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- Whether you want to lose weight or just increase the level of your stamina, with the Cybex treadmills located at the East Chicago Fitness Center, the desired results are within reach. Recent studies claim that slow walking facilitates uptake of stored fats directly which further enhances loss of weight.
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- A grant in the amount of $15,000.00 was used to purchase three new Cybex treadmills. These high-tech treadmills come with a fan, are low maintenance, have built-in sensors, a two year warranty and a life span of 45 years. Per Coach Peterson, the treadmills at the center are used on average by 250 patrons daily.
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- What do you get when you combine five instructional classes, eleven students and one excellent instructor? Help! My Children Won’t Listen to Me”. Both Dr. Rajchel and I agreed that every dollar of the $5,000.00 allocated to this program was spent wisely. Today, 11 mothers are parenting differently. Mrs. Joyce Dix taught Psychiatrist Eric Berne’s Theories of Transactional Analysis because it looks to understand the causes, operates from an ethical and values-based position and enables behavioral change. Personality, communication and interpersonal behavior, and child development all contribute to Transactional Analysis. Within each person there are three different people: a child, an adult and a parent. It is important to know when each is appropriate to use.
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- Thirty-five East Chicago children and their parents/guardians participated in this five week “Fun and Fit 2009 Program”. The hands-on learning experiences were in nutrition, physical activity, the arts and gardening. Partners in this program included: The Family Nutrition Program The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program Youth of East Chicago United Neighborhood Organizations, Inc. Health Visions Midwest, Inc.
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- Gloria was asked at this evening’s visit to be a judge for the youth’s creative food arrangements. The youth were supposed to use fresh products to create festive displays for the audience. Gloria also went on a field trip with youth and their senior gardening partners to Fair Oaks.
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- An overcast day of clouds and a few rain showers did not stop Gloria and me from reaching our destination to 8446 Virginia Street in Merrillville, Indiana. We had the opportunity to tour the Meals on Wheels facility. This kitchen was built in 1993 and they have grown from serving 93,170 meals to 277,685 – a three fold increase.
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- As we first entered the building, we were greeted by Sandra Noe, Executive Director. She introduced the rest of her staff, provided a lite refreshment and took us on a tour. It was unbelievable how clean, organized and efficiently the kitchen was run. Over 2,000 meals are prepared on a daily basis.
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- All meals prepared, must adhere to stringent federal nutrition requirements that follow the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Their professional staff and dietitian have designed meals and menus to appeal to seniors. The meals are healthy, tasty and simple. The menus are analyzed by their registered dietitian for adequacy in nutrients including calories, fat, protein, vitamins, minerals and fiber. Meals must also offer a variety of foods from each food group.
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- At Meals on Wheels, they believe that … No one should go hungry. No one should be alone. No one should have to wait.
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- Gloria and I would agree this is a big facility with a whole lot of heart. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact Irene Moore who is located at the Bessie Owens’s Center – 391-8478. HAVE A HEART – TAKE PART IN THIS REWARDING ENDEAVOR!
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- On Friday, August 14th Healthy East Chicago presented “PIT STOP 2009”. They invited all East Chicago male residents to Healthy East Chicago’s Men’s Haealth Fair and Classic Car Show. They wanted to show men how to take care of themselves the way they take care of their cars.
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- I will have to say, the parking lot was filled with some real beauties. Of course, I mean the classic model cars. Under that hood was a smooth running engine and the parts were all in mint condition. What more could a guy ask for? The answer is to have his engine and moving parts run like a charm.
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- In order to make this possible, men need to take care of themselves just like they would take care of their cars. Have yearly check-ups, which should include checking blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, control diabetes, prostate problems and various other ailments.
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- Men, for the most part feel they need to take care of their families first and the man is supposed to be the tough one and it not supposed to get sick. However, it is equally important that they take care of themselves first, if not, they won’t be any good to themselves nor anyone else.
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- What do you get when you have forty-eight senior citizens, four City of East Chicago chaperons, one Foundation member and one staff? You guessed it, another outing funded by the Foundations of East Chicago. On Thursday, May 14, 2009 all the above were guests at the Performing Arts Center.
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- The group consisted of several women and a few gents. The guys ranged in age from 86 through 87 years old. Many of the women were spring chickens while a few may have acted as hens. We also had a couple that have been married for 67 years. They were truly a model for the show we were going to see.
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- Toe tapping, hand holding, smiling faces, a relaxing atmosphere and a two and a half hour play set the stage for a perfect afternoon get-away. Songs, dancing and jokes reminded us of life’s simplest pleasures.
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- When I first arrived, Raul Sanchez was barbequing on the grill. He stopped what he was doing to give a welcoming hand shake and then readily went back to attend to his grilling duties. Once in the building, it was evident that Raul’s guest list for tonight’s event (Annual Recognition and Installation of Officers Dinner) was made up of East Chicagoans, since everyone in the room knew one another. Gloria and Sally were no exception to the rule; they mixed and mingled throughout the room.
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- Mr. Sharp, Executive Director of International Community Alliance addressed the audience by thanking them for coming to this evening’s event. He then briefly reviewed the 2008 Annual Report and commented that his organization is operating in the “red”. With that being said, he thanked his board of directors, staff, volunteers and sponsors for all that they have contributed to the success of this organization. It was an informative and enjoyable evening.
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- Anywhere from 100 to 150 seniors came together for an early lunch and then hit the dance floor to turn back the hands of time to their favorite dance tunes.
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- The Waltz has a tendency to put you in that mindset.
