Latest news with #PurdueExtension
Chicago Tribune
11-08-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Community news: Summer social and canning workshop
Join Purdue Extension Master Home Food Preservation instructors to learn the basics of boiling water bath canning through a hands-on Jams and Jellies Workshop from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 28 at 2291 N. Main St., Crown Point. Participants will prepare and process a recipe to take home. This workshop is perfect for beginners or anyone looking to refresh their skills in home food preservation. The cost is $30. Register by calling 219-755-3240 or email dmcook@ Class size is limited to six participants. For workshop-specific questions, contact Linda Curley at lcurley@ or 219-755-3240. To promote neighborhood engagement and foster stronger connections within the community, the City of Valparaiso will host a Neighborhood Workshop and Summer Social from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 19 at the Forest Park Welter Room, 1155 Sheffield Drive, Valparaiso. This event is designed for both established neighborhood leaders and residents interested in becoming more involved in their neighborhood. In addition to a welcome from Mayor Jon Costas, the workshop will be interactive, with small-group discussions on key topics such as neighborhood improvement grants and resources, partnership building and leadership development. To participate, contact Maggie Clifton at 219-462-1161 or MClifton@ RSVPs help ensure materials and space for all participants. View the full agenda at The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship application is now available in Porter County through the Porter County Community Foundation (PCCF). Three students will receive the scholarship beginning with the 2026-2027 school year. The scholarship may be used for unreimbursed full tuition, fees, and a special allocation of up to $900 per year for books and equipment. To be eligible, an applicant must be a current high school student and a resident of Porter County; graduate from an accredited Indiana high school no later than June 30, 2026; intend to pursue a full-time baccalaureate course of study at an eligible college or university in Indiana; and submit a complete application by noon on Aug. 27, 2025. The application must be submitted online and is available at PCCF's scholarship committee will interview finalists on Oct. 16, 2025. Applications are evaluated on, but not limited to, the following criteria: academic excellence; leadership and engagement in school activities; and community involvement. Scholarship recipients will be notified by PCCF in December. Shirley Heinze Land Trust invites the public to participate in art activities and guided hikes at a free, all-ages event through the Nature in the Arts program, 'Zines and Collages,' from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 23 at Meadowbrook Nature Preserve, 109 W 700 N, Valparaiso. Attendees can create a variety of native plant-inspired art projects with the help of local arts partners. These include creating tree collages with the Chesterton Art Center and making zines (or mini magazines) with the Art Barn School of Art. Additionally, attendees can participate in a collaborative tree art project and watch the tree 'grow' over the course of the event. Guests are invited to take guided walks through Meadowbrook led by Shirley Heinze Land Trust staff and volunteers. Food will be available for purchase through Las Mamacita's Food Truck. Parking, accessible restrooms and water will be available. For more information, contact Deputy Director Bridget Harrison at 219-242-8558 or bharrison@ Franciscan Health will host the Strong, Healthy, Empowered (SHE) Women's Health Conference from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 4 in the Great Hall at Purdue University Northwest, 1401 U.S. 421, Westville. The event will feature breakout sessions, exhibitors, free health screenings, a pamper room, giveaways, light breakfast, lunch and snacks. Keynote speakers include Indiana State Health Commissioner Lindsay Weaver, MD, FACEP; Dunebrook Executive Director Tammy Gierke Button, DDS, MSD and Michigan City Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch. The event is open to women 18 and older. Non-refundable tickets are $10 per person, payable in advance. Registration must be completed by Sept. 12. Exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities also are available and close Aug. 29. To purchase tickets, become an exhibitor or sponsor or to learn more about the event, visit
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Community news: Valparaiso band to perform and native plant workshop
Purdue Extension, Soil and Water Conservation District, Indiana Farm Bureau, Shirley Heinze Land Trust, and Diverse Corn Belt Project are partnering to hold a Farmer-to-Farmer Conservation Commodity Field Day from 8 a.m. to Noon on July 15. Participants will tour farms in Lake and Porter Counties. Bus transportation will be provided. Pickup will be at the Lake County Purdue Extension and Soil and Water Conservation District Office, 2291 N. Main St., Crown Point. Box lunches also will be provided. Topics to be covered include commodity conservation practices, adding a rotation (winter wheat), diversifying and building market channels for diversified crops. Register by Tuesday at For more information, contact Rebecca Koetz at 219-755-3240 or email busser@ Marking its fifth annual appearance, the Valparaiso Community/University Concert Band, conducted by Jeffrey Scott Doebler, will perform at 7:15 p.m. on July 9 at the 49er Drive-In Theater, 675 N. Calumet