Foodbank NWI Mobile markets coming up on Nov. 22 and 30
The Foodbank of NWI, as part of its initiative to make healthy food options more available, will offer two drive thru only Mobile Markets that offer free fruits, vegetables, protein, and other nutritious items to help meet a family’s needs.
On Nov. 22, a mobile market will be held from 2-4 p.m. at Castle Subaru, located at 6100 U.S. 6 in Portage, while Twins Oak Park, located at 3101 Huntington Ave in New Chicago, will host a mobile market from 3-5 p.m. on Nov. 30.
Mini and Pop-Up Mobile Market food distributions will be updated daily on the Foodbank’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FoodBankofNorthwestIndiana. To sign up for reminders, text “MARKET” to 219-500-6464
IDVA begins Military Family Relief Fund’s Operation Holiday program
The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs’ (IDVA) Military Family Relief Fund’s (MFRF) Operation Holiday program is now open for applicants. Indiana veteran families experiencing financial hardship may be eligible for $300 for each dependent in the household and $200 for a holiday meal. Indiana veteran and active-duty service member families can apply for eligible dependents. The applicant’s household income must be below two times the poverty guideline.
Applicants must provide the following documentation: DD-214; Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), if currently serving; W-9; direct deposit form; proof of income; bank statement; proof of child’s residency; and proof of child’s dependency. MFRF’s Operation Holiday program can only be used to provide services to veteran families experiencing financial hardship who reside in the state of Indiana, have served or are currently serving in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and hold a DD-214, LES, or National Guard Bureau (NGB) Form 22. More information about the program can be found at https://www.in.gov/dva/about-idva/links/military-family-relief-fund/operation-holiday-program/.
Alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta to host free Thanksgiving Day Dinner
The Gary Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will host their 17th Annual Thanksgiving Day Dinner from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday at St. Timothy Community Church, 1600 Grant St., Gary. This event is free and open to the public. After two years of providing no-contact meals due to COVID protocols, this year’s dinner will include in-person seating as well as a pick-up component. Meals also will be delivered to first-responders, and women’s and homeless shelters in the city. This year’s event is in collaboration with State Senator Eddie Melton, J’s Breakfast Club, The Love for Jalyn Foundation, and St. Timothy Community Church, and is sponsored by NIPSCO, Centier Bank, and Jewels of Fortitude Foundation, Inc. Additional information can be found by visiting the chapter’s website GaryAlumnaeChapterDST.org or by contacting garyalumnaedst@gmail.com.
City of Crown Point presents inaugural Christmas on the Square
The City of Crown Point, Crown Point Chamber of Commerce and Lake Court House Foundation are joining forces to host the inaugural Christmas on the Square celebration on Friday on the east side of the historic Lake County Courthouse, 1 Courthouse Square, Crown Point. The festivities will kick off at 6 p.m. with the City’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony featuring live entertainment from the Crown Point High School Choir and the Harmony Handbells. Wittenberg Village will provide hot chocolate and cookies. The Tank Lighting will follow at 6:30 p.m. at the intersection of Main and Goldsborough Streets. In addition, there will be 100 trees sponsored by local businesses will be on display, food trucks, vendors, horse and carriage rides around the square and the Fourth Fridays Art Festival in the Maki Ballroom. Admission to enter the Fourth Fridays Art Festival is $5, which includes activities for children, face painting, letters to Santa and crafts. For more information or to volunteer, contact Alan Myszkowski at alan@local219.tv.
Purdue Extension to offer permaculture site design program
Purdue Extension-Lake County will offer a Permaculture Site Design and Soil Testing program from 9 a.m. to Noon CT on Dec. 2 at the Doak Purdue Property, 6800 E. 137th Ave., Crown Point. Sponsored by Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE), Christine Maloney, advanced permaculture designer and educator, will lead the program. Participants will learn to apply the basics of a permaculture design, including GOBRADIMET, zones, and sectors. This program targets urban farmers and gardeners, though rural growers are welcome to attend. Registration is required for this free event. Register by Dec. 1 at https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7PW3ntWnVsomuYC
