Good morning, Valparaiso.

The City of Valparaiso named Carlos Rivero and Elena Jambrina as the Good Neighbor recipients for 2025 — they own Don Quijote Restaurant and have supported local schools and community groups through their education fund and food donations.

United Way Northwest Indiana announced today that Kimberly D.

Smith has been named Vice President, Community Impact. She will lead community investments & develop partnerships to improve health, education and financial stability for families in the region.

A German restaurant and golf simulator bar has begun renovations on its downtown Valparaiso space—planning to offer traditional German cuisine and golf simulation games when the project is complete.

Regional retailers are expecting a busy holiday shopping season — a time that makes up a large part of many stores' yearly earnings — and they are preparing to meet the season's demands.

Local teacher Patti Tubbs Clark has dedicated her career to teaching culinary arts at Merrillville Community Schools—she leads clubs that run a school restaurant and hosts community classes that help fundraise for student competitions.

Her work prepares students for local job opportunities and strengthens partnerships among area schools.

Nearly 100 middle school students from over 20 Big Shoulders Fund schools attended Student Ambassador training at St. Catherine-St. Lucy School to build public speaking and leadership skills—skills they will use to lead school tours and answer questions from prospective students and parents at outreach events. They will help welcome community members during school activities this year.

Valparaiso University announced that Rev.

Brian Konkol — an administrator and faculty member at Syracuse University — will succeed Jose Padilla as its new president on Jan. 1.

The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration said residents can call 2-1-1 to find local warming centers during upcoming winter weather as nighttime temperatures may drop near zero—Indiana 211 also offers food assistance, utility support, and housing help for those in need.

Powers Health and its Rehabilitation Center received NRC Health Excellence in Patient Experience Awards—hospitals in Munster, East Chicago, Hobart and Crown Point earned the Small Health System Award while the Rehabilitation Center received the Specialty Hospital Award for top patient scores.

Holly Jolly Vendor Market

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

Cocktails & Canvas: The Jolly Snowman

6-8 p.m. — SmokeTown Blues, Valparaiso, IN — Ticket includes a free drink — Enjoy a fun painting night complete with professional guidance and creative flair.

Holidays with HealthLinc Valparaiso

4-6 p.m. — HealthLinc Valparaiso — Free — Enjoy holiday crafts, snacks, and a no-cost photo with Santa while wearing your festive pajamas.

The Caring Place 1st Annual Cookie Walk

Holiday tradition — Time not specified — Downtown Valparaiso — Ticket holders stroll to receive festive treats.

Holiday Pops!

2-7 p.m. — Memorial Opera House — $30-$60 — Celebrate the joy of music and Christmas classics with the South Shore Orchestra and a special appearance by Santa.

Echoes of Christmas

2-5 p.m. — Memorial Opera House — $40-$80 — Experience a magical evening of timeless holiday classics and dazzling visuals in a nostalgic setting.

Polar Express Screening

6:30 p.m. — Memorial Opera House — $12 Adults, $8 Children — Delight in a festive evening with a screening of The Polar Express and special guest Santa Claus.

14th Annual Chesterton Christmas Eve Jingle Bell Run

8-11 a.m. — Running Vines Winery — Free entry — Celebrate the holiday spirit with a festive fun run benefiting local charity.

NYE Wines & Wishes

5-11:59 p.m. — Trailyard by Shady Creek Winery — Reservations recommended — Savor a delicious 3-course Surf & Turf dinner special to celebrate the New Year.