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The mission of the Day for Kids is to establish a nationally recognized day to celebrate and honor American children through the gift of meaningful time. Research shows that when adults spend meaningful time with kids, the children develop a positive self-image and a sense of belonging, usefulness and purpose. Now more than ever, America’s Day for Kids provides adults and youths an opportunity to take a break from their busy lives and celebrate the wonder of children and the fulfillment of spending time together.

Organizations, agencies, and businesses which provide services to children and families are invited to participate in the Boys & Girls Club Day for Kids event which will be held in Michigan City this September.

Each year we Americans service our cars, change the batteries in our smoke alarms and check our furnaces for safe operation. These actions are routine - things that we seldom forget to do. Yet, when it comes to our most important responsibility - our children - we sometimes forget to take stock of how we're doing as parents and caregivers. America’s Day for Kids and the "meaningful time" message are changing that.

"The Day for Kids is designed to provide families with entertainment and education about issues and actions related to the family group," said Jan Kostielney, JK Enterprises, strategic marketing and community relations consultant to the City of Michigan City. "Research shows that spending meaningful time with kids is essential to their success. America’s Day for Kids is designed to provide family-friendly activities and educational material in a fun, entertaining atmosphere."

"This is the third year for this unique event in our community," said Allan Whitlow, director of the Michigan City Boys & Girls Club. "The Day for Kids will be held at Washington Park on Sunday, September 16th from Noon to 4pm. There is no fee to attend Day for Kids. The celebration of children is hosted by the City of Michigan City and the Michigan City Boys & Girls Club."

We WANT the event to include activities and information such as:

• Hands-on activities for children and their family members that are fun
• Touch a unique live animal and learn about animal habitats and life cycles
• Parenting information
• Soccer clinic, basketball toss — both are very popular!!
• Fire/water/lightning and personal safety instruction
• Drug and smoking prevention information
• Literacy and reading
• Kid IDs and car seat program
• Door prizes for adults and for children
• Gift certificates and coupons
• Art projects
• Transportation (air, bus, train, etc.)
• Nature, flowers, birds, insects
• Information for parents on almost any subject!
• Quilting and other crafts

In previous years, the event has included crafts such as paper airplanes, clothespin people, sand art, face painting, and more. Games have been played at many exhibits, while others included interactive educational projects such as learning how to help someone who is caught in an undertow. Lollipop trees and handouts of granola and apples have been interspersed throughout the displays.

"Each year, we’ve been able to offer free food and drinks to families who participated in the Day for Kids," Kostielney said. "This year, we are seeking donors for food and beveralges, and we sincerely appreciate local partnerships on this important event for our community’s families."

Whitlow said, "The Day for Kids effort is led by Boys & Girls Clubs of America and a family of non-profit and corporate partners. A key goal of this effort is to establish Day for Kids as an officially recognized day on our nation’s calendar."

In 2005:

• 32 states endorsed an official day for kids.


• 1,200 community events took place nationwide and overseas.


• 1.5 million people celebrated (largest attendance yet).


• 10,000 community organizations led our largest grassroots effort ever.


• 15,000 young people joined their local Boys & Girls Clubs and other youth development programs.


• 1,500 youth expressed their views on spending meaningful time with parents and caring adults via the 2006 kid’s survey.


• National media highlights included the CBS Morning Show, Good Morning America, CNN Headline News, CBS national radio news and the Associated Press.


• 80% of participating communities obtained local media coverage.


• 2 million educational resources and materials were distributed to the public.


• 10,000 youth ambassadors led “meaningful time” community projects in their local communities.

For more information about participating in Boys & Girls Club Day for Kids on September 16, 2007, call 219-873-2298 or send email to
kcepe@comcast.net.

Click here for application form.

Click here for photos from the last event

City Attractions & Events Barker Mansion Old Lighthouse Museum Municipal Marinas

Springtime in Michigan City

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LAKE MICHIGAN COASTAL PROGRAM
http://www.in.gov/dnr/lakemich/program/index.html

SAVE THE DUNES COUNCIL
http://www.savedunes.org/

AFTER THE THAW: THE DEVELOPMENT OF LAKE MICHIGAN
http://igs.indiana.edu/geology/ancient/afterthaw/index.cfm

FISH INDIANA
http://www.great-lakes.org/fish_in.html

INDIANA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
http://www.state.in.us/idem/

INDIANA ENVIRONMENT & NATURE — FROM INSPIRE, INDIANA’S ONLINE LIBRARY
http://www.inspire.net/indenviron.html

