Valparaiso University invites community to holiday events
The community is invited to join Valparaiso University as it celebrates the holiday season. All programs will take place on campus, 1700 Chapel Drive, Valparaiso. The Annual Tree Lighting will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at Harre Union. Bring the family for a night of holiday treats and activities, including cookie decorating, a photo booth and a visit from Santa Claus. Julefest will begin at 7 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Chapel of the Resurrection. Enjoy a Christmas pops concert for all ages, including a holiday sing-along, featuring Valparaiso University Luce Concert Band, Valparaiso Community/University Concert Band and special guests Resurrection Ringers: The Handbell Choir of the Chapel of the Resurrection. This concert is free; no tickets are required. Christmas at Valpo: “Savior of the Nations, Come,” will be held at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 and 6 at the Chapel of the Resurrection. An evening of music and readings from the scriptures with the Chamber Concert Band, Symphony Orchestra, Chorale, Kantorei, University Singers and Bach Choir. Tickets are available online at valpo.edu/community or in person from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Center for the Arts Box Office. Admission is free for faculty, staff, and students. Tickets can be reserved in person at the Center for the Arts Box Office with OneCard. The 16th Annual Tuba Christmas will be at 3:15 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Chapel of the Resurrection. Sing along with 100 tubas, euphoniums, and other low brass instruments and find out what a “double bell euphonium” looks like in this unique Valpo music event. Participation is $10; admission is free. For more information about campus events, visit valpo.edu/community.
Lake County Government Center hosts food drive
In light of the current economic climate, Lake County Government Center officials and employees are hosting a food and fund drive for the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana through Friday at 2293 N. Main St., Crown Point. Food collection sites are available in the common area of Building A, Second Floor; the Assessor’s Office; the Council Office; Elections and Registration Office; the Recorder’s Office; the Treasurer’s Office; and in Butterfingers in the cafeteria. Additional boxes are available in Circuit Division Lobby Room B-101 and Traffic Division Lobby Room A-113; and in the Juvenile Division Lobby Room 1160, 3000 W. 93rd Ave., Crown Point. The most needed food items include tuna, vegetables, beans, canned meat, oatmeal, cereal, rice, pasta, soups, chili, stews, and canned fruits. Monetary donations can be made online at https://secure.qgiv.com/event/lcgc-ffd/ or via the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana’s website, https://foodbanknwi.org. For every dollar donated, the food bank can provide three meals. More information is with Carrie Napoleon at 219-755-3280.
VCC to host Artist Reception at PNW
Valparaiso Creative Council will host an artist reception from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Purdue Northwest Mane Zone Classroom Office Building, 2200 169th St., Hammond. Artists Colin Smallegan, Lizzy Cohan, Teneia Dilosa and Beth Vottero will share their stories and discuss what led them to explore abstract, photography and Art Deco. Attendees can enter to win the Art + Innovation giveaway. The event is free. The exhibit “Comparative Works of Art Deco Abstract” runs through Jan. 5. Register to attend at https://valpocreates.org/event/art-innovation-pnw-2025-fall/.
Two at OE and partner HealthLinc recognized at annual awards
Two of Opportunity Enterprises’ valued team members and partner HealthLinc were honored at the Indiana Association of Rehabilitative Facilities’ 2025 Annual Award Celebration. The awards event recognizes excellence in service and partnership within Indiana’s intellectual and developmental disabilities community. Benjamin Dunn, curriculum imagineer at OE, received the prestigious Keystone Award, and Kathleen Parks, senior director of employment services and transition at OE, received the Pinnacle Award. HealthLinc received the Partnership Award, which is presented to a community partner making significant contributions to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities. HealthLinc’s partnership with OE to create a fully integrated, accessible healthcare clinic near OE’s main facility will remove critical barriers to care for people with disabilities. OE nominated Dunn, Parks and HealthLinc for their outstanding commitment to advancing inclusion, dignity, and opportunity for individuals with disabilities. Additionally, OE employee Kelly Trivette, OE’s JobSource employment specialist, graduated from INARF’s Leadership Academy. The professional development program targets employees who demonstrate a commitment to the future of the industry, leadership, and a strong drive to achieve greater levels of responsibility.
Portage Youth Commission hosting food drive
The Portage Youth Commission is sponsoring a food drive through Dec. 12. Nonperishable items can be dropped off from 8:30 to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at Portage City Hall, 6070 Central Ave., Portage. All items will be taken to the Portage Township Food Pantry for distribution throughout the holiday season. More information is with Norma Laboy at 219-764-5741.
