Naturally Speaking - LaPorte County Parks

Naturally Speaking

Newsletter for the Friends of the LaPorte County Parks.

Administrative Office Red Mill County Park Open: 7am-12pm-12:30pm-5pm Monday - Thursday 0185 S. Holmesville Rd.

LaPorte, IN 46350 219-325-8315

Fax 219-325-8317 E-Mail lcparks@

Naturalist Office Luhr County Park 3178 S. 150 West LaPorte, IN 46350

219-324-5855 E-Mail natureniki@

rangerlaura@

Luhr Park Maintenance Facility

219-326-0524

Creek Ridge County Park 7943 W. 400 North

Michigan City, IN 46360

Bluhm County Park 3855 S. 1100 West Westville, IN 46391

Luhr Park Sustained Major Storm Damage

Luhr Park remains closed after a storm toppled over 200 trees and did roof damage to the nature center, storage shed, and white oak shelter. The trees down and number of trees that are high risk or danger trees is quite daunting to say the least. It is important that we stress, that it is not safe to enter Luhr Park and the entire park is closed to the general public. The park staff, along with county highway staff, are working diligently to clean up tree debris and to clear trails throughout the park. The parks department hopes to have a timber salvage sale this fall along with issuing wood cutting permits to the general public. The projected date the park will reopen is sometime in April of 2015. By that point we hope to have all the buildings restored and the park safe for all visitors. Park programs have all been moved to other parks and we will continue to offer the same services just at different locations.

Foundation Properties: (undeveloped)

Kankakee Property Kankakee Township

Sebert Property Springfield Township

George R. Menkes Nature Preserve Galena Township

The mission of the LaPorte County Parks and Recreation Board and Department is

to preserve, protect and manage natural, cultural and recreational resources within a diverse and balanced park system. We will provide educational opportunities through

facilities and programs for all citizens of LaPorte County to further their awareness

and enjoyment of those resources.

LaPorte County Parks Staff

Tim Morgan - Superintendent Jean Lawson-Office & Finance Manager "Nature" Niki Schmutte - Chief Naturalist "Ranger" Laura Moyer - Rec. and Ed. Programmer Jim Jackson - Maintenance Supervisor Boyd Lomow - Maintenance Technician Barb Janeczko - Maintenance Technician

Seasonal Staff / Part-time

Jim Simon - Naturalist Assistant Joanne Janisch - Naturalist Assistant

Sharon Bonner - Office Richard Walker - Maintenance Madison Kutch- Maintenance Jimmie Tanner- Maintenance Miranda Steele- Maintenance Kevin Hucksted- Maintenance Aaron Vaughn- Maintenance

Ken Havlin - Gate Keeper Al Radke - Gate Keeper

Park Board

Kate Ardissono - President Ronald Knickrehm- Vice President

Hugh Tonagel Erin Lozano Chris Fronk Jim Holifield Brian Root

Foundation Board

Jim Jessup, President Stephanie Oberlie, Treasurer

Sandy Menne Bill Hedge Steve King

Liz Kaminski Ed Merrion Tom Thode Amy Riehle

County Commissioners

Willie Milsap David Decker Vidya Kora

County Council Members

Jeff Santana Matt Bernacchi Earl Cunningham Mark Yagelski

Terry Garner Lois Sosinski Rich Mrozinski

The Parks Department says good-bye to one staff member and hello to another.

Jim Jackson joined the Park Staff in July as the new Maintenance and Construction Supervisor. He joins us after a 33 year career in law enforcement. He is an excellent addition to our staff and we are excited about what the future holds. His enthusiasm and zest for his new career in parks is contagious.

Roger Grove retired from the Parks Department after 24 years of service. He helped shape the parks into what they are today by leaving his mark on all four of our developed properties. The Parks Department benefited greatly from his awesome skills, foresight, and vision.

Programs - Programs - Programs

Stroller, Baby, and You

Fun filled programs with other toddlers and preschoolers. Enjoy music, dance with your kids, giggle,

and storytelling, take a hike (weather permitting) and just have

plan ole fun.

FREE 10? 11am at Red Mill County Park Toddlers ? Pre-School age Call at least one week in advance to signup & assure a spot 219-325-8315

August 11, 25 September 15

October 6 October 20 (come in costume)

November 10 December 8, 15

Northern Indiana Walk for PKD 2-Mile Walk

Saturday, September 20 Check in 9 am Walk 10 am Creek Ridge County Park

For more information, please contact Walk Coordinator, Laura Moyer (219) 878-3062 northernindianawalk@

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) affects 600,000 Americans and 12.5 million children and adults, worldwide. There is no treatment or cure, but there is hope.

Walk, form a team, help with the committee, volunteer and more! Register online and take advantage of a host of effective and Free online team features like emailing members, tracking team progress and fundraising tools. Contact the PKD Foundation for more information on how you can help. . Come join us. northernindiana

Senior Lifestyles

Join the 55+ Club, a social club designed specifically for adults ages 55 and older. Learn and explore various types of nature at its best in the county parks. A social club sounds quite delightful! Come relax, enjoy nature, & have coffee on the Parks with your new friends.

