Good morning, Valparaiso.

GreatNews.Life featured Kami Tupiak, the partnership and office coordinator, in a recent team showcase.

Her profile shows how her work builds a friendly work culture at the company office (951 West St) in Valparaiso.

VNA Hospice NWI celebrated 56 years serving the community on Monday, March 9 at the Porter County Expo Center by hosting an annual dinner and awards banquet that honored staff, volunteers, and board members.

The event also featured a board meeting to approve continued leadership for another term.

Crown Point Records closed its downtown shop and will soon relocate to Valparaiso (its new location is set to better serve local vinyl fans).

Jessica Corral, executive director for the Valparaiso Creative Council, manages McMillan Valpo Creates Center to help local artists express creativity.

Her memoir, published as Leena Byrd, launches Saturday, March 14 at 3:14 p.m. CST with a public event at 4:13 p.m. CST at Journeyman Distillery + new art initiatives are underway.

Local women’s empowerment speaker and author Gina Bell held a sold-out inaugural luncheon for her project She Really Let Herself Go, which offers women a chance to connect + grow.

She aims to inspire community members to embrace self-confidence and stand in their power.

Cindy Felton and Dr. John Felton have donated a seven-figure gift to improve the Athletics-Recreation Center at Valparaiso University, with air conditioning set to be installed after commencement — boosting the experience for student-athletes, fans and community members.

The City of Valparaiso will hold an Open House on Tuesday, Mar.

31 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at City Hall to preview an updated Eastside Campus Master Plan that outlines new land use concepts, a trail network, and future park space.

Dr. Tipton returned to his hometown to deliver babies at the hospital where he was born and now leads obstetric care at NorthShore Health Centers in Gary (showing his deep connection to the community).

Kankakee Valley High School named Jon Ewing as its new Head Football Coach, and he will begin his duties immediately; he brings experience from North Newton High School (where he coached for three seasons) and Lafayette Central Catholic.

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.

Annual Ringing in Spring 5K

Time TBA — Valparaiso Family YMCA — Cost not specified — Kick off the running season with NWI's largest springtime 5K run/walk.

Debutants Performance

8 p.m. — Memorial Opera House — Ticket prices vary — Experience the enchanting debut of a duo turned lively performance group.

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].