Good morning, Valparaiso.

Safe Coalition for Human Rights is promoting The Cindy’s Girls Foundation’s first annual She Rose: A Fashion and Empowerment Experience on October 19 at the Dean and Barbara White Community Center from 1 to 5 p.m.—tickets are on sale—and proceeds will support women transitioning from local shelters.

State and local officials held a groundbreaking ceremony for a $60 million FedEx distribution center near Buffington Harbor in Gary on October 2—this new 322,000-square-foot facility on a 78-acre site is expected to support 600 jobs, with at least 20% filled by local residents.

Chaos Haunted Tours released its 2025 schedule with Haunted Walking Tours every Friday at 7:30 p.m. in Crown Point and Valparaiso for $20 per person; children 10 and under pay $10 and those under 5 enter free.

The schedule also includes Haunted Pub Crawls on Saturdays, special Bus Tours starting at 7:00 p.m. downtown, and limited Ghost Hunting events with a free Lowell Library Talk on October 15th — more tours will be added later in October.

Merrillville High School trades teacher Terrell Taylor won the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence by earning $70,000 for his program and $30,000 for himself, a national award from over $1.5 million that honors his work building student skills — a milestone for his trade classes.

Field Station Frenzy Trail Run & Walk 5K

8:15-11:00 a.m. — Indiana Dunes National Park Chellberg Farm — Cost info not listed — Enjoy a fun and scenic trail run or walk through the beautiful Indiana Dunes.

The Haunted Pub Crawl of Valparaiso

7:30-10 p.m. — Franklin House — $27 — Explore Valparaiso's haunted history on a spook-tacular walking tour with eerie tales and spirits.

Writing in the Woods Poetry Workshop

3:30-5:30 p.m. — Meadowbrook Nature Preserve — Free entry — Celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day with a creative poetry workshop led by local experts.

The Oogie Boogie Man Painting Event

6-8 p.m. — Four Corners Winery — Tickets required — Unleash your creativity with a glow-in-the-dark Halloween painting experience.

The Haunted Pub Crawl of Valparaiso

7:30-10 p.m. — Franklin House — $27 — Embark on a spooky walking tour exploring Valparaiso's haunted history and ghostly establishments.

The Boo Pumpkin Painting Event

6-8 p.m. — Smoketown Blues — Ticketed — Experience a spooktacular painting session with friends or solo while enjoying delicious food.

The Haunted Pub Crawl of Valparaiso

7:30-10:00 p.m. — Franklin House — $27 — Explore Valparaiso's haunted history with a spirited walking tour featuring chilling tales and eerie establishments.

Toastmasters, public speaking

Public speaking tips and enjoying stories at Valparaiso Library, 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm