It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic The Kizer House gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in South Bend, IN is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Our mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer and immediately needed meds administered multiple times a”
“I have worked alongside Always Best Care and they have been amazing. Very quick”
“ABC is a great place to be! Thank you Patti, Stephanie, and Michele for all”
“Best Company I’ve ever encountered. I love how flexible and efficient they are. I love”
“Always Best Care has been exceptional the four years i’ve worked there. The staff and”
“I give always best care of 5 stars. They are caring and have a sincere”
“it is my pleasure to leave a review for the Coffee need that support the”
“I have worked with more home health agencies than I care to remember, both in”
“We used ABC several years ago for my dad, after he had a stroke. I”
“We used ABC several years ago for my dad, after he had a stroke. I”
“I love the company I think they really do care about the employee the residents”
“I love working for Always Best Care The staff is very helpful, encouraging wonderful, loving”
“Always Best Care gives great encouragement and support to their caregivers during any situation or”
“Stephanie Stevens is a great CSD! Thanks for all you do!”
“Always Best care is amazing!”
“Always Best Care is a great company. Not only do they provide the best care”
“We have used Always Best Care two different times for our Mother. Both times the”
“Hi my name is Linda and I've been working with always best care for 2”
“I have used quite a few different providers and ABC is by far the best”
“Always best care has always been there when I needed them! They make it convenient for”
“Great place to work at very professional and appreciative for their staff”
“Overall a great company to work for! They do a wonderful job recognizing caregivers; from”
“They really help people when they need it”
“I've had caregivers for about 5 years now. Only having been disappointed and frustrated. Since”
“Carole is an excellent caring professional. She has been extremely helpful in advising us and”
“Our mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer and immediately needed meds administered multiple times a day. After speaking to the independent living center where she resided, our family decided to hire Always Best Care for the meds (and then later for 24-hour aids). We cannot say enough about Darlene and Candy, as well as the numerous aids. Even at the end when our mom no longer needed the meds, they would often stop by to see her anyway. We generally do not give reviews of companies, but their caring approach was exceptional and we decided it was appropriate for others who need these services to know about our experience.”
“I have worked alongside Always Best Care and they have been amazing. Very quick to help out patients in need and staff is very polite and professional.”
“ABC is a great place to be! Thank you Patti, Stephanie, and Michele for all you do! You all are Awesome & thank you for the honors of being part of the team also acknowledging myself for Employee of the Month of March! You all are appreciated”
“Best Company I’ve ever encountered. I love how flexible and efficient they are. I love the open door policy. Michelle is my favorite schedule she does an amazing job with communication.”
“Always Best Care has been exceptional the four years i’ve worked there. The staff and schedulers, especially Michele, are helpful in finding compatibility for your clients, they’re also flexible in scheduling hours. Great company, great staff.”
“I give always best care of 5 stars. They are caring and have a sincere heart I love working with this agency..”
“it is my pleasure to leave a review for the Coffee need that support the most I would like Stephanie Kramer for supporting me and helping me get through my work schedules and feel comfortable at my place of employment. I am sad to see that she left Scheduling , but she still tries her best to help everyone even with her new position. Her dedication means everything I would like to Tasha as well for communicating with me so much I also cannot forget Patricia and Michelle as well. You ladies help me so much with my client. I greatly appreciate you ladies. I appreciate all of the hard work and dedication that you ladies have with meeting me halfway when it comes to our job it definitely makes everything much easier. Keep up the great work as well as the rest of the staff thank you ladies for everything that you do and congratulations Monique on your new position.”
“I have worked with more home health agencies than I care to remember, both in GA and MI, when I worked in healthcare; and I have to say that Always Best Care is one of the best home health care agencies that I have found since the early 90's !!! I have been a client with Always Best Care since February 2022 and I have been extremely pleased with the help I have received both from my caregivers and the office staff. All the staff work hard and the quality of care is exceptional!!! The few occasions that I didn't like a caregiver because of either poor work ethic or personality, Always Best Care always took care of finding another caregiver to better meet my needs ASAP!! When I first started with Always Best Care I did get a few caregivers that weren't a good fit. But, within a very short period of time my scheduler learned my specific needs and personality and she found caregivers for me that were a wonderful match!! As in every area of healthcare, the high turnover of employees is to be expected!!! But, Always Best Care has always made sure that I have a new caregiver that matches my needs and expectations!! I have and would, highly recommend Always Best Care for your home health daily care!!”
