Indiana Dunes Tourism offers grant program for community projects
Indiana Dunes Tourism is offering $50,000 in grants to fund community projects, marketing initiatives and unique events that attract visitors to Porter County. The grant program aligns with the organization’s mission to attract new and repeat visitors to Porter County by enhancing their stay through the promotion of attractions, marketing efforts and new product development. The grant application process is now open. The deadline for submission is Dec. 1. Recipients will be announced on Dec. 16. Grants are for fiscal year 2025 for projects running from January to December. Porter County for-profit, non-profit and government organizations, including cities and towns, are eligible. Private-sector applications will also be considered if the project or event attracts visitors from outside Porter County. The following types of projects are eligible to apply: Community Development Projects (maximum request $5,000); Events (maximum request $2,500); and Marketing (maximum request $2,500). More information and grant applications can be found at IndianaDunes.com/Grant-Programs.
Franciscan Health to hold PACE open house
Franciscan Health will host a Senior Health and Wellness Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) open house Nov. 13 at Franciscan Senior Health and Wellness, 2150 Gettler St., Suite 305, Dyer. PACE is a national, community-based healthcare program created for people 55 and older who are eligible for nursing home level care but prefer to remain in their own familiar surroundings. The program enables seniors to live independently by providing all-inclusive primary care and specialty services. Each participant is assigned a nurse practitioner, social worker, physical therapist, occupational therapist, dietitian, nurse and home care coordinator. The open house will feature tours of the facilities, refreshments and giveaways. The event is free, but registration is required at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/6x6vprv/lp/93e4177b-9041-49ad-aba6-19834e63a90e. For more information, call 219-264-8761.
Gary Literacy Coalition hosting Annual Philanthropic Thrust Dinner
The Gary Literacy Coalition will host its Annual Philanthropic Thrust Dinner at 6 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Chateau Banquet Hall, 530 W. 61st Ave., Merrillville. This year’s theme is “Celebrating The Magic of Literacy.” The evening will include dinner and a performance by illusionist The Magic of Plaz. The Gary Literacy Coalition has provided more than 40,000 books annually for local families. A range of sponsorship opportunities are available, offering supporters the chance to contribute at various giving levels and make a lasting impact on literacy in the community. The funds raised will directly support the organization’s programs, to help reach even more families seeking to make literacy a priority. For more information about sponsorship opportunities, call 219-885-2229. Tickets and more information can be found at www.garyliteracycoalition.org.
Celebrate America Recycles Day at Local Strack and Van Til’s
The Recycling and Waste Reduction District of Porter County will celebrate America Recycles Day from 9 a.m. to Noon Nov. 15 at the following Strack and Van Til locations in Porter County: 2800 Calumet Ave., Valparaiso; 1600 Pioneer Trail, Chesterton; and 6046 Central Ave., Portage. Residents are invited to visit any of these locations to receive a free reusable bag and learn more about how Porter County is promoting reuse, recycling and sustainability. For more information, call 219-465-3694 or visit info@portercountyrecycling.org.
First Skate Fundraiser at Central Park Plaza
The First Skate Fundraiser to benefit the Valpo Parks Foundation will be held Nov. 16 at Central Park Plaza, 70 W. Lafayette St., Valparaiso. This family-friendly event offers exclusive access to the Central Park Plaza ice rink before the official season begins, ensuring a crowd-free and enjoyable skating experience. Two sessions will be offered: from 5 to 6:30 p.m.; and from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Each session will include rink admission and skate rental, food and drinks, and a “Buy One, Get One Free” rink admission coupon to use at a later date. Session one will feature family-friendly music. Skate aids are available. Session two will feature DJ dance party music. Skate aids will not be available. Tickets are $25 per person. Children younger than 12 must be accompanied by a parent. All guests must have a ticket. There is a limit of 200 tickets per session. Guests are permitted to attend both sessions but must purchase a separate ticket for each. All guests will exit the venue between sessions. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://runsignup.com/TicketEvent/ValpoFirstSkate2024.
