Valparaiso
Fact Book 2016 A guide to local government, resources, events and more
A special publication of Kankakee Valley Publishing
Page 2 • Valparaiso Fact Book 2016
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Valparaiso Fact Book 2016 • Page 3
Table of Contents Valparaiso facts. . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 City government . . . . . . . . . . . 5 History of Valparaiso . . . . . . . . . .6 Porter County Museum . . . . . . . . 7 Memorial Opera House . . . . . . . 8 Valparaiso Transportation . . . . . . 9 Parks and Recreation. . . . . . . . .10
Police Department . . . . . . . . . . .12 Valpo Fire Department. . . . . . . . 13 Valparaiso Schools . . . . . . . . . . .13 Valparaiso University . . . . . . . .14 Valparaiso YMCA . . . . . . . . . . 16 Community Philanthropy . . . . . 17 Total pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
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Page 4 • Valparaiso Fact Book 2016
VALPARAISO
FACTS
DID YOU KNOW?
A few facts about Valparaiso, Indiana • Valparaiso is the county seat of Porter County in Northwest Indiana. • According to the US Census Bureau, the estimated population in 2015 was 32,626, an increase of 257 from 2014. • Median household income 2010-2014 was $49,656 in 2014 dollars. • Per capita income in past 12 months in 2014 dollars is $25,002. • Persons in poverty, percent 16.1 percent according to the US Census Bureau. • Valparaiso was included in a purchase of land by the United States Government from the Potowatami Indians in 1832. • Valparaiso means “Valley of Paradise” in old Spanish. It was once called Portersville, established in 1836, and was renamed in 1837, after David Porter, the county’s namesake, fought in the Battle of Valparaiso during the War of 1812. It is named after the city of the same name in Chile. • Valparaiso sits on the site of the Sauk Trail, which ran from Rock Island, Illinois, through northwest Indiana to Detroit, Michigan. • Valparaiso has a mayor and a seven person city council representing five districts
with two at-large seats. • Valparaiso is home to Valparaiso University, founded in 1859. It is also home to a branch of Ivy Tech State College. • Valparaiso is a transportation hub, located midway between Chicago and South Bend with access to the South Shore rail line, ChicaGo Dash and its own V-Line bus system. It is situated along US Hwy. 30, State Road 49 and State Road 2. • Lincoln Highway, US 30, was the first coast to coast roadway in the country. Valparaiso became part of that route. A marker designating such sits in front of the city hall (pictured below). • The median value of owneroccupied housing units (20102014) is $165,500. The median selected monthly owner costs – with mortgage (2010-2014)
is $1,325. Median selected monthly owner costs -without mortgage (2010-2014) - $449. Median gross rent (2010-2014) - $840. • Education in Valparaiso, according to the US Census Bureau of Education: High school graduate or higher, percent of persons age 25 years+, (20102014) is 92.6 percent, Bach-
elor’s Degree or higher, percent of persons age 25 years+ (20102014) is 35.9 percent. • In civilian labor force, total, percent of population age 16 years+, (2010-2014) is 60.9 percent. In civilian labor force, female, percent of population age 16 years+, (2010-2014) is 54.1 percent. • Total accommodation and food service sales 2012 $107,638. • Total health care and social assistance receipts/revenue, 2012 is $313,333 • Total manufacturers’ shipments, 2012 is $959,112. • Total merchant wholesaler sales 2012 is $236,553. Total retail sales, 2012 is $854,605. Total retail sales per capita, 2012 is $26,695.
