Michigan City Exchange Club

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Michigan City, IN
Michigan City Exchange Club

First Exchange Club: 1911. National Exchange Club formed in 1917. Presently: 700 local clubs. www.McExchangeClub.org

Our all volunteer club is focused on Community Service, Americanism, and Service to Our Youth - Prevention of Child Abuse.

09/03/2026

8-25-2026. Master of Ceremonies Jim Fisher kicked off the Awards presentation by recalling how excited Leigh Coburn was coming back from a trip to Austin, TX to see how the local community operated their program for affordable housing. Leigh was considered the “idea guy” behind the Homeward Bound initiative and John Vander Wagen was the “business guy” making the idea come to reality. Sandi Keller—President of Homeward Bound Villages, during her address to the club, described the strengths of both Leigh and John as like a Reece Candy Bar—where both Leigh’s and John’s strengths were complimentary and really helped accelerate the project to become a reality. Maggi Spartz, past president of Unity Foundation singled out both Lee and John as “Super Hero’s” for all the work both had done for the Michigan City Community. Tim Gartland –Financial Advisor from Edward Jones reminded everyone one that the homeless is not necessarily a bunch of people down on their luck—Tim stated that 50% of the homeless work full-time jobs. Affordable housing is a big need in our community. Both Leigh and John during their acceptance speeches thanked several people including their families for making Homeward Bound a reality. Thank you Lee Coburn and John Vander Wagon, for the service you provide our community!
For more information on Homeward Bound see: www.homewardboundvillages.org.
Check out our web site: www.MCExchangeClub.org

08/29/2026

August 18, 2026. Today’s speaker is Dr. Wendall McCollum, superintendent of Michigan City Area Schools. McCollum noted that it was the first day of school in Michigan City before discussing the school-funding referendum scheduled for the November ballot. He explained that property taxes support the Operations Fund and that state funding for public schools has declined significantly since 2008, making it important to share accurate information about the referendum. If the measure passes, the typical taxpayer would pay approximately $6 per year. If it fails, MCAS may need to eliminate elementary athletics and extracurricular activities and could also close schools. McCollum added that anticipated cuts might prompt students to enroll in better-funded school districts. He concluded by taking questions from club members. Thank you, Dr. McCollum, for the work you do to educate children in our area!
See: https://www.educatemc.net for more information.
Check out our web site: https://www.MCExchangeClub.org.

08/25/2026

August 11, 2026. Today’s speaker is Leslie Samelson from NFR Majik Faktory.
Leslie talked about some of the exciting projects at their new location in the old Burnham Glove building. The Majik Faktory is “Like a Gym for Entrepreneurs” where people come to start businesses that change their lives. Workstations are set up where participants can learn and practice various technical skills: electrical, machine shop, carpentry and more. Leslie talked about how the organization has a 3-D printer and offers classes on how to use it. Classes are offered for students to explore carpentry as a career. They can learn from a Union Carpenter. The Majik Faktory offers cooking classes where students can explore food preparation as a career. It operates a restaurant where from 8am to noon, those in attendance can buy food cooked right onsite.
Thank you Leslie Samelson for the work you do to provide opportunities for people in our community!
Check out www.majikfaktory.org for more information.
See our site at www.MCExchangeClub.org

08/13/2026

August 4th, 2026. Program Chairman Daniel Granquist introduced today’s speaker, Len Reynolds, President, Stop the Traffick. Len, along with Mike Velasco and Will Rogers, delivered several surprising statistics regarding human trafficking. The average life expectancy of a person after being victimized by human trafficking, is just 7 years. Many are murdered or commit su***de. Today one-third of the people who are being trafficked, are children. Len cited that there are an estimated 456,000 missing children. Most of these children were from previous border policies. Currently 146,000 of these children have been rescued. Locally, Lake County has reported 164 missing people, with 84 from Gary. 72% of these missing people are under the age of 21. LaPorte County has 21 missing people, with 13 of them from Michigan City. Six of the twenty-one missing people from LaPorte County are under 21 years old. Human trafficking is not just in large cities, it is here in our area. IF YOU SUSPECT SOME ONE IS TRAFFICKING OR BEING TRAFFICKED, contact this Toll-Free Phone Number: 1-800-U-TELL-US. HELP WILL BE PROVIDED!
Thank you Len Reynolds, Mike Velasco and Will Rogers for the help you give to those in serious need!
See: stopthetraffickindiana.org. for information on how YOU can help.