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- As I watched the seniors watch the couple, you could see their younger years were vivid in their minds.
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- A couple from Gotta Dance Studios located in Schererville, entertained the group with the Cha-Cha, Rumba and the Waltz. It was a pleasure to watch this couple eloquently cover the dance floor. Every move was precise.
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- It was obvious, women out numbered men, but that was ok. Women have no problem dancing with other women. As for the men, they would rather watch.
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- On April 29, 2009, I went to Carrie Gosh Elementary School for a site visit. A nutritionist from the “Take 5 for Life” program came to educate the fifth grade classes on good nutrition.
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- She held up a model of a hamburger. She took out a spatula and loaded the burger with five tablespoons of mayo and compressed the meat and the mayo between two buns. Actually seeing her applying all the mayo made my stomach turn. She explained to the children that if they would ask for less or no mayo, and would include the lettuce and tomato with the meat this would enhance the nutritional value of their burger.
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- She then proceeded to show the children how much grease is in a bag of fries. The sight of the lard was tough to take. The nutritionist suggested the children opt out of eating the fries and choose to eat the slices of apples dipped in caramel.
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- Extra – Extra – Read all about it: Ms. Debi Bolanos keeps Folkloric dancing alive in East Chicago! The Xel Ha Escuela de Danza started in 1994 and is currently using the dance studio located in Galaxy Travel in East Chicago, Indiana. The school was formed so students could experience the beauty and richness of the Mexican culture which is expressed through folkloric dances. Xel Ha does more than teach dance, it teaches values and helps students with their self esteem, discipline and leadership skills.
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- Joe and I had the opportunity to observe the 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Friday night class which consisted of eight youth. Their ages were from 5 to 10 years old. The class began with Ms. Bolanos sitting on the floor with the youth reviewing the handouts on the state of Chihuahua.
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- Ms. Bolanos feels the youth need to know the history of the dance before lessons begin. This state is located on the central north part of Mexico. Chihuahua is the biggest state of Mexico, measuring 245,612 km (94,830 miles) and with a population of approximately 3,052,907 inhabitants. The Chihuahua name comes from the tarahumar “Chihuahua”, which means “place where sacks are made”, even though some linguist assure that it means “dry and sandy place”. What made my ears perk up is when Ms. Bolanos indicated that this Jesusita en Chihuahua dance is similar to the Polish Polka. I could relate to this!
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- Next Ms. Bolanos requested the group to get on their feet. Ms. Bolanos would face the wall-to-wall mirrors so she could see the youth and the youth could watch as she taught them a new step. The youth were excited and although it was apparent many did not know their left foot from their right, Ms. Bolanos continued to forge ahead.
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- Joe and I had the opportunity to observe the 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Friday night class which consisted of eight youth. Their ages were from 5 to 10 years old.
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- The highlight of the evening was when Joe took the floor with Ms. Bolanos. You see, Joe was Ms. Bolano’s teacher. Joe stepped on the dance floor as if were his own class. His grace and elegance were proof he was a true professional on the dance floor. Per Joe, if he would have continued teaching, it would have been in his 50th year of instruction. My hat goes off to Joe. What a touching and rewarding moment for him to see one of his students now teaching a class of her own.
We are laser-focused on helping the people and organizations in our area. Since 1997, through scholarships and grants to virtually every kind of community organization, we have touched the lives of most East Chicagoans in at least 10 different ways.
Track Record
Here you may view results of some of our recent funding. Since 1997, we have underwritten services to residents and organizations of East Chicago in education, public safety, youth development, health, community economic development and family support services. Check this Track Record to get a glimpse of the work done all across East Chicago with support from FEC.
XelHa Escuela De Danza East Chicago, Indiana
Sociedad Cultural Civica La Reforma of East Chicago, Indiana
Sociedad Cultural Civica La Reforma of East Chicago, Indiana is a Mexican Cultural Organization with the mission to promote and educate the Mexican Cultural to Northwest Indiana.
Shot and Edited by Nick Mantis of New Millennium Productions.
09-07-2010 | 2010-11 General Operational Support Grants – application period now closed »
The application period has ended for General Operations Support Grants for the year 2010-2011. We appreciate your interest and invite …
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08-05-2010 I 2010 Collaboration Grant RFP now available »
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08-05-2010 | 2010-11 General Operational Support Grants applications now available »
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4-1-2010 | Grantee Orientation Meeting »
Date: Thursday, April/1/2010
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Place: Healthy East Chicago, 100 W. Chicago Avenue, East Chicago, IN 46312
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4-1-2010 | Grantee Orientation Meeting »
Date: Thursday, April 1, 2010
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Place: Healthy East Chicago, 100 W. Chicago Avenue, East Chicago, IN …
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3-11-2010 | Grantee Presentation »
Come hear presentations by five East Chicago agencies who’ve received grants from Foundations of East Chicago, including Xel-Ha Escuela de …
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03-15-2010 | Updated Grant Policies »
Download a pdf of new policies which pertain to grant recipients, effective for grant applicants as of 1 March 2010.
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2010 FEC Continuing Education Recommendation Form »
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2010 FEC Continuing Education Scholarship Application »
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2010 FEC High School Recommendation Form »
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2010 Foundations of East Chicago – High School Scholarship Application »
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2010 Updated Grant Policies »
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2010 Interim Grant Report »
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2010 Grant Closeout Report »
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Grant Application Revised Budget Sheet »
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05-23-2010 | Our Audited Financials, 2009-2008 »
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