Lake County Extension Homemakers Association scholarships
Lake County Extension Homemakers Association is accepting applications for the Lucile Smith Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship was established to encourage individuals to further their education or upgrade their vocational skills. Eligible candidates must be 21 or older, a Lake County resident for at least six months, and demonstrate financial need and an ability to complete education or upgrade vocational skills. Applicants must be full- or part-time students at an academic, educational, or vocational school that is state-licensed or accredited. The scholarship is available to both women and men. The application deadline is April 1. The scholarship recipient will be notified in mid-April, and a check will be awarded at the annual Achievement Day luncheon on May 21 at Andorra Banquets in Schererville. For further information or to request an application, contact Marylou Hultgren, Educational Committee chairperson at loubus-2@peoplepc.com. In addition to this scholarship, applications for the Indiana Extension Homemakers Association (state-level) Career-Advancement Scholarship also are available. Applications and complete information about the Career-Advancement Scholarship can be found at https://ieha-families.org/data/files/forms/career_advance_scholarship_15-16revision-3_pgs.pdf.
Vendors sought for the 2024 Earth Day celebration
The Recycling and Waste Reduction District of Porter County will host its 16th annual Earth Day celebration from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 20 at the Porter County Expo Center, 215 E Division Road, Valparaiso. The event is free to the public and will feature various vendors, wildlife shows, interactive children’s games, guest speakers, live music, food, giveaways, and an estimated 2,000 attendees. Registration is currently open for Earth Day vendors and sponsors. Registration is available to all area schools, community groups, non-profits, commercial businesses, and residents. Non-profit booth space rates start at $50, while commercial business booth space rates start at $100. The theme for this year is “Planet vs. Plastics.” Participants are encouraged to incorporate this theme into their booth’s display. Registration also is available for the Reuse Fair and Rain Barrel Design contest, both of which will be held at the Earth Day Celebration. All K-12 schools, public and private, are invited to participate, including homeschool cooperatives. Limit of two barrels per school. One barrel per classroom.
Registration for school representatives or teachers will be available until 35 competitors have registered or by March 1, whichever comes first. Vendor and sponsor registration, and Rain Barrel Design contest information can be found at https://portercountyrecycling.org/earth-day/. For more information, email Gabrielle@PorterCountyRecycling.org or call 219-465-3819.
Winter Nature Photography workshop at National Park
Join nature photographer Mark Chantell for a workshop on winter nature photography from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday at Indiana Dunes National Park’s Paul H. Douglas Center, 100 North Lake St., Gary. He will be covering practical considerations, including what camera gear to use, macro photography tips and proper outdoor dress and safety. The first hour of the workshop will consist of a one-hour indoor presentation and demonstration, followed by an outdoor photography session. To get the most out of the workshop, bring an interchangeable lens camera and a tripod. For more information on this or other programs at Indiana Dunes National Park, call 219-395-1882 or visit www.nps.gov/indu.
NAACP Gary to host annual Junior Image Awards
The youth of the NAACP Gary ACT-SO program will host their annual Talent Extravaganza Junior Image Awards Feb. 17 at Indiana University Northwest, Savannah Center, 3400 Broadway, Gary. The private reception starts at 3 p.m.; doors open to the general public at 4 p.m. The event is free. The Junior Image Awards is a celebration of excellence and achievement, showcasing the accomplishments of young scholars in various categories. The ACT-SO program provides a learning experience for participants with a mentorship component. ACT-SO mentors help students develop their projects throughout the year virtually and in person. Local ACT-SO programs also provide students with enrichment opportunities such as workshops, tutorials and field trips. Sponsorship and youth vendor opportunities are available. For more information, email jeanapaynelaurie@gmail.com or visit www.naacpgary.org.
Valparaiso University to host two band concerts
Two band concerts will be held on Feb. 17 in the Valparaiso University Chapel of the Resurrection, 1600 Chapel Drive, Valparaiso. Both concerts are free, open to the public and no ticket is required. The Valparaiso University Luce Concert Band will combine with guest high school students for the VU Small High School Band Festival at 2 p.m. The performance will be a sensory-friendly and welcoming concert. VU music therapy students will lead activities with members of the neurodiverse, autistic and disabled communities in Northwest Indiana. The Valparaiso Community/University Concert Band, Valparaiso University Luce Concert Band, and guest musicians from local community bands will present the annual community band festival at 4 p.m. Joining the ensemble will be representatives from many northwest Indiana bands, including: Highland Community Band; Hobart Area Community Band; LaPorte City Band; Michigan City Municipal Band; South County Community Winds; South Shore Brass Band; Valparaiso University Chamber Concert Band; and Windiana Concert Band. For more information, email Jeff.Doebler@valpo.edu or call 219-464-5087.