BRAUER MUSEUM OPENS AFTER SUMMER HIATUS
Valparaiso University’s Brauer Museum of Art, 1709 Chapel Drive, has reopened to the public after a summer hiatus. The museum is open from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. The museum will be closed Saturdays through Mondays, as well as over all regularly scheduled campus breaks. From now until March 5, the Brauer Museum will display the art of Pastor, theologic scholar and artist the Rev. Dr. P. Solomon Raj. Rooted in his love for the Gospel, Raj’s work takes the stories of Christianity and presents them through his own unique, intercultural perspective. Valparaiso University is home to the world’s largest collection of works by the Hudson River School artist Junius R. Sloan (1827-1900). The Sloan Gallery is a permanent display, funded through a bequest by the artist’s son, Percy H. Sloan, showcasing some of the over 400 pieces in the University’s collection. For more information, contact [email protected].
MAAC FOUNDATION HOLDING FIRST RESPONDERS DAY
The MAAC Foundation will host its seventh annual First Responder Appreciation & Demonstration Day, bringing together more than 60 first responder departments and public safety agencies for one of Northwest Indiana’s largest celebrations of first responders. This free, family-friendly event lets the public meet local first responders, explore emergency vehicles and watch the skills used to protect communities demonstrated live. FRADD is the MAAC Foundation’s largest annual fundraiser, supporting its mission to provide first responders with access to high-quality training facilities and educational opportunities. The event takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the MAAC Foundation First Responder Training Campus, 4203 Montdale Park Drive, Valparaiso. Additional information is available at www.maacfoundation.org/fradd.
17TH ANNUAL WORLD CULTURAL FESTIVAL IS SUNDAY
The 17th annual World Cultural Festival takes place from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday at Central Park Plaza in downtown Valparaiso. The event, sponsored by the Valparaiso International Center, features the sounds, sights and flavors of cultures from around the globe, reflecting the rich cultural composition of Northwest Indiana. For more information about the festival or the Valparaiso International Center, visit www.valpovic.org, call 219-464-1122, find the organization on Facebook at facebook.com/valpovic, or follow @valpovic on Instagram.
FRANCISCAN HEALTH OFFERS WOMEN’S HEALTH CONFERENCES
Registration for Franciscan Health’s Strong, Healthy, Empowered (SHE) Women’s Health Conferences is now open. The first event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 26 at Purdue University Northwest (PNW), 1401 US-421, Westville, with the theme, “The Evolution of the Empowered Woman.” The second event will be held from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 23 at PNW in the Alumni Hall, 2200 169th St., Hammond, with the theme, “Take Charge of Your Health through Every Transition.” Both events will feature evidence-based presentations, interactive workshops, community-centered experiences, exhibitors, health screenings, refreshments and giveaways. To purchase tickets or to learn more about the events, visit www.franciscanhealthfoundation.org/events/.
More Top Picks Parrot Anafi
NIHPA HOSTS ANNUAL FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL
Northern Indiana Historical Power Association (NIHPA) will host its 50th Annual Fall Harvest Festival and Antique Equipment Show from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 24-27 at Sunset Hill Farm County Park, 775 Meridian Road, Valparaiso. The event will feature a “Battle of the Brands” where all makes and models of tractors, engines, farm equipment and memorabilia are welcome. Competitions will be held for the most exhibits of any one brand, such as the rarest and the oldest. Admission is $10 per person. Children under 12 are admitted free with a paid adult. Highlights will include: antique farm equipment; kids zone; pony rides; antique car show; craft and flea market; live music; food vendors; and a pork chop dinner on Saturday night. On-site camping is available for $20 for the weekend. More information can be found at www.nihpa.org or by emailing [email protected].
VALPARAISO SEEKS GOOD NEIGHBOR NOMINATIONS
The city of Valparaiso is seeking nominations for its annual Good Neighbor Award, recognizing residents who demonstrate exceptional commitment to their neighborhoods and the broader community through acts of service, kindness and generosity. Each year, the award celebrates a Valparaiso resident whose actions help strengthen the community and make a positive difference in the lives of others. Examples of volunteerism and service may include organizing a neighborhood event or service project, raising funds or collecting goods to support a local cause, lending a helping hand to a neighbor in need, establishing a new initiative to address a community need or simply being a reliable advocate and friend. A committee of volunteers will select this year’s recipient, who will be recognized by Mayor Jon Costas at Valpo Parks’ Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Submit nominations by October 30. More information, including the nomination form and eligibility and criteria, is available at www.ci.valparaiso.in.us/FormCenter/City-6/Good-Neighbor-Award-Nomination-2026-121.
YWCA HOSTING CIRCLE OF FRIENDS GALA
The YWCA Northwest Indiana will host its signature Circle of Friends Gala at 6 p.m. on Oct. 8 at Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, 5400 W. 29th Ave., Gary. The evening celebrates resilience, recovery and renewal while raising critical funds to support families still rebuilding after the devastating Aug. 11 storm that gravely impacted Gary and surrounding communities. In the aftermath of the storm, the YWCA Northwest Indiana emerged as a community resource hub, partnering with the City of Gary to provide emergency support, including food distribution, temporary shelter, shower facilities, charging stations and vital resource information. This year’s gala will feature ABC7 Chicago News journalist Samantha Chatman as the special guest host. Funds raised will directly support the YWCA’s ongoing programs, emergency response capacity and year‑round services that empower women, strengthen families, and uplift the community. Supporters are invited to join the Circle and change lives by becoming sponsors, purchasing tickets, or making general donations at: cof26ywcanwi.swell.gives/. For more information about membership and the mission of the YWCA of NWI, visit ywcanwi.org or call 219-881-9922.