Compiled by Mary Hedge, LaPorte County Public Library

 May 3, 1913 – The fair association decides to raise admission at this year’s fair from 25 cents to 35 cents.

May 3, 1963 – More than 750 black citizens were arrested in Birmingham, Ala., in the largest mass demonstration protesting segregation ever held in the United States.

May 3, 1988 – Three new members — Elmer Szilagyi, Wes England and Ruth Minich — will take seats on the LaPorte School Board.

May 3, 2003 – The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the North Central Veterinary Emergency Center at PNC was held.

Three young people received scholarships from the LaPorte Aero Club on April 20, 2013. Pictured from left are Neil Straub, Aero Club vice president; scholarship recipients Andrew Scherer and Austin Wells, and Dale Fischer, club president. Not pictured is Keegan Starky, the third scholarship recipient.

Students who are enrolled in aviation courses may apply by downloading the scholarship form at http://www.laporteaeroclub.org.

The Aero Club earns its scholarship money with only one event per year — a pancake breakfast at the LaPorte Airport. This year’s breakfast will be Aug. 11 from 7 a.m. to noon at the main terminal. The breakfast showcases transient aircraft and, when possible, parachute jumpers. This year Indiana University Healthcare’s helicopter will be on display.

Photos provided by Reins of Life (click to enlarge)

Reins of Life, a therapeutic horseback riding program for children and adults with special needs, has several special events coming up. Reins of Life has facilities at 9375 W. 300 North in Michigan City, and 55200 Quince Rd. in South Bend.

Proceeds from these events will ensure the continued growth of the Reins of Life program, a not-for-profit organization.

– May 4-5: 35th anniversary 4-H and Open Horse Show, South Bend facility. It is open to the public. Gate donation is $2 per vehicle. Some of the many classes of competition will feature child and adult Reins of Life riders.

– June 3: Swing for Reins Charity Golf Scramble at Long Beach Country Club.

– June 15 and 16: Benefit Dressage Show, South Bend facility.

– Oct. 12 and 13: Benefit Dressage Show, Michigan City facility.

About Reins of Life:

• Has a rich 35-year history

• Provides lessons at both of its facilities

• Draws riders from 10 counties in Indiana and Michigan

• Provides 3,000 hours of lessons/year

• Served 500 riders in 2012

• Uses 500-plus volunteers to fulfill its mission: to improve the quality of life for children and adults with disabilities through equine-assisted therapy

For more information, sponsorship information and registration forms for all of these events, as well as to learn more about Reins of Life, visit www.reinsoflife.org.

A little Photoshop fun featuring Zeke the horse and Lindsey the rider.

(Click on photos to enlarge)

Melrose Pyrotechnics of Kingsbury, IN, is proud to announce that it has won a first-place trophy in one of the most prestigious pyrotechnic competitions in the world: the Da Nang International Fireworks Competition in Vietnam.

Participants from Vietnam, Russia, Japan, Italy and the United States competed on April 29-30, 2013, at a dedicated display site along the beautiful Han River.

Months of planning and design work culminated in the presentation of Melrose’s display, entitled “The Way You Look Tonight.” Over the course of five days, a team of Melrose pyrotechnicians prepared the display along with a remarkable group of Vietnamese assistants.

Following the theme of the competition — “Love for the Han River” — Melrose choreographed its display to an original Melrose-designed soundtrack featuring music by Bruno Mars, Whitney Houston, The Beatles and Harry Connick Jr.

Each night of the competition was viewed by an audience of hundreds of thousands and was broadcast globally by Vietnam Television.

Melrose extends its gratitude to the people of Vietnam and to Global 2000, who expertly organized and produced this remarkable event.

Learn more about Melrose Pyrotechnics at www.facebook.com/melrosepyro and www.melrosepyro.com.

Compiled by Mary Hedge, LaPorte County Public Library

May 4, 1913 – Kent M. Andrew, who left LaPorte after resigning from the LaPorte Carriage Company, will return to be the next cashier of a local bank.

