Latest news with #GaryPublicLibrary
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Community news: Gary library programs and Dining with Diabetes
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 or on the Community Engagement page at 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, 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. 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@ to reserve a space or register at 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 or by calling 219-488-1380. 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@
Chicago Tribune
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Community news: Gary library programs and Dining with Diabetes
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 or on the Community Engagement page at 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, 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. 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@ to reserve a space or register at 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 or by calling 219-488-1380. 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@
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Gary's Seniors on Edge as Tariffs Threaten Their Savings
On a recent weekday afternoon, the Gary Public Library's community room was filled with dozens of seniors seeking community, friendship, and a game of bingo. For members of the Senior Citizens Friendship Club, it's a welcome escape from the stress and uncertainty of daily life. It offers a brief window to laugh, unwind, and connect with others. 'Trump ain't getting this,' one woman said as she walked out the door, waving her bingo winnings envelope. A lighthearted joke to some, and for others, a reminder of how deeply national politics are starting to affect their everyday lives. Since President Donald Trump announced this month he would raise tariffs on imports from China and other countries, the economy has become increasingly volatile. The stock market has dipped, 401(k)s and other retirement accounts have experienced recent losses, and inflation has driven up the cost of everyday goods. Many Gary seniors and retirees say they are worried about how the economic shift will impact their livelihoods and financial security. 'We've worked hard for years and proved ourselves for our Social Security and pensions,' Irene Lay said. As a retired 83-year-old, Lay relies solely on her pension and Social Security check. If either is cut, she said, she doesn't know how she'll get by. 'It's gonna be a terrible deal to withstand,' she said, shaking her head. A lifelong Gary resident, she fears how these new changes will affect many of her friends. Mattie Whittler shared the sentiment and scared feelings on what changes could look like for each individual and the city. With almost 15% of the city's population age 65 or over, many people depend on income from programs like Social Security and retirement funds. 'It has crossed my mind, and if he did that, it would be devastating,' Whittler said, referencing potential cuts to Social Security. Living on a fixed income, she said the thought of losing benefits has been unsettling. While the 75-year-old hasn't started implementing or considering a budget yet, the uncertainty of the future scares her. With the back-and-forth on the tariff talks with countries like China, she can only hope that something is done without affecting her and other seniors' benefits. 'He must have missed government class because tariffs are paid by the American people,' she said. 'You can't tell another country what to do; he wouldn't want anyone telling us what to do.' Valerie Lee, senior group president with the Senior Citizens Friendship Club, said she is glad the group is around to foster social interactions between seniors in the city and provide them with a space to discuss topics like these. 'Don't act like it's an entitlement program,' she said, as she cleaned up the room after the meeting. 'This is a program that we've paid into for years and years, and now you want to change it and do this and that. We're not pleased with that.' Micah Pollack, an economics professor at Indiana University Northwest, said inflation and rising prices would have a significant impact on retirees if tariffs take effect. 'It's going to affect everybody, but especially retirees on a fixed income,' he said. 'Those higher prices are going to eat into your budget much more rapidly.' In anticipation of the upcoming tariffs, Pollack recommended people start cutting their budgets and try to save a little more now, so when the time comes, it won't affect them as much. He said making changes early can help prevent financial shortfalls. For those nearing retirement, Pollack encouraged people to know what their retirement benefits will look like in the long run. That includes understanding the type of retirement plan they will have between pensions and 401(k), how inflation and the cost of living will affect it, and how the stock market will impact the money they receive monthly. Still, Pollack said tariffs could possibly bring some long-term benefits to the Gary economy. 'Generally, stricter tariffs on steel are beneficial for Americans and the steel industry, which tends to be beneficial for the city of Gary,' he said. While some economists see possible gains for the local economy down the line, residents like Lee remain focused on the immediate uncertainty. Lee said her pension and other benefits are OK at the moment, but it's something that she's been thinking about over the past few months. Her daughter is among the millions of Americans affected by the cuts to her 401(k) and is scrambling to see what can be done in the future. She joked about going back to putting money in her mattress to make sure that every dollar she had worked for was where it was supposed to be. 'I just want to be heard,' she said. 'We are seniors, and we will be heard.' The post Gary's Seniors on Edge as Tariffs Threaten Their Savings appeared first on Capital B Gary.
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Gary Library hosts Black History Month program Saturday
The Gary Public Library, in partnership with the city of Gary, will host its 50th annual Black History Month program from 3-5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, at the Main Library, 220 W. 5th Avenue. The program is free and open to the public. This year's theme is African Americans and Labor: Past, Present, and Future. Mr. Ephrin 'EJ' Jenkins, founder and president of Black Labor Week Project, Inc. will be the guest speaker. The program will also feature entertainment by the West Side Theatre Guild Repertoire Dance Company and Baby J Productions featuring Ms. Rose Marie Simmons.