Ave., Valparaiso. Box office opens at 7 p.m. The band will play a 45-minute concert before the start of the first feature of the evening. The band's repertoire will include a variety of music to entertain audiences of all ages. The tentative program includes 'Homeward Bound,' by John Philip Sousa; 'Caribbean Beach,' by Michael Boo; 'Vuelo,' by Salvador Jacobo; and 'Popcorn,' by Gershon Kingsley. Tickets are $10 for ages 12 and older, $5 for ages 5 to 11 and free for children younger than 4. The Valparaiso Community/University Concert Band is open to musicians of all ages, without audition. Since its founding in 1993, the band has performed hundreds of concerts in northwest Indiana. In addition to their 49er Drive-In concert, they will make their annual appearance at the Porter County Fair on July 23. During the academic year, the band performs the Family Weekend concert at Valparaiso University, Veterans Day Dinner at the Porter County Expo Center, Julefest Christmas pops concert, Community Band Festival and Sousa Concert. More information can be found at or email Doebler at Everybody Counts is seeking area residents with disabilities who would like to become active and effective leaders in the fight to protect valuable programs and services. The local disability rights agency is offering free scholarships to 'Nothing About Us Without Us: A Disability Empowerment Unconference,' a training event to be held Aug. 27 to 31 at the JW Marriott in Indianapolis. Individuals with minimal previous experience but a passion to work for positive change are encouraged to apply. For more information or to access an online application, contact Jeremy Warriner at 317-402-7255 or Teresa Torres at 219-769-5055. Join the Lake County Master Gardeners for a free program on 'Creating Curb Appeal with Native Plants in Existing Gardens' with Chris Baran at 10 a.m. July 12 at Purdue Cooperative Extension – Lake County, 2293 N. Main St., Crown Point (building adjacent to Lake County Government Center). Adding native plants to existing garden beds is a simple way to boost curb appeal while supporting pollinators and improving soil health. Baran, the founder and principal designer of Resilient Design LLC, a Chicago-based firm focused on sustainable and naturalistic landscapes, will lead the discussion. To reserve a space, contact lakecountymastergardeners@ or use the link to register, Linda Curley, Purdue University Extension Educator, will present 'Managing Money: A Caregivers Guide to Finances' in partnership with the Alzheimer's Association from 10:30 to Noon July 14 at Purdue Extension-Lake County, 2291 N. Main St., Crown Point. For those with a loved one facing Alzheimer's disease, dementia or another chronic illness, the program will help participants better understand the costs of caregiving and the benefits of early planning. Register at or by calling Diana at 219-755-3240. Spots are still available for Camp Lakeside's summer day camp, which runs daily through Aug. 8 at 36 S. Fish Lake St., Valparaiso. Hosted by Opportunity Enterprises, Camp Lakeside is an integrated summer camp for kids with and without disabilities. Each week of camp represents a unique theme in addition to art, STEM, archery, gardening and more. Upcoming weekly themes include Life of a Robot, Red Carpet Awaits, Life is a Beach, Edible Exploding Exciting Science and Rock n' Roll Through the Ages. The weekly registration fee is $200. For more information, including sponsor-level information and registration, visit
Chicago Tribune
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Community news: Valparaiso band to perform and native plant workshop
Purdue Extension, Soil and Water Conservation District, Indiana Farm Bureau, Shirley Heinze Land Trust, and Diverse Corn Belt Project are partnering to hold a Farmer-to-Farmer Conservation Commodity Field Day from 8 a.m. to Noon on July 15. Participants will tour farms in Lake and Porter Counties. Bus transportation will be provided. Pickup will be at the Lake County Purdue Extension and Soil and Water Conservation District Office, 2291 N. Main St., Crown Point. Box lunches also will be provided. Topics to be covered include commodity conservation practices, adding a rotation (winter wheat), diversifying and building market channels for diversified crops. Register by Tuesday at For more information, contact Rebecca Koetz at 219-755-3240 or email busser@ Marking its fifth annual appearance, the Valparaiso Community/University Concert Band, conducted by Jeffrey Scott Doebler, will perform at 7:15 p.m. on July 9 at the 49er Drive-In Theater, 675 N. Calumet Ave., Valparaiso. Box office opens at 7 p.m. The band will play a 45-minute concert before the start of the first feature of the evening. The band's repertoire will include a variety of music to entertain audiences of all ages. The tentative program includes 'Homeward Bound,' by John Philip Sousa; 'Caribbean Beach,' by Michael Boo; 'Vuelo,' by Salvador Jacobo; and 'Popcorn,' by Gershon Kingsley. Tickets are $10 for ages 12 and older, $5 for ages 5 to 11 and free for children younger than 4. The Valparaiso Community/University Concert Band is open to musicians of all ages, without audition. Since its founding in 1993, the band has performed hundreds of concerts in northwest Indiana. In addition to their 49er Drive-In concert, they will make their annual appearance at the Porter County Fair on July 23. During the academic year, the band performs the Family Weekend concert at Valparaiso University, Veterans Day Dinner at the Porter County Expo Center, Julefest Christmas pops concert, Community Band Festival and Sousa Concert. More information can be found at or email