FREE Red Mill County Park from 9? 10am Call at least one week in advance to signup & assure a spot at 219.325.8315

September 10 - Medicare's website is a powerful tool to learn about Medicare. Even if you're not on Medicare yet, becoming familiar with navigating will enable you to make educated decisions when you're 65. "handouts are available from Medicare and the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)

Night Hike

September 10 7:15 - 8:15 pm

Red Mill County Park Meet in Pat Smith Hall

All ages welcome Children must be accompanied by an adult. Come out to walk through the park in the dark. This program

is free but pre-registration is required one week before the hike.

Call 219-325-8315 to register.

October 1 - Tips on Gardening; getting your garden ready for winter by Sacha Burns, Sunkissed Organics

November 5 - Fern Eddy Schultz talks about our Indiana Historical Markers in La Porte County--We have 7 markers in the County--

Programs - Programs - Programs

Pioneer Days

September 27 & 28 10 am - 5 pm

Creek Ridge County Park $2 for Adults

$1 Child or Seniors

Step into the past, visit with historically clad re-enactors and vendors. Bring the whole family

and experience outdoor cooking, crafts, candle dipping,

wagon rides, food, and much more.

No pre-registration required

Mom and Son Dance

"Halloween Style"

October 24 6:30 ? 8:30 pm $15 per couple, $5 for each additional son

Come out to Red Mill County Park to enjoy an evening of friendly games, gross & disgusting treasures, night hike, light

refreshments and much more. Kids costume contest. Hurry this will fill up fast!

Pre-registration required at least one week in advance or until full, whichever comes first. See page 5.

Poochapalooza Halloween Dog

Social

October 7 5:45 pm Creek Ridge County Park

Parent and Child Discovery Days

6-7:15 pm Red Mill County Park

Pat Smith Hall Ages 3-8

$5.00 A Child / Per Program An adult is required to participate.

Fun Fall Facts

When the leaves turn colors in the fall, they actually are returning to their normal colors. During the summer months, the chlorophyll present in the leaves causes the leaves to turn green, blocking the

leaves' actual colors.

Dress up your dog and join us at Creek Ridge County Park ? No leash Bark Park

for our Halloween Dog Social!

Judging categories will be best homemade costume, scariest, best owner/pet combination and many more.

FREE - Call 219-325-8315 to register at least one week

in advance. Min 5 dogs

Sept. 17- Natures Treasures Oct. 8- Hopping Good Time

Oct. 22 -Halloween Fun (Come in Costume)

Nov. 5- Who, Who, Who Nov. 12- They Live Where?

Dec. 3- Let it Snow

Pre-registration and payment is required one week before each

program. See page 5

On the first day of autumn, the sun is aligned with the center between the North and the South of the planet. On that day, the light and dark hours are exactly the same length. That's why it is called `equinox', derived from the Latin word `aequus' which means

`equal'.

There are only two days of the year when you can stand an egg on its end, the autumn and spring

equinox.

LaPorte County Park Programs

Mail this form with payment or pay in person at Red Mill County Park. 219-325-8315

Please Print

Name of Person filling out registration:_____________________________________________________

Address:________________________________________City:_____________State:_____Zip:___________

Home Phone:______________ Cell Phone:__________________Email:__________________________

Registration Information

No registrations will be accepted after the due date or when the program is filled whichever comes first. If you are interested in a program, avoid disappoint-

ment and sign up right away. Space is limited for most programs, and registration is first-come, first-served. Also, most programs require a minimum number of participants. So, failure to sign up early may mean

your program will be cancelled.

Make Checks Payable to: LaPorte County Parks Dept.

Mail form and payment to: LaPorte County Parks Dept.

Program Registration 0185 South Holmesville Road

LaPorte, IN 46350

Parent/ Child Discovery Days (Ages 3-8)

Mom / Son Dance

Wednesday nights 6:00-7:15pm at Red Mill Park Registration due one week before program.

"Halloween Style"

T Name of child:_____________________________ hi Age:_______________

October 24 6:30 ? 8:30 pm at Red Mill $15 per couple and $5 for each additional Son Registration is due on or before October 16 or until the program is full whichever comes first.

s Check the program(s) you wish to attend. P $5 per program / per child. rog ____Sept.17 ____Oct.8 ____Oct.22 ____Nov.5 S ra ____Nov.12 ____Dec.3

Name of Adult Female:____________________________________

Name of Son:____________________________________________

or m __________Total Amount Due (no refunds)

Son's Age:__________

ry! is f Name of additional Sons:__________________________ ull! ________________________________________________

Additional Son's Age______________________________

__________Total Amount Due (no refunds)

Visit our website for more park information:

Regulations of the U.S. Department of Interior strictly prohibit unlawful discrimination in departmental programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, or disability. Any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility; or who desires further information regarding Title VI or subtitle A of title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Pub. L. 101-336, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by public entities should write to:



LaPorte County Parks Attn: Superintendent 0185 S. Holmesville Rd. LaPorte, IN 46350

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National Park Service Attn.: Director Equal Opportunity Program P.O. Box 37127 Washington, D.C.

20013-7127

All the Parks are Open 7am to sunset daily.

LaPorte County Parks Administrative Office Red Mill County Park 0185 S. Holmesville Rd. LaPorte, IN 46350

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