Those who have stopped by Blackbird Café in downtown Valparaiso in the early hours of the morning may have met Greg Gavagan, a 68-year-old retiree who frequently stops by Blackbird with a flag in his hand and a story to share.
Though he faced a series of challenges and hardships, Gavagan demonstrates an appreciation for life that he shares over a cup of coffee at Blackbird Café. Gavagan’s positive attitude, strong connection to the community, and abundant sense of humor adds purpose to his life and value to the Region.
Gavagan’s connection to the Region has spanned decades. Born in Valparaiso in 1950, Gavagan grew up watching his parents work hard. His father, a postmaster for nearly 30 years, and his mother, a waitress, showed Gavagan from a young age how vital it is to have a connection to the community.
In high school, Gavagan participated in football and acted as the head of the student council. When Gavagan looks back on these experiences, he values them as opportunities for growth and as ways to connect with the community in his youth. However, like a lot of stories Gavagan tells, he can’t help but laugh at himself while sharing them.
“I wasn’t fit for the sport. I was creamed a couple of times, and that was that,” Gavagan said while laughing about his time playing football. “I was also the head of the student council. That was okay, but I didn’t know what I was doing!”
Gavagan attended IU where he received both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. Shortly after beginning law school, Gavagan was married. Though it seemed like everything he had been working toward was finally paying off, Gavagan struggled with the stresses of life.
After seeking treatment, Gavagan described the years of his early adulthood as “bouncing around the country with no stability.” With a deep desire to find purpose in his life, he headed back to Valparaiso to find his roots.
“I never dreamed of everything working out like that,” Gavagan said. “I headed back to Valparaiso to find a definite subject in life to plant myself in.”
Today, Gavagan has once again found his roots and his health. His love for Valparaiso aided in getting Gavagan to where he is today, and his passion for community is evident to all those who meet him.
“I really, really love the city library,” Gavagan said of Valparaiso branch of the Porter County Public Library. “I could spend all day learning there.”
Gavagan attributes the strong relationships that he has fostered in the Valparaiso community as a stepping stone towards his own self-acceptance.
“I made an effort to retain my own self-worth,” Gavagan said. “I needed to prove to myself that I am someone. I’m worth something, and I can do certain things that others can’t do.”
Gavagan openly shares his personal struggles with mental illness in hopes of inspiring those with similar troubles to seek help. In 2003, Gavagan, a former Peer Consultant for the Community Support Services Department of Porter-Starke Services, was awarded the Patient Care and Advocacy Award for his efforts in helping those suffering from mental illness.
“It takes an institution to deal with someone who is upset,” Gavagan said. “If you know someone who is ill or who is going through the thick of it and can’t seem to get out, encourage them to go to Porter-Starke Services, or take them yourself. You can’t get better without help.”
Gavagan has no plans of slowing down during retirement. Rather, Gavagan urges the retired members of Valparaiso to remain active members in the community.
“Find something to do, even if it is important to yourself and no one else,” Gavagan said.
With a positive outlook and a willingness to connect with others, Gavagan has fostered strong relationships, offering all who meet him a chat, a story, and a laugh.
“The more people I can make laugh, the better time it is for everybody,” Gavagan said.
For those who see him at Blackbird Café with a flag, Gavagan wants the community to know that the flag represents an open invitation for communication.
“It’s a place where people can talk,” Gavagan said of Blackbird Café, “and I bring the flag to issue a challenge to the community. I’ll talk to anyone who wants to have a decent, open discussion. It’s what I love.”