An exclusive magazine serving the Finer Neighborhoods of La Porte
September 2019
The Browns: Small Town Charm Wins
ALSO INSIDE: THE THREE FACETS FOR FALL 2019 FRESH AND SO MUCH MORE THAN FLOWERS
Cover photo by Cari Hughes Photography
HISTORIC AMBIANCE MEETS ASIAN FLARE
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SEPTEMBER 2019
“Bringing People Together”
PUBLICATION TEAM PUBLISHER: Natalie Hoepf CONTENT COORDINATOR: Rene Ray GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Robert Alexander PHOTOGRAPHER: Cari Hughes
ADVERTISING CONTACT: Natalie Hoepf EMAIL: nhoepf@bestversionmedia.com PHONE: 219-221-2689
TO SUBMIT CONTENT CONTACT: Rene Ray EMAIL: rray@bestversionmedia.com
FEEDBACK/IDEAS/SUBMISSIONS: Have feedback, ideas or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 10th of each month. Go to www.bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.” You may also email your thoughts, ideas and photos to: rray@ bestversionmedia.com. Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted. All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2019 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.
La Porte Living
Dear Residents, Welcome to the second edition of La Porte Living! For this month's publisher letter, I spoke with our Expert Realtor, Kristy Ruminski, for tips on prepping your home‘s interior and exterior for the upcoming fall and winter seasons. Kristy shared some very useful ideas! 1. Have heater inspected before cold months 2. Wrap insulation around outdoor faucets and pipes in unheated garages 3. Install gutter guards 4. Drain and store hoses, and drain in-ground sprinkler systems 5. Check for frayed cords and wires 6. Remove leaves and debris from gutters 7. Cover your air-conditioning unit 8. Put away outdoor furniture or cover the pieces 9. Prepare for winter with snow removal gear and salt 10. Drain the gas from lawnmower/weed eater We welcome you to share your favorite recipes, nominate your neighbor for the family feature and submit any information you feel others will enjoy learning. Without the support of our feature sponsors, La Porte Living would not be in your home every month. Please visit, refer and utilize their services. To educate, entertain and inspire,
PUBLISHER
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EXPERT CONTRIBUTORS REALTOR CENTURY 21 AFFILIATED KR IS T Y R U M INS K I 219-393-8084 www.KristyRuminski.com
SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY HAMILTON GROVE REHAB, HEALTH CARE & INDEPENDENT LIVING 574-654-2200
CONTRIBUTOR FINANCIAL ADVISOR EDWARD JONES SA R AH E. B R OW N, AAM S ® 219-325-8828 www.edwardjones.com
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SEPTEMBER 2019
QUIET THE HUSTLE BY ADJUSTING THE MARGINS Article and Photo Provided By Theresa Prim, Professional Life Coach
There is a book on my bookshelf that I have never read in its entirety; the mere title of this particular book is so powerful to me. It’s called Margin by Richard Swenson. “Margin is the space that once existed between ourselves and our limits.”
directions. In this quiet time, ask yourself what current obligations you can let go of. Opening clenched fists and letting go of just one task allows you to experience some whitespace. Intentionally taking inventory is very important to you and your well-being.
When I think of margin, I think of the invisible lines on a document that don’t allow me to type any closer to the edge. Whitespace they call it. Sometimes I must adjust the margins in order to fit everything on the page.
Second, ask someone else to adjust the margins with you. This doesn’t mean giving up on your responsibilities, but to look for someone else to help you carry the burden. As a mother of four, I wanted everyone to think that I had it all together! But deep down inside, all I had was a lot of stress and the start of grey hair. If I had it to do over again, I would have taken my mom up on some of her “offers”. I would have accepted her help and she could have helped me adjust the margins in my life.
