Presented by GCSC’s Family and Community Engagement (F.A.C.E.) Department, this year’s fair will feature a festive Polar Express theme and connect families with holiday support and community resources. The event will include family activities in the library’s Makerspace, resource information and giveaways, and the redemption portion of GCSC’s Uniform Exchange Program. A sensory-friendly hour is planned from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.; the general event will run from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

“Community support helps us create a welcoming space where families can connect with resources, enjoy activities together and receive support during the holiday season,” said Crystal O’Brien, FACE Coordinator for the Gary Community School Corporation. “We invite local organizations and volunteers to join us in making this year’s fair meaningful for Gary families.”

Community organizations and vendors

Organizations are encouraged to host an informational table or provide resources, services, activities, or giveaways. GCSC is especially interested in partners offering support related to food access, housing, utilities, health and mental health, employment, literacy, youth programs, financial education, childcare, transportation and emergency family needs.

Interested organizations should submit the partner registration form by December 4, 2026. Final setup information will be shared with confirmed partners during the week of December 7.

Volunteer opportunities

Volunteers are needed to help with setup, registration, greeting families, activities, uniforms, food, vendor assistance, restocking and cleanup. Volunteer availability may include December 17 setup, event-day morning setup, event shifts, and cleanup on December 18. Volunteers will receive assignments and event-day instructions before the fair.

Sponsorship opportunities

Donations are also being accepted in support of this event. For more information on how to donate, email Chelsea Whittington at CWhittington@Garycsc.k12.in.us.

To learn more, please contact any school FACE Liaison or the GCSC F.A.C.E. Department at info@garycsc.k12.in.us or (219)881-5407.

The Holiday Help Fair is part of GCSC’s ongoing work to strengthen connections between schools, families and community partners. 

About Gary Community School Corporation

Gary Community School Corporation serves students and families in Gary, Indiana, through a districtwide commitment to learning, family engagement and community partnership.

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In many ways, this film festival is the first of its kind. Organized by online creators and focused entirely on sports films, it signals a new trend in filmmaking and the events that showcase the art.

Co-creator of the film festival and executive producer with Shade Studios, Marissa Hill, spoke further about the innovation involved with the festival.

“There are definitely opportunities to reward creators for the type of content that they produce, but they’re very separate at a lot of these film festivals,” Hill said. “Even when they’re trying to incorporate it as its own thing, you can still sense that tension. For us, we really just want to fit them in organically and make it feel like they’re a part of the festival, just like any other person who’s producing films for us.”

“Lou Holtz: 60 Minutes to Play and a Lifetime to Remember” premiered in the Bendix Arena following brief announcements and thanks from Hill to the event’s sponsors.

A cinema vérité-style documentary, the film follows the story of the 2009 Tokyo Bowl, the last game ever coached by Lou Holtz. Holtz served as head coach of Notre Dame from 1986 to 1996. While coaching Notre Dame, he accrued 100 wins and led the team to a national championship. His work as a coach revolutionized the team and the legacy of Notre Dame football.

Ted Mandell, the film’s director, is an associate teaching professor of film production with the University of Notre Dame’s Department of Film, Television and Theatre. In 2009, he accompanied the Notre Dame Legends team from South Bend to the Tokyo Bowl to document their journey.

“I put together kind of a highlight package that we used for the kind of review of the Notre Dame-Japan Bowl,” Mandell said. “When he passed, I went back and looked and realized that that was actually the last game he ever coached. At that point, I was like, ‘Well, this is historically very important footage.’”

The 2009 Notre Dame Legends team included alumni who had played across many different years. Each one had a special connection to the team and saw the experience in a unique way.

Chris Zorich, a former Notre Dame linebacker, spoke about his experience as a coach on the trip.

“They came up with this kind of crazy idea of getting alumni players to play against the Japanese national team, and I was on staff at Notre Dame. Coach Holtz asked me if I wanted to coach the defensive line,” Zorich said. “I said, ‘Sure, why not?’ I had no idea how serious it was gonna be. I thought it was just gonna be a free trip to Japan, but we actually put in a lot of work. It wound up being a really great experience.”

