Good morning, Valparaiso.

On Tuesday, Feb. 17, Strack and Van Til presented a check for $185,193 to the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana at its Merrillville location.

The funds were raised through its Check Out Challenge Round Up program and top-performing stores and staff received awards + recognition for their efforts supporting local food programs.

The local fire department bid farewell to Jack, a 50-year veteran, as it assured residents that his service will continue to guide its work.

After 22 years with Lake County, Neko Zairis works part time with Ogden Dunes PD and now leads defensive training for officers and community members through his LLC and GreekFit Bootcamp — he plans to expand courses to include Women’s Empowerment through Situational Awareness.

Kankakee Valley REMC manages a 24-hour operation in NW Indiana to restore power during severe weather — crews work with local police and fire departments and prepare for upcoming spring showers.

Ashley Spargo, director of operations at GreatNews.Life (951 West St), was featured in a team showcase that highlighted her skills and teamwork in Valparaiso.

Front Porch Music will host a concert featuring nationally known musicians on Feb.

21 at 8:00 p.m. at its kid-friendly, non-alcohol venue; tickets cost $15 and refreshments will be available.

NIPSCO hosted its annual Introduce a Girl to STEAM event (designed to encourage school-aged girls to explore science and tech) (in Northwest Indiana) to help build a future workforce.

Franciscan Health will host a free seminar on joint pain treatment options, including robotic surgery presented by Dr. Neel Jain, at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 4 at the Franciscan Health Fitness Center Chesterton - light refreshments will be served.

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.

Something Rotten Musical

2 PM — Memorial Opera House — $60 Loge, $30 Adults, $27 Seniors/Students/Military — Experience a hysterical journey of two playwrights competing to outshine Shakespeare with zany antics and catchy tunes.

Sewing Class: Machine Set Up and a Small Project

5-7 p.m. — Valpo Creates Center — $40.00 — Discover the fundamentals of sewing in this hands-on beginner course with provided supplies.

ASEE Illinois-Indiana Section Conference

7 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Valparaiso University — Free entry — Connect with engineering educators to share ideas and best practices.