Sojourner Truth House in need of volunteers
Sojourner Truth House (STH) needs volunteers on Thursdays for a few hours or the entire day. No special skills are required. STH provides a day center for homeless women and women with children residing in Gary shelters. In addition, they offer outreach programs for clients who are homeless and have transitioned into their own homes. To volunteer, call 219-885-2282 or email acrenshaw@sojournertruthhouse.org. For more information about STH, visit https://sojournertruthhouse.org.
PoCo Muse exhibit features rural paintings by Vin Hannell
Porter County Museum (PoCo Muse) currently has on display, in the Robert Cain Gallery, a collection of paintings by Vin Hannell depicting rural Porter County scenes produced mostly in the 1930s. “Vin’s Farm Scenes” is an adjunct to “Life Work: The Artists Hazel and Vin Hannell,” a larger exhibition honoring the work of these Porter County icons that currently occupies the museum’s adjoining galleries. “Vin’s Farm Scenes” will run through Sept. 11. Porter County Museum, 20 Indiana Ave., Valparaiso, is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, with free admission. Free half-hour guided tours are offered every Saturday at 2 p.m. For more information, visit pocomuse.org or find @pocomuse on social media.
Lake County Master Gardeners to host ‘Bloom & Thrive: A Native Fest’
Lake County Master Gardeners Association will host “Bloom & Thrive: A Native Fest” from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 13 at Griffith Izaak Walton, 1532 E. Main St., Griffith. The cost is $25 and includes a continental breakfast and lunch. Experts in the field of native plants and sustainability will teach participants how to create garden spaces that are good for the environment and that attract butterflies and other pollinators and insects. During breakout sessions, participants can tour the nature grounds with experts to learn how to identify native plants and protect natural water sources. Local vendors will offer products for sale related to gardening and sustainability. Tickets and more information can be found at lakecountymastergardeners.org.
City of Valparaiso invites input on recycling
Valparaiso City Services (VCS) invites the community to participate in one of five upcoming focus group sessions designed to gather input about recycling in Valparaiso. Both recyclers and non-recyclers are encouraged to attend and share their experiences, opinions and ideas. The focus group discussions will help the City of Valparaiso to better understand how residents view the current recycling program, identify community needs and determine the future direction of recycling in Valparaiso. Each session will last approximately 75 minutes and will be held at the Valparaiso City Services Business Office, 205 Billings St. Focus groups for recyclers will be held from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Sept. 17; Noon to 1:30 p.m. Sept. 23; and 3 to 4:30 p.m. Sept. 24. Focus groups for non-recyclers will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 18; and 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 24. To participate, visit the City’s recycling webpage at tinyurl.com/ValpoRecycles to review the available sessions and then reserve a spot by emailing Jackie Algozine at JAlgozine@Valpo.us. Space is limited and advance registration is required. For questions or more information, contact Algozine via email or at 219-462- 6174, Ext. 1351.
Fest in the First Returns to Lake Street
The heart of the First District is gearing up for a day of community, creativity and celebration as Fest in the First returns for its 22nd year from 3 to 8 p.m. Sept. 20 along historic Lake Street in Gary. This free, family-friendly festival will feature activities for all ages with special performances from Nick Danger Trio, the Miller Community Theater, the West Side Theatre Guild’s Repertoire Dance Company, Beachfront Dance and local school cheer squads. The festival will also showcase local food trucks, artisan vendors with handmade items and original art, and the non-profit Resource Hub, where families can learn about local services and participate in giveaways. Parking is free. To participate as a vendor, sponsor or volunteer, visit www.festinthefirst.com or email festinthefirst@gmail.com. More information is at www.FestintheFirst.com, or email Julia Gibbs at Festinthefirst@gmail.com.
Porter County libraries launch tech survey
The Porter County Public Library System has launched its technology survey, aimed at gathering valuable insights from community members. This initiative aims to help the library better tailor its services for the future. All residents are encouraged to participate and share their thoughts by Sept. 15. Survey participants may be entered into a drawing to win a $250 gift card. The survey is open to all Porter County residents and can be completed online or in person at any PCPLS branch.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/09/01/community-news-native-plant-event-and-art-exhibition/
