Master Gardeners Association to host annual plant sale
The Lake County Master Gardeners annual Plant Sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 10 in the Fine Arts Building of the Lake County Fairgrounds, 2293 N. Main St., Crown Point. The sale will feature a variety of plants, including herbs, vegetables, native plants, annual flowers, perennial flowers, trees and shrubs and hanging baskets. Gently used garden tools and treasures will be for sale as well. A master gardener will present a demonstration at 11 a.m. on growing potatoes in a bag. The Lake County Master Gardener Association is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization affiliated with Purdue University. Members raise funds to support scholarships for students of horticulture and related studies and grants for local gardening projects that benefit the Lake County communities the gardeners serve. Visit lakecountymastergarders.org for more information.
Valparaiso invites participants to City Government Academy
A seven-week City Government Academy will be offered to provide residents with a better understanding of the inner workings of city government in Valparaiso. The Academy will run from May 14 to June 25 with meetings from 6 to 8 p.m. every Wednesday. More than 150 people have graduated from the City Government Academy, with several now serving in elected or appointed positions throughout the city. The Academy will shed light on how decisions are made, how money is allocated, and how services are delivered. Program participation is free but limited to 35 participants per session. Registration is required and priority will be given to Valparaiso residents. To learn more about the Academy or to sign up, visit tinyurl.com/ValpoAcademy or call Maggie Clifton at City Hall, 219-462-1161.
Travail With Us to host two Sickle Cell awareness events
Travail With Us founder and CEO Alfreida Robins is leading the charge to raise awareness for Sickle Cell disease through two free signature events. Following the loss of her younger brother and cousin to complications from Sickle Cell, Robins is committed to keeping their memories alive while helping those who are battling the disease. The events include a Sickle Cell Awareness Walk and picnic from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday at Hidden Lake Park, 6355 Broadway, Merrillville. Participants from the community, Travail with Us employees clients and supporters will walk the perimeter of the park twice and then gather for a balloon release in memory of those who lost their lives due to complications from Sickle Cell disease. There is no cost to participate. Walkers will be treated to an afternoon of food, music and fellowship, while medical professionals offer information and resources. The Second Annual Sickle Cell Gala will be held on April 25 at the Dean and Barbara White Center, 6600 Broadway, Merrillville. Doors open at 5 p.m. The formal occasion will feature, dinner, dancing, networking, speakers and resources. The community is invited to nominate a “Sickle Cell Warrior” to be honored at the affair by sending an email to Travailwithus@yahoo.com. While there is no cost to attend the gala, registration is required by calling 219-777-0279 or sending an email to travailwithus@yahoo.com.
Chesterton High School to hold 34th Annual Radiothon
Chesterton High School’s WDSO 88.3 FM Radio Station will host their 34th annual Radiothon from 3 to 10 p.m. on Friday, and from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through April 25. Disc jockeys will take song requests and dedications at 219-983-3777, and will be giving away prizes from local businesses and WDSO merchandise throughout the week. The Radiothon will be led by Senior program directors Braden Kennelly and Elsa Estridge; and WDSO staff members and DJs Dallas Howard, Cece Post, Claire Demmon, Sam Ames, Joe Lucken, Phoe, Damion Lopez and Owen Edlen. Pledges can be mailed in with cash, checks made out to WDSO, or donate via credit/debit card through the link that will be posted on WDSO’s Facebook page on Friday. WDSO’s retro logo shirts will be available for a donation of $25 by calling the station. The logo was designed in the 1980s by Chesterton resident Deano Recktenwall. Donations received from the public during the Radiothon help support the station’s general upkeep, as well as funding the cost of a much-needed mixing board upgrade. WDSO is currently looking for donations from local businesses, specifically gift certificates to contribute to their pool of on-air giveaways, a staple of Radiothon. Additionally, the station is seeking out testimonials from WDSO alumni to read on air about why WDSO was beneficial to you. Reach out on WDSO’s Facebook messenger or email efletcher@duneland.k12.in.us if you would like to contribute to either cause.
Shirley Heinze Land Trust to host 2025 spring benefit
Shirley Heinze Land Trust will host their Annual Spring Benefit at 5:30 p.m. May 3 at the William Urschel Pavilion, 63 Lafayette St., Valparaiso. This year’s theme, “Grow With Us,” invites attendees to celebrate the organization’s conservation efforts and learn how they can support the future of land preservation in Northwest Indiana. The Spring Benefit is the cornerstone of Shirley Heinze Land Trust’s annual outreach and fundraising efforts. This year’s fundraising goal is $310,000. All proceeds go directly towards preserving and restoring natural lands and waters in northwestern Indiana and engaging people in nature and conservation. Sponsorship opportunities are available with levels ranging from Big Bluestem at $500 to Champion at $25,000 with benefits including event admission, brand visibility, and exclusive experiences like a guided hike at Meadowbrook or Lydick Bog Nature Preserve.
To purchase individual tickets or for more details on sponsorship opportunities, visit: https://heinzetrust.org/spring-benefit-2025. For more information on the work and nature preserves of Shirley Heinze Land Trust, visit www.heinzetrust.org or call 219-242-8558.