“We used ABC several years ago for my dad, after he had a stroke. I called a few months ago to set up a care plan for my elderly mom. She had a hip replaced, and lives alone. I knew we would feel better having someone there to help her and visit with her until she could get up and around on her own. ABC works through our scheduling nightmares (mom tends to send people home early, and tell them not to come back)….and they have been SO patient with our ever changing and increasing needs for mom. Their response time and communication are impeccable!!”
“We used ABC several years ago for my dad, after he had a stroke. I called a few months ago to set up a care plan for my elderly mom. She had a hip replaced, and lives alone. I knew we would feel better having someone there to help her and visit with her until she could get up and around on her own. ABC works through our scheduling nightmares (mom tends to send people home early, and tell them not to come back)….and they have been SO patient with our ever changing and increasing needs for mom. Their response time and communication are impeccable!!”
“I love the company I think they really do care about the employee the residents”
“I love working for Always Best Care The staff is very helpful, encouraging wonderful, loving family. Thank you for the opportunity of serving for your company thank you to Michelle, who is always looking out for me and making sure that I have the hours that I need.”
“Always Best Care gives great encouragement and support to their caregivers during any situation or time of need. The care and dedication to their staff is incredible and I throughly enjoy my time working along side them!”
“Stephanie Stevens is a great CSD! Thanks for all you do!”
“Always Best care is amazing!”
“Always Best Care is a great company. Not only do they provide the best care for their clients, but they go above and beyond for their staff as well.”
“We have used Always Best Care two different times for our Mother. Both times the care was excellent. I have referred Always Best Care to several people.”
“Hi my name is Linda and I've been working with always best care for 2 years now and it's a great atmosphere I like coming in to work meeting new people. It's a place that's kind friendly and it makes you feel at home it makes you feel that you're working with people that understand you know you're different needs your different hours and if something come up they are there to help you with anything that you need help with it's a great company I'm so glad I signed up with the company I signed up a little bit after the pandemic and I just needed somewhere that I could really consider myself at home or I find a home and I have I'm amazed at how the people are so nice when you talk to them on the phone how nice they are friendly you can tell this saying it with a smile I enjoy working there I tell people ask me where I work at always best care they like what yeah always best care yes it's a nice company sign up with it you won't regret it I'm glad I do it I'm really glad I did”
“I have used quite a few different providers and ABC is by far the best company. From the office staff to the caregivers, they are doing what they love and it shows.”
“Always best care has always been there when I needed them! They make it convenient for me to take care of my father. I most definitely recommend them!”
“Great place to work at very professional and appreciative for their staff”
“Overall a great company to work for! They do a wonderful job recognizing caregivers; from big recognition like a monthly caregiver award and random drawings, to small recognition such as any time you visit the office you are free to grab snacks, beverages, gear and more often than not there is some type of food they have ordered that is available. They really don’t hold back in this area! There has been quite a bit of changes made in office positions within the last year. Response time, outside of the scheduling department, can be improved upon.”
“They really help people when they need it”
“I've had caregivers for about 5 years now. Only having been disappointed and frustrated. Since Always Best Care came into my life, my worries have ended. I never knew if previous caregivers were going to show up, or do what I needed. Everytime they would complete a task, they would sit down and be on their phone. Kari and Jamisha finish a task and right to the next. No problems. My mind has been put at ease. They are very professional yet so so friendly. They ask, what else they can do for me. I also have my ABC emergency call button. Now I have peace of mind if an emergency should arise. My case coordinator Stephanie Stevens. Stays right on top of my case. Thank you so much for making my life easier. I have recommended your company to others that may need assistance in the future.”
“Carole is an excellent caring professional. She has been extremely helpful in advising us and in scheduling care. With respect to the caregivers, we have no complaints. We want to give a special thank you to Rhona for her time and effort in creating a special bond with our mother.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Woodlawn Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local The Carriage House Dining Room or visit The Birdsell Mansion, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in South Bend, IN, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in South Bend, IN understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in South Bend, IN 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Community concert series and music festivals will be held throughout the summer. Don’t miss out on hearing and seeing your favorite artist this week. Mo...