INDIANA ENVIRONMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS & WEBSITES
http://www.arealinks.net/environmental.html

THE NATURE CONSERVANCY IN INDIANA
http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/indiana/

Energy and Recycling

• Greening the Government
• Recycling Locations
• Recycling Related Publications and Events

Environment

• State of the Environment Reports
• Erosion Control Initiatives (INDOT)
• Hazardous Waste
• Historic Preservation and Archaeology
• IDEM Publications and Forms
• IDEM Permits and Approvals
• INDOT Environmental Studies
• Office of Pollution Prevention and Technical Assistance
• Solid Waste Program
• Water Quality

Natural Resources

• Endangered Wildlife
• Entomology & Plant Pathology
• Fish & Wildlife
• Forestry
• Mine Reclamation
• Nature Preserves
• Soil Conservation
• State Forests
• Water Resources

Business Energy and Environmental Programs

• Agriculture Initiatives
• Brownfields Redevelopment Program
• Fuel Alternatives
• Grants and Incentives
• Materials Exchange
• Voluntary Remediation Program

OFF-ROADING IN INDIANA
http://www.offroad-ed.com/in/handbook/

Previously published articles by Jan Kostielney

• SUVs & The Environment
• Taken By Surprise (urban sprawl)
• Running Off The Golf Course
• Erosion Control and Crop Farming

Click here for photos from the last event

2006 Newsletters

Related Links

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The Tom Milo Band provided dance music while local restaurants brought a “Taste of Michigan City” to the festivities. A silent auction was held during the evening event. All event proceeds, just over $9,000, benefited the LaPorte County Coalition of Youth-Serving Agencies. (www.laportecountyysa.com)

Watch this page and the YSA's website for upcoming information on the 2007 event. Contact Jan Kostielney at jkostielney@emichigancity.com for more information.

Click here to view photos from 2005 event.

Mayor Oberlie and The City of Michigan City are strong advocates of after-school and summer programs. With the Mayor's assistance, the LaPorte County Coalition of Youth-Serving Agencies was formed in 2003 with these goals:

• To share resources and minimize duplication of services;
• To provide additional opportunities for education and enrichment to a broad-based audience of children between the ages of 5 and 15;
• To apply for grants to provide programs and enhance resources to all members;
• To provide training for all staff and volunteers in First Aid, CPR, Universal Precautions and behavioral management

After-school programs provide safe, fun and learning environments for students while promoting and encouraging all aspects of student development using tools of motivation, understanding and creativity.

The YSA's Summer Adventure Camps provide affordable adult-supervised summer activities focusing on academic and enrichment opportunities for children with the hope of minimizing summer learning loss.

During the 2006 Summer Camps alone, more than 54,000 hours of services were available to the children of our community.

Children experienced computer and swimming classes, art, music and dance, culture, health and nutrition, physical fitness and literacy activities while attending summer camps provided by YSA member agencies.

During the school year, children attending after-school programs provided by YSA members receive homework assistance as well as educational and enrichment programs related to the environment, health, the arts, careers, alcohol/drug prevention, leadership development, athletics, Spanish, sign        language, cooking, crafts, creative writing and educational field trips.

Enhancing the quality of life of our children through providing excellent educational support in a safe environment enriches and improves our entire community.

For more information on the LaPorte County Coalition of Youth-Serving Agencies, please call 219/229-4309 or send email via jkostielney@emichigancity.com.

Website: http://www.laportecountyysa.com/

YSA Supports New Indiana Afterschool Network In Its Bid for
Mott Foundation Grant

YSA Photos

YSA Summer Adventure Camp Photos

YSA Brochure

YSA Member Application

YSA Policy Statements

YSA Parade Registration

If you could give a child a safe place to go after school, would you? What about helping kids get better grades and go on to college? Or giving them time to explore new worlds and discover hidden talents?

In America today, 14.3 million children are alone after school. In Indiana, nearly 57% of children between the ages of 5 and 15 are under “self care” while only about 30% of our children are in after-school programs.

You can help - we all can - by showing our support for after-school programs in Michigan City by attending a Lights On Afterschool! event.  Children who attend after-school programs in Michigan City will speak before the Michigan City Common Council on October 5th at the 6 p.m. CST meeting. Children will also address the Michigan City Area Schools’ Board at their October 12th meeting. The public is encouraged to attend these meetings, hear testimonials, view a multi-media presentation, and support the need for and success of after-school programs in our community.

Visit www.laportecountyysa.com for more information on after-school and summer programs in Michigan City.

Click here to support after school programs!

