One of my favorite things to do is to hunker down with a book and read, whether it’s a mystery, biography, or any kind of novel. Sometimes, I get less sleep than I need because the book is too good to put down.
Valparaiso has an annual event in which one book is suggested and the whole community is encouraged to read and discuss it, so that it can make a difference in our world. This year’s Valpo Reads a Book is a novel by Cristina Henriquez. The title is “The Book Of Unknown Americans”. It is hoped that having a community connection will inspire many of us to read the same book and discuss issues across dividing lines in life. The book is available at Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and other book stores, as well as the library — although you may be on a waiting list there.
There are several discussion opportunities available, beginning Tuesday at the Valparaiso YMCA. Other dates include 1 p.m. Thursday, and again at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 10 at the South Bend Chocolate Cafe on Franklin Street in downtown Valpo. If you can’t make any of those, the YMCA is hosting another discussion at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 11.
The novel tells the story of a Mexican family with a young girl, who came to America to find a life with a future. They are legal immigrants. It doesn’t take long to discover the language, racial and cultural obstacles, and it is certainly an eye-opener for those of us who are far away from the problems of many people in our country. A Panamanian boy, who has spent most of his life in Delaware, and who falls in love with this pretty girl, is as much a part of the novel as she is. It is a powerful, sometimes heartbreaking, read and offers so much to discuss that, even if you haven’t had time to read the book, join one of the discussion dates just to listen and hear the opinions of the audience. I wouldn’t be surprised if this book becomes a movie in the future.
If you have been in any store lately, you have to realize with the arrival of October comes Halloween preparations. The Family Youth Service Bureau puts a little different spin on “trick or treat” by promoting Pick and Treat for Tots during October. This is the fourth year for this drive, which gives young parents in need of assistance a place to shop. The drive is sponsored by BMO Harris Banks in our county with the intent of replenishing needed supplies including clothing, diapers, books, educational toys, baby blankets, diaper bags, baby carriers, and more, more, more. Only new items can be accepted because of health reasons, except for money — old, wrinkled dollars will be gratefully accepted.
There are so many families in need of assistance for their little ones, and for them to be able to pick the necessary items is a treat. Over 1,500 families were served last year. However, don’t think moms can just come in the Tot Shop and take what they want. They must earn coupons to buy items by such things as getting their little ones immunizations, follow-up checkups, attending parenting classes, and nutrition workshops.
More Top Picks Best Amazon Prime Day Google Pixel Deals 2026
Maybe you can host a baby shower with all the items going for these tots, or maybe when you go shopping for your children or grandkids, you can pick up a few extra items. Aside from BMO banks, other kind businesses with drop off boxes are Thorgen Tool and Molding, Task Force Tips, and Century 21 Alliance Group. If you would like more information, please call Jackie Gray at 464-9585, or email her at [email protected]., Thanks for helping.
Last Saturday, coach Peter DeWitt and I took a group of our Porter County Special Olympic swimmers to Sand Creek Country Club to meet Blake Pieroni, the Chesterton swimmer who was part of the gold medal winning 4×100 free relay in Rio this summer. Our athletes were so excited to meet him, and needless to say, cameras were flashing. Blake was very gracious in chatting with our swimmers, and one of ours had her gold medal on too. Our team is the reigning gold medal state winners for unified swimming, which included many of Blake’s former teammates from Chesterton High School. Although Amanda noticed that his medal was three times bigger than theirs, they were as proud of their accomplishments as he was of his. They just didn’t get to go so far away for as long. Congratulations again, Blake, and I hope you continue to be as successful as our Special Olympics swimmers are! And I hope you all have a great day because you deserve it. Thanks for reading. Fly your flag.
Lorrie Woycik is a freelance columnist for the Post-Tribune.