Porter County compost sites open for the season
The Recycling and Waste Reduction District of Porter County’s compost sites have all reopened for the season. Both the Boone Grove site, 546 South 400 West, Valparaiso, and the Portage site, 6451 U.S. Highway 12, Portage, are open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday; the Valparaiso compost site, 2150 W. Lincolnway, is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information on accepted items and site-specific details, visit www.PorterCountyRecycling.org or contact info@PorterCountyRecycling.org.
Franciscan Health offering virtual Diabetes Prevention Program
Franciscan Health will be hosting a virtual Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) series starting at 5 p.m. April 8. The program follows guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that have been proven to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. Groups meet weekly for a total of 16 sessions, prior to six monthly follow-up sessions with a trained lifestyle coach. Throughout the program, participants work with a certified healthy lifestyle coach who guides them in practices to lose weight, move more, reduce stress and build confidence. The program is open to participants ages 18 and older who have been diagnosed with prediabetes, not those who have previously been diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Participants must have a body mass index greater than 25. Those who had a previous diagnosis of gestational diabetes or a screening result indicating a high risk of type 2 diabetes also are eligible to participate. The year-long program costs $99 and is covered for approved Medicare beneficiaries. Registration is required and space is limited. To register, complete the DPP Qualifying Questionnaire online at https://franciscanhealthcare.formstack.com/forms/test_form_with_amy. Those with questions are asked to register for the Virtual Q&A Session at https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7869072120540479064.
Planet Palooza annual Earth Day celebration
Join Brown Faces Green Spaces for their Sixth Annual Earth Day Planet Palooza from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. April 12 at Marquette Park, 1 North Grand Blvd., Gary. This year’s event, “Boots on the Ground: A Reclamation of Earth, Health and Self,” focuses on the importance of our health and mental wellness as we care for the air, land and water around us in our everyday lives. This family-friendly, outdoor celebration features more than 20 interactive eco-education stations and is free and open to all. The day will begin with a shoreline cleanup at 10 a.m. along Marquette Beach. Sign-in begins at 9:15 a.m. at Shelter No. 2. Refreshments will be provided. Register to participate at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfBzXrHfLrma7Akjc_0Zo7o6iO3jhKnmYr1PYjR1jRuFv9_Mw/viewform. To become a sponsor or for more information, visit https://www.brownfacesgreenspaces.org/_files/ugd/dd8ab5_2524f701a110465388ce37b6434b550b.pdf or email Kimmie Gordon at brownfacesgreenspaces@gmail.com.
Webinar on ‘Growing Vegetables in Small Places’
Join the Lake County Master Gardeners as they present a free webinar at 6 p.m. April 15 on “Growing Vegetables in Small Spaces.” Presented by author, plant enthusiast and artist, C.L. Fornari, participants will learn how to make the most of the space they have, from raised beds and Smart Pots to incorporating vegetables in existing landscapes, and which vegetables offer the longest periods of harvest. A columnist for Garden Center Magazine, Fornari also has written for Angie’s List Magazine, Prime Time Magazine, Fine Gardening, Coastal Home, Country Gardens and American Nurseryman. Visit www.lakecountymastergardeners.org to reserve a space.
Ian Munsick to headline Hometown Jams concert
Hometown Jams will present country music sensation Ian Munsick May 29 at Central Park Plaza, Northwest Health Amphitheater, 68 Lafayette St., Valparaiso. Gates will open at 5 p.m. Known for his distinctive Western sound and rich storytelling, Ian Munsick has captured the hearts of country music fans nationwide. Fans looking for a premium experience can take advantage of VIP Tables, offering exclusive seating and perks. The event will include a variety of food and beverage vendors and interactive experiences. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://hometownjams.com.
