Fire department offers free smoke, carbon monoxide alarms
The Valparaiso Fire Department is continuing its “Out to Alarm Valpo” program, offering free installation of smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms for residents of the City of Valparaiso and Center Township. “Out to Alarm Valpo” began as a partnership with Martin Security and has since expanded through collaborations with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Home Depot, and the American Red Cross, which now supplies all smoke alarms for the program at no cost. In addition to installing smoke and CO alarms, the Valparaiso Fire Department offers home safety visits, providing guidance on fire prevention, fall prevention, cooking safety and child safety. Residents can request a free smoke or CO alarm installation by visiting ValparaisoFire.org and clicking on “Request Smoke Alarm.”
NIHPA to host annual festival, antique equipment show
Northern Indiana Historical Power Association (NIHPA) will host their 49th Annual Fall Harvest Festival and Antique Equipment Show from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 26 through 28 at Sunset Hill Farm County Park, 775 Meridian Road, Valparaiso. Featured this year will be Oliver/Hart-Parr tractors, Nichols and Shepherd equipment and John Deere engines. In addition to antique equipment, the event will include children’s activities, an antique truck and car show, Cedar Lake Farmers Market, a craft and flea market, food vendors, live music and a pork chop dinner on Saturday night. On-site camping will be available for $20 for the weekend. Admission is $10 per person. Children younger than 12 are admitted free with a paid adult. More information can be found at http://www.nihpa.org or email nihpamembership@yahoo.com.
The VIC’s Fourth Friday to spotlight Thailand
The Valparaiso International Center (VIC) will host Fourth Friday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 26 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 201 N. Washington, Valparaiso. Dr. Payear S. Howell will be the featured speaker. Originally from Thailand, Howell has built an extraordinary career that spans continents, industries and classrooms. She holds a Ph.D. in Management Technology, is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and has earned recognition as a Fellow of Accounting (FAC). Howell will share her journey from Thailand to the United States and beyond, weaving together her professional and global experiences with a personal touch. For more information, contact the Valparaiso International Center at 219-464-1122 or email info@valpovic.org.
‘Pressure on the Runway’ fashion show for stroke awareness
Focused on Fashion will present “Pressure on the Runway” at 3 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Main Stage Theater at IU Northwest, 3415 Broadway, Gary. Doors open at 2 p.m. Hosted by supermodel Sharaunb, the event will feature model Ashley Simone, the latest fashion trends and live performances. All university parking lots will be open for this event, no side-street parking. For tickets and more information, visit https://shorturl.at/w3eFc.
Franciscan Health offers Virtual Diabetes Prevention Program
Franciscan Health will be hosting a virtual diabetes prevention program online beginning Oct. 1 at 5 p.m. Franciscan Health’s Diabetes Prevention Program follows guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that have been proven to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. Groups meet weekly for a total of 16 sessions, prior to six monthly follow-up sessions with a trained lifestyle coach. Throughout the course of the program, participants work with a certified healthy lifestyle coach who will guide them in practices to lose weight, move more, reduce stress and build confidence. The program is open to participants ages 18 and older who have been diagnosed with prediabetes, not to those who have previously been diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Participants must have a body mass index greater than 25. Those who had a previous diagnosis of gestational diabetes or a screening result indicating a high risk of type 2 diabetes also are eligible to participate. The year-long program costs $99. Registration is required and space is limited. To register, complete the DPP Qualifying Questionnaire online at https://franciscanhealthcare.formstack.com/forms/test_form_with_amy. Those with questions about the Diabetes Prevention Program are asked to register for the Virtual Q&A Session at https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7869072120540479064.
YWCA of NWI to Host Circle of Friends Gala