Valparaiso offers neighborhood grants for 2026
The City of Valparaiso invites neighborhoods to submit applications for the annual Neighborhood Improvement Grant program. Guidelines have been updated for 2026, setting the maximum amount at $20,000 per neighborhood. Applications for the upcoming grant cycle will be due on March 1, 2026, with grant recipients announced by March 15, 2026. Previous projects awarded Neighborhood Improvement Grants have included: community spaces, such as bus stop benches, play spaces and pavilions for gathering; neighborhood signage/branding that instills unity and a sense of pride; public art displays that add unique character by representing the neighborhood; and physical improvements, like planting trees or enhancing neighborhood park equipment. The Neighborhood Improvement Grant program is funded by the Valparaiso Redevelopment Commission and administered by the Community Engagement Department. A grant review committee assists in the selection process. Guidelines and application materials are available on the Community Engagement page at valpo.us. For questions or guidance, contact Maggie Clifton at MClifton@valpo.us or at 219-462-1161.
Franciscan Health Dyer to hold free baby expo
Franciscan Health Dyer will host the Twinkle Twinkle Little Star Baby Expo for expectant families and new parents from 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 13 at Franciscan Health Dyer, 24 Joliet St. in the first floor conference rooms. Enter through the main entrance. Information and education on car seat safety, prenatal care, safe sleep and breastfeeding will be offered along with information from health vendors, clinical staff, healthcare providers and community resources. Tours of the Family Birth Center, refreshments and giveaways also will be featured, with attendees having the opportunity to win a TAVO Next Stroller. The event is free, but registration is required. Registration at https://www.franciscanhealth.org/community/classes-supportgroups-events/twinkle-twinkle-little-star-baby-expo-20250913t100000 or by calling 1-800-931-3322.
Congressional App Challenge for middle, high school students
Each year, the Internet Education Foundation and Members of the U.S. House of Representatives sponsor the Congressional App Challenge to foster an appreciation for computer science and STEM education. The Congressional App Challenge is an annual nationwide academic competition for middle school (6–8 grade) and high school (9–12 grade) students to create and exhibit their software application, or “app,” for mobile, tablet, or computer devices on a platform of their choice. Students in Indiana’s First Congressional District are invited to compete against their peers in a challenge to create the best software application to represent the region at the House of Code reception in Washington, D.C. in the spring of 2026. This competition is designed to promote innovation and engagement in STEM fields. All students must register for the competition and submit their work through the Congressional App Challenge website by 11 a.m. October 30. For additional information, visit https://www.congressionalappchallenge.us/ or email StudentSupport@CongressionalAppChallenge.us. For additional questions, contact Drew Ficociello in the Merrillville District Office at 219-795-1844 or Drew.Ficociello@mail.house.gov.
Duneland Family YMCA to host annual Dancing Like the Stars event
The Duneland Family YMCA will host the 2025 Dancing Like the Stars Color Ball Nov. 8 at Blue Chip Casino, 777 Blue Chip Drive, Michigan City. Tickets go on sale Sept. 5. The signature fundraising event for the Duneland Family YMCA’s annual campaign, proceeds go directly to essential programs and provide scholarships for local families. Each dancer for this year’s event has chosen a song that references a different color; they will perform dances choreographed by local studio Powerhouse Dance. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed in their dancer’s color selection or black-tied preferred. Nine community leaders have volunteered to be the featured dancers for this year’s event. They include: Dana Adelman, Duneland Family YMCA; Kelly Sieman, Duneland Chamber of Commerce; Michelle Renninger, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate; Jenny Vidimos, Retired; Duneland School Corporation; Tim Whalen, AECOM; Blake and Jami Crisman, Cleveland-Cliffs; Adam and Kasie Tenbarge, Duneland School Corporation and First Things First Porter County; Crystal Novak, Centier Bank; and Kate O’Connor, Optimal Health and Wellness. Sponsorships and events tables are available for purchase until Sept. 5. For more information, contact Jenna Hunter at jhunter@dunelandymca.org.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/08/25/community-news-free-baby-expo-and-student-app-challenge/