In his book, Mr. Swenson uses the metaphor of margin to describe time. I ponder… Have I created enough margin in my day in order to accomplish everything without feeling like I’ve lost my mind? Balancing all the responsibilities of work, family, and a busy life is not easy. Juggling to keep all the balls in the air requires skill. It’s not a skill they teach us in school, but one that we learn over time, and sometimes the hard way. Here are 3 simple ideas that may help you find more time in your day: First, slowly adjust your margins inward. Intentionally spending a couple hours by yourself might be what you need to determine what is pulling you in so many
Finally, give yourself permission to love the whitespace. Let’s face it, the margins may never be where you desire them, but learning to love the time you have found is not selfish. You may experience more joy in your life and find the peace you’ve been longing for. Find me on FaceBook @ Coach Theresa Prim
LA PORTE SUNFLOWER FAIR |
September 21, 2019, 8am - 4pm
Schedule of Events 8 am Sunflower Fair opens! Vendors, Art Show, Car Show, and More! Kiwanis Club 5K Run and Health Walk begins at the YMCA Join in for all the activities - kids‘ rides, music, scarecrow building, and of course over 100 craft and other vendors! 9:30 am Car Show registration begins
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10 am Music and entertainment begins 11 am Sunflower Contest judging- Winners announced at noon 2 pm Ribs Cook-off judging Find us on Facebook or online at www.sunflowerfair.com
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RESIDENT
F E AT U R E
The Browns:
Small Town Charm Wins “I just knew it was a good fit,” says Sarah Brown about her move to La Porte six years ago. “My husband, Jason, and I were both teachers at the local middle school and lived on a 500 acre farm in Peru. My Financial Advisor was with Edward Jones and she told me about an opportunity in La Porte to partner with Cheryl Reinhart. We came up to visit and fell in love with the small town feel.” To be successful with Edward Jones, it’s all about meeting new people. For the first month with the company, she made many face to face contacts and talked to everyone she could. “This was not really out of my comfort zone,” says Sarah. “I’ve always been very comfortable meeting new people and I enjoyed learning more about the community. One thing I realized quickly is that a lot of the people were life-long residents. That said a lot about La Porte’s ability to keep people here long term.” 6
By Rene Ray Photos by Cari Hughes Photography
They chose a home in the city’s 5th Ward. “We didn’t know much about the different areas of town but we always wanted to flip a house and this was a good opportunity. It needed a lot of work but we have had fun making it our own,” Sarah says. “The neighbors are friendly and helpful. It’s such a nice quiet area, and it’s close to the high school which is nice for Jason.” Moving to town from a large farm was a big transition for the family. “The communities of Peru and La Porte are very similar but the lack of yard space was an adjustment. The kids were used to having lot of area to run.” Jason chimes in, “I love it because it only takes 2 minutes to mow the entire lawn!” Sarah and Jason have a blended family with six children. Sarah’s adult children all still remain in the Peru area: Olivia (24) with her husband, Noah (23) with his
wife, Kirsta (19) with her fiancé. Sarah is known to take frequent day trips down to see them to do wedding planning, have lunch and just remain close. Sarah and Jason’s three daughters attend La Porte Community Schools. Allison (10) just started at the new Kesling Intermediate School and loves it. Madelyn (7) and Makenzie (5) go to Handley and although it’s only Makenzie’s first year there she has already met a ton of friends. Both Sarah and Jason have a Bachelor’s degree in EducationSarah’s from Indiana University at Kokomo and Jason’s from Manchester. They both obtained Masters in Educational Administration and Supervision from Ball State. Sarah holds the Accredited Asset Management Specialist Designation and Jason is currently finishing up his dissertation for a SEPTEMBER 2019
Doctorate in Sports and Performance Psychology. Jason teaches Social Studies at La Porte High School and has been with the school corporation since 2013. He’s also the Assistant Varsity Wrestling Coach. Sarah has been with Edward Jones for six years and after Cheryl retired in 2016, Sarah took over the location on State Road 39. In 2017 she moved that office to the Legacy Hills Business Park North at 307 W Johnson Road.
