VALPARAISO AWARDS NEIGHBORHOOD GRANTS
The city of Valparaiso has announced six additional grants in the 2026 Neighborhood Improvement Grant program, bringing the 2026 total to $176,378 in funds to support neighborhood unity and community improvements. The 2026 projects include gathering spaces, entry beautification and landscape improvements. The neighborhoods receiving grants in the second wave of 2026 include Banta, Brigata Hills, Campbell Meadows, Country Club Estates, Sierra and The Brooks. From 2018 to 2026, the Neighborhood Improvement Grant Program has supported 159 community projects in 47 neighborhoods with $1.49 million awarded. Along with matching funds, this program has resulted in a $2.2 million investment in resident-driven projects. The Neighborhood Improvement Grant program is funded by the Valparaiso Redevelopment Commission and administered by the Community Engagement Department. To learn more about the grants and to find the application, visit the Community Engagement page at valpo.us
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.LAKE COUNTY VETERANS SERVICES OFFICE MOVES
The Lake County Veterans Service Office has moved from the first floor, Room A-100, of the Lake County Government Center, 2293 N. Main St., to the third floor, Room A-311 of the same building. Those needing assistance from the Veterans Service Office can park in the East parking lot and use the A Building main entrance to the second floor. Appointments with the county VSO may be made at 219-755-3285.
FREE FILM SCREENING OF ‘THE STORY OF PLASTIC’
The Porter County Recycling and Waste Reduction District and the Plastic Reduction Alliance will present a free screening of the award-winning documentary “The Story of Plastic” from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday in the Community Room of the Valparaiso Public Library, 103 Jefferson St. This special event will kick off Plastic Free July, a global movement that encourages people to reduce their reliance on single-use plastics and make more sustainable choices. Light refreshments will be provided. Following the screening, attendees are invited to participate in a discussion and Q&A session with two Valparaiso University experts: Dr. Julie Peller, professor of chemistry at Valparaiso University, and Dr. Christina Davis, a professor at Valparaiso University whose work includes environmental sustainability and community engagement initiatives. More information is with Sarah Tubbs at [email protected].
FRANCISCAN, SCHERERVILLE PARTNER FOR SUMMER HEALTH SERIES
Franciscan Health is partnering with the Schererville Parks and Recreation Department to offer a free Summer Health Series. The programs will take place at 9:30 a.m. on six Fridays beginning July 10 and running through Aug. 21 at the Schererville Community Center, 500 E. Joliet St. There will be no session on Friday, July 17. Each meeting will begin with a health education program presented by Franciscan, followed by a light group walk or other physical activity. Attendees are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes. The sessions are planned to take place outdoors, but in the event of inclement weather, will move indoors. All ages and abilities are welcome. Attendees do not need to be Schererville residents to participate. For more information, contact Kimberly Evanatz at 219-865-5530, Ext. 6105.
RECYLING DISTRICT HOLDS COLLECTION EVENT
The Recycling and Waste Reduction District of Porter County will host their next Household Hazardous Waste Collection event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 18 at Boone Grove Middle School, 325 W 550 S, Boone Grove. Participants are asked to enter at 550 S. Main St. Residents can safely dispose of products containing corrosive, toxic, ignitable or reactive substances. Common household hazardous waste items include anti-freeze, motor oil, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, deck stains, pool chemicals, pesticides and household smoke detectors. The collection also accepts medical sharps, including diabetic needles, blood lancets, insulin pens, epi-pens, syringes, expired over-the-counter medicines and non-narcotic prescriptions. Items that are not accepted include latex paint, grill propane cylinders and large containers over 55 gallons in size. Visit PorterCountyRecycling.org for a complete list of accepted items. For more information, call 219-465-3694 or email [email protected].
NWI MASON CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION’S GOLF OUTING RETURNS
The Northwest Indiana Mason Contractors Association will host its annual golf outing Aug. 20 at White Hawk Country Club, 1001 White Hawk Drive, Crown Point. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., with a shotgun start at 10 a.m. The NWIMCA annual golf outing offers an opportunity for industry professionals to strengthen relationships, expand their networks and enjoy one of the region’s premier industry events. Registration is now open for sponsors and golfers, who will enjoy a VIP day of golf, networking, food and beverages, contests, raffles and premium golf gifts. Early registration is encouraged as the event sells out quickly. The price per foursome is $650. A variety of sponsorship opportunities are available for companies seeking to increase their visibility and engage directly with industry decision makers. All sponsors will receive a complimentary 2026 NWIMCA membership. Registration, more details and the chance to secure a sponsorship are available at www.nwimca.org/golf-outing.