MBACD receives grant for continued arts, programming
The Miller Beach Arts and Creative District (MBACD) has received a $5,000 grant from Legacy Foundation, Lake County’s community foundation, to support its 2025 Arts and Wellness program. The MBACD is a community visual and performing arts organization founded in 2012 to be a hub of creative, cultural and economic activity to enrich the quality of life in Miller Beach, Gary and the surrounding region. The Arts and Wellness program features art classes in a variety of media, including printmaking, drawing, textiles, workshops with exhibiting artists, dance, and weekly free community yoga classes. Legacy Foundation invests in nonprofit services and capacity-building efforts throughout Lake County. Established in 1992, Legacy Foundation has awarded $40 million in grants and scholarships to nonprofit organizations and individuals through the generosity of a wide base of donors. Learn more at www.legacyfdn.org. For more information about the MBACD, call 219-881-9114 or visit millerbeacharts.org.
Fourth Friday shines the spotlight on Malawi
The Valparaiso International Center (VIC) will host a Fourth Friday event with a focus on Malawi at 7 p.m. Friday at Trinity Lutheran Church, 201 N. Washington, Valparaiso. Kate Joyo, owner and head chef of Kate’s Kitchen in South Bend will be the featured speaker. Joyo will highlight Malawi’s culinary traditions and cultural heritage, talk about her personal journey from Blantyre to South Bend and share a taste of traditional Malawian cuisine. More information can be found at info@valpovic.org.
Exchange Club of Valparaiso will meet Jan. 27
The National Exchange Club is proud to announce a new club forming in the Valparaiso community. The Exchange Club of Valparaiso will serve the local area and its residents through projects in Americanism, Community Service, Youth Programs, and the prevention of child abuse.
The next scheduled meeting will be at 6 p.m. Jan. 27 at SmokeTown Blues BBQ, 66 Lincolnway. There will be light snacks and beverages served. For additional information about the Valparaiso Exchange Club, including details about how to become a member, please contact Brad Clapp at baclapp1@comcast.net or text at (219) 916-7944.
Valpo welcomes the public to spring semester performances
Join Valparaiso University for a variety of events including jazz, Gospel, dance, music from blockbuster films, a Baroque masterwork and a musical theatre performance. Performances are free unless otherwise noted. A Dance Ensemble, choreographed by students and faculty at the University Theatre, will take the stage at 8 p.m. Jan. 31; at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Feb. 1; and at 2 p.m. Feb. 2 at Valparaiso University Center for the Arts (VUCA), 1709 Chapel Drive. Tickets are available at https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=vuca or in-person at the VUCA. Gospel Fest with the Valparaiso University Gospel Choir, featuring artists Dave Martin and Glory Song Ministries, will be held at 7 p.m. Feb. 1 at the Chapel of the Resurrection, 1600 Chapel Drive. More information is with Michael Fenton at 219-464-6757 or michael.fenton@valpo.edu.
Barnes and Noble to host book signing, reading
Mark Taylor, a former Post-Tribune staff reporter and the author of “Hospital, Heal Thyself,” will sign books and read excerpts from 1-3 p.m. Feb. 1 at the Barnes and Noble Bookstore at the Valparaiso Marketplace, 150 Silhavy Road No. 120, Valparaiso. For more information, email markic46321@yahoo.com.
Master Gardeners offers webinar with Doug Tallamy
Join the Lake County Master Gardeners as they present a free webinar given by renowned entomologist and ecologist, Doug Tallamy, on “Next Steps for Nature: Questions (and answers) for How to Save Nature in our Yard” at 6 p.m. Monday. Tallamy is a distinguished entomologist and ecologist at the University of Delaware. He is renowned for his research on the critical role of native plants in supporting insect life and the broader ecosystem. He emphasizes the importance of creating “homegrown national parks,” a network of wildlife-friendly gardens across residential areas, to restore ecological function and support biodiversity. Register at www.lakecountymastergardeners.org.
