Mrvan announces winner of art competition from Munster HS
Rep. Frank J. Mrvan announced that Madalyn Martin of Munster High School won the 2024 Congressional Art Competition. Madalyn used gouache paint to create her winning artwork, “Stan’s Bait & Tackle,” which depicts Stan’s Bait and Tackle store in Hammond at nighttime. “Thank you to all of the students from Indiana’s First Congressional District who showcased their creativity in the Congressional Art Competition,” Mrvan said. “Congratulations to Madalyn from Munster High School on your outstanding achievement and exceptional display of artistic talent.”
‘I Voted’ sticker contest at the Porter County Fair
Fifth graders across Porter County submitted entries for the 2024 “I Voted” Sticker Contest. The sticker will be used as voters cast their votes in the general election. Voting takes place from July 18-27 at the Porter County Fair, at the Elections & Voter Registration booth in the East Building at the fairgrounds. Voting is open to all fair attendees, with five designs chosen by the Election Board out of many submitted from schools all over Porter County. The five finalists are Jules Valois (Liberty Intermediate); Oliver Ball-Reed (Hebron Elementary); Claire Metzger (Morgan Township); Ellisen Barnett (St. Paul Catholic Schools); and Audrina Runyan (Washington Township).
Crowdfunding campaign for amphitheater project
A crowdfunding campaign is underway to raise $50,000 by Aug. 23 for a new amphitheater at Meadowbrook Nature Preserve. If successful, the project led by the Shirley Heinze Land Trust will receive a matching grant as part of the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority’s (IHCDA) CreatINg Places program. Funds from this campaign will be used to design and install an amphitheater, bandshell, concrete benches and improve roadway access to the amphitheater. To donate, visit https://crm.bloomerang.co/HostedDonation?ApiKey=pub_19a61b30-a9ef-11eb-b1fa-060cfd9bde37&WidgetId=872448. To donate offline, make checks payable to Shirley Heinze Land Trust, and mail/drop off to the office at 109 W 700 N, Valparaiso, IN 46385. Please designate the gift to the “amphitheater project” on the memo line or in a note. For questions, contact Bridget Harrison at 219-242-8558. More information can be found at www.heinzetrust.org or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/heinzetrust.
Valparaiso to host neighborhood workshop
To promote neighborhood engagement, the city of Valparaiso is hosting a neighborhood workshop from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Valparaiso City Hall, 166 Lincolnway. These workshops provide an opportunity for neighborhood representatives to connect, learn from each other and become more familiar with available neighborhood services. The July agenda includes a welcome from Mayor Jon Costas, an introduction to the Know Your Neighbor Grant, and an overview of how to host successful neighborhood events presented by neighborhood organizers. Neighborhood groups, including homeowners’ associations, neighborhood associations, or newly forming groups are encouraged to send representatives to the workshop. The full agenda is available on the Community Engagement page at valpo.us. To participate, contact Maggie Clifton at 219-462-1161, mclifton@valpo.us. RSVP is requested to ensure materials and space for all participants.
Gary Library offers a variety of community programs
The public is invited to participate in programs hosted by the Gary Public Library. The following computer classes for adults will be offered: Microsoft Excel on Wednesday; Basic Internet Thursday; Basic Email July 23 and July 25; and Social Media July 24. All computer classes are free and run from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Main Library, 220 W. Fifth Ave., Gary. Registration required at 219-886-2484, Ext. 358. Class size is limited. Techmobile will be making stops at the following: the Main Library from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday; the Kennedy Branch, 3953 Broadway from Noon to 2 p.m. Friday, July 25 and July 26; and the Woodson Branch, 510 S. Lake St. from Noon to 2 p.m. on July 24. The Friends of the Gary Public Library will host a book sale from 1 to 5 p.m. July 23 at the Woodson Branch. Gently used books and DVDs will be available for sale. A chess tournament will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 27 at the Main Library. All ages welcome, limited to 10 players. Trophies will be awarded for 1st through 4th place. The event is Free. MakerSpace sessions include the following: Open Lab, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday and July 26; Arts, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday; Sewing, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, July 23 and July 25; Small Circuits, 2:30 to 4 p.m. July 23; Cricut, 4 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday and July 25; and 3D printing, 4 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday and July 24. All MakerSpace sessions are free and will be held at the Main Library. Registration required at 219-886-2482, Ext. 332. More information can be found at https://www.garypubliclibrary.org.
Dunes Learning Center to host speaker Ken Schoon
Dunes Learning Center will host “Duneland Dynamics: Scenes and Stories of the Indiana Dunes,” a presentation by Dr. Kenneth J. Schoon, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday at 700 Howe Road, Chesterton. A Northwest Indiana native, author, and professor emeritus at Indiana University Northwest, Schoon’s presentation integrates dozens of colorful scenes of today’s Indiana Dunes, along with a description of their ecological importance and stories from the past. The cost per person is $5, parking is free. For more information, visit duneslearningcenter.org/events or call 219-395-9555.
Valpo U and Lutheran Summer Music invite community to Festival Week
The 2024 Lutheran Summer Music (LSM) Academy and Festival, hosted at Valparaiso University, will culminate in Festival Week, July 22 through 28 at the Chapel of the Resurrection and Duesenberg Recital Hall. High school students from across the country will be joined by LSM faculty, composed of nationally recognized professionals including Valparaiso University faculty, for a series of concerts that will include band, choir, and orchestra performances as well as numerous recitals and worship services. All LSM concerts are free and open to the public. A complete list of LSM concerts and events can be found at www.lsmacademy.org/2024/#2024calendar. Those who cannot attend in person are encouraged to join via livestream at www.lsmacademy.org/2024/#livestream2024.