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page 4 Nature Conservancy Assists MWRD in Battling Flooding

Say I saw it in The Shopper First Merchants Bank Grants $ to Habitat for Humanity of NWI

This May, Cook County was pummeled with relentless rain, causing severe flooding, basement backups, inundated streets and sewer overflows. Thanks to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District’s (MWRD) recently updated Watershed Management Ordinance and, to battle flooding’s harmful effects on both nature and people, The Nature Conservancy in Illinois (TNC) and the Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) unveiled a new program, coined StormStore, which aims to expand the use of natural flooding solutions, like rain gardens, green roofs and bioswales.

New developments in Cook County, such as apartment buildings or retail spaces, are required by ordinance to manage stormwater runoff on their sites. However, these onsite control options are often problematic or come with a large price tag. StormStore is a credit trading system, meaning site developers with limited stormwater options can buy credits from landowners, such as community centers, churches, businesses or schools, that have the ability and space to support more stormwater via their natural infrastructure.

The local community sites holding extra stormwater can sell this capacity to developers, both financially benefitting from their existing stormwater management and further supporting the local environment. As such, StormStore aims to stimulate economic growth in watershed communities while helping them improve stormwater management and increase green infrastructure projects to store water.

“This program benefits both parties,” said Jen Jenkins, Natural Infrastructure Project Manager with TNC. “Developers can continue new site plans without adding pricey control systems, and local landowners can continue creating green infrastructure to reduce flooding in their neighborhoods and get reimbursed for their expenses.”

Currently, StormStore is in a pilot phase in two areas heavily impacted by stormwater challenges and with sufficient supply and demand to support this market-based program: the Lower Des Plaines and Little Calumet watershed areas.

“StormStore is a great way for developers to get involved with the local community,” said

Senior Bridge Club

Now online—come join the fun! Tuesdays from 4:00pm – 6:00pm; Sundays from 1:30pm – 3:30pm; (708)-849-2385 You must have a Dolton Public Library Card.

Registration Steps

1. FIND THE BRIDGE BASE ONLINE (BBO) LINK • Go to the American Bridge Association • Scroll down to the area called “Learn” • connect to the BBO (Bridge Base Online) link https://www.bridgebase.com/ 2. JOIN FOR FREE: REGISTER ON BRIDGE BASE ONLINE (BBO) • Create your username/password • Confirm your password • Enter your email • Select your skill level and country Ryan Wilson, Manager of Water Resources with MPC. “We’re hoping as many eligible projects in these pilot areas as possible participate and purchase credits, and in turn aid these neighborhoods in mitigating floods and supporting the local environment.”

Learn more about how to get involved in the program by visiting MPC’s StormStore website. To join an informational session about how to get involved in the program, follow this link. The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental nonprofit working to create a world where nature and people thrive. Founded in 1951, and thanks to more than a million members and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff including more than 400 scientists, The Nature Conservancy is one of the most effective and wide reaching environmental organizations in the world. Conservation initiatives are advanced through land and water protection and restoration initiatives as well as addressing climate change. The Nature Conservancy’s work spans more than 70 countries across six continents. In Illinois, The Nature Conservancy has helped protect more than 86,000 acres across the state since its inception more than 60 years ago with a particular focus on conservation of the prairies, savannas, forests, wetlands, lakes, and rivers that dot its landscape. For more information, visit https://www.nature. org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/unitedstates/illinois/.

Since 1934, the Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) has been dedicated to shaping a more equitable, sustainable and prosperous greater Chicago region. As an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, MPC serves communities and residents by developing, promoting and implementing solutions for sound regional growth. While MPC works to solve today’s urgent problems— with a focus on economic development, vibrant neighborhoods, quality housing and transportation choices and well-managed natural assets— the organization consistently thinks ahead to prepare the region for the needs of tomorrow. Efforts are grounded in the greater Chicago metropolitan region, including northeastern Illinois, northwestern

Dolton Public Library Online

Indiana and southeastern Wisconsin. • Check the box to agree to the terms • Click to Register 3. CALL (708)-849-2385 TO REGISTER Leave avoicemail with • your BBO username • your email • your phone number • your name You will receive an email invitation.

Summer Reading Program

June 22-August 3. This year’s summer reading program will be through Read Squared! Download the Read Squared app for Android, iPhone, or laptop/PC. You will vitually check out books and gain points for prizes and rewards. Questions? Call Youth Services at 708- 849-2385 ext. 4 Mon-Fri, 9a, - 1pm. Leave a voicemail with your name and phone number for a return call.

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Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana announced today that it received a $5,000 matching grant from First Merchant Bank’s Covid19 Response Fund. First Merchants Bank will match any gift of $50 or more to Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana dollar for dollar. Funds will be used to provide volunteers and staff with PPE, sanitizers and cleaning products to use on home build sites and at Habitat ReStore’s in Merrillville and Griffith, Indiana.

In addition to building affordable homes with and for struggling, working families, Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana operates two ReStores in Lake County. ReStores accept new and gently used home building materials to resell at a deep discount. Each ReStore helps to support the mission of Habitat, building homes, community and hope.

“Protection for volunteers, staff and customers are of the utmost concern. Being able to prepare for the ongoing pandemic and maintain safe environments for everyone we engage with is not only the right thing to do, it is key to ongoing operations. We are grateful for the opportunity to have funds matched from First Merchants Bank to purchase much needed PPE and disinfectants. The financial impacts due to the covid19 pandemic has been significant, especially due to the unbudgeted needs we now face,” said Dawn Michaels, Executive Director of Habitat.

“The negative economic impact caused by this pandemic cannot be overstated, and First Merchants is committed to doing everything we can to assist our Lakeshore Region and our other communities during these difficult times,” said First Merchants Regional President, Dale S. Clapp.

To contribute to Habitat for Humanity of NW Indiana’s Covid19 Response Matching Grant, go to https://bit.ly/

In alignment with the Governors’ orders, Franciscan Health Fitness Centers has reopened with phases for safety. The phased strategy implements specific measures to ensure the safety and well-being of members and staff. All three Clubs have now re-opened, with the Chicago Heights location being the latest on June 15th.

The Chesterton and Schererville Clubs, following the Indiana Governor’s guidance, are in Phase Two and are offering limited land and aquatic Group Exercise classes. The Locker Rooms and the walking/running tracks are now available for Member’s use.

In the Chicago Heights Club, currently in Phase One or their re-opening strategy, Members and staff are required to wear face masks while in the facility unless they are working out. Group Exercise classes are open with proper social distancing. Pools, Locker Rooms, KIDZONE and Café are not available for use during this Phase.

Things look very different in the Clubs. Upon entering the facilities, Staff and members have temperatures taken with temperatures of 100.0 or higher not being allowed access to the gym. As always, cleaning and sanitizing is a major focus and the detailed re-open

FAMILY FEATURES

Grilled meals provide a summer escape for many families by offering opportunities to spend moments together while enjoying flavorful dishes. As Americans face uncertainty in many aspects of life, one place they should be able to turn to for normalcy is food.

One option that checks boxes including comfort, fun, taste and variety: seafood. As a nutritious protein available across the country, it is versatile and can be paired with a variety of cuisines and flavors. Options range from salmon and shrimp to crab, tuna and more.

To encourage hungry Americans to enjoy the many benefits of eating seafood, the “Eat Seafood America” campaign offers these reasons to add fish, shrimp and more to your matchforcovidhabitat or visit nwihabitat. org/donate.

Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana is the leading organization that provides permanent, affordable housing to income-qualified families in Lake County Indiana. By serving qualified homeowners with an affordable mortgage, we help families achieve housing stability and improve their living conditions. HFHNWI’s operating expenses are funded in part by our two ReStores’ located in Gary and Merrillville through the sales of gently used and new home furnishings and materials. This enables the financial contributions of our donors to go directly toward serving families. HFHNWI leverages our resources with community partners, collaborators and volunteers to keep our housing affordable. HFHNWI was formed in July of 1986 by Reverend Dick Rogers and has served over 110 families. We continue work toward our vision; where everyone has a decent place to live. First Merchants Corporation is the largest financial services holding company located in Central Indiana. We provide our customers with broad financial services delivered locally by bankers who are known and trusted in their communities. We offer personal banking, business banking, mortgage lending, treasury management services, and wealth management. First Merchants Bank serves Adams, Allen, Brown, Carroll, Clinton, Delaware, Fayette, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Henry, Huntington, Jasper, Jay, Johnson, Lake, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Miami, Montgomery, Morgan, Porter, Randolph, Shelby, Tippecanoe, Union, Wabash, Wayne, Wells, and White counties in Indiana, Cook and DuPage counties in Illinois, Monroe and Wayne counties in Michigan, and Butler and Franklin counties

Franciscan Health Fitness Centers Open to Members

in Ohio. plans include members having a part to play in keeping the Club environment safe. Fill stations have replaced water fountains and bottled water is also for sale.

“As medically based Fitness Centers, we have the benefit of our Franciscan Alliance healthcare experts, which includes a team of infectious disease doctors, who have guided, vetted and support our re-opening regimen. In addition, we adhere closely to the guidelines set forth by the CDC and the States of Indiana and Illinois,” states a welcome back letter sent to all Members in the last several weeks. All clubs look to move into their next respective phase on July 5th, barring no setbacks, with the understanding the advancement is subject to change if a new direction is provided by our respective Governor’s.

Franciscan Health Fitness Centers are located at 810 Michael Drive, Chesterton, IN, 219-983-9832, 100 W. 197th Place, Chicago Heights, IL 708-755-3020, and 221 US Hwy 41, Suite A, Schererville, IN 219-865-6969

Anyone interested in a membership or taking a tour should call the location of their

Seafood for Summer Meals

choice for an appointment. menu: * Whether you order online, head to a store or purchase fresh from a local fisherman, seafood is widely available. * Seafood works for a variety of dishes and cooking methods, such as these recipes for Easy Shrimp Skewers, a light and hasslefree family meal, or Seared Salmon with Mediterranean Salsa, a fun spin on cowboy caviar. * Seafood provides essential nutrients that support immune health, such as omega-3s that may even help reduce anxiety, according to research published by “The Journal of the American Medical Association.” * Purchasing seafood supports 2 million American jobs for men and women who follow high levels of food safety practices to Continued on pg 8