Hammond Marina to host annual Fishing Derby

The 23rd Annual Fishing Derby will be held from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 17 (no rain date) at the Hammond Marina, 701 Casino Center Drive. The event is free and open to all adults and children, with free parking and refreshments. Fishing will take place on the outer Lake Michigan break wall, on the inside, west end docks of the marina break wall and on land. No boats will be allowed. Use live and/or artificial bait. Prizes and trophies will be awarded for largest salmon, largest trout and largest bass. This derby is subject to all IDNR fishing and game laws. Participants must have their license and stamp. Fishing licenses can be obtained online at http://www.wildlife.in.gov or by visiting Cabela’s, 7700 Cabela Drive, Hammond. For more information contact the Hammond Marina at 219-659-7678.

Merrillville Education Foundation fundraiser

The Merrillville Education Foundation will offer Major Saver discount cards for sale as a fundraiser to help support Merrillville Schools. Students will receive sales packets starting Thursday, and the sale will last approximately two weeks. The $10 card offers savings with more than 20 local BOGO or discount offers at businesses in Merrillville. Once the card is purchased, thousands of offers become valid nationwide by downloading the free Major Saver app to an Android or iOS device. Major Saver cards can be purchased via cash, check or online at www.majorsaver.com. The online sale can be credited back to a particular student and school. All cards purchased online will be mailed directly to customers. All of the money generated from this fundraiser goes back to supporting Merrillville Education Foundation programs for Merrillville Community School Corporation children. More information is at merrillvilleeducationfoundation.org.

Valparaiso offers Neighborhood Grants for 2021

The City of Valparaiso is now accepting applications for its annual Neighborhood Improvement Grant program. Introduced in 2018, the grants give residents an opportunity to have direct input and influence into the improvement of their own neighborhoods. The grant funds are provided by the Redevelopment Commission and administered by the Community Engagement Department. The grants are available for qualified neighborhood-based projects, in increments up to $15,000 per neighborhood. New this year, multiple neighborhoods may join together to submit one application for up to $30,000. This year’s guidelines have also, expanded support for neighborhood maintenance projects and added a special block party mini-grant opportunity to support block party expenses up to $500 per neighborhood. Projects considered for grant funding may include: physical improvements, like fixing sidewalks or enhancing park equipment; public art displays that add unique character by representing the neighborhood; neighborhood signage/branding that instills unity and a sense of pride; and other placemaking and community building projects conceived by the neighborhood. Applications are due July 31. A grant review committee will then submit recommendations to the Redevelopment Commission at the August meeting. More information is with Maggie Clifton at MClifton@valpo.us or at 219-462-1161.

Library offers programs for all ages

The Lake County Public Library system offers a variety of upcoming programs. Teen Virtual Trivia Night for ages 11-17 will take place from 5 to 6 p.m. Wednesday via the Lake Station-New Chicago Library Zoom Room. Registration is required at 219-962-2409. A Virtual Teen Flip Letter Writing program for ages 11-17 will be offered from 5 to 6 p.m. Thursday through the Lake County Public Library Zoom Room. Registration is required to receive a Zoom link at 219-769-3541. The Merrillville branch is offering the following Storytimes for children. All programs will take place from 10:30 to 10:45 a.m., and will be held on the Lake County Public Library YouTube Page. Registration is required at www.lcplin.org/branches/cnl.htm or call 219-769-3541. Virtual Storytime – Middle Grade Book Tasting for children in mid to upper elementary school grades will be held on Thursday, and on April 15 and 22. All books are available on Hoopla or Overdrive. Virtual Storytime – Book Breaks for children in early elementary grades will be offered on Friday, and on April 11, 16, 18, 23 and 25. Virtual Storytime – Picture Book for children and families will take place on Tuesday and Saturday, and on April 13, 17, 20, 24 and 27. Virtual Storytime – Mother Goose on the Loose for newborns through 23 months will be offered on Wednesday, and on April 14, 21 and 28.

—Staff report