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Valparaiso Fact Book 2016 • Page 5
VALPARAISO
GOVERNMENT
City Hall offices keep Valpo moving forward The City of Valparaiso is governed by the mayor and a seven member city council. Day to day operations are under the city administrator. Mayor Jon Costas has been the mayor of Valparaiso since 2004. Prior to becoming mayor, he was an at-large councilman for the city beginning in 1985. He is a long-term resident of Valparaiso, and is a 1975 graduate of Valparaiso High School. He received his BA from St. Joseph’s College in Rensselaer and his law degree from Valparaiso University School of Law, specializing in Elder Law. He is an adjunct professor at the law school. The city council members are District 1: Diana Reed, District 2: Robert Cotton, District 3: Matt Murphy, District 4: Lenore Hoffman, District 5: John Bowker and two at-large members: Trista Hudson and Deb Porter. The council meets the second and fourth Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in Valparaiso City Hall, located at 166 Lincolnway, downtown Valparaiso. The city administrator is Bill Oeding. He reports directly to the mayor and is responsible for implementing policy directives of both the mayor and the city council. As administrator, he is also responsible for strategic planning, financial management and citywide communication. He coordinates daily operations in the following departments: engineering, human resources, information technology (IT), parks and recreation, planning, public works, project management and utilities. Oeding worked for the city as director of public works before attaining the position of city administrator. His office is at city hall.
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Mayor Jon Costas
Clerk/Treasurer Sharon Swigart
Diana Reed Dist. 1
Robert Cotton Dist. 2
Matt Murphy Dist. 3
John Bowker Dist. 5
Lenore Hoffman Dist. 4
Trista Hudson At-Large
Deb Porter At-Large
To reach city hall, call 219-462-1161. The Valparaiso City Hall is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The mayor’s email is mayorcostas@valpo. us. His executive assistant, Lori Good, can be reached at the city hall number or through email at lgood@valpo.us. The fax number for city hall is 219-462-4273. The city clerk/treasurer is Sharon Swihart (sswihart@valpo.us). She is the fiscal officer for the city. The city clerk/treasurer position is an elected office. Currently, there are five full time employees including Swihart, and two part time employees. The office can be reached at the city hall number and is open during regular city hall hours. See GOVERNMENT, page 15
Bill Oeding City Administrator
Page 6 • Valparaiso Fact Book 2016
VALPARAISO
HISTORY
The State of Indiana was known as Indian territory because it was a rendezvous point for many Indian tribes. The first pioneers ventured through this area about 1670. The first settler in the area was a French-Canadian named Joseph Bailley, who in 1822 established a thriving fur post on the shore of Lake Michigan about 12 miles north of what is now Valparaiso. The site of the present City of Valparaiso was included in purchase of the land from the Potawatomi Indians by the U.S. government in October of 1832. Valparaiso, first known as Portersville, was located on a glacial moraine (now known as the Valparaiso Moraine) and the ancient Sauk Indian Trail from Rock Island, Illinois, to Detroit, Michigan. The first log cabin was built in 1834. In 1836, the state general assembly separated the county from LaPorte County and named it Porter County. In 1836, the first commissioners were appointed and asked to locate a site for the county seat. The town of Portersville was quickly divided and platted and the town grew. It was considered the appropriate name for the county seat, because the county was named in honor of Commodore David Porter of the U.S. Navy. During the Battle of Valparaiso (Chile), Captain David Porter, aboard the U.S. Frigate Essex, suffered defeat at the hands of two British warships within the neutral waters of Valparaiso Harbor. Although a defeat for the Americans, the battle contributed to a victorious end for the United States in the War of 1812. H.M. Skinner, an early historian, told the story of a group See HISTORY, page 18
Valparaiso Fact Book 2016 • Page 7
Preserving local history: Porter County Museum By Cheri Shelhart editor@kvpost.net
VALPARAISO — The Porter County Museum is located just off the courthouse square in downtown Valparaiso. During 2016, the museum is celebrating its 100th year, dusting off some old exhibits and bringing them out for display. The museum was begun after an exhibition of historical artifacts from the county were part of Indiana’s 100th year of statehood celebration. Owners of the artifacts neglected to pick up their items after the exhibition closed, and the museum collection was begun. Since that first milestone for Indiana, residents of Porter County have been donating items to the collection, so much so, that a second museum site is in the works. The exhibit, 100 Years 100 Objects leads visitors through the museum to discover the artifacts among the museum’s regular exhibits. The exhibit includes the museum building itself, once the county jail and sheriff’s residence. Take a walk around the west side of the building, and it is obvious it was once a prison. Inside, archeological displays now fill the small jail cells opening with the bones of a mastodon found in a field outside of Valparaiso by a farmer plowing his field. It is part of the museum’s Prehistoric Porter County exhibit. Other exhibits include the Mark Brown collection. Mark Brown, born and raised in Porter County, became an astronaut. His inspirational story and artifacts from his trips to space are on display. Broncho John Sullivan was a cowboy, performer, politician, caretaker and storyteller. He donated his Wild West collection to the Porter County Museum. Visitors can view Wild West show posters, old west era guns and rifles, clothing and much more in this collection. The “Making Her Place” exhibition tells the story of Porter County See MUSEUM, page 18
A small paint brush is ready for visitors to do some digging of their own in this display, a part of the Prehistoric Porter County exhibit.
