What’s recently happened?
Parlor Doughnuts in Crown Point recently celebrated its one year anniversary this June, marking an exciting milestone since it first opened its doors back in June 2024. Known for its unique layered donuts, handcrafted coffee drinks, and welcoming atmosphere, the shop has quickly become a favorite hangout spot for students, families, and donut lovers throughout the community. Over the past year, it has grown from a new name in town to a go-to stop for anyone looking to enjoy a sweet treat or cozy place to relax.
To honor the occasion, Parlor Doughnuts offered a special promotion to thank its loyal customers—a free donut for every guest who visited on the day of the celebration. The shop was packed with excitement and energy as people lined up to get their hands on a free treat. From first-time visitors to longtime regulars, guests came in groups to celebrate, catch up over coffee, and enjoy the vibrant and joyful environment inside the shop.
“Everyone was so excited to be there with such a busy day and happy people,” Employee Riley Mowry said. “Serving everyone on the anniversary made the shop’s energy such a good place to be.”
Throughout the day, families sat together in the indoor seating area, enjoying donuts and drinks while students snapped photos of their colorful snacks. The staff worked nonstop to keep up with the steady flow of customers, all while maintaining their upbeat and friendly vibe.
“We had such a good turnout on anniversary day,” Mowry said. “So many people came in to redeem their free rewards, sit and eat with friends, and enjoy their fresh donuts.”
Mowry, who has been working at the Crown Point location since it first opened, reflected on how much the shop and its team have grown since day one. What started as a group of new hires who barely knew each other has now become a close-knit team that shares inside jokes, dances behind the counter, and cheers each other on during busy shifts.
“In the past year, Parlor Doughnuts has become such a home to so many people,” Mowry said. “Customers have gone from strangers to regulars, and those who utilize our indoor seating have seen such a family inside our doors.”
That sense of connection goes beyond the employees. As Parlor Doughnuts’ reputation has grown, so has its impact. It’s become a space where the community gathers for food, comfort, friendship, and familiar faces.
“Whether it’s a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a warm French Toast doughnut, Parlor Doughnuts has brought the Crown Point community together for the better,” Mowry said. “Parlor Doughnuts has developed into a place that so many, including me, call home.”
From seasonal flavors to community involvement, Parlor Doughnuts is more than a donut shop; it’s a sweet symbol of how food and connection can bring people together. With a successful first year behind them, the team looks forward to making even more memories with the Crown Point community.
What’s coming up?
On Friday, July 4, Crown Point will host its annual Fourth of July Parade, a community tradition that draws crowds from all over town to celebrate the holiday with music, marching groups, and patriotic pride. Among the parade participants will be the Crown Point High School (CPHS) Orchestra, whose students have been preparing for the event with both enthusiasm and creativity.
To get ready for the event, orchestra members begin rehearsing their music weeks in advance. But planning goes beyond just learning notes, they also organize who will play their instruments and who will pass out candy to the crowd along the route. The orchestra works as a team to make sure everyone plays a part, both musically and socially.
“Before the parade, we take group photos and we paint our bodies with red, white, and blue, and some people bring extra candy for us to eat,” said Vanessa Cervantes, a viola player in the CPHS orchestra.
These traditions make the parade even more memorable for the students involved, turning the performance into a shared experience that extends beyond just music. It’s a chance to bond with classmates, celebrate the holiday, and represent their school with pride.
“I think events like this are important for the students because it gives us another way to show people our abilities. It’s also a way for us to give back to the community,” Cervantes said.
The annual parade also gives families, neighbors, and visitors a chance to hear live music performed by the next generation of talented musicians. For many, it’s a highlight of the summer.
“It’s good for the community because I think the parade brings us together. It gives them an opportunity to hear us play together,” Cervantes said.
As the city prepares for a festive day full of red, white, and blue spirit, the CPHS Orchestra’s participation will add a musical and meaningful layer to the celebration.
Community member spotlight:
This summer, CPHS Student Natalia Svetnoff is spending her time making a real impact in the community through a unique job opportunity. As a deputy assessor in Center Township, she assists in the process of reassessing residential properties for tax purposes. It’s a role not many high schoolers take on, and it’s one that gives her a firsthand look at how local government works behind the scenes.
Svetnoff learned about the opportunity through her older brother, who previously held the same position and encouraged her to apply. Inspired by his experience and wanting to try something new, she took the chance, and it paid off.
“This experience has shaped the way I view property assessments because it shows you what really goes behind assessing houses,” Svetnoff said.
Each day, she walks through neighborhoods and records key details about properties to help update records and ensure fair property taxation. While it may not sound like a typical student job, it plays an important part in keeping the township’s operations running smoothly.
“The most rewarding part of this job is getting to make an impact on my community,” Svetnoff said.
In addition to her work, Svetnoff still finds time to enjoy summer activities. She loves staying active, playing sports, and spending time with the people closest to her.
“My favorite hobbies outside of this job are playing sports and enjoying time with my family and friends,” she said.
With a strong sense of responsibility and a willingness to step into a public service role, Svetnoff is a great example of a student using summer break to learn, grow, and give back to Crown Point in a meaningful way.