La Porte Chamber of Commerce which is now part of the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership (LEAP), Chair of their Ambassadors Committee and member of Women in Leadership of La Porte County. Sarah has earned numerous awards with Edward Jones including the Ted Jones Entrepreneurial Award in 2014, Edward Jones Sr. Founders Award in 2015-2016 and the Ed Armstrong Award in 2017-2018.
While both teaching in Peru, the pair met and developed a friendship. Their first date was when Jason asked her to accompany him to the college graduation of one of his friends. Later, they came up to Lighthouse Place Outlet Mall to do some back to school clothes shopping as teachers. They walked out to the lighthouse on Lake Michigan and that’s where he first told he loved her. They were married shortly after in Peru. “It’s neat that it all kind of started up north here,” Sarah says. “This is where we were meant to be.”
In 2018, Sarah was a participant in the YMCA fundraiser, Dancing Like a Star. “Now THAT was out of my comfort zone,” says Sarah. “I was honored to be asked so I knew I wanted to participate, but I was very scared to get on stage in front of everyone when I had never taken a single dance lesson. I got a lot of support from everyone: community, friends, family, the dance studio, instructor and the YMCA. With so much support and encouragement from them, I felt comfortable stepping out on that stage. It’s a great fundraiser and I hope they pick that up again.”
Sarah is well known around the community of La Porte. She is a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones, mother of 6, President of Kiwanis, Board Member of the
One of Sarah and Jason’s favorite things to do is travel. They’ve been to Costa Rica, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico,
Venice and Florence, Italy, London, Paris, New Zealand, Australia, St Lucia, Ireland, Disney World and on a Mediterranean cruise. “My favorite trips were to New Zealand and the Mediterranean cruise,” says Sarah. “New Zealand because the landscape is beautiful and so different than anywhere else. The Mediterranean cruise because you just get to see so many cities.” “Now my favorite,” says Jason, “is definitely Florence, Italy. We went to Osteria Francescana which is the World’s Number 1 Restaurant. It’s a modern Italian restaurant in the back streets of Modena, Italy, and Chef Massimo Bottura’s is truly world class. Neither my taste buds nor I will ever forget that!” Locally, the Brown family loves to go to the lakes and parks. They enjoy the Arts in the Park concerts, all the local restaurants and especially the La Porte High School football games. “I always thought I’d run a building as a principal,” Sarah says. “I originally went into education because I wanted to help people reach their goals. I’ve found it is the same thing in investments. I’m helping people reach their long term goals and it’s so rewarding.”
DO YOU KNOW A NEIGHBOR WHO HAS A STORY TO SHARE? Nominate your neighbor to be featured in one of our upcoming issues! Contact us at rrae@bestversionmedia.com.
La Porte Living
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HISTORIC AMBIANCE MEETS ASIAN FLAIR Story By Rene Ray, Photos by Lake Photography Four Seasons Asian Fusion, at 701 Lincolnway, is one of the newest additions to La Porte’s downtown. It is a Chinese, Japanese and Sushi bar restaurant with a full bar. The owner, Kevin Gao, aims to provide a fresh and affordable dining experience with a clean and casual atmosphere. All of the food is made from scratch using high quality ingredients. “Each dish is handmade at the crack of dawn using only the simplest of ingredients to bring out smells and flavors that beckon the whole block,” says Kevin. Four Seasons has been open for one year and they are proud to be part of the thriving community and the buzz downtown. Dine in style and take in the historic feel the restaurant has to offer. The vintage architecture is incredible along with the historic photos gracing the walls. The bar area features gorgeous copper hues and rich mahogany accents. Four Seasons Asian Fusion has quickly become a favorite destination for both lunch and dinner. The menu is robust and features sushi rolls, nigiri and sashimi, classic Asian dishes like fried rice and lo mein, as well as Hibachi and Teriyaki entrees. Some of the most popular sushi rolls are “The Angry Dragon” and “Crazy Monkey.” “The Dragon is also a very popular dish,” says Kevin. “The scallops are perfectly seasoned with black pepper and sea salt.” A signature sushi roll on the menu is the Etropal (which is La Porte spelled backwards). This place has it all-great food, superb cocktails, beautiful ambiance and an injection of fresh energy. Four Seasons is open daily for lunch and dinner, and catering services are also available.
