PEEPS | those who
Serve
LAKElife Magazine celebrates those who give of themselves to better our community—those who, day by day, make the world a better place.
Nominated by our readership,
Peggy Wihebrink Meet:
Lake conservation activist + Chapman Lake property owner by Loren Shaum
Have the lakes always been part of your life? Growing up in Madison County, Ind. I was the guest of many friends whose parents owned lake cottages on Kosciusko County lakes; going to the lake with friends just could not be beat. Then, after marriage and starting a family, my husband, Dave, and I were fortunate to purchase a lake cottage in 1980 on Chapman Lakes. We packed the car with four children and three dogs to pursue an entire summer of fun! Fast-forward 20 years, and we knew we wanted to make Chapman Lakes our permanent home. So, in 2001, the old, reliable lake cottage was replaced with our new permanent residence.
Peggy Wihebrink
Tell us about your teaching career. I was very involved in the Logansport community, which I left behind to live permanently at the lake. I taught art at Logansport’s All Saints Catholic School, and later became Logansport’s Downtown Coordinator for revitalization and historic preservation.
We’ve been told that you are the “ultimate volunteer.” How did you get involved in conservancy? I’ve always been involved with the art community and preservation. Now living on Chapman Lakes, I needed to find my niche. It was right out my front door: maintaining and preserving my lake while creating awareness for preservation of all Kosciusko County lakes for future generations. Like anyone who moves to a different community, you start fresh by simply observing what’s close at-hand. By keeping that circle small and comfortable, you develop confidence. My first step was simply volunteering for summer events with the Chapman Lakes Conservation Association (where I’m now also a board member). Helping from pancake breakfasts to cleaning the lake clubhouse develops a sense of community and belonging. My first board involvement, however, started with Chapman Lakes Foundation. My identity started changing from being a ‘laker’ to being a lake resident and steward.
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LAKElife Magazine June 2022
