Valpo introduces New Neighbor Guide
The City of Valparaiso is extending a warm welcome to newcomers with the introduction of a New Neighbor City Services Guide, encouraging new or relocating residents to enjoy all the city has to offer. The digital guide, available online, introduces Valparaiso’s services, provides a map of neighborhoods and shares city highlights. The Guide also includes a handy quick links page connecting residents to city departments, pathways maps, city calendars and educational opportunities. The New Neighbor City Services Guide will be distributed to new residents and those relocating within the city via a postcard with a link to access the digital guide. It also is available online at tinyurl.com/WelcomeValpo or on the Community Engagement page at valpo.us.
Gary Library summer hours, water safety and reading programs
New summer hours are in effect at the Gary Public Library Woodson Branch, 501 S. Lake St., through Aug. 9. The branch will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and closed on Friday. The Kennedy Branch is currently closed until further notice due to unforeseen circumstances. Hours at the Main Library, 220 W. Fifth Ave., remain the same, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The public is invited to attend a special Water Safety Talk from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday at the Main Library. Special guest speaker will be a representative from Blue Flow Great Lakes Organization. The program is free. For more information contact 219-886-2484, Ext. 104. The annual Summer Reading Program “Color Our World” begins June 14 at all units of the Gary Public Library. The six-week program, for students in pre-school through 12th grade, continues until July 26. Complete rules and sign-up sheets are available at all library units or on the library’s website, www.garypubliclibrary.org. A special Summer Reading Program Kick-Off will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 14 in the parking lot of the Main Library. The event will feature food, games, face painting, author Ben Clement, The Gary Literacy Coalition, the Gary Police and Fire Departments as well as a variety of local vendors. All units of the Gary Public Library will be closed on Thursday, June 19 for the Juneteenth Holiday. Library service will resume on June 20.
Master Gardeners to present “Prevention and Diagnosis of Plant Disease”
Join the Lake County Master Gardeners for a free program on “Prevention and Diagnosis of Plant Disease” with Nikky Witkowski at 6 p.m. June 12 at Purdue Cooperative Extension – Lake County, 2293 N. Main St., Crown Point (building adjacent to Lake County Government Center). The session will explore effective prevention strategies that help reduce the risk of plant disease before it starts. From choosing disease-resistant plant varieties and maintaining proper watering techniques to improving soil health and ensuring adequate air circulation, the program will cover practical, eco-friendly methods that support long-term plant wellness in both indoor and outdoor environments. Contact lakecountymastergardeners@gmail.com to reserve a space or register at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeeiQsnL1N2O7icHeOzWrmazBfrHeNnUdvfIbgZOsDMgmLcNQ/viewform.
Franciscan Health to hold free Safe Kids Day in La Porte
Children and their families are invited to join in the fun at the free Safe Kids Day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 13 at the LaPorte County Family Resource Center, 1232 W. State Road, La Porte. The interactive event will include a variety of activities along with educational booths with information about keeping kids safe, healthy and happy. The event will feature a free meal for the whole family as well as music with a live DJ, games, raffle prizes, giveaways and a few surprises. The event is free, but registration is required. Registration is available at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/jp57s4k/lp/33b5c5c8-b53e-466b-b6a2-2a64bdf453a4 or by calling 219-488-1380.
Purdue Extension to host Dining with Diabetes
Purdue Extension – Lake County will be offering Dining with Diabetes sessions from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays, July 8 through 29 at the Purdue Extension office, 2293 N. Main St., Crown Point. Adults with type 2 diabetes and those who are at risk as well as family members, caregivers and support persons are invited to attend. Thanks to a generous grant from Lake County Indiana Health Department there is no cost to Lake County Indiana residents. Participants are encouraged to attend all class sessions. Taught by Health and Human Sciences Educator Linda Curley, the program includes: planning meals and snacks with delicious and healthy recipes; cooking demonstrations and food sampling; motivation and support by connecting with others who are living with diabetes; ideas for staying active; and an understanding of how diabetes affects overall health. Register by calling Purdue Extension at 219-755-3240 or email dmcook@purdue.edu.
