General Archives

Community Art Mural: A Deeper Look

The turn of a new year. There are few better opportunities to both reflect and to look forward. 2022 was the year I got married (“finally!” some would say) to the beautiful, intelligent, and caring Jessica de la Rosa. It was a year of new adventures, a personal injury which caused me to slow down, […]

Dirty Jobs

Story by Jessica Spoor The alarm clock sounds, and many are off to work with the sun having already risen. But just before dawn when the sky is still dark and the streets are quiet, there’s work already being done: sidewalks are being swept, the stage is being set and the hum of a mower […]

Passion Project

Giving a voice and place for all artists Since opening in 2019, Howard Park has become a destination in downtown South Bend with a bustling playground and water feature in the summer and a one-of-a-kind ice trail and pond in the winter. The Howard Park Event Center is no different, seeing an uptick in corporate […]

A Four-Season City

South Bend, Indiana The Midwest transitions from summer to fall with a burst of change, affecting every one of the human senses. Colors change from green to bold hues of orange, yellow and red. The air turns from a smothering warmth to a light chill. Even the sounds of the season shift from summer cicadas […]

Homegrown Blooms

Some of our proudest stories are ones that come from our residents’ passion for supporting this city. A shining example of this is proudly displayed at Leeper Park East nestled near the edge of the St. Joseph River: the Leeper Park Rose Garden. This beautiful array of roses is adored every spring and summer by anyone who is familiar with this somewhat hidden spot (it is called […]

New Traditions

In the strange new landscape of our world, more and more are rethinking how social interactions happen whether it’s going to work, out shopping or even for a walk outside. As a result, many engaged couples are having to scale back and consider alternative options. With some creativity and flexibility, there are still ways for […]

Into the Woods

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic when our access to so many places has been limited, the ability to go outdoors and enjoy nature has been highly valuable. PARKS AND TRAILS HAVE BECOME PLACES OF REFUGE FOR THOSE NEEDING A BREAK FROM THE STRESSES AND MONOTONY OF BEING IN ONE PLACE DAY AFTER DAY. As we continue […]

Park People

story by JESSICA SPOOR As many Americans secluded themselves to their homes amid this historic worldwide pandemic, many have continued to set their alarms and head off to work. Celebrated essential workers have been the frontline faces as hospital workers, grocery clerks and daycare teachers; however, the invisible essential worker has risen to the surface. […]

Celebrating Inclusivity Through Baseball

THE CORE VALUE OF MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL IS COMMUNITY and the South Bend Cubs are working harder than ever to be sure the community is stronger and more inclusive. As one of the most beloved and well-attended experiences in the area, inclusivity is more important than ever before. As part of Minor League Baseball’s Copa […]

We + You: A Call for Social Solidarity

Life has been quite different. As we transition into new realities, we understand that life will continue to look different for a while. Perhaps, for one reason or another, life will be different forever. Uncertainty and change are going to be constants, adding challenging thoughts to our already complex lives. Organizations and businesses will implement [...]

Cooking at Home with Martin’s & VPA

Download a printable version of these recipes here. Stuck at Home Thumbprints Yield: 32 cookies Level: Easy Total: 45 min Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Ingredients 3/4 pound (3 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 3 1/2 cups flour 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1 egg beaten […]

A Peek Behind the Curtain

If you’ve ever been downtown around the Morris Performing Arts Center, you’ve probably seen the marquee lit up and the bustle of excitement just before a show is about to begin. However, putting on a show at the Morris is much more than setting up a few speakers. Behind-the-scenes you’ll find Kyle Miller, Production Manager at […]

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