May 4, 1963 – Prospects appeared bright today that the nation will get its mail on Saturdays as usual next year.

May 4, 1988 – About 1,000 people participated in “COUNTDOWN U.S.A.–The National Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Check” at LaPorte Hospital.

May 4, 2003 — Michigan City Mayor Sheila Brillson plans to resign and move to Washington State, where she and her husband have bought property.

The 2nd Saturdays! events return to LaPorte May 11 with the downtown’s inaugural Wine and Brew Walk. Here is updated information:

All of the regular businesses that participate in 2nd Saturdays! will be open from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and a select few will be featuring free tastes from local breweries and vintners of some of the finest craft brews and wines in the region. Busines

ses hosting special tastings will include Seven Restaurant with Figure 8 Brewery, Ignoffo’s Italian Bistro with Shady Creek Winery, Five Star Cuts with Burn ‘Em Brewing, and Dick’s Bar with Four Horsemen Brewing.

Come out, enjoy the free tastings and discover downtown LaPorte! For more information on 2nd Saturdays and other events, contact Tiffany Bley at (219) 362-3178 or bley@lpchamber.com. Event updates and happenings can also be found on Facebook at Downtown La Porte.

The Slicers advanced to the final round but fell to Plymouth in the championship of LaPorte’s Bill Reed Tennis Tournament on Saturday, May 4, 2013.

First round: LaPorte d. Lowell, 4-1

1S: Caroline Boger (LP) d. Kristina Stefoski (L) 6-4, 6-0

2S: Jill Boger (LP) d. Veronica Stefoski (L) 6-2, 6-3

3S: Emily Osborn (LP) d. Amanda Bruszka (L) 6-7 (4-7), 6-3, 10-4

1D: Kayla Wurster / Madison Shreves (LP) d. Sarah Edwards / Meredith Sharkey (L) 6-3, 6-0

2D: Kate Swisher / Jessica Bullit (L) d. Amie Decker / Cari Hughes (LP) 6-3, 6-2

First round: Plymouth d. SB Washington, 4-1

1S: Allie Berger (P) d. Kylie Karczewski (W) 4-6, 6-4, 10-7

2S: Amber Kish (W) d. Mikayla German 6-3, 3-6, 11-9

3S: Haley Harrell (P) d. Lauren Alwine (W) 6-1, 6-1

1D: Marissa German / Andria Shook (P) d. Faviola Cruz / Elizabeth Medina (W) 6-0, 6-0

2D: Lauren Rearick / Aimee Ringer won by default

Consolation: SB Washington d. Lowell, 3-2

1S: Kylie Karczewski (W) d. Kristina Stefoski (L) 6-2, 6-1

2S: Amber Kish (W) d. Veronica Stefoski (L) 6-2, 2-6, 10-4

3S: Lauren Alwine (W) d. Amanda Gruszka (L) 6-0, 6-7 (5-7), 10-4

1D: Sarah Edwards / Meredith Sharkey (L) d. Faviola Cruz / Elizabeth Medina (W)

2D: Kate Swisher / Jessica Bullit (L) won by default

Championship: Plymouth d. LaPorte, 4-1

1S: Allie Berger (P) d. Caroline Boger (LP) 6-4, 7-6 (7-3)

2S: Jill Boger (LP) d. Mikayla German (P) 6-4, 2-6, 11-9

3S: Carly Berger (P) d. Callie Scissom (LP) 6-0, 6-1

1D: Marissa German / Andria Shook (P) d. Kayla Wurster / Madison Shreves (LP) 6-4, 6-0

2D: Emily Blake / Ellen Smith (P) d. Cari Hughes / Amie Decker (LP) 6-0, 6-3

The Kiwanis Club of LaPorte will host a Mother’s Day flower sale on Saturday, May 11, at Kiwanis/Teledyne Park Pavilion, located at the intersection of U.S. 35 and Ind. 39, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

All of the hanging baskets and potted geraniums are grown locally at Perennials Galore. Many colors and varieties will be available, just in time for Mother’s Day! Proceeds from the sale will be used to maintain and continue to beautify the park.

Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to serving one child, one community at a time.

LaPorte Moose Lodge, 925 Boyd Blvd., will host an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12, from 8 a.m. to noon.

Cost is $6 for adults and $3 for kids ages 5-12. Kids 4 and under eat for free.

Breakfast will feature pancakes, eggs, sausage, potatoes, biscuits & gravy, coffee, juice, and milk.

Songwriter, masterful pianist and comedian Cahal Dunne, one of Ireland’s top vocalists, will appear at the LaPorte High School Auditorium on Friday, May 10, at 7 p.m. as part of the LaPorte Community Concert Association series.

Dunne captivates his audience with a rich, deep vocal style as he takes you on a musical journey to his homeland. He has an easy rapport and his great sense of humor is shown in a way that appeals to audiences of all ages. He has appeared with Bob Hope, Wayne Newton, Al Martino and Tony Orlando and performed for several presidents. He accompanies himself on the piano but has backing tracks on about 50% of the songs, so there is a full orchestra sound coming from the stage.

This concert is included for 2012-13 Community Concert Association season ticket holders and also those who have joined the association for the 2013-14 season.

For information on how to join the LaPorte Community Concert Association and enjoy four top-notch entertainers in LaPorte and 19 additional concerts in Valparaiso, Portage, Munster and Warsaw, contact Beth LeRoy at 362-8262 or Bill Burger at 362-5292. The cost is $40 for adults and $10 for students for the 23 concerts.

Tickets for this concert will also be available at the door: Adults $15; students through high school $5.

This wooden shovel, made in the Netherlands around 1900, was donated to the museum by Frances Rameier. (Click to enlarge)

Visitors to the LaPorte County Historical Society Museum in April 2013 came from 18 counties, 13 states, England, France, and Germany. The museum hosted 2 groups: one from Pine School in Porter County and the Tri Kappa chapter of LaPorte.

The display “Forgotten History” can be viewed until the end of May. The program “Hoosiers in the Movies” was presented April 13 by Bruce Johnson.

Upcoming events

– “Historical Broadway” variety show, May 18, 7 p.m.

– “With This Ring” summer wedding display starts June 1 with an opening day reception

– Civil War re-enactment June 22 & 23

– Old Car Show July 27

– Family Fun Day Aug. 24.

Keep watching news sources and the historical society website, www.laportecountyhistory.org, and FaceBook page for more details on these events.

Other news: A summer intern starts the second week in May. The Belle Gunness display will be getting a facelift. A new display featuring Washington Park Zoo is in the works. Those considering volunteering may call the museum and ask for Susie.

April donations to museum

– 1928 photo of St. John’s School, “Dick and Jane” pre-primer, German hand-beaded necklaces and bracelet, doily, vintage Valentines, postcards, Lois Hagglund

– Howmet beach towel, 2 calendar thermometers, eyeglasses, Holy Family Hospital receipt, song book with “Maple City Four” photo, Door Prairie Barn photo, wooden shovel, LaPorte Slicer pins, Ideal Dairy bottle, measuring tool, Kingsbury Elevator thermometer, photo of Fenker’s, Frances Rameier

– Man’s silk dinner jacket from 1950, Harold Russell

– Rolling Prairie High School alumni booklet, record book of graduates, Eastern Star photos, Marcia Porter

– World War II items, including patches, sewing kit, hygiene kit, nail file kit, bars and pins, all belonging to Hans Specht; 1942 hosiery; Robert Keller

– Antique Valentines, Lori Hill

– 1950 Christmas album, John Knoll

– “Truth About Belle Gunness” by Lillian De La Torre, Robert Burns

– 2 ladies’ hats made by Adelheid’s of LaPorte, Judith Shepherd

– LaPorte High School yearbooks, Dr. Peter Kesling

– Archival information, Fern Eddy Schultz, Arnold Bass, Delores Games, Marcia Porter

