The Discussion Over Dinner Podcast

In this episode of Discussion Over Dinner, we have a conversation about the rich and varied stories and experiences of Latino-Americans in LaPorte County. LaPorte County has over 7,000 residents that has a history in Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, or South America. We will learn the views and stories from three different LaPorte County residents with Latin American roots. Joining our panel will be: • Mario Rosa • Hugo Gonzalez • Rose Tejeda Discussion Over Dinner is a FREE monthly community conversation hosted and underwritten by State Street Community Church and the Pax Center.

Middle school is a time of transition where children become teenagers. It can be an experience of growth and independence, but also one of uncertainty and loneliness. So many adolescent changes unfold in middle school. This month's Discussion Over Dinner is about middle school education in LaPorte, Indiana. Among many other things, we talked about the experience of middle schoolers in LaPorte and how it has changed over the last few years and the new middle/intermediate school in LaPorte. Joining our panel this month is: - Deb Carter: Principal of Boston Middle School - Susy Lenig: Counselor at Boston Middle School - Sarah Pessmeg: Counselor at Boston Middle School Discussion Over Dinner is a monthly community conversation hosted and underwritten by State Street Community Church and the Pax Center. All are welcome to attend. It is our belief that better conversations create better communities.

Why is it so hard to have a civil conversation about race? Are we afraid of looking ignorant, being invalidated, or being attacked if we really have an intense discussion about race? For Black History Month, we had a conversation with members of our community about the black experience in LaPorte County. ◌ Erika Stallworth ◌ Richard Pate ◌ Angie Nelson-Deuitch Moderator: Nate Loucks Production: Becky Crain Content: Kelli Tanger Graphics: Alyssa Lingle Intro Song: Joe Ruiz/Rhymer/Educator

Reading. Writing. Arithmetic. In 1818, the Three R's appeared in "The Lady's Magazine" to describe the basic skills taught in primary schools. But, much has changed since the 1800s. There are challenges educators have today that they didn't 15-20 years ago. Panelists: — Zach Huber: Elementary Principal — Krissy Surma: Elementary Educator — John Slater: Retired Educator Moderator: Nate Loucks Logistics/Production: Becky Crain Graphics: Alyssa Lingle Intro Song: Joe Ruiz/Rhymer/Educator

Many Rust Belt communities, large and small, are seeking ways to evolve their economies from reliance on low-skill factory jobs and company town employers (many now long gone) to more diverse and dynamic entrepreneurial economies. In what ways is LaPorte, Indiana leadership trying to evolve and grow through these larger changes happening around the country? Joining this discussion is City of LaPorte Engineer Nick Minich, Director of Community Planning and Development for the City of LaPorte Beth Shrader, and Executive Director of the Greater LaPorte Economic Development Corporation Bert Cook.

It's National Hunger & Homeless Awareness Week in America. We have convened an expert panel of people who deal with hunger and homelessness in LaPorte County every day. The panel discusses food insecurity issues in LaPorte County, a potential homeless shelter, and the misconceptions some have about those struggle with hunger and homelessness. Nate Loucks moderated this installment of Discussion Over Dinner. The panelists: — Ed Seal: The PATH Program and Home Team of LaPorte County — Jason Clemons: The Pax Center — Lisa Pierzakowski: the Center Township Trustee

The 2018 midterm election is right around the corner! So, we talked civilly about politics! Have you always wondered what a county commissioner does? Do you have questions about gerrymandering? Why do midterm elections get such abysmal voter turnout? We assembled a great panel to talk about these issues and more. Nate Loucks moderated this installment of Discussion Over Dinner. Panelists: — Jim Jessup: LaPorte County Better Government Study Group — Dr. Elizabeth Bennion: Host of WNIT’s Politically Speaking — Sam Harnish: League of Women Voters

What happens when a defense attorney, police officer, and judge get together? A conversation about criminal justice issues in LaPorte. We chatted about bail reform, restorative justice initiatives, and the process and challenges one goes through when they enter the criminal justice system. Join us for a discussion over dinner. Nate Loucks moderated the fourth installment of Discussion Over Dinner. Panelists: — Nelson Pichardo — Judge Greta Friedman — Sgt. Adam Hannon

The world of addiction and recovery is fraught with beliefs and assumptions. What is the connection between addiction and depression? Is it normal to still have urges for drugs and alcohol even after being sober for many years? What is the difference between calling someone an "addict" and a "person with an addiction"? Psychiatrist Dr. Suhayl Nasr, Paula Dranger of Choices Counseling Services, and Larry Smith of the Intrepid Phoenix join us for a conversation that engages those questions and more. The third installment of Discussion Over Dinner was moderated by Nate Loucks.

On Mental Health America’s Annual State of Mental Health in America report, Indiana is fifth to last in the country in the overall ranking. This metric includes access to mental health care providers, the prevalence of mental health in children and adults, and many other indicators of health in America. With the help of the July panel, we talked about understanding mental health and those who have been diagnosed, the prevalence of mental health in LaPorte County, and how to be a good neighbor and friend to those struggling with mental and emotional stress. The second installment of Discussion Over Dinner was moderated by Nate Loucks. Panelists include: — Robin Miller: Licensed Therapist — Shannon Hannon: Bowen Center — Ty Miller: Mental Health Advocate

The dinner was exquisite; the conversation was divine. The discussion entailed issues involving child advocacy in LaPorte County. Our panelists: — Karen Biernacki: CEO of Family Advocates — Chris Alber: Principal of Riley Elementary School — Esther Stiles: Community Partners and Nurturing Program Manager at Dunebrook, Inc. Nate Loucks moderated June's Discussion Over Dinner. For more information, visit www.discussionoverdinner.com.