Purdue Extension-Lake County offers 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@purdue.edu. Class size is limited to six participants. For workshop-specific questions, contact Linda Curley at lcurley@purdue.edu or 219-755-3240.
Valparaiso to host Neighborhood Workshop and Summer Social
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@Valpo.us. RSVPs help ensure materials and space for all participants. View the full agenda at tinyurl.com/agenda-8-19.
Scholarship application now open to Porter County students
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 https://pccf.gives/scholarships/. 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, partners to host ‘Nature in the Arts’
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@heinzetrust.org.
Franciscan Health to hold SHE Women’s Health Conference
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 https://www.franciscanhealthfoundation.org/SHEconference.
