14-07-2025
News briefs: CommuniTrees, Master Gardener volunteers, rail museum history day
Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC) is now accepting applications for Fall 2025 tree planting through the CommuniTree Grant Program. Communities can apply to receive quality caliper native trees to plant and maintain in public spaces in Northwest Indiana's Lake Michigan watershed. Eligible applicants include public entities, such as municipalities, schools, churches and conservation, community or service organizations. Tree recipients must agree to properly plant, mulch and maintain trees and water them for at least three years. Training will be provided before the tree distribution. Applications are due by Aug. 8. For full details and to apply visit For more information, contact Jen at 219-763-6060.
A Purdue Extension Master Gardener Basic Training Course will be offered for residents of Lake County and surrounding areas from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Fridays, Aug. 15 through Dec. 5 at the Lake County Office, 2291 N. Main St., Crown Point. The course is a volunteer training program designed to increase participants' knowledge on a wide variety of horticultural subjects. In turn, participants represent Purdue University as volunteers sharing their expertise and service in educational gardening activities within their communities. Some example volunteer projects include staffing information booths at gardening events, teaching public education classes, speaking to local clubs and organizations, mentoring other gardeners, teaching youth and maintaining demonstration gardens. Materials and expenses for the series of classes cost $190 per participant, including a spiral-bound manual; $215 for a spiral-bound and digital manual. The fee will not be collected until after the application is accepted. Contact Rena Wielgus at rmwielgu@ or 219-755-3240 to learn more about the course and to apply. The application deadline is July 21. Payment is due Aug. 1. Those in need of accommodations, an interpreter or a translator to participate in the program are asked to contact Dolly Foster at dolly@ two weeks before the meeting date.
The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum will host their annual Civilians and Soldiers in History Day featuring diesel and steam train excursions the evening of July 18 and all day on July 19 at 507 Mulberry St., North Judson. Passengers have their choice of riding in open-air sightseeing cars, a vintage coach or first-class in a former Monon business car while rolling down the tracks through the Northwest Indiana countryside. Train excursions are round-trip from the depot and travel about five miles to the Kankakee River at English Lake, before returning to North Judson. The total length of each trip is approximately 45 minutes. Ticket prices begin at $14. Purchasing tickets at is recommended, as seating is limited. Numerous displays from various eras of U.S. History will be on the museum grounds, where admission is always free. Military and civilian reenactors will explain displays, answer questions and participate in scheduled demonstrations. Regular Saturday train excursions continue through September, including Ice Cream Trains. The fall brings Pumpkin Trains and Santa Trains run in late November and December. For tickets, more information and a complete schedule of events, visit or call the depot at 574-896-3950 on Saturdays.
The Marshall J. Gardner Center for the Arts will host 'Through the Needle's Eye' July 25 through Aug. 29 at Marshall J. Gardner Center for the Arts, 540 S. Lake St., Gary. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday. Curated by Miller Beach resident and textile artist Jane Whedbee, this exhibit explores the extraordinary and tremendously varied practices at work in the contemporary fiber world. The exhibition opens with a reception at 6 p.m. on July 25. Whedbee will lead a talk on the exhibit at 2 p.m. Aug. 24. Both events are free and open to the public. More information is at or call 219-885-9114.
Join the Valparaiso International Center (VIC) as they explore Macedonia during the Fourth Friday Speaker Series event from 7 to 8:30 p.m. July 25 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 201 N. Washington, Valparaiso. Local entrepreneur and proud Macedonian Gordana Traycoff will lead the discussion with an evening of storytelling and cultural discovery. Born in Ohrid, Macedonia, where she lived the first 20 years of her life before coming to America and putting down roots in Valparaiso, Traycoff is now the owner of two successful local businesses: Mediterranean Natural Fresh, promoting a healthy lifestyle, and Eco-Fresh Cleaners, offering top-quality cleaning services. She will share her memories of Macedonia's traditions, landscapes and cuisine. For more information, visit
