Jazz Band “Martini Lunch” entertained. During the sit down dinner special guests: Vince Lazar, member of LOFS “First Family,” Developer Bruce Swift Jr, and LOFS Attorney of forty-seven years, Ted Fitzgerald, shared past memories and LOFS history. Longtime resident and volunteer Renate Sahulcik entertained with her witty stories.

Master of Ceremonies Jay Robison did not miss an opportunity to throw in a humorous “roast” or “toast!” Guests took home a photo souvenir along with golden memories. It truly was an amazing “Golden Celebration!”

Sunday, July 3rd the celebrations continued with a 50th Anniversary LOFS Pig Roast/BBQ and the LEA Water Sports Association Show! A strong breeze created small white caps on Lake Holiday and a challenge to performing water skiers, but the show was a big hit with all. At the same time the cool summer day was “perfect” for partygoers... maybe just a little too perfect. We debated long and hard on how much food to purchase. If it rained... the 19th Hole and Clubhouse Restaurants would be serving pork specials and brats for months! We looked at the attendance of past events and settled hoping 1,000 to 1,500 would attend. Well... again, with Mother Nature gracing us with a most

178 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS

beautiful day our party swelled to wellover 3,500! Security had more than 4,000 cars come through just the front gate! Our LOFS clubs, sports leagues, and resident business owners were our vendors. The fundraisers along with the kid’s zone with jump houses and face painting entertained the young. Adults rocked the night away under that enormous party tent! The “Righteous Hillbillies “band kicked off with a pre-show. Then 5:00 o’clock hit and the show began while “Shotgun Whiskey” entertained with a little bit of “country.” Overdue Band rocked the night away with a lot of “rock & roll”. Rick Vajelo, in charge of stage, sound, and lighting, added fuel to the fire... but in a good way!

But the party wasn’t a party without the surprise “50¢ Beers for 50 Years!”

Amazingly, we never ran out of beer!

However, the food, well that was another story. The food line moved quickly but the line never stopped. In fact, it grew and grew and grew... to the point that eventually 750 lbs. of pork and 300 lbs. of brats, hot dogs, and side dishes did run out around 8:15 p.m. “BUT WE DID IT!” We met our goal... to have as many people, both residents and non-residents, enjoy this celebration day! This day was to show our greater community “HEY LOOK AT WHO WE ARE! This is how we celebrate... and without incident I might add!!!! WE ARE THE LAKES OF THE FOUR SEASONS! Where family and friends come together... not because we have to... but because we want to... we are all family “in-side the gates! WE ARE A COMMUNITY UNLIKE ANY OTHER! The Lions gave us all a bit of a break hosting the “50th Anniversary Lions Day Parade!” People said “It was the best parade of its time!” There were dozens of fire engines, ladder trucks, and emergency vehicles from all over!

LOFS Security led the parade. Security Officer from the early `70s Wayne Derdowski came from St. Augustine, Florida to ride in the parade once again. There were several vintage cars... including Bruce Penrod’s “The Bobbi.” Dolly Swift’s family filled not one, but two brand new convertibles... and they all wore the familiar “Swift Smiley Face” t-shirts giving out a few hundred pounds of candy. Carts and floats decorated in red, white & blue showed off patriotic pride.

Others chose to go with the LOFS 50th Anniversary theme. We ended the night with the most amazing, outstanding and memorable “golden” fireworks show! The venue was at the Clubhouse Beach. Some fireworks appeared to shoot straight up from the water! Patriotic music played to the beat of the fireworks. You have to admit... this was the best 4th of July in all our 50 years!!!

Then there is our “50th Anniversary Historical/Memorabilia” book we hope you’re enjoying. Last February we pondered... where do you start? Who would write all the articles and what would they be about? Where do you get facts? Can we find old photos, whose do we use (knowing we can’t possibly include everyone). How many pages should there be? Checking things out it seemed unaffordable to make your cost as low as possible. Along the way we had a resident tell us... I am going to say a prayer or two for you girls... well that worked! Advertisers, family sponsors, and long-time residents with both facts and artifacts came forth. People offered to help. A couple wrote a check, asking for nothing. So, although it did seem baffling in the beginning apparently someone had a “higher plan.” It was not easy—but we were “willing workers” and “the book” began to form.

I cannot imagine what the founding members of LOFS may have envisioned about the development and growth of this community back in 1966. But what I can imagine is that, although we pause to celebrate 50 years, going forward LOFS will continue to advance, and the collective efforts of this community will continue to impact who we are and where we are going.

Thank you everyone who has helped in some way. Thank you for all the support from the over-whelming number of residents who we’ve come to know better. We’ve made a few new friends along the way and we want you to know... you mean so much to us.

On behalf of the 50th Anniversary Committee, may I extend our most sincere wishes “Happy 50th Anniversary LOFS.”

50th Anniversary committee members.

