Feedback sought on use of funds
With the recent passing of House Bill 1065, the Gary Community School Corporation is seeking the community’s input on how school improvement funds should be used. A presentation outlining suggested projects for improving school buildings and grounds is listed on the District’s homepage at www.garycsc.k12.in.us. Community members are asked to review the presentation and send feedback to info@garycsc.k12.in.us by Friday.
Shirley Heinze hosts online spring benefit
Shirley Heinze Land Trust’s annual Spring Benefit will be held online through May 30 at www.heinzetrust.org. The public is invited to participate in a “virtual fundraiser” to support the land conservation work of the organization. In place of the usual gathering and auctions, a generous $50,000 challenge gift has been pledged by two donors. Funds raised will advance the organization’s strategic plan, which focuses on enhancing local lands and waters to create healthy, thriving communities in northwestern Indiana. Supporters may donate anytime through the Spring Benefit link on the Shirley Heinze Land Trust website, www.heinzetrust.org, or by contacting Bonnie Hawksworth atbhawksworth@heinzetrust.org, or by calling 219-242-8558. More information on the work and nature preserves of Shirley Heinze Land Trust can be found at www.heinzetrust.org, 219-242-8558, or at www.facebook.com/heinzetrust.
Preschool open enrollment begins
Merrillville Community School Corporation Head Start Preschool is holding open enrollment for the 2020-21 school year. Parents with children ages 3 or 4 on or before Aug. 1, can start the application process by calling 219-756-5940. Families must live within the boundaries of the Merrillville Community School Corporation.
Senior Art exhibit to be held online
The Valparaiso University Art Department presents the 2020 Senior Art Thesis Exhibition featuring graduating artists Nicole Jones, Andréa Kütemeier, Nicole Lubarski, Jordan Pagel, Anna Styrczula and Claire Utzinger. In lieu of a traditional gallery show, the artists’ work will be exhibited online. Visitors to the website are encouraged to post comments in the designated section that accompanies each gallery image. The exhibit can be found at https://www.valpo.edu/seniorthesisartexhibit2020/.
Township buildings to remained closed
Due to the COVID-19 crisis, all Portage Township buildings and properties will remain closed through June 30. This includes the Bonner Senior Center, the cemetery office, the South Haven Fire Department, the Township Administrative Building and the Portage Township Department of Parks and Recreation. If COVID-19 data holds steady or begins to improve, park playgrounds, ball fields and basketball courts will open on June 15, and picnic shelters will be open to rent for the Fourth of July weekend. Social-distancing guidelines apply, where possible. More information can be found at 219-762-1623, at portagetrustee.org or at facebook.com/portagetownship.
Valparaiso Memorial Day concert canceled
The fourteenth annual City of Valparaiso Memorial Day Concert, scheduled for May 25, at the Memorial Opera House, has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Admission to the concert has always been free, but audience members were encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to donate to the Christian Food Pantry. There are two ways that the community can continue to support the Pantry: drop off food items at the pantry from 10 a.m. to noon on Mondays or Wednesdays at 7 Chicago St., Valparaiso, in the Asbury Center; or send a check to help support the Pantry in care of founder and co-director, Nan Steves, at 2501 White Pine Circle, Valparaiso, IN 46383.
