Show Us Where You Take ValpoLife

Show Us Where You Take ValpoLife! We want folks out there who have ValpoLife gear and apparel to show off where they go and where they take ValpoLife. It could be anywhere around Valparaiso, Indiana, the United States, or around the world. Just take a picture and send it in to contribute@valpolife.com, or use our Member Submit button, with a couple of notes about your trip.

We often give away gear in a contest on Facebook, for people who are out there spreading the word about ValpoLife, and sometimes in the newsletter! Keep your eyes open, spread the word, and you could acquire some cool ValpoLife Gear!

Here are the submissions we've received, starting with the most recent:


I have worn VL gear to my sons sporting events...a must in Valpo!
Barby Alfredson

Jon Groth takes ValpoLife fishing!


We did not see Jimmy Buffet in Key West, but we did share a great meal with Valpo friends at Buzz's Lighthouse Restaurant in Naples!

Linda Galbiati


Vacation is a time to unwind, relax, reconnect with ourselves and family.  It is also a time to try new food, experience a new place, or meet new people.  Life is about connection.  We were fortunate to meet and connect with some wonderful people and places!  ValpoLife connects us with each other and with our community!  Thanks Chris and staff for allowing me to post this past week-it has been fun.  Let's all take a little Spring Break with us as we start our week!

Tracy Traut



Yesterday we toured the National Mall in Washington, DC.  The National Mall is an open area National Park that extends from the Capital Building to the Linon Memorial.  The Mall is lined with a number of museums, contains two entrances for underground museums, and the Department of Agriculture.  The National Monuments and Memorials on the National Mall are spectacular and a great reminder of the history of our nation!

Today is our last day in DC!  We are off!

Tracy Traut


Hello Valpo Life,

Yesterday we visited Mount Vernon.  George Washington acquired the 8,000 acre Mount Vernon Estate in 1754.  The land supplied firewood, lumber for construction, and posts and rails for fencing.  The surrounding lands also provided wild game for the dining table and as a source of exercise for George Washington and his guests.  Two spectacular gardens adorn the estate.  These gardens supplied fresh produce for the busy Mount Vernon kitchen.  Martha and George entertained 677 guests in one year!

George Washington was a man of simple grace.  He was a great leader, and also a man who considered himself first and foremost as a farmer.  He loved books, art, music and his country.  Happy travels!

Tracy G. Traut



Hello ValpoLife!

Here I am in front of the Indiana State Monument on the Antietam Battle ground (notice my ValpoLife Gear).  
Made of granite, this monument honors all the regiments from Indiana that fought at Antietam. Three Indiana regiments – the 7th, the 19th and the 27th – fought in this general area around  what is referred to as the Cornfield. The obelisk derives from an ancient Egyptian form of memorializing great men. It was a popular form of monumentation in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The base of the monument is ringed with large models of a Civil War bullets, known as a minie balls. Erected in 1910, the monument is 50 feet tall. 

Tracy Traut

My husband, Chuck, and I visited San Antonio, Austin and the Hill Country of Texas the week after Thanksgiving, expecting to enjoy some warmer weather. The first two days were warm and sunny while exploring San Antonio, including a visit to Mission San Jose where this picture was taken. We enjoyed the rest of our visit in spite of the cold, rainy weather the rest of the week.

Thanks for the ValpoLife shirt. It helped keep me warm. Karen Grant

Terri Wieczorek-Holiday in ValpoLife.com Vest, with Dr.Brenda Stefanagle and daughters Alana and Isabella with Amazon John and Our Birthday Girl, Sydney, With her parents Jennifer and Jason Scott

Pictured above is Valpo resident Jan Rubsam at the famous "Leaning Tower of Pisa"

Bob Phelps, Video Production and Media Studies Teacher at the Porter County Career Center, wore ValpoLife with he and his wife Molly’s new born son Maxwell Robert Phelps, born 08/11/09 6 pounds 10 oz 20 inch! Congratulations Phelps family! (Thanks for showing how it's never too early to introduce our youth to the positive nature of ValpoLife.com ;)

Great Job to Jan Rubsam!!! Jan completed the Michigan City Triathlon on August 22, 2009. She took 1st Place as female Sprint Distance Runner, .75k Swim, 20k Bike, and 5k Run 55-59 Division! Thanks for sporting ValpoLife Jan!

Pam, Emily, Ashley and myself spent the weekend at Niagara Falls enjoying the incredible views and pleasant weather. We enjoyed everything from food, entertainment and activities. The Whirlpool Jet boat tour is a must for any visit. Stayed on the Canadian side, very clean. Overall a must see and will travel again to the falls. 3 days is more than enough time to enjoy with the family. -Mike Tezak

Logan Tippins represented ValpoLife with his bride, Kristel, as they honeymooned in Yosemite National Park, as seen here overlooking Yosemite Falls and Half Dome. They got married while in California and traveled about the Valley and Mountains this past June. A very special thank you is in order to all the family and friends from Valpo who were able to make the trip for the wedding, and for the shower extravaganza!

Donna and Doug Flanagin attended the Lu-Wow, hosted by the Valparaiso Chamber this summer. Donna's ValpoLife jacket kept her warm and cozy!