Another player, Kris Haines, a former Notre Dame wide receiver, participated as one of the oldest alumni, in his 50s when the group traveled to Japan. As an older player, he had not played under Holtz while in college, but his experience with Holtz shaped how he approaches coaching today.

“In practice, Lou yelled at me quite a bit, and I was like ‘Man, I’m 53, give me a break.’ One day, he pulled me aside and said ‘Kris, can you walk with me?’ He said, ‘I want to tell you something—always make sure your students or players know this. When I get on you or correct you, it’s never personal, because I love you. It’s always about the performance,’” Haines said. “It stayed with me, and it’s helped me a lot over the years.”

Reggie Brooks, who played under Holtz as a defensive back before becoming a tailback in college, spoke further about Holtz’s impact on him as a player.

“He was more than just a coach. He was a mentor—somebody you could always reach out to and count on. You could call him up if you needed anything,” Brooks said. “One thing that he would always say to the guys was ‘If you give me four years, I’ll give you 40.’”

The documentary highlighted these aspects of Holtz as a coach, shifting between discipline and camaraderie with his players from scene to scene. It portrayed a man dedicated to the game.

A brief Q&A followed the film, featuring Brooks, Mandell, Haines and Zorich as panelists.

Holtz’s legacy was commemorated not only by the film but also by local artists whose work was displayed outside the venue.

Jared Basker, a Notre Dame artist and South Bend native, works to capture picturesque scenes of the Notre Dame campus as well as action shots of players on the field. His range of material offers a look at what the city has to offer.

“I just hope that people can really enjoy the Notre Dame spirit. I also hope my work keeps them fired up throughout the football season,” Basker said. “If my art can bring appreciation to somebody’s life, that’s what it’s all about.”

Kathleen Keifer, a Notre Dame alumna and painter, also had her work displayed, featuring portraits of both Holtz and Notre Dame players. A third-generation Notre Dame alumna, her understanding of the school runs deep. In recent years, she has worked with many students, football players and coaches to share her work with the community.

Her husband, Jim Keifer, spoke about her ability to portray her subjects.

“With Kathleen’s work, she really catches the spirit of what something’s about. It’s not just ‘What do they look like?’ It’s also about ‘How do they feel,’” Keifer said. “She does that so well with her use of color and brushwork.”

While South Bend lies outside the scope of larger film festival locations, such as Chicago or Indianapolis, Hill sought out South Bend after visiting the local entrepreneurial conference IDEA Week in 2025. She found herself struck by the athletic culture and history found in the city.

“One of the things I thought about South Bend was how it’s really built on sports. We have a film called A South Bend Built by Baseball, and it goes back and talks about the Studebaker and how the community came together playing baseball,” Hill said, “Of course, we’ve got Notre Dame in the backdrop. Talk about dynasty. We really are incorporating those elements of Indiana, but also showcasing how this really is a place that symbolizes sports, which helps us focus on it here with sports-centric content.”

The unique focus of the Dynasty Sports Film Festival signals a new layer to South Bend. As a South Bend filmmaker, Mandell sees merit in the festival continuing to develop.

“It’s really unique, and I hope it grows. I’ve seen some of the films from this weekend, and they’re amazing,” Mandell said. “It’s kind of a new idea for South Bend on this kind of scale, and it can be something that’s completely unique just to South Bend.”

Hill echoed a similar hope for growth, pointing toward the film industry.

“I want studios and distributors to be awakened like, ‘Wow, we can come here.’ Maybe they’re focused on looking for a sports film, and they’re having trouble finding it when they’re at these other film festivals,” Hill said. “Here, I want them to have a home and to feel welcomed and loved by those who enjoy everything that has to do with sports.”

The night ended with a celebration dedicated to online creators, sponsored by B&H. It took place at the Studebaker Museum, offering food, beverages, equipment displays and an opportunity to socialize with other creators.

