VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY HOSTING ‘STORIES’ EXHIBIT
Valparaiso University and the Emerging Artists Society EAS of Chesterton have collaborated to bring a new exhibition, titled “Stories,” to the Christopher Center Library on campus, 1410 Chapel Drive, Valparaiso. The exhibit features works in several media by members of the community on and off campus. A public reception for the exhibition takes place from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday. EAS convenes on the third Thursday of every month. The group supports early and mid-career artists — both professional and recreational — by offering educational, professional and social opportunities. The exhibit will remain on display through May 17. “Stories” is the second art exhibition to open at Valpo this academic year, with the College of Business Permanent Art Collection opening in December 2025. Learn more about student art collections at https://collections.valpo.edu/digital/collection/studentwork?_gl=1*10r08yp*_gcl_au*MTY3OTYzMTQ2My4xNzY4MjMyODY0*_ga*MTI1NzA2NTA4NC4xNzE5ODQyODU0*_ga_VFFE7D17B6*czE3NzQyOTYwMTUkbzcwJGcxJHQxNzc0Mjk4MzAyJGo5JGwwJGgw. To learn more about the Chesterton Art Center, visit chestertonart.org.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS AT GARY PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Gary Public Library is seeking local authors, vendors and crafters to participate in a Spring Showcase from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 30 at the Main Library, 220 W. Fifth Ave., Gary. Spaces are free but limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact Ms. Cooper at [email protected] no later than May 4 to secure a spot. Sessions in the MakerSpace for April are now available. Register at 219-886-2484, Ext. 332 for Open Lab, Sewing, Cricut, 3D Printing, Arts and Teen Zone. Sessions are held at the Main Library. The monthly Chess Tournament will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday. All ages welcome, not USCF-sanctioned, 30-minute games, walk-ins welcome. Registration is encouraged but not required at [email protected]. Patrons are encouraged to “Find Your Joy” during National Library Week, April 19 – 25. Libraries serve as hubs for learning, creativity, and connection, helping people of all ages explore new ideas and opportunities. Find books, digital resources, creative programming and special activities at www.garypubliclibrary.org/events.
MUNSTER HOSTS HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION DAY
The town of Munster, in cooperation with the Lake County Solid Waste Management District, will host a Hazardous Waste Collection Day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Munster Public Works, 508 Fisher St., Munster. The event is free and open to all Lake County residents. All waste is handled in compliance with environmental regulations, ensuring it is disposed of or recycled in the most responsible way possible. A wide variety of waste is accepted, from aerosols and ammunition to antifreeze, gasoline, pesticides, propane tanks, medication and batteries. There is a limit of 100 pounds of waste per household. A complete list of accepted materials, as well as more information about the event, is available at lcswmd.com.
CHAMBER HOLDS ANNUAL NETWORKING, SHOWCASE EVENT
The Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce will host the 23rd Annual Portage Community and Business Night (April 16 at the Field House at Portage High School, 6450 U.S. 6, Portage. The event will run from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., with an exclusive business-to-business vendor preview beginning at 4 p.m. PCBN is free and open to the public, offering residents and business professionals an opportunity to connect and explore local services. The event will include food vendors, interactive exhibits and a 50/50 raffle benefiting Chamber initiatives and community engagement efforts. Vendor booth opportunities are available. For vendor registration or for more information, visit www.portageinchamber.com or call 219-762-3300.
CHESTERTON HIGH SCHOOL CLUB HOSTS DANCE MARATHON
The Chesterton High School Philanthropy Club will host its second annual Dance Marathon from 4 to 8 p.m. April 18 at the CHS Field House, 2125 South 11th St., Chesterton. The community is invited to this family-friendly event to help raise funds for the Children’s Miracle Network hospitals and to celebrate the money raised for Lurie Children’s Hospital. The event will feature a DJ, food, face painting, games and more. The registration deadline is Sunday. To register or donate, visit https://events.dancemarathon.com/chsDM26.
VALPARAISO HOSTS NEIGHBORHOOD WORKSHOP
The city of Valparaiso invites the community to an informative Neighborhood Workshop titled “Volunteer Recruitment in Your Neighborhood” from 5:30 to 7 p.m. April 14 at the Forest Park Welter Room, 1155 W. Sheffield Drive, Valparaiso. Designed for established neighborhood leaders and residents interested in getting more involved in their neighborhoods, the session will share how to recruit and retain volunteers by making clear, specific asks and how to connect skills to real neighborhood needs. After a welcome and update from Mayor Jon Costas, the session will cover strategies for defining roles, engaging volunteers and creating onboarding experiences that empower individuals to take ownership and make an impact. To participate, call 219-462-1161 or email [email protected].