DATE RESCHEDULED FOR ART EXHIBIT RECEPTION
The Valparaiso Creative Council (VCC) has rescheduled the date for the Art + Innovation reception celebrating the quarterly exhibit “Portrait + Free Flow Colorations,” which is on display through July 15 at Roots Cafe, 108 E. Lincolnway, and at Lower Lincoln, 212 E. Lincolnway, both in downtown Valparaiso. The reception will now be held on July 15, beginning with the introduction of the artists at 5 p.m. at Roots Cafe. At 5:45 p.m., the event will move to Lower Lincoln, where the artists will share their stories through insightful, personal reflections of their journey. In addition, the Valpo Salsa Dancing Group will present a live demonstration of their Spanish-infused, free-flowing styles, and Indiana Dunes Tourism will provide a presentation on their Art + Culture Trail and announce VCC’s official Mural Walk Trail. More information is with Jessica Corral at info@valpocreates.org or 219-242-8282.
CALUMET TOWNSHIP OFFERS MOBILE FOOD DISTRIBUTION
Calumet Township will provide a new Mobile Food Distribution Program designed to help combat food insecurity and increase access to nutritious food for residents throughout the community. The first mobile distribution will take place on Thursday at Beacon Light Community Church, 3770 Burr St., Gary. Registration will begin at 10 a.m., with food distribution starting at 11 a.m. This program is open to residents of Gary and unincorporated Calumet Township. Participants must present valid identification upon arrival. Food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. One per household. For more information, call 219-880-4913.
DUNES TOURISM LAUNCHES ART AND CULTURE TRAIL
Indiana Dunes Tourism, in partnership with local non-profit and higher education arts and culture organizations, will launch an Indiana Dunes Arts + Culture Trail as part of the Indiana Dunes Tourism app. Each location on the trail will feature a commissioned Sand + Steel-themed postcard. The trail officially launches during the Valparaiso Sand + Steel Art Fest on Saturday. For more information about the festival, visit ValpoCreates.org. For information about the trail, visit IndianaDunes.com. At launch, the Indiana Dunes Arts + Culture Trail will highlight 14 local arts and culture organizations across Porter County and offer a gamified, self-guided tour of museums, theater venues and art centers. Visitors can collect one of 14 unique postcards at each location by downloading the Indiana Dunes Tourism app and digitally checking in. The trail encourages visitors who come to Porter County for beaches, hiking and outdoor recreation to extend their stay by exploring local arts, history, theater and cultural attractions. The Indiana Dunes Tourism app is available for free on Apple and Android devices. To learn more about Indiana Dunes Tourism, visit IndianaDunes.com.
LAKE COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS HOLD GARDEN WALK
Explore “Pollinating Pathways” and discover the beauty, purpose and connection found within seven exceptional private gardens across St. John, Schererville and Munster during the Lake County Master Gardeners Annual Garden Walk from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. This self-guided walk invites visitors to explore at their own pace while experiencing thoughtfully designed landscapes that support pollinators and bring people closer to nature. Master Gardeners will be present to answer questions and provide guidance throughout attendees’ visit. Local businesses will sell tickets for $15. Garden Walk tickets can also be purchased online at Eventbrite: lcmga2026gardenwalk.eventbrite.com/.
FRESH START MARKETS HOLDING SAFETY PROGRAMS
Franciscan Health’s Fresh Start Markets across Northwest Indiana are hosting events in July to provide groceries to those experiencing food insecurity while offering summer safety education for the whole family. The Grill, Chill & Stay Safe events will provide frozen hamburger patties, hot dogs, buns and watermelons in addition to other food options for Fresh Start Market shoppers. The first event will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 1 at the Fresh Start Market, 301 W. Homer St., Michigan City. For more information, call 219-221-4153. The second event will run from noon to 4 p.m. July 21 at the St. Clare Community Services Center, 1121 S. Indiana Ave., Crown Point. The final event will be held from noon to 4 p.m. July 22 at the Franciscan Physician Network Hammond Clinic, 7905 Calumet Ave., Munster. For more information on the events in Crown Point and Munster, call 219-407-6948. Franciscan is also teaming up with community partners to promote summer safety education and awareness for those from birth to 18 during the special Fresh Start Market events. Safety topics include water, fireworks, vehicles, vaping and more. The Fresh Start Markets in Munster, Crown Point and Michigan City allow those in need to shop free of charge, thanks to a partnership between the Franciscan Health Foundation and the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana. In addition to supplying food, the markets work to identify the underlying causes and health implications of food insecurity with education, nutrition and recipes. Donations to Franciscan’s Food Insecurity Program can be made online by selecting “Food Insecurity Fund” in the dropdown menu for Northern Indiana or by calling 219-661-3401.