Lights On Afterschool! is celebrated nationwide to call attention to the importance of afterschool programs for America's children, families and communities. Afterschool programs keep kids safe, help working families and inspire learning. They provide opportunities to help young people develop into successful adults.

Lights On Afterschool! was launched in October 2000 with celebrations in more than 1,200 communities nationwide. The event grew in 2001 to more than 3,600 events, and more than 7,500 in 2004. This October 2005, we expect 1 million Americans to celebrate Lights On Afterschool!

Lights On Afterschool! is a project of the Afterschool Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that all children have access to quality, affordable afterschool programs by 2010. The National Presenting Sponsor of Lights On Afterschool is the JCPenney Afterschool Fund.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has served as Chair of Lights On Afterschool! since 2001. The Alliance salutes the many Lights On Afterschool partners and programs who make this event a success, in particular the After-School All-Stars, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, 4-H Afterschool, Junior Achievement, the 21st Century Community Learning Centers and the YMCA of the USA.

The Need: Youth today need safe, stimulating places to go after school.

• The parents of more than 28 million school-age children work outside the home. (U.S. Department of Labor)
• In communities today, 14.3 million school-age children take care of themselves after the school day ends. (America After 3 PM, May 2004)
• 96 percent of working parents pay the full costs of child care. Low-income families who pay for child care spend 35 percent of their income on it. (National Catholic Reporter, 2003)
• On school days, the hours between 3p.m. and 6p.m. are the peak hours for juvenile crime and experimentation with drugs, alcohol, cigarettes and sex. (Fight Crime: Invest in Kids, 2002)

Voter Support: Americans agree that after school programs are vital.

• Nine in ten Americans think children need organized activities or a program to go to after school where they have learning opportunities. (Afterschool Alliance Poll, September 2003)
• Nearly 90 percent of Americans support funding for quality after school programs in low-income neighborhoods as an important aspect of government welfare reform programs. (David and Lucile Packard Foundation Poll of Public Views on Welfare Reform and Children in the Current Economy, February 2002)
• California voters overwhelmingly (57 percent, with majorities of every demographic group) approved a $550 million ballot measure to allow for universal after school at elementary and middle schools in the state. (Afterschool California, November 2002)
• Voters want government to invest in after school programs but do not think that federal officials are committed to after school. Less than one-third of voters see Members of Congress and the President as committed. (Afterschool Alliance Poll, September 2003)
• By a three-to-one margin (75 to 22 percent), voters disagreed with President Bush's decision to propose cutting funding for after school programs in 2003. (Afterschool Alliance Poll, September 2003)

Winning Issue: Politicians distinguish themselves by supporting after school.

• Now Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger made his political debut in the state, as well as headlines across the country, by sponsoring a highly successful $550 million ballot initiative for universal after school in California. (Afterschool California)
• Governors in New York, Mississippi, Vermont and Kentucky lauded achievements made in after school programs in their 2003 State of the State and Budget addresses. (National Governors Association, Afterschool Alliance)
• Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick was elected on a platform that included as a primary tenet developing a coordinated, comprehensive after school program for every young person in Detroit. (Council of Educational Facility Planners)

Supply and Demand: There are not enough after school programs.

• Only 6.5 million K-12 children (11%) participate in after school programs. An additional 15 million would participate if a quality program were available in their community. (America After 3 PM, May 2004)
• More than half of voters (55 percent) think that there are not enough after school programs available for children in America today. (Afterschool Alliance Poll, September 2003)
• Three-quarters of voters (76 percent) are concerned that there will not be new after school programs and some existing programs may have to reduce their services or close their doors because no new federal funds were allocated in 2003. (Afterschool Alliance Poll, September 2003)
• In 2002, the 21st Century Community Learning Centers federal after school program could fulfill only 25 percent of community grant requests. (Afterschool Alliance, March 2003)
• Mayors surveyed in 86 cities reported that only one-third of the children needing after school care were receiving it. (U.S. Conference of Mayors, January 2003)
• 71 percent of principals who reported not having after school programs in their schools cite a lack of funding as the reason for not having a program. (National Association of Elementary School Principals, September 2001)

The Benefits: Evaluations prove that after school programs keep kids safe, help working families and improve academic achievement.

• Teens who do not participate in after school programs are nearly three times more likely to skip classes than teens who do participate. They are also three times more likely to use marijuana or other drugs, and they are more likely to drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes and engage in sexual activity. (YMCA of the USA, March 2001)
• Students who participate in extracurricular activities have better grades, feel greater attachment to school, have lower truancy rates and reach higher levels of achievement in college, as documented by a 17-year study that followed 1,800 sixth-graders in ten Michigan schools through high school and college. ("Extra Benefits Tied to Extracurricular's," Education Week, October 2000)
• Parents in New York City said that their child's after school program helped them balance work and family life (Policy Studies Associates, Inc., February 2001):
• 60 percent said they missed less work than before because of the program.
• 59 percent said it supported them in keeping their jobs.
• Students in a statewide program in California improved their standardized test scores (SAT-9) in both reading and math by percentages almost twice that of other students and also had better school attendance. (University of California Irvine, May 2001)
• The boys and girls randomly selected from welfare households to participate in the Quantum Opportunities after school program were half as likely to drop out of high school and two and one half times more likely to go on to further education after high school than students not selected to participate. (Fight Crime: Invest in Kids, 2000

Click here for Proclamation

Where: Washington Park at the Lakefront
When: June, July and August each year; Movies start at dusk

Movies In The Park began in 2002, part of a community-wide focus on literacy and unity. Other programs that are part of this focus include Mighty Mic (an open microphone event), One Book/One Community, and the NW Indiana Regional Literacy Task Force.

Movies may not at first seem to be a conduit to literacy, but there are many books and articles published which identify and strengthen the link between movies and books/literacy. Here's one, written in 2001, that provides parents with some information on how to establish and foster that link:

Books to Movies: A Literacy Link

In an age of cable television and video sales, our society's appetite for story seems insatiable. Television and movie producers, searching for material to take advantage of this appetite, have raided children's library shelves. Muggles, hobbits, grinches, teen-age princesses, talking pigs, friendly hippopotami, and all manner of characters are jumping from the pages of children's picture books and novels onto your television and movie screens.

Here are some suggestions that will help ensure that your children's experience with electronic media will enhance their reading pleasure:

• Read the book first. Read picture books and novels aloud to your kids whenever possible. Encourage older kids to read a novel on which a movie is based before they see the movie or video with their friends. Why? Books are generally much better written than movies. Your child will meet inspiring characters and gain a rich vocabulary when reading a story in a book.

• A book is the most interactive medium your kids will ever encounter. It makes them think. It stimulates their imaginations. Give your kids the opportunity to see a story in their mind first, before a movie production company dictates a visualization of that story.

• Suggested Activity: After your kids have read a book, and before they see the movie, have some family fun with scrap paper and markers by having them create their own visual interpretation of the story. Give each child a scene from the book to illustrate. Encourage them to draw the characters, setting, and action in great detail and full color. Then, tape all the drawings up on a wall in the order the scenes appear in the book. As a family, read each corresponding scene aloud from the book, making your own visual experience come alive.

• Make sure that books and movies are age appropriate for your children. A story in a book only half belongs to an author. The other half belongs to the reader. When reading a book, your child controls the visual interpretation of a story, unconsciously limiting or expanding aspects of the book that please, amuse, or scare him. When a parent reads a story aloud, security is ever present and assured. That is why parents can read books to their children that are a couple of years beyond their grade level. Not so with movies and television. In a movie, an adult who does not know your child is feeding him or her predetermined visual images that may be far more violent than anything your child has imagined. Do not assume that your younger child's comfort level with a book automatically carries over to a movie interpretation of that book. Make sure you read responsible reviews and get an impression of the movie from trusted friends before you take your child to the theater. But you know your child's personality and needs best, so use your best judgment.

• After your children have seen the movie, have a conversation with them about the movie and the book. Talk about what they like and do not like about the movie in comparison with the book. Help them to understand that a movie is a different "medium" than a book, that a direct translation of the story is impossible given the time requirements. Ask them if the characters, scenes, and action in the movie are the same or different from their visualization of the story. Ask them which interpretation of the story they like best.

• If you and your child should see a movie before reading the book it is based on, run to your nearest library, get the book, and read it together. I'm betting you will enjoy the book more!
  © 2001 Mary Brigid Barrett

Each season's movies and dates are chosen before the end of May. They will be posted on this site before Memorial Day. Please visit this site then so you can put the dates and the movies on your family's calendar of Things To Do!!

Movies are shown outdoors on a large screen (provided by A & J Canopy)in the Jaycee Stage. All movies are FREE of charge and open to the public. Concessions are available on site, but you may also bring your own snacks. Picnic tables are set up in the Jaycee Stage pavilion, but many people bring their own chairs and blankets/quilts for the kids to sit on. Cool breezes come off Lake Michigan even on hot summer nights, so bring a sweater or jacket... just in case. Movies In The Park are a collaboration of the City of Michigan City and the Michigan City Public Library. For more information, call Jan Kostielney at 219/229-4309 (email: jkostielney@emichigancity.com) or Robin Kohn at 219/873-3049 (email: rkohn@mclib.org).

