Michigan City Senior Center

Did Someone Say Retirement?

On Fri, December 20^th we will gather to celebrate a truly remarkable milestone: Assistant Director Dorothy Biller’s retirement. It’s a bittersweet moment for all of us, as we bid farewell to someone who has not just been an employee, but a friend, mentor, and integral part of our Senior Center family for nearly 13 years.

Dorothy’s hard work, dedication, and commitment will continue to inspire all of us for many years to come.  She demonstrated incredible professionalism and has shown what it means to be a kind, thoughtful, and supportive team player.   Her positive attitude, work ethic, and sense of humor has made this workplace better in ways that go beyond just the work we do.

We all know that it’s never easy to say goodbye, but we also know that retirement is a well-earned and exciting new chapter in life.  We know that Dorothy looks forward to spending more time with family, traveling, and simply enjoying the well-deserved rest and relaxation, yet we have no doubt that she will remain an active member and volunteer helping to ensure the success of the Senior Center for years to come.

On behalf of everyone here, we want to thank Dorothy for her dedication, loyalty, and friendship and we will certainly miss her daily presence, but we’re also excited for her as she embarks on this next phase of her life.

Please join us in celebrating Dorothy’s retirement on Fri, December 20^th anytime from 10am-12noon for some cake and punch and to wish her well in her retirement.

Michigan City Golf Course

Done for the season

If you haven’t heard, the golf course is closed for the season. The club house is also currently closed but we urge you to pay attention to the golf web site and Facebook page for updates regarding the Pro Shop reopening. 2025 Course Membership are currently 10% off until the end of December. You can come down to the Park Department office at City Hall to purchase them.

AT THE ZOO

Tis the season for spending time with friends and family, giving, reflecting on 2024, and looking forward to the New Year.  The Washington Park Zoo Staff would like to thank all our supporters for standing with us in our mission to protect wildlife and wild places. It is because of friends like you that the WPZoo continues to maintain the best possible standards of animal care, conservation, and education that positively impact and inspire our community.  Your contribution directly impacts the well-being of all our animals and helps us create habitats where they can thrive.  It is also your support that allows us to continue to offer educational programs that reach thousands of students each year, fostering a deep connection with nature and a lifelong commitment to protecting it.  These future conservationists help to ensure that future generations can experience the wonder of wildlife.

The holiday season is full of festive sights and sounds, along with get-togethers that bring families together. But the season includes its stresses as well, like trying to get the best gifts for everyone on your list and figuring out how to host the perfect holiday party.

If you know a zoo fan, make your shopping decisions easy: get them a present through Washington Park Zoo! By doing so, you’re providing a gift that gives back. You can pick from experiential gifts or physical ones. Here are some ways you can brighten a loved one’s life while supporting the animals that reside here.

Zoo Memberships - Memberships are the wildest deal in town and they last all year long.  There are a variety of level options available to provide families or individuals free admission to WPZoo. https://www.washingtonparkzoo.com/membership

Sponsor an Animal:  Animal sponsorships are an especially fun way to support. Your sponsorship helps to care for your chosen animal for the year.  We offer different levels and benefits for those levels. Not sure which animal to symbolically adopt this holiday season? Find one that matches your personality, or that of a loved one: https://www.washingtonparkzoo.com/animal-sponsorship

Donate Now: Every donation goes towards improving and caring for your WPZoo. Every gift no matter how small helps!

Zoo Experiences:  Give the gift of an incredible adventure and memories to last a lifetime, with the purchase of a day pass, tour, class, or even a camp.  We have some amazing programs for all age groups with a wide variety of animals and other topics to choose from. New for 2025, we even have a new stroller safari club for tots, an adult zoo camp, and a family zoo camp. Customize your gift by purchasing a specific program for your loved one or let them choose. 

Memorials & Honorariums – The WPZoo offers many ways for donors to make a gift in honor or memory of a friend or loved one while providing financial support, including plaque levels on the donor tree, as a sponsor for benches, trees, or flowerbeds or we call us to discuss zoonique donor opportunities.  https://www.washingtonparkzoo.com/memorials-tributes

Keeper Wish List - Keep the furry and non-furry animals in mind. Zookeepers have created a “wish list” for all of your favorite animals. Each special item will provide enrichment opportunities, exercise, variety to their day and enhance their well-being while in our care. Please call to make sure the items are still needed or to make arrangements for dropping off items. We thank you for your kindness!   https://www.washingtonparkzoo.com/wishlist

If you don’t have time for shopping, let us do it for you! Visit the online enrichment store, choose an item, click “buy” to donate and we will do the rest.!    
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3RD6ESCCQZKU4

Your support of Washington Park Zoo is not just a donation, it’s an investment in the future of our planet. On behalf of all of us at the Washington Park Zoo, we wish you a season full of joy, good health, peace, and happiness. 

For questions, please contact us by email at [email protected] or by phone at (219) 873-1510. If you prefer to send your donation by mail, you can do so at: Washington Park Zoo, 115 Lakeshore Drive, Michigan City, Indiana 46360.

Recreation

Festival of Lights

Reminder that the Festival of Lights (Washington Park’s Christmas Lights) will be on from December 7th to January 6th. We hope that you can not only make it out to Michigan City’s Christmas celebration at Uptown Social on December 7th after the parade but take the time to ride through out park and enjoy the light show.

Halloween Costume Exchange

We would like to start a yearly costume exchange, but we need help building up our initial inventory. As you sift through those old costumes are add new ones to the tote, think about someone else who might be able to get some good use out of your once worn costume.

Mark Your Calendars

DECEMBER

• Wednesday, December 4th - Park Board Meeting - City Hall (Council Chambers) 5pm

• Saturday, December 7th - Holiday Parade - more information HERE 

• Saturday, December 7th - Lighting of the Holiday Lights at Washington Park & Festival of Lights Celebration

• Wednesday, December 18th - Park Board Meeting - City Hall (Council Chambers) 5pm

Until Next Time

We appreciate you taking the time to read this months newsletter. December is always busy at the Park and Recreation office internally preparing for the following year. We hope that you enjoy the lights at Washington Park this holiday season. We will be back in January to shed light on what is happening in MC Park and Rec in 2025. In the meantime if you have any questions, please reach out to us at [email protected].