50th anniversary Summer Concert "the Kickoff" June 30, 2016

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50 th anniversary Gala July 2, 2016

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50 th anniversary pig roast/bbq July 3, 2016

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50 th anniversary lions day parade July 4, 2016

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Pay it Forward:

Supporting our Community through Leadership & Volunteerism Contributed By Jay Robison, 2016 Board of Director President

I

Jay Robison and family.

n 1999 my wife, Patty, and I moved to LOFS to raise our five children. We were looking for a home with a school system, which would accommodate all our children’s sports activities. After looking at over fifty homes in Crown Point and Valparaiso, we found the home and ideal place to raise our family, LOFS. Our family has played at the ball fields (organized or not), been members of our pool, members of the golf course and Jr. Golf program.

We still are active boaters enjoying our lakes in all kinds of ways. So, you could say we are have gotten our money’s worth out of all our amenities.

Thursday night concerts certainly have been a great addition to LOFS line up of events, and have given our family, as well as others—adults and children, another place to gather during the summer. They allow us to meet up with friends, swim, play volleyball, bags or tag, or to just get some good

grilled food and enjoy some music.

LOFS July 4th celebrations have always been like no other, period! We have made awesome friends here and we take care of each other. Sometimes they live next door; sometimes our children have introduced us; other times mutual interests have brought us together. It has been a great ride so far, and our entire family truly feels blessed to have live in Lakes of the Four Seasons.

Since that decision seventeen years ago, we have remained active in our community.

We’ve helped carry forward and improve on what has been built over the last 50 years. We’ve served and still support Girls’ Softball, Boy’s Baseball, and the MGA (Men’s Golf Association). Last year, I decided to run for the board of directors. Having been elected I now serve as president.

This has given me an interesting vantage point to understand fully what a great community we live in

with great people, great staff, and folks willing to insure that the next 50 years are equally as successful as our first half century.

I remember several years ago, while serving the MGA as president, putting together a summary for the annual POA meeting. The summary was to include our accomplishments. I tried to total an estimate of what the MGA had given back to the community since its inception. I referred to the fact that, at that time, the MGA had donated back to the community a little more than $250,000. Monies, donated towards projects, scholarships, and other various endeavors. Each year this annual report appears in “The Seasonal” and after reading, it, one of our senior members, Glenn Rogers, mentioned to me that my estimate may be far off of the actual total! He went on to explain that I failed to mention all the donated “time and labor” given by our membership. He further explained not only did they devote time and labor, but their personal money and materials as well! The MGA has helped construct, build and design areas on the golf course. One example he spoke of was the bridge on hole #10. David Driver of Munster Steel donated the materials and Rick Morin of R&M Construction donated the heavy equipment and expertise needed. Many MGA members helped work on that project to help construct the bridge and put the planks in as well as paint it. Glenn went on to say there are many such stories which have happened over the years. He emphasized it wasn’t the monetary donation, but blood, sweat, hard work and countless hours towards making our Lakes of the Four Seasons golf course not just an amenity, but a “show case” for our community. LOFS is an awesome place to live because our residents have taken ownership and made it what it is today. Our

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS 187

community and volunteers have built the sports fields, playgrounds, helped maintain the lakes and beaches, organized special events within our gates, and the list goes on and on. It is a wonderful place to brag about and our guests are amazed when they visit!

Glenn Rogers’ recap was eye opening to me in terms of how things are changing in our world. Our community looks to these challenges as we look toward another 50 years.

Volunteerism and the willingness “to get involved” and grow LOFS’ future is crucial in keeping it new and fresh and a place our children and grandchildren will want to call home! This is no small task when today, in many cases, both parents are working. Our children’s activities take more and more time than ever before. This year’s POA board election only brought out two volunteers to run for three available seats. Our softball program almost ceased to exist after years of success!

If it had not been for our strong baseball program, girls’ softball would

the true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit.

~ Nelson henderson ~ have ended after decades of existence.

These are two prime examples of my concerns. In today’s time, many people can find in their hearts to donate money towards a cause. What is also necessary, however, is finding those willing volunteers to donate their time.

This 50th Anniversary Book is full of such stories, stories about our “LOFS Pioneers.” It was their dedication, hard work, and time they gave which allow us to enjoy what we enjoy today.

People like Coach and Charlotte Bennett, Rob and Rose Dado, and so many countless others. Those who organized our Volunteer Fire Force, they are the ones to whom I am grateful as we now enjoy the fruits of their labor. I also look at our more

recent leaders and board presidents... volunteers like Tom Peters and Herb Rogers. They, along with their fellow board members, have seen us through some extremely tough times and tough economies and brought us to the healthy state we are today. I look to times that are more current; such as this year, witnessing the unbelievable job Lori DuPratt, Sally Lugo, and the entire 50th Anniversary Committee have accomplished. Our community could not have celebrated our past 50 years in any bigger way!

“I see the basis for what we need to continue and build on over the next 50 years. I look at what my own family has experienced in our short seventeen years. I hope those “within our gates” will see that volunteerism and strong leadership is what built this community. I further hope they will find it in their hearts to find the time, no matter how small, to pay it forward to our future generations.