FI R S T R E S P O N D E R
SPOTLIGHT
ADAM HANNON Information and Photo Courtesy of La Porte County Sheriff Department
FIELD: Law Enforcement POSITION: Currently assigned as the Assistant Bureau Commander of the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office Investigative Division. YEARS EMPLOYED: 12 years FAVORITE PART OF THE POSITION: I have the unique opportunity to be a part of the La Porte County Drug Court. This restorative justice program is enhanced by a multifaceted network of professionals from the criminal justice and treatment arenas, working with substance users in La Porte to assist them on the road to recovery. HOBBIES: I enjoy spending time outside doing anything with my family. We enjoy hiking, visiting our County and State Parks. I also enjoy woodworking. FAVORITE QUOTE: “Courage is not the absence of fear, but the capacity to act despite our fears.” - John McCain 8
SEPTEMBER 2019
S T U D E N T S P OT L I G H T I S P R O U D LY S P O N S O R E D BY H E S S TO N S T E A M M U S E U M
KINSLEY NOLL by Rene Ray
La Porte Living
STUDENT
SPOTLIGHT Hi! My name is Kinsley Noll. I am 3 years old and I go to two preschools-Little Learners and Discovery Daysbecause I’m so ambitious! My favorite food is pizza. I like to read, dance, swim and play at the park, but I do NOT like to go to sleep at night. Everyone says one of the best things about me is my laugh because it’s funny and makes them want to laugh too. When I grow up I want to be a doctor and I’m sure I’ll be great!
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C A L E N DA R
OF EVENTS
MONDAYS THROUGH SEPT. 30
Tai Chi Easy™ Mindful Movement Meditation for Health and Relaxation. @Fox Memorial Park Amphitheater, Truesdell Ave. Time: 5:30pm Cost: 6 sessions for $30, RSVP required: 219-326-9600 LifeCraft.us
SATURDAYS THROUGH OCT. 26
La Porte Farmer’s Market @Monroe Street and Lincolnway, La Porte The La Porte Farmer’s Market strives to build and strengthen the local food movement in La Porte by showcasing our region’s bounty and economic opportunities locally. Time: 8am-1pm Cost: FREE Contact: Catherine Langford 219-575-2251 CityofLaPorte.com
TUES., SEPT. 10
Navigating and Achieving Harmony @Patrick’s Grille, Michigan City Women in Leadership of La Porte County (WILL) business and networking event. Time: 11:30am-1pm Cost: $22 general admittance, $17 WILL Members Women-in-Leadership.com
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SEPTEMBER 2019
SAT., SEPT. 21
Sunflower Fair @Downtown La Porte The Sunflower Fair in beautiful, historic Downtown La Porte is one of the largest area festivals with over 100 craft and nonprofit vendors. Enjoy a day with family and friends for food, entertainment, rides, and more. Enjoy the many activities of the day- a rib cook-off, a 5K run and fun walk, sunflower contest, an art walk, scarecrow building, rides, food, and of course much, much more! Visitors may also see the many vendors- last year approximately 150 vendors participated! Brought to you by the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership and a volunteer committee of dedicated community members, the unique fair celebrates everything fall and community. Time: 8am-4pm Cost: FREE Sunflowerfair.com
FRI.-SUN., SEPT. 27-29
Scarecrow Festival @207 N Main St, Wanatah 25th Annual Scarecrow Festival features crafts, scarecrow sculpting, cutest baby contest, queen contest, parade, races,
wiffle ball tournament, car show, tractor show, entertainment, food vendors and meals. Fun for the entire family. Time: Fri. 4-9pm; Sat. 9am-9pm; Sun. 9am-4pm Cost: FREE Scarecrowfest.org
SAT., SEPT. 28
6th Annual UMW Fall Arts and Crafts Show @LaPorte County Fairgrounds This event features over 100 artists and crafters from Illinois, Indiana and Michigan who specialize in making unique, one-of-a-kind products. All booths are inside three modern, handicapped accessible buildings. Visitors will find inside home décor items, outside yard ornamentation, original artwork, photography, sports-oriented items, floral arrangements, hand-turned wooden creations, accessories for adults and children, hand-crafted furniture, pet accessories, country and farmhouse décor, baskets, decorated gourds, rustic signs and much more. Both fall and Christmas decorations will be showcased. Tasty desserts and lunch will be available for purchase. Time: 9am-3pm Cost: FREE Contact: 219-362-2443
