🌱 Patch AM: How a legally blind cook powers South Bend’s food rescue kitchen

Coffee in hand, South Bend? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• How a legally blind cook powers South Bend’s food rescue kitchen
• What inspired this South Bend ICU nurse to donate bone marrow?
• How a 21-year-old Aussie could reshape Notre Dame’s punting game

Also on today's calendar: The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show - South Bend, IN.

Today's riddle: What did the clock say when it ran out of batteries? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Friday: Rain and drizzle this morning, with a high of 50 and low of 36 degrees.
• Saturday: Cloudy, temps: high: 47, low: 42.
• Sunday: Rain; breezy in the afternoon, with a high of 55 and low of 22 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. A Sense of Service: South Bend food rescue worker's determination inspires others (wndu.com) — A legally blind prep cook at South Bend’s Cultivate Food Rescue commutes over an hour each way to crack eggs, chop vegetables, and inspire coworkers with his determination. Chris Milewski’s story highlights how a local nonprofit values his skills and how he continues serving the community through both his kitchen work and advocacy for the blind.
   

2. South Bend nurse saves life with bone marrow donation to patient (wsbt.com) — A South Bend ICU nurse recently saved a stranger’s life by donating bone marrow after joining the national stem cell registry years ago with a simple cheek swab. Natalie Raffelock describes the donation process, her smooth recovery, and why she hopes more South Bend residents will consider registering to give patients a second chance.
   

3. Australian punter Jasper Scaife commits to Notre Dame (on3.com subscription) — Notre Dame has filled its punter vacancy in South Bend by landing Australian prospect Jasper Scaife, a 21-year-old former Aussie Rules player with four years of eligibility. He’ll enroll in January and compete with Erik Schmidt for the 2026 starting job, aiming to stabilize the Irish’s punting game after standout James Rendell’s departure.
   

4. Ronald McDonald House Charities gift free Christmas toys to hospitalized children (wsbt.com) — Families with children hospitalized in South Bend are getting free Christmas toys through Ronald McDonald House Charities of Michiana’s “North Pole” program at Beacon Children’s Hospital. Volunteers and local churches helped collect hundreds of gifts so parents can “shop” for all their kids without leaving the hospital, easing stress and bringing some normal holiday joy during a difficult time.
   

5. Robert 'Sonny' Duffel (heraldpalladium.com) — Family and friends in South Bend are mourning Robert “Sonny” Duffel, who passed away December 11 at age 82 after years working security for Crowe in South Bend. The longtime Berrien Springs and Niles resident was known for his strong work ethic, love of lawn care, woodworking projects for his grandchildren, and deep devotion to his family and faith.
   

📸 Around South Bend

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🗓 Upcoming Events in South Bend

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Friday December 26

• The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show - South Bend, IN
  DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel South Bend , 123 N Doctor M.L.K. Jr Blvd , South Bend
  7:00 pm

📣 South Bend Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Saturday December 27

• Saturday Weekly Assembly
  Valparaiso, IN Calendar Valparaiso, IN 46383
  11:00 am
• The Christmas Candy Caper
  Blue Gate Theatre , 195 N Van Buren St , Shipshewana
  1:00 pm
• Basketball (Girls V) - Varsity Holiday Tournament
  Wawasee High School
  6:00 pm
• A Silent Night - Silent Party
  Krueger Memorial Hall , 801 Liberty Trail , Michigan City
  6:30 pm
• “A Silent Night” Silent Party
  Krueger Memorial Hall , 801 Liberty Trail , Michigan City
  7:00 pm
• Trivia @ The Elephant Bar
  Goshen Chamber of Commerce , 227 S Main St , Goshen
  9:00 pm

Sunday December 28

• Noon Years Brunch
  Running Vines Winery , 101 Broadway Ave , Chesterton
  10:00 am
• Sunday Weekly Assembly
  Valparaiso, IN Calendar Valparaiso, IN 46383
  2:00 pm
• Community Art Night
  The Gathering Place , 123 S Buffalo St , Warsaw
  6:00 pm

Monday December 29

• Mocha Monday
  Bremen Public Library , 304 North Jackson Street , Bremen
  9:00 am
• Cupcakes and Canvas
  Westchester Public Library - Thomas Branch , 200 W Indiana Ave , Chesterton
  10:00 am

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making South Bend PatchAM possible:

• Mindsee.it — (646) 663-8317
  Teach your kids they can achieve the impossible!

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Value Tool & Engineering, Inc. posted a job opening for CNC Lathe/Mill Machinist - 1st or 2nd Shift in South Bend. Apply here.
• Beacon Health System posted a job opening for Education Coord Transport MHO, Ground Transportation, Full-time Days in South Bend. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near South Bend here.

Ok South Bend! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I guess I’m out of time.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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