MLK Dream Center Opening Soon!

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

In today’s digest:

• One month in poll

• MLK Dream Center opening soon

• A historic women’s basketball run

• A free swapping event + some Valentine’s options

This issue is 1,392 words, a 4.5-minute read.

The Digest

One month of Get South Bend, what do you want to see more of?

Alayna here! We’ve been putting these in your inbox for close to one month now. Time flies.

If you don’t mind taking a few seconds, can you share what you want to see more of here? News? Events? Local features? Something else? Hit the option that matches closest and you can leave comments after if you’re feeling extra helpful 💙 

📣 South Bend’s MLK Dream Center: Opening Soon!

The much-anticipated Martin Luther King Jr. Dream Center is set to open its doors around ~April 4.

This community center will offer opportunities for kids and families like after-school programs, mentorship, sports, and wellness activities. Located in the old Harrison School building, the Dream Center’s goal is to empower the community by creating a space where people can learn, grow, and dream big.

Why it matters: The hope is for this to become a hub for South Bend’s next generation to thrive, make connections, and chase their dreams. With an opening just around the corner, this is a game-changer for the city’s west side.

Stay tuned for more updates as April gets closer!

👋 Meet the Mayor & Team South Bend

Want to know what’s going on in South Bend? Here’s your chance! The city is hosting a “Meet the Mayor and Team South Bend” event today, where you can chat with Mayor James Mueller and city leaders in person.

It’s a casual, come-as-you-are event where you can ask questions, hear about future projects, and learn how you can get involved in making South Bend even better.

🗓️ Date: Feb. 13
📍 Location: 4210 Lincoln Way West, Beacon Resource Center
🕰 Time: 6 - 8 PM

🏀 Notre Dame Women’s Basketball is Unstoppable

Notre Dame Women’s BB (21-2, 12-0 ACC) is on a 16-game winning streak, dominating opponents with an average margin of 27.9 points. Sunday’s 91-52 win over No. 21 Cal extended their incredible run that started in early December.

Head coach Niele Ivey says their success began after back-to-back losses in November. "We had to recenter. It was a mindset shift," she said.

Since then, the Irish have crushed the competition, scoring 100+ points multiple times and winning big, even with key players missing games.

With six regular-season games left, they could become the first ACC team to go undefeated in league play. A top seed in the NCAA Tournament feels inevitable. March is coming, and the Irish are ready to make history. Learn more here.

Local Business

A Local Feature: 🪩 Dance Society Social Club 🪩

Ready to dance like nobody’s watching? The Dance Society Social Club. (DSSC) is South Bend’s go-to spot for moving, grooving, and breaking out of your comfort zone. Founded by local dance queen Sharon Sims, it’s all about bringing people together through the power of movement and good vibes.

✨ Who’s Sharon Sims? Think hometown hero with killer dance moves. Sharon fell in love with dance as a kid and honed her skills at former Clay High School’s arts program. But instead of keeping all that talent to herself, she created DSSC to help others feel the same joy and freedom she’s found in dance.

💃 Why it’s cool: DSSC isn’t just a dance studio; it’s a full-on experience. From high-energy classes to fun social events, this club is all about encouraging you to let loose, take creative risks, and connect with new people.

Interested? There are 1..no wait 2! ”looks again” no wait make that 4! more events happening this month! Check out the calendar.

The Happenings

Curated picks 📆 

📦 Free Market Swap

Need something? Have something to share? Check out the South Bend Free Market—a community-driven event focused on giving and mutual support.

🗓️ When: February 17-22, 6-10 PM
📍 Where: The Well on Mishawaka Ave

✨ It’s simple: bring what you can, take what you need. From clothes and books to household items and hidden gems, everything is free and open to all.

🤝 More than just a swap meet—it’s about building community, reducing waste, and ensuring everyone has access to essentials. Come connect, share, and support your neighbors! (Details)

💔 Screw Your Ex Brunch

Forget the heartbreak and join the fun at the Screw Your Ex Brunch on February 11th from 11 AM to 2 PM at Bar Louie!

It’s the perfect way to spend your Valentine’s weekend—no love lost here! Enjoy delicious brunch specials, bottomless mimosas, and an all-around good time.

Whether you’re single or just want to laugh off the past, this event is for you. Plus, there will be a “smash your ex” photo booth, where you can get a little cathartic with some creative fun.

Come eat, drink, and celebrate freedom! Details

More events

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

🎶 Memphis Underground: Get ready for an unforgettable night of Memphis hits and classic Motown! Join us on February 15th from 7-10 PM for an evening of incredible music. Cover is $10, and reservations are recommended. Details

📚 An Evening with Nikki Giovanni: Don’t miss the chance to hear from the legendary poet and activist in this inspiring event. Details

🍷 Galentine’s Night: Gather your besties and celebrate friendship with wine, snacks, and lots of laughs! Details

🎨 Brush & Brew: Couples Edition: Sip drinks and paint with your partner at this fun and creative date night. Details

🌿 February Green Drinks: Chat about sustainability and connect with eco-friendly folks at this laid-back networking event. Details

✨Coming soon✨

If you’re like me and love planning ahead, mark your calendar for these events happening after February 19th!

🎤 The Cher Show: Don’t miss the dazzling Broadway musical The Cher Show on February 19th at the Morris Performing Arts Center. Witness Cher’s iconic story come to life on stage! Tickets

💖 Mom & Son Dance: A memorable evening for moms and sons on February 17th! Dance the night away at the annual Mom & Son Dance at the Century Center. Tickets

🖤 Celebrating Malcolm X: Join the celebration on February 18th to honor the life and legacy of Malcolm X with impactful discussions and performances. Details

🎭 Fat Tuesday at Chicory Café: Celebrate Fat Tuesday at Chicory Café on March 4th! Details

🎸 Bob Dylan Live: Bob Dylan is bringing his iconic sound to South Bend this spring! Get ready for a legendary night on April 13th at the Morris Performing Arts Center. Details

Rapid Fire Hits

Quick headlines and things to know from all around 🌎

Go Green, South Bend! Check out local environmental initiatives and how you can get involved. (Details)

Jobs Alert: enfocus is hiring…high schoolers! Want your teenager to do something other than try to be the next great influencer? Check out this local opportunity where they can work on innovative projects that make an impact in South Bend and the surrounding area. (Details)

$10K Grant for Classrooms South Bend Education Foundation is bringing new resources to local students. (Details)

New Riverfront Apartments Coming Soon and hundreds of market-rate units could transform South Bend’s skyline. (Details)

Beyond the Kitchen brings local nonprofits together to serve up hot meals to those in need. (Details)

Will the State Theatre be saved?? Yes. The City of South Bend plans to purchase it for 800k. (Details)

What do you think, are the points made here about South Bend valid? Check them out and reply to this email and let us know (Reddit)

Happy Thursday!

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