Thank You to our Bronze Sponsors Karas Insurance – Erie Ins Compass Band Overdue Band Shotgun Whiskey Band Chef Nick’s Eatery Levin Tire Center – Winfield Winfield Ace Hardware Currie Motors of Valparaiso Indiana Furniture & Mattress Lake County Window Cleaning Inc. Kauffman Chiropractic Diann Tsikouris

188 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS

Early `50s

2016 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS 189

Thank You to our Family Donors David & Janet Allen David & Alice Allen & Family Gregory & Debra Amos Carl & Linda Anderson Marshall Anderson Rod & Cheryl Atteberry & Families Donald & Denise Bacchus P.G. & Barbara Bailey Family Walter Baran & Family Ed & Kathy Barnette Bruce & Nancy Beck George & Pam Behnle Dennis & Eleanore Bekeza Eric & Shannon Benko & Family John (Coach B.) & Charlotte Bennett Gerry & Sue Bishop Andy & Connie Black & Family Edgar & Eleanor Blair Pat & Sue Blair & Family Monica Bly Bill & Barb Borys & Family Chris & Kim Brownlee Joe & Joni Bucci Mary Cavallini James & Sharon Chlebek Juan & Neida Clavijo The Coppinger Family Dean & Shawn Coveris & Family Robert & Rose Dado Joanne & Ken Dahlin Almeda Davis Charles & Jeanne De Las Casas John & Maxine DeGregorio Dick & Joan DeLor Derdowski Family John & Patty Desmaretz The Doyle Family David Driver III

190 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS

John & Sharon Dull Jim & Lori DuPratt & Family Terry & Paula Ebersberger Scott & Timburley Ecklund & Family Ron & Linda Eisenhauer Dennis & Alice Erickson Mike & Marian Farina Sam & Kelly Farina & Family Dan & Dawn Faron Nick & Sherry Gasparovic Mrs. Thomas Gehring & Daughters Michael & Valerie Gernenz Don & Sue Gibson Esther P Goldman Bob & Diane Greaney John & Mary Grveles & Family Ken & Jodi Hall David & Kathy Halterman Dan & Lynn Harnois & Family Elmer Hart Bob & Carole Herm Rick & Angela Higginbotham Georgene Johnson & Family Bob & Lori Joyce & Family Kachaturoff Family Janet Katich Bob & Linda Kavalunas Robert Keller Reggie & Gleycine Kelly Edward & Patricia Kennelly & Family Don & Loretta Kirkendorfer Richard & Nancy Klavas & Family Donna Kmetz Walt & Linda Koblack Chris & Linda Korzeniewski & Family Clayton & Shirley Krieger Wayne & Linda Kroner & Families John & Valerie Lachowicz & Family

Kurt & Leann Langbehn & Family Eli & Judy Lazar & Family Ken & Mitzi Levander Dean & Terri Lichtenfeld & Family Bruce & Lori Lichtenfeld & Family Robert & Mary Ann Lippner & Family Lee & Sally Lugo Lee & Jill Mansch Anthony & Meredith Mansch Jean M Marthaler & Family Michael & Linda Mason Bruce & Diane McFadden McQuen Family Mark & Gretchen Mercer & Family Ray & Kathy Miranda & Family Robert & Marlene Moreth Rick & Rita Morin James Morris & Family Michael & Dawn Nastoff Thomas & Joanne Nastoff The Naulty Family Eric & Sue Newman The Nix Family Vic Nowicki Family The O’Malley Family Chip & Rae Ann Ostenberg John & Sharon Palmeri Terrence & Margarita Panczuk Parkhouse Family Ronald & Cynthia Paulsin & Family Bruce Penrod & Family Craig & Amy Philp Jeff & Kathy Piekut Lawrence & Lorraine Pietrowicz Pete & Betty Polomchak & Family Ross & Nancy Porter Clay & Tina Putnam & Family Rob & Kim Rabelhofer Ricci Family Keith & Milly Rich Jay & Patricia Robison The Romanak Family Brian & Glenda Romer

Sharron Rothe David & Denise Roti Ryan/Vandenburgh Families Tony & Renate Sahulcik & Family Sharon Salerno & Family Timothy & Dawn Shepard & Family Charles & Carolyn Shields & Family Rich & JoEllen Simoni Bill & Linda Stack Frank & Joyce Staudohar & Family Tom & Sharon Strbjak Rich & Beth Sullivan Ryan & Shannon Sutton & Family The Family of Bruce Swift Sr Jack & Beth Thompson & Family Jason Thompson John & Carol Thorsen & Family Dave & Kathy Tooredman Frank II & Sandra Trapane Frank P III & Whitney Trapane & Family Stephen & Brenda Trotto Tsikouris Family Bill & Debi Tucker Rocky & Debbie Ursitti & Family Tad & Patsy Valdez Jeff & Brenda Versnel & Family Vernon & Roberta Vierk The Warmelink Family James Washausen & Family The Family of Dale Waters Jim & Phyllis Wayco Tom & Stasia Wefler The Howard Weiss Family Dr Michael & Marquita White Kurt & Caryn Whitehead Herb & Donna Whitehead Carl & Marge Wilke Rich & Deb Wold Jim & Barb Wood Rich & Kathy Zackiewicz Paul & Geline Znika Brad & Michelle Zupan

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS 191

Full aeiral view of Lakes of the Four Seasons, 1983.

192 CELEBRATING 50 YEARS