Community concert series and music festivals will be held throughout the summer. Don’t miss out on hearing and seeing your favorite artist this week. Most concerts are free unless otherwise stated and be sure to bring a lawn chair or blanket.
Concerts for the week of June 9–15, 2025:
June 14 and 15: Aaron James Wright performs on Saturday and Nick Dekoff performs at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Round Barn Estate, 10983 Hills Road. Singer-songwriter Wright plays acoustic guitar. Nick Dekoff is a country artist. These are 21+ events.
June 13: Dan Geib performs from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lemon Creek Winery, 533 Lemon Creek Road. Geib plays his own unique blend of acoustic Americana including Woodstock rock, blues, bluegrass, roots-rock, folk and classic country.
June 15: The Junkdrawer Duo performs from 3 to 6 p.m. at Domaine Berrien Cellars, 398 E. Lemon Creek Road. Vince Miller and Chris Forestieri have played a blend of acoustic/electric music together for more than 30 years.
June 12: Kody Bryant Carpenter performs from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Buchanan Common, 122 Days Ave. Bryant Carpenter is a Southwest Michigan country cover musician.
June 14: Buchanan Jazz & Blues Festival from 3 to 9 p.m. at the Buchanan Common, 122 Days Ave. Family-friendly lineup of live jazz performances: Dean Allrick Jazz Band, Funky Mojo Daddy Blues Band, Matthew Ball “The Boogie Woogie Kid,” Southside Denny Blues; Greta Pope with the Lake Effect Jazz Big Band. Bring a picnic basket or grab a bite from local food trucks and vendors.
June 12: The Van Dyke Revue performs from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Dowagiac District Library Event Pavilion, 206 Main St. Van Dyke Revue plays British Invasion music from The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Spencer Davis Group, Chad & Jeremy, Them and Cream.
June 13: Nine2K performs at 7 p.m. from the roof of the Elkhart Public Library, 300 S. Second St. Nine2K features members of High Gravity and UltraFab and will play music from the ’90s and alt favorites. Enjoy the concert from the parking lot; food and beer available.
June 14: Sentimental Journeys performs from 10 a.m. to noon at Ruthmere, 302 E. Beardsley Ave. Enjoy the big band sound from the 1940s to the present.
June 12: ReTurn2Soul performs at 7 p.m. CT at Fox Park, Truesdale Avenue. ReTurn2Soul is a six-piece unit that performs a Motown revue, jazz, R&B, blues and pop crossovers.
June 13: It’s Boy Band Night at “Live at the Lakefront” at 8:30 p.m. CT, Millenium Plaza Bandstand, 1 Franklin St.; $19.17-$13.46; VIP, $95.59. For tickets, go to liveatthelakefrontvenue.com.
June 9: JT Buffett performs from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Battell Park Bandshell, 301 W. Mishawaka Ave. JT Buffett Band is a musical group that plays Jimmie Buffett, Bob Marley, Eagles, Beach Boys, Bob Seager and other 1960s, ?70s and ?80s music.
June 11: The Erly performs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Ball Band Biergarten, 230 Ironworks Ave. The Erly is a four-piece band from Niles and performs a variety of music with a blend of jam, soul and groove.
June 12: Red Alert performs from 6 to 8 p.m. in Central Park, 295 E. Mishawaka Ave.
June 14: Mishawaka RETROFEST! from 2 to 10 p.m. at Ironworks Plaza, 235 Ironworks Ave. Enjoy music from decades past, including The 1985, Fool House and more. Tickets at the gate are $10.
June 12: Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra small ensemble performs from 6 to 7 p.m. at St. Joseph/Maud Preston Palenske Memorial Library, 500 Market St.
June 11: joHn Kennedy Show with Chris O’Brien and Joel Cooper from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the St. Joseph County Public Library, River Park Branch, 2022 Mishawaka Ave. Singing original songs and a suite of songs celebrating the beauty and history of Indiana.