Click here for Press Release of 2007 Event

National Night Out in Michigan City, Indiana, is an annual event that builds community, generates support for anti-crime programs and strengthens police/community relations through block parties and other neighborhood events held on the first Tuesday of August. National Night Out is not just one night of the year but the culmination of year-long crime prevention activities in all Michigan City neighborhoods: people working together in block clubs and other networks to prevent and address neighborhood problems, neighborhoods working with law enforcement and city officials to prevent crime and violence. It is an occasion to celebrate past successes, discuss current challenges or issues, and re-dedicate collaborative efforts with neighbors, police, businesses and others to improve the quality of life in our city.

For more information on National Night Out in Michigan City, please contact Chief Ben Neitzel at bneitzel@emichigancity.com.

More than 54 million Americans volunteer an average of four hours every week to causes that have meaning in their lives. The driving force is 'giving something back' to their community, helping others, making a difference in someone's life. And at the same time, the volunteers improve their own lives, learn new skills, make new friends, and feel good about themselves.

Here are some tips on choosing the volunteer opportunity that will be a good fit for you:

• Research the causes or issues important to you. Look for a group that works with issues about which you feel strongly. You might already be giving money to one of these organizations, and that might be a good place to begin your volunteer experience. If you can't find such an organization, here's a challenging and intriguing thought: why not start one yourself? You can rally your neighbors to clean up that vacant lot on the corner, patrol the neighborhood, paint an elderly neighbor's house, take turns keeping an eye on the ailing person down the street, or form a group to advocate for a remedy to that dangerous intersection in your neighborhood. There is no end to the creative avenues for volunteering...just as there is no end to the need for volunteers.
  
• Consider the skills you have to offer. If you enjoy outdoor work, have a knack for teaching, or just enjoy interacting with people, you may want to look for volunteer work which would incorporate these aspects of your personality. Many positions require a volunteer who has previous familiarity with certain equipment such as a computer, or who possesses certain skills, such as ability in athletics or communications. For one of these positions, you might decide to do something comparable to what you do on the job during your work day, or something which you already enjoy as a hobby. This sort of position allows you to jump right into the work without having to take training to prepare for the assignment.


• Would you like to learn something new? Perhaps you would like to learn a new skill or gain exposure to a new situation. consider seeking a volunteer opportunity where you'll learn something new. For example, volunteering to work on the newsletter for the local animal shelter will improve your writing and editing abilities, skills that may help you in your career. Or, volunteering can simply offer a change from your daily routine, for example, if your full time job is in an office, you may decide to take on a more active volunteer assignment, such as leading tours at an art museum or building a playground. Many nonprofits seek out people who are willing to learn. Realize beforehand, however, that such work might require a time commitment for training before the actual volunteer assignment begins.


• Consider volunteering as a family. Think about looking for a volunteer opportunity suitable for parents and children to do together, or for a husband and wife to take on as a team. When a family volunteers to work together at a nonprofit organization, the experience can brim then closer together, teach young children the value of giving their time and effort, introduce everyone in the family to skills and experiences never before encountered, and give the entire family a shared experience as a wonderful family memory.


• Give voice to your heart through your giving and volunteering. Bring your heart and your sense of humor to your volunteer service along with your enthusiastic spirit, which in itself is a priceless gift. What you'll get back will be immeasurable!

Local volunteer opportunities can be found at the following:

• your child or grandchild's school
• Michigan City Public Library
• LaPorte County Literacy Council
• Washington Park Zoo
• Historic Barker Mansion
• Great Lakes Museum of Military History
• Old Lighthouse Museum
• Boys & Girls Club
• Michigan City YMCA
• Lubeznik Center for the Arts
• Dunebrook
• St. Anthony Memorial Health Centers
• Swanson Center
• Madison Center
• Summer Festival activities
• Labor Dayz Festival
• Martin Luther King Center
• Open Door Health Center
• Minority Health Coalition
• Emmet Wise Center
• George & Madelyn Smrt Center
• Emergency Management
• Michigan City Parks & Recreation
• LaPorte County Parks
• Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
• Save The Dunes
• your church, temple, synagogue
• your political party
• RSVP
• any non-profit organization you can name
• United Way of LaPorte County
• Volunteer Match

Call 219/229-4309 or send email to jkostielney@emichigancity.com for more information on volunteering. Be sure to visit the websites listed below for opportunities to be of service to your community.

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