The Rotary Club of Valparaiso, Indiana

05/12/2025

Thank you today to Diane Schweitzer from the Daughters of the American Revolution National Headquarters for speaking today on our local doctor in the 1860s, Almira Fifield's life, and telling her amazing story. Thank you!

04/29/2025

Thanks to Christine Livingston, CEO/President of Indiana Dunes Tourism for the overview of the latest developments and programs. We enjoyed a tour of the beautiful grounds, then gathered at Craft House for a Rotary social.

04/26/2025

Great day at State of Indiana Rotary International celebration District Conference with Rotary District 6540 Rotary International District 6560 and

04/25/2025

Excited for our State Conference in Indianapolis tomorrow! Hope to see you there! Rotary District 6540

03/31/2025

Thank you to Jon Steinbrecher for your great presentation about the House Settlement, scholarship limits and Name, Image and Likeness (NIL)

Jon A. Steinbrecher is the current commissioner of the Mid-American Conference (MAC) of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I collegiate athletic conference. He has held the position since 2009. He was previously the commissioner of the Ohio Valley Conference.

03/18/2025

Our Rotary-sponsored troop recently added 7 new boys to their ranks. We love to support the Boy Scouts!

03/17/2025

You don’t have to be Irish to enjoy St. Paddy's Day (but it doesn’t hurt!).

Saint Patrick's Day celebrates the rich culture and traditions of the Irish people. Share a story and a laugh with your friends and loved ones, and be grateful for the many contributions that people of Irish descent have made to our country.

Whether you celebrate this day by remembering Saint Patrick at church, cheering at one of many Saint Patrick’s Day parades, or clinking glasses at a local pub, may your day be full of Irish pride, laughter, and companionship.

Lá fhéile Pádraig sona dhuit!

03/16/2025

is March 22nd, 2025!

Water is something we all need to survive. But 2.2 billion people still live without safely managed drinking water. That's more than one in every four people facing this challenge every day

Rotary members are working tirelessly to change this. Through projects that provide sustainable, clean water, sanitation and hygiene, we're go outside helping communities, thrive, and build, healthier futures.

This world water day of March 22 you can make a difference. A gift today can help more people gain access to clean water and bring Hope to communities around the globe.

Let's work together to ensure that all people have safe clean water.

https://www.rotary.org/en/our-causes/providing-clean-water

Our global network of more than 1.2 million neighbors, friends, and leaders volunteer their skills and resources to solve issues and address community needs.

02/24/2025

What a pleasure to have two titans within our community present to our Rotary Family today.

Thank you Mayor John Costas of Valparaiso for giving us your State of the Union on our great city.

And...not to be outdone, thank you to our favorite farm reporter and comedian, Jane Maxwell, for being our Sergeant and giving away one of your amazing cherry pies.

Thank you both for all that you do for all of us.

We hope everyone enjoyed today and don't forget to always "thank a farmer" 🧑‍🌾😁

02/17/2025

Probably our favorite day of the year for Rotary Valpo!

Each year, we extend an opportunity for local nonprofits to apply for funding to help with a project or program. It's a competitive process, and there is always more need than money available.

This year, 24 applications were received, totaling $89,760 in requests. The committee had $17,000 to allocate.

Committee members who were able to participate in the selection process this year were Greg Gottschalk, Andy Moats, Rob Cavanaugh, Martin Sonnenberg, Doug Watkins, Bill Higbie. Club Treasurer Tim Warner also attended.

Ultimately, six organizations were selected for funding and presented to us with their appreciation and explanation of their mission.

Denise Koebcke - B&G Clubs of Greater NWI,
Samantha Burgett - Community Change Center,
Melissa Mitchell - Healthlinc,
Diane Stevens - Porter County Association for Handicapped Children and Adults,
Soco and Sharon Johnson - Valpo YMCA
and Leah Haman - WAVES

Congratulations to everyone, and we cannot wait to see the great things you continue to do for our community. Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana Community Change HealthLinc Valparaiso Family YMCA WAVESaction

02/09/2025

Excited to have Julie as our presenter tomorrow! See everyone at noon tomorrow and enjoy your Super Bowl today!

Dr. Julie Grove is a board-certified optometrist. She grew up in northwest Indiana and graduated from Merrillville High School. She earned her Bachelor of Science cm laude from Butler University, then completed a 4-year graduate program to earn her Doctorate of Optometry from the Illinois College of Optometry. Dr. Grove completed residency training in ocular disease at the Boston Veterans Affairs Medical Center. She opened 21 North Eyecare in downtown Valpo in 2013 and recently opened an expansion pediatric clinic, 21 North Kids, in August 2024. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Grove teaches optometry student externs from the Illinois College of Optometry. She is also a member of a consulting group, iCare Advisors, that helps other doctors of optometry open cold-start practices around the country.

Dr. Grove and her husband, David live in Valpo and have two kids: Emily (age 12) and Katie (age 8).

02/03/2025

Rotary members gathered for our January social at "Next Door at Birdie's" in downtown Valparaiso. Mark your calendars for the upcoming Rotary Social at Ironwood Brewery on February 19, 2025.