June 13: Kennedy’s Kitchen performs from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. in Leeper Park, 907 Riverside Drive. Performing traditional Irish music with jigs, reels, hornpipes and more. Bring lunch or purchase from a vendor.
June 15: Brian Mach Music performs from 6 to 8 p.m. at Chris Wilson Pavilion in Potawatomi Park, 500 S. Greenlawn Ave. Performing classic rock, blues and original compositions.
June 14: Jason Murphy performs from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Round Barn Tasting Room, 9185 Union Pier Road.
Ten South Bend students had the right shoes for a trip to the Indiana State Fair this August in Indianapolis.Five high-schoolers and five middle-schoolers were among the winners Friday at the first Sneaker Art Competition hosted by the City of South Bend’s Venues Parks & Arts department.“You guys are killing it man,” Demetrius Kennedy, volunteer coordinator for the City of South Bend’s Venues Parks & Arts department, said to contestants during Friday’s competition in the Howard Park Event C...
Ten South Bend students had the right shoes for a trip to the Indiana State Fair this August in Indianapolis.
Five high-schoolers and five middle-schoolers were among the winners Friday at the first Sneaker Art Competition hosted by the City of South Bend’s Venues Parks & Arts department.
“You guys are killing it man,” Demetrius Kennedy, volunteer coordinator for the City of South Bend’s Venues Parks & Arts department, said to contestants during Friday’s competition in the Howard Park Event Center at 219 S. Saint Louis Blvd. in South Bend.
A total of 30 students competed in the event, Kennedy said, about evenly split between high school students and middle school students in fifth to eighth grade.
“I like to draw sometimes and make clothes,” said Paradise Mitchell, explaining why she entered the competition. She will be an eighth-grader at Homeschool Indiana Gateway Academy.
Mitchell, who was drawing on her sneaker a retro year-2000-inspired design with depictions of candy, such as chocolate and a pink lollipop, said that she wants to be a fashion designer one day. Friday was a taste of success, as her design did earn her a trip to the state competition.
All South Bend students in fifth grade through high school, including those enrolled at private schools and the South Bend Community School Corporation, were eligible to apply to be in the competition, Kennedy said in an interview at the event.
Each student in the competition was provided with a white sneaker (a Converse knock-off, Kennedy said) a set of 60 Lammyner acrylic paint markers to use and a mug. Students were also allowed to bring supplies from home, according to a press release for the event.
Many students showed up to the competition with a drawing of the sneaker that they planned to create.
“My friend actually invited us to do it [enter the competition] and it sounded like fun,” said Maya Matthews, who is going into her senior year at St. Joseph High School in South Bend.
Five of her friends were in Friday’s competition, Matthews added. She was drawing a Sponge Bob theme on her sneaker, she said, because it was one of her “favorite cartoons growing up.”
Sneakers that students at fifteen tables were working on included depictions of flowers, cartoon characters, broken glass and the ocean.
Students had an hour to create their sneaker art. Four judges, including one from the City of South Bend’s Venues Parks & Arts department and three South Bend-area artists, decided on the winners.
The five high school and five middle school winners will receive a trip to the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis on August 16, 2025, and will represent South Bend and northern Indiana for the first time against students from Evansville (southern Indiana) and Indianapolis (central Indiana), Kennedy said in an interview Friday.
“Travel, fair admission, and food vouchers for each winner and one guardian or teacher are included,” according to a press release for the event.
The winners included:
All summer long, South Bend and surrounding communities will offer a variety of events certain to pique your interest. Gather your family or friends, get in the car and attend one, or...
All summer long, South Bend and surrounding communities will offer a variety of events certain to pique your interest. Gather your family or friends, get in the car and attend one, or all, of these exciting activities scheduled for the week of June 9 to June 15, 2025.
CLASSIC CAR CRUISE-INS — From 4:30 to 8 p.m. every Thursday through the end of September, head out to Essenhaus, 240 U.S. 20, Middlebury and check out a variety of classic cars, trucks and more. For more information and special events that evening, go to essenhaus.com/cruise-in.
BREMEN FIREMEN’S FESTIVAL — From June 10–14, head out to this festival and enjoy a parade, a 5K run, carnival rides, vendors, a food tent, and more. The festival takes place in Sunnyside Park, 400 E. Maple St., Bremen. For a full list of activities and times, go online to bremenfire.org/events.
