Community news - Chicago Tribune

2021-12-30 08:12:52 By : Mr. DX Dai

Thank you for supporting our journalism. This article is available exclusively for our subscribers, who help fund our work at the Chicago Tribune.

The City of Valparaiso’s Transit Department has introduced six digital signs, placed throughout the city at major bus stops, including the downtown Michigan Avenue transfer station, HealthLinc, Town and Country, Housing Opportunities, ValPLAYso and the Harre Union at Valparaiso University. The new solar-powered signs provide route and real-time bus arrival data, as well as local news and events. The signs are funded primarily through a transit signage grant through the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission. Ultimately, ad space on the signs may generate additional funding to support transit. The colorful Soofa signs feature new City of Valparaiso branding. Valparaiso Transit offers three public transit options currently, including the V-Line intracity bus, the South Shore Valparaiso Transit offers Connect Shuttle to and from the Dune Park South Shore Train Station and the ValpoDash express commuter bus from downtown Valparaiso to downtown Chicago. To learn more about each service, including schedules and tickets, visit ValpoTransit.com.

Purdue Extension’s Urban Farming Signature Program will be offered by Urban Agriculture Extension Educator, Rebecca Koetz, from 1 to 4 p.m. CST on Wednesdays, Jan. 26 through March 2 at the Purdue Extension-Lake County office, 2293 N. Main St., Crown Point. The purpose of the program is to provide tools and information for urban growers to be more successful. The six-week session program will include topics such as building urban soil, history of urban agriculture, site design, growing healthy crops, integrated pest management and produce safety. Registration deadline is Jan. 19 at https://cvent.me/X392z4. There is a $75 registration fee, which includes a workbook. More information is with Koetz at busser@purdue.edu or at 219-755-3240

The Lake County Public Library system offers a wide variety of programs for residents. The Griffith Calumet branch, 1215 E. 45th Ave., will host “DIY Adult: Vision Boards” at 11 a.m. Saturday; and an “All Ability Winter LEGO Challenge” plus gaming and coloring at 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 17. Registration required at www.lcplin.org/branches/gr.htm or call 219-838-2825. The Merrillville branch, 1919 W. 81st Ave., is offering the following programs for children: STEAM Club for grades K-6 at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday; and “Dr. King in Washington, D.C.: His Speeches and His Memorial” at 4 p.m. on Jan. 13. Registration required at www.lcplin.org/branches/cnl.htm or call 219-769-3541. The Hobart branch, 100 Main St., will host the Teen Advisory Board (TAB) for grades 6-12 at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday; and the Teen Anime Club at 5 p.m. on Jan. 11. Registration is required at www.lcplin.org/branches/ho.htm or call 219-942-2243. Masks are required for all programs.

Registration is now open for the winter session of classes at South Shore Arts. In-person visual arts classes will be held at at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster. Class offerings include a variety of senior, adult, and youth art classes, such as multi-level ceramics, figure drawing, Japanese Manga illustration for teens and printmaking. This winter artists of all ages and abilities are invited to partake in three new and in-person visual arts mini-sessions. Workshops will include a Valentine’s Day print and card-making night for adults and couples, a surrealist still-life drawing studio for teens and a three-part mini-session for kids who want to learn how to hand sew their own plushies. All in-person weekly classes and mini-sessions are facilitated with COVID-19 safety precautions for youth, adults and seniors. Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination is required for all participants ages 5 and older. The Winter 2022 class schedule and registration can be found at https://www.southshoreartsonline.org/classes-schedule. More information is with Natalie Heath at 219-836-1839, Ext. 101, or at Natalie@SouthShoreArtsOnline.org.