Valparaiso leaf pickup extended
Leaf pickup has been extended until Friday for the City of Valparaiso. Due to the warmer temperatures, there was a delay in leaves falling this year compared to 2020. To offset the delay, the City encourages residents to be mindful of the short time frame remaining, especially if snowfall is on the horizon, which will complicate collection. Residents are asked to take advantage of the weather and to move their leaves to the right of way (not the street) as leaf crews will be working additional hours to complete collection by Friday. Progress updates will be posted on the Public Works page of the City’s website, https://www.ci.valparaiso.in.us/1652/Yard-Waste-and-Leaf-Pickup. Some areas of the city take longer due to more trees and the weather also affects the collection efforts. To sign up for the progress updates via text and/or email notifications, go to, https://www.ci.valparaiso.in.us/list.aspx.
Dons, Donnettes to host Radio-A-Thon
In conjunction with their Annual Penny-A-Thon drive to help those in need, the Indiana Dons, Inc., and Donnettes will sponsor a Radio-A-Thon on WLTH Radio from 6 a.m. to Noon on Friday. The on-site location will be in the studio at 115 W. Fifth Ave., Gary. The pledge line is 219-885-1371 and 219-805-6040. The purpose of the drive is to raise a ton of pennies, roughly the equivalent of $3,000. Proceeds will be donated to those in need via social workers at the schools in Gary.
Holiday Community Feast
The Gary Community School Corporation will host a Holiday Community Feast from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the West Side Leadership Academy, 900 Gerry St., Gary. The event is open to the community. Enjoy a complimentary meal and live entertainment. More information is at 219-881-5466.
Polish-American Cultural Society meeting
The Polish-American Cultural Society of Northwest Indiana Michigan City Chapter will hold a meeting at 5 p.m. on Dec. 15 at St. Stanislaus Kostka School, 1506 Washington St., Michigan City. Join facilitator Father Wally Rakoczy in exploring Polish language, customs and culture in a relaxed, informal setting. There is no membership fee, and meetings are open to everyone. Those attending are asked to use the entrance between the church and the school; there will be signs posted. More information is with Theresa Child at 219-464-1369 or at polamnwi@yahoo.com.
Annual Vegetable Growers Symposium
The Illiana Vegetable Growers Symposium will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT on Jan. 12 at Teibel’s Restaurant, 1775 US-41, Schererville. Sponsored by Purdue Extension and University of Illinois Cooperative Extension Service, the symposium offers commercial vegetable growers and market farmers opportunities to learn more about pest management, production practices, and marketing; visit with vendors; and network with other growers. Presentation highlights include irrigation for small farms, biological control in high tunnels, diseases in vegetables, storing pesticides, urban agriculture updates and transplant production. The symposium also includes breakout sessions, which will allow participants to focus on either soil health and cover crops or agribusiness. Indiana private applicator recertification credits are available for a $10 fee at the door. Those interested are asked to bring their license. Indiana commercial pesticide applicator continuing certification hours (CCH’s) and certified crop adviser continuing education units also are available. Early registration is $45 and must be postmarked by Dec. 20 or completed online by Jan. 4. Participants also can register at the door for $50, but will not be guaranteed lunch. Registration and further details, including vendor registration, can be found at https://cvent.me/ZqPo2w. More information is with Nikky Witkowski at nikky@purdue.edu or at 219-465-3555.
CURE offers online sessions for learners of all ages
Indiana University Northwest’s Center for Urban and Regional Excellence (CURE) offers a variety of remote learning opportunities for all ages through its Community Garden, Adult Education, Reading Skills and Senior University programs. CURE is enrolling for Career Training Programs with 24/7 access that can start at any time. The cost varies. Career Training Programs are designed to provide the skills necessary to acquire professional-level positions for many in-demand occupations. Programs are designed by a team of professionals from each respective field, providing effective web-based learning programs. Instructors/mentors are actively involved in the online learning experience, responding to any questions or concerns, encouraging and motivating participants to succeed. Enroll, learn more, or view all Career Training Programs at careertraining.ed2go.com/iun.