– Items for the sale table, Lois Hagglund, Thomas J. Miller, Jan Wooden, Harold & Ruth Wilson

The Cemetery and Research Association of LaPorte County held its spring 2013 bi-monthly meeting recently at the home of President Deanna West. With the motto of “We remember, search and document, so they are not forgotten,” members research the numerous LaPorte County cemeteries, many dating to the beginning of the county’s existence, and attempt to document all county cemeteries, including abandoned and non-existent, and the burials therein. This information, including family histories (when known) is then placed on the association website, http//www.dunelady.com/laporte/cemeteries, by webmaster West.

It was announced that Lloyd and Shirley Mounce have completed the updated reading of the tombstones in Kingsbury Cemetery using old archaic listings, cemetery sexton records, obituaries, and actual reading of the tombstones. This updated reading can be found on the website under Kingsbury Cemetery in Washington Township. Also, Sharon Snow has become the historian for Patton Cemetery in the city of LaPorte.

The association has a new publication for sale, “Union Mills Cemetery” compiled by Deanna Branson West and Robert Ponda Sr., photographer. It contains 2,900 burials laid out in lot and block order and was compiled working from older and newer tombstone readings, donated family files and current cemetery additions. The 208-page book can be purchased for $45 plus $5 shipping and handling from Deanna West, 8074 W. 200 N, Michigan City, IN 46360. Call 219-872-5662.

The association’s next meeting will be at 1 p.m. Monday, June 10, at 8074 W. 200 N. Anyone interested in becoming a member of this research group is invited to contact us.

Attendees of a previous salad bar at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church enjoy their lunch. (Photo submitted)

 St. Paul’s Episcopal Church will host a salad bar for the community in the parish house on Harrison Street at the corner of Michigan Avenue Friday, May 17, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The cost of $5, payable at the door, includes a variety of salads, beverage and dessert. The parish hall is handicapped-accessible and the public is invited to enjoy the culinary offerings of the parishioners.

Lodge members line Jefferson Avenue in front of the building.

Photos by Mike Sitar

(Click on photos to enlarge)

The majestic LaPorte Masonic Temple has guarded the southeast corner of Indiana and Jefferson avenues for 100 years, and on Saturday, May 4, 2013, the organization for which it is named rededicated the structure.

According to the LaPorte County Historical Society, architect Robert M. Hyde designed the building and the cost of construction was $80,000. The cornerstone was laid June 24, 1913, and the building was dedicated with a parade and banquet in 1914. On the 3rd and 4th floors were the Masonic Lodge’s banquet rooms, stages, parlors, a billiard room and even an armory. The sturdy structure was built with heavy steel-plate girders supporting the lodge hall and Howe trusses in the roof. The wood trim was all of oak and birch. On the 2nd floor were office suites, with retail shops on the street level.

Today the building’s uses are much the same, with the Masonic Lodge room, offices and street-level retail spaces.

At Saturday’s rededication, LaPorte Excelsior Masonic Lodge 41 celebrated the building as well as the 175th anniversary of its charter (1838-2013).

According to the organization: “The mission of the Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons was, is and shall be to teach the art of Freemasonry to all men of good character, thus inspiring them to practice the art of Freemasonry in their homes, communities and daily lives. This association of like-minded men improves and strengthens the character of each brother, reflecting Freemasonry and thereby perpetuating the values through the fraternity.”

The lodge room within the temple building.

An early shot of LaPorte Masonic Temple, now a century old. Photo courtesy of LaPorte County Historical Society. (CLICK ON PHOTO TO ENLARGE)

LaPorteans are encouraged to leave their four-wheeled vehicles at home and hop on their two-wheelers for Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 17.

