The Porter Town
Council has once more ponied up big for the annual Family Fourth Fest.
At their meeting
Tuesday night, members voted unanimously to donate $2,000 to the Duneland
Business Initiative Group (DBIG), the Family Fourth Fest’s sponsor, along
with the Chesterton Lions Club.
Requesting the
donation, and speaking on behalf of DBIG, was Laura Layman. “We got it
rolling,” she told members. “Everything’s falling into place.”
“I feel like family
coming here,” Layman added. “I’m not afraid to ask. It’s such a great
festival. Totally family-friendly. We’ve got something for every age. It’s
for the community. That’s why we do it. There’s nothing to be gained but
warm fuzzies.”
The event on
Thursday, July 4, will begin with a pancake breakfast at 7 a.m. held by the
Chesterton Lions Club, followed by the parade and then a day of fun stuff at
Hawthorne Park, including kiddie rides, bounce houses, and a rock wall for
the kids; lots of food; and a beer garden for those of a certain age.
“I’m already
getting lots of calls from people who want to be in the parade,” Layman
noted.
In addition to the
cash donation, the Porter Police and Fire departments will also provide
in-kind services. Layman said that both the Chesterton and Burns Harbor town
councils have also made cash donations to the Family Fourth Fest. “But not
nearly as much.”
Smart911
In other business,
member Erik Wagner, D-1st, took a moment to urge folks to consider
downloading from iTunes or Google Play the Smart911 app promoted on the
Porter County Emergency Management Agency’s Facebook page.
Not only is the app
designed to warn users of nearby severe weather, it’s also capable of
alerting folks to missing persons, hazardous materials spills, and other
local emergencies.
Fire Chief Jay
Craig also endorsed the Smart911 app. “It’s phenomenal,” he said. “Every
resident should have it.”
Thank You, Ken Timm
President Greg
Stinson, D-2nd, took a moment at the end of the meeting to express his
profound gratitude to former Plan Commission member Ken Timm, who recently
retired from his position.
“He provided a lot
of service to the town over the years,” Stinson said. “And he was a local
business owner. Ken will be missed for all the work he’s done. He is greatly
appreciated.”