Porter County Museum (PoCo Muse)
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Page 8 • Valparaiso Fact Book 2016
VALPARAISO
MEMORIAL OPERA HOUSE
Memorial Opera House entertaining for 123 years The Memorial Opera House was built in 1893 as a memorial to Civil War Veterans. It seats 364 people. The Memorial Opera House was added to the National Register of Historic places in 1984 and was restored in 1998. It is located at 104 Indiana Ave. in Valparaiso, Indiana. The Grand Army of the Republic wanted to build an auditorium that would be useful for Valparaiso and the county. The entrance states, “The Soldiers and Sailors of 1861-5.” Special Upcoming Events: On Friday, July 22, the opera house fund raiser takes you back to a 50’s sock hop featuring the Neverly Bros. at the Urschel Pavilion in downtown Valparaiso. Pump boys + Dinettes on June 17 and 18. A “phenomenally” entertaining event that leaves you laughing, tapping your feet, and humming the tunes while some-
how feeling refreshed. “Ain’t Misbehavin’” on August 5 and 6. Celebrate the Harlem Renaissance and the creativity, cultural awareness and pride of the 1920’s and 1930’s with some of the best talent in the region. Theater: “Grease” will be performed on July 15, 16 and 17. “Into the Woods” will be performed Sept. 16, 17, and 18. “Meet Me In St. Louis” will be performed Nov. 25, 26, and 27. Lunchtime Cabaret: “Women in Motion” Aug. 3 - An afternoon with the women who played a pivotal role in shaping Motown’s collective yet multifaceted identity. “Country at the Grand Ole Opera House” - Sept. 21. “1940’s Radio - A trip down
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Valparaiso’s Memorial Opera House is located next to the Porter County Museum.
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Memory Lane” - Nove. 9. “Have Yourselves a Merry Little Christmas at the Opera House” - Dec. 14. Children’s Theater Camps June 13 - July 9 Monday thru Thursday for Seniors June 13 – July 9 Tuesday thru
Thursday for Juniors Orchestra Holiday Pops will be performed Dec. 16, by the South Shore Orchestra. Imagine Music Series presents Shawn Mullins with special guest Chuck Cannon on Sept. 22.
Valparaiso Fact Book 2016 • Page 9
VALPARAISO
TRANSPORTATION
Valpo’s V-Line and ChicaGo Dash Valparaiso’s Transportation Department is located in City Hall at 166 Lincolnway. Taylor Wegrezyn is the transportation manager. There are two bus lines in Valparaiso, the ChicaGoDASH and the V-Line. ChicaGoDASH takes riders to Chicago and back, while the V-Line transports passengers around the city, and has a line taking passengers to the South Shore station. Monthly passes are available at the Valparaiso Village Station at 58 S. Campbell St. Tickets can be purchased starting 30 minutes prior to departure. The ticke office is open Monday through Friday, 5:30 to 7:15 a.m. ChicaGoDASH accepts Wage Works, RTA fare checks and debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, personal checks, cash and most commuter benefits debit cards.