08/07/2026

August 4, 2026. Daniel Granquist introduced today’s speaker, Nic Orbovich, Artistic Director, Michigan City Chamber Music Festival. Also with Nic today was his wife Sunny Gardner Orbovich, Education Director Michigan City Chamber Music Festival. The Michigan City Chamber Musical Festival is celebrating its 25th year of performances. Nic helped define what constitutes a Chamber Group as opposed an orchestra. A chamber group has is a minimum of two people with a maximum of 12/13 musicians. Anything larger than a Chamber group would be led by a conductor. Nic also pointed out that the Music Festival held at 1st Presbyterian Church, is totally free. Concerts are 90 minutes to 2 hours with a 15-minute intermission. One of the things that separates Chamber Music from other types of music groups is that the music is much more intimate—Artists frequently talk to the audience regarding the music they are playing, as well as reaching out to the public during intermission or after the performance. The Artists in the Chamber group are quite accomplished; most are from the Midwest area and/or Academia. The Music Festival is supported by Grants and private donations. Nic played a sampling of music for the group.
Schedule:
Opening Night: August 8
The Natural World: August 10
Young Peoples Concert: August 11
Immortal Beethoven: August 12
Witness and Legacy: August 14
Young Peoples Court: August 15
Grand Finale: August 16
If you would like to learn more about the Michigan City Chamber Music Festival and/or how to support the group, go to their website at www.MCCMF.org
Check out our site: www.mcexchangeclub.org

07/29/2026

7-21-2026 Program Director, Daniel Granquist introduced today’s speaker, Candice Adams, founder and CEO of Anthony Adams House Inc. Candice started her 501(c )(3) nonprofit organization in 2016. She named the organization to honor her father who died the year before. Candice stated: “young people need a safe, supporting place to stay.” Anthony Adams House provides a shelter so that youths are not on the streets and subject to human trafficking, exploitation, or even worse. Kids ages 12-18 are eligible to stay at the house. Candice mentioned that often, they have job opportunities available as well. She has connections in the community that provide jobs like mowing or possibly working for small businesses that don’t require someone 18 years or older. Thank you Candice Adams for the much needed help you provide to the youth in our community!
The mission of Anthony Adams House is to provide a safe, home-like, caring environment for vulnerable at-risk youth to enable them to unlock their potential and learn skills that will empower them to transition safely to adulthood and build healthier productive lives and ensure great successful futures.
If you want to find out more about Anthony Adams House, you can call 219-243-7152 or go to their website: www.aa-house.org
Club Program Chairman Daniel Granquist and Club President Tom Walma jointly presented Candice Adams with a donation check for $500.

07/25/2026

July 14, 2026. Daniel Granquist introduced today’s speaker Jenilee Haynes Peterson—Director, Friendship Botanic Gardens. The Organization is celebrating its 90th year in business. The entire facility encompasses over 105 acres. Jenilee said that there are now 15 separate gardens to view. Most recently Hitachi put it in a garden. She also noted that Krieger middle school students helped plant over 100 tree saplings this spring at the gardens. This year the gardens received more rain than normal, which caused several trees to fall, having to be removed. The Botanic Gardens are fortunate to have many volunteers that donate their efforts to keep the gardens looking excellent. Most of these volunteers are retirees from the local community. Jenilee also noted that this year the playground wooden structures have been upgraded. Many were re-sanded and re-stained. The gardens are open from 9:00 am to 5:00pm, Tuesday through Sunday.
Coming Events:
7/26 - Butterfly Bonanza 2-4pm
7/30 - Dueling Pianos 7-9pm
8/9 - Wine and Jazz Fest
8/18 - Childrens Play Group 10am - 12pm
8/23- Opera in the gardens 4 - 6pm

Thank you, Jenilee, for your enlightening presentation!
See: http://www.friendshipbotanicgardens.org for more information.
Check out our site: https://www.mcexchangeclub.org.

07/18/2026

July 7, 2026. Program Director Dan Granquist introduced this weeks’ speaker, Darota Janik, Executive Director of Reins of Life. Darota opened by revealing that she is proud to have been a US Citizen for three and a half years. She came here with a PHD in Chemistry, but volunteered to help out at Reins of Life in her spare time, eventually changing her career path and moving up to her present position. Reins of Life provides Equine Assisted Services for people with Physical, Emotional, Cognitive, or Social Disabilities. Results have been Amazing! Darota told of young children who could not walk or talk prior to therapy with horses, who gained muscular function and the ability to communicate with others. Reins of Life serves people of all ages with two locations, one in South Bend and one in Michigan City.
Thank you Darota Janik for your dedication to improve the lives of others!
For more information, see: www.reinsoflife.org.
Volunteers are welcome!
See our web site: www.mcexchangeclub.org

07/15/2026

6-30-2026 Exchangite of the Year 2026: Two members were awarded this year.
Dan Granquist was awarded for his excellent record in scheduling weekly speakers, his involvement in the Day in Court Program, and for implementing the Day at the Police Station Program.
Thank you, Dan Granquist, for your dedication to the club and service to our community.
Danny Nole was awarded for over 50 years of involved membership and his mastering of the Fine Fund.
Thank you, Danny Nole, for your dedication to the club and service to our community!
See: https://www.mcexchangeclub.org

Address

3535 S. Franklin
Michigan City, IN
46350

Telephone

+15748768111

Website

http://www.MCExchangeClub.org/

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