Doebler at Everybody Counts is seeking area residents with disabilities who would like to become active and effective leaders in the fight to protect valuable programs and services. The local disability rights agency is offering free scholarships to 'Nothing About Us Without Us: A Disability Empowerment Unconference,' a training event to be held Aug. 27 to 31 at the JW Marriott in Indianapolis. Individuals with minimal previous experience but a passion to work for positive change are encouraged to apply. For more information or to access an online application, contact Jeremy Warriner at 317-402-7255 or Teresa Torres at 219-769-5055. Join the Lake County Master Gardeners for a free program on 'Creating Curb Appeal with Native Plants in Existing Gardens' with Chris Baran at 10 a.m. July 12 at Purdue Cooperative Extension – Lake County, 2293 N. Main St., Crown Point (building adjacent to Lake County Government Center). Adding native plants to existing garden beds is a simple way to boost curb appeal while supporting pollinators and improving soil health. Baran, the founder and principal designer of Resilient Design LLC, a Chicago-based firm focused on sustainable and naturalistic landscapes, will lead the discussion. To reserve a space, contact lakecountymastergardeners@ or use the link to register, Linda Curley, Purdue University Extension Educator, will present 'Managing Money: A Caregivers Guide to Finances' in partnership with the Alzheimer's Association from 10:30 to Noon July 14 at Purdue Extension-Lake County, 2291 N. Main St., Crown Point. For those with a loved one facing Alzheimer's disease, dementia or another chronic illness, the program will help participants better understand the costs of caregiving and the benefits of early planning. Register at or by calling Diana at 219-755-3240. Spots are still available for Camp Lakeside's summer day camp, which runs daily through Aug. 8 at 36 S. Fish Lake St., Valparaiso. Hosted by Opportunity Enterprises, Camp Lakeside is an integrated summer camp for kids with and without disabilities. Each week of camp represents a unique theme in addition to art, STEM, archery, gardening and more. Upcoming weekly themes include Life of a Robot, Red Carpet Awaits, Life is a Beach, Edible Exploding Exciting Science and Rock n' Roll Through the Ages. The weekly registration fee is $200. For more information, including sponsor-level information and registration, visit
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Community news: Doula workshop and extra South Shore trains for Pride Parade
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. 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 knowledge and service in educational gardening activities within their communities. 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, rmwielgu@ or 219-755-3240 to learn more about the course and to apply. The application deadline is July 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 prior to the meeting date. To accommodate an expected increase in ridership for the Chicago Pride Parade, the South Shore Line (SSL) will offer extra passenger trains on Sunday. In the morning, two westbound passenger extras will operate ahead of existing trains. These extra trains will not serve South Bend, Hudson Lake, Beverly Shores, Gary Metro Center, or Gary/Chicago Airport. Extra westbound trains will depart at Carroll Avenue at 7:24 and 8:27 a.m. In the afternoon, two eastbound passenger extra trains will provide additional service for riders leaving Chicago. The eastbound extras will serve Millennium and Van Buren St., run non-stop to Hegewisch and make all local stops terminating at Carroll Ave. These extra trains will not serve Museum Campus, 57th Street, Hudson Lake or South Bend. Extra eastbound trains will depart from Millennium Station at 3:20 p.m. and 4:57 p.m. As a reminder, the South Shore Line reserves the right to remove disorderly passengers. Alcohol is prohibited on all trains on Sunday. Please remember glass bottles are prohibited at all times. More information can be found at Purdue Extension, Soil and Water Conservation District, Indiana Farm Bureau, Shirley Heinze Land Trust and Diverse Corn Belt Project are partnering to host a Farmer-to-Farmer Conservation Commodity Field Day from 8 a.m. to Noon July 15. Participants will tour farms in Lake and Porter Counties. Bus transportation will be provided. Pickup will be at the Lake County Purdue Extension and Soil and Water Conservation District Office, 2291 N. Main St., Crown Point. Box lunches will be provided. Topics to be covered are commodity conservation practices, adding a rotation (winter wheat), diversifying and building market channels for diversified crops. Register by July 1 at For more information, special dietary needs, an interpreter or translator, contact Rebecca Koetz at 219-755-3240 or email busser@ two weeks prior to the meeting. Franciscan Health Crown Point is hosting a doula certification workshop from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. July 19-20 and July 26-27 at Franciscan Health Crown Point, 12750 St. Francis Drive. Participants must be 18 years old or older and attend all four days of classes to receive a certificate of completion. Doulas are trained professionals who provide continuous physical, emotional and informational support to their clients before, during and shortly after childbirth. A doula may help communicate a woman's birth plan, create a comfortable environment during delivery or simply provide the general support a family may seek during this pivotal time. A doula does not perform clinical tasks. The Franciscan Health Crown Point Family Birth Center offers