SEPTEMBER 2019
SAT.-SUN., SEPT. 28-29
Pioneer Days @Creek Ridge County Park, Michigan City Step into the past at LaPorte County Parks 27th annual Pioneer Days! Experience wagon rides, outdoor cooking, crafts, food, and more. Visit with historically clad vendors, and try activities that are both fun and educational. Time: 10am-4pm Cost: $2 for adults, $1 for children for seniors tickets
SUN.-MON., SEPT. 29-30
Chicago Days @Hesston Steam Museum Take a trip down memory lane. Two of the most fondly remembered rides are the miniature steam train from Kiddieland in Melrose Park that carried families since the 1930s and the Brookfield, Salt Creek & Western Railroad that meandered through the Brookfield Zoo and ran from 19671985. A pair of steam locomotives ran at Kiddieland are “The Hudson” and “The Northern” which are art deco streamlined trains of the 1930s. The museum will have the Hudson in operation. At the Brookfield Zoo, 3 locomotives were in operation- 2 steam engines, nicknamed “The Blue Goose” and “Granny”; and a diesel powered locomotive, fondly called “Rudy” that commissioned by the late Elliott Donnelley of RR Donnelley Printing. Ride these trains again on this special weekend. Time: 12-5pm Cost: FREE admission, train rides $3 for
La Porte Living
children and $5 for adults Hesston.org
FRI., OCT. 4
Made in La Porte County @ Warehouse behind American Licorice This special event allows local firms to showcase their products that are produced, assembled, and/ or distributed from right here in La Porte County. It provides an opportunity for local citizens and visitors to view the interesting array of products first hand, all in one location. The event will also provide an opportunity for the local firms to interface with one another on a “business to business” basis. While this is not a career or job fair, another great feature of the event will be an opportunity for high school and college students throughout La Porte County to get acquainted with the products and associated processes, training, education and potential employment opportunities as they prepare for their futures. This type of exposure can ultimately help build your future workforce. Time: 9am-3pm Cost: FREE Contact: 219-324-8584
FRI.-SUN., OCT. 4-6
A celebration of the pumpkin harvest. A family event. Come enjoy pumpkin pie along with food and craft booths, tractor pulls, parade, car show, run/walk event and live entertainment. Beer and wine in entertainment tent on Sat. Time: Fri. 4-8pm; Sat. 8am-8pm; Sun. 8am-4pm Cost: FREE
FRI.-SUN., OCT. 11-13 & 18-20
Little Shop of Horrors @La Porte Little Theatre Club Little Shop of Horrors is an upbeat musical with a thrilling twist sure to thrill all audiences. You will be blown away at the talent at this community theatre. Time: Fri. 7:30pm; Sat. 2pm and 7:30pm; Sun. 2pm Cost: $12-15 LaporteLittleTheaterClub.com
SAT., OCT. 12
2019 Downtown LaPorte Trick-orTreat Spooktacular @Downtown La Porte Bring the kids downtown to fill their bags with candy from several downtown businesses. Great opportunity to get acquainted with local businesses in downtown. This event is not to be confused with the City-wide trick-ortreat that takes place later in the month of October. Time: 1-3pm Cost: FREE
Pumpkin Festival @Prairie Meadow Park, Westville
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THE THREE FACETS FOR FALL 2019 Contributed by Judee’s Boutique, Photos by Lake Photography 1. Style: Tailoring is the name of the game Crisp cuts, precision lines and intricate draping gives this fall a very deliberate look. Angular suits and sleek blouses are in, with more ways than ever to layer your look. Skirts in both pencil and pleated midi cuts and pants with sweeping wide-legs. Tops are leaning toward elevated business style with a hint of retro. 2. Color: Earth inspired hues rule Colors this season are the earthiest they have been in years: saffron yellows, iron rich reds, wooden browns and greens ranging from sea foam to pistachio are all in vogue. Moody jewel tones that invoke images of the most opulent gemstones add depth neutral shades this season center around nude, pale gray and mahogany are also showing up in everything from ponchos to purses! 3. Pattern: Prints, Prints, PRINTS! Animal, camo, dark florals and other nature inspired prints are taking center stage this autumn. The season‘s hottest statements will have you seeing spots in the boldest leopard prints are being worn from head to toe. You‘ll also see mixed mustard‘s, avocados and chocolate tones in chicly swirled designs.
