Michigan City Exchange Club

11/01/2026

10-20-2026. Public Service and Safety Awards. Michigan City Mayor Angie Nelson-Deuitch welcomed everyone to this celebration today. The Mayor noted that the first responders in attendance for this celebration keep us safe and protect us every day. She expressed on behalf of the residents, how thankful she is for the many sacrifices our Public Safety employees make just to keep us safe. The fact that the Exchange Club recognizes Public Service and Safety employees is great and even if someone is not named as an award winner all the participants need to be recognized for the service that they provide to Michigan City.
The Michigan City Exchange Club is proud to honor the winners of this years, Public Service and Safety Awards. The dedication to excellence and accomplishments of all Public Safety Employees make our community a safer and better place to live. Unfortunately, only one winner can be selected in each category. Recipients are chosen for their Outstanding Commitment to our community. We THANK YOU Mayor and Award Recipients, for your Service!

(left to Right)
EMT: Kayla Pienta.
Fire Fighters: Mary Griffin and Andrew Cross.
Police Officer: Steven Westphal

10/28/2026

10-27-2026. Thank you to all who participated in another successful event! Proceeds will go to prevent child abuse, aid veterans and help the needy in are area! Our next event will be in the spring ot 2027. Thanks again!

10/22/2026

LAST CHANCE TO BUY TICKETS! CALL TODAY!

First Exchange Club: 1911. National Exchange Club formed in 1917. Presently: 700 local clubs.
Our all volunteer club is focused on Community Service, Americanism, and Service to Our Youth - Prevention of Child Abuse.
www.McExchangeClub.org

10/15/2026

October 13, 2026 — Program Director, Phil Freese, (right) introduced today’s Student of the Month award winner, Griffin Ott Large, (left) from LaPorte High School. Griffin is a four-year member of LaPorte’s basketball and track teams and a member of the National Honor Society. He also volunteers his time to support various community service projects. After graduating from high school, he hopes to play college basketball while earning a degree in finance. Phil explained how the recognition program works: Over the next six months, counselors from Michigan City High School, LaPorte High School and Marquette High School will nominate a student for the Student of the Month Award. Each student will receive a $50 cash award and an engraved plaque from the Exchange Club. Each school’s monthly winner will have the opportunity to apply for Student of the Year in the spring. Congratulations Griffin, on your scholastic achievements and good luck in the future! See https://www.educatemcas.net for more information.
Check us out at: https://www.MCExchangeClub.org

10/13/2026

October 6, 2026. Today’s speaker is Jessica Ward, Airport Manager of MC Municipal Airport, who provided an update on airport activities since her previous visit. Now in her 18th year as Airport Manager, Ward reported that the planned runway extension remains on the airport’s agenda, although other projects are currently prioritized ahead of it. Initially estimated at $18 million, the project is now projected to cost approximately $32 million. The extension would increase the runway length from 4,100 feet to 5,001 feet. The Federal Aviation Administration is expected to fund 90% of the project, with state and local governments each contributing 5%.
Skydiving continues to be a highly popular activity at the airport, which currently records approximately 4,500 tandem jumps during its April-to-November season. Ward also noted that Flight Saga, an on-site pilot school, offers flight training for those interested in learning to fly. The airport generates approximately $272,000 in annual revenue and is estimated to contribute nearly $8 million to the local economy each year. Another major project now underway is the removal of two underground fuel tanks that are approaching the end of their 30-year service life. The tanks will be replaced with two new above-ground units.
Thank you, Jessica, for providing this enlightening information!
See: www.mgcairport.com for more information.
Chuck us out at: https://www.mcexchangeclub.org

10/10/2026

Coming Soon! Next Saturday! Get Your Tickets Now!

10/08/2026

September 29, 2026. Today’s speaker is Cyndi Davis, Executive Director, NCCAA (North Central Community Action Agency). Cyndi talked about Children Vision Screening efforts, provided locally. Last year over 3,266 children received vison screenings –completed with the assistance of just eight volunteers. Currently, the NCCAA works with over 5,000 households, offering energy assistance through its Energy Assistance Program. This program helps heat people’s home during the winter. The NCCAA also provides ramps for those households with special access requirements. Ramps are professionally built by local contractors with several volunteers assisting. Cyndi also mentioned that the NCCAA also offers Youth Programs, focusing on learning how to fish, and touring local places of interest. Thank you, Cyndi, for the services you provide to our community!
See: https://www.nccomact.org for more information.
Check out our web site: https://www.MCExchangeClub.org.

10/05/2026

9-21-2026. Today’s speaker is Michele Gustin-Craig, Program & Operations Manager, Barker Mansion. Michele provided the club with an update on some of the projects that have been recently completed at the mansion. She stated that the hardwood floors and 128 windows have been restored—the window project took two summers to complete. The Dining room ceiling took 10 months to clean. The Grand Staircase and the French Room have been restored. Michelle also talked about a historic box car, dated from around the turn of the century, that tourists can view from two levels. The Barker Mansion continues to add new programs for the public to experience. This fall, The Creepy Cottage program is returning. Michelle suggested that if you are interested in the latest opportunities to explore the Barker Mansion, go to this website: www.barkermansion.org.
Thank you, Michele, for this fascinating update!
See our site: www.MCExchangeClub.org

09/30/2026

September 15, 2026. Today’s speaker is Ron Miller, President, of the Michigan City Community Enrichment Corporation. Ron talked about how the Enrichment Corporation was founded over 20 years ago through an agreement with the Blue Chip Casino and the City. The city would receive $750K annually, with the first 100K going to the MC Zoo, the remaining $650K is dispersed by the Enrichment Board, to not-for-profit groups. First time applicants are limited to a maximum award of $3K. Returning applicants can apply for funds up to $25K. Ron noted that the application process has evolved over the years and is now completed online. All applications are reviewed independently by the 9 members of the Enrichment Board. Applicants are rated from 1-5. Last year the Enrichment Board received 80 applications, and was able to approve 48, granting nearly $650K to local not-for-profits. Applicants typically apply in the fall, applications are reviewed in January and then in March, checks are cut to the various not for profit organizations. Thank you, Ron, for the service you provide to our community!
For more information see: https://www.mccec.com
Check out our web site: www.MCExchangeClub.org.

09/29/2026

September 12, 2026. Thank you to all who contributed to another successful fund raising event! Proceeds will go to prevent child abuse, aid veterans and help the needy in our area.