Did You Know? We Have Eagles in the Bend

Good Thursday Afternoon! This newsletter is for the newbies, the lifers, the townies, and the domers.

In today’s digest:

• South Bend Eagles

• Something for everyone at Morris Theatre

• Curated events this week

Last week’s poll topped out with wanting more events by far. So let’s go even deeper. What kind of events do you want to see more of?

This issue is 1,194 words, a 4-minute read.

The Digest

South Bend Eagles are Back at It! 🦅

The resident bald eagles at St. Patrick’s County Park have officially laid their first egg of the season, and thanks to Notre Dame’s live nest cam, you can watch every moment of their journey.

From incubation → hatching → (literally) flying the nest, this eagle family’s story unfolds in real time, and nature lovers are in for a treat. This isn’t their first egg, but each season brings new questions. Will there be more eggs? Will the parents fend off intruders? Will we see the eaglet’s first wobbly steps?

Tune in to the experience and send me stories or pictures of your favorite moments!

Note from Alayna: Can I just say that I’ve been living in, investing in, and getting to know the Bend for close to 5 years… AND I NEVER KNEW WE HAD EAGLES. Someone has some explaining to do.

New Opportunities Coming to Ivy Tech Community College!

Ivy Tech is stepping up to train the next generation of tech workers!

The college is launching a new program to develop a skilled workforce for the growing field of data center operations. This initiative is all about preparing people for well-paying, in-demand jobs in the tech industry by offering specialized training in areas like managing servers, networks, and cloud-based systems.

With the rise of big tech companies expanding into the area, there’s a huge opportunity for local workers to fill these roles. This program aims to help bridge the skills gap and support the region’s growing tech sector, ensuring our community is ready to meet the demand for data center professionals.

Baseball Season is Almost Here!

The Chicago Cubs have announced their coaching staff for the South Bend Cubs in 2025, and it’s giving fresh energy to the field.

As the High-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, the South Bend Cubs play a crucial role in developing future major league stars, and this new coaching team (below) is set to guide them to success.

• Nick Lovullo - Manager

• George Thanopoulos - Pitching Coach

• Daniel Wasinger- Bench Coach

• Nate Spears - Hitting Coach

It’s a great time to be a fan, especially with all the new infrastructure improvements and with these new leaders ready to make a big impact on the team. The future of baseball in the bend is going to be brighter this spring!

Check out the details to learn more.

The Happenings

Curated picks 📆 

🎭 Something for Everyone at the Morris This Week:

This week at the Morris Theatre, there’s something for everyone!

> Families can join the PAW Patrol for an action-packed adventure as Chase, Marshall, Skye, and the crew throw the ultimate street party in PAW Patrol Live! Mighty Pups Save Adventure City.

> For those looking for something with more glitz and glamour, the Cher Show brings the iconic superstar’s life to the stage.

Whether you're young or young at heart, be sure to check one of these out! And while you’re at it, consider snagging some season tickets to the Morris to catch shows all year round!

👩‍🌾 Unity Gardens Presents: Perfect Pairings

If you’re looking to enjoy a night of great food, drinks, and community support, "Perfect Pairings" is the event to attend!

This annual fundraiser, benefiting Unity Gardens and Ivy Tech’s culinary program, offers an evening of delicious food and drinks Tonight, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Aloft Hotel.

Guests will savor hors d’oeuvres followed by four stations featuring perfectly paired tapas and craft beer or wine, all expertly crafted by Ivy Tech chefs.

Tickets are $50, and it’s a fantastic way to support local initiatives while indulging in culinary delights.

More events

A mix of things happening this weekend and into next week!

🐱 Wine for Whiskers: enjoy some hope wine and support the humane society at this event! Details

🕺 Daddy Daughter Dance: Swing by the Battel Center tonight for the Daddy Daughter Dance — especially if you forgot about the one in February 😉. Details

🧀 Build-A-Bear? No, Build A Board! Check out this event at Ironhand this Saturday and refine your charcuterie-making skills. Details

👩‍🔬 Women in STEM! If you know a young woman (or heck, are a young woman, interested in Science, Technology Engineering or Math) then check out this webinar where you’ll have an opportunity to hear from successful women in these fields! Details

⛸️ Winter’s not over yet: With everyone counting down the days to spring (or is that just me?), don’t forget to take advantage of $5 skate nights at Howard Park while it lasts! Details

🎯 DND Fan? Board Games Fan? Or, if you just want to meet some new people, check out this event happening over at First Unitarian Church! Details.

✨Coming soon✨

If you’re like me and love planning ahead, mark your calendar for these events after February 26th!

🎭 South Bend Civic Theatre Presents: Once on this Island a star-crossed lovers story. Check out the details and don’t forget to support your local theatre!  Tickets

🏙️ 2045 Downtown Master Plan: the first draft will be presented with workshops throughout the following week. Details

 💈 Haircut - Hotdogs - Hotcakes: What more could you want in life? And the best part? FREEEEEEEE. Check out the details

👩 Women Impact Panel: Come be inspired by female rockstars doing rockstar things in the community at St. Mary’s College. Tickets.

Rapid Fire Hits

Quick headlines and things to know from all around 🌐

Got a Small Business? The opportunity fund is designed to support local businesses with access to capital and business services. Check out the details to see if you and your business qualify! (Details)

Energy Assistance Grant Applications Now Open! The Energy Assistance and Solar Savings Initiative (EASSI) helps businesses and non-profits save money and go green by offering energy assessments, grants, and low-interest loans for energy efficiency and solar projects. (Apply)

The Coalition for the Common Good event in South Bend brought together 12 local organizations to inspire residents to get involved in causes like voter engagement and community gardening, with such a strong turnout that organizers are planning a larger event to further foster community action and positive change. (Details) 

Looking for gems around Indiana? Look no further (Get Indiana)

As spring approaches, make sure you’re checking your driveway for cracks, uneven patios and sidewalks, and any other worn out concrete or asphalt. (Silver’s Concrete)

Happy Thursday! See you around the Bend!

Congrats! You made it to the end of the newsletter! I don’t have a prize I can hand out, but! Send me an email with a story that made you fall in love with South Bend! (bonus points if it makes me cry happy tears) and then send this newsletter to someone else!

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