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SEPTEMBER 2019
THODE’S: FRESH AND SO MUCH MORE THAN FLOWERS By Rene Ray, Photos by Lake Photography “It feels great to be exactly where you are supposed to be in life!” Not many people can match the enthusiasm and positivity of Jessica Granger, owner of Thode Floral. So how did all this transpire? Thode Floral was started by Carl and Edna Thode in 1926 with just a greenhouse on Garden Street. Their first storefront was downtown and then they moved to the building at 1609 Lincolnway where the business remained for many years. Jessica started working for the company about 20 years ago, sort of by chance. “I actually just saw an ad for part time help and thought it would be a good fit. I’ve been here ever since.” 6 years ago when the business was up for sale, she and her husband Mike decided to buy it. “It was like it was meant to be,” says Jess. “I loved the place, it was my livelihood, and I knew the other employees depended on it too. I just couldn’t pass it up.” “We had a really successful business at that location, but we were always looking to get more walk-in traffic. I always wanted to be Downtown,” Jess says. One day, while sitting at a stoplight, she saw the For Lease sign in the window at 610 Lincolnway. She just sat there staring, and dreaming. “I don’t even think the light ever turned green because I sure didn’t notice it!” she laughs. “I called the number right away and when I found out the space was owned by Troy Clark I just knew it was another sign I should be there.” Troy is the owner
La Porte Living
of Allure which is a beautiful wedding venue that Jessica is very familiar with. Things went very fast after signing the lease. “It’s been a whirlwind!” Jess exclaims. “My son who is a Marine stationed in California just got married, 2 weeks later we were moving business locations, and our grandson just turned 1! It’s been a very busy time, but I wouldn’t change a thing. This is all happy stuff!” So does husband Mike run the business with her? “Heck no,” Jess laughs. “We want to stay married! He has his own career, but he does help out every day after work and on the weekends. He also does wedding deliveries with me. I’m like most other small business owners. I do everything on my own and outsource the heavy stuff. I think it’s important to build a strong team to be successful. I have a staff of 3 in the store, 2 drivers, and the support of 3 professionals who are also my friends. I trust Mary at State Farm for my insurance, Andrew Voeltz at Howes & Howes for anything legal, and Jessica Romine of Parkison and Hinton for my accounting. Thank goodness I have these people.” Jessica has successfully expanded the Thode brand. “Everyone knew Thode for flowers but not many knew us for gifts. We are a full service destination for floral, plants, gifts and events. I do a lot of weddings, a lot of arrangements for funerals, and now our gift line is more robust
