Valpo seeks members for Ethics Commission, Environmental Advisory Board
The City of Valparaiso is encouraging citizens to participate in local government by applying to serve on the newly established Environmental Advisory Board, which is seeking four new members; and the Ethics Commission, which is seeking one new member. For more information about the Environmental Advisory Board and applications, visit https://www.ci.valparaiso.in.us/1804/Environmental-Advisory-BoardEthicsCommission.
Established in 2005, the City of Valparaiso is one of just a few communities in the region with an independent Ethics Commission. Four members were recently appointed and there is a need for a fifth. Although not a prerequisite, the Ethics Commission is looking for applicants that possess experience in religious or ethical leadership. More information and applications can be found at https://www.ci.valparaiso.in.us/116/Ethics-Commission.
Wordfest 2024 at Valparaiso University
Valparaiso University will host authors Patrick Lay, John Linstrom and David Masciotra for 2024’s Wordfest from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Mueller Hall Refectory, 1300 Chapel Drive, Valparaiso. The event will include readings from the authors, as well as a discussion session on the ins-and-outs of the publication process. This event is free and open to the public. The three authors represent various forms of written work, with Lay finding success as a graphic novelist, Linstrom promoting a book of poetry and Masciotra working in the intersection of journalism and creative nonfiction. The Valparaiso University bookstore in the Harre Union will have copies of their works available for sale. Wordfest is sponsored by the Valparaiso University English department and Communication and Visual Arts department as well as Christ College. For more information, contact George Potter at george.potter@valpo.edu.
Chesterton HS to present “Bring It On: The Musical”
The Chesterton High School (CHS) Music Department will present “Bring It On: The Musical,” music by Tom Kitt and Lin-Manuel Miranda, lyrics by Amanda Green and Miranda, and book by Jeff Whitty, at 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday in the CHS Auditorium, 2125 S. 11th St., Chesterton. Ticket prices are $12 for adults and $8 for students and seniors. Tickets can be purchased online only at www.cur8.com. The cast includes: Destiny Blackwell, Emma Bondra, Taytumm Brunker, Isabelle Cain, Irene Camacho, Ireland Carnahan, Valeria Chavez, Sloane Colburn, Ava Cunningham, Emmersynn Curran, Madailein Dailey, Lillian Dedrick, Kendall Doede, Niyelli Estrada, Cooper Fowler, Porter Fowler, Elianna Hinton, Mara Huneryager, Gianna Iovino, Bella Kelly, Mia Larimer, Annalise Lewis, Allie Longacre, Hannah Loving, Jane Maddex, Macey Mauke,Karleigh Pawlyszyn, Kayla Perez, Emily Ponce, Madeline Prince, Maxwell Prince, Isabella Schirripa, Samuel Smith, Morgan Steele, Ella Taylor, and Antonio Luis Unpingco.
CHS Pit Orchestra students include: Madison Buckley, Rylan Fields, and Rowen Love. Directing the musical is Kristin Morris, with Pit Orchestra Director Brian Grenier, and Accompanists Cindy Hansen and Kay Hight. More information is with Bridget J. Martinson at 219-983-3600, Ext. 1010.
The VIC’s Fourth Friday to spotlight Ghana
The Valparaiso International Center (VIC) will host its November Fourth Friday event from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday at Trinity Lutheran Church, 201 N. Washington, Valparaiso. The featured speaker will be Benjamin Osafo, originally from Accra, Ghana. With a rich background spanning continents and cultures, Osafo will offer a unique perspective on Ghanaian life and his experiences adapting to life in the United States. Highlights of the evening will include: a cultural presentation on Ghana; personal stories of Osafo’s journey from Ghana to the United States; and a Q&A. The event is free and open to the public. More information can be found at https://www.valpovic.org.
South Shore Arts hosts winter exhibits, artists reception
South Shore Arts will host two upcoming winter exhibits at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road Munster. The “Less Than Five: Holiday Small Works Invitational” will run Friday through Nov. 30 in the Atrium Gallery, and from Nov. 30 to Dec. 14 in the Annex Gallery. Featuring more than 40 recent works by regional artists, the exhibit emphasizes smaller scale works priced at $500 or less, offering both first time and longtime collectors a rare opportunity to acquire high-quality works at an accessible price point. An Artist Reception with light bites and wine will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday. The exhibit “After Sargent” will run Friday through Feb. 22 in the Main Gallery. Explore the unique legacy of artist John Singer Sargent through the eyes of 12 contemporary painters, draftspersons and sculptors. “After Sargent” will feature several artist-led events such as live painting demonstrations, lectures, artist talks and music throughout the three-month display. More information can be found at www.southshoreartsonline.org.
