Waste Reduction District seeking Compost Site Attendant
The Recycling and Waste Reduction District of Porter County is seeking a Compost Site Attendant to join its team in Porter County. This part-time position aids the District in the composting, bulb recovery, battery recycling, drop off recycling and/or electronics recycling programs. Applications are available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday in the District office. 155 Indiana Ave., Suite 314, Valparaiso. For additional information, call 219-465-3694, or email info@portercountyrecycling.org.
Path to Wellness series kicks off Friday in Griffith
Residents are invited to step into a healthier summer with the “Path to Wellness” walking event, a free community program designed to promote physical activity, mental well-being, and nutritional awareness, starting Friday at Oak Ridge Prairie Park in Griffith.
The series, organized by Franciscan Health and the Lake County Health Department, will take place every Friday — except July 4th — through August 15. The sessions, held from 9-10:30 a.m., will start with an informative talk on a wellness-related topic, followed by a light warm-up stretch, and then a refreshing walk amidst the natural beauty of Oak Ridge Prairie Park. Preventative health screenings will be offered on the first and last day of the program, and information on mindfulness, nutrition, personal safety, and chronic disease will be shared.
Water and a light snack will be provided, and participants are reminded to wear comfortable shoes. Attendees are encouraged to register to help organizers prepare adequate refreshments: https://lakecountyin.gov/departments/health/Health-First-Indiana/Initiatives/path-to-wellness/.
Applications now available to participate in July 4th Parade
Applications are now available to participate in the Chesterton-Porter Rotary Club’s Fourth of July Parade. There is no cost to participate in the parade, but a completed application is required. The deadline to apply is Monday. Parade entries will begin assembling at 8 a.m. in the parking lot at Yost Elementary School, 100 W. Beam St., Porter. The Parade will begin at 9 a.m. traveling through the Town of Porter to the day-long Fourth Fest site at Hawthorne Park, 500 Ackerman Drive, Porter. The community is invited for a day of festivities, food and entertainment culminating with fireworks at dusk. For applications and more information, contact Barbara at bblack1888@outlook.com or 219-617-6109.
Plastic Reduction Alliance educational meeting
The Plastic Reduction Alliance will host an educational meeting aimed at reducing plastic waste and fostering a sustainable future for Northwest Indiana at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Valparaiso University Harre Union, Ballroom A, 1509 Chapel Drive, Valparaiso. The meeting, titled “The Power of Partnering for Plastic Free Communities,” invites all environmentally conscious individuals and local environmental groups to participate in the discussion. Participants will explore practical strategies for reducing plastic waste in our municipalities through collaboration, education and shared goals. The evening will include: a presentation by the Plastic Reduction Alliance of Northwest Indiana; small group breakout sessions; networking opportunities; and a collective call to action for a more sustainable region. RSVP by emailing ekapitan@portercountyrecycling.org.
Literacy Coalition to host Summer Social
The Gary Literacy Coalition will host the Third Annual Book, Food and Wine Tasting Summer Social from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Arthouse: A Social Kitchen, 411 E. Fifth Ave., Gary. Those attending will each receive a complimentary book. The cost is $60 per person. Register at https://garyliteracycoalition.org. For more information, call 219-885-2229.
Franciscan Health offers Produce Prescription program in Munster
Registration is now open for the Franciscan Health Produce Prescription Program in Munster, which aims to assist with chronic disease management. Upon successful completion of the free, six-week program, participants will receive monthly fresh produce vouchers for six months. Participants must have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure; have moderate to high food insecurity as determined by a screening process and complete a four-week Cooking Matters course. Participants need not be patients within the Franciscan Health system to participate. The program will meet weekly from 11 a.m. to Noon CT on Thursdays July 10 through Aug. 14 at the Hammond Clinic, Third Floor Room 3060 B, 7905 Calumet Ave., Munster. The deadline to register is Friday. To register and for more information, contact Insydia Rivera at Insydia.rivera@franciscanalliance.org or call 219-323-2225.
Author visit to Gary Library
The public is invited to attend a special story hour and author visit by Carolyn McCrady from 10 a.m. to Noon Monday at the Main Library 220 W. Fifth Ave., Gary. McCrady is the author of “Working Class Cats for Peace,” a story that resonates with children as well as adults. The book provides a simple but interesting way to talk about friendship and loyalty among children, and promote the idea that when we harm each other, we are harming ourselves. McCrady is a retired high school English and journalism teacher and an activist from Gary. More information is at 219-886-2484.
Annual Kappa Golf Klassic and Day Party
The Henry E. Bennett Achievement Foundation will host the 2025 Annual Kappa Golf Klassic and Day Party on June 28 at River Pointe Golf Course, 6700 Country Club Road, Hobart. Shotgun start will be at 10 a.m., a Scholarship Presentation will take place at 3 p.m. and the “19th Hole” Day Party will begin at 4 p.m. The cost is $125 for a single, $500 for a foursome and $25 for the 19th Hole. Tickets are available at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2025-kappa-classic-golf-outing. For more information and sponsorship opportunities, contact Chris Robinson at 219-381-5802 or email robinsonchristion@gmail.com.
Whiskers & Wieners event to benefit cats
The Feline Community Network will hold its Whiskers & Wieners Hot Dog Fundraiser on Saturday and Sunday.
The event, located at 1001 W. 37th Ave., will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on each day. It will feature hot dogs, chips, drinks and cookies available for purchase; a parking lot sale; an open house in its cat-themed gift shop; and the opportunity to meet cats up for adoption. For more information, call (219) 940-3340 or email Info@Felinecommunitynetwork.org.
U.S. 6 to close for one week in Porter County
Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Enneking Pressure Cleaning will close U.S. 6 between Mander Road and County Road 350 E on or after Monday, June 23.
U.S. 6 will be closed for approximately one week for a bridge deck overlay preventative maintenance project over CSX Railroad. Motorists should seek alternate routes. The official detour will follow Indiana 49 and Indiana 2.
53rd Ave bridge closing in Lake County
Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Milestone Contractors LP will replace the 153rd Avenue bridge over Interstate 65 beginning Monday.
INDOT said 153rd Avenue will be closed between Mississippi and Iowa streets/Grove Road while bridge replacement work is ongoing through mid-November. Motorists should seek alternate routes. The official detour will follow Clay Street, Indiana 2 and Indiana 55.
During this project, there will be daytime lane shifts and overnight lane closures as needed on I-65 in this location. The first overnight lane closures are scheduled to occur during the hours of 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Wednesday through Friday. Please be alert for changing traffic patterns on I-65.