Whether you do so on your own or join coworkers in the event, you will help the City of LaPorte bring awareness to biking fun.

Several downtown restaurants will have special box lunches to go for your biking convenience:

– Indiana Deli – 324-3383

– Mucho Mas – 362-9183

– B&J’s American Cafe – 362-3474

– Cookery TT – 326-6500

– Seven – 380-5454

Businesses are invited to enter contests for Most Employees Biking to Work and Highest Percentage of Employees who Bike to Work. Contact Park Superintendent Brian Niksch at bniksch@cityoflaporte.com to register your business.

Compiled by Mary Hedge, LaPorte County Public Library

May 6, 1913 – Judge Tuthill ties the knot for Bert Phillips and Mrs. Alice Phillips a second time.

May 6, 1963 – All polling places are open tomorrow from 7 to 7.

May 6, 1988 – Illegal aliens who beat the deadline for seeking amnesty must now meet a challenge in the English language and U. S. history that even gives the immigration commissioner fits.

May 6, 2003 — U.S. Budget Director Mitch Daniels moves to a run for Indiana governor as he announces he will leave President Bush’s administration.

The LaPorte High School Wind Ensemble and Treble Chorale performed at the Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) State Concert Organization Finals May 3 and 4, 2013, in Indianapolis.

The Treble Chorale placed 5th in the Concert Treble/Men’s Choir category with performances at the Pike High School Performing Arts Center.

The Wind Ensemble placed 13th in the Concert Band category with performances held at the Butler University Schrott Center for the Arts.

Both ensembles performed at the ISSMA State Qualification Contest held at Chesterton High School on April 27 in order to qualify for the state finals. From the four qualification sites across the state, the top-scoring groups advanced to the state finals that featured the top 16 concert bands and mixed choirs, and the top 8 orchestras and treble/men’s choirs from the entire state.

State champions for this year were:

Concert Band: Carmel

Orchestra: Carmel

Treble/Men’s Choir: North Central

Mixed Choir: Franklin Central

LaPorte County Master Gardeners are available to help the public with a wide variety of home gardening questions on their Garden Hotline. The hotline is available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon from April 15 through Sept. 30, 2013.

Master Gardeners will answer questions on house plants, landscaping, flowers, fruit trees, vegetables, trees, shrubs, lawns, insects, and garden pests. They find the right answers to difficult questions and provide those having yard and garden issues with research-based materials produced by the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service or other land grant universities in the region.

The Garden Hotline phone number is 219-324-9407. (Michigan City area residents can call the local number 219-874-5611, Ext. 2655.) Ask to talk with a Master Gardener. Questions can also be emailed to LPMasterGardener@purdue.edu. This is a FREE service to the public. Homeowners can also view information at www.ag.purdue.edu/counties/laporte.

Other Master Gardener news

LaPorte County Master Gardeners held their annual recognition meeting April 4, 2013, at Red Mill County Park. Master Gardeners were recognized for their volunteer work and participation in education activities.

Some of the projects for which Master Gardeners volunteered last year were: Ag Days for 4th grade students, Luhr Park Field Days for 5th graders, and growing spaces at several local schools that taught children about gardening. Other projects included: demonstrating heirloom plantings at the Pioneer Heritage Garden at the LaPorte County Fairgrounds and assisting Habitat for Humanity partner families with landscaping their new homes. Altogether, in 2012 the LaPorte County Master Gardeners volunteered nearly 2,750 hours “helping others grow” in LaPorte County.

Seventeen interns from the 2012 Master Gardener class were recognized: Jan Manik of Chesterton; Lloyd Anderson, Jan Bradshaw, Pamela Coker, Faith Henry, Susan Kieffer, Dennis Lanie, Leslinda Leon, Patti Lovaas, Linda Weigel, all of LaPorte; Rima Binder of Long Beach; John Carington, Carl Drzewiecki, Mary Rooney, Stephen Zolvinski, all of Michigan City; Raymond Borkowski and Jennifer Kuzdas, of Rolling Prairie.

