MAKS Christmas Toy Drive underway
MAKS (Making A Kid Smile) is conducting its annual holiday Toy Drive for local foster children. MAKS works closely with the Indiana Department of Child Services in LaPorte, Porter, Lake, Jasper and Pulaski counties to provide the necessities for foster children awaiting placement. MAKS is collecting new gifts at a suggested cost of approximately $25 for both boys and girls ages infant through 18. Organizations are invited to participate by collecting items at their workplace. MAKS also is accepting donations from their Amazon Wishlist that can be shipped to MAKS directly. The wish list can be found at https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/36O1AS80SGCM7?ref_=list_d_wl_lfu_nav_3. Local donations can be dropped off at the Duneland Chamber of Commerce office, 220 Broadway, Chesterton. Monetary donations are welcome as well. Deadline for donations is Dec. 11. For more information contact MAKS at info@makskids.org or call 219-706-3341.
Recycling and Waste Reduction District Thanksgiving, winter hours
Recycling and Waste Reduction District of Porter County’s Thanksgiving hours of operation are as follows: Thursday – all district offices and sites closed; Friday and Saturday – District Office, Boone Grove and Portage Compost Sites closed, Valparaiso Compost Site open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Beginning Dec. 9, the Portage and Boone Grove Compost Sites will be closed for the season, making Dec. 7 the final day for drop off. The Valparaiso Compost Site is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday year-round for recycling, yard waste, and electronic drop off. The Boone Grove and Portage Compost Sites will reopen for the season in March. For more information, call 219-465-3694 or visit info@portercountyrecycling.org.
Gary Alumnae Chapter to host World Aids Day
The Gary Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., will host the International Awareness and Involvement Committee World AIDS Day event from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday at the Dean and Barbara White Community Center, 6600 Broadway, Merrillville. A community walk will be held to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS. Participants will join together in support of education, prevention and advocacy for those affected by the disease. The Aliveness Project of Northwest Indiana will be present to provide on-site testing, emphasizing the importance of knowing your status for both personal and public health. There is a $10 donation fee to participate in the walk. Donations are welcomed and encouraged from all who attend the World AIDS Day event. All donations can be made at the QR code on the flyer at the bottom of https://www.eventbrite.com/…/world-aids-day-tickets… The day will conclude with a candlelight vigil, honoring the memory of those who have lost their lives to AIDS. Bring a framed picture of your loved one to be placed amongst others to be remembered for their fight, life and legacy. For tickets, visit the Eventbrite site.
Community invited to holiday events on the Valpo campus
Valparaiso University invites the community to join students, faculty and staff in a wide variety of activities to celebrate the holiday season. All events will take place on campus, 1700 Chapel Drive, Valparaiso. The 14th Annual Tree Lighting will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Dec. 3 at Harre Union. Julefest will follow the Tree lighting at 7 p.m. in the Chapel of the Resurrection. This concert is free, with no ticket reservation required. Christmas at Valpo!, a Vespers Christmas Concert, will have two performances: at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 6; and 5 p.m. Dec. 7 in the Chapel of the Resurrection. Tickets for the public are available at https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=vuca or in-person through the Center for the Arts Box Office 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Valparaiso University Students, faculty and staff can obtain a free ticket by visiting the Center for the Arts Box office in person with their OneCard. Prior to the annual Vespers concert, a Valpo Christmas Dinner will be held at the Chapel. The event will showcase a selection of Christmas dishes from around the world. Purchase tickets https://www.valpo.edu/christmas-at-valpo/. The 15th Annual Tuba Christmas will take place at 3 p.m. Dec. 8 in the Chapel of the Resurrection. Participation is $10, and admission is free. The Valpo women’s basketball team will host a Biggest Christmas Party Ever event at 1 p.m. Dec. 21 at the Athletic Recreation Center. Events include a visit from Santa Clause. Be sure to bring a teddy bear to donate to Toys for Tots, and cheer on the Beacons as they take on Detroit Mercy. For more information about all events, visit valpo.edu/community.
CHS Annual Madrigal Dinner ticket sale
The Chesterton High School (CHS) Music Department will present its 52nd Annual Madrigal Dinners at 7 p.m. on Dec. 6; at 4 and 7 p.m. Dec. 7; and at 2 and 5 p.m. Dec. 8 in the CHS Cafeteria, 2125 S. 11th St., Chesterton. All seats are reserved; tickets are $40 per person. Ticket sales are online only until no tickets remain or until Dec. 6, whichever comes first. There will be no exchanges or refunds. To purchase tickets, visit www.cur8.com. The CHS Cafeteria will be transformed into a “Greate Hall” complete with Elizabethan settings and costumes for “Ye Olde Madrigal Christmas Feasts.” Set in the 16th Century, the Madrigal represents the traditions of the Christmas season through spoken and musical offerings. Included in the Madrigal is a complete dinner. Special diet plates consisting of either gluten free, dairy free, or vegetarian meals will be available only if requested at the time of ticket purchase. The meal is prepared each year by the Chesterton Child Nutrition staff. More information is with Bridget J. Martinson at 219-983-3600, Ext. 1010.
