Volunteers needed for NW Indiana Earth Day celebration

The Recycling and Waste Reduction District will host its 17th annual Earth Day Celebration from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 12 at the Porter County Expo Center, 215 E. Division Road, Valparaiso. The Recycling District is seeking volunteers to help create a memorable and impactful event. Several volunteer shifts are available to accommodate a variety of schedules: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 11; 8 to 11 a.m. April 12; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 12; and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 12. Volunteers will assist with setting up and breaking down event stations, guiding attendees through activities and distributing educational materials. Interested volunteers are encouraged to sign up at portercountyrecycling.org under the Earth Day tab or by calling Sarah at 219-465-3815.

Applications open for Leadership NW Indiana program

The Leadership Institute at Purdue Northwest has opened applications for the 2025-2026 Leadership Northwest Indiana program. Facilitated by a team that includes faculty members from the PNW’s College of Business, as well as leadership practitioners, the LNI program meets monthly from September 2025 to May 2026. A 360 assessment and custom coaching are program highlights. The facilitation team provides research-based leadership content and skill-building for effective leadership in the workplace and in life. All LNI sessions are led by leadership experts from both the academic and business world to provide participants with the latest research-based leadership content and the most effective skills to add to their tool kit. For more information and registration, go to pnw.edu/lni. The deadline to apply is Sept. 1, 2025. More information can be found at pnw.edu/leadership-institute or by contacting the Leadership Institute at leadershipinstitute@pnw.edu.

VU to host panel on climate change

Valparaiso University will host the 2025 Moellering Series Panel: Diverse Climate Insights Across Disciplines from 3:30 to 5 p.m. April 4 via Zoom and in person at the Harre Union Ballroom C, 1509 Chapel Drive, Valparaiso. Experts in geography, atmospheric sciences and communication will discuss the science behind climate change and its impact on society. Panelists will include: John Nielsen-Gammon, Regents Professor of Atmospheric Sciences at Texas A&M University; Alex Anderson-Frey, Assistant Professor, Department of Atmospheric Sciences, University of Washington; Joseph Trujillo-Falcón, Distinguished Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Department of Climate, Meteorology, and Atmospheric Sciences, in partnership with the Department of Communication; Jon Kilpinen ’88, Interim Director for the Center of Civic Engagement at Black Hills State University; and Katie Ertell ’12, Emergency Management Meteorologist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. More information is with Leanne Blind-Doskocil at 219-464-5157.

Franciscan Health to offer free Safe Kids Day

Children and their families are invited to join in the fun at the free Safe Kids Day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 5 at the Dean and Barbara White Southlake YMCA, 100 W. Burrell Drive, Crown Point. Attendees should use the west entrance. This interactive event will include a variety of activities along with educational booths with information about keeping kids safe, healthy and happy. Families will learn more about bike and helmet safety, child passenger safety, stranger danger, pediatric dental care, fire safety, the Franciscan Health Prenatal Assistance Program, breastfeeding and water safety. Families can also attend the “Tim Hanning: Pro Kids Show” at 10:30 a.m. and noon. Hanning’s show connects with kids through magic, comedy, music, puppets and audience involvement. Attendees will receive an entry for giveaway drawings. The event is free, but registration is required. Register at shorturl.at/2ITDB or by calling 219-488-1380.

Valparaiso Creative Council presents Sip + Social Speakeasy

The Valparaiso Creative Council will host its second annual Sip + Social Speakeasy April 25 at Lower Lincoln, 212 E. Lincolnway, Valpraiso. Experience the glamour of the 1920s during an evening of theatrical, musical and artistic surprises. This fundraiser will feature two separate 120-minute sessions: Early Bird from 6 to 8 p.m. and Night Owl from 9 to 11 p.m. Only 100 tickets will be available per session. Both sessions will feature performances from local talent across music, theater and dance, interactive art installations, hors d’oeuvres and desserts and one complimentary drink ticket. Tickets are $95 per person. Must be 21 or older to attend. For more information and to secure tickets, go to shorturl.at/DWn6c.

— Staff report