My Turn with Jean Starr

The Dunes Cup Hospice Regatta sponsored by the Visiting Nurse Association was a rousing success this year in a series of sailboat races off Michigan City's harbor. In addition to the regatta, the Aug. 9 event featured an awards dinner, silent auction and cash raffle. So many times, VNA Hospice caregivers hear, "I wish we would have known about hospice sooner," from the patients and families they care for. The regatta features sailors from around Lake Michigan, VNA staff, volunteers and hospice supporters who get together for an event that is the only one of its kind in Northwest Indiana.

Its goal is to help raise awareness of the benefits of hospice care.

Once again, MacLennan and Bain Insurance served as the main event sponsor, said VNA Development Director Maria Galka. "We had 30 boats this year with 220 people at the dinner," she said. "It looks like we're going to net $17,000." Regatta winner Jeff Alisch, with his boat "Rush,"

took first place, which includes the opportunity to race next spring in the National Hospice Regatta. Traditionally held in Annapolis, MD, the race's location has yet to be determined for next year.

The alternate, or second place winner was "Geronimo," owned by Chesterton resident Herb Philbrick. There were many local sailors who raced that day, said Galka. They included George Girton, David Green, and Jon Neal of Chesterton; Lewis Noe and William Willer of Crown Point; John Lowther of Gary; Michael Halpin of Merrillville; James Braddock, Timothy Moore, Thomas Mullen, Bill Stark and John Wells all of Michigan City; Branson Stone of Munster; Miguel Gambetta of Schererville; and Paul Chael, Charles Freise, Tom Higgins, Craig Juel and Michael Leland all of Valparaiso.

A gorgeous photo taken by Ken Zimmerman of St. Joseph, MI was used as the artwork for this year's T-shirts, Galka said. It also was offered as the first place trophy that Alisch took home.