CONSTRUCTION STARTS WEDNESDAY ON IND. 49
The Indiana Department of Transportation begins a project on Ind. 49, north of U.S. 20, to the Indiana Dunes State Park entrance, beginning on or after Wednesday. The right lane of northbound Ind. 49 will be closed at the U.S. 20 bridge north to U.S. 12. This closure is for overhead signage installation. Once installed, overhead signage will better direct motorists to turn left on U.S. 12 for the National Park or to continue straight for the State Park. Crews will also conduct patching and resurfacing operations north of U.S. 12 to the Indiana Dunes State Park entrance. Intermittent flagging operations will be utilized for these operations, with the roadway reduced to one lane.
EXTENSION HOSTS ‘BUILDING BRAIN-HEALTHY HABITS’
Join Purdue University Extension Educator Linda Curley for “Building Brain-Healthy Habits” from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday at Purdue Extension’s Lake County office, 2291 N. Main St., Crown Point. Participants will learn the importance of brain health, actions you can take to protect brain health and how to build brain-healthy habits. Presented in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, this complimentary program is open to the public. For more information or questions, call 219-755-3240 or email lcurley@purdue.edu.
GROUPS INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN HOBART’S WATER FEST
Hobart hosts the return of Water Fest from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 25 at Robinson Lake, 5227 S. Liverpool Road, Hobart. Admission is free. A community-focused event, Water Fest connects residents with local ecosystems, environmental partners and hands-on learning opportunities. Water Fest will feature interactive exhibits, educational activities, and opportunities to connect directly with groups dedicated to environmental stewardship. Organizations such as the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, Save the Dunes and Shirley Heinze Land Trust are among those collaborating with the City of Hobart to provide programming and information. Environmental organizations interested in participating are encouraged to contact Russel Brodhacker at russb@cityofhobart.org.
TRAVAIL WITH US OFFERS FREE SICKLE CELL AWARENESS EVENTS
Travail With Us will host two sickle cell awareness events. A Sickle Cell Awareness Walk, blood drive and picnic will be held April 16 at Hidden Lake Park, 6355 Broadway, Merrillville. The blood drive begins at 9 a.m., and the walk steps off at 10 a.m. Participants from the community, Travail with Us employees, clients and supporters will walk the perimeter of the park twice and then gather for a balloon release in memory of those who lost their lives due to complications from sickle cell disease. There is no cost to participate. Walkers will be treated to an afternoon of food, music and fellowship, while medical professionals offer information and resources. The Third Annual Sickle Cell Gala will be held April 18 at Marquette Park Pavilion, 1 N. Grand Blvd., Gary. Doors open at 5 p.m. The formal occasion will feature dinner, dancing, networking, speakers and resources. For a second year in a row, Chelsea Whittington of C WHITT PR will serve as the gala emcee. The community is invited to nominate a “Sickle Cell Warrior” to be honored at the affair by emailing Travailwithus@yahoo.com. Those who are selected will be recognized for their resilience as they continue to battle the many challenges that come with Sickle Cell disease. While there is no cost to attend the gala, registration is required by calling 219-713-1077 or sending an email to travailwithus@yahoo.com.
MASTER GARDENERS PRESENT ‘ALL ABOUT BULBS!’
Lake County Master Gardeners will host “All About Bulbs!” at 6 p.m. April 14 at Purdue Extension – Lake County, 2293 Main St., Crown Point. Seasoned horticulturist and landscape designer Bryan McKay will share how to choose bulbs that thrive in our region, planting techniques for long-term success, bulb varieties that provide dependable seasonal color, and ideas for incorporating both spring and summer bulbs into your landscape. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to expand your garden, this program will provide helpful guidance and inspiration for gardeners of all experience levels. Contact lakecountymastergardeners@gmail.com to reserve a space or register at https://forms.gle/giuBocJZMWsXiEbL9.
IUN HOSTS ANNUAL EMPLOYMENT, INTERNSHIP FAIR
Indiana University Northwest will host a Community Employment and Internship Fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 17 at the IU Northwest Savannah Center Gymnasium, 3400 Broadway, Gary. The event is free and open to the public. Local Northwest Indiana and Illinois employers will be present to provide company information, meet with prospective employees, collect applications and, in some cases, interview candidates. Professional opportunities range from internships to part-time or full-time employment. Representatives from the IU Northwest Office of Admissions will also be present for individuals interested in earning their bachelor’s degree. All attendees are asked to dress professionally and bring copies of their resumes. The Office of Career Services offers career guidance and resources to community members and to IU Northwest students from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Friday in Hawthorn Hall, Room 108 on campus. During these workshops, attendees receive support with resume building, cover letter preparation, interview skills and more. Additionally, the Office of Career Services offers access to the Crimson and Cream Closet, where individuals can select professional interview attire free of charge in preparation for the upcoming fair. To attend a Friday community workshop, make an appointment for the Crimson and Cream Closet or for more information, contact the Office of Career Services at 219-980-6650 or careernw@iu.edu.