Two Master Gardeners were certified after completing at least 35 hours of volunteer service: Ann Fletcher of LaPorte and Stacy McGinnis of Grovertown.

Four individuals were designated Advanced Master Gardeners after completing at least 60 hours of volunteer service and attending a minimum 45 hours of gardening education activities: Jaunda Kneller and Linda Schwartz of LaPorte; Johanna Miller of Long Beach; and Annette Van Dusen of New Buffalo, MI.

Seven individuals achieved the Bronze Master Gardener level, having donated at least 200 volunteer hours and attended a minimum of 60 hours of gardening classes: Karren Coplen, Jo Ellen Jongkind, Ann Klosinski, Kitty Knoll and Kathleen Staninger, of LaPorte; Rose Olson of Michigan City; and Maryanne Garon of Trail Creek.

Three gardeners achieved the Silver Master Gardener level, having donated at least 500 volunteer hours and attended a minimum of 75 hours of gardening classes: Jerry Murphy of Long Beach; John Connors of New Carlisle and Nancy Jahnel-Barnes of Michigan City.

One individual, Sharon Cholewa, was lauded for being a Gold Master Gardener – at least 2,000 hours of volunteer time and a minimum of 200 hours of gardening education.

For more information about the Master Gardener Program or about becoming a Master Gardener, contact the LaPorte County Extension office at 219-324-9407 or visit www.ag.purdue.edu/counties/laporte and link to “Master Gardeners” or www.hort.purdue.edu/mg/.

(Click on photo to enlarge)

Pictured here are La Lumiere’s Student Leadership Board (from left): Academic Prefect, Neal Patel, Chesterton; Residential Life Prefect, Martin Crowe, Owensboro, KY; Sacristan Prefect, Patrick Lake, LaPorte; Admissions Prefect, Thomas Yemc, Long Beach; Head Prefect, Cormac Gahan, South Haven, MI; Hospitality Prefect, Lydia Costello, Chesterton; Co-Curricular Prefect, Isabella Schuster, LaPorte; Serviam Prefect, Richard Cains, Michigan City; and Residential Life Prefect, Abigail Smith, Richland, MI.

For over 50 years, La Lumiere School has produced leaders who have taken to heart the school’s motto of “Character – Scholarship – Faith,” and those leaders are helping to mold the future in all walks of life. La Lumiere’s system uses nine leaders called prefects. The Head Prefect oversees the Prefect Board. Each Prefect oversees a council of students committed to a specific area of responsibility.

Headmaster Michael Kennedy said, “Everything we do at La Lumiere School is done with an eye on nurturing leadership skills. The Prefect Program allows the students to take ownership of their high school experience.”

For more information on La Lumiere, visit www.lalumiere.org.

Diana R. Schultz, 56, of Michigan City, IN, died peacefully at 4:40 p.m. Saturday, May 4, 2013, at Franciscan St. Anthony Health, Michigan City.

She was born Nov. 15, 1956, in Chicago to Thomas and Effie (Elias) Karam.

Diana was a great cook and enjoyed traveling to Disney World. She loved her family and enjoyed making them laugh.

On Mother’s Day, May 14, 1995, in Westville, IN, she married Michael Schultz, who survives.

Also surviving are four children, Christopher (Lauren) Winkler of Valparaiso, IN, David (Crystal) Winkler of San Antonio, TX, Christopher (Jennifer) Schultz of Indianapolis and Trevor Schultz of Michigan City; four grandchildren, Nicholas, Kevin, Matthew and Holly; two nephews, Joshua and Aaron; and Daniel White, whom she loved as a son.

Her parents preceded her in death.

A private memorial service celebrating her life will be held at a later date. Cremation will take place. Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in memory of Diana R. Schultz c/o Lakeview Funeral Home, 247 W. Johnson Rd., LaPorte, IN 46350.

Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.LakeviewFHC.com.