Good morning, Valparaiso.

Lubeznik Center for the Arts and LOK Wishing Tree Foundation are partnering with Northwest Ind. this spring to host the Safe Home Art Project, which teaches youth about carbon monoxide detection and prevention — participants may receive a free CO detector while supplies last and art will be displayed at LCA from June 6 to July 11.

The Memorial Opera House will host the popular musical Forever Plaid on May 17 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The show features classic barbershop quartet harmonies and tells the story of four friends who form their band before a fatal school bus accident changes their lives.

At a luncheon in Hobart, One Region President and CEO Matt Wells said local business leaders must work together to boost economic growth by attracting capital and talent—comparing the region’s potential to that of Alliance Texas.

He urged the community to support bold projects and get involved in future economic plans.

Purdue University Northwest raised nearly $2 million on April 30 from over 3,100 gifts, including a scholarship endowed by the Yackel family to honor their late parents’ legacy.

The funds will support student scholarships, academic programs, athletics, and other campus projects in Northwest Indiana—marking the largest one-day fundraising effort at the university.

Ivy Tech Community College will honor over 1,000 graduates at a commencement ceremony held Thursday May 8 at 6pm CT at the Valparaiso University Athletics Recreation Center—students earned nearly 1,700 degrees and certificates during the 2024-2025 academic year.

The event will feature keynote speaker Dean Mazzoni and special honorees including 2025 Honorary Degree recipient Rob Thorgren.

Northwest Health — La Porte earned an A Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group in spring based on national measures of patient safety.

The grade reflects the hospital’s focused efforts to reduce errors, infections and injuries.

Northwest Health – La Porte earned an A Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, a national group that rates hospitals on preventing errors, injuries and infections.

Mark Casanova, the chief executive, said the grade shows the staff is dedicated to providing safe and quality care.

VNA Stroll for Hospice

12-4 p.m. — Porter County Fairgrounds — Registration fee applies — Enjoy a family-friendly stroll to support hospice care with food, music, and activities.

Forever Plaid Musical

8 p.m. — Memorial Opera House — Ticket prices vary — Experience a nostalgic musical filled with classic barbershop harmonies and delightful 1950s pop hits.

Mother's Day Brunch

9 a.m.-2 p.m. — Journeyman at American Factory — Cost varies — Indulge in a delightful brunch buffet featuring sweet and savory dishes along with craft cocktails.

Mayor's Youth Council Color Fun Run

6-8 p.m. — Rogers Lakewood Park — Registration required — Enjoy a colorful 1.5-mile run with family-friendly activities and obstacles.

Arbor Lake Estates Neighborhood Garage Sale

1-7 p.m. — ValPLAYso — Free entry — Explore treasures in a family-friendly neighborhood garage sale with local charm.

The Early Summer Car, Truck & Bike Show

9 a.m.-7 p.m. — Porter County Fairgrounds — $5 admission, $20 swap meet space — Experience an exciting day filled with vehicles, vendors, and a beer garden before Memorial Day.

Suicide Prevention 5K Walk/Run

— 8 a.m. — Sunset Hill Farm County Park — Registration fee applies — Participate in a community-focused 5K to support suicide prevention efforts.

Beach Clean Up at Indiana Dunes State Park

Event Time — Indiana Dunes State Park — Free entry — Help keep our beautiful beaches clean while enjoying the summer sun.

Hometown Jams: Ian Munsick

5-6:30 p.m. — Northwest Health Amphitheater — Ticketed event — Enjoy an evening of live music with Ian Munsick hosted by Hometown Jams.