For more information about Marissa Hill and her work as a producer, you can visit the Shade Studios website or follow her on Instagram.

For more information about the Dynasty Sports Film Festival, you can visit this website.

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The evening began with a cocktail hour in the Lerner Theatre’s downstairs lobby from 6 to 7 p.m. Attendees were then guided upstairs to the Crystal Ballroom for dinner.

Flower bouquets adorned the center of each table, alongside booklets dedicated to the evening’s theme, “Let’s Win.” John Mastrojohn III, president and CEO of Center for Hospice Care, discussed the theme’s meaning.

“It’s a phrase that reflects Kim and Scott’s belief that success is measured not only by what we achieve, but by how many people we help along the way,” Mastrojohn said. “I can think of few ideas that align more beautifully with the mission of Center for Hospice Care. At Center for Hospice Care, everything begins with the people we have the privilege to serve.”

The honor recognizes the Welches’ longstanding commitment to giving back to the community where they grew up. Both graduated from Elkhart Memorial High School, and they have owned and operated Welch Packaging since it was founded as Elkhart Container in 1985. Through their business, they established the Make A Difference fund, a budget set aside to assist employees experiencing difficult times.

Scott Welch shared more about the fund.

“People dedicate themselves to Welch Packaging. It’s kind of old-fashioned anymore where people work at the same job, but I’ve been blessed with a lot of people that have been with us most of our journey,” Scott Welch said. “I thought this would be a way that we all can benefit from the success of the business.”

Jim Powers, a longtime friend and business tax adviser to the couple, served as master of ceremonies for the evening. He spoke about the Welches’ commitment to helping others.

“The Welches are really focused on making a difference,” Powers said. “They not only want to do well, but to actually make a difference in the communities that they are a part of with the people that they’re associated with and the organizations that they support.”

The Welches began working with Center for Hospice Care in 2013, after the nonprofit cared for Scott Welch’s father, Joel Welch. Joel preferred to receive care at home, and Center for Hospice Care helped provide it. The experience deeply affected the Welches, prompting them to expand their philanthropic support of the nonprofit, particularly its bereavement services.

“We had a wonderful experience with hospice,” Kim Welch said. “I’m not sure we could have had Scott’s dad at home without them there to help us. They do a lot of good when people need it most.”

Following dinner, attendees witnessed the presentation of the Circle of Caring Award to the Welches. Kim Welch spoke on behalf of herself and her husband, thanking those in attendance and emphasizing the importance of hospice care. Powers followed with stories about the Welches and their contributions to the community.

The event concluded with a paddle raise that generated nearly $400,000 through individual and business donations. All proceeds will support Center for Hospice Care’s specialized pediatric program.

“With the support of our pediatric palliative care team, the children and young people we serve can spend more time doing what matters most: being a kid, or for some, being a teenager,” Mastrojohn said.

Through its work as a care provider, Center for Hospice Care provides dignified, compassionate care for patients and families receiving hospice and palliative care. Events such as the Circle of Caring Award Dinner help the nonprofit share its mission with the wider community.

“People think of the hospital, people think of the doctors, people think of all of the things in the healthcare system, but they don’t necessarily think of hospice,” Powers said. “Hopefully people walk away with that tonight, maybe with a much higher appreciation for the critical role that hospice plays in the overall healthcare system.”

For more information about Center for Hospice Care, visit its website.

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That makes sense honestly.

They are two of the biggest national names people see online once they start searching for shower replacements, tub conversions, or bathroom updates. By the time homeowners around Valparaiso, Crown Point, Schererville, or Merrillville finish scrolling through ads and reviews, they usually feel like they are choosing between giant national systems instead of local companies anymore.

The problem is those comparisons rarely tell homeowners what daily life during the remodel actually feels like.

That part matters more than people expect.

At Lori K Bath, many homeowners already researched Bath Fitter and Re-Bath before scheduling consultations locally. Usually they are not only comparing products at that point. They are trying to figure out:

• who they actually trust
• how responsive communication feels
• whether the bathroom will feel personalized
• how stressful the process might become
• whether local service matters afterward

That emotional side of remodeling gets overlooked constantly online.