JA WINE & BEER FESTIVAL 2025 — Enjoy a spectacular evening of unlimited wine, beer and spirit tastings from 6 to 9 p.m. June 13 at Four Winds Field, 501 W. South St., South Bend. Attendees will receive a reusable tasting glass to enjoy the flavors from local and premier vendors, along with games and live music from P.S. Dump Your Boyfriend. For designated drivers, there will be a selection of non-alcoholic beverages. All proceeds benefit programs from Junior Achievement for St. Joseph County students. Tickets are $100 to $15; stjosephcounty.ja.org/events.
POTATO CREEK & LIONS STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL — Head down to North Liberty for arts and crafts vendors, live music, train rides, food, 5K run and lots of strawberry shortcakes. The festival is June 13 and 14 at the intersection of Indiana 23 and Indiana 4. Musical performances by Memphis Underground, Mark & Liza, High Life, Whistle Pigs, Steve Foresman, Spittin’ Image and Nightshift Band. Activities begin at 11 a.m. Friday and at 8 a.m. Saturday with Jill’s Run and a pancake and sausage breakfast; Facebook.com/PotatoCreekFestival.
RHAPSODY ARTS & MUSIC FESTIVAL — Celebrate 45 years of art, music and local flavor on June 13-14 at Island Park in Downtown Elkhart. This free, family-friendly festival features music, an artist market, food and drink vendors, beer garden, and fun for all ages. Festival hours are noon to 10 p.m. June 13 and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. June 14. Full details are available at ElkhartIndiana.org/Rhapsody.
HARTFORD STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL — This family-friendly event will have a parade, live music, magician show, carnival rides, street dance, food and craft vendors, and strawberries! The festival will be from noon to 9 p.m. June 13 and 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. June 14. For a full schedule of events, visit hartfordmichamber.org/hartford-strawberry-festival.
MINT FESTIVAL — Celebrate everything mint! June 13-15 from Lane Street to North Judson Park, North Judson. Activities for kids and families, live music, a car show, carnival, 5K, pet parade, food and craft vendors. See full list of events at northjudsonmintfest.com.
LIGHTHOUSE TOUR — Explore the North Pier’s inner and outer lights on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. June 7 to Aug. 30, weather permitting. Go inside the North Pier Inner Light first floor for free or buy a ticket for $5 to climb to the top. The first floor offers exhibits on the rich nautical history of St. Joseph/Benton Harbor. Climbing to the top will give you a spectacular panoramic view of Lake Michigan. The pier is located at 80 Ridgeway St., St. Joseph. Tickets can be purchased in-person with cash only at the lighthouse. Or purchase with cash or credit at the St. Joseph Today Welcome Center, 301 State St.
SUMMER FEST & FLEA MARKET — From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 14, head out to Southgate Crossing to find an amazing selection of artisan and craft vendors, baked goods, antiques, flea market finds and more. Concessions available. Southgate is located at 27751 County Road 26, Elkhart.
ANTIQUE & CLASSIC BOAT SHOW — Step back in time and experience the beauty, artistry and nostalgia of vintage watercraft at the Michigan Maritime Museum's 44th Antique & Classic Boat Show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 14. Attendees will see unique vessels on display, hands-on boatbuilding demonstrations and family activities. Food truck onsite. Admission to the boat show is included with general museum admission. Tickets are: $12-$8; children 3 and younger, free. The museum is located at 260 Dyckman Ave., South Haven, Mich.
58th ANNUAL LEEPER PARK ART FAIR — Find 88 fine artists from across the country all in one location on June 14 and 15 in Leeper Park, 907 Riverside Drive, South Bend. Artists will present work in clay, fiber, jewelry, photography, sculpture and more. Fair hours are Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free with free parking and shuttle service from Century Center. Paved pathways make the festival accessible for all. For more information go to leeperparkartfair.org.
