Good morning, Valparaiso.

Grit & Glow Cleaning Co. will host its ribbon cutting and grand opening event at Tippy's Pizza in Pulaski County on Thursday, Mar.

5 at 3:30 p.m. CST, with a brief ceremony, networking, and a pizza party to mark its community launch.

Oak Partners hosted its first 2026 Economic Update at Avalon Manor (Feb.

25) where over 200 clients learned about market trends during a dinner event. The firm announced future events including Secure Shred Day (Apr. 15) and Oaktoberfest at Bulldog Park.

Valpo Community Schools is expanding VALE with renovations at (653 Hayes Leonard Rd.) near U.S. 30.

The project removes a 1950s-era canopy and creates smaller classes with added support, while students benefit from field trips, community service and split time with VHS sports and vocational programs.

Six teenagers were honored at the Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year celebration at Avalon Manor on Feb.

26, with all candidates receiving scholarships and gift backpacks; Andrea from the John Will Anderson Gary Club won a $5,000 scholarship and Samara from the Lake Station Club was runner-up.

Mayor Jon Costas appointed Tristan Leonhard as the new Parks Director at Valpo Parks today — he previously served as Acting Director and will lead key projects including the $10 million Parks RePLAY initiative.

The city invites residents to join the ‘Map the Vision’ night at Harre Union on Wednesday, March 18, 5:30–7:30 pm to help shape future transport, neighborhoods, and community events as part of the Valpo Vision 2050 planning process.

Northwest Health invites community members to a free one-hour seminar (Stroke Smart: Taking Control of Your Brain Health) led by neurologist Johnathan Grossman, DO on Tuesday, March 10 from noon to 1 p.m. at Duneland Family YMCA in Chesterton; the session will cover stroke warning signs and prevention.

Life Care Center of Valparaiso has expanded patient care as speech therapist Natalie Pearce is newly certified in VitalStem therapy (FDA cleared treatment to improve swallowing) to treat dysphagia.

She completed a weekend certification course in Indianapolis that provided hands-on training to enhance her skills.

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.

The Wizard of Oz - Ruby Cast

2 p.m. — Memorial Opera House — Ticket information available — Experience the magical journey of Dorothy and friends in this faithful stage adaptation of the classic film.

Porter County Trading Card Show

9 AM – 3 PM — Porter County Fairgrounds — Entry details not specified — A collection-filled day for trading card enthusiasts to buy, sell, and trade their favorite cards.

The American Revolution

Showing of clips of Ken Burns' The American Revolution with a panel of distinguished facilitators guiding discussion. This will be held at the VU Harre Union, Ballrooms A-C from 3-5p.m. Light refreshments will be served. Space is limited - reserve to [email protected].