What Bath Fitter Is Known For

Bath Fitter built its reputation largely around acrylic bathtub and shower liners.

A lot of homeowners recognize the company because of the “bath over bath” concept where custom acrylic liners install directly over existing tubs or showers instead of completely removing everything underneath.

For some homeowners, that approach feels appealing because:

• installation tends to move quickly
• disruption stays lower
• pricing can feel more manageable initially
• projects appear simpler

Bath Fitter also operates nationally, which means homeowners see consistent branding, heavy advertising, and broad name recognition almost everywhere.

The tradeoff sometimes is that the process can feel more standardized than personalized depending on the location itself.

That difference matters more once homeowners start asking detailed questions about layouts, customization, accessibility, or long-term bathroom functionality.

What Re-Bath Is Known For

Re-Bath operates differently in several ways.

The company handles broader remodeling services beyond liners alone, including:

• full bathroom remodels
• tub-to-shower conversions
• walk-in showers
• accessibility upgrades
• fixture replacements

Compared to Bath Fitter, Re-Bath often positions itself closer to full-service bathroom remodeling rather than strictly liner systems.

That flexibility appeals to homeowners wanting larger bathroom changes instead of surface-level updates alone.

Still, because Re-Bath also operates nationally through franchise-style systems, customer experience can vary depending on the local branch homeowners actually work with.

That inconsistency shows up in reviews more often than people expect once they start researching carefully.

Where Homeowners Around Northwest Indiana Start Getting Frustrated

Usually during the research stage itself honestly.

A lot of homeowners feel overwhelmed trying to compare:

• pricing
• installation timelines
• product quality
• warranties
• financing
• local reviews
• actual remodeling approaches

Then eventually people realize something important:
the remodel experience itself matters just as much as the brand name.

That realization usually pushes homeowners toward local companies instead of giant national systems.

At Lori K Bath, many customers mention they simply wanted communication to feel more personal and transparent instead of feeling like another number moving through a corporate sales system.

That emotional comfort matters during remodeling more than companies sometimes realize.

Bath Fitter vs Re-Bath Pricing

This part gets confusing online because pricing varies heavily depending on:

• bathroom size
• product selections
• layout changes
• accessibility upgrades
• demolition requirements
• installation complexity

Generally speaking:

• Bath Fitter often costs less for straightforward liner installations
• Re-Bath pricing can increase more quickly once projects become larger or more customized

The issue is homeowners sometimes compare numbers without fully comparing what work is actually included.

That creates unrealistic expectations fast.

At Lori K Bath, homeowners usually appreciate getting straightforward consultations focused on the actual bathroom itself instead of feeling pushed toward preset packages or upsells disconnected from the room’s real needs.

That clarity lowers stress quite a bit.

Quality Feels Different Once People Start Using The Bathroom Daily

This is where online comparisons become less helpful.

Most bathrooms look good immediately after installation photos get posted online. The bigger question is how the bathroom feels:

• six months later
• during cleaning
• during busy mornings
• after heavy daily use
• once maintenance routines settle in

Homeowners around Crown Point and Valparaiso often care less about flashy marketing language and more about practical things like:

• easier cleaning
• safer layouts
• lower maintenance
• durable surfaces
• reliable installation quality

That real-world functionality matters long after advertising slogans stop mattering.

At Lori K Bath, one-day installations, factory-trained installers, and Made in USA products matter because homeowners want the remodel to improve daily life consistently afterward, not simply look impressive during the sales process.

National Chains Versus Local Bathroom Companies

This conversation comes up constantly now.

Large national companies obviously offer:

• brand recognition
• broad advertising
• standardized systems
• national warranties

But local companies usually bring something different emotionally:

• more direct communication
• local accountability
• stronger community reputation
• more personalized consultations
• easier follow-up support

Homeowners often notice the difference immediately once conversations start.

At Lori K Bath, customers throughout Northwest Indiana work with a local family-owned company instead of feeling routed through large corporate systems. That relationship tends to feel more collaborative from the beginning.