than ever,” Jessica says. There is so much to be seen at the new shop at 610 Lincolnway. It is a newer fresher vibe featuring locally made Hannah Jane soaps, specialty Bridal and prom jewelry, Wubbanubs and Taggies for babies, wind chimes, stepping stones and angels. There is a gourmet section featuring cheese ball mixes, apple butter and jams; a kitchen section featuring spunky tea towels, enamel mugs, and stainless steel straws; and even Indiana giftwear. The plant section has expanded as well. Jessica says, “One of our most interesting gift lines is candles that turn into massage oils. I’ve never seen anything like that before!” “It really is the perfect location. It is the same size as the previous building but has better and more usable space. The visibility is better, and I love being part of La Porte’s Downtown. I just walk in the door so happy every morning. This is not just part of the bigger picture for Thode but for La Porte. I feel like Troy has such a vision for this area and continues to invest in it. I’m excited to be a part of that,” Jessica says. Jessica isn’t the only one enjoying her new space. “The addition of Thode Floral to downtown La Porte has been tremendous. The building looks great from the outside and even better on the inside. We love that they are a part of the transformation downtown,“ said Bert Cook Executive Director of the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership (LEAP). Visit Thode Floral at 610 Lincolnway in La Porte, find them on Facebook and on the web at thodefloral.com
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EXPERT
CONTRIBUTOR
MEET THE COOPER FAMILY! Article & Photo Courtesy of Hamilton Grove The Cooper family has a longstanding relationship with Hamilton Grove. Over the years, many family members have lived here, and two generations of Coopers are continuing to develop that rich history by making the campus their home. Currently residing in our beautiful Villa homes, Dean Cooper and his wife Joan have enjoyed a peaceful lifestyle here in New Carlisle. Having lived in the Hamilton Grove community for nearly five years, Dean feels he has truly found a home here. His lovely mother, Hannah has been living in the community for almost ten years and now resides at the Pointe. How did one family wind up living on Hamilton Grove’s campus together and stay so tight-knit as they live out their golden years? We were able to sit down with the family and hear their unique and special stories and got a strong sense of how their close relationships have transcended so well into life at Hamilton Grove. “As I began aging, I realized that the upkeep of a home and the needs of daily life were becoming difficult for me. I had numerous 14
wonderful references let me know what a fantastic senior community Hamilton Grove had, and I just knew the campus was a good fit for me. My wife and I then had my mother move into the Pointe on campus in 2014,” Dean said while sitting at home with his family in their villa. “The transition to Hamilton Grove and the capabilities the campus offerings have truly made us happy,” Joan said holding Hannah’s hand.” Everyone is like a family in the community here. We feel so taken care of and that‘s a great feeling if Dean’s Mother needs us. We can truly be close to each other with a neighborhood feel. The staff here is wonderful about keeping us in touch with Hannah and letting us know if she needs us. We can all communicate and stay close. This gives us a sense of security and comfort knowing we are wonderfully taken care of.”
family-like setting and have adored having a family unit here to enjoy the Hamilton Grove experience together. With offerings of rehabilitation, assisted and living, as well as skilled nursing, Hamilton Grove has the capabilities to provide the best quality care for each individual no matter their needs. How would you or a loved one (or maybe even your entire family) choose to live out the best of their life?
As a family affair, we are so touched and honored to share our community with the Coopers. As a wonderful representation of our community-based value systems, this family is living proof of our message that one can live the best of their life here. We encourage a SEPTEMBER 2019
KIDS RAISED GOING TO CHURCH ARE H A P P I E R A D U LT S , ST U DY F I N D S
State Street Community Church 209 State St, La Porte (219) 575-7182
St Joseph's Catholic Church 109 C St, La Porte (219) 362-9595
First Church of God 2020 E Lincolnway, La Porte (219) 362-7433
Bethany Lutheran Church 102 G St, La Porte (219) 362-3312
Trinity Lutheran Church 907 Michigan Ave, La Porte (219) 362-4932
Agape Christian Church 1601 I St, LaPorte (219) 362-5614
WOULD YOU LIKE TO ADD YOUR CHURCH? C O N TAC T U S
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