Gary Public Library to host jazz, Black History program
The Gary Public Library and Cultural Center will host a free Jazz Sunday Concert from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday in the second floor Arts Theater at the Main Library, 220 W. Fifth Ave., Gary. Co-sponsored by the Greater Gary American Jazz Association, special guest will be Mike Carson and Friends, featuring Mike Carson, sax; Ivy Campbell, trumpet; Jerrell Charleston, trombone; Dí Kobie Berry, vibes; Billy Foster, piano; Bruce Evans, bass; and Lannie Turner, drums. Jazz Sunday Concerts are presented on the third Sunday of each month, September through May. The entrance is on the north side only, and there is free parking in the north parking lot. The library will be closed; no library service will be available. Seating is limited. The Main Library also will host its annual Black History Month Program from 3 to 5 p.m. Feb. 23. The program is free and open to the public. This year’s theme is African Americans and the Arts. Robert L. Buggs will be the guest speaker. The program will be held in the Study Area and will feature entertainment, refreshments, local vendors and authors. Vendors and authors interested in participating can contact 219-886-2484, Ext. 306. Space is limited.
League of Women Voters to meet
The League of Women Voters Porter County will host their monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Monday via Zoom. Two speakers from The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Indiana, Samantha Bresnaban, Public Policy and Community Engagement associate and Katie Blair, director of Public Policy and Advocacy, will discuss a broad overview of the ACLU and more in-depth coverage of some current topics, such as voting rights. The meeting is open to the public, League members and guests. The ZOOM link is available by emailing lwvporter@gmail.com, and on the League of Women Voters of Porter County’s Facebook page.
College Goal Sunday at Ivy Tech Lake County
Students and families in need of assistance completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can get expert help during Indiana’s College Goal Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. Feb. 25 at Ivy Tech Community College, 9900 Connecticut Drive, Crown Point. The FAFSA form is required for students to be considered for federal and state grants, scholarships and federal student loans at most colleges, universities and vocational/technical schools nationwide. Major changes were made this year to the application process and to the application itself. Help available on College Goal Sunday can make it easier for students, parents and guardians to navigate the FAFSA and its changes. The FAFSA must be filed by April 15 to be eligible for Indiana financial aid. Students should attend College Goal Sunday with their parent(s) or guardian(s). Parent(s) should bring completed 2022 IRS 1040 tax returns, W-2 Forms and other 2022 income and benefits information. Students who worked should bring their income information. Students 24 years of age or older may attend alone and bring their completed 2022 IRS 1040 tax return, W-2 Form or other 2022 income and benefits information. Students and parent(s) are encouraged to apply for their U.S. Department of Education FSA IDs at studentaid.gov before coming to the event. More information is with Michelle Short, director of Financial Aid, at 219-256-7508.
Program aims to help prevent falls
Purdue Extension – Lake County will offer “A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls,” a four-week, eight-session series, on Tuesdays and Thursdays in March. The program will be offered at two different times: a morning session from 10 a.m. to Noon; and an afternoon session from 1 to 3 p.m. Participants will learn to set realistic goals to increase activity, change their environment to reduce fall risk factors and learn simple exercises to increase strength and balance. Space is limited; participants are asked to make every effort to attend all sessions. To register, email dmcook@purdue.edu or call Purdue Extension at 219-755-3240, and indicate morning or afternoon preference. Reservations will be taken first come, first served. A workbook will be provided and snacks will be served.
Valparaiso to host Citizens’ Police Academy
The Valparaiso Police Department is seeking interested participants for the 2024 Citizens’ Police Academy. The academy will meet from 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays, beginning April 2, and will conclude with a graduation ceremony on May 7. All classes will take place at the Valparaiso Police Department, 355 S. Washington St., except for one week. The academy is designed for attendees to meet police officers, learn about their assignments, specialties and daily operations. There are several topics featured throughout the program, including presentations on all agency divisions, training, public information, drone team, bike patrol, crash investigations, School Resource Officers, evidence collection, K-9 unit and traffic enforcement. To register, contact Captain E.J. Hall via email at info@valpopd.com. Include full legal name, date of birth, address, phone number and T-shirt size. Participants must be at least 18 years of age. The registration deadline is March 15.