Especially during projects involving accessibility, aging-in-place upgrades, or major bathroom layout decisions.

Why Local Remodeling Usually Feels Less Transactional

This part is difficult to explain until homeowners experience both approaches.

With larger national systems, consultations sometimes feel heavily sales-driven because the structure itself pushes volume constantly.

Local remodeling companies often move differently.

The conversation tends to focus more on:

• how the bathroom gets used
• long-term comfort
• accessibility concerns
• maintenance frustrations
• homeowner priorities
• realistic budgets

That slower, more personal approach builds trust faster honestly.

At Lori K Bath, homeowners frequently mention they appreciated feeling heard during consultations instead of feeling rushed through a scripted sales presentation.

That difference sticks with people.

Accessibility And Long-Term Planning Matter More Now

This shift is very noticeable around Northwest Indiana.

A lot of homeowners comparing Bath Fitter and Re-Bath are actually researching:

• walk-in showers
• walk-in tubs
• safer layouts
• lower-threshold entry
• easier maintenance

not because they feel elderly necessarily, but because they want the bathroom working comfortably long-term.

At Lori K Bath, accessibility planning became a much larger part of remodeling conversations over the last several years because homeowners are thinking proactively instead of waiting until mobility concerns become urgent later.

That planning mindset changes remodeling decisions significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Bath Fitter better than Re-Bath?

Not necessarily better universally. Bath Fitter focuses heavily on acrylic liner systems and quicker surface-level updates, while Re-Bath handles broader remodeling services and more customization. The better fit depends on the homeowner’s goals, budget, and how customized the remodel needs to become.

2. How much does Bath Fitter cost?

Pricing varies depending on bathroom size, installation complexity, materials, and whether homeowners choose liners, conversions, or additional upgrades. Simpler projects generally cost less than full custom remodeling.

3. What is the difference between Bath Fitter and Re-Bath?

Bath Fitter primarily focuses on liner systems installed over existing tubs and showers, while Re-Bath offers wider remodeling services including larger bathroom renovations and accessibility upgrades.

4. Why do homeowners choose local companies instead?

Many homeowners prefer local bathroom remodeling companies because communication feels more personal, support stays local, and the remodeling process often feels less corporate overall.

5. Does Lori K Bath offer financing?

Yes.

Lori K Bath offers financing options for qualifying homeowners, including structured monthly payment plans and fixed-rate financing options.

Conclusion

Most homeowners comparing Bath Fitter and Re-Bath eventually realize the bigger decision is not only about products.

It is about who they actually trust working inside the house.

Bathroom remodeling becomes personal very quickly once conversations move beyond advertisements and into real daily frustrations, accessibility concerns, maintenance headaches, and long-term comfort decisions.

Lori K Bath helps homeowners throughout Valparaiso, Crown Point, Schererville, Merrillville, Portage, and surrounding Northwest Indiana communities create bathrooms with one-day installations, factory-trained installers, Made in USA products, financing options, and a local remodeling experience designed to feel much more personal from start to finish.

Trying To Decide Which Bathroom Remodeling Approach Actually Makes Sense For Your Home?

Call Lori K Bath at (219) 327-3449 and schedule a free consultation whenever you feel ready to talk through options.

The post Bath Fitter vs Re-Bath: What Northwest Indiana Homeowners Should Actually Know Before Choosing appeared first on GreatNews.Life.

That Arena Rock Show is the ultimate high energy celebration to “Classic” Rock N’ Roll.  Performing legendary rock anthems that ruled the airwaves in the 70s and 80s including artists like Mötley Crüe, Aerosmith, AC/DC, Bon Jovi, and Guns N’ Roses to name a few. 

This show will take you on a trip back in time, turning every sized venue into an arena for a night!  Get your lighters out and your fist in the air. This rock show is more than just music – it’s an experience!

More information on That Arena Rock Show can be found at https://www.thatarenarockshow.com/.

