Gary Community School Corporation hosts information sessions
The Gary Community School Corporation invites parents of second and third graders to attend a critical IREAD information session on Thursday. Sessions will be held at 9 a.m. and again at 3:45 p.m. at all Gary Community School Corporation elementary schools, providing families with options to attend at a time that suits their schedules. Event locations include: Banneker at Marquette, 6401 Hemlock Ave., Gary; Daniel Hale Williams Elementary, 1320 E. 19th Ave., Gary; McCullough Academy, 3757 W. 21st Ave, Gary; Beveridge Elementary, 1234 Cleveland St., Gary; and Glen Park Academy, 5002 Madison St., Gary. These sessions are designed to give parents a deeper understanding of the purpose and process of the IREAD-3 test, a critical assessment of student progress. Attendees will learn how schools and families can collaborate to support their child’s success in this required test. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, contact your child’s school directly or visit the Gary Community School Corporation website, www.garyschools.org.
Indiana Dunes Tourism to hold Winter Pop-Up Markets
Indiana Dunes Tourism in partnership with the Duneland Chamber of Commerce will host the first-ever Winter Pop-Up Markets from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Feb. 15 at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, 1215 N. State Road 49, Porter. This unique opportunity brings a taste of Chesterton’s beloved European Market indoors during the off-season. Attendees can shop from some of their favorite market vendors while enjoying the warmth and charm of this winter event. More information can be found at http://indianadunes.com/.
Valpo to host food drive for MLK Day
In honor of Martin Luther King Day, the City of Valparaiso will host a drive-through food drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday at Butterfield Pavilion, 600 Evans Ave., Valparaiso. Donations should be bagged or boxed so volunteers can unload the contributions. For a list of suggested items to donate, visit HilltopHouse.org/Wish-list/.
Valparaiso to host neighborhood workshop
To promote neighborhood engagement, the City of Valparaiso is hosting a Neighborhood Workshop from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Jan. 22 at Valparaiso City Hall, 166 Lincolnway. Neighborhood Workshops provide an opportunity for neighborhood representatives to connect with one another, and to become more familiar with available neighborhood services. The January agenda includes a welcome from Mayor Jon Costas, a summary of the 2025 Neighborhood Improvement Grant Guidelines and a presentation by the Valparaiso Creative Council to inspire grant project ideas. Neighborhood groups, including homeowners’ associations, neighborhood associations or newly forming groups are encouraged to send representatives to the workshop. The full agenda is available on the Community Engagement page at valpo.us. To participate in the Workshop, contact Maggie Clifton at 219-462-1161, or mclifton@valpo.us. Registration is requested to ensure materials and space for all participants.
Grant opportunity for Lake County residents
The Lake County Master Gardeners Association (LCMGA) has announced the continuation of its grant program for 2025. The LCMGA will award grants to eligible Lake County applicants and organizations with purposeful gardening projects that benefit the community. Request a grant application through lakecountymastergardeners@gmail.com or call the Purdue Extension-Lake County office at 219-755-3240. The application is on the LCMGA website at www.lakecountymastergardeners.org under the Grants & Scholarship tab. The purpose of the program is to promote the objectives of the organization by providing grants from $200 to $600 within the borders of Lake County. Awards are dependent on funds and the number of applicants during any given award year. The application deadline is March 1. Return grant application to: LCMGA GRANT COMMITTEE, c/o Purdue Extension, 2293 N. Main St., Crown Point, IN 46307. Forward grant applications electronically to lesliewychocki@yahoo.com.