The Discussion Over Dinner Podcast

This month's topic we have invited three panelists to discuss the Latino American Experience in LaPorte County.

Joining our panel will be:

• Mario Rosa

• Hugo Gonzalez

• Rose Tejeda

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.

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? Discussion Over Dinner opened up space for black members of our community to share their experiences.

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

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?

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 2018 midterm election is right around the corner. So, we talked civilly about politics!

In this episode, our panel chatted about bail reform, restorative justice initiatives, and the process and challenges one goes through when they enter the criminal justice system.

The world of addiction and recovery is fraught with beliefs and assumptions. We talk with three experts in LaPorte County about addiction and recovery.

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.