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That Arena Rock Show is the ultimate high energy celebration to “Classic” Rock N’ Roll.  Performing legendary rock anthems that ruled the airwaves in the 70s and 80s including artists like Mötley Crüe, Aerosmith, AC/DC, Bon Jovi, and Guns N’ Roses to name a few. 

This show will take you on a trip back in time, turning every sized venue into an arena for a night!  Get your lighters out and your fist in the air. This rock show is more than just music – it’s an experience!

More information on That Arena Rock Show can be found at https://www.thatarenarockshow.com/.

Reservations and Information
To make a hotel reservation at Four Winds New Buffalo or Four Winds South Bend® or for more information on Four Winds New Buffalo, Four Winds Hartford®, Four Winds Dowagiac® or Four Winds South Bend, please call 1 (866)-4WINDS1, (866) 494-6371 or visit www.fourwindscasino.com.  Additionally, be sure to like Four Winds on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fourwindscasino and follow on X at www.x.com/fourwindscasino, YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/fourwindscasinos, and Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/fourwindscasino/ for information on the latest offers and promotions.

About The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians of Michigan and Indiana
The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi’s sovereignty was reaffirmed under legislation signed into law by President Clinton in September of 1994.  The Pokagon Band is dedicated to providing community development initiatives such as housing, education, family services, medical care, and cultural preservation for its more than 6,400 citizens.  The Pokagon Band’s ten-county service area includes four counties in Southwestern Michigan and six in Northern Indiana.  Its main administrative offices are located in Dowagiac, Mich., with a satellite office in South Bend, Ind.  In 2007, it opened Four Winds Casino Resort in New Buffalo, Mich., followed by Four Winds Hartford in 2011, Four Winds Dowagiac in 2013 and Four Winds South Bend in 2018.  The Pokagon Band operates a variety of non-gaming businesses through its investment enterprises, Mno-Bmadsen and the Pokagon Development Authority.  More information is available at www.pokagonband-nsn.gov, www.fourwindscasino.com and www.mno-bmadsen.com.

About Four Winds New Buffalo’s Silver Creek Event Center

Four Winds New Buffalo’s Silver Creek Event Center is a modern, multi-use facility that is located adjacent to the casino floor, at 11111 Wilson Road.  In addition to hosting concerts, the 17,000-sq. ft. event center is often reconfigured to host large meetings, special events, conferences, and banquets.  Details on concerts and other performances at Silver Creek Event Center are available at https://fourwindscasino.com/newbuffalo/entertainment/event-center.

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Register online here.

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“One of our guiding principles at VPA is to bring communities together in vibrant spaces,” said Erin Thornton, Executive Director of Venues Parks & Arts. “This partnership and the addition of such a meaningful piece of artwork at one of our centers is a beautiful reflection of just that.”

The mural features the Medicine Wheel and woodland flowers, which are native to the ancestral homelands of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi. These plants hold cultural significance within Potawatomi traditions, serving as resources for traditional medicine, markers for planting and harvesting seasons, and elements of teachings and ceremonies. The design also incorporates the Dream Center’s signature colors and inspirational messages found throughout the facility, including “Dream It, Believe It, Achieve It,” “Don’t Get Mad, Get Better,” and “Progress Over Perfection.”

“The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi and its Four Winds Casinos are proud to support the MLK Jr. Dream Center as it builds upon its commitment to provide inclusive and impactful leadership, education, and wellness resources to the South Bend Community,” said Matthew Wesaw, Tribal Council Chairman of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians. “With its state-of-the-art fitness spaces, educational programs, and cutting-edge technology labs, the center remains a beacon of hope and progress, inspiring, uplifting, and connecting youth, adults and seniors.”

Mary Smith, President and CEO of Four Winds Casinos added, “The partnership between the Pokagon Band, its Four Winds Casinos, and the MLK Dream Center will support new experiences and programming designed to extend the Dream Center’s impact throughout the community. The collaboration will help create opportunities for residents of all ages, building on the center’s mission to provide a welcoming place for learning, growth, and connection.”

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