Purdue University Northwest to hold College Goal Sunday
Financial aid professionals will be available at Purdue University Northwest’s (PNW) Hammond and Westville campuses during the College Goal Sunday programs on from 2 to 4 p.m. CT Sunday. The event is free. College Goal Sunday provides assistance to students in filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA form is required for students to be considered for federal and state grants, scholarships and federal loans at most colleges, universities and vocational/technical schools nationwide. The FAFSA must be completed and filed by the state of Indiana priority deadline of April 15, 2024 to guarantee state aid for those that qualify. The Hammond campus event will be held in Room 200 of the Student Union and Library Building, 2233 173rd St., Hammond. The Westville campus event will be held in Room 219 of the Technology Building, 1401 S. U.S. 421, Westville. Financial aid professionals will be available at both locations to answer questions and help students complete and file the form. The Hammond location will offer Spanish interpreters. Visit pnw.edu/college-goal-sunday for PNW College Goal Sunday event information.
IU Northwest offers free dental exams for children
The annual “Give Kids a Smile” event, hosted by the Indiana University Northwest Dental Hygiene Program in partnership with the American Dental Association, will provide free dental exams, dental cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments and oral hygiene instructions to uninsured children 5 to 12 years of age from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday at IU Northwest in the Dunes Medical/Professional Building, Room 1030, 3400 Broadway, Gary. Space is limited. To schedule an appointment, call. 219-980-6772. Mention “Give Kids a Smile” when calling. Walk-ins are not allowed.
Valparaiso Family YMCA hosts YBash annual fundraiser
The Valparaiso Family YMCA invites the community to join its annual fundraising event, YBash, from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday at the Porter County Expo Center, 215 E. Division Road, Valparaiso. The event will have a Kentucky Derby theme, featuring live music, dancing, food, signature derby themed cocktail, a live painting, moonshine tastings, and a live and silent auction. All proceeds from the event will support the YMCA Annual Campaign, which provides financial assistance to individuals and families who need YMCA programs and services. Tickets are $80 per person or $1,000 for a table of eight. Guests are encouraged to wear their best Derby attire and hats for a chance to win prizes for the best dressed. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.valpoymca/ybash, or contact Tracey McElree, at 219-462-4185, Ext. 351, or at tmcelree@valpoymca.org. Donations to the YMCA Annual Campaign can be made online or by mail.
HealthLinc provides free dental exams for uninsured children
HealthLinc will host “Give Kids a Smile Day,” offering free oral exams, sealants, dental cleanings and fluoride treatments to uninsured and underinsured children younger than 18 years of age. The event will be held at the following times and locations: 1 to 5 p.m. CST Wednesday at HealthLinc Valparaiso, 1001 N. Sturdy Road, 888-580-1060, Ext. 2407; 2 to 6 p.m. Monday at HealthLinc East Chicago, 1313 W. Chicago Ave., 888-580-1060, Ext. 5718; and 2 to 6 p.m. April 4 at HealthLinc Michigan City, 200 Alfred St., 888-580-1060, Ext. 3714. Appointments are required.
‘The Garage’ takes the stage this week
“The Garage,” a play presented by Edgewater Health, will have two performances on Feb. 22 and 23 at the West Side Theatre Guild, located at 900 Gerry St. in Gary. The play is written by Michael A. Woods and directed by Mark Spencer. Tickets are $25 and available online at https://donate.edgewaterhealth.org/ge/thegarage.
Purdue Extension hosts ‘Dining with Diabetes’
Purdue Extension – Lake County will be offering Dining with Diabetes sessions from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. beginning March 6 at the Purdue Extension – Lake County office, 2291 N. Main St., Crown Point. The program is a series of five sessions, including a three-month reunion session. The Dining with Diabetes program is open to those with diabetes, their family members and caretakers. The series of five sessions is $40 per person or $65 per couple. Pre-registration and payment are required. Participants are encouraged to attend all class sessions. The program will help adults with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar, and learn how to prepare tasty meals that are easy to prepare. Recipes will be demonstrated, and participants will have the opportunity to taste each one. Participants will also learn up-to-date information on nutrition, meal planning, exercise and how to understand common diabetes-related medical tests. Recipe and handouts will be given to each participant. Register online at: https://cvent.me/9XWvDy by Feb. 28. For more information, contact Linda Curley at 219-755-3240 or email lcurley@purdue.edu. Those in need of reasonable accommodations or have special dietary needs to attend this program, are asked to contact Curley by Feb. 28.
Ivy Tech Community College to host financial aid workshops
A free workshop will be offered to assist Indiana students in filling the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) from 2 to 4 p.m. CT Sunday at the Ivy Tech Valparaiso campus, 3100 Ivy Tech Drive. 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. Students should attend College Goal Sunday with their parent(s) or guardian(s), and parent(s) should bring completed 2022 IRS 1040 tax returns, W-2 Forms and other 2022 income and benefits information. Students who worked should also 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. For further information, contact Erika Mihalek at 219-476-4721 or emihalek@ivytech.edu.