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 Bicentennial celebrations in full swing around the state
By: Perry Hammock
I drove a lot this weekend.
And what a great drive it was. First was a fast trip on I-69 to Fort Wayne accompanied by a symphony
of turning leaves. I was fortunate to
participate in the last of nine Green Lights Awards
ceremonies honoring individuals and businesses making Indiana more
environmentally friendly for our children and theirs. Sustainable Indiana 2016 has singled out
nearly 200 worthy recipients to receive these awards and help us all learn how
to be better stewards of our Indiana home.
Learn more at sustainableindiana2016.org
Then, I zigzagged across the back roads to North Manchester to take the Bison Art
tour. It was North Manchester that gave
birth to the “Bison-tennial.” If you go,
have a bite at Zook’s
downtown and ask where all the bison are.
We had time to document 13 of them, but still missed several. They are,
to a bison, creative, well executed, inspiring, and downright cute. It is a
wonderful partnership between service organizations, Manchester University, local schools,
businesses and volunteers. Perfect
smile-making for a fall day.
Next, off to Wabash
for the downtown cultural tour – visiting local restaurants, learning more
about Modoc, the amazing wandering elephant, and celebrating the town’s
selection as a Stellar Community in
Indiana. The first electrically
lighted community has turned on a lot of bright lights in 2016!
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Galveston 4th graders learn about 1816 way of life for Bicentennial
Butter churning, wool spinning and chopping wood aren't normal activities ... READ MORE >
 A holiday wishlist from the Indiana Bicentennial Marketplace
Somehow, November is already upon us. That means hot cocoa, snow and holiday ...READ MORE >
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 The origin of CoasterStone
Hindostone was founded in 1821 as a manufacturer of whetstones – natural stones that... READ MORE >
Silver Bicentennial Medal available for order through Nov. 4
The time is finally here! The commemorative Bicentennial sterling silver medals are available... READ MORE >
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Hoosier Half Dozen: Writers and Stories
Joan Boyer is an Associate for the Indiana Bicentennial Commission. For her Hoosier ... READ MORE >
ReFind Originals dedicated to repurpose and recycle
This year marks the 200th birthday of my home state, Indiana. I am also celebrating...READ MORE >
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MEET YOUR COUNTY COORDINATORS
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Evie Kirkwood, St. Joseph County
Evie is the director of St. Joseph County Parks –
The County Parks are also “Celebrating 50 Years of Outdoor
Fun” this year, so it was a natural for her to assist with many projects the Bicentennial steering committee coordinated over the past 10 months, including
a deck of St. Joseph County playing cards featuring historic sites and parks,
as well as “Geocache St. Joe County,” a 15-site geocache circuit highlighting
unique areas in many surrounding towns and parks.
- It was fitting that the torch relay ended its St. Joseph County leg in Bendix Woods County Park, the first park in the St. Joseph County Parks system, and that is where we coordinated and hosted the Bicentennial Birthday Bash (a party 200 years in the making) with more than 2,200 people in attendance, and more than 40 organizations taking part. From the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi to Historic New Carlisle, everyone was eager to pitch in to make the event a huge success.
- What an honor to assist with the torch relay, as well. It
was delight to meet all our county torch bearers including artists,
spiritual leaders, firefighters, teachers and philanthropists. It’s these
folks and many others that enrich the fabric of our communities.
- Although it was lots of work, (and there were a few times I was heard to say “thank heavens this only happens every 200 years!”) it gave me a chance to work with some fantastic people to celebrate St. Joseph County and Indiana’s heritage!
- When I’m not working, I enjoy hiking, birdwatching, motorcycling and visiting parks – including the great Indiana State Parks!
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Susie Schulte, Greene County
Susie is a retired educator. She lives in
Bloomfield with her husband, Don.
- My hobbies include spending
time with my son, his wife, my perfect grandson and my daughter. I enjoy
reading, traveling and volunteering.
- I serve on the Bloomfield Park Board and the Greene County Hospital Foundation Board. I volunteer for several athletic teams at Bloomfield High School.
- Celebrating Indiana's 200th birthday has been a wonderful experience. I have been able to plan and participate in numerous events that have made me extremely proud of my county and state. I have met many wonderful people along this year-long journey - some have become great friends that will last a lifetime. Thanks for allowing me to play a small part in the celebration of Indiana. It's been such a great experience.
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