Plastic Reduction Alliance of NWI to host symposium
In a continued effort to foster environmental sustainability and promote plastic reduction practices within the community, local leaders, educators and environmental advocates will gather to discuss strategies for reducing plastic waste. This symposium will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Valparaiso University’s Harre Union, Ballroom A, 1700 Chapel Drive, Valparaiso. The event is open to the public. Hosted by the Plastic Reduction Alliance of Northwest Indiana, the program will address the growing concern of plastic pollution and its impact on the environment and public health. Speakers include: Blake Bent, professor of Psychology at Valparaiso University; and Harishini Ratnayaka, Advocacy program manager at Save the Dunes. For those unable to attend in person, the event will be streamed via Facebook Live, allowing remote participants to join the conversation and ask questions. More information is with Julie Peller at julie.peller@valpo.edu, or via the Facebook Group “Plastic Reduction Alliance of NWI.”
Northwest Health presents free digital detox seminar
Join Katie Sarver, certified intrinsic coach with Northwest Health, as she presents “Embracing a Digital Detox: Refreshing Your Wellbeing in Today’s Digital Society.” This free seminar will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday in the Pine Lake Conference Room at Northwest Health – La Porte, 1331 State St., La Porte. Register at NWHinfo.com/DigitalDetoxLP. During the presentation, Sarver will explore actionable strategies for reducing screen time, while enhancing mental wellbeing and fostering a healthy relationship with electronic devices. There will be time for questions and answers following the presentation. For more information, call 219-262-6446.
Music and culture of Mexico at the VIC’s Fourth Friday
The Valparaiso International Center (VIC) will feature a presentation on Mexican music and culture by Pancho and Carolyn Rodea from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday at Trinity Lutheran Church, 201 N. Washington, Valparaiso. The event will showcase the beauty of the Spanish-speaking world through song, storytelling and cultural insights. The Rodeas regularly perform at Don Quijote Restaurant and at cultural events throughout the region. For more information, contact the VIC at 219-464-1122 or info@valpovic.org.
Portage City Hall to hold blood drive
The City of Portage in collaboration with the American Red Cross, will host a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday in the City Hall Council Chambers, 6070 Central Ave., Portage. Early registration is encouraged at https://www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.
NWI Earth Day Celebration registration now open
The Recycling and Waste Reduction District of Porter County will host the 17th annual Northwest Indiana Earth Day Celebration from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 12 at the Porter County Expo Center, 215 E Division Road, Valparaiso. The event is free to the public and will feature an array of vendors, guest speakers, document shredding, live music, food and giveaways. The event also will include the Reuse Fair and Rain Barrel Competition amongst local schools. This year’s theme is “Our Power, Our Planet.” Participants are encouraged to incorporate this theme into their booth’s display. Registration is currently open for Earth Day vendors and sponsors at https://portercountyrecycling.org/earth-day. Vendors and sponsors will receive promotional benefits based on sponsorship level. For more information, contact Sarah Tubbs at sarah@portercountyrecycling.org or call 219-465-3694.
Ivy Tech Community College hosts annual spring fundraiser
Ivy Tech Community College will host their 21st annual Spring Fundraiser on March 14 at Aberdeen Manor, 216 Ballantrae, Valparaiso. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. The Marci Gras-themed occasion will feature dinner, dancing, a silent auction and live entertainment from ReTurn2Soul, a six-piece band from Chicago. Tickets are $90; $45 of the ticket price is tax-deductible. Purchase tickets at https://link.ivytech.edu/Spring2025 through March 3. Event proceeds will benefit the Meet the Need initiative to support students. To learn more about the fundraiser and additional ways to support Ivy Tech Community College’s mission, contact Cindy Hall at cjhall@ivytech.edu.