ICE CREAM TRAINS — Enjoy ice cream before boarding a train for a leisurely ride through the Indiana countryside on June 14 and 15. Visit the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum, 507 Mulberry St., North Judson, and take a diesel train excursion from the depot to the Kankakee River at English Lake and back. Trains depart at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. CT both Saturday and Sunday. The length of the trip is approximately 45 minutes. Tickets are $25-$14; ages 2 and younger seated in the lap of an adult are free. Seating is limited so purchasing tickets at hoosiervalley.org prior to event is encouraged.
41st ANNUAL FATHER’S DAY FESTIVAL — Celebrate Dad this year at Lemon Creek Winery, 533 E. Lemon Creek Road, Berrien Springs, from noon to 7 p.m. June 15. There will be music by Cosmic Countrymen from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. and from 4 to 7 p.m. Big Hair Hope and the Dad Bods, hayrides, vendors, food trucks, and more. Tickets are $10.
• Wine Walk, 5 to 9 p.m. June 11, downtown South Bend. Paired bites to enjoy with wine samples. Receive souvenir tasting glass to use. Cost: $55 full pass: food & drink; $30 food only pass. For tickets and more information go to EatDrinkDTSB.com/June-ww-2025/.• Thursday Burger Night, 4 to 8 p.m. June 12, Galien American Legion Post 344, 402 N. Cleveland Ave., Galien. B...
• Wine Walk, 5 to 9 p.m. June 11, downtown South Bend. Paired bites to enjoy with wine samples. Receive souvenir tasting glass to use. Cost: $55 full pass: food & drink; $30 food only pass. For tickets and more information go to EatDrinkDTSB.com/June-ww-2025/.
• Thursday Burger Night, 4 to 8 p.m. June 12, Galien American Legion Post 344, 402 N. Cleveland Ave., Galien. Burgers, hot dog, shrimp, chicken strips, or sloppy joe baskets. Cost: $9 to $5. Baskets include fries and slaw. The menu may vary except for hamburgers.
• Fish, Chicken or Shrimp Fry, 4:30 to 7 p.m. June 13, Ryan A. Balmer American Legion Post 161, 133 E. Mishawaka Ave., Mishawaka, 574-255-8319. Dine-in or carryout.
• Food Truck Friday, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. June 13, Ball Band Biergarten, 230 Ironworks Ave., Mishawaka. Variety of food vendors. Eat in the park or take dinner to go. Prices vary per food truck.
• Kitchen Open, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 13 and 8 to 11 a.m. June 15, American Legion Pulaski Post 357, 5414 W. Sample St., South Bend, 574-234-5073. Fish fry plus full menu on Fridays. Cost: varies. Eat-in or carryout.
• Pork Chop Dinner Buffet, 5 to 7 p.m. June 13, MR Falcons, 3212 Keller St., South Bend. Cost: $17, carryout available. Must have a minimum of 50 advance tickets sold by June 11. Call 574-904-4644 or 574-288-1090.
• Fish and Chicken Strip Fry, 5 to 8 p.m. (or until out) June 14, Galien American Legion Post 344, 402 N. Cleveland Ave., Galien. All you can eat fish, chicken strips, fries, coleslaw, coffee. Cost: adults/carryout, $14; children (ages 10 and younger), $7. Eat-in or drive-up carryout. There will also be a bake sale. Starting at 4 p.m. call 269-545-8280 for carryout, pick up starting at 5 p.m.
• Food Truck Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 18, Ball Band Biergarten, 230 Ironworks Ave., Mishawaka. Variety of food vendors. Prices vary per food truck.
• Fish Fry, 4:30 to 7 p.m. June 20, Crumstown Conservation Club, 59440 Crumstown Highway, North Liberty. Dine-in is all you can eat, limited salad bar. Carryout: limited to 8 pieces. Cost: $15. Price is subject to change.
• Spaghetti Supper, 5 to 7 p.m. June 20, Knights of Columbus, 61533 S. Ironwood Road, South Bend, 574-291-2740. All you can eat. Homemade spaghetti sauce, salad, garlic toast, ice cream. Cost: adults, $14; children (ages 5 to 13), $7; 4 and under, free. Dining room seating and carryout available.
Submit your event to Cheryl Morey, Newsroom, South Bend Tribune, 635 S. Lafayette Blvd., Suite 138, South Bend, IN 46601; or email [email protected]. Deadline is Thursday prior at noon. Please check with the venue for any cancellations.
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