The V-line was established in 2007 and has a number of routes throughout the city, including destinations within the campus of Valparaiso University. It is a deviated and fixed route bus service. A deviation is a departure from the scheduled route. Deviations are granted on all routes where time allows and cannot be scheduled if it delays the route any more than five minutes. To request a deviation, customers may download a deviation request form online at www. ci.valparaiso.in.gov under transportation. The ChicaGoDASH partners are the City of Valparaiso, Federal Transit Administration, Northwest Indiana Regional PC, NWI Regional Development Authority and Valparaiso Redevelopment Commission. Call 219-462-1161 or toll free
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A V-Line bus waits for riders at ValPlayso, a playground for children.
PHOTO BY CHERI SHELHART
800-326-9193. For bilingual information, call 877-746-3274. The city has five routes, all designated by a different color, green, yellow, brown, orange, red and purple. The green line operates Monday through Saturday, 6:16 a.m. to 8:15 p.m. Yellow operates Monday through Saturday, 6:18 a.m. to 8:15 p.m. Brown line hours are Monday through Saturday, 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. The Orange line operates Friday from 2:20 to 10:33 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9:10 a.m. to 11:13 p.m. The Red line runs on Fridays from 1:20 p.m. to 11:23 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 8:10 a.m. to 12:03 p.m. and the Purple line operates Monday through Saturday, 8:15
p.m. to 10:19 p.m. To view the routes and times, visit the website:www. ci.valparaiso.in.us/index. aspx?nid=520.
Page 10 • Valparaiso Fact Book 2016
VALPARAISO
PARKS & RECREATION
Valpo boasts 17 parks for fun and relaxation Valparaiso has 17 parks and a golf course for fun, play and relaxation. The parks are 200 East, Banta Park, Berkley Park, Bicentennial Park, Central Park Plaza, Forest Park, Foundation Meadows, Glenrose Park, Jessee-Pifer Park, Kirchhoff Park, Ogden Gardens Park, Old Fairgrounds Park, Rogers-Lakewood Park, Tower Park, Valplayso, Westside Park and Will Park. The Forest Park Golf Course is described on the city’s web site as a “somewhat wide open traditional parkland front nine, and a very challenging back nine that has several elevation changes and relatively small greens, Forest Park awakes the senses and challenges your skills.” Ogden Gardens features a Japanese Garden, a gazebo, trails, streams and a pond with koi. It is an oasis of beauty within the city where visitors can See PARKS, page 11
The Japanese Garden at Ogden Gardens is a colorful oasis where visitors can take a relaxing stroll around the grounds, find a waterfall and see a variety flowers and watch koi fish swim in the ponds.
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Parks, continued from page 10 relax and enjoy the views in a relaxing stroll through the park. It is located at Campbell St. and Harrison Blvd., about 3/4 mile north of Lincolnway. Central Park Plaza is located in downtown Valparaiso and offers a skating rink in the winter and a splash pad in the summer. It also houses the Porter Health Amphitheater, the William E. Urschel Pavilion and a statue of the city’s famous popcorn maker, Orville Redenbacher. Valplayso is located on the south side of Glendale Blvd., east of Roosevelt Rd. It was designed and built in 1994 by the Valparaiso community in anticipation of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Valparaiso Department of Parks and Recreation. Community participation was incorporated into all phases of the designing and building of Valplayso; more than 2,600 chil-
dren and adult volunteers shared in the experience. Energetic foundation members and committed park staff coordinated the community project. Valplayso was updated on its 20th anniversary in 2014 with more fun for children to enjoy. Old Fairgrounds Park is located at 704 McCord Rd. at Evans and Calumet Ave. It features the Butterfield Family Pavilion, a 5,000 sq. ft. building that was originally the 4-H Building when the park was once the Porter County Fairgrounds. It is available for rental. Softball fields can be found at Bicentennial Park, which also features a multi-purpose area with a basketball backstop and newly refurbished playground equipment and tennis courts. Visit the Parks Dept. web site at http://www.ci.valparaiso.in.us/ index.aspx?NID=325 to learn about all the city’s parks.
Valparaiso Fact Book 2016 • Page 11
Butterfly Meadows
ValPlayso
Statue of Orville Redenbacher
Page 12 • Valparaiso Fact Book 2016
VALPARAISO
POLICE DEPT.
Valparaiso Police serve and protect The Valparaiso Police Department is located at 355 S. Washington St. The Police Chief is Michael Brickner. Richard Spicer is the Asst. Chief and Michael DeHaven is the Captain of Patrol. The patrol division is the largest and most visible of the divisions. Patrol officers are assigned to a district in the city providing blanket coverage and enhancing response time. The city has two K-9 officers and their canine partners Cairo and Femmy. The officers are Sgt. Jerame Simpson and Officer Joe Hall. The investigation division has six detectives under the direction of Capt. Jeff Balon. The police department offers a number of community programs where citizens can get involved including the Citizens’ Police Academy.
The Valparaiso Police Department can be reached at the non-emergency number, 219-462-2135.
Valparaiso Fact Book 2016 • Page 13
VALPARAISO
FIRE DEPT. & SCHOOLS
Valparaiso Fire Dept. The Valparaiso Fire Dept. is headquartered at 2605 Cumberland Dr., Station No. 2. There are three stations in the city, Station One (above) is located at 205 Indiana Ave. Station Three can be found at County Rd. 222 North and County Rd. 250 West. Chad Dutz is the Fire Chief with Scott Arnold as Assistant Chief. Administrative hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The non-emergency number is 219-462-8325. The department was first organized in 1868.
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Valparaiso Community Schools
Valparaiso Community Schools include eight elementary schools, two middle schools and a high school. School board members are appointed by the Valparaiso City Council, with one seat on the board up for renewal every June 30. In May, the council seeks applicants from citizens interested in serving on the school board. The school corporation office is located at 3801 N. Campbell St. Rick Frataccia is the Superintendent of Schools. Julie Lauck is the Associate Superintendent and Jim McCall is the Asst. Superintendent. Sharon Qualkenbush is the Chief Financial Officer and Christina Coppinger is the director of Human Resources. The elementary schools are: Central Elementary at 305 Franklin St. It is a 4-Star School. Jeanie Sienkowski is principal. Contact the school at 219-531-3030. Cooks Corner Elementary is located at 358 Bullseye Lake Rd. Mrs. Elaina Miller is principal. The phone number is 219-531-3040. Flint Lake Elementary can be found at 4106 Calumet Ave. Principal Hawkins can be emailed at ehawkins@valpo.k12.in.us and the phone number is 219-531-3160. Dr. Bonnie Stephens is the principal at Hayes Leonard Elementary, located at 653 Hayes Leonard Rd. The phone number is 219-5313060. Memorial Elementary is located at 1052 Park Ave. Mrs. Debra Misecko is the principal. The school can be reached at 219-531-3090. Northview Elementary is located at 257 Northview Dr. The principal is Mr. Loren Hershberger. Phone 219-531-3100. Parkview Elementary is found at 1405 Wood St., and the phone number is 219-531-3110. Anne Wodetzki is the principal. Thomas Jefferson Elementary’s principal is David Muniz. The school is located at 1700 Roosevelt Rd., 219-531-3130. Benjamin Franklin Middle School is at 605 Campbell St. Christopher Fields is the principal and Andrew Sargent is the assistant principal. The number is 219-531-3020. Thomas Jefferson Middle School is located at 1600 Roosevelt Rd., 219-531-3140. Mrs. Elizabeth Krutz is the principal and Mr. Cary McKay is the assistant principal. Valparaiso High School has an average enrollment of 2,082 students in 9th through 12th grades. It is a 4-Star School, four years in a row. Dr. Reid Amones is the principal. Assistant Principals are Ashley Monroe, Michael Pavell and Dr. Veronica Tobon. Barak Coolman is the Dean of Students. The high school is located at 2727 N. Campbell St. The main office number is 219-531-3070, athletics is 219-531-3080 and attendance is 219-531-3079.
Page 14 • Valparaiso Fact Book 2016
VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY
Valparaiso University celebrates 150 years Valparaiso University is a selective, independent Lutheran institution founded in 1859. Commonly known as VU this university offers more than 70 majors and more than 40 masters and two doctorate degrees. The law school was founded in 1879 and accredited by the ABA in 1929 and the AALS in 1930. Located on the southwest side of the campus Weseman Hall Lawyering Skills Center opened in 2011. Weseman Hall was built on the site of one of the university’s oldest buildings from 1859. Valparaiso University has gone through three phases in its 150 year history. The university was originally founded by Methodists in 1859 as an institution pioneering coeducation. The Valparaiso Male and Female College was forced to close its doors in 1871 due to the reverses of the Civil War. It was revived in 1873 by Henry Baker Brown as the Northern Indiana Normal School renamed Valparaiso College in 1900 and rechartered in 1906 as Valparaiso University. The university won national recognition as a low-cost institution of higher learning. At the start of World War 1 the university once again fell on financial hardship and the Lutheran University Association purchased it in 1925 ushering in the modern era of Valparaiso’s history. Distinguished by its Lutheran heritage of scholarship, freedom, and faith, Valparaiso University continues to fulfill the dreams of these modern founders. One of the most beautiful buildings on campus is the Chapel of the Resurrection which was built in 1959 to replace the previous chapelauditorium that was destroyed by fire in 1956. The campus itself is rich with art with many amazing sculptures and murals. The student body consists of approximately 3,183 undergraduate and 1,361 law and graduate students. Areas of study include: College of Arts and Science College of Business College of Engineering College of Nursing and Health Christ College – Honors College Graduate School Law School Information from www.valpo.edu
The Chapel of the Resurrection was built at VU in 1959, after a fire destroyed the original chapel in 1956. It is one of the architectural standouts on the university campus.
PHOTO BY CHERI SHELHART
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Brauer Museum of Art The Brauer Museum of Art has a growing permanent collection from the 19th, 20th, and 21st century as well as prints, sculptures, paintings, and artwork from artists around the world. Summer exhibitions run from May 17 through August 7, and include new acquisitions in the Wehling and McGill galleries, “Images of the Dunes from the Brauer Museum’s permanent collection” in gallery 1212 and “An Artist’s Journey: Work by Area Artists Associations of Michigan City” in the West gallery. Visit Valpo.ed/brauer-museumof-art for more information about the museum and upcoming events.
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Government, continued from page 5 Boards and Commissions The City of Valparaiso has a number of boards and commissions that oversee separate areas of city business. • Board of Public Works and Safety meets the second and fourth Friday of each month at city hall. Board members are Mayor Jon Costas, Bill Oeding, Sharon Swihart and Matt Murphy. This board oversees budgetary needs and requests for the Public Works Division. • Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) meets the third Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. Board members are: Damon Colby - president, Mike Micka - vice president, Helene Pierce - secretary, Elizabeth Lynn, Diane Worstell, Robert Ordway and attorney, Patrick Lyp. • Economic Development Commission meetings are held at city hall as required. Commission members are: Patrick McGinley pmcginley@horizonbank.com, Chris Campbell - ccampbell@centier. com, Eric Garrard - 1eric.garrard@gmail.com, Tim Scannell - tscannell@scannellwealth.com and Tim Waren - twaren@centier.com. • Plan Commission meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at city hall. Commission members are Bruce Benner - president, Tim Burkman - city engineer, Trista Hudson - city council appointment, Helene Pierce - secretary, Matt Evans, Vic Ritter, Alvin Shields, Diane Worstell, Chris Emerson Borlek - park board appointment, Jim Mooney and Ethan Lowe - attorney. • Redevelopment Commission meets the second Thursday at 4:05 p.m. immediately following an executive session, whichever occurs later, at city hall. • Park Board meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Forest Park Golf Course Clubhouse, Welter Room, at 1155 Sheffield Dr. Members are: Tim Warner - president, Ric Frataccia - vice
