What's Recently Happened?
To commemorate July 4, fireworks were set off in Hawthorne Park honoring a day of hard-won independence. The event began at 9 a.m. with a parade leading from Yost Elementary School and ended in Hawthorne Park.
Following the parade, guests enjoyed a pancake breakfast provided by the Chesterton Lions Club, which lasted from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.. Succeeding the breakfast was the annual turtle derby also held by the Chesterton Lions Club.
Children were free to play games, indulge in activities and kiddie rides, explore a bounce house, and participate in a brick toss contest; while older audiences could partake in karaoke.
While admission was free for guests, food truck vendors lined up in the park, open for business. Ben’s Soft Pretzels, Kona Ice, and multicultural food stands awaited hungry customers.
Visitors were welcomed to sit in the grass and spend the day relaxing and creating memories with friends and family. Local band Janky Limo performed in the park from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and accentuated the casual vibe.
As dusk settled, the powerful fireworks shot upwards and patriotic songs were played throughout the park. The dazzling display sounded off mighty booms as all eyes were transfixed on the sky. The firework’s finale was thrilling – each loud clap of the colorful explosions could be felt and were set off at a rapid pace.
Hawthorne Park proved to be an exciting and family-friendly destination to celebrate Independence Day.
What's Coming Up?
Chesterton High School is welcoming incoming freshmen for the 2022-2023 school year. An event called Trojan Charge is an opportunity that eases former middle schoolers into the high school environment. Trojan Charge will take place on Wednesday, August 3 and will last from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
It is requested that those in attendance will arrive at Chesterton High School on time. Students may enter through door 31 for the orientation.
Trojan Charge is a unique occasion for new freshmen to become familiarized with the high school. This gathering will allow students to spend quality time adjusting to the building, as well as forming connections with other classmates and teachers.
The event will allow for new freshmen to socialize with upperclassmen and other new students. Freshmen will also have the ability to work with their lockers and sign up for various clubs and programs that may pertain to a student's interests such as foreign language clubs, art club, chess club, creative writers club, and many more.
Students will be able to meet with teachers and staff members, as well as follow their schedule around the building. Lunch will be provided for those attending. Students will also be given their new devices that will be used during the school year.
The official school day at Chesterton High School lasts from 7:40 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. The first day of the 2022-2023 school year is August 10, 2022.
Good luck and best wishes to the incoming freshmen!
Community Member Spotlight
Adrian Banimineih is the owner of Chesterton's Amstar on 878 Broadway Avenue.
Originally from Jordan, Banimineih came to the United States in search of education and has remained in the country for 35 years. Banimineih studied engineering at Harold Washington College, City College of Chicago.
Banimineih decided to venture into the business of owning and operating an Amstar when he noticed the welcoming neighborhood it was located in; not to mention that the business offered considerable profits.
The Amstar gas station services the community by providing a mini mart, car washes, gasoline refills for vehicles, propane tanks, and a station to fill car tires – all available to purchase. The Amstar gas station is open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day Monday through Saturday and is open on Sunday with its shorter hours being 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. If needed, the phone number available for the local Amstar gas station is (219) 926-9662.
His favorite aspect of owning a gas station? He gets to meet all different kinds of people!
“It’s a very quiet community, and [the people] are very polite and more likely honest people,” Banimineih said.
With Chesterton holding its small-town charm and sense of community, personal connections can be made between business owners and customers through a shared signification of trust and amiability.
“I love it, you get to know everybody here in this town,” Banimineih said.
The next time you find yourself needing to stop in a gas station, come say hello! Banimineih has never met a stranger. His hospitality and kindness is sure to make you leave with a smile.
“I love them all. I do respect every single one of them – young and old. I hope to keep the community clean and care about each other," said Banimineih.