Good morning, Valparaiso.

Communities across Indiana celebrated 211 Day yesterday to highlight Indiana 211 (a free service linking residents with housing, food, utility help, and mental health resources) as Indiana Family and Social Services promoted one-call access to essential support.

Marisa Villareal, store manager at Roots Market Cafe (downtown), has grown with the business by managing its rebranding and art shows while supporting neighbors through soup drives and local programs.

She hopes to use her experience to launch her own venture soon.

McColly held its annual Performance Plus Breakfast at Innsbrook Country Club on January 29, distributing $1.64 million in bonus checks to brokers.

The program invests deferred compensation in stocks or Treasury funds (via matching investments) to support wealth building.

The Westchester Township History Museum will restore the historic 1885 Brown Mansion after the Public Library system builds a new two-story, barn-like museum, strengthening local heritage efforts.

Calumet College hosted the annual Northwest Indiana Teachers Scholarship Reception on Saturday, Feb.

7 when Big Shoulders Fund NWI celebrated recipients of the Transition to Teaching scholarship. Future educators pledged to teach in diocesan schools across the region.

East Porter County school superintendent Aaron Case is set to retire and could receive nearly $300,000 in benefits over nine years.

A board trustee raised questions about the package, and further review is expected.

Purdue Extension in Porter County announced that Gina Avila has been chosen for the 2026 North Central Extension Leadership Development program.

The year-long course offers virtual workshops and three in-person sessions in Kansas City, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. (hosted by Kansas State University’s Staley School of Leadership) for leadership growth.

Financial aid professionals will help incoming college and technical students file their FAFSA at Indiana University Northwest on Feb.

22 from 2-4 p.m. in Hawthorn Hall (Room 454); Spanish interpreters are available and attendees can enter a drawing for one of five $1,000 scholarships.

Records from 2025 show that Valparaiso taxpayers paid school employees differing salaries, with the report detailing average + median pay and the highest compensated departments.

Library leaders say a proposed budget oversight bill could deplete funds if boards are required to keep up with inflation.

They warn the change may harm the library system's ability to provide adequate resources.

Community Hospital earned distinctions for stroke care and neuroscience excellence from Healthgrades on Feb.

11. The hospital cares for complex stroke cases and works with local Primary Stroke Centers (in East Chicago and Hobart) to secure this honor.

On Feb. 11, Indiana communities celebrated 211 day by showcasing Indiana 211’s free connection to essential services — including housing aid, food programs, utility help, mental health support, and disaster recovery.

Residents could call 2-1-1 or visit in211.org to access local help.

Galentine’s Day Party

7-11 p.m. — Social Goat — Exciting event — Celebrate friendship with a fun Galentine’s Day party featuring a western twist.

Rural 1st Construction Workshop

5:30-8 p.m. — The Pennsy Depot Banquet Room — Free entry — Connect with home building experts to create your personalized roadmap to a dream home.

Chanticleer in Concert

The Grammy Award-winning vocal ensemble Chanticleer will be in concert at the Chapel of the Resurrection, Valparaiso University on Thursday, February 26 at 7:00 PM. Chanticleer has been hailed by the Boston Globe as “breathtaking in its accuracy of intonation, purity of blend, of color and swagger of style.” Information and tickets at https://www.valpo.edu/about/bach-institute/performances/

Something Rotten

8 p.m. — Memorial Opera House — $30-$60 — Experience a madcap musical journey where two playwrights attempt to outshine Shakespeare with a wild idea.

Pat Tomasulo Stand-Up Comedy Show

7-10 p.m. — Art Theater — Tickets start at $5 — Enjoy an evening with Chicago's top comedian and WGN Morning News host Pat Tomasulo.

Bubbles & Bites

11 AM - 4 PM — Valparaiso Events — $35 — Enjoy a food and drink crawl featuring sparkling mimosas and delectable bites in Downtown Valparaiso.

Paint Your Pet Painting Event

12-2 p.m. — Four Corners Winery — No experience needed — Unleash your creativity while painting a portrait of your furry friend.