free doula services to families through a volunteer doula program. The workshop fulfills two requirements toward certification as a DONA International Certified Birth Doula: Introduction to Childbirth and Doula Birth Training. The cost is $600, payable within four days of registration. Registration is available online and must be completed by July 8. For more information, call 219-746-9134. Multi-platinum country star Kip Moore is set to bring his electrifying live performance to Bulldog Park, 183 S. West St., Crown Point on Sept. 4. Gates open at 5 p.m., with supporting acts to be announced soon. The show, presented by Hometown Jams, marks one of the most anticipated outdoor concerts of the year for Northwest Indiana fans. Known for his soulful voice, high-energy shows, and heartfelt songwriting, Kip Moore has earned a reputation as one of country music's most captivating live performers. VIP Tables are available for those looking to elevate their experience, offering premium seating and exclusive perks. In addition to the music, concertgoers can enjoy food and beverages from local vendors, interactive activities and merchandise booths. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit
Chicago Tribune
23-06-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Community news: Doula workshop and extra South Shore trains for Pride Parade
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. 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 knowledge and service in educational gardening activities within their communities. 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, rmwielgu@ or 219-755-3240 to learn more about the course and to apply. The application deadline is July 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 prior to the meeting date. To accommodate an expected increase in ridership for the Chicago Pride Parade, the South Shore Line (SSL) will offer extra passenger trains on Sunday. In the morning, two westbound passenger extras will operate ahead of existing trains. These extra trains will not serve South Bend, Hudson Lake, Beverly Shores, Gary Metro Center, or Gary/Chicago Airport. Extra westbound trains will depart at Carroll Avenue at 7:24 and 8:27 a.m. In the afternoon, two eastbound passenger extra trains will provide additional service for riders leaving Chicago. The eastbound extras will serve Millennium and Van Buren St., run non-stop to Hegewisch and make all local stops terminating at Carroll Ave. These extra trains will not serve Museum Campus, 57th Street, Hudson Lake or South Bend. Extra eastbound trains will depart from Millennium Station at 3:20 p.m. and 4:57 p.m. As a reminder, the South Shore Line reserves the right to remove disorderly passengers. Alcohol is prohibited on all trains on Sunday. Please remember glass bottles are prohibited at all times. More information can be found at Purdue Extension, Soil and Water Conservation District, Indiana Farm Bureau, Shirley Heinze Land Trust and Diverse Corn Belt Project are partnering to host a Farmer-to-Farmer Conservation Commodity Field Day from 8 a.m. to Noon July 15. Participants will tour farms in Lake and Porter Counties. Bus transportation will be provided. Pickup will be at the Lake County Purdue Extension and Soil and Water Conservation District Office, 2291 N. Main St., Crown Point. Box lunches will be provided. Topics to be covered are commodity conservation practices, adding a rotation (winter wheat), diversifying and building market channels for diversified crops. Register by July 1 at For more information, special dietary needs, an interpreter or translator, contact Rebecca Koetz at 219-755-3240 or email busser@ two weeks prior to the meeting. Franciscan Health Crown Point is hosting a doula certification workshop from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. July 19-20 and July 26-27 at Franciscan Health Crown Point, 12750 St. Francis Drive. Participants must be 18 years old or older and attend all four days of classes to receive a certificate of completion. Doulas are trained professionals who provide continuous physical, emotional and informational support to their clients before, during and shortly after childbirth. A doula may help communicate a woman's birth plan, create a comfortable environment during delivery or simply provide the general support a family may seek during this pivotal time. A doula does not perform clinical tasks. The Franciscan Health Crown Point Family Birth Center offers free doula services to families through a volunteer doula program. The workshop fulfills two requirements toward certification as a DONA International Certified Birth Doula: Introduction to Childbirth and Doula Birth Training. The cost is $600, payable within four days of registration. Registration is available online and must be completed by July 8. For more information, call 219-746-9134. Multi-platinum country star Kip Moore is set to bring his electrifying live performance to Bulldog Park, 183 S. West St., Crown Point on Sept. 4. Gates open at 5 p.m., with supporting acts to be announced soon. The show, presented by Hometown Jams, marks one of the most anticipated outdoor concerts of the year for Northwest Indiana fans. Known for his soulful voice, high-energy shows, and heartfelt songwriting, Kip Moore has earned a reputation as one of country music's most captivating live performers. VIP Tables are available for those looking to elevate their experience, offering premium seating and exclusive perks. In addition to the music, concertgoers can enjoy food and beverages from local vendors, interactive activities and merchandise booths. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit