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Valparaiso Fact Book 2016 • Page 15
president, John Siebert - secretary, T.J. Edwards and Chris Emerson Borlik. • Valparaiso City Utility Board meets the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 5 p.m. at the Valparaiso Water Dept. board room, 205 Billings St. Board members are: David Bengs - president, Mike Sur - vice president, Lori Ferngren - secretary, Mark Thiros - treasurer, Kurt Minko - assistant secretary and Make Langer - attorney. • Ethics Commission meetings are held as needed at city hall. Commission members are: James Old, Jon Smaltz - attorney, Analisa Warring - Chamber of Commerce, Mike Porter - Porter Hospital, Robert Walsh, Tim Sutherland - largest business and Bill Oeding, ethics officer for the city. The commission’s mission is to uphold the highest standards of integrity in city government. • Historic Preservation Commission meets on the third Thursday of each month or as needed. • Human Relations Council’s mission is to advance and support community inclusion. The purpose of the commission is to counsel and assist the mayor in the status of human relations in the city and identify special needs or opportunities to enhance relations. The commission is also charged with acting as a resource to the mayor when racially or ethnically motivated incidents occur, suggesting and promoting events designed to promote a better understanding of minorities and improve the human relations of residents of Valparaiso and serving as liaison between the mayor’s office and minority groups. The commission was established in 2008. • Mayor’s Advisory Council on Disability meetings are held as needed. The advisory council was established to foster public awareness and education of the needs and abilities of citizens with disabilities. It provides a forum for community issues and activities affecting the disabled. Members are: Taylor Wegrzyn - chairman, representing the planning department, Bruce Lindner - vice chairman, Matt Evans from the Public Works Department, Sandy Biggs - secretary, planning department, Julie Storbek, Sara Ehlers, Leslie Nuss Bamesberger, Roger Weitgenant and council attorney Ethan Lowe. • Site Review meets at 9 a.m. as necessary at city hall. All city departments in development and permitting reviews process are represented at the meetings. • Town/Gown committee is composed of residents of the city and faculty and students from Valparaiso University. They meet to address issues of mutual concern to the community and the university involving the faculty and students. The committee meets as required. From the city, members are Mayor Jon Costas, Police Chief Mike See BOARDS, page 18
Page 16 • Valparaiso Fact Book 2016
Valparaiso YMCA: Swim, sports, exercise and fun The Valparaiso YMCA is a state of the art facility built in 2009 and is located at 1201 Cumberland Crossing Dr. The first YMCA in Porter County was founded on the campus of Valparaiso University in 1896, and a county charter was obtained in 1946. A new outdoor, open air pavilion was added to the YMCA campus in 2012. The Valparaiso Family YMCA serves over 16,000 members. The website, valpoymca.org states, “Here, everyone has the opportunity to become healthier, more confident, and more engaged in the community.” It is open Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is open to members only on Sunday fom 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and is open from 12:30 to 6 p.m. The Y offers child watch hours so parents can exercise, swim or attend one of the Y’s programs with hours on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Programs offered include child care, aquatics, health and wellness, diabetes prevention, sports and recreation for adults and youth and programs for adults and children with special needs. Call 219-462-4185 for more information on the YMCA.
The Valpo YMCA features two pools, a lap pool and a leisure pool which has a kiddie pool (pictured above). It also has an indoor track for walking or jogging, exercise equipment, weight room and much more.
PHOTO BY CHERI SHELHART
Valparaiso Fact Book 2016 • Page 17
VALPARAISO
PHILANTHROPY
Porter County Community Foundation: Promoting philanthropy The Porter County Community Foundation is celebrating its 20th year in the county. It is a nonprofit that supports other nonprofits. They strengthen local charitable organizations by helping them build long-term sustainability, connecting nonprofits with donors and serving as a resource for education and networking. The foundation has had more than 250 nonprofit partners in its 20 years. They partner either through grants or working with the foundation to build long-term sustainability. The nonprofit partners represent a vast area of service to the community, including youth, environment, parks, education and literacy, health, social services, substance abuse and homelessness. The new Center for Community Philanthropy is planned as a “hub of philanthropic energy,” as the foundation promotes charitable giving, demonstrating that we all have the power to do good, which is fundamental to the foundation’s mission. The cornerstone for the center is a nonprofit conference center where the nonprofit organizations gather to advance their missions. The center also showcases the generosity of the community by collecting and sharing examples of local philanthropy with the goal of inspiring people to consider their own charitable legacies. The foundation partners include Hilltop Neighborhood House, Memorial Opera House, Opportunity Enterprises, Rebuilding Together Valparaiso, Portage and Hebron, South Shore Arts and many more. The foundation also supports a number of scholarship funds, awarding 269 scholarships since 1998 to further the education of
The Porter County Community Foundation’s new Center for Community Philanthropy is located at 1401 Calumet Ave. in Valparaiso.
PHOTO BY PAM RHODES
high school graduates. To learn more about the foundations, go to www.portercountyfoundation.org or call 219-465-0294.
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Page 18 • Valparaiso Fact Book 2016
Museum, continued from page 7 Boards, continued from page 15
Prehistoric Porter County is a permanent display at the Porter County Museum in Valparaiso.
PHOTO BY CHERI SHELHART
women who fought for the right to vote and women who had an impact on the county and the state, including the comic strip author, Dale Messick, of the famous strip, “Brenda Starr.” World War II is a permanent display with a collection of items from the era. The collection commemorates veterans who served. It is an educational display for all ages to learn about the importance of our military history. The museum offers workshops and programs throughout the year. Beginning June 19, the Camp Good Fellow exhibit opens and features the story of Camp Good Fellow once operated in forests outside of Indiana Dunes form 1941 to 1976. The exhibit includes photos and artifacts from camp times. In July, the museum will take part in a community art project, Story/Scape in conjunction with “The Pop-Up: A Valparaiso Art Experience.” From July 7-17, Valparaiso’s downtown businesses and organizations will host a variety of local artists. To learn more, visit www.popup.valparaisoevents.com. The Porter County Museum is located at 153 S. Franklin St. Visit the web site: pocomuse.org, email for information at info@pocomuse.org or call 219-465-3595. The museum is open Wednesday to Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and has free admission. Visit the museum gift shop before you leave!
Brickner, Curt Gill from Centier Bank, Dee Haklin from Ivy Tech Community College, John Heskett from Pfizer, Rex Richards from the Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce, Dave Rose from Horizon Bank, Pat Weil from Valparaiso High School and Chuck Worden from Centier Bank. Ex-officio members are Dr. Bonnie Hunt - assistant provost for student affairs and Dr. Tim Jenkins - dean of students. University faculty and staff on the committee are: University President Alan Harre, Larry Bass from the Political Science department, Tom Boyt from business adminstration, Jane Claiborne -assistant director of athletics for administrative services, Matt Rigenberg - social work, Dr. David Rowland - graduate studies/continuing education and Reggie Syrcle - university relations. • Traffic and Safety Committee meets the third Friday of each month at city hall and includes Mike DeHaven of the Valparaiso Police Dept., City Engineer Tim Burkman, city council liaison Lenore Hoffman, Public Works Director Matt Evans and Fire Chief Chad Dutz. The committee addresses traffic issues within the community including traffic control devices, parking concerns and street lights.
History, continued from page 6
of old sailors who stopped at Hall’s Saloon and passed the evening by telling nautical tales. One tale was of a South American seaport where Porter fought his famous battle aboard the Essex. The story surely captured the imagination and admiration of local residents, for in 1837, the town was renamed “Valparaiso,” which means “Vale of Paradise,” and a township was named Essex. It is believed that there is no other Porter County in the United States. There are several known Valparaisos in the world in places such as Columbia, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Florida, Nebraska, and Indiana. From the website: www.ci.valparaiso.in.us.
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Valparaiso Fact Book 2016 • Page 19
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Page 20 • Valparaiso Fact Book 2016