RED CROSS SEARCHING FOR THOSE IMPACTED BY SEVERE WEATHER
The American Red Cross is urgently trying to locate homeowners and renters in Merrillville and surrounding communities whose homes were heavily damaged or destroyed during recent severe weather. Financial assistance may be available to eligible individuals and families. Unfortunately, the Red Cross has been unable to reach many of those affected and wants to ensure everyone has the opportunity to receive available assistance. Those whose home or apartment sustained major damage or was destroyed are urged to get in touch with the American Red Cross as soon as possible at 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Residents are encouraged to share this information with family, friends, neighbors, community groups, churches, local organizations and those who experienced significant damage but may not be active on social media.
PLASTIC REDUCTION ALLIANCE HOSTS PLASTICS SWAP
In celebration of Plastic-free July, the Plastic Reduction Alliance will hold two Swap Out Your Plastics sessions: at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Valparaiso University’s Center for the Sciences, 1710 Chapel Drive, Valparaiso; and at 7 p.m. Thursday at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church, 8303 Taft St., Merrillville. The PRA team will provide information and updates on plastics, share their favorite plastic alternatives, offer opportunities to win useful items, test your plastics knowledge with a bingo game and host vendors who embrace a low/no-plastic, reusable and sustainable economy. For more information, email prallianceinc@gmail.com.
MASTER GARDENERS OFFER WEBINAR ON ‘BENEFICIAL INSECTS’
Join the Lake County Master Gardeners at 6 p.m. July 14 for a virtual presentation with garden coach and designer Amy Powers. The program will focus on the insects that quietly do the most work in our gardens – from pollination to natural pest control. Learn how to identify beneficial insects, why they matter, and how to support them with plant choices and simple garden practices. Powers is the founder of Powers Plants, a gardening education brand with a focus on native plants, sustainable landscaping, and practical, science-based gardening for homeowners. Register for the program at www.lakecountymastergardeners.org.
LAKE COUNTY FARM BUREAU PRESENTS EVENING ON THE FARM
The Lake County Farm Bureau will welcome elected officials, school representatives and their families from throughout Indiana to its annual Evening on the Farm from 4 to 8 p.m. July 24 at Kleine Dairy Farm, 11315 Parrish Ave., Cedar Lake. A rain date has been scheduled for July 25. Designed to foster relationships between local agriculture and policymakers, Evening on the Farm provides an opportunity for elected leaders to step away from the meeting room and experience firsthand how food is grown, harvested, processed and transported throughout Northwest Indiana. Guests will enjoy a family-friendly experience featuring a farm tour, tractor rides, educational demonstrations, opportunities to meet local farmers, and food provided by the Lake County Farm Bureau. The event will highlight the critical role farmers play in feeding local communities and supporting the regional economy. Elected officials are encouraged to bring their family for an evening of education, connection and fun on the farm. More information is with Cali Young at cyoung@jrsmarcom.com.
HOBART POLICE, FIRE DEPARTMENTS HOST FLAG FOOTBALL GAME
The Hobart Police Department and the Hobart Fire Department will face off in a friendly flag football game from 5 to 6 p.m. Aug. 7 in conjunction with the Hobart High School Football Team’s SOAP Game at Brickyard Stadium, 2211 E. 10TH St., Hobart. The Police vs. Fire Flag Football Game provides residents an opportunity to cheer on local first responders outside of their traditional roles while highlighting the teamwork and partnerships that strengthen the Hobart community. Residents are encouraged to attend, support both teams and enjoy an evening celebrating Hobart’s police officers, firefighters, students, athletes and community members. For additional event information and updates, follow the Hobart Fire Department, Hobart Police Department and city of Hobart’s official social media channels.
