Good morning, Valparaiso.

Erica Maar, a Munster High School graduate who left college to start a family and later returned to study law, now leads Maar Financial Group and chairs United Way Northwest Indiana (she grew up in Northwest Indiana) while balancing work, travel, and local exploration (she has visited North Carolina, Hawaii, and Switzerland).

A guided Night Hike with Shirley Heinze at Meadowbrook will take place on November 7 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in Valparaiso+ the family-friendly walk will explore easy trails and offer insights into nocturnal animals and stargazing under a moonlit sky.

Northwestern Indiana Telephone Co. helps local businesses set up large phone systems with tailored training that meets each company's needs—supporting over 3,000 phones and providing a Business Priority Plan for prompt assistance.

The company serves clients like Porter County Government and School City of East Chicago with a focus on personal local service.

Highland Griffith Chamber of Commerce is hosting its inaugural start-up business and entrepreneur expo on November 14, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Alumni Hall on the Purdue Northwest campus in Hammond—featuring vendor tables, roundtable discussions and support from local business partners.

Valparaiso's Vidette Makes is accepting applications today for the NWI Launch Pad grant program to help local startups launch new products — the makerspace invites small businesses to secure funding for new product development.

Horizon Bank promoted David Coyne — who brings 28 years of management experience, including five in banking — to Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager at the Valparaiso Branch as VP District Manager Chasidy Garner announced his new role.

Redwood Landscape and Lumin8 Outdoor Lighting decorated the GNL office in Valparaiso with lights, wreathes, and garland—this project followed an early-season meeting and now brightens West Street for the holiday season.

Northwest Symphony will perform at Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana on December 4.

The venue at 5400 W. 29th Ave in Gary — located near I-80/94 — offers free parking and several dining options, with reduced valet fees available for UNITY cardholders.

New job postings are available for Northwest Indiana job seekers—local residents can browse the career listings to find their next opportunity.

Tri-township teachers will receive a $5,000 raise — the largest in school corporations' history, according to a district statement.

Ivy Tech Community College will host a free financial aid workshop on November 9 from 2 to 4 p.m. CT at its Valparaiso campus—where students and families can get help filing the FAFSA and must bring required 2024 tax documents—and attendees will be entered in a drawing for one of five $1,000 scholarships.

CoAction will host the AgeWell Symposium and Caregiver Expo on Friday, November 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Dean and Barbara White Community Center in Merrillville — the free event will connect older adults, caregivers and service providers by offering information on caregiving options, wellness programs and home care services.

Urschel Development is turning the historic Gardner School building into the Grand Gardner Hotel at 354 W.

Jefferson Street with 58 rooms, a rooftop breakfast area, and other new amenities—preserving an important local asset. The boutique hotel is set to open early 2026 after the Boys & Girls Club moved to a larger facility on Evans Avenue.

Open Meeting

12-8 p.m. — Fraternal Order of Eagles — Free entry — Monthly gathering for Chapter 102 with sign-in and meeting starting at 6:30 p.m.

Porter County Sports & Trading Card Show

9 a.m. - 3 p.m. — Porter County Fairgrounds — Tables available — Browse 100 tables of sports cards, trading cards, collectibles, and memorabilia!

Healthy Family Day at Valparaiso YMCA

9 a.m. - noon — Valparaiso Family YMCA — Free entry — Explore resources and activities for a healthier family lifestyle.

Wreath Making Class

12:00 PM — Trailyard by Shady Creek Winery — Materials included — Create a festive wreath for the holiday season.

Pink Friday Sales Event

9 AM – 7 PM — Hungry Hound Boutique & Grooming — Free entry — Discover amazing deals while supporting your local pet boutique this Pink Friday.

Watercolor Painting Class

Afternoon — Sunset Hill Farm County Park — All supplies included — Unleash your creativity in a relaxing watercolor session amidst nature.

A Charlie Brown Christmas

Nov 28 – Dec 21 — Chicago Street Theatre — Family-friendly show — Experience the heartwarming story of A Charlie Brown Christmas brought to life on stage.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

7-9 p.m. — Memorial Opera House — Ticketed event — Experience the whimsical journey through Willy Wonka's magical factory with Charlie Bucket and friends.

Holly Jolly Vendor Market

10 AM — Porter County Fairgrounds — Free admission — Discover local artisans and food trucks at this festive vendor market.